Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2022-01"
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- (para)sites: Rita Senra: a parasite at the tablePublication . Santos, Luísa
- Machine learning techniques disclose the combined effect of fermentation conditions on yeast mixed-culture dynamics and wine qualityPublication . Barbosa, Catarina; Ramalhosa, Elsa; Vasconcelos, Isabel; Reis, Marco; Mendes-Ferreira, AnaThe use of yeast starter cultures consisting of a blend of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces yeasts has increased in recent years as a mean to address consumers’ demands for diversified wines. However, this strategy is currently limited by the lack of a comprehensive knowledge regarding the factors that determine the balance between the yeast-yeast interactions and their responses triggered in complex environments. Our previous studies demonstrated that the strain Hanseniaspora guilliermondii UTAD222 has potential to be used as an adjunct of S. cerevisiae in the wine industry due to its positive impact on the fruity and floral character of wines. To rationalize the use of this yeast consortium, this study aims to understand the influence of production factors such as sugar and nitrogen levels, fermentation temperature, and the level of co-inoculation of H. guilliermondii UTAD222 in shaping fermentation and wine composition. For that purpose, a Central Composite experimental Design was applied to investigate the combined effects of the four factors on fermentation parameters and metabolites produced. The patterns of variation of the response variables were analyzed using machine learning methods, to describe their clustered behavior and model the evolution of each cluster depending on the experimental conditions. The innovative data analysis methodology adopted goes beyond the traditional univariate approach, being able to incorporate the modularity, heterogeneity, and hierarchy inherent to metabolic systems. In this line, this study provides preliminary data and insights, enabling the development of innovative strategies to increase the aromatic and fermentative potential of H. guilliermondii UTAD222 by modulating temperature and the availability of nitrogen and/or sugars in the medium. Furthermore, the strategy followed gathered knowledge to guide the rational development of mixed blends that can be used to obtain a particular wine style, as a function of fermentation conditions.
- Linking atmospherics to shopping outcomes: the role of the desire to stayPublication . Elmashhara, Maher Georges; Soares, Ana MariaThis study relies on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S–O-R) paradigm to explore the mediating role of the desire to stay at the shopping mall in the relationship between shopper positive attitudes towards three atmospheric cues (color schemes, lighting, and music) and the shopping outcomes of shopper satisfaction, positive Word-of-Mouth (WOM) and patronage intentions. Moreover, the study elaborates on the path from the desire to stay to positive WOM and patronage intentions by considering the mediating role of shopper satisfaction. A survey-based study comprising a sample size of 451 mall shoppers has been developed to test the proposed research model. The results indicate that the desire to stay mediates the relationship between shoppers’ positive attitudes towards color schemes and music, on one hand, and shopper satisfaction and positive WOM, on the other hand. Although the desire to stay has a direct effect on positive WOM, it does not directly impact patronage intention. However, the latter path becomes significant when considering the mediating role of shopper satisfaction, indicating that satisfying mall stays enhance desirable outcomes. Based on these findings, implications for theory and retailers are discussed.
- Polyhydroxyalkanoates from industrial cheese whey: production and characterization of polymers with differing hydroxyvalerate contentPublication . Carvalheira, Mónica; Hilliou, Loic; Oliveira, Catarina S. S.; Guarda, Eliana C.; Reis, Maria A. M.The composition of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) monomers affects the properties and final applications of PHA polymers. This study focused on the feasibility of producing tailored PHA differing in hydroxyvalerate (HV) content, through manipulation of the acidogenic fermented stream composition, and on the characterization of PHA properties to determine the best composition for melt processing. Cheese whey was used as a feedstock, and changes in the organic loading rate during acidogenic fermentation led to the production of a fermented stream with an HV precursor content of 9–33 wt%. In the PHA production assays, a PHA content of 50 ± 11 wt%. (VSS basis) and yield of 0.76 ± 0.14 gCODPHA.gCODFP-1 were obtained. Fermented stream supplementation with HV precursors during the PHA accumulation assays indicated the feasibility of producing tailored PHA with differing HV content without a need for the selection of new cultures. The thermal properties of PHA were found to be controlled by the HV content, and PHA with approximately 30 wt% HV had the lowest melting temperature. These results demonstrated the robustness of the process at pilot scale, thus supporting full-scale applications in tailored PHA production.
- The strategic compass: uma Europa mais forte num ocidente mais coesoPublication . Ramos, António; Garcia, Francisco Proença; Gomes, Miguel Carvalho
- The emerging predominant party systems in Angola (2008-2017)Publication . Pacatolo, CarlosThe end of the armed conflict in 2002, following the death in combat of the leader of the UNITA (NationalUnion for the Total Independence of Angola), Jonas Savimbi, allowed the process of transition to democracybegun in 1991 to be resumed (signing of the peace accords of Bicesse) and interrupted with the rekindling ofthe 1992 post-electoral war. Thus, in 2008, the second legislative elections were held, which were won bythe MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola), with a qualified majority of 81.64% of thevotes cast corresponding to 191 parliamentary mandates of the 220; in 2012, the third elections took placeand the MPLA once again won with a qualified majority of 71.8% of the votes cast, corresponding to 175parliamentary seats out of 220; in August 2017, the Wednesdays were held, again won by the MPLA with aqualified majority of 61.1% of the votes cast, corresponding to 150 parliamentary terms out of 220. Theseresults allow us to visualize the emergence of a predominant party system in Angola (2008 -2017), with adecreasing trend.The dominance of the arena of political competition by the MPLA is the result of a combination of multiplefactors, with emphasis on the incomplete separation between the party and the state; the imbalance in thearena of political competition, especially the unequal access to extra-budgetary resources, national publicmedia and the disproportionality of provincial constituencies. Finally, the consistency of the dominant votingtrend in the MPLA, regardless of ethnic, economic, political and sociodemographic considerations, allowsadmitting the possibility of consolidating the predominant party system in Angola, in future elections.Electoral polls closer to the electoral period allow for fine-tuning the forecasting mechanism.
- Abuse, proportionality and the burden of proof in CJEU’s case law on direct taxationPublication . Nogueira, J. F. P.
- Should robots be taxed?Publication . Guerreiro, João; Rebelo, Sérgio; Teles, PedroUsing a quantitative model that features technical progress in automation and endogenous skill choice, we show that, given the current U.S. tax system, a sustained fall in automation costs can lead to a massive rise in income inequality. We characterize the optimal tax system in this model. We find that it is optimal to tax robots while the current generations of routine workers, who can no longer move to non-routine occupations, are active in the labour force. Once these workers retire, optimal robot taxes are zero.
- Demystifying the digital transition of remanufacturing: a systematic review of literaturePublication . Teixeira, E. L. S.; Tjahjono, B.; Beltran, M.; Julião, J.The remanufacturing sector has already instigated the shift towards the adoption of digital technology, especially enabled by the progressive development of the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies. However, remanufacturing systems are faced with many challenges that are not typically found in traditional manufacturing systems. Inspired by the need to better understand their idiosyncrasies, particular needs and implications, this paper aims to scrutinise current issues and concerns about digital transformation in the remanufacturing systems. In particular, the paper reviews the extant literature to observe: (1) how the I4.0 technologies have so far been used in remanufacturing and (2) the benefits and risks that need to be considered by remanufacturers when adopting the I4.0 technologies. We have elucidated the significance of our findings and subsequently synthesised our thoughts into eight propositions that demystify the mechanisms of how the I4.0 technologies can bring potential benefits when used by remanufacturers to accomplish a portfolio of remanufacturing tasks, and the risks they need to be aware of. This articulation represents contributions to knowledge as it will set out the underpinning of the future human-technology collaboration, which is key in the I4.0 realm.
- The importance of protein sources to support muscle anabolism in cancer: an expert group opinionPublication . Ford, Katherine L.; Arends, Jann; Atherton, Philip J.; Engelen, Mariëlle P. K. J.; Gonçalves, Thiago J. M.; Laviano, Alessandro; Lobo, Dileep N.; Phillips, Stuart M.; Ravasco, Paula; Deutz, Nicolaas E. P.; Prado, Carla M.This opinion paper presents a short review of the potential impact of protein on muscle anabolism in cancer, which is associated with better patient outcomes. Protein source is a topic of interest for patients and clinicians, partly due to recent emphasis on the supposed non-beneficial effect of proteins; therefore, misconceptions involving animal-based (e.g., meat, fish, dairy) and plant-based (e.g., legumes) proteins in cancer are acknowledged and addressed. Although the optimal dietary amino acid composition to support muscle health in cancer is yet to be established, animal-based proteins have a composition that offers superior anabolic potential, compared to plant-derived proteins. Thus, animal-based foods should represent the majority (i.e., ≥65%) of protein intake during active cancer treatment. A diet rich in plant-derived proteins may support muscle anabolism in cancer, albeit requiring a larger quantity of protein to fulfill the optimal amino acid intake. We caution that translating dietary recommendations for cancer prevention to cancer treatment may be inadequate to support the pro-inflammatory and catabolic nature of the disease. We further caution against initiating an exclusively plant-based (i.e., vegan) diet upon a diagnosis of cancer, given the presence of elevated protein requirements and risk of inadequate protein intake to support muscle anabolism. Amino acid combination and the long-term sustainability of a dietary pattern void of animal-based foods requires careful and laborious management of protein intake for patients with cancer. Ultimately, a dietary amino acid composition that promotes muscle anabolism is optimally obtained through combination of animal- and plant-based protein sources.