Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2023-12-01"
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- Mitigating risks and maximizing sustainability of treated wastewater reuse for irrigationPublication . Yalin, David; Craddock, Hillary A.; Assouline, Shmuel; Ben Mordechay, Evyatar; Ben-Gal, Alon; Bernstein, Nirit; Chaudhry, Rabia M.; Chefetz, Benny; Fatta-Kassinos, Despo; Gawlik, Bernd M.; Hamilton, Kerry A.; Khalifa, Leron; Kisekka, Isaya; Klapp, Iftach; Korach-Rechtman, Hila; Kurtzman, Daniel; Levy, Guy J.; Maffettone, Roberta; Malato, Sixto; Manaia, Célia M.; Manoli, Kyriakos; Moshe, Orah F.; Rimelman, Andrew; Rizzo, Luigi; Sedlak, David L.; Shnit-Orland, Maya; Shtull-Trauring, Eliav; Tarchitzky, Jorge; Welch-White, Venus; Williams, Clinton; McLain, Jean; Cytryn, EddieScarcity of freshwater for agriculture has led to increased utilization of treated wastewater (TWW), establishing it as a significant and reliable source of irrigation water. However, years of research indicate that if not managed adequately, TWW may deleteriously affect soil functioning and plant productivity, and pose a hazard to human and environmental health. This review leverages the experience of researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers from Israel, the United-States, and Europe to present a holistic, multidisciplinary perspective on maximizing the benefits from municipal TWW use for irrigation. We specifically draw on the extensive knowledge gained in Israel, a world leader in agricultural TWW implementation. The first two sections of the work set the foundation for understanding current challenges involved with the use of TWW, detailing known and emerging agronomic and environmental issues (such as salinity and phytotoxicity) and public health risks (such as contaminants of emerging concern and pathogens). The work then presents solutions to address these challenges, including technological and agronomic management-based solutions as well as source control policies. The concluding section presents suggestions for the path forward, emphasizing the importance of improving links between research and policy, and better outreach to the public and agricultural practitioners. We use this platform as a call for action, to form a global harmonized data system that will centralize scientific findings on agronomic, environmental and public health effects of TWW irrigation. Insights from such global collaboration will help to mitigate risks, and facilitate more sustainable use of TWW for food production in the future.
- Candidate biomarkers of antibiotic resistance for the monitoring of wastewater and the downstream environmentPublication . Teixeira, A. Margarida; Vaz-Moreira, Ivone; Calderón-Franco, David; Weissbrodt, David; Purkrtova, Sabina; Gajdos, Stanislav; Dottorini, Giulia; Nielsen, Per Halkjær; Khalifa, Leron; Cytryn, Eddie; Bartacek, Jan; Manaia, Célia M.Urban wastewater treatment plants (UWTPs) are essential for reducing the pollutants load and protecting water bodies. However, wastewater catchment areas and UWTPs emit continuously antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), with recognized impacts on the downstream environments. Recently, the European Commission recommended to monitor antibiotic resistance in UWTPs serving more than 100 000 population equivalents. Antibiotic resistance monitoring in environmental samples can be challenging. The expected complexity of these systems can jeopardize the interpretation capacity regarding, for instance, wastewater treatment efficiency, impacts of environmental contamination, or risks due to human exposure. Simplified monitoring frameworks will be essential for the successful implementation of analytical procedures, data analysis, and data sharing. This study aimed to test a set of biomarkers representative of ARG contamination, selected based on their frequent human association and, simultaneously, rare presence in pristine environments. In addition to the 16S rRNA gene, ten potential biomarkers (intI1, sul1, ermB, ermF, aph(3′’)-Ib, qacEΔ1, uidA, mefC, tetX, and crAssphage) were monitored in DNA extracts (n = 116) from raw wastewater, activated sludge, treated wastewater, and surface water (upstream and downstream of UWTPs) samples collected in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Israel, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Each biomarker was sensitive enough to measure decreases (on average by up to 2.5 log-units gene copy/mL) from raw wastewater to surface water, with variations in the same order of magnitude as for the 16S rRNA gene. The use of the 10 biomarkers allowed the typing of water samples whose origin or quality could be predicted in a blind test. The results show that, based on appropriate biomarkers, qPCR can be used for a cost-effective and technically accessible approach to monitoring wastewater and the downstream environment.
- Development and characterisation of a 3D cell culture model of the tuberculosis granulomaPublication . Pires, David; David, Susana; Mandal, Manoj; Soderberg, Julia; Anes, ElsaTuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) that results in 1.6 million deaths yearly. The TB granuloma is the hallmark cellular structure of latent TB that contains the spread of infection1 . More comprehensive in vitro models of TB that better resemble the cellular and immunoregulatory complexity of the granuloma would facilitate the study of the interplay between the bacteria and the different immune system cells2 . We aim to generate an in vitro, 3D cell culture model of the TB granuloma that can be easily implemented using readily available commercial reagents and materials. A commercial encapsulation system based on sodium cellulose sulphate (NaCS) and Poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC)3 was used to generate small capsules containing human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the presence of GFPexpressing Mtb H37Rv and maintained in culture for several weeks. The 3D structure formed by the cells inside and outside the capsules was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry to distinguish the different cell types, and how they are organised inside the sphere and to measure cell survival and bacteria replication. The results show that human PBMCs readily form 3D cellular aggregates around infected cells and that cells cultivated outside the capsules are attracted and surround the capsules in response to infection. The model could be maintained for several weeks before bacteria-induced cell necrosis. PBMC’s viability remained stable, with more than 80 % live cells following two weeks of culture. Moreover, adding an exterior layer of cells helped control bacterial replication, suggesting relevant communication between cells inside and outside the capsules to control the infection.
- Efficiency decomposition for multi-level multi-components production technologiesPublication . Peyrache, Antonio; Silva, Maria C. A.This paper addresses the efficiency measurement of firms composed by multiple components, and assessed at different decision levels. In particular it develops models for three levels of decision/production: the subunit (production division/process), the DMU (firm) and the industry (system). For each level, inefficiency is measured using a directional distance function and the developed measures are contrasted with existing radial models. The paper also investigates how the efficiency scores computed at different levels are related to each other by proposing a decomposition into exhaustive and mutually exclusive components. The proposed method is illustrated using data on Portuguese hospitals. Since most of the topics addressed in this paper are related to more general network structures, avenues for future research are proposed and discussed.
- Saponin-based natural nanoemulsions as alpha-tocopherol delivery systems for dermal applicationsPublication . Schreiner, Tatiana B.; Santamaria-Echart, Arantzazu; Colucci, Giovana; Plasencia, Paula; Costa, Patrícia Santos; Dias, Madalena M.; Pinho, Simão P.; Barreiro, Maria FilomenaNanoemulsions can be produced using simple methods and compounds from natural sources. They can increase water dispersibility and bioavailability and optimise active ingredient dispersion in particular skin layers. Lipophilic compounds of the vitamin E family (tocopherols and tocotrienols) are well-known for their high antioxidant activity and capacity to protect the skin from oxidative stress. In this context, oil-in-water (o/w) nanoemulsions with and without α-tocopherol (Vitamin E, VE) were formulated with two emulsifier alternatives, Quillaja saponin (QS), and a combination of QS with Tribulus terrestris (QSTT) (50/50, w/w). The emulsions were evaluated concerning stability, microstructure, droplet size, colour attributes, encapsulation efficiency, UV photostability, antioxidant activity, and in vitro permeation studies to assess the delivery potential. Results showed highly stable systems, with round-shape droplets of 80–121 nm size. QS and QSTT samples' colours were close to white and light brownish, respectively. The topical nano cream had the capacity to entrap VE, producing a protective effect from UV degradation, and very significant antioxidant activity, with IC50 values around 0.01 %wt. The skin permeation profiles showed the efficiency of the formulations in the delivery of VE, with permeabilities between 64 and 74 µg/cm2, while the control sample showed no VE permeation.
- The principle of equal treatment in the Google shopping casePublication . Pais, Sofia Oliveira; Domingos, Marta PrataThis article reflects on the principle of equal treatment as a constant feature that pervades the European Union's legal order and its specific role in competition law. Throughout history, this principle has been a foundation stone for developing the characteristics, such as freedom of movement, that one would consensually recognise as distinctive features that make the European Union a sui generis political construction. After a brief analysis of the principle's development and ever-expanding contours, with new instruments emerging along the way and contributing to its importance, we will focus on the application of this principle to competition law. Paying particular attention to the Google Shopping case, we will demonstrate how the general principle of equal treatment remains relevant when confronted with new types of discriminatory abuses.
- Mapping innovation in educational contexts: drivers and barriersPublication . Serra, Lídia; Alves, José Matias; Soares, DianaThe present demand for school transformation considers innovation a tool that operates in a triangle of strengths: leadership, school cultures, and school accountability. Considering the growth and diversification of literature on this subject, we propose discussing the factors influencing innovation. This article exposes a literature review focused on the systematisation of factors that foster or inhibit innovation, presenting a qualitative classification sustained on two main criteria: organisational capital and professional capital. The built typology harmonises criteria concerning innovation’s functional, strategic, relational, behavioural, and environmental aspects. Additionally, it aims to fulfil an epistemic, phenomenological, and propositional purpose. The typology congregates a scheme of constructs that integratively systematise and organise 118 factors described in the literature that influence the school’s organisation.
- Influence of lactic acid fermentation on the microbiological parameters, biogenic amines, and volatile compounds of bovine colostrumPublication . Starkute, Vytaute; Zokaityte, Egle; Klupsaite, Dovile; Mockus, Ernestas; Zokaityte, Gintare; Tusas, Saulius; Miseikiene, Ramute; Stankevicius, Rolandas; Rocha, João Miguel; Bartkiene, ElenaIn this study we hypothesized that the relations between the bovine colostrum (BC) microbiota, biogenic amine (BA) as well as volatile compound (VC) profiles can lead to new deeper insights concerning the BC changes during the biological preservation. To implement such an aim, BC samples were collected from 5 farms located in Lithuania and fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strains. Nonfermented and fermented BC were subjected to microbiological [lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Escherichia coli, and total bacteria (TBC), total Enterobacteriaceae (TEC) and total mold and yeast (M-Y) viable counts] and physicochemical (pH, color coordinates, BA content and VC profile) parameters evaluation, and the relationship between the tested parameters were also further analyzed. In comparison pH and dry matter (DM) of nonfermented samples, significant differences were not found, and pH of BC was, on average, 6.30, and DM, on average, 27.5%. The pH of fermented samples decreased, on average, until 4.40 in Lp. plantarum fermented group, and, on average, until 4.37 in Lc. paracasei fermented group. Comparing color characteristics among nonfermented BC groups, significant differences between lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) were not detected, however, the origin (i.e., agricultural company), LAB strain used for fermentation and the interaction between these factors were statistically significant on BC redness (a*) coordinate. The microbial contamination among all the tested BC groups was similar. However, different LAB strains used for BC fermentation showed different effects toward the microbial contamination reduction, and specifically Lc. paracasei was more effective than Lp. plantarum strain. Predominant BA in BC were putrescine and cadaverine. The main VC in nonfermented and fermented BC were decane, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, dodecane, 1,3-di-tert-butylbenzene, 3,6-dimethyldecane and tetradecane. Moreover, this study showed worrying trends with respect to the frozen colostrum storage, because most of the dominant VC in BC were contaminants from the packaging material. Additionally, significant correlations between separate VC and microbial contamination were obtained. Finally, these experimental results showed that the separate VC in BC can be an important marker for biological as well as chemical contamination of BC. Also, it should be pointed out that despite the fermentation with LAB is usually described as a safe and natural process with many advantages, control of BA in the end product is necessary.
- Who are Portuguese followers of social media influencers (SMIs), and their attitudes towards SMIs? An exploratory studyPublication . Leite, Ângela; Lopes, Silvia; Rodrigues, AnabelaInfluencers serve as crucial role models, influencing the behavior, aesthetics, and ideologies of their followers. This cross-sectional study aims to explore the perspectives of Portuguese social media users toward influencers. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire from 759 participants obtained through snowball sampling. The majority (75.5%) were female, averaging 26 years in age. Descriptive statistics, mean comparisons, and correlations were utilized for analysis. Portuguese followers of social media influencers, primarily consisting of young women with lower formal education, are active on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. They spend considerable time on social media, engaging with influencers through actions such as liking or tagging friends. Fashion and beauty influencers are particularly favored. Followers value influencers who interact with them, appreciate personal posts and disclosures, and form parasocial relationships with influencers. While many express a willingness to purchase products promoted by influencers, a noteworthy portion hasn't made such purchases. Participants express uncertainty about the guaranteed quality of products endorsed by influencers, yet 36.5% acknowledge the significance of influencers in discovering new products or trends.This study provides valuable insights for influencers and brands targeting a specific audience. It also underscores potential concerns for followers, emphasizing the link between excessive social media use and problematic behavior.
- The body dissatisfaction role in the adoption of compulsive healthy eating behaviorsPublication . Silva, Susana C.; Elmashhara, Maher Georges; Sousa, Maria InêsThis study investigates the effect of Instagram use, fitness and health-related content, internalization, social comparisons, perfectionism, and obsessive-compulsive personality traits on body dissatisfaction and Orthorexia Nervosa. Moreover, the study discusses the differences between Portuguese and Brazilian societies to underline the potential role of cultural dimensions. A survey-based study with a sample of 238 respondents has been developed to test the proposed model using structural equation modelling. The data analysis shows that the main factors influencing body dissatisfaction and Orthorexia Nervosa are internalizing beauty ideals, social comparisons (both upward and downward), and perfectionism. Body dissatisfaction mediates the path from internalization, upward and downward comparisons, perfectionism from one side, and Orthorexia Nervosa on the other. Finally, results from Portuguese and Brazilian samples were similar revealing no significant role of cultural differences. Based on the findings, the study concludes by discussing the theoretical contributions and providing actionable managerial implications.