Supervision of students in a Portuguese veterinary medicine school-students' and supervisors' expectations, perceptions, and supervision impact.

Introduction: The student-supervisor relationship can be a major cause of psychological distress experienced by students during their study programs. Misalignment between students' and supervisors' expectations and perceptions can originate conflicts, highly affecting the wellbeing of students and hindering the progress of their studies. This study was based on a questionnaire focusing on the perceptions of students and supervisors regarding the most important student attributes and outcomes, supervision expectations and perceptions, and supervision impact on mental health of students from a Portuguese Veterinary Medicine School.

The magnitude of legal wildlife trade and implications for species survival.

The unsustainable use of wildlife is a primary driver of global biodiversity loss. No comprehensive global dataset exists on what species are in trade, their geographic origins, and trade's ultimate impacts, which limits our ability to sustainably manage trade. The United States is one of the world's largest importers of wildlife, with trade data compiled in the US Law Enforcement Management Information System (LEMIS).

Effect of Substituent Groups on the Adsorption Efficiency of Phenols by Activated Carbon Developed by Hydrothermally Treated Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Stone.

In this study, the novel activated carbon developed from fruit stone, through hydrothermal treatment at low pressure and temperature, was utilized for the removal of 4-nitrophenol, 4-chlorophenol, and phenol from water. The activated carbon produced (AC-HTPEFS) showed a well-developed porosity with a surface area of 569 m g and a total pore volume of 0.342 cm g.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Leaves and Five Associated Endophytic Fungi.

The exploration of new pharmacological compounds from endophytic fungi offers infinite possibilities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of extracts from the leaves of and five of its endophytic fungi and investigate the chemical diversity of the secondary metabolites produced. Isolated, purified, and molecularly identified endophytes and plant leaves were subjected to ethyl acetate extraction.

Analysis of Plasticizer Contamination Throughout Olive Oil Production.

This study monitored the contamination of 32 plasticizers in olive oil throughout the production and storage process. Samples were collected at different stages of production from three olive oil production lines in distinct regions of Portugal and analyzed for 23 phthalates and 9 phthalates substitutes to identify contamination sources. The developed analytical method employed liquid-liquid extraction with hexane/methanol (1:4, /), followed by centrifugation, extract removal, and freezing as a clean-up step.

How Habitat Simplification Shapes the Morphological Characteristics of Ant Assemblages (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Different Biogeographical Contexts.

Human-driven changes in land cover and use can significantly impact species ants community structures, often leading to a decline in taxonomic diversity or species homogenization. Ant morphology, used as a proxy for ecological function, offers a valuable framework for understanding the effects of anthropogenic disturbances on ant diversity. This study explored the morphological diversity of ant assemblages in agricultural ecosystems and secondary forests in Italy and the Brazilian Amazon, analyzing how these communities are structured and adapted to different environments.

Models for Oral Biology Research 2.0.

The oral cavity constitutes a unique and complex system and environment [...

Textural Analysis of Sea Lamprey Muscle From Guadiana and Mondego Rivers (Portugal) Using the Warner-Bratzler Shear Method.

Assessment of sea lamprey texture from the Guadiana and Mondego River basins. Lamprey has served as food for centuries, and nowadays it is highly appreciated, mainly in southern European countries. Therefore, the quality requirements of the lamprey are closely scrutinized by consumers.

Establishing bio-logging data collections as dynamic archives of animal life on Earth.

Rapid growth in bio-logging-the use of animal-borne electronic tags to document the movements, behaviour, physiology and environments of wildlife-offers opportunities to mitigate biodiversity threats and expand digital natural history archives. Here we present a vision to achieve such benefits by accounting for the heterogeneity inherent to bio-logging data and the concerns of those who collect and use them. First, we can enable data integration through standard vocabularies, transfer protocols and aggregation protocols, and drive their wide adoption.

Mitochondrial genomes of the European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) reveal Pliocene diversification, extensive gene flow and pervasive purifying selection.

The development of management strategies for the promotion of sustainable fisheries relies on a deep knowledge of ecological and evolutionary processes driving the diversification and genetic variation of marine organisms. Sustainability strategies are especially relevant for marine species such as the European sardine (Sardina pilchardus), a small pelagic fish with high ecological and socioeconomic importance, especially in Southern Europe, whose stock has declined since 2006, possibly due to environmental factors. Here, we generated sequences for 139 mitochondrial genomes from individuals from 19 different geographical locations across most of the species distribution range, which was used to assess genetic diversity, diversification history and genomic signatures of selection.

Exploring the Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Eurasian Griffon Vultures () Under Rehabilitation in Portugal and Their Potential Role as Reservoirs of Human and Animal Pathogens.

The Eurasian griffon vulture (), a widely distributed scavenger, plays a crucial role in ecosystem health by consuming decomposing carcasses. Scavengers have adapted to avoid disease from the rotting carrion they feed on, probably through a specialized gut microbiome. This study aimed to characterize the gut microbiome of (n = 8) present in two rehabilitation centers in mainland Portugal and evaluate their potential as reservoirs of pathogens.

Occurrence and risk factors of equine piroplasmosis in Portugal: A five-year retrospective study.

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease of equids caused by Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi, and Babesia caballi. EP is endemic in most tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, and there is a likelihood that it is also endemic in Portugal. This retrospective study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, prevalence, and potential risk factors of EP in our country over the past five years.

Agriculture and Water Availability Show Contrasting Effects on Bats in a Mediterranean Island of Outstanding Chiropteran Biogeographical Value.

With their unique ecosystems and evolutionary dynamics, small islands offer fascinating contexts to explore animal diversity. Island bats are key players in maintaining ecological balance. However, their populations are threatened worldwide, necessitating comprehensive research and conservation strategies.

Biochar supplementation affects the microbiome of recycled manure solids for cow bedding: a metagenomic analysis.

The widespread use of Recycled Manure Solids (RMS) as cow bedding material is not without risks, since cattle manure may act as a vehicle for pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria dissemination. Thus, our aim was to evaluate RMS-supplemented with a pine biochar produced in Portugal as a new cow bedding material, since the use of biochar has been shown to have the potential to mitigate the impact of relevant bacterial species when added to animal manure microbiota. Our experimental setup consisted on fresh RMS samples that were collected on a commercial dairy farm and placed in naturally-ventilated containers for a total of 4 groups: 1-non-supplemented RMS; 2-RMS supplemented with 2.

Landscape influences bat suppression of pine processionary moth: Implications for pest management.

Bats provide important ecosystem services, particularly in agriculture, yet integrating bat management into conservation plans remains challenging. Some landscape features considerably influence bat presence, diversity, and ecosystem service provision. Understanding the relationship between landscape structure, composition, pest suppression, and ecosystem services is crucial.

From Bayes to Darwin: Evolutionary search as an exaptation from sampling-based Bayesian inference.

Building on the algorithmic equivalence between finite population replicator dynamics and particle filtering based approximation of Bayesian inference, we design a computational model to demonstrate the emergence of Darwinian evolution over representational units when collectives of units are selected to infer statistics of high-dimensional combinatorial environments. The non-Darwinian starting point is two units undergoing a few cycles of noisy, selection-dependent information transmission, corresponding to a serial (one comparison per cycle), non-cumulative process without heredity. Selection for accurate Bayesian inference at the collective level induces an adaptive path to the emergence of Darwinian evolution within the collectives, capable of maintaining and iteratively improving upon complex combinatorial information.

Historical and future heat-related mortality in Portugal's Alentejo region.

Background: The increased severity of extreme weather and anticipated climate change has intensified heat stress-related mortality worldwide. This study examines the historical short-term effects of heat on mortality in Alentejo, Portugal's warmest region, and projects it up to the end of the century.

Methods: Using data from 1980 to 2015 during warm seasons (May-September), the association between daily mortality by all-causes and mean temperature was examined following a case time series design, applied at both regional and subregional scales.

Length-mass relationships of pond macroinvertebrates do not hold between Southern and Northern Europe.

The lack of reliable data on length-mass relationships, essential to obtain accurate biomass estimates, limits our ability to easily assess secondary production by aquatic invertebrates. In the absence of published equations from similar habitat conditions, authors often borrow equations developed in geographic regions with different climate conditions, which may bias biomass estimates. A literature overview of published size-mass relationships for Portugal and Sweden highlights the need for further data within these biogeographic regions.

Lignin-Furanic Rigid Foams: Enhanced Methylene Blue Removal Capacity, Recyclability, and Flame Retardancy.

Worldwide, populations face issues related to water and energy consumption. Water scarcity has intensified globally, particularly in arid and semiarid regions. Projections indicate that by 2030, global water demand will rise by 50%, leading to critical shortages, further intensified by the impacts of climate change.

A new tool to quantify biodiversity change under landscape transformation.

Identifying how species richness or diversity changes with different proportions of natural and anthropized environments in the landscape is important for landscape management for conservation. Here, we propose a new method to assess biodiversity changes in landscapes with varying proportions of habitat types. The algorithm is based on the resampling of individuals recorded in different habitats considering both the proportion occupied by each habitat in the landscape and the number of individuals recorded in each habitat.

Lactic acid bacteria: A sustainable solution against phytopathogenic agents.

Biological control agents (BCAs) are beneficial living organisms used in plant protection to control pathogens sustainably. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have gained attention in biopesticides due to their safety as recognized by the Food and Drug Administration. These bacteria possess antifungal properties, demonstrating inhibitory effects through nutrient competition or the production of antimicrobial metabolites.

New findings of terrestrial arthropods from the Azorean Islands.

The knowledge on taxonomic diversity of arthropods is key to better understanding the biodiversity patterns and processes and guiding sustainable conservation strategies and practices. In the Azores, terrestrial arthropods are relatively well-inventoried following the publication of comprehensive checklists that have been regularly updated. Nevertheless, every year, new species are found as a result of new arrivals to the Archipelago and from addressing specific taxonomic lacunae.

Development of a new eco-friendly ultrasound-assisted extraction method to quantify tryptophan in wild mushrooms and determination of its beneficial properties.

Bioactive compounds in food offer health benefits by influencing cellular and physiological functions. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid and precursor to neurotransmitters like melatonin and serotonin, regulates mood and circadian rhythms. However, its quantification in mushrooms is scarce studied.