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- Wild Edible Plants in Angola: Diversity, Traditional Uses, Phytochemical Properties, and Socio‐Economic PotentialPublication . Bastos, Claudete; Liberal, Ângela; Moldão, Margarida; Barros, Lillian; Catarino, LuísWith almost 7000 native species, Angola is one of the African countries with the most remarkable plant diversity. Rural communities use many wild plants daily to fulfill various needs, particularly as food. This study aimed to explore the diversity and uses of wild edible plants (WEP) in Angola, through a literature review, consultation of herbarium collections, and fieldwork by the first author. Through an analysis of databases, books, and scientific articles, and consulting herbarium records, it was possible to identify 199 WEP used in Angola. The main types of plants with edible parts were trees, annual and perennial herbs, shrubs and sub-shrubs, and, to a lesser extent, lianas and herbaceous vines, which are found in forests, woodlands, riverbanks, and gallery forests, as well as in fallows and disturbed places. The most consumed parts of plants are fruits, seeds, leaves, and, to a lesser extent, the underground parts. Many of these plants have great economic value, serving as both food sources and additional income for rural families. The identification and characterization of WEP has enabled a deeper understanding of the country's plant genetic resources, which can help improve food security and promote the sustainable use of natural resources in Angola.
- A Retrieval-Augmented Natural Language Interface for Data Description and Meta-Analysis in the Pathogens-in-Foods (PIF) DatabasePublication . Silva, Lucas Ribeiro; Gonzales-Barron, Ursula; Cadavez, VascoFood-safety occurrence databases are increasingly important for surveillance, evidence appraisal, and quantitative risk assessment, yet their routine analytical use remains constrained by the need for database literacy and statistical programming. Building on the curated and harmonized Pathogens-in-Foods (PIF) database, we developed and evaluated a retrieval-augmented natural-language interface designed to support grounded querying and reproducible evidence synthesis. The system includes two complementary modes: an Open Chat Mode for exploratory, tool-mediated interrogation of the database and a Guided Meta-Analysis Mode that couples structured user input to a deterministic R-based analytical pipeline. Evaluation included four compact language models: Phi-4 Mini (3.8B), DeepSeek-R1 Tool-Calling (14B), Cogito (14B), and Qwen 3 (8B), together with Gemini 2.5 Pro as a larger proprietary baseline model. Within a 10-query benchmark, all models achieved 100% tool selection accuracy and retrieval correctness; for the five argument bearing queries, all models also achieved 100% argument extraction F1-score, indicating reliable grounding of database operations for the evaluated query set. In a guided case study on Toxoplasma in meat and meat products (153 records from 65 studies), the system achieved 100% numerical concordance and high visual informativeness; the highest report quality index was 93% with Qwen 3 (8B). Performance differences across models arose primarily from the factual precision and economy of their written interpretations rather than from failures in tool execution. These findings support hybrid, evidence-grounded analytical interfaces built on curated data resources and deterministic statistical backends as practical tools for accelerating surveillance-oriented evidence synthesis in food protection.
- Unraveling the bioactive potential of grape pomace using deep eutectic solvents (DES)Publication . Pérez-Pérez, Alba; Alvaredo-López-Vizcaíno, Adela; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Finimundy, Tiane C.; Mandim, Filipa; Barros, Lillian; Del-Río, Pablo G.; Gullón, BeatrizGrape pomace (GP) is the main by-product generated by the winemaking industry. Traditionally, the economic potential of this residue has been underestimated; however, it has recently attracted increasing interest as a promising source of high-value compounds. In this work, three deep eutectic solvents (DES) were assessed as green alternatives for the efficient extraction of phenolic compounds from GP. Amongst the tested solvents, the DES composed of choline chloride, acetic acid, and water (1:1:10 M ratio) showed the best performance. Under optimized extraction conditions (14.86 mL/g liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR), 60 °C, and 275.85 min), the total phenolic content (TPC) reached 113.71 mg GAE/g, while the condensed tannins content (CTC) was 125.37 mg CE/g. Antioxidant activity values were 165.25 mg TE/g for DPPH, 171.48 mg TE/g for ABTS, 102.88 mg TE/g for FRAP, and 367.79 mg TE/g for CUPRAC. Additionally, lipid peroxidation inhibition (TBARS) showed an IC50 of 337.02 μg/mL. HPLC-MS-ESI analysis of the optimal extract allowed the tentative identification of 18 phenolic compounds, mainly including phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols, anthocyanins, and tannins. Furthermore, the extract exhibited cytotoxic potential against gastrointestinal and liver cell lines with IC50 of 23 and 12 μg/mL, respectively; and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 33.35 mg/mL for all three bacterial strains. Overall, this study highlights red GP as a promising wine industry by-product for the recovery of bioactive compounds, although further studies are required to assess their safety and potential use as multifunctional ingredients.
- Similar patterns, different processes: Persistence and change in path-dependent land systemsPublication . Imbrechts, Lien; Azevedo, João C.; Dossche, Rebekka; Bürgi, Matthias; Verburg, Peter H.Large-scale land use changes can lead to a fundamental reorganisation of the land and corresponding socioecological regime. These regime shifts are notably hard to detect, predict or model, often arising from unprecedented changes in technology, markets or policies. In a remote rural region in Portugal, we tracked the land use history in three parishes between 1899 and 2018, capturing multiple disruptive socioeconomic and political circumstances, to assess whether a regime shift was triggered. We used a causal historical approach that included the spatio-temporal mapping of LULC changes and a socioecological event timeline to track policy changes and other important events or circumstances. We used these, and other available (historic) literature, to contextualise local information provided in oral history interviews (OHI) that revealed land managers’ decision-making during the last 70 years. We found that during the Estado Novo dictatorship, productivism-based policies had a strong influence on the observed land use intensification, yet OHI revealed that the high level of self-sufficiency agriculture made alternative trajectories unlikely if not impossible. After the 1974 revolution, recalibration took place in the form of a rural exodus and associated land reorganisation, including tenure and production systems. Overall, semi-natural areas, which usually depend on grazing or pastoralism, strongly diminished, while natural and plantation forests expanded. Arable land areas remained relatively stable across the entire study period. Our study shows that land systems that have undergone disruptive changes in the past may continue to evolve discontinuously afterwards, without causing a socioecological regime shift or breaking path dependence.
- Integrating Multicriteria Decision Analysis for Beekeeping Suitability: Insights from a Portuguese Honey PDO LandscapePublication . Silveira, Carlos; Roque, Natália; Leitão, Bruno; Fernandez, Paulo; Anjos, Ofélia; Vilas-Boas, MiguelBeekeeping plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation and local economy development, as bees are key pollinators of numerous wild plant species and agricultural crops. Accordingly, understanding the suitability of rural territories is essential to provide an overview on bee activity and support the development of more sustainable beekeeping practices. This study presents an enhanced multicriteria approach for mapping beekeeping suitability, applied to a Portuguese region renowned for its honey with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). The methodology integrates topographic, environmental and climatic criteria closely linked to bee ecology, whose relevance was prioritised in each category following expert perceptions and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). For these criteria, high-quality spatial data were compiled and processed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to evaluate landscape favourable conditions and limiting factors for beekeeping. Results indicate a comparable and significant influence of environmental and climatic criteria (43% each) relative to topographic ones (14%). Within each category, hillside exposure (63%), flora (53%) and rainfall (50%) contributions are particularly remarkable in defining the beekeeping suitability. When crossing the final suitability map with the apiary influence range, most apiaries were found in areas classified as very high suitability. This information provides valuable insights for beekeepers and policymakers, helping to optimize the beekeeping management and enhance the honey quality, particularly in PDO areas. Moreover, the proposed approach offers a scalable and adaptable framework that can be applied to other regions with beekeeping potential.Graphical AbstractThis diagram provides a concise overview of the study's core components and methodologies focused on evaluating land suitability for beekeeping. It presents a multicriteria framework developed using analytical and geoprocessing tools (AHP and GIS) and expert perceptions orientated towards mapping beekeeping suitability in a Portuguese region with PDO-certified honey production. To that end, high-quality spatial datasets covering landscape characteristics (i.e., topographic, environmental and climatic criteria) were selected, compiled and analysed for their relative importance in each category. When assigning weightings to each spatially normalised criterion (common scale with values between 0 and 1), the weighted sum result expresses the relative beekeeping suitability within and across the criteria categories. The final suitability map, which represents the weighted sum of the categories, shows a territory of excellence for the development of beekeeping activity, as it almost entirely falls into the high and very high classes. For this output, environmental and climatic categories had a significant and comparable contribution (43% each), whereas hillside exposure (63%), flora (53%) and rainfall (50%) were individually the most influential criteria. By spatially overlaying the final beekeeping suitability with the apiary influence range, it was found that most apiaries are located in areas classified as very high suitability. This integrated approach is therefore a scalable and adaptable decision-support tool to enhance apiary planning and landscape management, helping stakeholders to align ecological potential with sustainable beekeeping practices.
- Benefits and Drawbacks of Incorporating Grape Seeds into Bakery Products: Is It Worth It?Publication . Echave, Javier; Silva, Aurora; Pereira, Antia G.; García-Oliveira, Paula; Fraga-Corral, Maria; Otero, Paz; Cassani, Lucia; Cao, Hui; Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Prieto, Miguel A.; Xiao, JianboGrapes are the third most produced fruit in the world, owing to their taste and use as raw materials for winemaking. Due to this fact, large volumes of waste biomass are generated as a result of grape juice and wine production, mainly grape seeds (GS) and peels. In recent decades, scientific research has highlighted the high content of polyphenols in GS, especially condensed tannins, and resveratrol. These compounds have been associated to various potential benefits to human health, such as antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic or anti-inflammatory bioactivities, among others. GS polyphenols may be incorporated into functional foods. Flour in wheat-based bakery products especially appears to be an attractive option. Two strategies may be followed. On one hand, the incorporation of GS flour increases the fiber, mineral, and protein content of bakery products, as well as their hardness and phenolic content. However, it seems that consumers may accept up to 10% of GS flour, since higher doses strongly diminish the organoleptic properties of the product. The other alternative involves the incorporation of polyphenol-rich GS extracts into bakery formulations, which would transfer their beneficial bioactivities to the final product. Nonetheless, this method is more laborious since it requires a prior chemical extraction of GS, and the control and addition of a safe, food-grade extract into the flour. Both strategies have been reported to increase the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of bakery products. The direct incorporation of GS flour is affordable for industries, while the incorporation of polyphenol-rich extracts leads to the development of functional products with additional beneficial properties. This work discusses the benefits and potential hurdles of functional bakery products with incorporated GS flour and extracts, based on up-to-date evidence.
- Exploring the Potential of Hop (Humulus lupulus) Cone Residue: Chemical Characterization and Evaluation of BioactivitiesPublication . Reyes, Giulia Boito; Santos, Emylaine Pereira dos; Santos, Everton da Silva; Gonçalves, Laura Correia; Silva, Gabriela Catuzo Canonico; Gazim, Zilda Cristiani; Gonçalves, Regina Aparecida Correia; Oliveira, Arildo José Braz de; Pinela, José; Mandim, Filipa; Pires, Tânia C.S.P.; Cardozo-Filho, Lucio; Corrêa, Rúbia C.G.; Gonçalves, José EduardoHumulus lupulus L. (hops), belonging to the Cannabaceae family, is grown mainly for brewing, with 98% of global production directed to this sector. Moreover, large volumes of female cone residues are generated as by-products, representing a valuable source of bioactive compounds that can be valorized under green chemistry principles. This study aimed to extract bioactive compounds from hop cone residues sourced from craft breweries using ultrasound-assisted (EH-UA) and microwave-assisted (EH-MA) extraction methods. Hydroalcoholic extracts (70%) were analyzed for chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, nitric oxide (NO)-production inhibition, and photoprotective activities. GC-MS identified 32 compounds in EH-MA and 30 in EH-UA, including terpenes, sesquiterpenes, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and fatty acids. Both extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant activity in cell-based (TBARS, OxHLIA) and chemical (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) assays, particularly EH-MA. Significant antibacterial activity was observed, especially against Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 1–10 mg/mL), as well as antifungal activity against Aspergillus brasiliensis (MIC 2–2.5 mg/mL). Selective antiproliferative activity was observed against tumor cell lines Caco-2 and MCF-7 (GI50 25 μg/mL), without cytotoxicity toward nontumor cell lines Vero and PLP2 (GI50 > 400 μg/mL). All extracts inhibited the production of the inflammation mediator NO, with EH-MA showing the most potent effect (IC50 of 35 μg/mL), followed by EH-UA (IC50 of 55 μg/mL). Photoprotective potential was also demonstrated, with SPF values of 19 (EH-MA) and 18 (EH-UA). In conclusion, hop cone residues can yield multifunctional extracts with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective activities, which support their sustainable upcycling for pharmacological, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications.
- Motivation Profiles, Personal Values, and Personality Traits: The Interplay in Research Management and AdministrationPublication . Santos, José M.R.C.A.; Fischer, Melinda; Kerridge, SimonThis study addresses a significant gap in the literature by examining the motivation profiles of Research Managers and Administrators (RMAs) and their correlation with personal values and personality traits. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the research sought to propose and validate a conceptual framework specifically for RMAs, introducing the distinct profile of outcome-driven motivation. Empirical data were collected using a quantitative, cross-sectional survey (N=1,095 valid responses) distributed via snowball sampling. The methodological rigor was demonstrated through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), with highly suitable data (KMO=0.915, p<0.001) and high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.757 to 0.880). The EFA validated the construct of three distinct motivation profiles. RMAs were found to exhibit a predominantly autonomous (intrinsic) drive, confirmed by the highest mean score among the profiles, with statistically significant differences between all three types of motivation. This intrinsic motivation aligns with personal values that emphasize benevolence and universalism while downplaying power and tradition, and personality traits showing high conscientiousness, openness, and agreeableness. This work extends the use of SDT in Science and Technology Studies by validating a specific measurement scale for RMA motivation profiles. The results offer practical guidance, supporting the need for flexible, tailored motivational strategies and policies that enhance intrinsic factors such as autonomy and competency to boost RMA performance.
- Baru Pulp (Dipteryx alata Vogel): Fruit from the Brazilian Savanna Protects against Oxidative Stress and Increases the Life Expectancy of Caenorhabditis elegans via SOD-3 and DAF-16Publication . Leite, Natasha Rios; Araújo, Laura Costa Alves; Rocha, Paola dos Santos; Agarrayua, Danielle Araujo; Ávila, Daiana Silva; Carollo, Carlos Alexandre; Silva, Denise Brentan; Estevinho, Letícia M.; Souza, Kely de Picoli; Santos, Edson Lucas dosFruits are sources of bioactive compounds that are responsible for several biological activities. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the chemical composition of the pulp of the Brazilian Savanna fruit Dipteryx alata; evaluate its toxic effects, influence on the life expectancy of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and its antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo; and describe the mechanisms involved. The chemical compounds identified include phenols, terpenes, fatty acid derivatives, vitamins, and a carboxylic acid. The in vitro antioxidant activity was demonstrated by radical scavenging methods. in vivo, the D. alata fruit pulp was not toxic and promoted resistance to oxidative stress in nematodes exposed to a chemical oxidizing agent. Furthermore, it promoted an increased life expectancy in wild-type nematodes and increased the expression of superoxide dismutase and the nuclear translocation of DAF-16. These results suggest that the beneficial effects identified are related to these two genes, which are involved in the regulation of metabolic activities, the control of oxidative stress, and the lifespan of C. elegans. These beneficial effects, which may be related to its chemical constituents, demonstrate its potential use as a functional and/or nutraceutical food.
- Operationalizing the “Social” in Mountain Social–Ecological Systems: A Proposed Framework and Indicator SetPublication . Santos, José M.R.C.A.Mountain Social–Ecological Systems (MtSES) are global assets, providing essential ecosystem services to nearly half of humanity, yet they are disproportionately vulnerable to global change, experiencing “polytraps” of depopulation, poverty, and environmental degradation. Despite the inherent human dimension in sustainability, the social pillar remains conceptually chaotic, forming a highly fragmented “publication labyrinth”, and is often neglected in favor of more easily quantifiable environmental and economic metrics. These oversights leave mountain communities in a precarious state, underscoring an urgent need for robust, context-specific assessment tools. This paper addresses this critical gap by employing a two-step methodology: first, a literature review identifies prevailing social sustainability issues in mountain contexts; second, a comparative analysis evaluates prominent frameworks and indicator-based tools against these themes, using Ostrom’s multi-tier Social–Ecological Systems (SES) framework as the theoretical lens. Our findings reveal a persistent environmental bias in MtSES research and highlight the necessity for frameworks that integrate local knowledge, address power imbalances, and support bottom-up governance. A tool is proposed with indicators specifically for mountainous contexts. This study contributes to theory by offering a structured approach to unpack the elusive “social” in SES and to practice by providing a model and tool for developing actionable, context-sensitive social sustainability assessments, thereby fostering resilience and equitable development in vulnerable mountain regions. Ultimately, by operationalizing these social dimensions, this research provides a direct roadmap for achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in marginalized high-altitude contexts, particularly focusing on No Poverty (SDG 1), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Sustainable Communities (SDG 11), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).