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- The marine origin of drugsPublication . Horta, André; Alves, Celso; Pinteus, Susete; Pedrosa, RuiOutstanding research work has been done in the last 50 years, resulting in the increase of knowledge related to marine organisms as producers of high value-added biomolecules. This chapter highlights some of the main topics related with marine drug origin, with a particular emphasis on the unique marine chemical ecology environmental as critical conditions for marine drug production. Additionally, some of the most relevant marine drug success stories associated to their therapeutic use, or as research pharmacology tools, is also described, including marine toxin drugs (e.g. tetradotoxin, okadaic acid, Cytarabine, Eribulin mesylate and Ziconotide). The marine drug origin of the FDA-approved drugs, as well all the marine compounds under clinical trials evaluations (phases III, II and I), are the main targets of this chapter.
- Commentary: Macrofaunal key species as useful tools in management and assessment practices on sandy beachesPublication . Gonçalves, Sílvia; João C. MarquesSandy beaches are the most abundant coastal systems worldwide, representing approximately 3/4 of the worlds' coastlines. In the last decades, these sensitive and dynamic ecosystems have been a target of an increasing human pressure, associated with an unbridled urbanization of coastal areas, caused by the high human population growth, but also associated with recreational activities and tourism. Together with global climatic changes and coastal erosion, these processes lead to detrimental impacts and an environmental quality decline of sandy beach ecosystems, imposing an increasing need for adequate assessment and management practices. In the majority of sandy beaches, the macrofauna is a key element in ecosystem functioning, occupying a central position in the food webs. Some species exhibit abundant populations, representing the bulk of the macrofaunal communities and functioning as key species in these conditions. In this commentary we discuss the relevance and utility of macrofaunal key species as tools in beaches integrity assessment, planning of management practices and restoration projects. We start by exposing the reasons behind the selection and use of these organisms as potential tools in assessment and management practices of beaches. Several and alternative methodologies, at the population and at the community ecological levels of organization, are afterwards discussed and their advantages and drawbacks evaluated. Finally, the most relevant key species in worldwide sandy beaches, known in the literature, and with potential as assessment and management tools, are identified. Since several manmade disturbances (e.g., intense human and mechanical trampling, beach grooming with heavy mechanical equipment), and even natural disturbances (e.g., abnormal temperature regimes, frequency and intensity of storms) may cause variations in key species bioecology, with negative impacts perpetuated to the higher ecological levels, monitoring, assessment and management actions focused on this indicator species hold large potential in the fast changing scenario of nowadays, and should be encouraged.
- Crustaceans from temperate sandy beaches: A possible route for management and conservation strategiesPublication . Gonçalves, Sílvia; Alvarado, VictorCrustaceans are important components of the macrofaunal communities of sandy beaches worldwide and may present a key role in the structure and function of these ecosystems in certain conditions. These animals represent the dominant faunal group in exposed beaches, where some crustacean species form abundant populations, especially in the supralittoral zone. In temperate latitudes, Talitrid amphipods, commonly known as sand hoppers, and Tylid isopods are often abundant elements in exposed sandy beaches although, due to their nature, Talitrids are the most conspicuous ones. Despite their clear ecological relevance as interface systems between the sea and land, sandy beaches also constitute unique and irreplaceable habitats for most of these Crustacean species. However, the intensification of human activities in coastal areas observed in the last decades, as well as the global climatic changes and coastal erosion occurring nowadays, have introduced several detrimental impacts threatening these ecosystems and their biota. In this commentary, the relevance of using Talitrid and Tylid crustaceans as ecological tools in management and conservation strategies for temperate sandy beaches is discussed. Also, the benefits of these strategies for the conservation of the unique habitats that beaches represent for these animals are highlighted. I start by explaining the ecological importance of Crustaceans in sandy beach ecosystems worldwide. The most abundant groups in temperate beaches and their main environmental stressors are afterwards presented. Finally, specific management and conservation strategies, employing Talitrids and Tylids as ecological indicators of environmental quality condition in beaches from temperate latitudes, are identified. © 2016 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.
- Assessing Ecological Quality on the Rocky Coast of Abalo Beach, PortugalPublication . Mouga, TeresaPortugal’s rich marine biodiversity, home to approximately 550 seaweed species, is distributed across biogeographical regions influenced by Atlantic and Mediterranean climates. Human-induced stressors, including habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change, have impacted seaweed ecosystems, changed the distribution patterns and promoting the invasion of alien species. This paper evaluates the ecological dynamics of seaweed communities on the rocky coast of Abalo Beach, Portugal, using the Marine Macroalgae Assessment Tool (MarMAT) in 2022 and 2023. The MarMAT methodology, endorsed by the Portuguese Environment Agency, assesses the ecological quality of coastal areas based on taxonomic composition, diversity, and biomass of macroalgae. The assessment revealed different percentages of late-successional species (ESGI) and annual (ESGII) seaweeds, indicating a subtle decrease in late-successional species. Of concern is the increase in invasive species from one in 2009 to six in 2023, suggesting a potential threat to ecosystem integrity. Comparative analysis with previous studies confirms the ongoing ecolog ical quality and resilience of Abalo Beach. The article underscores the importance of continuous monitoring amid environmental changes and the rise of invasive species.
- The Vibrant Spectra of the Oceans: Unravelling the Diversity, Functions, and Applications of Seaweed PigmentsPublication . Freitas, Marta V.; Afonso, Clélia; Pereira, Leonel; Mouga, Teresa; Trivedi, , Nitin; Reddy,, C. R. K.; Critchley,, Alan T.Seaweeds are photosynthetic organisms that harvest sunlight and convert it into essential energy through a highly effective biochemical process powered by light, which in turn is captured and directed to the reactive centers by pigments. Seaweed pigments are fundamental to the seaweed photosynthetic process and are also responsible for their current taxonomic classification into three distinct divisions. The Chlorophyta comprises the green seaweeds, which hold high levels of both chlorophyll a and b, along with lesser amounts of β-carotene and xanthophylls. The Ochrophyta integrates the brown seaweeds (class Phaeophyceae), which are particularly rich in the xanthophyll fucoxanthin, while also showing lower levels of other xanthophylls, chlorophyll a and c, and β-carotene. The Rhodophyta houses the red seaweeds, which are characterized by holding high levels of phycoerythrin, as well as lower quantities of phycocyanin, chlorophyll a, β-carotene, and xanthophylls. However, regardless of their designation, seaweed species exhibit a significant range of colors and hues that go beyond “green,” “brown,” and “red,” rendering them visually unique, due to the relative composition and abundance of each pigment within their living cells. Nowadays, science has unveiled not only the diversity of these pigments, but also their biological function. Targeted extraction methods and potential end-use applications for these pigments have been researched and developed, with the resulting product often designed to protect and promote human health. Today, humankind acknowledges the benefits of natural products obtained from the oceans, including those obtained from seaweed pigments. This chapter aims to supply insight on the diversity, functions, and applications of the pigments found in all the three divisions, thus contributing to a greater understanding of the benefits these functional molecules can provide to humanity.
- Aprendizagem ativa aplicada às aulas teóricas da UC de Botânica MarinhaPublication . Mouga, TeresaÉ consensual que a inovação pedagógica desempenha um papel fundamental na formação dos estudantes, especialmente nas áreas STEM, crucial para os preparar para os desafios do século XXI. Nesse sentido, foi desenvolvido um projeto de aprendizagem ativa na UC de Botânica Marinha, da licenciatura em Biologia Marinha. A aplicação destas metodologias demonstrou resultados significativos em relação ao desempenho dos estudantes, diferenças de género e satisfação dos estudantes. Os resultados apontam para uma diferença marcante no desempenho académico entre rapazes e raparigas, com as raparigas obtendo consistentemente melhores resultados, mas a introdução destas novas metodologias teve um impacto positivo no desempenho geral dos estudantes, com uma notável melhoria na participação dos rapazes nos testes. Os estudantes fizeram uma apreciação global das aulas, mostrando uma ligeira preferência pelas aulas expositivas em relação às aulas invertidas. No entanto, ambas as abordagens são consideradas úteis e compreensíveis, indicando que a combinação de diferentes métodos pedagógicos pode ser benéfica para atender às diversas necessidades e estilos de aprendizagem dos estudantes. Finalmente, destaca-se a popularidade do escape-room como uma atividade de aprendizagem, evidenciando que abordagens criativas e envolventes podem aumentar a motivação dos estudantes e o seu interesse pelo conteúdo.
- Game-Based Learning in Higher Education: A Comparative Study In Tourism DegreesPublication . Pais, Sónia; Chagas, Laura; Pires, AnaNew strategies regarding student-centered approaches have emerged in higher education contexts, in order to promote student motivation and engagement towards the learning process. Online quiz platforms such as Kahoot! seem to contribute to the consolidation of learning, particularly through content review. A quantitative survey was conducted among 86 students from a higher education institution offering undergraduate degrees in the area of Tourism, specifically within the subjects of English and Statistical Analysis. Following a consistent application of Kahoot! quizzes in class for reviewing purposes, the survey was implemented in order to allow for an examination of how the students perceived the usage of this game-based learning tool. Results show that most students consider the use of Kahoot! in classes to make learning more challenging and dynamic, while positively contributing to content consolidation.. However, the results obtained evidence that further studies are needed to confirm the effect on the use of Kahoot! in student performance.
- Perceções dos estudantes acerca do regime blended learning: estudo de casoPublication . Chagas, Laura; Cardoso, PaulaEste estudo incide sobre a perceção dos estudantes de dois cursos de mestrado de uma instituição portuguesa de ensino superior público acerca da modalidade blended learning, nomeadamente em relação às principais razões que os levam a optar por este regime, às perceções das suas vantagens e desvantagens, assim como as metodologias e ferramentas mais utilizadas pelos docentes. Através de uma metodologia quantitativa, os dados foram recolhidos a partir de um inquérito por questionário. Os resultados provisórios indicam que as perceções dos estudantes relativamente ao regime de b-learning são positivas. No que diz respeito às metodologias e ferramentas utilizadas, existe ainda algum caminho a percorrer no sentido de recorrer a metodologias e ferramentas mais diversificadas.
- Rubrics as Active Learning ToolsPublication . Cardoso, PaulaRubrics are traditionally considered as assessment tools that facilitate the learning assessment process, both for teachers and students. However, more than helping promote an assessment tool for authentic learning, it can be one of the main active learning tools. Students will not only read the assessment rubrics precreated by teachers, but they are invited to collaboratively create it, thus becoming even more engaged with their learning process right from the beginning. This idea will explain, step by step, how to successfully involve students into rubric building and reflect on their future learning, instead of only reflecting on their previous work.
- How to innovate and strengthen management accounting in a family restaurant businessPublication . Campos, Filipa; Santos, Luís Lima; Gomes, ConceiçãoThe aim of the chapter is to implement the adjusted USAR (Uniform System of Accounts for Restaurants) in a family restaurant business to provide more powerful operational and financial information, through the innovation of this type of financial tools. The restaurant sector has been recording historical highs in terms of its contribution to countries’ economies, and academic research on this sector has also been developing positively. This sector is characterised by many small companies, most of which are family-owned, whose main objective is to maximise profit. The cost and income information are extremely important for decision-making and achieving this goal. This information should be treated in a particular way since this is a sector with some particularities and due to the adverse reactions of managers. Based on the literature review, research questions were formulated. The qualitative methodology was used to promote a deeper understanding of the practices applied in family restaurant companies and of how to innovate and strengthen them. The aim is to study the social phenomenon in depth to understand the reactions of family restaurant managers to the change of cost information processing. The method adopted was an exploratory case study to study the implementation of USAR in a real environment and to verify its viability. A single case study was chosen since family restaurant businesses have the same characteristics and only the managers’ personalities change. In this case study, several sources of evidence were used, such as documentation, interviews, participant observation, and archival records. Then, the structure of its operations, accounting information on costs and incomes, and the adopted management control practices were analyzed. The results supported that the implementation of control and management systems in the restaurant sector allows for more effective management. USAR demands greater precision and detail at the operational and financial levels. The case study in a family-managed restaurant allowed the implementation of USAR with some adaptations, such as removing several detailed supporting schedules and reducing items from other statements. All research questions were answered, and this study will help restaurant owners to improve their income and control their costs more effectively, and make innovative decisions based on the information obtained. The implementation of USAR, as an innovative model, provides a more realistic vision of the whole operation and all the financial information and presents advantages. However, the lack of knowledge of managers and employees about the basic principles of management accounting can influence the success of the process.