Rising temperatures and water scarcity due to climate change are significant challenges for Mediterranean viticulture, particularly in the Douro Valley, a prominent winemaking region. Silicon (Si) has gained attention as a potential solution for mitigating these environmental stresses, especially in areas with limited water resources. This study explores the foliar application of Si as a promising strategy to r...
Solar radiation and temperature play crucial roles in grapevine metabolic processes and are known to have a positive impact on grape berry composition; however, excessive exposure to these factors can be detrimental. Kaolin-based particle film technology has emerged as a valuable solution for mitigating the effects of heat and water stresses in vineyards. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of kaolin applic...
This paper presents a comprehensive examination of the microstructure and mineralogy of the paper-like material found in Asian hornet nests (referred to as AHN P-LM) and the nearby tree leaves, utilising scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The analysis conducted through SEM-EDS demonstrates that AHN P-LM is primarily composed of plant fragments...
Muitos trabalhos de investigação têm vindo a ser desenvolvidos no sentido de encontrar novas soluções para os diversos contextos da ciência através da bio-inspiração. Este trabalho está centrado no estudo do ninho da vespa asiática e, em particular, no estudo do seu material de construção. Esta construção natural é complexa em todas a vertentes. A sua complexidade arquitetónica, estrutural, material, funcional,...
O ninho da vespa asiática (NVA) tem despertado o interesse de vários investigadores de diversas áreas do conhecimento. Na perspetiva da construção, este ninho revela uma complexidade funcional, arquitetónica, construtiva, estrutural e material deveras interessante. Alguns trabalhos de investigação foram publicados recentemente sobre o estudo desta construção animal. De uma maneira geral, estes trabalhos debruça...
According to the latest data from the COSI Portugal study (Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative), one in three children is overweight, a figure that increased by 2.2 percent in 2022. Despite political initiatives, 12 to 14% of children between the ages of 5 and 18 have high blood pressure, due, among other things, to an unbalanced diet, according to the Portuguese Society of Hypertension. Food and health a...
Climate change will pose a challenge for the winemaking sector worldwide, bringing progressively drier and warmer conditions and increasing the frequency and intensity of weather extremes. The short-term adaptation strategy of applying biostimulants through foliar application serves as a crucial measure in mitigating the detrimental effects of environmental stresses on grapevine yield and berry quality. The aim...
The Asian Wasp Nest (AWN) is an impressive and robust natural construction built by an insect. The building process occurs during spring and summer. This type of nest is not reused. The scale size between the Asian wasp and the AWN is substantial. In Portugal, we can find AWN on trees, roofs, balconies, chimneys, and other possibilities. When the AWN is built on trees, the tree's branches work as support. The c...
This study investigates the internal architecture of Asian hornet nests (AHNs) using advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scanning and X-ray radiography, to understand their construction and function. The primary objective and significance of this study centre on drawing inspiration from the creative way Asian hornets construct their nests, with a particular focus on the architecture, design, functionality, ...