http://hdl.handle.net/10174/584 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:46:14 GMT 2026-08-02T13:46:14Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42403 Title: A transcription factor-pair work in concert to regulate gene expression across the life cycle of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Authors: Mendonça, Madalena; Damm, Anika; Xia, Chongjing; Vicente, Cláudia S.L.; Eves-van den Akker, Sebastian; Espada, Margarida Abstract: The migratory endoparasitic pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the causal agent of pine wilt disease, causing significant economic and ecological losses in conifer forest ecosystems in Europe and Asia. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating PWN parasitism-related genes may lead to new sustainable solutions for control. Based on previous PWN transcriptomic datasets from the pre-parasitic and parasitic stages and from the pharyngeal gland cells (GC), an in silico analysis was performed to identify transcription factors (TF) highly expressed in the GC. Seven candidates TF genes were selected, and their spatial expression validated by in situ hybridisation. From those, two GC-expressed TFs, BXY_079 and BXY_022, each encoding zinc finger domains, were successfully knocked down by RNA interference. Transcriptomic data from silenced BXY_079 and BXY_022 TFs, analysed with existing life cycle specific transcriptomic data, showed that both TFs control genes expressed at similar times, by repressing male-related genes while activating genes expressed during the J3 and D3 stages, yet each represents the extreme of the others’ minor function. In addition to these common roles, BXY_079 also activates parasitism-related genes in the J2 stage. These BXY_079-activated parasitism-related genes predominantly encode proteins with lytic functions, including secreted peptidases and glycoside hydrolases. Consistent with their proposed role in parasitism, these genes are highly expressed during the parasitic juvenile stages and are likely involved in nematode feeding, tissue penetration, and migration within the host. In contrast, BXY_022 also represses the expression of several genes related to the reproduction system, such as major sperm proteins and cytosolic motility proteins, particularly in the adult male stage. Taken together, both dual-functional TFs work together, non-redundantly, to regulate gene expression across the life cycle, while each is additionally specialised to regulate diverse and distinct gene sets: ranging from genes implicated in lytic parasitic functions to sexual dimorphism. Sun, 31 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42403 2026-05-31T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42251 Title: O primeiro serviço pós-parto é o carro-chefe da reprodução - e sabemos como dirigi-lo Authors: Consentini, Carlos; Prata, Alexandre; Souza, Alexandre; Carvalho, Paulo; Ferreira, Tiago; Gonzales, Bruno; Carneiro, Tiago; Belli, Rodrigo; Melo, Leonardo; Santos, Vanda; Wiltbank, Milo; Sartori, Roberto Editors: Fontes, Flávia Abstract: O objetivo do manejo reprodutivo é maximizar o número de vacas que emprenham no início da lactação, permitindo atingir um intervalo entre partos (IEP) adequado para cada sistema de produção. Para isso, a efi ciência reprodutiva deve ser constantemente monitorada por meio de indicadores-chave, com destaque para a taxa de serviço (TS), taxa de concepção (TC) e taxa de prenhez a cada 21 dias (TP21d). Esses indicadores são, em geral, mensurados em intervalos de 21 dias, utilizando softwares de gerenciamento ou planilhas específi cas adotadas pelos técnicos de campo. Sun, 31 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42251 2026-05-31T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40244 Title: Building sustainability composite indicators using a multi-criteria approach Authors: Xavier, A.; Fragoso, R.; Freitas, M.B.C. Abstract: Building sustainability composite indicators is a complex process that has been addressed according to different strategies. One interesting approach is based on the compromise between the maximum aggregate solution and the most balanced solution, by considering the most displaced indicator regarding the ideal. However, some shortcomings were identified in this approach. First, several decision-making units may present an equal composite indicator, and hence the same position in the ranking, while corresponding to different sustainability situations. Second, the use of only the maximum deviation to define the most balanced solution requires a more integrated approach. Thus, this paper proposes a novel aggregation methodology for building sustainability composite indicators, where a new normalized entropy indicator for the most balanced solution is proposed and integrated with the sustainability criteria of the maximum aggregate solution and maximum deviation. The method proposed was applied to two illustrative examples from the literature and provided promising and robust results. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40244 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40242 Title: Sustainable Wine Assessment Tool (SWAT): a hierarchical framework to measure sustainability performance Authors: Ribeiro Trigo, A. F.; Marta-Costa, A. A.; Fragoso, R. M. de S; Fragoso, Rui Abstract: The imperative to address and accurately assess sustainability aspects is crucial for wine companies seeking to enhance their performance and adapt to evolving environmental, societal, and market pressures. Despite efforts within the wine industry to address these issues through guidelines or sustainability programmes, there is a notable lack of multidimensional instruments specifically designed to comprehensively measure the sustainability level of the wine sector. This work introduces the conception and development of an indicator-based assessment framework tailored for the wine industry – the Sustainable Wine Assessment Tool (SWAT). Hierarchically structured, SWAT encompasses environmental-social-governance dimensions (ESG), key properties, themes, subthemes, indicators, and reference values. The assessment framework serves as a decision-support tool relevant to the wine industry, accessible to a wide range of end-users, from wine producers to policy-makers. Additionally, SWAT can help businesses navigate and comply with forthcoming environmental policies or regulations on sustainability reporting. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40242 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z