Assessing the role of small farms in sustainable Food and Nutrition Security: What to consider t what scale?,

The AgroMed International Conference 2016 aims to discuss the current land use changes, with a particular interest on farm and land system dynamics, also considering the possible competition with other uses (urban and/or natural land uses). It is focused on “Farm and land system dynamics in the Mediterranean basin: integrating spatial scales, from the local to the global one”. Teresa Pinto Correia presented H2020 project SALSA “Small farms, small food businesses and sustainable food security”

As representações do ofício de professor : uma investigação empírica

Este trabalho de investigação, de natureza empírica, procurou conhecer e reflectir sobre as representações do ofício de Professor para os entrevistados, fossem eles docentes ou não docentes. As diversas questões que permeiam o debate sobre a formação docente e a qualidade do ensino são destacadas pelos profissionais da educação e por profissionais de áreas completamente distintas. O papel do Professor é o foco central das entrevistas e a profissão docente, apesar das dificuldades apontadas, é reconhecida e exaltada como uma profissão de fundamental importância para quem almeja a construção de um mundo melhor e de uma sociedade mais justa. A metodologia de pesquisa utilizada é, quanto ao fim, descritiva e, em relação aos meios de investigação, bibliográfica e de pesquisa de campo. Neste trabalho, foi utilizado o método de análise de conteúdo baseado em BARDIN. Este método aparece como um conjunto de técnicas de análise das comunicações que utiliza procedimentos sistemáticos e objectivos de descrição do conteúdo das mensagens. As respostas dos entrevistados foram categorizadas segundo as regras de análise de categorização das informações por homogeneidade, exaustividade, exclusividade, objectividade e adequação ou pertinência. Seguindo-se esta metodologia e com o objectivo assumido de contribuir para o debate acerca da formação docente, foi realizado o presente estudo de investigação, que agora se apresenta. /ABSTRACT: This research, empirical, sought to know and reflect on the representations of the Professor's profession on respondents, teachers and non teachers. The various issues in the debate over teacher formation and teaching quality are highlighted by education professionals and professionals from other areas. The teacher's role is the central focus of the interviews and, despite the perceived difficulties, the teaching is recognized and praised as a profession of fundamental importance for anyone who longs the building of a better wor1d and a fairer society. A descriptive research was used, based on literature and field research. ln this study, we used the method of content analysis based on Bardin. This method appears as a set of techniques of communication that uses systematic and objective description of the messages contents. The respondents' answers were categorized according to the rules of analysis of categorization of information by homogeneity, completeness, uniqueness, suitability or appropriateness and objectivity. Following this methodology and with the admitted goal of contributing to the debate on teacher education, was conducted this research study, which now presents itself.

Biological Approaches for Remediation of Metal-Contaminated Sites

Environmental pollution by several heavy metals and metalloids is a severe problem worldwide, as soils became increasingly contaminated, posing a threat to ecosystems and ultimately to human health. Contamination derives from large scale urbanization and industrialization, threatening land ecosystems, surface and groundwater, as well as food safety and human health. Remediation strategies for heavy metal-contaminated sites are necessary to protect from their toxic effects and conserve the environment for future generations. Numerous physicochemical techniques have been adopted including excavation and deposition in landfills, thermal treatment, leaching and electro-reclamation. These techniques are fast but inadequate, costly, cause adverse effects on soil physical, chemical and biological properties, and may lead to secondary pollution. In fact, many of these approaches only change the problem from one form or place to another, and do not completely destroy the pollutants. There was an urgent need to develop new technologies which are cost-effective and eco-friendly. In this context, biological remediation has tremendous potential. It uses plants and microorganisms to remove or contain toxic contaminants and is considered as the most effective method because it is a natural process, environmentally-friendly, has a low cost, and wide public acceptance. The present chapter aims to provide a comprehensive review of some of the promising processes mediated by plant and microbes to remediate metal-contaminated environments. Some biological processes used for the decontamination of organic compounds will also be included because of their relevance and potential common use for both purposes.