The source of the 1722 Algarve earthquake: evidence from MCS and tsunami data

The 27 December 1722 Algarve earthquake destroyed a large area in southern Portugal generating a local tsunami that inundated the shallow areas of Tavira. It is unclear whether its source was located onshore or offshore and, in any case, what was the tectonic source responsible for the event. We analyze available historical information concerning macroseismicity and the tsunami to discuss the most probable location of the source. We also review available seismotectonic knowledge of the offshore region close to the probable epicenter, selecting a set of four candidate sources. We simulate tsunamis produced by these candidate sources assuming that the sea bottom displacement is caused by a compressive dislocation over a rectangular fault, as given by the half-space homogeneous elastic approach, and we use numerical modeling to study wave propagation and run-up. We conclude that the 27 December 1722 Tavira earthquake and tsunami was probably generated offshore, close to 37 degrees 01'N, 7 degrees 49'W.

Estimativa preliminar de custos de construção em empreendimentos de reabilitação

A temática da reabilitação de edifícios tem vindo ao longo do tempo a adquirir crescente importância e premência em Portugal, verificando-se uma progressiva degradação do nosso parque habitacional que tem merecido a atenção e a preocupação das várias partes interessadas no sector da habitação. Na análise da viabilidade de investimento num empreendimento de reabilitação, entre outros aspectos a ponderar, importa que haja uma estimativa preliminar dos custos de construção que sustente a decisão sobre esse investimento. Como introdução ao tema, são abordados os conceitos de reabilitação e conservação, caracterizado o parque habitacional nacional, enquadrada a reabilitação nas suas vertentes social, ambiental, económica e legislativa e analisado o potencial económico dos empreendimentos de reabilitação. A recolha de informação sobre custos é um dos aspectos de base essenciais na aplicação das diferentes metodologias de estimativa preliminar de custos de construção, fazendo-se a apresentação dos seus princípios e da metodologia de recolha de informação. Com base em cinco trabalhos publicados, são apresentadas as respectivas estruturas de custos de reabilitação e métodos de estimativa preliminar de custos de reabilitação, traçando-se consequentemente e em conjugação com os dados expostos na introdução ao tema, o estado actual da arte. Para cada metodologia apresentada, são analisadas as respectivas virtudes e deficiências, sendo possível concluir da importância da recolha de informação sobre custos na qualidade do resultado final da estimativa de custos e da classificação das metodologias analisadas em dois grupos com características próprias e vocações funcionais distintas.

DRhoGEF2 regulates cellular tension and cell pulsations in the Amnioserosa during Drosophila dorsal closure

Coordination of apical constriction in epithelial sheets is a fundamental process during embryogenesis. Here, we show that DRhoGEF2 is a key regulator of apical pulsation and constriction of amnioserosal cells during Drosophila dorsal closure. Amnioserosal cells mutant for DRhoGEF2 exhibit a consistent decrease in amnioserosa pulsations whereas overexpression of DRhoGEF2 in this tissue leads to an increase in the contraction time of pulsations. We probed the physical properties of the amnioserosa to show that the average tension in DRhoGEF2 mutant cells is lower than wild-type and that overexpression of DRhoGEF2 results in a tissue that is more solid-like than wild-type. We also observe that in the DRhoGEF2 overexpressing cells there is a dramatic increase of apical actomyosin coalescence that can contribute to the generation of more contractile forces, leading to amnioserosal cells with smaller apical surface than wild-type. Conversely, in DRhoGEF2 mutants, the apical actomyosin coalescence is impaired. These results identify DRhoGEF2 as an upstream regulator of the actomyosin contractile machinery that drives amnioserosa cells pulsations and apical constriction.

Slaughterhouses fungal burden assessment: a contribution for the pursuit of a better assessment strategy

In slaughterhouses, the biological risk is present not only from the direct or indirect contact with animal matter, but also from the exposure to bioaerosols. Fungal contamination was already reported from the floors and walls of slaughterhouses. This study intends to assess fungal contamination by cultural and molecular methods in poultry, swine/bovine and large animal slaughterhouses. Air samples were collected through an impaction method, while surface samples were collected by the swabbing method and subjected to further macro- and micro-scopic observations. In addition, we collected air samples using the impinger method in order to perform real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) amplification of genes from specific fungal species, namely A. flavus, A. fumigatus and A. ochraceus complexes. Poultry and swine/bovine slaughterhouses presented each two sampling sites that surpass the guideline of 150 CFU/m3. Scopulariopsis candida was the most frequently isolated (59.5%) in poultry slaughterhouse air; Cladosporium sp. (45.7%) in the swine/bovine slaughterhouse; and Penicillium sp. (80.8%) in the large animal slaughterhouse. Molecular tools successfully amplified DNA from the A. fumigatus complex in six sampling sites where the presence of this fungal species was not identified by conventional methods. This study besides suggesting the indicators that are representative of harmful fungal contamination, also indicates a strategy as a protocol to ensure a proper characterization of fungal occupational exposure.