Carbohydrate-binding-modules (CBMs) are discrete auxiliary protein modules with a non-catalytic carbohydrate-binding function and that exhibit a great diversity of binding specificities. CBMcarb-DB is a curated database that classifies the three-dimensional structures of CBM–carbohydrate complexes determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods and solution NMR spectroscopy. We designed the database architecture and the navigation tools to query the database with the Protein Data Bank (PDB), UniProtKB, and GlyTouCan (universal glycan repository) identifiers. Special attention was devoted to describing the bound glycans using simple graphical representation and numerical format for cross-referencing to other glycosciences and functional data databases. CBMcarb-DB provides detailed information on CBMs and their bound oligosaccharides and features their interactions using several open-access applications. We also describe how the curated information provided by CBMcarb-DB can be integrated with AI algorithms of 3D structure prediction, facilitating structure–function studies. Also in this chapter, we discuss the exciting convergence of CBMcarb-DB with the glycan array repository, which serves as a valuable resource for investigating the specific binding interactions between glycans and various biomolecular targets. The interaction of the two fields represents a significant milestone in glycosciences. CBMcarb-DB is freely available at https://cbmdb.glycopedia.eu/ and https://cbmcarb.webhost.fct.unl.pt.

Este relatório pretende fazer uma revisão da literatura sobre a negociação coletiva portuguesa com referências à transição sustentável e justa no setor dos transportes e no setor público.
Portugal tem sido dos países que iniciou já o seu caminho de transição e encerrou as centrais a carvão. Mas em países do Leste europeu, por exemplo, existe muita indústria associada à produção de electricidade a partir do carvão, e onde o encerramento levanta sérias questões sociais. Nestes casos, em particular, é necessário um processo gradual que inclua medidas de apoio à formação e reconversão dos trabalhadores envolvidos.

In this note, we aim to correct some of the results presented in [1]. Namely, the statements of Proposition 2.1, Corollary 2.2, Corollary 2.3, Theorem 2.4 and Theorem 2.6, concerning only the monoids OP_n and POP_n, have to exclude transformations of rank two. All other results of [1], as well as those mentioned above but for the monoids OR_n and POR_n, do not require correction.

[1] V.H. Fernandes, Oriented transformations on a finite chain: another description, Commun. Korean Math. Soc. 38 (2023), 725-731.

The eye is one of the most complex organs in the human body, with a unique anatomy and physiology, being divided into anterior and posterior segments. Ocular diseases can occur in both segments, but different diseases affect different segments. Glaucoma and cataracts affect the anterior segment, while macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy occur in the posterior segment. The easiest approach to treat ocular diseases, especially in the anterior segment, is through the administration of topical eye drops, but this route presents many constraints, namely precorneal dynamic and static ocular barriers. On the other hand, the delivery of drugs to the posterior segment of the eye is far more challenging and is mainly performed by the intravitreal route. However, it can lead to severe complications such as retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, increased intraocular pressure and haemorrhage. The design of new drug delivery systems for the anterior segment is very challenging, but targeting the posterior one is even more difficult and little progress has been made. In this review we will discuss various strategies including the incorporation of additives in the formulations, such as viscosity, permeability, and solubility enhancers, namely based on Deep eutectic systems (DES). Natural deep eutectic systems (NADES) have emerged to solve several problems encountered in pharmaceutical industry, regarding the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drugs. NADES can contribute to the design of advanced technologies for ocular therapeutics, including hydrogels and nanomaterials. Here in, we revise some applications of (NA)DES in the development of new drug delivery systems that can be translated into the ophthalmology field.

Fábrica de Loiça de Sacavém (ca. 1858–1994) was among the first to produce white earthenware in Portugal, becoming one of the country’s leading ceramic manufacturers during the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Research on white earthenware has accompanied the growing interest in post-industrial archaeology but is still poorly explored compared to more ancient ceramic productions. This study focused on the ceramic body, glazes, and colourants of tableware produced by Fábrica de Loiça de Sacavém during the first 50 years of its activity (1859–1910). A multi-analytical approach was selected to investigate the chemical and mineralogical composition of the ceramic body, glaze, and pigments using optical microscopy, variable-pressure scanning electron microscope energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (VP-SEM-EDS), μ-Raman spectroscopy, μ-X-ray Diffraction (μ-XRD), and reflectance spectroscopy (hyperspectral image analysis). The studied tableware was produced with a Ca-poor siliceous–aluminous white earthenware ceramic body covered with transparent alkali lead or lead borosilicate glaze, and most colourants were complex Cr-based pigments. These results are in agreement with the little documental evidence from this period found in the manufacturer’s archives.

Orange peels contain a considerable number of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, that can be used as ingredients in high-value products. The aim of this study was to compare orange peel extracts obtained with different green solvents (vegetable oils, fatty acids, and deep eutectic solvents (DES)). In addition, the chemical characterization of a new hydrophobic DES formed by octanoic acid and l-proline (C8:Pro) was performed. The extracts were compared in terms of carotenoid extraction, antioxidant activity by three methods, color, and environmental impact. The results confirmed that the mixture of C8:Pro is a DES and showed the highest carotenoid extraction (46.01 µg/g) compared to hexane (39.28 µg/g). The antioxidant activity was also the highest in C8:Pro (2438.8 µM TE/mL). Finally, two assessment models were used to evaluate the greenness and sustainability of the proposed extractions. These results demonstrated the potential use of orange peels in the circular economy and industry.

The Hoek–Brown failure criterion has been widely applied to predict the strength of rock masses, demonstrating its relevance in diverse geotechnical contexts. This paper presents a novel 3D numerical implementation of the Hoek–Brown criterion in a finite-element limit analysis code. The proposed formulation is unique in its ability to produce strict upper and lower bounds for 3D problems, providing more accurate and reliable predictions of failure mechanisms compared to previous formulations. The validity of the formulation is demonstrated through comparisons with known analytical solutions or other authors’ numerical solutions. Furthermore, the proposed numerical tool is used to determine the stability of shallow circular tunnels in rock masses, highlighting its practical applicability in engineering design.

Natural Deep Eutectic Systems (NADES) have emerged in the past years as alternative solvents to traditional organic solvents and ionic liquids. NADES are easy to produce, sustainable, biocompatible, eco-friendly, remarkable solubilizing agents, and highly task-specific. The outstanding properties of this new liquid media have attracted the attention of researchers in the last decade in many fields and biotechnology is probably one of the fields where NADES have gained more relevance. Nonetheless, the progress beyond the state of the art in this field is not yet fully explored. Most research papers regarding the use of NADES in biotechnology are related to their use as solubility enhancers for poorly soluble active ingredients, particularly for pharmaceutical applications. However, the applicability of NADES in applications such as cryopreservation, stabilization of proteins and DNA, as well as other biomedical applications, has only recently been explored and presents still a plethora of discoveries to be unravelled. The current developments in this scientific field and future perspectives will be discussed herein.

Deep eutectic systems (DES) are a mixture of two or more components where at least one works as a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and another as a hydrogen bond donor (HBD). DES most distinctive characteristic is the fact that the mixture possesses a lower melting point, when compared to the melting point of its individual components. These systems have emerged as a “greener alternative” to organic solvents, while also offering several advantages over other “green” solvents such as ionic liquids (IL). However, the number of studies concerning the real biodegradability and biocompatibility are scarce and the methodologies are scattered through different articles. Current state of the art provides several reports using different models, namely using prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells but also more complex models considering whole organisms, such as plants and animals, attempting to understand DES toxicity at different complexity levels. The currently used methodologies is very different among authors, thus the standardization is urgently needed. This review’s purpose is to summarize the available data about DES toxicity, biocompatibility and biodegradability, while also assembling the different methodologies used in an effort to pave the way so that standard guidelines for future research work are established.

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