This work is focused on the turbiditic sediments from the Carboniferous Baixo Alentejo Flysch Group (BAFG) in the South Portuguese Zone, an external zone of the Iberian Variscides. The aim of this work is to constrain the provenance and tectonic setting of these sediments in a context of a complex evolution of SW Iberian Variscides. For this purpose, we performed a systematic study of petrographical and geochemical signatures of greywackes and shales from the three BAFG formations: Mértola, Mira and Brejeira. Major and trace element composition and ratios suggest heterogeneous source area composition for BAFG shales and greywackes. For the oldest Mértola Formation greywackes, source area is dominated by granitoid rocks with minor mafic input. The latter becomes residual in the Mira Formation. The youngest Brejeira Formation greywackes show clear felsic affiliation associated with an increase in recycled components. The shales of all three BAFG formations denote a granodioritic affiliation. Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA) values suggest moderate weathering in the source areas of Mértola and Mira formations. These indices, together with A-CN-K relations, point out to steady-state weathering conditions in the source areas of both formations. In contrast, both CIA and PIA values for the Brejeira Formation indicate variable conditions of palaeoweathering, from moderate to intense, as a consequence of non-steady-state conditions probably triggered by tectonic instability in the provenance area. Compared to the greywackes, the shales of all three BAFG formations exhibit higher CIA and PIA values, as well as low K 2 O/Al 2 O 3 (~0.2) and index of compositional variability (b 1), reflecting the cumulative effect of multiple cycles of sedimentary recycling and prolonged chemical weathering history. Major and trace element distribution and upper continental crust-normalized multi-element plots suggest that the sediments of BAFG were derived mainly from a continental arc/active margin with minor contribution from old continental crust. Together, our geochemical data are compatible with BAFG sediments derived mainly from SW border of the Ossa Morena Zone (Gondwanan affinity), with possible contribution from an external (Avalonian) source.

RESUMO:Própolis é um termo genérico utilizado para denominar o material resinoso e balsâmico coletado e processado pelas abelhas a partir de várias fontes vegetais. A composição da própolis é complexa e ocorrem variações em função de fatores como a fl ora da região, estações do ano e características genéticas das abelhas. Sendo assim, objetivou-se neste trabalho realizarem-se análises para o controle de qualidade físico-químico de amostras de própolis, provenientes de seis diferentes locais situados nas microrregiões de Franca (SP) e Passo (MG), bem como verifi car a qualidade deste produto para o consumo humano e selecionar regiões produtoras de própolis verde. Os resultados obtidos para as diferentes análises variaram entre as seis diferentes áreas. As localidades de Capetinga-MG e o distrito de Chave da Taquara-SP produziram própolis verde durante todo o período de coleta. Além disso, as amostras de própolis provenientes destes locais mostraram-se satisfatórias para o consumo humano haja vista que os teores de fl avonóides totais variaram entre 1 e 2 % p/p e os teores de ácidos fenólicos oscilaram entre 4 e 8 % p/p. Unitermos: Baccharis dracunculifolia, própolis, ácidos fenólicos, análises físico-químicas e cromatográfi cas, microrregiões de Franca (SP) e Passos (MG).ABSTRACT: "Physical chemical and chromatographic profi les of propolis samples produced in the micro regions of Franca (SP) and Passos (MG), Brazil". Propolis is a generic term used to denominate the resinous and balsamic material collected from several vegetable sources and processed by the bees. Its chemical composition is complex and depends on the plant species of the region, seasonality, and genetic characteristics of the bees. Therefore, the aim of this work was to establish the physical and chemical quality controls of propolis samples from six different Brazilian micro regions of Franca (SP) and Passos (MG), as well as to verify the propolis quality for human consumption, and to select green propolis producing areas. The obtained results for the different analyses varied among the six different sites. The sites of Capetinga (MG) and Chave da Taquara (SP) produced green propolis during the whole collection period. Besides, the analyses of propolis samples from these sites indicated that they are satisfactory for human consumption based on the total fl avonoids content, which varied between 1 and 2 % (w/w) and on the phenolic acids content, which varied between 4 and 8 % (w/w). Keywords:Baccharis dracunculifolia, propolis, phenolic acids, chromatography and chemical analyses, micro region of Franca (SP) and Passos (MG). INTRODUÇÃOPrópolis é um termo genérico utilizado para denominar o material resinoso e balsâmico coletado e processado pelas abelhas a partir de várias fontes vegetais (Bankova, 2005). A própolis possui composição química complexa, cuja coloração pode variar do amarelo claro, marrom esverdeado ao negro (Marcucci et al., 2001). Várias substâncias presentes na própolis provêm de fl ores, ramos, brotos, exsudatos e de outras par...

The antioxidant and antimycotic activities of the essential oils and extracts of two native Portuguese Lavandula species, L. stoechas subsp. luisieri and L. pedunculata, were evaluated by in vitro assays. The total phenolics and flavonoids content were also determined. The antioxidant potential was assessed through DPPH radical scavenging, inhibition of lipid peroxidation (ILP), and DNA protection assays. All samples displayed a high DPPH scavenging activity, some of them showing concentration dependence. The majority of the samples were also able to inhibit lipid peroxidation. A strong correlation was observed between the results of DPPH and ILP assays and the flavonoids content of the samples. In the DNA protection assay, all the extracts were able to preserve DNA integrity. The antimycotic activity was performed against twelve fungi belonging to Basidiomycota and Ascomycota Divisions. L. stoechas subsp. luisieri exhibited the broadest activity spectra. L. pedunculata extracts were active against five fungi. Cryptococcus neoformans was the most sensitive, being inhibited by all the extracts. Our results led to the conclusion that L. stoechas subsp. luisieri and L. pedunculata can be useful as new sources of natural antioxidants and antimycotic agents, providing a possible valorization of the existing biodiversity and resources of Portuguese flora.

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a b s t r a c tThe growing requirements for renewable energy production lead to the development of a new series of systems, including wave energy conversion systems. Due to their sensitivity and the impact of the aggressive marine environment, the selection of the most adequate location for these systems is a major and very important task. Several factors, such as technological limitations, environmental conditions, administrative and logistic conditions, have to be taken into account in order to support the decision for best location. This paper describes a geo-spatial multi-criteria analysis methodology, based on geographic information systems technology, for identification of the best location to deploy a wave energy farm. This methodology is not conversion system dependent and therefore can be easily customized for different systems and implementation conditions. Selection factors can include, for example, ocean depth, sea bottom type, existing underwater cables, marine protected areas, ports location, shoreline, power grid location, military exercise areas, climatology of wave significant height, period and power. A case study demonstrating this methodology is presented, for an area offshore the Portuguese southwest coast. The system output allows a clear differential identification of the best spots for implementing a wave energy farm. It is not just a simple Boolean result showing valid and invalid locations, but a layer with a valued suitability for farm deployment.