http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11960/2360 2026-08-27T12:47:54Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11960/5001 Title: Effects of different orientations and treatments in an outdoor natural aging of japanese cryptomeria and scots pine wood Authors: Almeida, Joana O.; Labrincha, António; Parauta, Helena; Fernandes, Fábio; Delgado, Pedro Abstract: Wood is an excellent material in terms of sustainability; however, for durability reasons, it is critical to understand its aging over time, especially in outdoor spaces. Maximizing the lifespan of outdoor timber requires identifying the primary drivers of early-stage deterioration. This understanding ensures the selection of the most effective treatment and maintenance strategies. For this purpose, a natural aging exposure test was conducted on 32 samples of Cryptomeria wood and Scots pine, with 4 different solar orientations and 4 treatments, in a coastal area. To assess material behavior during the early stages of exposure without maintenance intervention, degradation was recorded over the initial 2 years of exposure. Those records were made based on visual analyses and classification tables for abiotic and biotic degradation, complemented by colorimetry to determine the specific effects of UV-induced photodegradation. The results obtained underline the importance of anti-tannin impregnation in the treatment process and demonstrate that treated pine wood shows greater color variations than treated Cryptomeria wood. This study reaffirms the indispensability of wood protection systems and suggests that reapplication must occur early in the service life to mitigate initial deterioration. 2026-06-30T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11960/4997 Title: Physicochemical analysis of ham from entire male pigs raised with different feeding and housing conditions Authors: Pereira-Pinto, Ricardo; Reis, Núria; Barbosa, Carla; Pinheiro, Rita; Vaz-Velho, Manuela Abstract: This study aims to investigate the effect of feeding and housing conditions on physicochemical characteristics of cooked hams produced with meat from entire male pigs. Meat from boars raised under different conditions of housing and feeding (two housing conditions and three levels of inulin added to feed) was used to produce six batches of cooked hams following a standard manufacturing process. Texture profile analysis (hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness), color analysis, pH, and moisture content were determined. ANOVA and principal component analysis were carried out. Results showed that 6% of inulin added to feed led to significantly lower values of hardness and chewiness. Improved housing conditions hams presented lower pH values. Except for a* parameter (red color), no significant interactions between the two categorical variables, housing and diet, were found. Housing conditions and inulin feeding may have affected meat characteristics; therefore, adjustments of current cooked ham processing parameters might be necessary. Practical applications: This study is part of a broader project where the main objective is to determine whether the housing conditions and the addition of inulin to pig feed lead to the reduction or elimination of the boar taint. Also, there is the need to determine if the meat characteristics are appealing to the consumers and viable for the industry, since the characteristics of entire male's meat may pose new challenges in meat processing. In line with this, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of different feeding and housing conditions of boars in the physicochemical characteristics of cooked ham, in order to determine the viability of the use of entire male's meat for cooked ham production. 2022-08-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11960/4996 Title: Chemical composition and industrial applications of Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) bark and other non‑wood parts Authors: Alonso-Esteban, José Ignacio; Carocho, Marcio; Barros, Diana; Vaz-Velho, Manuela; Heleno, Sandrina; Barros, Lillian Abstract: Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) is native to the western Mediterranean basin and has an economic importance in southwestern Europe. This importance is based on the use of its wood in the construction, furniture, and paper industries. Bark and other parts of the plant, such as resin, needles, and cones, are by-products with potential industrial application. These parts of the tree stand out because of the presence of secondary metabolites, the main ones being phenolic compounds and terpenes. Bark contains both, while other parts of the plant are mainly composed of terpenes. All these compounds have biological potential, mainly antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The bark has the widest range of industrial applications, and it can be used to obtain dietary supplements and functional foods, adsorbents, and bio-based resins and foams. Resin has a prominent industrial role too, especially in chemical industry. In this manuscript, an overview of these applications is described, opening an innovation opportunity for enterprises to use the by-products and residue of maritime pine. Still, albeit the described application, maritime pine has further applications that are right now being studied under the premises of circular economy. 2022-09-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11960/4995 Title: Quality and composition of the Branca breed cock meat fed with maize or concentrate Authors: Mata, Fernando; Cerqueira, Joaquim Lima; Araújo, José Pedro; Pires, Preciosa; Lorenzo, Jose; Bermúdez, Roberto; Soares, Laura Abstract: This study investigates the chemical and physical properties of Branca chicken meat, a traditional Portuguese breed. A feeding trial compared a conventional concentrate diet with a maize-based finishing diet, focusing on breast and thigh cuts. Key analyses included physical and chemical parameters, fatty acid composition and nutritional indices, highlighting implications for health and niche market potential. Thighs of birds fed on maize show higher post-mortem pH, independently of the fed type. These also have higher moisture levels. Protein levels are higher in the breast of concentrate-fed birds, and lower in the thighs of maize-fed birds. Thigh meat exhibited higher intramuscular fat. Thigh of concentrate-fed birds have higher water-holding capacity, and breast of concentrate-fed birds have lower water-holding capacity. Breast meat had elevated levels of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Maize-fed birds showed higher levels of plant-based FAs, while concentrate- fed birds demonstrated increased PUFAs such as EPA and DHA. Meat cuts affect firmness and colour attributes, with thighs displaying higher colour attributes and firmness levels. Different cuts and feed influence Branca chicken meat's quality and properties, emphasising the importance of tailored diets and sensory analyses to enhance its nutritional profile, market differentiation, and consumer appeal. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z