http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11960/2360 2026-10-14T00:25:05Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11960/5084 Title: Comparative evaluation of microwave- and ultrasound-assisted extraction of antioxidants from parsley (Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) processing by-products Authors: Solinho, Joana; Fernandes, Élia; Barros, Diana; Vázquez, Manuel; Pinheiro, Rita Abstract: Aromatic-herb processing generates large volumes of residues that remain rich in bioactive compounds yet are seldom valorised. This study compared the recovery of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity from parsley and coriander processing by-products under a fully crossed design combining two extraction methods (microwave-assisted; ultrasound-assisted), two temperatures (60 and 80 °C), two times (15 and 30 min) and three solvents (water, 50% ethanol, and 80% ethanol (v/v)). For each condition, four separate extractions were performed and combined into a single pooled extract, which was analysed in triplicate; the reported values therefore reflect analytical repeatability, and the between-condition comparisons should be interpreted accordingly. Each of the 24 conditions per species was characterised by total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH, and ABTS. Solvent composition was the dominant factor for both matrices, but in opposite directions of polarity: coriander TPC peaked in water (up to 49.71 ± 0.73 mg GAE/g DW), whereas parsley TPC peaked in 80% ethanol (7.18 ± 0.29 mg GAE/g DW), consistent with differences in the polarity of the extractable constituents. The conditions maximising TPC did not coincide with those maximising radical-scavenging activity, and DPPH and ABTS provided complementary rather than redundant information. In practical terms, coriander residues yielded the highest phenolic content with water, whereas their strongest antioxidant capacity (ABTS) was obtained with 50% ethanol under ultrasound; parsley residues required 80% ethanol with ultrasound. The best-performing condition therefore depended on whether phenolic recovery or antioxidant capacity was the target. These findings demonstrate that botanically related species require distinct, matrix-specific extraction strategies and support the tailored valorisation of aromatic-herb residues within a circular-bioeconomy framework. 2026-09-23T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11960/5083 Title: Urea–formaldehyde synthesis with kraft lignin nanoparticles and effects on formaldehyde emissions Authors: Lopes, Thamirys Andrade; Carneiro, Angélica de Cássia Oliveira; Vieira, Thaynara Silva; Tonoli, Gustavo Henrique Denzin; Demuner, Iara Fontes; Coura, Marcela Ribeiro; Barbosa, Verônica Oliveira de Paula; Carvalho, Ana Márcia Macedo Ladeira; Peres, Letícia Costa; Oliveira, Taíla Veloso de; Mata, Fernando; Santos, Joana; Jesus, Meirielly Abstract: To seek improvements in the quality and sustainability of adhesives for bonding wood, the objective of this work was to use pine and eucalyptus kraft lignin nanoparticles in the synthesis of urea–formaldehyde adhesives. The rheological properties, shear strength of glued joints and formaldehyde emission reduction wereevaluated. Theligninnanoparticles were produced from pine and eucalyptus kraft lignins, and two milling conditions were evaluated, in which the material was passed through the mill 5 and 10 times. The adhesives were synthesized by adding 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% lignin nanoparticles, replacing the total mass of urea. The treatments with better performances in relation to the control were submitted to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis and quantification of formaldehyde emissions. The lignin nanoparticle addition promoted an increase in the viscosity and pH of the adhesives. The treatments with 4% eucalyptus lignin nanoparticles (E5P 4%) and 6%pine lignin nanoparticles (P5P 6%) increased the shear strength by 10% and 13% in the dry and wet conditions, respectively. At higher replacement levels, there was a decrease in resistance. An increase in the intensity of the peaks at 1240 cm−1 (C-N stretching and angular deformation of NH2) and 1031 cm−1 (stretching of C-N bonds or N-C-N of methylene-ether bonds) was observed. The formaldehyde emissions of selected adhesives were reduced by up to 75%. The E5P 4% and P5P 6% adhesives had the best performances. Lignin nanoparticles in the urea–formaldehyde adhesive promoted improvements in the quality of the adhesive and replacement of urea by a renewable resource. Another highlight is the sustainability, due to the reduction in formaldehyde emissions obtained in adhesives produced with lignin nanoparticles. 2026-07-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11960/5082 Title: Food safety standards, regulatory paradigms, and international trade between the European Union, the United States, and other major commercial blocs Authors: Mata, Fernando; Jesus, Meirielly; Santos, Joana Abstract: Global food trade exposes sharp differences in food safety regulation, especially betweenthe EUand theUS.TheEUfollowsaprecautionary, hazard-based model, allowing intervention under scientific uncertainty to protect consumers, maintain public trust, and avoid longterm risks. The US applies a science-based, proof-of-harm approach, requiring clearer evidence of risk before limiting market access, supporting innovation and regulatory efficiency. These contrasting philosophies create trade tensions and non-tariff barriers, as seen in disputes over hormone-treated beef, genetically modified organisms, and chlorinewashed poultry. Beyond the transatlantic context, countries adopt precautionary, sciencebased, or hybrid systems depending on domestic priorities, institutional capacity, and trade commitments. Hybrid models in India, China, and parts of Africa combine precautionary safeguards with evidence-based risk assessment to balance consumer protection and market access. International bodies such as Codex Alimentarius, the WHO, and the WTO help manage regulatory divergence through standards, guidance, and dispute resolution, while recognising precaution under uncertainty. Recent EU agreements with Mercosur and India show pragmatic cooperation through transparency, safeguards, and sanitary and phytosanitary commitments. Overall, effective global food governance depends on hybrid, coordinated, and adaptive approaches that reconcile health protection, trade facilitation, and innovation. 2026-07-10T00:00:00Z 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