De Vide Research Articles

A platform sandbox for the assessment of municipal sustainable development goals

Purpose This study aims to present an innovative sandbox platform that implements a decision support system (DSS) to assess the sustainable development goals (SDGs) addressed at the municipal level. It intends to determine the relative importance of each SDG in municipalities and explore the synergies that can be discovered among them. Design/methodology/approach Participatory action research is used to develop a DSS and an algorithm designated as discrete heavy fuzzy was also developed, which extends the Apriori algorithm to include discrete quantitative assessments of the level of SDG compliance by each project. A scenario consisting of three municipalities in Portugal (i.e. Porto, Loulé and Castelo de Vide) was chosen to demonstrate the implementation of the sandbox platform and to interpret the observed results. Findings The results reveal significant differences in the typology of SDGs addressed by each municipality. It was found that municipal sustainable projects are strongly influenced by the contextual factors of each municipality. Porto has projects that address the first five SDGs. Loulé appears projects that promote innovation, the fight against climate change and the development of sustainable cities. Castelo de Vida has initiatives related to innovation and infrastructure and decent work and economic growth. Research limitations/implications This study provides knowledge about the relative importance of the SDGs in Portuguese municipalities and explores the synergies among them. The proposed sandbox platform fills the gaps of the ODSlocal Webtool by proposing a dynamic and interactive approach for the exploration of quantitative indicators regarding the implementation status of the SDGs established in the 2030 Agenda. Originality/value This study provides knowledge about the relative importance of the SDGs and the various synergies that exist between them considering the Portuguese municipalities. The sandbox platform presented and developed within this study allows filling the gaps of the ODSlocal Webtool that gathers essentially qualitative information about each project and offers a dynamic and interactive exploration with quantitative indicators of the implementation status of the SDGs established in the 2030 Agenda.

Hair combs and their social and symbolic significance in Early Modern Portugal

SUMMARY: The aim of this paper is to present and discuss the meaning and use of hair combs in Early Modern Portugal (16th–18th centuries), having as a case study the objects found in the convent of São Francisco located in Castelo de Vide, in Portugal. These artefacts were used as a public demonstration of cultural and personal wealth, taste, and could possess apotropaic characteristics. They mark the desire to communicate social status, accumulated monetary wealth, faith, social beliefs, prophylactic functions, and it is also possible to understand their diachronic significance in their extended use through time. The combs were made using different raw materials, though the ones presented here are tortoiseshell. They exhibited the use of elements of European taste but were manufactured from exogenous materials, courtesy of Portuguese overseas endeavours, and affected by accompanying transformations in tastes and fashion.

Chromite Oxidation Patterns Associated to Serpentinization: Case Studies from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Alter do Chão Massif (NE Alentejo, Portugal) and the Ronda Massif (Spain)

Chromite oxidation during serpentinization of host peridotites is a well-documented process. Detailed compositional characterization of chromites and Cr-rich spinels from three geotectonic settings provided the basis for this study, focused on the comparison of their oxidation patterns as a means to evaluate the relative mobility of spinel components during serpentinization-related oxidation in those different contexts, namely: (i) tectonic exposures of serpentinized oceanic upper-mantle in the Azores sector of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR); (ii) serpentinized peridotites from Cabeço de Vide (CV, Alter do Chão Massif, Portugal); and (iii) serpentinized subcontinental mantle peridotites from the Ronda Massif (Spain). Electron microprobe data show that: (i) irrespective of geotectonic setting and original composition, Cr-spinels follow similar oxidation trends; (ii) early Cr-spinel oxidation, involving significant Mg- and Al-depletion leading to the formation of ferritchromit rims, has been more intense in the CV serpentinites than in the more recent MAR and Ronda serpentinites; (iii) with the possible exception of Zn, trace components (Mn, Ti, V, Ni and Co) seem to be relatively immobile during spinel oxidation, thus becoming slightly enriched in ferritchromit rims; (iv) extreme Cr-spinel oxidation is responsible for incomplete outer rims of magnetite on several grains. Time, fluid pH, and fluid/rock ratios seem to be the main factors controlling the intensity and extension of chromite oxidation.

Archaeomagnetism of four pottery kilns in central Portugal: Implications for secular variation and dating

We report archaeomagnetic results from four pottery kilns in Portugal which are thought to belong to the period of Roman rule (3rd Century BCE-4th Century CE). Very few details have been published to date, so this broad assignment is based on the general archaeological context at each site. Our motivation was to see if a more precise chronology could be established by means of archaeomagnetic dating. Concomitant goals were to compare these results from Portugal to their counterparts in Spain and to expand geographic coverage of the regional geomagnetic secular variation reference curve. Experimentally, all the samples behaved in a very coherent manner during progressive alternating-field demagnetization and yielded high-precision mean archaeomagnetic directions (a95<3°) for each site. The results suggest that two of the kilns, Castelo de Vide and Peniche, were most likely in use during the late 1st/early 2nd centuries CE, whereas the two kilns at Seixal are somewhat younger, dating to the late 2nd to early 4th centuries CE.

Linking serpentinization, hyperalkaline mineral waters and abiotic methane production in continental peridotites: an integrated hydrogeological-bio-geochemical model from the Cabeço de Vide CH4-rich aquifer (Portugal)

Continental active serpentinization of ultramafic rocks is today recognized as a key process triggering a sequence of phenomena involving the passage from inorganic, to organic and metabolic reactions. These may have a role in the origin of life, and may explain the occurrence of abiotic hydrocarbons on Earth and other planets. Production of hyperalkaline waters and abiotic methane (CH4) are two critical steps in this sequence. They were described independently by specific hydrogeological and geochemical models. Here, we update and combine these models into a unified scheme using and integrating geological, hydrogeological, hydrogeochemical, gas-geochemical and microbial analyses acquired from 2002 to 2014 in the Cabeço de Vide (CdV) study site, Portugal. The hyperalkaline (pH > 10.5), Na-Cl/Ca-OH mineral water of CdV evolve from groundwater-peridotite interaction (serpentinization) generating hydrogen (H2), which, according to multiple theoretical, laboratory and field evidence, likely reacted with CO2 within metal- (catalyst) rich rocks, abiotically producing CH4 (up to 1.2 mg/L; -24.4°/oo < δ13C-CH4 < -14.0°/oo and -285°/oo < δ2H-CH4 < -218°/oo). The hyperalkaline water hosts hydrogen oxidizing bacteria “Serpentinomonas”, which may explain the paucity of H2 observed in the dissolved gas. The CdV gas-rich mineral waters ascend along a fault at the boundary of the peridotite intrusion. Temporal changes of pH and CH4 concentration result from episodic mixing with shallower Mg-HCO3-type waters. Soil-gas analyses show that methane migrates to the surface along the fault, also independently from the water emergences, consistently with non-aqueous abiotic CH4 production. Our integrated model is generally compatible with observations from other gas-bearing continental serpentinization sites.

Revision of the hydrogeological conceptual models of two Portuguese thermomineral water systems: similarities and differences

This paper aims to highlight the role that the assessment of hydrogeological conceptual models of the thermomineral water systems of a given region plays in the sustainable management and protection of its resources (e.g., possible drilling plans to capture thermomineral waters with higher flow rate and/or temperature) and development (use of thermomineral waters in the various forms). Therefore, a multi and interdisciplinary approach from a variety of scientific fields of the domain of geoscience such as geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and isotope hydrology was applied. Despite the contrasting features of the two thermomineral systems studied, namely, different geochemical signatures ascribed to distinct geological environments (e.g., the Caldas do Moledo system HCO3-Na with 8 < pH < 9, and the Cabeco de Vide system Na-Cl/Ca-OH with pH ≈ 11.5), the respective hydrogeological conceptual models show clear similarities. Regional/local higher altitude areas associated with highly fractured rocks play an important role in conducting the infiltrated meteoric waters towards the discharge zones near the Thermal Spas. The discharge zones are mainly related to the intersection of the main local/regional fault lineaments and conjugate structures, responsible for promoting the ascent of the thermomineral waters. The use of thermomineral waters in spas, bottling industries, or low-temperature geothermal facilities often promote social and economic development at local and/or regional scale. In many cases, it is even a major, if not the main, source of local/regional development. Thus, the importance of such multidisciplinary studies for the sustainable management of these important types of georesources is obvious.

O deputado Mouzinho da Silveira na legislatura cartista de 1826-1828: os caminhos da Ocasião

A chegada da corveta Lealdade à barra de Lisboa em julho de 1826 marcou um novo tempo para Portugal. Portadora de um texto constitucional outorgado por D. Pedro, trazido por um tudo menos inocente correio inglês – Lord Charles Stuart plenipotenciário de S.M. britânica, que antecipadamente informara Londres do conteúdo dos decretos** – pretendeu marcar um novo tempo, de acordo com os ventos liberais que varriam para lá dos Pirenéus. Na concretização de um dos seus trâmites procedeu-se a eleições censitárias em 1826. Instrumento de uma burguesia rural e comercial em ascensão, o poder legislativo demonstrou no seu exercício as suas limitações entre o liberalismo e o ser liberal, fruto das suas ambições políticas e sociais.Entre os eleitos pela província do Alentejo constava o proprietário, natural de Castelo de Vide, José Xavier Gomide Mouzinho da Silveira, liberal moderado, com uma fecunda atividade política e profissional até então. A sua participação nas Cortes cartistas foi rica em intervenções, quer a título pessoal, quer a título coletivo em sede de comissões. Foi, no entanto, alvo de um processo de esquecimento a sua prestação parlamentar por variadas circunstâncias. Daí a pertinência de um estudo contribuindo para o conhecimento da sua prestação na Câmara, dando enfoque ao que as suas manifestações e propostas legais nos debates transmitiram, na sugestão do modelo de sociedade liberal, ou dita liberal, não esquecendo as influências, políticas e profissionais até então interiorizadas.

Control Rod Calculation in Axially Heterogeneous Fast Reactors—I: Influence of the Absorber Environment

In axially heterogeneous fast reactor concepts, such as the Advanced Sodium Technological Reactor for Industrial Demonstration (ASTRID) CFV (French acronym of Cœur à Faible effet de Vide sodium, meaning low sodium void effect core) core, the accurate neutronic prediction of control rods is a challenge. In such cores, the performance of the classical two-dimensional (2-D) equivalence procedure, used for control rod homogenization in homogeneous fast reactors, is questionable.In this work (part I of two companion papers), a number of axially heterogeneous environments, representative of a CFV-type core, are investigated using 2-D (X-Z) models, with the objective to distinguish regions where the classical equivalence procedure is valid from those where it is not.It is found that the environments that affect the control rod absorber the most, and are likely to invalidate the procedure, are the internal control rod interfaces, such as the absorber/follower interface and the interface between zones of different boron enrichments. The range of the main spectral impact could be seen within 0 to 10 cm from the material interfaces studied.In the companion paper (part II), a full-core investigation is performed that builds upon the results of this paper.

Control Rod Calculation in Axially Heterogeneous Fast Reactors—I: Influence of the Absorber Environment

In axially heterogeneous fast reactor concepts, such as the Advanced Sodium Technological Reactor for Industrial Demonstration (ASTRID) CFV (French acronym of Cœur à Faible effet de Vide sodium, meaning low sodium void effect core) core, the accurate neutronic prediction of control rods is a challenge. In such cores, the performance of the classical two-dimensional (2-D) equivalence procedure, used for control rod homogenization in homogeneous fast reactors, is questionable.In this work (part I of two companion papers), a number of axially heterogeneous environments, representative of a CFV-type core, are investigated using 2-D (X-Z) models, with the objective to distinguish regions where the classical equivalence procedure is valid from those where it is not.It is found that the environments that affect the control rod absorber the most, and are likely to invalidate the procedure, are the internal control rod interfaces, such as the absorber/follower interface and the interface between zones of different boron enrichments. The range of the main spectral impact could be seen within 0 to 10 cm from the material interfaces studied.In the companion paper (part II), a full-core investigation is performed that builds upon the results of this paper.

Control Rod Calculation in Axially Heterogeneous Fast Reactors—II: Impact of Three-Dimensional Homogenization on Core Parameters

Advanced sodium-cooled fast reactors with improved safety features such as the French Advanced Sodium Technological Reactor for Industrial Demonstration (ASTRID) CFV (French acronym of Cœur à Faible effet de Vide sodium, meaning low sodium void effect core) core concept are characterized by an axial heterogeneous core that will present a challenge for the homogenization procedures used today, taking into account all the different axial material transitions. Reliable modeling of the control rod and accurate prediction of the control rod worth are essential to determining the shutdown margins and to ensuring safe operation.In this work (part II of two companion papers), two different homogenization schemes are compared. One is based on the traditional reactivity-equivalence procedure in two dimensions, and the other is a newly implemented three-dimensional (3-D) version of the reactivity-equivalence procedure, with approximations based on the results in the companion paper. The deterministic results are compared with a Monte Carlo reference.Both cross-section sets from the two homogenization schemes yielded results within the requested ±5% error margin in reactivity. The largest discrepancy was found for the classical procedure for the case with a slightly inserted control rod (normal operating conditions). Both cross-section sets yielded similar power profiles in the fuel subassembly neighboring the control rod within the 2σ Monte Carlo standard deviation. Neither of the cross-section sets was able to predict the large gradients in capture rates close to the internal control rod interfaces.The study showed that the traditional two-dimensional (2-D) reactivity-equivalence procedure produces homogenized cross sections that yield reliable results in a CFV-type core. One exception from this was found for slightly inserted control rods, where the effect of the follower-absorber interface could not be fully captured by the 2-D scheme, and for such cases, 3-D modeling is recommended.

Control Rod Calculation in Axially Heterogeneous Fast Reactors—II: Impact of Three-Dimensional Homogenization on Core Parameters

Advanced sodium-cooled fast reactors with improved safety features such as the French Advanced Sodium Technological Reactor for Industrial Demonstration (ASTRID) CFV (French acronym of Cœur à Faible effet de Vide sodium, meaning low sodium void effect core) core concept are characterized by an axial heterogeneous core that will present a challenge for the homogenization procedures used today, taking into account all the different axial material transitions. Reliable modeling of the control rod and accurate prediction of the control rod worth are essential to determining the shutdown margins and to ensuring safe operation.In this work (part II of two companion papers), two different homogenization schemes are compared. One is based on the traditional reactivity-equivalence procedure in two dimensions, and the other is a newly implemented three-dimensional (3-D) version of the reactivity-equivalence procedure, with approximations based on the results in the companion paper. The deterministic results are compared with a Monte Carlo reference.Both cross-section sets from the two homogenization schemes yielded results within the requested ±5% error margin in reactivity. The largest discrepancy was found for the classical procedure for the case with a slightly inserted control rod (normal operating conditions). Both cross-section sets yielded similar power profiles in the fuel subassembly neighboring the control rod within the 2σ Monte Carlo standard deviation. Neither of the cross-section sets was able to predict the large gradients in capture rates close to the internal control rod interfaces.The study showed that the traditional two-dimensional (2-D) reactivity-equivalence procedure produces homogenized cross sections that yield reliable results in a CFV-type core. One exception from this was found for slightly inserted control rods, where the effect of the follower-absorber interface could not be fully captured by the 2-D scheme, and for such cases, 3-D modeling is recommended.

Water-rock Interaction Ascribed to Hyperalkaline Mineral Waters in the Cabeço de Vide Serpentinized Ultramafic Intrusive Massif (Central Portugal)

The conceptual model of Cabeço de Vide mineral waters, issuing at the contact metamorphism zone developed by the local mafic/ultramafic pluton, is described. These mineral waters discharge with a temperature between 17 and 20°C, show a very alkaline pH (up to 11.8), and have: Na-Cl/Ca-OH facies; dry residuum ≈ 200mg/L; Ctotal < 3.0mg/L; and extremely low Mg2+ and silica concentrations (< 0.3 and 6.5mg/L, respectively). CH4 isotopic composition (-24.4 o/oo < δ13C-CH4 < -14.0 o/oo and -285 o/oo < δ2H-CH4 < -218 o/oo) falls in the range of typical abiotic gas. In the case of Cabeço de Vide mineral waters, the understanding of the resource will help to preserve the mineral water quality, creating public interest.

X-ray Micro-CT Study of Cabeço de Vide Serpentinites and Carbonate Rock Samples: A Preliminary Approach

The aim of this study is to apply X-ray microtomography (μ-XCT) on the investigation of serpentinite and carbonate rock samples at 3D microscale. These rocks were sampled at Cabeço de Vide region (Ossa Morena Zone-Portugal). Based on previously reported classical micropetrographic and hydrogeochemical studies, and on the macroscale visual petrographic re-examination of core samples from the available drilling campaigns, two locations of the serpentinized ultramafic rock massif were selected to access structural and compositional variation with depth. The obtained results provided suggestive and relevant qualitative 3D information, especially concerning mineral distribution and the hierarchy of filled and/or empty cracks. They can, at least in part, be associated to tectonic evolution of that system. These are major information guidelines, resulting from this research, that can be considered to improve the hydrogeological conceptual model concerning the water-rock interaction history.

Mineralogical Evidence of Hydrothermal Alteration in Cabeço de Vide Mafic – Ultramafic Complex, Central Portugal

Mineralogical and geochemical studies were carried out on hydrothermally altered rocks from the Cabeço de Vide ultramafic complex. Samples from a borehole ascribed to mineral water exploitation showed mineralogical composition dominated by antigorite, lizardite, amphiboles (inc. anthophyllite), and calcite, the clay fractions being dominated by serpentines and chlorite. The mineralogical zoning along the sampled borehole may be a result of hydrothermal signatures of the system, reflecting different evolution stages.

De l’ennui au bore-out, une revue de la littérature

L’ennui est l’impression de vide intérieur causée par le désœuvrement, le désintérêt ou la répétition d’une tâche, la lassitude, et peut susciter des sentiments d’inutilité, de découragement, voire d’abattement. Il peut être la cause de nombreux troubles mais aussi motiver à diversifier son quotidien. Plusieurs auteurs en relèvent les méfaits au travail : il majore l’insatisfaction ainsi que les risques d’accidents par une baisse de la vigilance, conduit à l’absentéisme ou aux baisses des cadences. Il diminue la motivation à réussir mais conduit aussi à développer des activités alternatives. Toutefois l’ennui au travail peut conduire à un sentiment d’épuisement profond – le bore-out – qu’il convient de pouvoir repérer, prévenir et traiter. Boredom is distinct from depression (Merrifield and Danckert, 2014). In psychopathology it is defined, on one hand, cognitively, as a state of relatively low excitement or arousal, attributable to an internal or external situation perceived as being inadequately stimulating (Mikulas and Vodanovich, 1993), and, on the other hand, emotionally, as the consequence of a situation perceived as frustrating, giving rise to dissatisfaction. Boredom can take different forms (Clive, 1965) from inhibition to inertia. Acedia, or spiritual boredom described by philosophers and mystics, is caused by both a lack and an excess of stimulation and can lead to a real distaste for life: taedium vitae (Sénèque, in. Charpentier and Lemaistre, 1860), which can be expressed in a lethargic or agitated way (Fénichel, 1934). It can also be a subjective indicator of the flow of time (Zakay, 2014). Susceptibility to boredom is a sub-dimension of the search for sensations (Zuckerman et al., 1974; Cloninger et al., 1991), a risk factor for impulsive behavior, for dependency (Willging et al., 2014) and for risky sexual practices (Miller et al., 2014). Boredom at work can be the cause of numerous difficulties: decrease in performance, slowdown in pace, increase in impulsivity, professional tensions, increase in the risk of accidents. Boredom also favors an increased risk of absenteeism or resignations (Guglielmi et al., 2013), taking early retirement, the feeling of being in ill health or being incompetent. It contributes to team turn-over and can lead to burn-out or to professional alcoholism (Harju et al., 2014). At the other extreme, boredom can encourage alternative solutions to an unpleasant activity, for example, taking advantage of a commute to work to cycle or meet new people on public transport (Ollson et al.,2012; Bench and Lench, 2013). Bore-out, which is caused by a lack of professional activities (Rothlin and Werder, 2007; 2008), consists of three elements: boredom, lack of challenge and professional demotivation. A functional analysis can be formulated (Bourion and Trebucq, 2011) to consider therapeutic approaches: create new challenges or envisage professional retraining (Rothlin and Werder, 2008), avoid overstimulation and work more on the behavioral consequences than on the feelings of boredom (van Hooff and von Hooft, 2014). Cognitively, boredom can be fought by focusing on planning and better time management (Wang et al., 2012). An original perspective would be to work with the feeling of nostalgia (Van Tilburg et al., 2013) as, even if it is the regret of a bygone era, it could bring comfort and meaning to life by reinforcing self-determination (Routledge et al., 2012): it associates pleasant memories with success in overcoming challenges in the past (Hepper et al., 2014).

Influence of Local Spectral Variations on Control-Rod Homogenization in Fast Reactor Environments

Advanced fast reactor concepts, such as the CFV core (French acronym of “Coeur à Faible effet de Vide Sodium,” meaning “low sodium void effect core”), are characterized by a heterogeneous axial core arrangement, with an inner fertile zone and a sodium plenum above the fuel. Such concepts represent a strong challenge for accurate predictions of the control-rod antireactivity effects, and the surrounding local fuel pin power. Classical equivalence procedures, which were developed for axially homogeneous cores, are put to the test when applied to such axially heterogeneous cores.In this work, we investigate the influence of variations in the local neutron spectra, for different control-rod environments, with the objective of understanding the impact of spectral variations in control-rod homogenization. This was conducted by considering a simple one-dimensional model of the equivalence procedure in which a transition zone between the fuel and control rod was introduced to represent different control-rod environments.Two types of situations were studied, one corresponding to softened neutron spectrum environments, for which the impact in the homogenized control-rod cross section was found to be smaller than 5%. The second situation was with wide elastic scattering resonances in the control-rod environment, which could locally lead to differences of up to 15% in the resulting equivalent cross sections. The reactivity effect of these changes was calculated to be less than 2%.In some cases, the numerical stability of the equivalence procedure was adversely affected, mainly in high-energy groups, due to the softening of the neutron spectra.

Disaggregation of Statistical Livestock Data Using the Entropy Approach

A process of agricultural data disaggregation is developed to address the lack of updated disaggregated data concerning main livestock categories at subregional and county level in the Alentejo Region, southern Portugal. The model developed considers that the number of livestock units is a function of the agricultural and forest occupation, and data concerning the existing agricultural and forest occupation, as well as the conversion of livestock numbers into normal heads, are needed in order to find this relation. The weight of each livestock class is estimated using a dynamic process based on a generalized maximum entropy model and on a crossentropy minimization model, which comprises two stages. The model was applied to the county of Castelo de Vide and their results were validated in cross reference to real data from different sources.

Methane in serpentinized ultramafic rocks in mainland Portugal

We report a new case of methane (CH4) of apparent abiotic origin in continental serpentinized ultramafic rocks. Multiple analytical techniques, on-site and in the laboratory, revealed methane and ethane degassing from hyperalkaline (pH > 11) Ca2+–OH− mineral waters in boreholes drilled in the Alter-do-Chão igneous intrusion, at Cabeço de Vide, in mainland Portugal. The C and H isotopic composition of CH4 (δ13C ∼ −20‰; δ2H: −283‰) suggests a dominant abiotic origin, although minor thermogenic contributions cannot be excluded. Similarly, low methane-to-ethane ratios suggest a predominantly non-microbial source, consistent with previous microbiological data showing the lack of methanogenic archaea in these waters. Heavier hydrocarbons, CO2 and H2 are below detection limits. This case study confirms that CH4 from serpentinized ultramafic rocks can be transported by hyperalkaline fluids linked to deep circulation of meteoric waters. Maximum depth of Cabeço de Vide serpentinized rocks is less than 1 km, and present temperatures are likely lower than 50 °C. Serpentinization and related gas formation may have occurred at any time during thermal evolution of the igneous intrusion, so gas formation temperature cannot be easily determined. This case is an opportunity to test thermometry provided by CH4 isotopologue analyses. The existence of methane in continental serpentinized igneous rocks is more widespread than previously thought and petroleum systems with similar serpentinized ultramafics in reservoir rocks may have traces of the observed 13C-enriched CH4.

Generating rights for communities harmed by mining: legal and other action

As global mineral prices and production have boomed, Canadian mining companies have expanded their operations abroad with the support of the federal government. In light of the unregulated character and often destructive impacts of much new mining activity, the recent extractive industry expansion has been accompanied by increasing conflict. We analyse lawsuits launched in Canadian courts and in the inter-American human rights system by affected communities in Latin America. We conclude that both new legislation (such as Bill C-300) and continued effective collaboration between local civil society and Canadian NGOs are required for peaceful resolution of conflicts. Résumé Avec une forte croissance de la production et des prix des produits miniers, les entreprises minières canadiennes ont élargi leurs opérations à l'étranger avec le soutien du gouvernement fédéral. Dans un contexte de vide règlementaire et des conséquences destructives de cette industrie, le développement du secteur a été accompagné de plus en plus de conflits. Nous analysons les poursuites judiciaires lancées au Canada et dans le système des droits humains Interaméricain contre les entreprises minières canadiennes. Nous concluons que de nouvelle législation (comme la loi C-300) et une collaboration continue et efficace entre la société civile et les organisations non gouvernementales canadiennes sont nécessaires pour la résolution pacifique des conflits.

Microbial and functional diversity of a subterrestrial high pH groundwater associated to serpentinization

Microbial and functional diversity were assessed, from a serpentinization-driven subterrestrial alkaline aquifer - Cabeço de Vide Aquifer (CVA) in Portugal. DGGE analyses revealed the presence of a stable microbial community. By 16S rRNA gene libraries and pyrosequencing analyses, a diverse bacterial composition was determined, contrasting with low archaeal diversity. Within Bacteria the majority of the populations were related to organisms or sequences affiliated to class Clostridia, but members of classes Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Deinococci, Gammaproteobacteria and of the phyla Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi and Nitrospira were also detected. Domain Archaea encompassed mainly sequences affiliated to Euryarchaeota. Only form I RuBisCO - cbbL was detected. Autotrophic carbon fixation via the rTCA, 3-HP and 3-HP/4H-B cycles could not be confirmed. The detected APS reductase alpha subunit - aprA sequences were phylogenetically related to sequences of sulfate-reducing bacteria belonging to Clostridia, and also to sequences of chemolithoautothrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria belonging to Betaproteobacteria. Sequences of methyl coenzyme M reductase - mcrA were phylogenetically affiliated to sequences belonging to Anaerobic Methanotroph group 1 (ANME-1). The populations found and the functional key markers detected in CVA suggest that metabolisms related to H2 , methane and/or sulfur may be the major driving forces in this environment.