There are many valuable plant species improved by ancient cultures and cultivated locally but of very limited expansion worldwide. Some are considered neglected and underutilized species, such as the root and tuber crops from the Andes. They constitute traditional energy sources basic for the food security in the region but they also are great source of functional foods and there is a traditional associated knowledge on their nutraceutical properties. In this review, we focus on a few species (ahipa, arracacha, mashua, yacon) evaluated in the LATINCROP project which gathered information regarding their conservation status, cultivation practices and traditional uses and to promote new culinary uses. At the same time, this review covers the latest studies on the food components and their possible nutraceutical properties which may increase the public awareness to promote their adoption.

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ResumoID:8917Learning Biochemistry by Chocolate Guedes,M.C.; Cayres,C.B.;Mercado,G.P.;Pimentel,E.F.;Silva,G.F. Quimica-IMAPESBoth sensations and biochemical reactions taken place or promoted during ingestion of chocolate were the motivation for investigating the organic compounds present in this source. Cocoa and chocolate are composed by several substances , among them, aminoacids and alkaloids.The objective of this investigation was to purpose a contextured approach of biochemistry through the sensations and reactions involving aminoacids, theobromine and hormones. Methodology: 1. Theoretical part: constituted by theoretical and tutorial classes about aminoacids, theobromine and hormones involved at the metabolism; 2. Questionary: ten questions based upon theoretical classes, personal sensations and general aspects of chocolate; 3.Lecture: Cientific articles searched in periodics by own students as well as newspaper reports; 4. Experimental: Laboratory experiments including extraction, characterization, spectrometric quantification after specific reactions and identification by Rf comparison with standards on TLC from cocoa almonds and both powder cocoa and chocolate. The study was applied in 30 students from a chemistry college. Results: The results pointed out to a higher frequency of the students and to a increased interest from them by biochemistry issues and cientific lectures, as well as a satisfactory acquirement of theoretical and practice knowledge of aminoacids and hormones, spectrometry and chromatography. Conclusion: A contextured approach is quite positive for learning biochemistry to chemists.

In parallel with ongoing discussions on what the concept of a smart city actually entails, use of smart technology in management and governance of urban green space is increasing. Application of smart technologies usually involves multiple sensors, smartphones, internet connections, etc., working together to make green space management more inclusive and effective. In the Sustainable Smart Parks project in Gothenburg, Sweden, new technologies are being applied and tested for availability, reliance, and relevance for contemporary management. However, moving these technologies beyond ad-hoc applications and creating a joint systems approach to future management is still unexplored. In this article, we introduce an analytical framework based on urban ecology and nature-based thinking and use it to examine the Sustainable Smart Parks initiative. The framework works well in distinguishing integration of diversity, connectivity, adaptation, inclusion, and perception in different technologies. However, further studies are needed to test adequacy of the 5 initial criteria in a wider context and to increase coupling of smart technologies that share similar focus within each criterion. This would stimulate “systems mapping” and thus clearer progression toward integrated smart green space management.

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