Predictors of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) helminth parasite diversity in the provinces of Spain

We analysed the viscera of 321 red foxes collected over the last 30 years in 34 of the 47 provinces of peninsular Spain, and identified their helminth parasites. We measured parasite diversity in each sampled province using four diversity indices: Species richness, Marg a l e f’s species richness index, Shannon’s species diversity index, and inverse Simpson’s index. In order to find geographical, environmental, and/or human-related predictors of fox parasite diversity, we recorded 45 variables related to topography, climate, lithology, habitat heterogeneity, land use, spatial situation, human activity, sampling effort, and fox presence probability (obtained after environmental modelling of fox distribution). We then performed a stepwise linear regression of each diversity index on these variables, to find a minimal subset of statistically significant variables that account for the variation in each diversity index. We found that most parasite diversity indices increase with the mean distance to urban centres, or in other words, foxes in more rural provinces have a more diverse helminth fauna. Sampling effort and fox presence probability (probably related to fox density) also appeared as conditioning variables for some indices, as well as soil permeability (related with water availability). We then extrapolated the models to predict these fox parasite diversity indices in non-sampled provinces and have a view of their geographical trends.

Purity of Blood and the Curial Market in Iberian Cathedrals

This article analyses the dynamics of accessing cathedral chapters with purity of blood statutes in the Iberian Peninsula, from a comparative perspective, and the interaction with the phenomenon of commodification of ecclesiastical benefices. This phenomenon created a Curial market that was open to any applicant with sufficient economic capacity, regardless of their ancestry. What was the result of the clash between the Iberian concept of purity and the commodified Roman reality?

Relatório no âmbito da unidade curricular prática de ensino supervisionada relativo ao ano letivo 2015/2016, na Escola Secundária/3 Rainha Santa Isabel, Estremoz

O presente relatório refere-se à Prática de Ensino Supervisionada incluída no Mestrado em Ensino de Português no 3º Ciclo do Ensino Básico e Ensino Secundário e de Espanhol dos Ensinos Básico e Secundário, que decorreu na Escola Secundária/3 Rainha Santa Isabel, em Estremoz. Conscientes da complexidade do processo de ensino-aprendizagem, tal como da parte central que os alunos ocupam no mesmo, este relatório faz uma reflexão crítica sobre algumas das áreas determinantes referentes ao processo de ensino-aprendizagem e sobre a Prática de Ensino Supervisionada realizada durante o ano letivo 2015/2016. Assim, o relatório organiza-se em seis capítulos, nomeadamente: preparação científica, pedagógica e didática; planificação e condução de aulas e avaliação das aprendizagens; descrição e reflexão das aulas lecionadas; análise da prática de ensino; participação na escola; e desenvolvimento profissional; Abstract: Report in the scope of the curricular unit of Supervised Teaching Practice This report refers to the Supervised Teaching Practice included in the Masters in teaching Portuguese in the 3rd cycle of Basic Education and Secondary Education and of Spanish in the Basic and Secondary Education, developed in the Secondary/3 school Rainha Santa Isabel, in Estremoz. Aware of the complexity of the teaching-learning process, as well as the central part of the students in its development, this report makes a critical reflection of some of the main areas concerning the teaching-learning process as well as of the Supervised Teaching Practice that took place during the school year of 2015/2016. Therefore, the report is organized in six chapters, namely: scientific, pedagogical and didactic preparation; planning and teaching classes and learning evaluation; description and reflection on the classes; teaching practice analysis, school participation; and professional development.