Using creative problem solving (CPS) to improve leadership in a non-profit organization

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) method in improving the leadership process in a non-profit organization. The research was designed around an intervention and structured in three stages (pre-consult, intervention and follow-up), with a team designated by management, in order to bring leadership cohesion to both departments of the organization and also between the board and executive management. The results, expressed in the tasks performed and in the interviews to team members, allowed us to conclude on the effectiveness of the CPS method to improve organizational leadership, by establishing a stronger relationship between departments, as well as, in the long term, between the board and executive management. These results highlight possible solutions to improve the leadership of non-profit organizations.

IV Colóquio Nacional de Horticultura Biológica. Livro de resumos

A agricultura biológica tem futuro e o futuro é hoje! É o mote do IV Colóquio Nacional de Horticultura Biológica, que decorre de 17 a 19 de março, no Anfiteatro Verde da Universidade do Algarve, em Faro. Uma iniciativa da Associação Portuguesa de Horticultura (APH) em parceria com a Universidade do Algarve e a Direção Regional de Agricultura e Pescas do Algarve. O IV Colóquio Nacional de Horticultura Biológica pretende ser um espaço de troca de conhecimento, de experiências e de debate que contribua para demonstrar o potencial produtivo, económico e ambiental da agricultura biológica (AB). Este modo de produção agrícola tem vindo a crescer na União Europeia nos últimos 10 anos a uma taxa média anual de 8% em área e de 11,6% em mercado, ultrapassando em 2012 os 20 000 milhões de euros em vendas. No mesmo ano, a AB ocupava em Portugal 226 425 hectares, distribuídos por 2885 produtores, principalmente pelo Alentejo e Beira Interior e em Trás-os-Montes, com predomínio das pastagens e do olival.

AB1258­HPR pilot study: does a mediterranean diet­based weight loss programme improve health outcomes in overweight older women with knee osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of pain and disability among older adults, particularly women. Pain and mobility disability are major consequences of knee OA which and can interfere with the functional autonomy of elderly and thus, making it difficult to perform activities of daily living. Evidence suggests that obesity is strongly linked to knee OA and that non­pharmacological therapy should be based on physical activity and weight loss in case of overweight and obesity. A positive relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and health outcomes has been widely discussed in scientific literature, including its potential benefits in weight loss.