Do Individual Differences in Emotion Regulation Mediate the Relationship Between Mental Toughness and Symptoms of Depression?

Mental Toughness (MT) provides crucial psychological capacities for achievement in sports,
education, and work settings. Previous research examined the role of MT in the domain of
mental health and showed that MT is negatively associated with and predictive of fewer
depressive symptoms in non-clinical populations. The present study aimed at 1) investigating
to what extent mentally tough individuals use two emotion regulation strategies: cognitive
reappraisal and expressive suppression; 2) exploring whether individual differences in
emotion regulation strategy use mediate the relationship between MT and depressive
symptoms. Three hundred sixty-four participants (M = 24.31 years, SD = 9.16) provided
self-reports of their levels of MT, depressive symptoms, and their habitual use of cognitive
reappraisal and expressive suppression. The results showed a statistically significant
correlation between MT and two commonly used measures of depressive symptoms. A small
statistically significant positive correlation between MT and the habitual use of cognitive
reappraisal was also observed. The correlation between MT and the habitual use of
expressive suppression was statistically significant, but the size of the effect was small. A
statistical mediation model indicated that individual differences in the habitual use of
expressive suppression mediate the relationship between MT and depressive symptoms. No
such effect was found for the habitual use of cognitive reappraisal. Implications of these
findings and possible avenues for future research are discussed.

Renda e Pobreza entre Famílias no meio Rural do Nordeste

MARIANO, J. L. ; NEDER, H. D. . Renda e Pobreza entre Famílias no meio Rural do Nordeste. In: CONGRESSO DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE ECONOMIA E SOCIOLGOGIA RURAL, 42., 2004, Cuiabá - MT. Anais... Cuiabá, 2004. Dinâmicas Setoriais e Desenvolvimento Regional.

Propriedades Psicométricas da Bateria de Avaliação Frontal numa Amostra de Adultos da População Portuguesa

The Frontal Assessment Batery / A Bateria de Avaliação Frontal (FAB) é um teste neuropsicológico, constituído por seis subtestes, cujo objetivo é avaliar a disfunção executiva global, nomeadamente as funções relacionadas com o lobo frontal, tais como a concetualização, flexibilidade mental, programação motora, sensibilidade à interferência, controlo inibitório e autonomia ambiental frontal. De forma a contribuir para o avanço dos estudos normativos em Portugal, esta dissertação tem como objetivo avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da FAB, numa amostra de adultos da população portuguesa. O protocolo abrangeu a seguinte bateria de testes neuropsicológicos: Bateria de Avaliação Frontal, Figura Complexa de Rey, Matrizes Progressivas de Raven e Teste do Desenho do Relógio. A amostra deste estudo incluiu 376 indivíduos, 155 do sexo masculino e 221 do sexo feminino. Os resultados desta investigação sugerem que a pontuação da FAB é influenciada por algumas variáveis sociodemográficas, designadamente a idade, escolaridade, profissões e região. A análise correlacional mostrou que há apenas uma correlação positiva moderada entre a FAB e as Matrizes Progressivas de Raven. Apesar da consistência interna da FAB ser baixa, existe uma estabilidade temporal moderada. Ao finalizar, consideramos que a FAB reúne os requisitos para se apresentar como uma bateria útil e eficaz, demonstrando um grau razoável de estabilidade temporal, mas fraca consistência interna, sugerindo que a FAB não é indicada para amostra não clínica. / The Frontal Assessment Baterry (FAB) is a neuropsychological test, composed of six subtests, whose aim is to assess the overall executive dysfunction, namely functions related to the frontal lobe, such as conceptualization, mental flexibility, motor programming, sensitivity to interference, inhibitory control and environmental autonomy. In order to contribute to the advancement of normative studies in Portugal, this dissertation aim to evaluate the psychometric properties of the FAB, in an adult sample of the portuguese population. The protocol included the following battery of neuropsychological tests: Frontal Assessment Battery, Complex Figure of Rey, Raven's Progressive Matrices and Clock Drawing Test. The sample this study included 376 individuals, 155 male and 221 female. The results of this investigation suggest that FAB is influenced by some sociodemographic variables, namely age, education, profession and region. The correlational analysis showed that there is only a moderate positive correlation between the FAB and the Raven Progressive Matrices. However, also they found low positive correlations between the FAB and the Complex Figure of Rey, and Clock Drawing Test. Although the FAB has a low internal consistency, there is a moderate temporal stability. Finally, we consider that the FAB gathers the requirements to present itself as a useful and effective battery, demonstrating a reasonable degree of temporal stability, but weaker internal consistency, suggesting that the FAB is not indicate for non-clinical sample.

Adolescent depression in schools: + Contigo Project

epidemiological data. It involves a high degree of mortality, namely by suicide, which is the third leading cause of death in the 15-24 age group. Objectives: To assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms in a non-clinical population of adolescents. Methodology: This is a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study, using the Portuguese version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). The sample was composed of 741 adolescents. Results: The results show that 31.2% of the adolescents have depression and, of these, 17.7% have moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Girls have higher levels of depression (p=.00). The total mean score in the BDI-II was 12. Conclusion: Given the adolescents' high vulnerability to depression and suicide, it is essential to implement prevention programs in schools to promote the early detection of depression and suicidal behaviors, and the referral to mental health services.

Renda e Pobreza entre Famílias no meio Rural do Nordeste

MARIANO, J. L. ; NEDER, H. D. . Renda e Pobreza entre Famílias no meio Rural do Nordeste. In: CONGRESSO DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE ECONOMIA E SOCIOLGOGIA RURAL, 42., 2004, Cuiabá - MT. Anais... Cuiabá, 2004. Dinâmicas Setoriais e Desenvolvimento Regional.

Fishers’ perception on livelihood strategies, adaptation and mitigation measures to cope with changes in climate variables around Lake Wamala, Uganda

Fisheries support livelihoods but are threatened by climate variability and change which intensified since the 1970s. This study used quantitative and qualitative methods to determine the extent to which fishers around Lake Wamala in Uganda were copying with perceived changes in climate variables and the impacts on their livelihoods, to generate knowledge to enable the fishers increase resilience and sustain their livelihoods. Fishers were aware of changes in climate manifested by unpredictable seasons, floods and droughts. Fishing was the main livelihood activity. The African catfish had replaced Nile tilapia as the dominant fish species. There was damage and loss of gear, boats, landing sites and lives, and changes in fish catches and sizes, income and fish consumption during the perceived floods and droughts. The fishers adapted to the changes through increasing time on fishing grounds and changing target species and fishing gears but innovative ones diversified to high value crops and livestock which increased their income beyond what was earned from fishing thus acting as an incentive for some of them to quit fishing. Diversification to non-fishery activities as a form of adaptation was enhanced by membership to social groups, weekly fishing days, fishing experience and age of fishers but its benefits were not equally shared among men and women. Mitigation measures included planting trees, mulching gardens and protecting wetlands. Adaptation and mitigation measures were constrained by limited credit, awareness and land. The required interventions included improving access to credit, irrigation facilities and appropriate planting materials and raising awareness. The study showed that the fishers were aware of changes in climatic variables and the impacts on their livelihoods. There were also adaptation and mitigation measures practiced by the fishers which if promoted and their constraints addressed, could increase resilience of fishers to climatic change and sustain their livelihoods.

Aplicação das ciências forenses no ensino secundário: um conjunto de actividades para a disciplina de Física e Química A

A popularidade das séries televisivas que abordam as Ciências Forenses (CSI 1 Mentes Criminosas, Casos Arquivados...) permite construir actividades que envolvem os alunos numa exploração científica de modo a que dominem os conceitos e apreciem a natureza da Ciência. Estes recursos educativos aplicam uma abordagem Ciência­ Tecnologia-Sociedade -Pensamento Crítico (CTS-PC) e podem ser explorados segundo uma metodologia de Aprendizagem Baseada na Resolução de Problemas (ABRP). Neste trabalho são propostas actividades laboratoriais, a decorrer no contexto formal das aulas da disciplina de Física e Química A (FQ·A), utilizando sensores e a calculadora gráfica. Num contexto não-formal, e baseadas nas técnicas analíticas utilizadas em Ciências Forenses, foram desenvolvidas actividades para um Clube de Ciência ou Laboratórios Abertos, complementadas por um blogue (CSI-Mafra). Estes recursos foram posteriormente partilhados com outros professores de Física e Química, numa acção de formação, proposta pela autora, e cujo objectivo principal foi a diversificação das estratégias de ensino e aprendizagem. O entusiasmo dos alunos na realização das tarefas propostas e os resultados nos questionários de grau de satisfação e de opinião, aplicados a alunos e professores, sugere que as actividades desenvolvidas podem contribuir na motivação dos alunos para o estudo da Física e da Química e promover a literacia científica da comunidade escolar. ABSTRACT; The high popularity between teenagers of the television series that have Forensic Sciences and Criminal lnvestigations as central theme, such as CSI, Dexter, Criminal Minds and Cold Case, can be used to develop learning activities that involves the students into a scientific exploration which aim is leading the students to learn Chemistry and Physics with pleasure, motivation and curiosity. The educational resources developed in this thesis make use of the strategy Science-Technology-Society-Critical Thinking (STS-CP) and can be exploited according the teaching methodology Problem Based Learning (PBL). ln this work we propose a number of laboratory activities that can be used on the classes of the High School course Physic and Chemistry A (FQ-A) and a different set of activities to be used in a non-formal teaching environment, which are based on the analytical techniques used in Forensic Sciences. The non-formal activities were developed as part of the activities of a Science Club and complemented with an interactive blog. The teaching resources developed by us were also used in a professional training course to physics and chemistry teachers aimed to teach how to introduce new teaching­ learning strategies. The enthusiasm of the students shown during the activities and the extremely positive results of the questionnaires, applied to students and teachers after the activities, clearly indicates that the learning resources developed in this thesis contribute to the student's motivation to learn Physic and Chemistry and to promote the scientific Iiteracy of the scholar community.

Teoria do valor e trabalho produtivo no setor de serviços

Interpretações da teoria do valor trabalho encontram dificuldades em definir o papel e o lugar das atividades de serviço com relação à produção ou não de valor. Esse problema ganha magnitude na medida em que a perspectiva histórica mostra que os serviços são grandes empregadores de mão de obra na atualidade. Tradicionalmente, os serviços são entendidos como atividades não produtivas, devido ao fato, dentre outros argumentos, de que não resultam em materialização na forma de mercadorias, ou que não produzem novos valores e mais-valia. O objetivo deste artigo é examinar essa questão e sugerir a proposição de que certos serviços, que preenchem determinadas condições, podem ser interpretados como produtivos de valor e de mais-valia. O artigo examina as categorias materialidade e imaterialidade, assim como as de trabalho produtivo e não produtivo de valor, introduzindo, a seguir, critérios para distinguir trabalhos produtivos e não produtivos de valor no setor de serviços. Com isso, pretende contribuir para clarificar o entendimento da teoria do valor trabalho num terreno entrecruzado de polêmicas e de posições teóricas diferenciadas. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT

Representações parentais e traços disfuncionais de personalidade: Um estudo com uma amostra de estudantes universitários

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar a relação entre representações parentais e traços disfuncionais de personalidade em sujeitos adultos da população não-clínica. Participaram 177 estudantes universitários, dos quais 104 eram mulheres e 73 eram homens, com idades entre os 18 e os 43 anos (M=22,66; DP=4,054). Foi aplicado o Millon Clínical Multiaxial Inventory-II, o Parental Bonding Instrument e o Object Relations lnventory. De acordo com os resultados, existe uma relação entre alguns tipos de traços disfuncionais da personalidade e experiências disruptivas na relação precoce com ambas as figuras parentais, como a falta de autonomia psicológica e instrumental sentida, e com determinados elementos das representações das figuras parentais, como a perceção de uma menor benevolência ou maior punição. Encontram-se também diferenças entre sujeitos do sexo masculino e do sexo feminino no que respeita ao padrão específico de correlações entre traços de personalidade e características da relação e das representações parentais. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this work was to study the relation between parental representations and dysfunctional personality traits in adult subjects from a non-clinical population. Participants were 177 university students, 104 of which were female and 73 were men. Ages ranged from 18 to 43 years old (M=22,66; DP=4,054). The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II, the Parental Bonding lnstrument and the Object Relations Inventory were administered. According to the results, there is a relation between certain types of dysfunctional personality traits and disruptive experiences in the early relations with both caregivers, like a perceived lack of psychological and instrumental autonomy, and with certain elements of parental representations, like the perception of less benevolence or a more punitive attitude. Differences between male and female subjects, concerning the specific pattern of correlations between personality traits and parental relations' and representations' characteristics, were also obtained.

Memórias autobiográficas voluntárias e involuntárias: Relações com a vinculação, as relações interpessoais e a ansiedade

Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada no ISPA – Instituto Universitário para obtenção de grau de Mestre na especialidade de Psicologia Clínica

Talking about quality: exploring how ‘quality’ is conceptualized in European hospitals and healthcare systems

BACKGROUND: Conceptualization of quality of care - in terms of what individuals, groups and organizations include in their meaning of quality, is an unexplored research area. It is important to understand how quality is conceptualised as a means to successfully implement improvement efforts and bridge potential disconnect in language about quality between system levels, professions, and clinical services. The aim is therefore to explore and compare conceptualization of quality among national bodies (macro level), senior hospital managers (meso level), and professional groups within clinical micro systems (micro level) in a cross-national study. METHODS: This cross-national multi-level case study combines analysis of national policy documents and regulations at the macro level with semi-structured interviews (383) and non-participant observation (803 hours) of key meetings and shadowing of staff at the meso and micro levels in ten purposively sampled European hospitals (England, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, and Norway). Fieldwork at the meso and micro levels was undertaken over a 12-month period (2011-2012) and different types of micro systems were included (maternity, oncology, orthopaedics, elderly care, intensive care, and geriatrics). RESULTS: The three quality dimensions clinical effectiveness, patient safety, and patient experience were incorporated in macro level policies in all countries. Senior hospital managers adopted a similar conceptualization, but also included efficiency and costs in their conceptualization of quality. 'Quality' in the forms of measuring indicators and performance management were dominant among senior hospital managers (with clinical and non-clinical background). The differential emphasis on the three quality dimensions was strongly linked to professional roles, personal ideas, and beliefs at the micro level. Clinical effectiveness was dominant among physicians (evidence-based approach), while patient experience was dominant among nurses (patient-centered care, enough time to talk with patients). Conceptualization varied between micro systems depending on the type of services provided. CONCLUSION: The quality conceptualization differed across system levels (macro-meso-micro), among professional groups (nurses, doctors, managers), and between the studied micro systems in our ten sampled European hospitals. This entails a managerial alignment challenge translating macro level quality definitions into different local contexts.

Factores asociados a desenlaces clínicos en pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de infección respiratoria aguda grave en una institución de nivel IV en Bogotá, Colombia

OBJETIVOS: Identificar los factores asociados a los desenlaces clínicos (muerte y estancia hospitalaria) en pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de Infección Respiratoria Aguda Grave (IRAG) por grupos etarios, en una institución de nivel IV de Bogotá en el año 2015. POBLACIÓN Y MÉTODO: Estudio de corte transversal que incluyó la totalidad de pacientes de todas la edades hospitalizados con diagnóstico final IRAG notificados al sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica. Se realizó descripción de las características sociodemográficas y clínicas. Se hizo un análisis bivariado y multivariado para identificar los factores asociados a los desenlaces clínicos relevantes como muerte y estancia hospitalaria. CONCLUSIONES: La mayor prevalencia de la IRAG se presenta en los grupos extremos de la vida siendo la población menor de 5 años la de mayor número de casos. La mortalidad fue baja, siendo exclusiva del adulto mayor de 75 años asociada a puntuación alta en la escala CURB65. Las causas de estancia clínica prolongada son multifactoriales y pueden estar asociadas a condiciones propias de la historia natural de la enfermedad, a complicaciones, a descompensación de patologías de base o a factores no clínicos.

Clínica de animais exóticos

O presente relatório tem como base o estágio curricular realizado na Clínica Veterinaria Exotics, em Barcelona, entre outubro 2015 e fevereiro de 2016, perfazendo um total de cinco meses. O estágio decorreu sob a orientação da Doutora Joana Reis e do Dr. Xavier Valls, estando inserido na área de medicina de animais exóticos. O relatório apresenta duas partes principais. Em primeiro, surge o relatório das atividades desenvolvidas durante o estágio, destacando o trabalho realizado nas diversas especialidades clínicas assim como a aprendizagem adquirida. De seguida, é apresentada uma revisão bibliográfica atualizada subordinada ao tema Insulinoma em furões destacando, para além das peculiaridades que envolvem esta espécie, as causas, o diagnóstico, as terapêuticas e os diversos desafios que esta doença origina no dia-a-dia da medicina veterinária: Abstract: Exotic animal medicine The internship, that originated this report, was conducted in an exotic animal medicine specialized clinic named Clínica Veterinaria Exotics, in Barcelona, from October 2015 to February 2016, with the supervision of professor Joana Reis and Dr. Xavier Valls. This report is comprised of two major sections: the first is a statistical study, where the clinical activities that were conducted in the many specialties of the exotic animal medicine are described, completing the analysis with a wide range of knowledge gotten from the daily routine of the clinic; as for the second part, it develops the current literature about, Insulinoma in ferrets, describing the animal’s particularities and the causes, diagnosis, therapies and challenges of this disease in the clinical veterinary medicine.

Non-invasive clinical measurement of the viscoelastic properties of tendon using acoustic wave transmission

Background. In isotropic materials, the speed of acoustic wave propagation is governed by the bulk modulus and density. For tendon, which is a structural composite of fluid and collagen, however, there is some anisotropy requiring an adjustment for Poisson's ratio. This paper explores these relationships using data collected, in vivo, on human Achilles tendon and then compares estimates of elastic modulus and hysteresis against published values from in vitro mechanical tests. Methods. Measurements using conventional B-model ultrasound imaging, inverse dynamics and acoustic transmission techniques were used to determine dimensions, loading conditions and longitudinal speed of sound in the Achilles tendon during a series of isometric plantar flexion exercises against body weight. Upper and lower bounds for speed of sound versus tensile stress in the tendon were then modelled and estimates of the elastic modulus and hysteresis of the Achilles tendon derived. Results. Axial speed of sound varied between 1850 and 2090 ms-1 with a non-linear, asymptotic dependency on the level of tensile stress (5-35 MPa) in the tendon. Estimates derived for the elastic modulus of the Achilles tendon ranged between 1-2 GPa. Hysteresis derived from models of the stress-strain relationship, ranged from 3-11%. Discussion. Estimates of elastic modulus agree closely with those previously reported from direct measurements obtained via mechanical tensile tests on major weight bearing tendons in vitro [1,2]. Hysteresis derived from models of the stress-strain relationship is consistent with direct measures from various mamalian tendon (7-10%) but is lower than previous estimates in human tendon (17-26%) [3]. This non-invasive method would appear suitable for monitoring changes in tendon properties during dynamic sporting activities.

Prospective, non-randomized phase 2 clinical trial of carboplatin plus paclitaxel with sequential radical pelvic radiotherapy for uterine papillary serous carcinoma

Objective Uterine Papillary Serous Carcinoma (UPSC) is uncommon and accounts for less than 5% of all uterine cancers. Therefore the majority of evidence about the benefits of adjuvant treatment comes from retrospective case series. We conducted a prospective multi-centre non-randomized phase 2 clinical trial using four cycles of adjuvant paclitaxel plus carboplatin chemotherapy followed by pelvic radiotherapy, in order to evaluate the tolerability and safety of this approach. Methods This trial enrolled patients with newly diagnosed, previously untreated patients with stage 1b-4 (FIGO-1988) UPSC with a papillary serous component of at least 30%. Paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC 6) were administered on day 1 of each 3-week cycle for 4 cycles. Chemotherapy was followed by external beam radiotherapy to the whole pelvis (50.4 Gy over 5.5 weeks). Completion and toxicity of treatment (Common Toxicity Criteria, CTC) and quality of life measures were the primary outcome indicators. Results Twenty-nine of 31 patients completed treatment as planned. Dose reduction was needed in 9 patients (29%), treatment delay in 7 (23%), and treatment cessation in 2 patients (6.5%). Hematologic toxicity, grade 3 or 4 occurred in 19% (6/31) of patients. Patients' self-reported quality of life remained stable throughout treatment. Thirteen of the 29 patients with stages 1–3 disease (44.8%) recurred (average follow up 28.1 months, range 8–60 months). Conclusion This multimodal treatment is feasible, safe and tolerated reasonably well and would be suitable for use in multi-institutional prospective randomized clinical trials incorporating novel therapies in patients with UPSC.