Bioaccumulation and effects of TBT on molluscs from southern Portugal

Tese de dout. Ciências e Tecnologias do Ambiente, Faculdade de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Univ. do Algarve, 2004

Produtos DOP/IGP de origem animal em trás-os-montes, Portugal: da protecção ao mercado

RESUMO O artigo avalia o desempenho no mercado dos produtos DOP/IGP de origen animal na região de Trás-os-Montes, recorrendo à análise cruzada das variáveis “sucesso observado” e “sucesso calculado”. O “sucesso observado” é estimado pela verificação conjunta de pelo menos três dos seguintes indicadores: 1) produção anual e importância económica crescente; 2) taxas de crescimento superiores às do mercado de referência; 3) notoriedade do nome do produto específico; e 4) preço superior ao do produto standard. O “sucesso calculado” determina-se cruzando as variáveis 1) rapidez na adesão ao processo por parte dos actores; 2) capacidade de coordenação e cooperação dos operadores na gestão colectiva da fileira; 3) especificidade do produto; e 4) relevância do mercado. Os resultados revelam a existência de correlação positiva entre as variáveis referidas. Em geral, a “sucesso calculado” elevado corresponde “sucesso observado” também elevado. Contudo, assumem especial interesse os produtos em que tal correlação não é tão marcada, em particular os casos em que o score da primeira variável é muito superior ao da segunda. Trata-se de situações em que bons ou aceitáveis níveis de organização, dinamismo, capacidade de gestão e de coordenação das Entidades Gestoras não se reflectem em volumes e taxas de crescimento da produção elevados, melhoria de preços e distribuição do valor acrescentado pelos diferentes intervenientes da fileira dos produtos. ABSTRACT The article evaluates the performance of PDO/PGI animal-based products in the region of Trás-os-Montes, northern Portugal, using a cross analysis of the variables “observed success” and “measured success”. The “observed success” was estimated by the simoultaneous verification of at least three of the following indicators: 1) annual production and growing economic importance; 2) growth rates higher than those of the reference market; 3)notoriety of the name of the specif product; and 4) price higher than the one for the standard product. The “measured success” was determined by crossing the variables 1) rapid actor involvement in the process; 2) actor coordination and cooperation capacity in collective chain management; 3) product specificity; and 4) market relevance. The results show a positive correlation between the two mentioned variables. In general, to a high “measured success” corresponds a high “observed success”. However, those products in which such correlation is not so high, particularly those with a higher score of the first variable, assume a special interest. This products, in general, correspond to situations in which with good or acceptable levels of organization, better dynamics, management and coordination capacity of the management bodies, do not reflect in production and high growth rates, price improvements, and distribution of the added value among the different chain actors.

Tracking of fatness during childhood, adolescence and young adulthood: a 7-year follow-up study in Madeira Island, Portugal

Aims: Investigating tracking of fatness from childhood to adolescence, early adolescence to young adulthood and late adolescence to young adulthood. Subjects and methods: Participants from the Madeira Growth Study were followed during an average period of 7.2 years. Height, body mass, skin-folds and circumferences were measured, nine health- and performance-related tests were administered and the Baecke questionnaire was used to assess physical activity. Skeletal maturity was estimated using the TW3 method. Results: The prevalence of overweight plus obesity ranged from 8.2–20.0% at baseline and from 20.4–40.0% at followup, in boys. Corresponding percentages for girls were 10.6– 12.0% and 13.2–18.0%. Inter-age correlations for fatness indicators ranged from 0.43–0.77. BMI, waist circumference and sum of skin-folds at 8, 12 and 16-years old were the main predictors of these variables at 15, 19 and 23-years old, respectively. Strength, muscular endurance and aerobic fitness were negatively related to body fatness. Physical activity and maturation were independently associated with adolescent (15 years) and young adult (19 years) fatness. Conclusions: Over 7.2 years, tracking was moderate-to-high for fatness. Variance was explained by fatness indicators and to a small extent by physical fitness, physical activity and maturation.

Tourism environmental attitudes in Berlengas Biosphere Reserve, Portugal

O potencial conflito entre o paradigma de conservação da natureza e o desenvolvimento de atividades de turismo em áreas protegidas exige uma gestão rigorosa. Em alguns casos, o controlo da visitação é uma estratégia para a preservação dos recursos naturais assim como outras ferramentas de gestão tais como a capacidade de carga turística e/ou zonamento, com a definição de áreas de acesso restrito a visitas. A fim de promover a harmonização entre essas duas forças opostas (preservação vs. visitação) algumas áreas protegidas têm mudado o turismo de natureza para o ecoturismo. Isto implica que as atividades turísticas deverão ser focadas numa viagem responsável a áreas naturais, e, ao mesmo tempo, na promoção da conservação do meio ambiente, na interpretação e na educação. No nosso estudo analisamos o potencial do Ecoturismo na Reserva Natural das Berlengas, uma área protegida em Portugal. Foram analisados o perfil, as motivações e o comportamento ambiental dos turistas que visitam as Berlengas. Um questionário bilingue foi elaborado e os dados foram recolhidos a partir de 304 turistas que visitaram as Berlengas, durante os meses de julho e agosto de 2014, o s quais concordaram em colaborar neste estudo. A análise dos nossos resultados permitiu-nos inferir que, de facto, o turista visita a ilha da Berlenga devido ao ambiente natural e à vida selvagem, a visita também está relacionada com as atividades de natureza, tais como, visitar as cavernas de barco, observação da vida selvagem, caminhadas e praia. No entanto, pelo facto dos turistas estarem motivados a visitarem a ilha para se envolverem na natureza não significa que eles tenham consciência pró-ambiental. Encontramos 53,2%/ medio-ecológicos e apenas 37,9% dos turistas pró-ecológico; 8,9% são mesmo anti-ecológicos. Os nossos resultados sugerem que a natureza e a vida selvagem são motivações que não parecem ser suficientes para as pessoas apoiarem verdadeiramente a conservação da natureza e desenvolver comportamentos pró-ambientais. Mas, também verificámos que os turistas com um maior nível de instrução têm uma maior consciência ecológica. Assim, os turistas com maior nível de instrução tendem a ter menos impacto sobre o destino turístico. De acordo com nossos resultados, são apresentadas várias recomendações para a implementação do ecoturismo nas Berlengas.

A importância da liderança transformacional no grupo CALZEDONIA, em Portugal

O presente estudo analisa a relação entre Liderança Transformacional e o Empenhamento Afetivo dos subordinados e o seu Desempenho Individual, e, ainda analisa a relação entre o Empenhamento Afetivo dos subordinados e o seu Desempenho Individual. A Liderança Transformacional é agradavelmente diferente de todas as teorias de liderança anteriores na medida em que é capaz de modificar comportamentos e formar profissionais e pessoas melhores, através de exemplos e atitudes. O líder transformacional é uma referência positiva, um modelo a seguir, é uma fonte e inspiração para todos. Os líderes transformacionais promovem um alto nível de empenhamento dos subordinados, e conseguem que estes exerçam mais esforço, e que alcancem elevados níveis de desempenho, bem como elevados níveis morais e éticos. Este estudo inclui uma amostra de 149 colaboradores do grupo CALZEDONIA, que desempenham a função de Assistente de Vendas e de Gerente de Loja (ou Store Manager) em Portugal. Para a análise dos dados foi usado o software IBM SPSS Statistics, versão 22. Os resultados indicaram que a Liderança Transformacional explica cerca de 12 % do Empenhamento Afetivo e 19% do Desempenho Individual, e que o Empenhamento Afetivo explica cerca de 14% do Desempenho Individual, naturalmente existem outros fatores que também explicam estas variáveis em estudo. Deste estudo é possível concluir que a Liderança Transformacional tem um papel importante na promoção do empenhamento dos subordinados e na produção de grandes mudanças e elevados desempenhos dos colaboradores, portanto contribui para o crescimento sustentável da organização.

Aspects concerning the acoustical performance of school buildings in Portugal

Acoustic measurements were performed in eight schools of different levels of education (from kindergarten to college) located in Viseu – Portugal. The acoustic evaluation was made in order to analyze the most common problems that may condition the acoustic environment inside school building. The acoustics evaluation of school buildings was made by the measurement of: reverberation time in classrooms; sound insulation between classrooms and between classrooms and corridors; impact sound insulation of floors and airborne sound insulation of façade. The sound insulation of façade was made with all elements closed and with natural ventilation conditions (banners or windows tilt mode). It was found that most of the studied cases revealed disabled constructive aspects in relation to the acoustic requirements of school buildings compromising the quality of education.

Health profile of centenarians in Portugal: a census-based approach

Background: The number of centenarians is rapidly increasing in Europe. In Portugal, it has almost tripled over the last 10 years and constitutes one of the fastest-growing segments of the population. This paper aims to describe the health and sociodemographic characteristics of Portuguese centenarians as given in the 2011 census and to identify sex differences. Methods: All persons living in Portugal mainland and Madeira and Azores islands aged 100 years old at the time of the 2011 census (N = 1,526) were considered. Measures include sociodemographic characteristics and perceived difficulties in six functional domains of basic actions (seeing, hearing, walking, cognition, self-care, and communication) as assessed by the Portuguese census official questionnaires. Results: Most centenarians are women (82.1 %), widowed (82 %), never attended school (51 %), and live in private households (71 %). The majority show major constraints in seeing (67.4 %), hearing (72.3 %), and particularly in their mobility (83.7 % cannot/have great difficulties in walking/climbing stairs and 80.7 % in bathing/dressing). In general, a better outcome was found for reported memory/concentration and understanding, with 39.1 % and 42.5 % presenting no or mild difficulty, respectively. Top-level functioning (no/mild difficulties in all dimensions concurrently) was observed in a minority of cases (5.96 %). Women outnumber men by a ratio of 4.6, and statistically significant differences were found between men and women for all health-related variables, with women presenting a higher percentage of difficulties. Conclusion: Portuguese centenarians experience great difficulties in sensory domains and basic daily living activities, and to a lesser extent in cognition and communication. The obtained profile, though self-reported, is important in considering the potential of social and family participation of this population regardless of their functional and sensory limitations. Based on the observed differences between men and women, gender-specific and gender-sensitive interventions are recommended in order to acknowledge women’s worse overall condition.

Género e TIC: questões de género na utilização das TIC por crianças e jovens em Portugal

Este Simpósio é dedicado ao tema “Género e TIC (Tecnologias da Informação e da Comunicação) ”, visando analisar e discutir as questões de género, no âmbito da utilização das TIC. Para desencadear a discussão, as/os participantes no Simpósio enquadrarão teoricamente o tema e apresentarão uma síntese dos resultados de diferentes estudos académicos, contribuindo, assim, para o retrato da relação entre género e utilização das TIC por crianças e jovens em Portugal. O enquadramento teórico apresentará as diferentes abordagens internacionais ao tema. Será referido o capítulo dedicado às TIC, do Guião Educação, Género e Cidadania para o 3º ciclo, e o programa de formação contínua de docentes que tem vindo a usar o referido capítulo na formação contínua de docentes, resultando na aplicação do mesmo pelos/as formandos/as em agrupamentos de escolas de todo o país. Serão também apresentados os resultados de uma investigação sobre a dimensão de género na utilização das TIC por jovens no ensino superior em Portugal. A análise das questões de género na utilização da internet pelas crianças será apresentada por pessoas da coordenação portuguesa de dois projetos europeus.

Researching the Use of Communication Technologies in Higher Education Institutions in Portugal

This paper describes a research which main purpose was identifying and characterizing the use of Communication Technologies by Portuguese Public Higher Education Institutions to support learning activities. An analysis model was created and used to develop a nationwide online survey used to collect data from students, teachers and institutional managers. The results show that institutional policies and resources are in place and being used to support learning; learning management systems and interpersonal communication technologies are intensely used and widely adopted; and that there are gender differences as far as the students' use of Communication Technologies is concerned. The results of this project provide a useful insight on the use of Communication Technologies by Portuguese Public Higher Education Institutions and give valuable information for ongoing decision making processes regarding the institutional adoption and development of learning models that take advantage of these technologies.

Peer interaction in mixed age groups: a study in the computer area of an early childhood education center in Portugal

The study was developed as a teacher-research project during initial teacher education – Masters Degree of Early Childhood and Primary Education, in Portugal. It analysed the interactions between children of 3 to 6 years old, during the use of the computer as a free choice activity, confronting situations between peers of the same age and situations between peers of different ages. The focus of the analysis was the collaborative interactions. This was a qualitative study. Children could choose the computer, amongst other interest areas, and work for around an hour in pairs. In the computer, children used mainly educational games. During four weeks, the interactions between the pairs were audio recorded. Field notes and informal interviews to the children were also used to collect data. Eleven children were involved in the study with ages ranging from 3 to 6 years old. Baseline data on children’s basic computer proficiency was collected using the Individualized Computer Proficiency Checklist (ICPC) by Hyun. The recorded interactions were analysed using the types of talk offered by Scrimshaw and Perkins and Wegerif and Scrimshaw: cumulative talk, exploratory talk, disputational talk, and tutorial talk. This framework was already used in a study in an early childhood education context in Portugal by Amante. The results reveal differences in computer use and characterize the observed interactions. Seven different pairs of children's interactions were analysed. More than a third of the interactions were cumulative talk, followed by exploratory talk, tutorial talk and disputational talk. Comparing same and mixed age pairs, we observed that cumulative talk is the more present interaction, but in same age pairs this is followed by exploratory talk whereas in the mixed age pairs it is tutorial talk that has the second largest percentage. The pairs formed by the children were very asymmetrical in terms of age and computer proficiency. This lead to the more tutorial interactions, where one children showed the other or directed him/her on how to play. The results show that collaboration is present during the use of a computer area in early childhood education. The free choice of the children means the adults can only suggest pairing suited to specific interactions between the children. Another way to support children in more exploratory talk interactions could be by discussing the way the older children can help the younger ones beyond directing or correcting their work.

Mathematical pedagogical content knowledge in early childhood education: A study in initial teacher education in Portugal

The study aims to explore the specificity of mathematics Pedagogical Content Knowledge in Early Childhood Education Pedagogy. The pedagogy of ECE (Siraj-Blatchford, 2010) and the didactics of ECE (Pramling & Pramling-Samuelsson, 2011) suggest dimensions of knowledge that require strong content and PC knowledge of teachers. Recent studies about PCK of ECE teachers highlight similar specific dimensions: organization of educational environment and interactions with children (Lee, 2010, McCray, 2008, Rojas, 2008). The current framework for ECE Teacher Education in Portugal (since 2007) focuses both content knowledge and subject didactics. PCK has been labelled the 'great unknown' in ECE (Rojas, 2008) in traditions where the child's development is considered as the main knowledge base for ECE (Chen & McNamee, 2006, Cullen, 2005, Hedges & Cullen, 2005). We studied the perspectives of 27 initial teacher education students about knowledge for teaching and about ECE Pedagogy. We used one open-ended questionnaire and students' analysis of episodes focusing children's answers or discourse relevant for mathematics (about high numbers and square root). The questionnaire was anonymous and students’ permission to use the answers was obtained. In the questionnaire, interactions with children (62%) and organization of the educational environment (38%) are highlighted as the most important focus for the teacher. Students suggested tasks that were adult planned and oriented to further the situations presented in the episodes. Very few references to children's exploratory actions (Bonawitz et al., 2011) were made. The specificity of ECE (child initiated activities, e.g.) needs to be further developed in initial teacher education.

Epizootic and epidemic dermatophytose outbreaks caused byTrichophyton mentagrophytesfrom rabbits in Portugal, 2015

We report an outbreak of dermatophytoses in rabbits, which was the origin of a dermatophytose epidemic in an agricultural school in central Portugal, affecting 15 people. Both the phenotypic characteristics and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence of the dermatophytes isolated from the rabbits and patients were identical, suggesting that a single strain was responsible for both the epizootic and epidemic dermatophytoses and confirming that these two outbreaks were linked. The ITS sequences were also 100% identical to the ITS sequence of five strains isolated from rabbits in Greece and Italy, but different from that of Trichophyton mentagrophytes commonly isolated from dogs and cats. These results suggest that a particular T. mentagrophytes genotype could be prevalent in rabbits in southern Europe.

First evidence of Schmallenberg virus introduction in Portugal, 2014

Objectives: Serra da Estrela native (SEN) breed of sheep is one of the most important in Portugal, standing responsible for the production of one of the most internationally recognized cheeses in the world, "Queijo Serra da Estrela” (protected designation of origin). One of the major risks to the sustainability of SEN dairy flocks if footrot, an infectious diseases that causes lameness, decrease in milk production, weight loss and decrease in fertility. The aim of this work was to determine which parameters become decisive for the appearance of footrot in SEN dairy flocks, while establishing associations with environmental and nutritional variables. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out by performing an especially designed 27 multiple choice questionnaire, based on the underlying causes of lameness in livestock and in the clinical diagnosis performed by the vet techinichian of the clinical cases evaluated at the moment of the inquiry. The survey was performed during the execution of the oficial veterinary health program between February and September of 2014 by a veterinarian team from the Association of SEN Sheep Breeders (ANCOSE). The ovine producers (N=30, with a total of 1270 animals) were randomly selected from the extense area of production of “Queijo Serra da Estrela”. The parameters evaluated in the study were: season and consequent weather changes during the period of the study, floor types, hygiene conditions, bed types, the existence and use of footbaths, location of footbaths, foot trimming and foot hygiene procedures. After the construction of the database and using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.0 the frequency response for each item was calculated. Results: All SEN livestock producers are proactive in the treatment of lameness (70%). About 99.7% of lameness was related with footroot and most appeared in winter (36.7%). In some occasions there was not a specific season distribution (56.7% rainiest years). From the analyzed farms, 70% use straw as a floor bed, followed by bush (21%). 45.6% of animals were clinically diagnosed with footrot and were sheltered in straw floor. Bed quality is good in 40%, however frequent changes in the floor bed in the preceding 15 days had a higher rate of footroot diagnosed cases (33,23%) compared to monthly changes. Regarding sheepfold animal number, the distribution is proper in 36.7%, elevated in 30%, overcrowded in 6.7% and low in 23.3%. Clinically ill diagnosed animals in last category were the lowest observed (3%). Concerning hoof trimming, 76.7% trims while 23.3% reported not to perform that task. From those that perform trimming, 73.9% do it only when necessary, 21.7% at the time of clipping and 4.4% when the animal is affected. One curious result was that animals who perform trimming at clipping had higher footrot cases (52.6%), unlike those who trim only when necessary (40.2%) or even when animals are clinically ill (0.91%). Mostly all in the presence of footrot choose a local treatment (95.2%) using antibiotic sprays, instead of parenteral antibiotic treatment. Footbath is rarely used in the prevention (13.3%) of this disease and when it is misconceived (25%) and incorrectly formulated (100%). Conclusions: This study was the first performed in Portugal focusing footrot caracterization in native SEN flocks.Economic impact in SEN dairy flocks is atributed to factors such as direct decrease in milk and meat production,early slaughter of affected animals due to non responsive treatment and medical expenses.The most effective eradication method combines first of all the ability to understand the problems of SEN producers and implementation of preventive measures and treatment of footrot.Often linked to lack of formation, the advance age of portuguese producers the mentality and social factors block the advance of veterinarian intervention itself.

Life quality and the wellness in elderly. study case of the Casa do Menino Jesus

This research aims to present an analysis on the absence of innovative social responses to elderly, taking into account the need for stimulation of this population segment. Our main goal is not only a theoretical approach about the issue of elderly, but also present a study on the potentialities of the Casa do Menino Jesus, our case study, can apply for funding of a multisensorial stimulation response for elderly. This paper is divided into three parts: theoretical framework and characterization of our social organization, according to an exploratory research, structuring a strategic plan of the organization, through field research, and as final result, to present a proposal for funding and implementation of an innovative social response, according to the underlying legislation to Portugal 2020. The sample is focused on the population of Mirandela municipality. To conclude, it is important to make this local approach, because of the increasing number elder people with dementia problems and specific needs of treatment and stimulation.