The determinants of VAT revenues in Portugal

Mestrado em Finanças

NEIGHBORHOOD PERCEPTION OF SAFETY AND THE MOBILITY GAP BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN IN OLD AGE

Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2016-10-02 21:02:07.735

Ageing seabreams: A comparative study between scales and otoliths

Otoliths and scales were used to determine age and growth of: Boops boops (Linnaeus, 1758), Diplodus vulgaris (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817), Diplodus sargus (Linnaeus, 1758), Lithognathus mormyrus (Linnaeus, 1758), Pagellus acarne (Risso, 1827), Pagellus erythrinus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Spondyliosoma cantharus (Linnaeus, 1758). These structures came from previous studies conducted in southern Portugal, and complemented by market sampling and beach seining. Von Bertalanffy growth functions were estimated with otolith and scale readings. Results indicate that otoliths are better structures for ageing these species but scales can also be used as a non-destructive technique and with satisfactory results. The exceptions were R erythrinus and S. cantharus for which scales provided better results. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparing Atlantic and Mediterranean populations of the velvet belly lanternshark, Etmopterus spinax, with comments on the efficiency of density-dependent compensatory mechanisms

Etmopterus spinax is a small-sized deep-water lantern shark that occurs in the Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Differences in depth distribution, densities, size at maturity and fecundity were compared between a population that has suffered high levels of fishing mortality during the last decades (Southern Portugal in the northeast Atlantic) and a population where low fishing pressure below 500 m occurs at present or has occurred in the last decades (Northern Alboran Sea in the western Mediterranean). The density of this species, as derived by experimental bottom trawl survey, off the coast of Southern Portugal, is substantially lower than in the Northern Alboran Sea throughout the entire depth range. The Atlantic population is maturing at smaller sizes than the Mediterranean population and has a lower mean fecundity. Specifically, sizes at maturity for Southern Portugal and the Northern Alboran Sea were, respectively, 25.39 and 28.31 cm TL for males and 30.86 and 34.18 cm TL for females, while mean fecundities for Southern Portugal and the Northern Alboran Sea were, respectively, 9.94 and 11.06 oocytes per mature female. This work demonstrated the possible presence of density-dependent mechanisms in the Southern Portuguese population of E. spinax that has lowered the size at maturity as a possible result of excessive fishing mortality. However, given that this is an aplacentary viviparous shark, where fecundity is dependent on female size, this compensatory mechanism seems to have a limited efficiency.

Reduction of elasmobranch by-catch in the hake semipelagic near-bottom longline fishery in the Algarve (Southern Portugal)

Elasmobranch fish, particularly deep-sea sharks, are the most important component of the by-catch of the hake semipelagic near-bottom 'pedra-e-bola' longline fishery in the Algarve (South Portugal) and most of these fish are discarded. The effects of the removal of the lower hooks were evaluated, in terms of target and by-catch reductions, by quantifying the catches of each hook relative to the distance from the bottom. The analysis showed that most European hake (Merluccius merluccius), the target species of this fishery, were caught in the middle range of the hooks, with very few individuals caught near the bottom, whereas for sharks the situation was the opposite, with most hooked near the bottom. The removal of the lower three pairs of hooks would result in a small reduction in the catch of the target species, but a much more significant reduction in elasmobranch by-catch. In the specific case of the blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus), discard mortality would be further minimized due to the fact that the lower hooks capture significantly smaller animals that are always discarded compared with hooks that are more distant from the bottom.

The reproductive biology of Spondyliosoma cantharus (L.) from the SW Coast of Portugal

The study of Spondyliosoma cantharus (L.) reproduction was carried out within the framework of a project on the Fisheries resources of the south-west coast of Portugal, and was based on the analysis of the spawning season, gonad maturation, size-at-maturity, fecundity, and hermaphroditism. Spawning took place from February to April, peaking in March. Analysis of the sex ratio by size class and season showed that females were more abundant throughout the year (M/F=0.57) and in the smaller size classes. Overall size at first maturity (L-50) was 20.10 cm total length (TL), with a significant difference between males (22.41 cm, TL) and females (19.98 cm, TL). Absolute fecundity (Fa) ranged from 37,506 to 112,074 oocytes, with a mean of 61,396. A power type relationship best described the relationships between absolute fecundity and TL (Fa = 436.27TL(1.575)), and somatic weight (Fa = 2979.7SW(0.585)). The number of oocytes/g of female somatic weight ranged from 217 to 549, with a mean of 346. The reproductive strategy of this species is characterised by protogynic hermaphroditism, as indicated by the presence of individuals in transition and of testes with vestiges of preceding ovaries associated with the significant differences in the size frequency distributions of the sexes.

A multi-model approach to evaluate the role of environmental variability and fishing pressure in sardine fisheries

Understanding the fluctuations in population abundance is a central question in fisheries. Sardine fisheries is of great importance to Portugal and is data-rich and of primary concern to fisheries managers. In Portugal, sub-stocks of Sardina pilchardus (sardine) are found in different regions: the Northwest (IXaCN), Southwest (IXaCS) and the South coast (IXaS-Algarve). Each of these sardine sub-stocks is affected differently by a unique set of climate and ocean conditions, mainly during larval development and recruitment, which will consequently affect sardine fisheries in the short term. Taking this hypothesis into consideration we examined the effects of hydrographic (river discharge), sea surface temperature, wind driven phenomena, upwelling, climatic (North Atlantic Oscillation) and fisheries variables (fishing effort) on S. pilchardus catch rates (landings per unit effort, LPUE, as a proxy for sardine biomass). A 20-year time series (1989-2009) was used, for the different subdivisions of the Portuguese coast (sardine sub-stocks). For the purpose of this analysis a multi-model approach was used, applying different time series models for data fitting (Dynamic Factor Analysis, Generalised Least Squares), forecasting (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average), as well as Surplus Production stock assessment models. The different models were evaluated, compared and the most important variables explaining changes in LPUE were identified. The type of relationship between catch rates of sardine and environmental variables varied across regional scales due to region-specific recruitment responses. Seasonality plays an important role in sardine variability within the three study regions. In IXaCN autumn (season with minimum spawning activity, larvae and egg concentrations) SST, northerly wind and wind magnitude were negatively related with LPUE. In IXaCS none of the explanatory variables tested was clearly related with LPUE. In IXaS-Algarve (South Portugal) both spring (period when large abundances of larvae are found) northerly wind and wind magnitude were negatively related with LPUE, revealing that environmental effects match with the regional peak in spawning time. Overall, results suggest that management of small, short-lived pelagic species, such as sardine quotas/sustainable yields, should be adapted to a regional scale because of regional environmental variability.

Intimate partner violence in pregnancy: planning and pregnancy monitoring

The intimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnancy results in risk factors with an impact on maternal and fetal health. There is a tendency to unwanted pregnancies, unplanned and poor adherence to health services, increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy. The aim is describe the prevalence rates of IPV during pregnancy in the Central Region of Portugal and analyse their association with pregnancy planning and frequency of prenatal consultations. There was prevalence of IPV during pregnancy with a significant association to pregnancy planning. Although most women have attended prenatal consultations in the last pregnancy, the late start is associated with the probability of frequency of some type of IPV.

Intimate partner violence in pregnancy: planning and pregnancy monitoring.

The aim is describe the prevalence rates of IPV during pregnancy in the Central Region of Portugal and analyse their association with pregnancy planning and frequency of prenatal consultations.

Contributos para o estudo da arquitectura cisterciense, em Portugal, no âmbito do Projecto ORFEUS: forma e música

Abstract This communication reflects the work done in the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture at the University of Beira Interior (Portugal), and still ongoing, in the framework of the project ORFEUS - The Tridentine Reform and music in the cloistral silence: the Monastery of S. Bento de Cástris (Project FCT EXPL/EPH-PAT/2253/2013) and aims to bring the debate to a contribution to the study of the specificity of the monastery of St. Bento de Cástris in the context of Cistercian architecture, in which the shape and the music are intertwined. In this way, two dissertations have been developed in Architecture (integrated master course of architecture of the University of Beira Interior) within the project ORFEUS, which are divided by the importance and contributions of the Cistercian Architecture in contemporary religious architecture, the morphology of the Cistercian churches and the relationship between architecture and music in the specific case study of the church of the monastery of St. Bento de Cástris. Resumo Esta comunicação reflecte o trabalho desenvolvido no Departamento de Engenharia Civil e Arquitectura da Universidade da Beira Interior, e ainda em curso, no âmbito do Projecto ORFEUS - A Reforma tridentina e a música no silêncio claustral: o mosteiro de S. Bento de Cástris (Projecto FCT EXPL/EPH- PAT/2253/2013) e pretende-se com esta comunicação trazer a debate um contributo para o estudo da especificidade do Mosteiro de S. Bento de Cástris, no contexto da arquitectura cisterciense, no qual a forma e a música se entrelaçam. Neste sentido foram desenvolvidas duas dissertações de mestrado integrado em Arquitectura, no âmbito do Projecto ORFEUS, que se repartem pela importância e contributos da Arquitectura Cisterciense na Arquitectura religiosa contemporânea, a morfologia das igrejas cistercienses e a relação entre a arquitectura e música patente no estudo de caso da igreja do Mosteiro de S. Bento de Cástris.

O género sonata em Portugal: subsídios para o estudo do repertório português para tecla de 1750 a 1807

O repertório português para instrumentos de tecla da segunda metade do século XVIII encontra-se disperso em bibliotecas e arquivos, em Portugal e no estrangeiro, essencialmente sob a forma de manuscrito. Neste repertório, a sonata emerge como um género musical de grande importância. De facto, as duas coleções de sonatas publicadas na época constituem as únicas obras para instrumentos de tecla impressas em Portugal durante todo esse século. O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar um inventário do repertório português composto para instrumentos de tecla durante o período acima descrito, focando a respectiva descrição formal e as características composicionais das sonatas em geral, e na produção de cada compositor português em particular, bem como as suas biografias e perfis. De forma a estudar a sonata portuguesa e o seu desenvolvimento no período compreendido entre 1750–1807, foi realizado um levantamento das obras portuguesas existentes para instrumentos de tecla deste período. Este levantamento foi acompanhado por pesquisas biográficas sobre cada compositor e por uma abordagem analítica baseada na Teoria da Sonata de James Hepokoski e Warren Darcy. A divisão deste período em dois subperíodos demonstra variações significativas na evolução da sonata portuguesa. O estudo deste repertório demonstra que a sonata é o género musical predominante e define o modelo da sonata portuguesa deste período, para além de caracterizar o desenvolvimento da sonata em Portugal em paralelo com o desenvolvimento deste género musical em Itália e Espanha; ABSTRACT: The Sonata Genre in Portugal: Contributions for the Study of the Portuguese Keyboard Repertory from 1750 to 1807 The extant Portuguese repertory of the second half of the eighteenth century for keyboard instruments is dispersed in libraries and archives, in Portugal and abroad, mainly in manuscript form. In that repertory, the sonata emerges as a genre of great importance. Indeed, the two collections of sonatas published at the time are the only works for keyboard instruments printed in Portugal throughout the entire century. The aim of the present work is to make an inventory of the Portuguese repertory written for keyboard instruments during the above-mentioned period, with a focus on its formal description and the compositional characteristics of the sonatas in general and in the production of each Portuguese composer in particular, in addition to the biographies and profiles of the latter. In order to study the Portuguese sonata and its development in the period comprised between 1750–1807, a survey of the existing Portuguese works for keyboard instruments from that period was done. This survey was followed by a research on the biography of each composer and an analytic approach based on the Sonata Theory by James Hepokoski and Warren Darcy. Dividing this period in two sub periods showed significant variations on the evolution of the Portuguese sonata. The study of this repertory shows that the sonata is the predominant musical genre within it and identifies the Portuguese sonata model of this period, besides characterizing the development of the sonata in Portugal in parallel with the development of the same genre in Italy and Spain.

Empregabilidade e inserção no mercado de trabalho das comunidades ciganas em Portugal e Espanha

A investigação desenvolvida é sobre a empregabilidade e inserção no mercado de trabalho da comunidade cigana portuguesa. Deste ponto de vista, a investigação recai sobre o processo desenvolvido de integração social nas últimas décadas onde se questiona, os Planos de Ação para a Inclusão das Comunidades Ciganas e o seu impacto na vida socioprofissional das mesmas. Para o efeito, será realizado um estudo comparado entre Portugal e Espanha no que concerne ao processo de integração social das comunidades ciganas. Estudos recentes do Instituto Português de Administração e Marketing (IPAM) referem que o emprego é mais difícil de conseguir para pessoas deficientes e pessoas ciganas (os cegos lideram a tabela com 71,6 por cento, seguindo-se a etnia cigana com 47,3).1 Um dos principais obstáculos que se tem verificado em relação à inserção no mercado de trabalho é consequência do problema da discriminação institucional (direta ou indireta)2, relutância por parte das próprias entidades responsáveis pela implementação do desenvolvimento dos programas de emprego. Devido à importância do exercício da cidadania no processo de integração social, realizar-se à uma parte empírica dedicada ao movimento associativo em Portugal e Espanha, de modo a perceber qual o seu envolvimento na definição da política social e respetivas prioridades em relação ao emprego e defesa dos direitos humanos. No quadro da compreensão, será desenvolvido uma investigação qualitativa e quantitativa, com recurso à aplicação de inquérito junto de dirigentes/representantes de ONG´S Ciganas nos dois países, no que concerne à participação/representação das mesmas, na definição de estratégias de intervenção social tendo em conta a politica social nacional e as orientações da União Europeia como é exemplo, a Estratégia Nacional Para a Integração da Comunidade Cigana; EMPLOYABILITY AND INTEGRATION IN THE LABOUR MARKET OF THE GYPSY IN PORTUGAL AND SPAIN Abstract: The research carried out is on employability and inclusion in the Community Portuguese Gypsy labor market. From this point of view, the investigation lies with the developed process of social integration in recent decades where it questions the Action Plans for Inclusion of Roma communities and their impact on the socio-professional life of the community Gypsy. For this purpose, a comparative study between Portugal and Spain regarding the process of social integration of Roma will be held. Recent studies of the Portuguese Institute of Administration and Marketing (IPAM), indicate that employment is more difficult to achieve for disable people and Roma people (the blind lead the table with 71.6 percent, followed by 47%). One of the main obstacles that has been seen in relation to the insertion in the labor market is a result of the problem of institutional discrimination (direct or indirect), reluctance by the very entities responsible for implementing the development of employment programs. Because of the importance of citizenship in the social integration process, carried out the empirical part dedicated to the associative movement in Portugal and Spain, in order to understand what their involvement in the definition of social policy and respective priorities in relation to employment and defense of human rights. In the context of understanding, a qualitative research will be developed, using the application survey of leaders / representatives of NGOs Roma in both countries, with respect to participation / representation of the same in the definition of social intervention strategies taking into account national social policy and the guidelines of the European Union as example, the national Strategy for the Integration of Roma Community.

E-Procurement and Innovation in the Portuguese Municipalities: When Change Is Mandatory

Changing the traditional pattern of public procurement for an electronic paradigm is a radical innovation involving major organizational changes, the breaking up of traditional processes and practices, obsolescence of knowledge and skills. Going beyond the European Commission's recommendations, in 2009 Portugal pioneered in making e-procurement mandatory in the pre-award phase, in a European context of multiple technical standards and lack of interoperability of electronic platforms across the EU countries. Six years later, when the creation of a European e-procurement single market is a EU mission and a major legislative amendment is underway in Portugal, this study looks at the relationship between e-procurement and innovation in the Portuguese municipalities aiming to understand the extent into which the adoption of e-procurement embraced a real organizational change or, on the other hand, if it just represented a mere adaptation of the usual procurement practices. The study draws on data from an electronic survey to all municipalities in mainland Portugal and the analysis is mainly descriptive and exploratory. The paradigm shift in public procurement involves major organizational changes but, overall, the results suggest that most municipalities do not have a clear understanding of the innovative scope (depth and diversity) implied by e-procurement. E-procurement shows advantages over the paper-based model but an unbalanced perception of the innovation dimensions has influenced the implementation of e-procurement and the degree of organizational change.

Effect of trees in the soil nutrient concentration and pasture produtivity in Mediterranean silvo-pastoral systems

Silvo-pastoral are mixed systems of trees and grass, which have been proposed as a means to extend the benefits of forest to farmed land. Agro-forestry systems under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions, called montados in Portugal and dehesas in Spain, cover substantial areas in the world. These silvo-pastoral systems are the most extensive European agro-forestry system, as they cover 3.5–4.0 Mha in Spain and Portugal. Long-term studies are essential to assess the magnitude of the temporal nutrient flow dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems and to understand the response of these systems to fertilizer management. In order to implement the conservation task and recovery of resources through silvo-pastoral systems it is necessary to know and correct potential limiting factors, especially the soil factor, and this requires agronomic knowledge as well as the implmentation of the available new technologies. In this context, this task aims at a better understanding of the contribution of the two components of montado ecosystem (trees and herbaceous vegetation) on the soil nutrient and water dynamics, that allow for the interpretation of the variability of pasture dry matter yield and help the farmer in the management of tree density. Collaterally the task will evaluate and calibrate new technologies that simplify the monitoring of soil, grassland, trees and grazing animals.

Percurso profissional. Destaque para a análise da produção de resíduos urbanos no Alentejo Central - portugal e utilização do modelo DEA na definição da meta da recolha seletiva

Neste trabalho de Projeto efetua-se o desenvolvimento do tema da produção de Resíduos Urbanos (RU) no Alentejo Central, utilizando-se o modelo DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) para a análise das metas da recolha seletiva estabelecidas para 2020. Genericamente, quanto maior é o grau de desenvolvimento económico de um território, maior é a taxa de urbanização e maior é também a quantidade de resíduos urbanos produzidos por habitante. O rendimento e a urbanização são variáveis altamente correlacionadas, quando aumenta o rendimento disponível e os padrões de vida, aumenta também o consumo de bens e serviços de modo correspondente, o que leva ao aumento da quantidade de resíduos gerados. Assim, tendo em conta os impactos locais que os RU abandonados trazem, e com o objetivo de quebrar o elo entre crescimento económico e os impactos ambientais associados à produção de resíduos, são implementadas, nos países com elevados níveis de desenvolvimento, políticas baseadas em modelos integrados de gestão de RU que permitem a recuperação, reciclagem e valorização dos materiais, reservando-se a eliminação (deposição em aterro) para frações não valorizáveis, o que gera empregos e riqueza. Em Portugal vigora o Plano Estratégico para os Resíduos Urbanos (PERSU 2020) que define objetivos e metas nacionais, nomeadamente a meta da recolha seletiva, estabelecendo para 2020 um quantitativo nacional mínimo a recuperar de 47 kg por habitante por ano. Deste modo, importa caracterizar, para o período de 2002 a 2012, como evoluiu a produção de RU em comparação com a evolução do PIB em Portugal. A análise foca-se então na produção de RU na região do Alentejo em particular no Alentejo Central que evidencia um elevado nível per capita em comparação com o resto do país, situando-se mesmo acima das regiões do grande Porto e Lisboa. São apresentadas possíveis razões para o registo destes elevados níveis de produção de RU não se conseguindo, no entanto, avançar com evidências. Como o modelo DEA é utilizado no PERSU 2020 para fundamentar a projeção das metas da recolha seletiva por sistema de gestão de resíduos urbanos, fez-se a sua reprodução, o que permitiu uma análise mais detalhada dos dados e o ensaio de novos resultados considerando, para além do nível de produção de RU, o numero de equipamentos de deposição de recolha seletiva como input do modelo; Abstract: Title of the report: Professional career. Emphasis on the analysis of urban waste production in Alentejo Central - Portugal and the use of the DEA in defining the separate collection target This professional report presents the theme of the Urban Waste (UW) production in Central Alentejo, using the DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) to analyse the target set for selective collection in 2020. Generally, the higher the degree of economic development of a region, the greater the rate of urbanization and the greater also the amount of municipal waste produced per capita. The variables income and urbanization are highly correlated, if you have an increase in the disposable income and living standards, the consumption of goods and services will increase accordingly, which leads to the increase of the amount of produced waste. Thus, taking into account the local impact that the abandoned UW brings, and in order to break the link between economic growth and the environmental impacts associated with the production of waste, countries with high levels of development implement policies based on integrated UW management models that allow the recovery, recycling and valorisation of materials, restricting the disposal (landfill) to non-recoverable fractions, which creates jobs and wealth. Portugal established a national strategic plan for Urban Waste (PERSU 2020) which defines the goals and national targets, including the selective collection target stating for 2020 a minimum recover of 47 kg per capita per year. Then it is relevant to characterize and compare the evolution of UW production and GDP in Portugal for the period 2002 to 2012. The analysis then focuses on the production of UW in Alentejo, particularly in Central Alentejo region, which shows a high per capita level compared to the rest of the country, placed just above the Greater Porto and Lisbon region. Then we explore several possible reasons for this high level of UW production in this region, but none is successful in producing strong evidence. As the DEA is used in PERSU 2020 to support the projection of the selective collection targets for the municipal waste management systems, in this report we develop the model, which allowed access to the data and a more detailed analyse. Then we introduce and test a new input, the number of separate collection deposition equipment, which gives new results that are compared with the original ones.