An overview of the submerged sea caves of Sagres (South of Portugal-Algarve)

The submerged sea caves of Sagres are located within the “Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina (PNSACV)” Marine Protected Area (MPA). This MPA integrates the national network of protected areas, addressed by the National Institute for Nature Conservation and Forest (ICNF) and was declared Site of Community Importance (SCI) under the Habitats Directive. Under the Annex I from the Habitat Directive these habitat caves are included in “8330 Submerged or partially submerged sea caves”. This conservation status should provide sufficient concern to have detailed information on biodiversity. However, among marine researcher, little is still known about these submerged sea caves and tunnels habitats. The only well-known study dealing with the Sagres sea caves was conducted in the late 80s and was only published in 2001. For effective management of such specific habitats a clear understanding of their localization and extension, the assessment of the biological communities, its conservation importance, its monitoring options and their sensitivity to natural change and human disturbance need to be a relatively clear. This report, produced under the MeshAtlantic Project, provides an overview of the available published and unpublished information relevant for the conservation management of the subtidal caves of Sagres. It mainly aims to be a base contribution for future studies.

Population genetics of Cerastoderma edule in Ria Formosa (southern Portugal): the challenge of understanding an intraspecific hotspot of genetic diversity

Coastal lagoons are highly variable environments that may act as hotspots of genetic diversity as a consequence of their ecological role as nursery habitats of marine species with both ecological and fisheries importance. The edible cockle (Cerastoderma edule) is a commercially important shellfish resource inhabiting coastal lagoons in Europe and their fisheries management urgently needs genetic studies to design appropriate strategies to promote the recovery of exploited populations. The aim of this study was to assess the C. edule genetic diversity and population structure at a small geographic scale, inside Ria Formosa coastal lagoon (southern Portugal) using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I sequences in six locations. Outcomes pointed to a common pattern of high haplotype diversity and non-significant genetic structuring inside the Ria Formosa lagoon. A high level of gene flow was detected between all localities and the presence of a single stock from a genetic point of view may be considered for fisheries management purposes. The existence of a high number of haplotypes and high values of haplotype diversity of C. edule in Ria Formosa lagoon could be consistent with the hypothesis that higher genetic diversity is expected in populations occurring in coastal lagoons, suggesting that lagoons could increase standing genetic variation and an adaptive potential of lagoon populations as an ecological response to a highly variable environment.

Jardins do liberalismo: Portugal e Brasil

Mestrado em Arquitectura Paisagista - Instituto Superior de Agronomia / UL

An analysis of the effects of preferential trade policies through the estimation of quantitative models: the case of Portugal.

Doutoramento em Economia.

Contrainte exterieure et regulation macroeconomique dans les economies semi-industrialisees: le cas du Portugal.

Doutoramento em Economia.

Why can't I measure the external quantum efficiency of the Ge subcell of my multijunction solar cell?

The measurement of the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of low bandgap subcells in a multijunction solar cell can be sometimes problematic. In particular, this paper describes a set of cases where the EQE of a Ge subcell in a conventional GaInP/GaInAs/Ge triple-junction solar cell cannot be fully measured. We describe the way to identify each case by tracing the I-V curve under the same light-bias conditions applied for the EQE measurement, together with the strategies that could be implemented to attain the best possible measurement of the EQE of the Ge subcell.

La función de la cosmovisión del moro en el Poema de Alfonso Onceno

Existe en el Poema de Alfonso Onceno una intencionalidad manifiesta de exaltar la figura del rey, mostrando su poder para pacificar las revueltas internas de Castilla y para poder hacerle la guerra al infiel: el moro. El trabajo que nos ocupa tiende a evidenciar de qué manera el autor del Poema de Alfonso Onceno realiza una construcción de la cosmovisión del moro como enemigo externo en vistas de exaltar las virtudes de un rey hasta convertirlo en ?espejo y escudo de la cristiandad?, permitiéndole a través de éste procedimiento, juzgar con la misma vara a todo aquél que impida a Alfonso XI luchar contra el enemigo de la fe verdadera.

La función de la cosmovisión del moro en el Poema de Alfonso Onceno

Existe en el Poema de Alfonso Onceno una intencionalidad manifiesta de exaltar la figura del rey, mostrando su poder para pacificar las revueltas internas de Castilla y para poder hacerle la guerra al infiel: el moro. El trabajo que nos ocupa tiende a evidenciar de qué manera el autor del Poema de Alfonso Onceno realiza una construcción de la cosmovisión del moro como enemigo externo en vistas de exaltar las virtudes de un rey hasta convertirlo en ?espejo y escudo de la cristiandad?, permitiéndole a través de éste procedimiento, juzgar con la misma vara a todo aquél que impida a Alfonso XI luchar contra el enemigo de la fe verdadera.

Estudio, edición crítica y traducción del "Memoriale virtvtvm" de Alfonso de Cartagena

Alfonso de Cartagena (1385-1456), possibly the most representative figure of the courtly, political and cultural dimension built around Juan II, was the third son of the famous convert Pablo de Santa Maria, Burgos’ rabbi and, later on, bishop of that same town. He started his career as governor of Cartagena’s cathedral, afterwards he was named dean of Santiago and Segovia, canon of Burgos and, after his father’s death, bishop of Burgos. Alternatively, he played a vital role in Castile’s national and international politics, as an ambassador in Portugal’s court, at Basel’s council and before Poland’s and Germany’s kings. His work, written both in Latin and Romance, either as an historian, treatise writer, theologist or translator, is quite broad; his literary connections were strong either with Italian humanists or with those who were fond of the language arts from Spain. The first part of this Thesis seeks to provide a wide enough perspective of the author, for which we place the emphasis on the most distinctive aspects of his life. Therefore, we divided the introduction in three sections: a biographical overview, his work and, last, a study on the Memoriale uirtutum itself. Thus, regarding the first aspect, we focus on the course of his life (§1.1), where we can highlight his university education, which isn’t restricted to his training as a jurist, but we also observe that his mental vitality takes him to develop certain inquisitiveness for Moral Philosophy or Latin, which leads him to study Grammar and Rhetoric; this would allow the influence of studia humanitatis to emerge, although he never got to learn the Greek language, as we can deduce from the epistolary confrontation between him and Leonardo Bruni. We also focus on the significance of his Jewish past, upon the defence of the converts during the massacre experienced in the XVth century (§1.2), and on his presence at Basel’s council (§1.3). Despite the fact that his work as a diplomat begins during the missions in Portugal as an emissary of king Juan II, he will get recognition owing to his legation in Basel, not only among the European ecclesiastics, but also among the scholars from Italy; the importance of Basel’s council in Cartagena’s life goes beyond his official work there, either as defending the Castilian interests, or as an active member of the purely conciliar functions, since it also had a huge impact in his intellectual growth. During this time period, Cartagena establishes a friendship with Pizzolpaso, Bishop of Milan, writer, humanist, and friend of Leonardo Bruni. As a result of this type of relationship with men of such high cultural standard, he re-awakens the study of the Classical antiquity among his contemporaries, developing a huge interest in the Greco-Roman masterpieces, which will bring him closely to the highly-regarded Spanish humanists of the XVIth century...

First report of Ciguatoxins in two starfish species: Ophidiaster ophidianus and Marthasterias glacialis

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a syndrome caused by the ingestion of fish contaminated with Ciguatoxins (CTXs). These phycotoxins are produced mainly by dinoflagellates that belong to the genus Gambierdiscus that are transformed in more toxic forms in predatory fish guts, and are more present in the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean areas. It is estimated that CFP causes per year more than 10,000 intoxications worldwide. With the rise of water temperature and anthropogenic intervention, it is important to study the prevalence of CFP in more temperate waters. Through inter- and subtidal sampling, 22 species of organisms were collected, in Madeira and Azores archipelagos and in the northwestern Moroccan coast, during September of 2012 and June and July of 2013. A total of 94 samples of 22 different species of bivalves, gastropods, echinoderms and crustaceans where analyzed by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectometry-Ion Trap-Time of Flight (UPLC-MS-IT-TOF) and Ultra Performance Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Our main aim was to detect new vectors and ascertain if there were some geographical differences. We detected for the first time putative CTXs in echinoderms, in two starfish species—M. glacialis and O. ophidianus. We detected differences regarding uptake values by organisms and geographical location. Toxin amounts were significant, showing the importance and the need for continuity of these studies to gain more knowledge about the prevalence of these toxins, in order to better access human health risk. In addition, we suggest monitoring of these toxins should be extended to other vectors, starfish being a good alternative for protecting and accessing human health risk.

Estágio na direção de apoio à venda - Dep. de Operações do Turismo de Portugal

Atualmente, com a mudança de paradigma que se verifica no perfil de turista, sendo este cada vez mais informado e exigente no planeamento das suas viagens, cada vez mais as empresas turísticas necessitam de se diferenciar para conseguirem criar vantagem competitiva e manter as suas quotas de mercado. Ora, como solução a esta realidade, o marketing e a promoção turísticas surgem como forma de gestão da experiência do turista na sua viagem para que se garantam a satisfação das suas necessidades e se exceda as suas expetativas. Os destinos turísticos, hoje em dia, também se encontram influenciados pela realidade supracitada e arranjaram formas de se promover e manter competitivos. Assim, surgem os organismos oficiais como elementos com o papel de promover um destino, seja ele um país, região ou até mesmo alguns produtos/segmentos. Desta forma, em Portugal, existe o Turismo de Portugal, I.P. - Autoridade Turística Nacional – com responsabilidades a nível da promoção, valorização e sustentabilidade da atividade turística. Dentro deste, existe a Direção de Apoio à Venda, onde foi realizado o estágio, e com funções principais de coordenar as atividades das Equipas de Turismo no estrangeiro, assistir as agências de promoção estrangeiras na promoção de Portugal, construir e manter uma base de dados do trade internacional atualizada e garantir o apoio à oferta nacional. Com a aposta no apoio ao trade, em detrimento das campanhas de promoção tradicionais, a estratégia do Turismo de Portugal passa a cooperar com operadores turísticos, imprensa internacional e outros canais de distribuição estrangeiros em como vender o destino Portugal aliado a um maior esforço nos meios online. Com base nesta premissa, denotou-se a necessidade de providenciar ao trade internacional um portal onde estes pudessem instruir-se sobre o destino Portugal e as suas regiões, produtos e até mesmo outras informações úteis. Assim, surgiu o projeto VisitPortugal-Trade que se comporta como um complemento ao portal VisitPortugal no seu apoio ao trade. Desta forma, este projeto surge como uma solução de apoio à operação turística organizada, sejam eles pertencentes aos mercados principais emissores de turistas, ou mercados ainda não consolidados, através da formação – através de um curso E-learning – e informação – por via de conteúdo promocional. Paralelamente, a oferta turística nacional, irá beneficiar de um acesso mais facilitado a contactos de operadores estrangeiros, devidamente tipificado, e servindo assim como um forte apoio à internacionalização do seu negócio.

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.

Pena de Morte em Portugal-UE, Brasil, Angola, Moçambique, Guiné-Bissau, Cabo Verde, S. Tomé e Princípe, Timor Leste, bem como China, Japão e Coreia do Sul - Direito Público;

1 – Resumo: a questão da pena de morte é tratada de modo muito diverso no mundo. Existem nomeadamente grandes diferenças no que concerne ao Oriente e Ocidente mundiais. Esta pesquisa compara um típico país da União Europeia, Portugal, bem como outros países da lusofonia, Brasil, Angola, Moçambique, Guiné-Bissau, Cabo Verde, S. Tomé e Princípe e Timor Leste com três exemplos asiáticos: a China, o Japão e a Coréia do Sul. Vê-se que não só as leis são bastante diferentes, mas que o que talvez mais difira a nível mundial seja a sua aplicação prática. § 1.1 Abstract: the issue of death penalty is treated very differently in the world. In particular, there are large differences between the Eastern and the Western hemispheres. This study compares a typical country of the European Union, Portugal, as well as other Lusophone countries, i.e. Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe and East Timor, with three Asian examples: China, Japan and South Korea. It is shown that not only the laws are quite different, but that what possibly differs the most on a global level is their practical application.