Development of an historical landscape photography database to support landscape change analysis in the Northeast of Portugal

Repeat photography is an efficient, effective and useful method to identify trends of changes in the landscapes. It was used to illustrate long-term changes occurring in the landscapes. In the Northeast of Portugal, landscapes changes is currently driven mostly by agriculture abandonment and agriculture and energy policy. However, there is a need to monitoring changes in the region using a multitemporal and multiscale approach. This project aimed to establish an online repository of oblique digital photography from the region to be used to register the condition of the landscape as recorded in historical and contemporary photography over time as well as to support qualitative and quantitative assessment of change in the landscape using repeat photography techniques and methods. It involved the development of a relational database and a series of web-based services using PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor language, and the development of an interface, with Joomla, of pictures uploading and downloading by users. The repository will make possible to upload, store, search by location, theme, or date, display, and download pictures for Northeastern Portugal. The website service is devoted to help researchers to obtain quickly the photographs needed to apply RP through a developed search engine. It can be accessed at: http://esa.ipb.pt/digitalandscape/.

Study of antioxidant, antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing properties of wild mushrooms from the Northeast of Portugal

Mushrooms are known as a powerful source of bioactive compounds including antioxidants, inhibitors of human tumour cell lines growth, inducers of apoptosis and enhancers of immunity. Indeed, many pre-clinical studies have been conducted in human tumour cell lines and in some cases a number of compounds isolated from mushrooms have followed to clinical trials. The Northeast of Portugal is one of the European regions with higher wild mushrooms diversity. However, to our knowledge, no studies had been conducted so far to verify their bioactivities. The main aim of this work was the evaluation of the bioactive properties (antioxidant properties and growth inhibitory potential on human tumour cell lines) of wild edible mushrooms collected in the Northeast of Portugal. Once properly identified, methanolic, ethanolic and boiling water extracts were prepared from thirty eight wild mushroom species collected in that region. Chemical characterization was obtained by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to a photodiode array detector (DAD) or to a refraction index detector (RI). Antioxidant activity assays were carried out in those extracts, including evaluation of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals scavenging capacity, reducing power and inhibition of β-carotene bleaching. Extract-induced cell growth inhibition was assessed with the sulforhodamine B assay in four human tumour cell lines (NCI-H460 - lung cancer, MCF-7 -breast cancer, HCT-15 -colon cancer and AGS - gastric cancer). The effects on cell cycle profile and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry and the effect on the expression levels of proteins related to cell cycle and apoptosis was further investigated by Western blotting. Three wild edible mushroom species revealed growth inhibitory activity in the studied human tumour cell lines: Clitocybe alexandri ethanolic extract, Lepista inversa methanolic extract and Suillus collinitus methanolic extract. C. alexandri ethanolic extract induced an S-phase cell cycle arrest and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells, in the NCI-H460 cell line. The analysed mushroom species also provided interesting antioxidant potential, mainly the boiling water extract of L. inversa which showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power and β-carotene bleaching inhibition. S. collinitus methanolic extract induced a slight increase in the number of cells in G1, with a concomitant decrease in the percentage of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle and an increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells, in the MCF-7 cell line. The combined use of the S. collinitus methanolic extract and etoposide caused a greater decrease in the percentage of cell growth, when compared to either of them used individually, indicating the potential benefit of this combination. The tested extracts were chemically characterized and protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric and cinnamic acids were the main compounds identified on the phenolic (methanolic and ethanolic) extracts, while mannitol, trehalose and arabinose were the main sugars found in the polysaccharidic (boiling water) extracts after hydrolysis. The individual compounds identified in the extracts were submitted to a screening of tumour cells growth inhibitory activity, but only the phenolic acids and a related compound, cinnamic acid, presented activity. This compound was found to be the most potent one regarding cell growth inhibition in the NCI-H460 cell line. The effect of the individual and combined treatment with the identified compounds was also evaluated. Cinnamic and protochatequic acids caused a statistically significantly reduction in the number of viable cells. In addition, p-hydroxybenzoic acid did not show any significantly reduction in the viable cell number. Nevertheless, it was verified that the concomitant use of the three compounds provided the strongest decrease in the viable cell number, suggesting a possible concomitant effect of those compounds. Overall, the present work has contributed to further understand the bioactive potential of wild edible mushrooms from the Northeast of Portugal. This study allowed to identify some species with antioxidant or tumour cell growth inhibitory potential.

Information brokers and the use of budgetary and financial information by politicians: the case of Portugal

This paper analyses the intermediary role of the technical bodies that support the use of budgetary and financial information by central government politicians in Portugal. The main findings show that information brokers are playing a central role in preparing this information in a credible, simple and understandable way. However, even if not intentionally, the information they present can be biased. Politicians need to be aware that the information brokers they rely on may not be giving them ‘neutral’ information.

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.

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

Doutoramento em Economia.

Satisfaction of users of primary health care with nursing care : sample of the central region of Portugal

Introdução: A satisfação dos doentes constitui um indicador indispensável para a avaliação da qualidade dos cuidados e há evidência da sua correlação com os resultados em saúde. A satisfação com os cuidados de saúde é um conceito multidimensional que considera aspetos como acesso, organização e interação doente - profissional. Consideramos que os cuidados de enfermagem, em particular, são fundamentais no processo saúde/doença. Objetivos: Validar uma escala para avaliar a satisfação dos utentes face aos cuidados de enfermagem, adaptado do instrumento EUROPEP e avaliar a satisfação dos utentes dos cuidados de saúde primários da região centro de Portugal. Material e métodos: Estudo transversal, com uma amostra de 827 utentes adultos (maioria do sexo feminino 64,4%) com uma média de idade de 50,08±18,58 anos. Os dados foram recolhidos através de um questionário, constituído por variáveis sociodemográficas, o instrumento EUROPEP (Ferreira, 1995) para avaliar a satisfação com os cuidados de saúde primários e para avaliar a satisfação especificamente com a equipa de enfermagem elaboramos questões adaptadas do instrumento EUROPEP e agrupadas nas dimensões relação de ajuda, dimensão interpessoal e instrumental. A consistência interna, reprodutibilidade e análise de conteúdo foram avaliados com recurso ao SPSS 23.0; considerando a consistência aceitável para um de Cronbach > 0,70. O coeficiente para cada item é apresentado com um intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: Em todas as dimensões do questionário EUROPEP, a maior percentagem de satisfação com os cuidados situou-se entre “boa” e “muito boa”. As dimensões criadas para avaliar especificamente os cuidados de enfermagem apresentaram um coeficiente de α de Cronbach total de 0,972. Conclusões: Estes resultados sugerem que as dimensões criadas para avaliar os cuidados de enfermagem serão úteis para a investigação na população Portuguesa. A satisfação do utente é decisiva para a qualidade e eficiência dos cuidados prestados, sendo necessário o compromisso de todos os prestadores na implementação de práticas sistemáticas de gestão que conduzam à satisfação, dando particular atenção à melhoria contínua dos processos organizacionais. Palavras-chave: Satisfação dos Utentes; cuidados de saúde primários, cuidados de enfermagem, adulto, Portugal

Age and growth of Ray's bream (Brama brama) from the south of Portugal

Age and growth of 234 Brama brama Bonnaterre (1788) (Pisces: Bramidae) caught hy semi-pelagic longline off the south coast of Portugal (Algarve) was studied using otoliths for age determination. Samples consisted of fish varying in total length from 32 to 56 cm and in weight from 332 to 2032 g. Age classes from III to XII were represented in the catches. The von Bertalanffy growth curve was fitted and the length/weight relationship was calculated. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Age and growth, mortality and reproduction of the striped sea bream, Lithognathus mormyrus Linnaeus 1758, from the south coast of Portugal (Algarve)

The striped sea bream, Lithognathus mormyrus, used for this population dynamics study were obtained from longline catches and market sampling in the Algarve (south Portugal). The macroscopic analysis of the gonads and the gonad somatic index showed that the south Portuguese population of L. mormyrus spawns mainly between late spring and summer (June to August). The length at first maturity was similar for males and females and the value for both sexes combined was estimated to be 16.08 cm, corresponding to an age between 1 and 2 years. Fish age classes (0 to 13) were determined by reading growth rings on whole otoliths. Age determination was validated by marginal increment analysis. The estimated parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth equation were L infinity = 35.30 cm, K = 0.264 and t(0) = -0.809. Mortality rates were calculated for fish captured with longlines, and the estimated parameters were M = 0.356, Z = 0.622 and F = 0.266. From an Algarve fishery management perspective, these results suggest the need for an increase in the minimum landing size (from 15 to 17 cm), which should be beneficial for the sustainability and conservation of this species. The results also showed that fishing with longlines off the Algarve coast may allow for a sustainable use of the resource.

Age and growth, mortality, reproduction and relative yield per recruit of the bogue, Boops boops Linne, 1758 (Sparidae), from the Algarve (south of Portugal) longline fishery

Samples of Boops boops ranging from 7.4 to 30.5 cm were obtained mainly by longline, supplemented by beach seining in the Ria Formosa lagoon, and by market sampling in the Algarve (southern Portugal). The macroscopic analyses of the gonads and the gonad somatic index showed that the south coast of Portugal B. boops spawn mainly from late winter to spring, between February and May. The length at first maturity was similar for males and females and the value for both sexes combined was estimated to be 15.22 cm, corresponding to an age range of 1-3. Age was determined by reading growth bands on otoliths. Age determination was validated by marginal increment analysis. The estimated parameters were L-infinity = 28.06, K = 0.22 and t(0) = -1.42. Mortality rates were calculated for fish captured with longlines, and the estimated parameters were M = 0.33, Z = 1.04 and F = 0.71. Relative yield per recruit analysis and sensitivity analysis showed that the resource is moderately exploited. From the perspective of sustainability, these results provide support for the use of longlines as a gear that is among the least harmful for species such as the bogue.

An assessment of catches and harvest of recreational shore angling in the north of Portugal

Recreational shore angling in the Atlantic Ocean between Moledo and Aveiro (Portugal) was examined using roving creel surveys (March/September 2001). Cooperation was high (90% of 2310 anglers approached). At least 39 species of fish were caught at a rate of approximately 0.5 fish angler h(-1). An estimated 7319 kg of Dicentrarchus labrax (L.), with 45.6% below the minimum legal size, and 2040 kg of sea breams (genus Diplodus), correspond to 5.75% and 1.19% of the commercial landings in the same geographical area, respectively. The results shed light on a number of issues relevant to integrated coastal management, including temporal and spatial distribution of fishing effort, species caught, sizes of fish, catch rates, and factors influencing catches and angler satisfaction. Whilst the results suggest that the catches of sea breams and sea bass by day-time recreational shore angling in northern Portugal are small compared with commercial fishing, other recreational activities, such as boat fishing and spear-fishing, must be assessed.

Diet of the blue marlin, Makaira nigricans, off the south coast of Portugal

The blue marlin, Makaira nigricans (Istiophoridae), is a large, top predator with a worldwide distribution whose feeding ecology is still unknown in the northeast Atlantic. The stomach contents of 24 Atlantic blue marlin, caught by the Big Game fishing fleet (between 2007 and 2010) off the south coast of Portugal, were studied. All marlin fed exclusively on pelagic fish, with a total of 180 prey items recorded, belonging to 6 identified species. The most important family in the blue marlin diet was Scombridae, representing 70% of the total prey items. Among the Scombridae, the chub mackerel, Scomber colias, was the most important prey species (47.9% by weight, 51.1% by number, 58.3% by frequency of occurrence). The length of prey found in the stomachs ranged from 136 to 727 mm in length, and a significant positive correlation was found between prey and blue marlin size. Our results suggest that in this geographical area (NE Atlantic) marlin feed on a small spectrum of species, with a preference for foraging on seamounts.

Feeding habits of the two-banded sea bream (Diplodus vulgaris) and the black sea bream (Spondyliosoma gantharus) (Sparidae) from the south-west coast of Portugal

The stomach contents of Diplodus vulgaris and Spondyliosoma cantharus were: analysed using three simple methods (numeric, gravimetric and frequency of occurrence) and a composite index (I.R.I - Index of Relative Importance). To compare the species, the Schoener index was used. The diet of D. vulgaris consisted mainly of ophiuroids, polychaetes, amphipods and echinoids, while polychaetes, amphipods and hydrozoans dominated in the case of S. cantharus. There were some size-related differences in S. cantharus feeding. Diet overlap was relatively slight, with significant differences in feeding between the two species, notably in terms of greater consumption of echinoderms by D. vulgaris and hydrozoans by S. cantharus. As is the case for the majority of sea breams, D. vulgaris and S. cantharus are characterised by a diverse diet in terms of prey reflecting available prey items in their environment.

Reproductive aspects of the undulate ray, Raja undulata, from the south coast of Portugal

The maturity of the undulate ray, Raja undulata, one of the most important by-catch elasmobranch species captured in south Portugal, was studied for the first time. Females ranged in total length (TL) from 19.4 to 88.2 cm and males from 23.0 to 83.2 cm. The gonadosomatic index for females was higher during the winter, meaning that this species reproduces during this season. Females matured at significantly larger sizes and older ages than males, with 50% of the females mature at 76.2 cm TL at an age of 8.98 years while 50% maturity for males was achieved at 73.6 cm TL and 7.66 years. Females were mature at 86.3% of the maximum observed size and 69.1% of the maximum observed age while males matured at 88.5% of the maximum observed size and 63.8% of the maximum observed age, making this a very late maturing species, with important consequences in terms of fisheries management and conservation. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.