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The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) is a widely used self-report measure of subjective well-being, but studies of its measurement invariance across a large number of nations remain limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset-with data collected between 2020 and 2022 -to assess measurement invariance of the SWLS across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups (N = 56,968). All participants completed the SWLS under largely uniform conditions. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis indicated that configural and metric invariance was upheld across all nations, languages, gender identities, and age groups, suggesting that the unidimensional SWLS model has universal applicability. Full scalar invariance was achieved across gender identities and age groups. Based on alignment optimisation methods, partial scalar invariance was achieved across all but three national groups and across all languages represented in the BINS. There were large differences in latent SWLS means across nations and languages, but negligible-to-small differences across gender identities and age groups. Across nations, greater life satisfaction was significantly associated with greater financial security and being in a committed relationship or married. The results of this study suggest that the SWLS largely assesses a common unidimensional construct of life satisfaction irrespective of respondent characteristics (i.e., national group, gender identities, and age group) or survey presentation (i.e., survey language). This has important implications for the assessment of life satisfaction across nations and provides information that will be useful for practitioners aiming to promote subjective well-being internationally. more...

Protection against labour discrimination on the grounds of disability is guaranteed by the Portuguese legal system. People with disabilities have a diverse range of abilities, so measures to reasonably adapt the workplace play a fundamental role in the maintenance of the labour relationship and the struggle against discrimination. Starting from the problematisation of the dynamic concept of disability, this article reports on the results of two exploratory studies (questionnaires and interviews) carried out in 2022 among disabled people with work experience. The studies focused on the provision of reasonable accommodation measures in their workplace, with a view to understanding the adequacy of the legal solutions offered by current labour legislation, as well as the knowledge and recognition of the rights in question by its holders. more...

The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Satisfaction with Love Life Scale (SWLLS) are cognitive measures of subjective well-being. Each scale includes 5 items. The major goals of this work were to analyze the psychometric features and validity of the abbreviated 3-item forms of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS-3) and the Satisfaction with Love Life Scale (SWLLS-3), as well as the measurement invariance (MI) by gender and age in a Portuguese population. The sample comprised 1,271 participants with an average age of 38 years. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) demonstrated that the two-dimensional model of SWLS-3 and of SWLLS-3 presented good fit indices. The reliability was adequate. Furthermore, these scales demonstrated MI across gender and age. The correlations of the 3- and 5-item measures with these well-being measures were very similar. Overall, the 3-item versions of the SWLS-3 and the SWLLS-3 are presented as valid and reliable measurement tools. more...

Drosophila suzukii is a pest affecting a wide range of host plants, causing severe damage to small fruits, berries, and grapes. This study analyzed environmental factors influencing its population dynamics in regions where temperature is not a limiting factor. Data were collected in the spring–summer seasons of 2018 and 2019 across three vineyards in northwestern Portugal, examining the relationship between captured D. suzukii females, climatic variables, vine phenological stages, and ecological infrastructures. A stepwise linear model and Pearson correlation matrix were used. In 2020, a winter study was conducted in nine vineyards, focusing on landscape composition and its effect on D. suzukii populations. An ecological infrastructure index was created and correlated with captures data. Results show that vine phenological stages and nearby ecological infrastructures significantly affect population dynamics in spring and summer. Vineyards surrounded by complex landscapes, especially with wild hosts, supported higher D. suzukii populations during winter. These findings highlight the importance of ecological infrastructures in managing D. suzukii populations year-round and suggest their consideration in pest control strategies. more...

Abstract: Cross-cultural comparisons are often based on a single itemset that is used in several cultures and languages being translated semantically correct. In contrast, a new, emic, approach measures the same construct with individually created items for each culture and language. To test this emic approach, the current paper used the stereotype content model (SCM) with its dimensions, warmth, and competence. It is used to compare perceptions of people, residing in different countries, speaking different languages. The current paper reports a study (N = 2,901) that tests whether an adapted scale allows reliable and structurally valid measurement and comparisons of culturally emic protagonists on SCM dimensions across four languages (English, German, Portuguese, Spanish) in eight countries (United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, Brazil, Spain, Argentina). The warmth dimension emerges as largely universal, but the competence dimension is a more culture-specific construct. Cross-cultural comparisons as to the competence dimension should be treated with care. more...

This article reports the development of a Portuguese shortened form of the Fraboni Scale of Ageism FSA (FSA-SF). The original FSA with 29 items measures the affective aspect of attitudes toward elderly to complement the cognitive component evaluated by other tools. Two studies were implemented to determine the psychometric features of the FSA-SF with 9 items. In the first study, 404 participants answered a questionnaire in Portuguese to evaluate the dimensionality of the FSA-SF via confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, the second-order factor, the reliability, and the convergent validity of the FSA-SF was assessed. Results showed 3 factors (Avoidance, Stereotypes, and Discrimination) with a second order factor (Ageism). The reliability and convergent validity of the FSA-SF were adequate. In the second study, 246 participants also answered a questionnaire in Portuguese to evaluate the replicability of the 3-factor structure and the second-order factor. In addition, the reliability, convergent, and incremental validity of the FSA-SF were examined. Good construct validity for the first and second order models was replicated via confirmatory factor analyses. Findings showed that the Portuguese FSA-SF had satisfactory reliability, convergent, and incremental validity. Overall, this article determines that the Portuguese shortened FSA-SF is an adequate tool to assess ageism. more...

Abstract It is crucial to understand why people comply with measures to contain viruses and their effects during pandemics. We provide evidence from 35 countries (N total = 12,553) from 6 continents during the COVID-19 pandemic (between 2021 and 2022) obtained via cross-sectional surveys that the social perception of key protagonists on two basic dimensions—warmth and competence—plays a crucial role in shaping pandemic-related behaviors. Firstly, when asked in an open question format, heads of state, physicians, and protest movements were universally identified as key protagonists across countries. Secondly, multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses revealed that warmth and competence perceptions of these and other protagonists differed significantly within and between countries. Thirdly, internal meta-analyses showed that warmth and competence perceptions of heads of state, physicians, and protest movements were associated with support and opposition intentions, containment and prevention behaviors, as well as vaccination uptake. Our results have important implications for designing effective interventions to motivate desirable health outcomes and coping with future health crises and other global challenges. more...

The African citrus psyllid, Trioza erytreae, is one of the two vectors of Huanglongbing, the most serious citrus disease worldwide. The first detection of T. erytreae in the European mainland was on the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula in 2014. Since then, the pest has spread throughout northern Spain (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, País Vasco) and along the western Atlantic coast of Portugal (from the Douro e Minho region to the Algarve). We conducted a series of laboratory experiments on lemon plants at different temperatures (from 8 to 34 °C) and humidity conditions (from 40 to 90%) to find out the influence of extreme temperatures and relative humidities (RHs) on the mortality, development and reproduction of T. erytreae. Our results show that temperatures above 30 °C and below 10 °C are very detrimental for nymphal development and nymphs were unable to reach the adult stage. Furthermore, eggs were unable to hatch under temperatures above 33 °C and below 8 °C. Adult mortality was highest at 34 °C and killed more than 50% of the population. We also found that relative humidity is crucial for the development and survival of T. erytreae. Nymphs were unable to reach the adult stage at an RH of 90% and 40%. Also, fecundity was significantly reduced at 90 and 40% RH, and fertility was lowest at 40% RH. Nymphal mortality was highest at an RH of 40%, which was the most detrimental humidity among all tested for the survival and development of T. erytreae. Our work concludes that T. erytreae establishment and spread will be maximum in regions with a temperate and humid climate, being rare in regions where dry and hot weather conditions predominate. more...

Aim. This scoping review is aimed at systematically mapping the evidence on palliative extubation in the pediatric intensive care unit. Methods. MEDLINE, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles published between January 2018 and December 2022, in English. Critical appraisal of sources of evidence was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews were followed. Results. Six studies were included, with 366 patients, from the USA (n=4), Brazil (n=1), and Germany (n=1). Three were high-quality studies, two were moderate, and one was a low-quality study. Most studies were retrospective analysis; two were narrative approaches; two were evidence-based recommendation and quality improvement project; one study was a prospective intervention. Conclusion. Symptom control is crucial pre- and postextubation. A checklist (symptom management and family support) and a postdebriefing template improve team communication and staff support postextubation. Critical care transports from the hospital are feasible to provide extubation at home. A framework addressing common planning challenges and resource management is recommended for extubation at home. The provision of pediatric palliative extubation is necessary since futile measures and prolongation of suffering violate the principle of nonmaleficence. Future research on this subject will result in more benefits for patients, parents, and professionals. more...

The purpose of this investigation is to develop and validate a short form of the Generalized Ethnocentrism Scale (GENE). The GENE scale measures people’s tendency to consider their culture as the center of the world. A total of four studies were conducted using samples of college students. In the Study 1 has been examined the underlying factor structure of the GENE measure. Based on this study, the Short Form Generalized Ethnocentrism Scale is proposed (SFGENE-7). In the second study, the two-factor structure evidenced in Study 1, was supported by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The psychometric properties of the short form of the GENE scale were also satisfactory. In the third study, the two-factor structure was submitted again to CFA. The investigation of the relationship between ethnocentrism and external variables was also examined. The results supported the convergent, discriminant and incremental validities. Finally, in the fourth study, temporal stability of the short form of the GENE scale has been assessed. The results demonstrated that the SFGENE-7 had adequate test-retest reliability. Overall, results reveal that the SFGENE-7 has adequate levels of reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and incremental validity. We obtained a short, reliable, and valid instrument to assess ethnocentrism. more...

Maize grains represent a significant contribution for assuring food safety all over the globe. Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), also known as the maize weevil, is one of the most destructive pests in stored maize, causing qualitative and quantitative losses. To control S. zeamais populations in maize storage sites, synthetical chemical insecticides are applied. However, these are often used wastefully, have environmental implications, and can induce the development of resistant populations. In this work, the insecticidal and grain protecting efficacy of an innovative macro-capsule delivery device, loaded with essential oils from Clove bud and Pennyroyal, as well as their combined solutions, was tested against naturally S. zeamais-infested maize grains. The blend of both compounds incorporated in a controlled release device reduced losses by more than 45% over a long storage period of twenty weeks, diminishing the survivability of maize weevils by over 90%. The usage of the blend at a concentration of 370 μL⋅Lair−1 with an antioxidant showed the best results, however, by halving the concentration (185 μL⋅Lair−1), a significant control of S. zeamais populations was still achieved. more...

This work presents psychometric analyses of the Will-to-Live Scale (WTLS) among Portuguese adolescents. Two studies were carried out to establish the psychometric characteristics of the WTLS. Findings of both studies pointed out that the WTLS has satisfactory reliability and validity. Principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis of the WTLS evidenced a unidimensional structure. Different types of reliability estimates of the WTLS were also good. Findings also supported the convergent validity of the WTLS through significant positive correlations, between will-to-live and life satisfaction, satisfaction with family life, positive affect, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence, and negative associations with negative affect, depression, anxiety, and stress. Findings of this research indicate that the WTLS is a valid and reliable tool among Portuguese adolescents. more...

Over the last years, the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) has increasingly been recognised. Each miRNA is a short sequence of non-coding RNA that influences countless genes’ expression and, thereby, contributes to several physiological pathways and diseases. It has been demonstrated that miRNAs participate in the development of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review synopsises the most recent studies emphasising miRNA’s influence in several CVDs affecting dogs and cats. It provides a concise outline of miRNA’s biology and function, the diagnostic potential of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers, and their role in different CVDs. It also discusses known and future roles for miRNAs as potential clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets. So, this review gives a comprehensive outline of the most relevant miRNAs related to CVDs in Veterinary Medicine. more...

Job satisfaction is related to better physical and mental health, as well as to factors specifically related to work. In this context, the measurement of work satisfaction is important for organizations that profess an interest in engaged and satisfied workers. Therefore, this study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Satisfaction with Job Life Scale (SWJLS) in Portuguese workers by combining the procedures of the Classical Test Theory (CTT) and the Item Response Theory (IRT). Specifically, internal structure of the scale was studied, its reliability (consistency), correlations with other measures of wellbeing (life satisfaction, loneliness, emotional wellbeing at work, and job satisfaction) were also estimated, and finally, the sacle waqs tested for gender measurement invariance. Participants were 404 workers, 61% women and 39% men, aged between 18 and 64 years (M = 36.85; SD = 14.50). Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated that the one-dimensional model of the SWJLS was adequate (Robust χ2(5) = 9.89, p = .078; CFI = .993; RMSEA = .049, 90% CI [.000 - .094]; SRMR = .011.) and had good internal consistency (ω = .947, 95% CI [.936, 956]; α = .947, 95% CI [.935, .955]). Subsequent analyses revealed that the scores of the SWJLS were related to other measures of job satisfaction (r = .742), job-related emotional well-being (r = .628), satisfaction with life (r = .808) and loneliness (r = -.455). Factorial invariance suggests that the structure of the SWJLS measures the same construct (satisfaction with work-life) in both female and male workers. Moreover, IRT analysis suggests that higher levels of work-life satisfaction are needed to choose the upper response options, while a very low level of work-life satisfaction is required to increase the likelihood of choosing the lower response options. In this sense, the SWJLS is useful and reliable, especially for identifying people with low levels of job satisfaction. These findings support the validity of the SWJLS and indicate that the Portuguese version is a brief instrument with good psychometric characteristics for measuring work-life satisfaction. more...

Abstract Background To date, there is no consensus regarding cardiovascular risk management in the very old. Studies have shown that the relationship between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and mortality is null or even inverted within this age group. This relationship could be modified by the presence of frailty. This study was performed to examine the effect of frailty on the association between cardiovascular risk factors and mortality in the oldest old. Methods The BELFRAIL study is a prospective, observational, population-based cohort study of 567 subjects aged 80 years and older. Data on cardiovascular risk factors were recorded. Frailty was assessed using three different models: the Groningen Frailty Indicator, Fried and Puts models. Participants were considered robust if they were ‘not frail’ according to all three models, and frail if they met the frailty criteria for one of the three models. The follow-up data on mortality and cause of death were registered. Results No cardiovascular risk factor was associated with mortality in subjects with and without cardiovascular disease. The presence of frailty was a strong risk factor for mortality [HR: 2.5, 95%CI: (1.9–3.2) for all-cause mortality; HR: 2.2, 95%CI: (1.4–3.4) for cardiovascular mortality]. In robust patients, a history of cardiovascular disease increased the risk for mortality [HR: 1.7, 95%CI: (1.1–2.5) for all-cause mortality; HR: 2.2, 95%CI: (1.2–3.9) for cardiovascular mortality]. In frail patients, there was no association between any of the traditional risk factors and mortality. Conclusions Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were not associated with mortality in very old subjects. Frailty was shown to be a strong risk factor for mortality in this age group. However, frailty could not be used to identify additional subjects who might benefit more from cardiovascular risk management. more...

Abstract: A central construct within the positive psychology literature is satisfaction with life. The aim of this study was to determine the level of satisfaction with life among adolescents from returned immigrant families in Portugal, as well as the background, the intercultural contact and the adaptation factors related thereto. The sample consisted of 615 adolescents (mean age = 16.5 years; SD = 1.4). The mean duration of sojourn in Portugal for the sample was 8.4 (SD = 4.6). They answered a self-report questionnaire. A comparison group involving 217 young Portuguese was also included in the study. Adolescents from returned immigrant families revealed similar levels of satisfaction with life in comparison with peers who have never migrated. The notion that geographic mobility of parents is a primary cause of adaptation problems in their children appears to be incorrect. Predictive factors – demographic, intercultural, and adaptation variables – were significantly linked to the satisfaction with life of youth. Combined, these variables explained 37% of the variance in life satisfaction. The results help us understand which variables are important to target when developing interventions to improve the life satisfaction of adolescents from returned immigrant families. more...

Introdução: A claudicação intermitente é uma queixa relativamente comum nos Cuidados de Saúde Primários, estando geralmente associada ao envelhecimento e à aterosclerose generalizada. No entanto, na população jovem-adulta sem fatores de risco é um sintoma extremamente raro. Descrição do caso: Ciclista profissional de 26 anos de idade, com claudicação intermitente de agravamento progressivo e cujo diagnóstico foi realizado cerca de seis meses após o início da sintomatologia quando apresentava já claudicação incapacitante. Durante este período de tempo consultou médicos de diferentes especialidades e realizou vários estudos imagiológicos que não demonstraram alterações. Trata-se de um caso de estenose ilíaca não aterosclerótica, com recidiva pós-cirúrgica e durante intervenção medicamentosa que o obrigou a abandonar a carreira numa idade precoce. Comentário: Em jovens com queixas de dor ou impotência funcional com o exercício, mesmo sem qualquer fator de risco de doença aterosclerótica, a possibilidade de doença arterial obstrutiva deverá ser investigada. A endofibrose ilíaca está subdiagnosticada no nosso país, sendo frequente em desportistas de alta competição. Serve assim o presente caso para alertar e sensibilizar os médicos de família para uma situação que, embora rara, existe e que requer um diagnóstico precoce numa tentativa de minimizar as complicações potencialmente graves. more...