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This paper draws upon data from a broader piece of research aimed at examining pre-service teachers' views of their initial teacher education within the context of a master's degree programme in teaching. The data were collected through questionnaires and written narratives at the beginning and at the end of the programme. In this paper, the data arising from 47 narratives at the end of the programme are presented. Five categories emerged from the qualitative data: curriculum content, teaching practice, the role of teacher educators, teaching and learning methods, the organisational aspects and structure of the programme. Although the participants identified positive aspects of the initial teacher education programme, they also stress that there is room for improvement, especially with regard to a greater coherence of the curriculum and a better articulation of its different components. Implications of the findings for enhancing the quality of initial teacher education and the role of teachers' educators are discussed.

Education is the core of the factors that improved people for a better lifestyle and increases the level of society' development. Quality education is one of the most vital goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) due to actualizing these factors. Using relational network data envelopment analysis (DEA), which have three interrelated substages, this current paper computes the educational economy efficiency of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries bearing in mind the characteristics related to SDGs. The contribution of our study is the use of a novel approach to computing the educational economy efficiency using relational network DEA with GAMS. Even though some interesting differences reveal in the efficiency of the countries, the findings show that countries with high-efficiency scores are clustered around countries like Latvia, Slovenia, and Korea.

Predictive studies have been widely undertaken in the field of education to provide strategic information about the extensive set of processes related to teaching and learning, as well as about what variables predict certain educational outcomes, such as academic achievement or dropout. As in any other area, there is a set of standard techniques that is usually used in predictive studies in the field education. Even though the Decision Tree Method is a well-known and standard approach in Data Mining and Machine Learning, and is broadly used in data science since the 1980's, this method is not part of the mainstream techniques used in predictive studies in the field of education. In this paper, we support a broad use of the Decision Tree Method in education. Instead of presenting formal algorithms or mathematical axioms to present the Decision Tree Method, we strictly present the method in practical terms, focusing on the rationale of the method, on how to interpret its results, and also, on the reasons why it should be broadly applied. We first show the modus operandi of the Decision Tree Method through a didactic example; afterwards, we apply the method in a classification task, in order to analyze specific educational data.

Purpose: This paper aims to examine how academics enact trust in e-learning through an inductive identification of perceived risks and enablers involved in e-learning adoption, in the context of higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach: Grounded Theory was the methodology used to systematically analyse data collected in semi-structured interviews with 62 academics. Data analysis followed the constant comparative method and its three-staged coding approach: open, axial and selective coding. Findings: The resulting trajectory of trust factors is presented in a Grounded Theory narrative where individual change and integration through shared collective understanding and institutionalisation are discussed as stages leading to the overcoming of e-learning adoption barriers. Originality/value: The paper proposes that the interplay between institutionalism and individualism has implications in the success or failure of strategies for the adoption of e-learning in HEIs, as perceived by academics. In practical terms, this points to the need for close attention to contextually sensitive trust-building mechanisms that promote the balance between academics' commitments, values and sense of self-worth and centrally planned policy, rules, resources and exhortations that enable action.

Raising awareness about sustainability is an urgent need and as such education for sustainability has gained relevancy for the last decades. It is acknowledged that science education can work as an important context for educating for sustainability. The goal of the present paper is to describe a role-playing activity about the construction of a nuclear power plant and to know how it affected students' perceptions concerning sustainability, their degree of involvement and the type of competencies manifested while involved in the activity. This is qualitative study, adopting an interpretative orientation. Participants were 39 students from 8th grade of elementary education (average age 13 years old). We collected and analyzed students' written documents and focus group interview after the activity was over. Data analysis was inductive. This study shows the importance of bridging science and sustainable education. The role-playing activity made the theme relevant for the students, and they were engaged with searching relevant information, thinking about it, and ways to present and to support their position. By proceeding this way, students became implicated with the theme under discussion and learnt about the curricular topic energy.

This paper provides evidence on the sources of differences in inequality in educational scores and their evolution over time in four European countries. Using Programme for International Student Assessment data from the 2000 and the 2006 waves, the paper shows that inequality decreased in Germany and Spain (two "decentralised" schooling systems), whilst it increased in France and Italy (two "centralised" systems). The decomposition exercise shows that educational inequality not only does reflect the background related inequality, but also schools' characteristics especially. These characteristics are responsible for the observed evolution over time of inequality.

The access to a vast array of resources is facilitated by the Internet, which, in its turn, does not promote learning by itself as children and young people often use it passively. As a consequence, the teachers' role is regarded essential so that they are helped to interpret and analyze available information critically. Nowadays, when referring to the web and its importance in the teaching and learning process, people no longer think of read-only contents, but in the supporting infrastructure which allows to create and share contents and a space for collaboration, discussion and ideas associated to the concept Web 2.0. The blog, as a means to deploy the concept "on-line interaction" is, according to Granieri, "The most accessible and natural tool for sharing and publishing, in addition to text, images movies and also sound, will be increasingly disseminated, because of increasing speed of data transmission" (2006, p. 31). It is therefore natural that the use of the blog is more and more frequent as a resource, pedagogical strategy or other capacities at all levels of teaching (Gomes, 2005). Taking advantage of the blog educationally is a recurrent approach in Portugal in recent years. Some work in this area is being closely supervised. The method takes into account the complex thinking model (Jonassen, 1996), more or less explicitly, and is carried out by children and young people in elementary schools. In this paper, a case study is presented based on some blogs, focusing on: the methodology for collection of text and multimedia materials; treatment and analysis of data with the NVivo software; findings and further evolution perspectives.

Introduction: This study aims to verify if older adults with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder are more prone to euthanasia and identify factors that interfere with their satisfaction with health and capacity for well-informed decisions. Material and Methods: The study applied a paper questionnaire composed of a sociodemographic section and a battery of scales (to assess depression, anxiety, cognitive performance, suicide risk, therapeutic adhesion, functionality, loneliness, attitude towards euthanasia, decision pattern, personality, empathy, and health status) in the Psychogeriatric Unity of Senhora da Oliveira Hospital in Portugal. The sample was collected by convenience to include patients and controls of the same age. Six months later, a reassessment was performed. Patients and controls were compared using descriptive statistics and a multiple-regression model. Results: A total of 114 patients and 25 controls were included. Eighty-one point six percent of patients had four or fewer years of schooling. Contrary to controls, they presented mild depressive and anxiety symptoms, loneliness feelings, worse cognitive performance, a more fragile personality, higher personal distress, and a poorer health state. No statistically significant differences were found between controls and patients regarding their attitudes towards euthanasia. Patients more favourable to euthanasia had higher empathic concern, conscientiousness, and fantasy, and lower personal distress. Discussion and Conclusion: When addressing euthanasia in these patients, it is crucial to ensure they are fully self-determinate and that all the necessary treatment and support are available. It may not be the case when the educational level is low and a mild disease persists, significantly affecting their well-being and cognitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Cognitive concerns are one of the most frequently reported symptoms by breast cancer survivors. This study aimed to evaluate perceived cognitive functioning in Portuguese women with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy. Methods: A cross‐sectional study enrolling 146 women (73 with breast cancer and 73 healthy) was conducted from August to October 2017, invited to participate through online dissemination. Participants completed self‐reported questionnaires to collect sociodemographic and clinical data and assess perceived cognitive functioning and psychological adjustment variables (anxiety and depression). Results: Compared to healthy women, women with breast cancer showed significantly lower scores on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Cognitive Function (FACT‐Cog) subscales and higher levels of depression. Both groups showed significant negative correlations between perceived cognitive functioning and anxiety and depression. Health status and depression seem to better explain perceived cognitive functioning, with health status adding significantly more explained variance beyond sociodemographic and psychological adjustment variables. Conclusion: The current findings provide evidence for the existence of more cognitive complaints among Portuguese women with breast cancer, compared to healthy individuals. Anxiety, depression, age and education also explain perceived cognitive functioning. Considering that health status and psychological adjustment seem to significantly explain perceived cognitive functioning, special attention should be given by health‐care professionals, including nurses, to designing clinical interventions for breast cancer patients to help manage cognitive impairment. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Cancer and associated treatments have diverse short‐ and long‐term side effects. Deficits in cognitive functions are one of the most frequently reported for breast cancer specifically due to chemotherapy.Subjective assessment of cognitive function is often neglected, although it might be clinically very useful and an important indicator of the impact of cognitive impairment on daily functioning.There is currently no Portuguese data on perceived cognitive impairment in cancer. What this paper adds? This Portuguese study shows that, compared to a matched healthy sample, breast cancer patients have significantly more cognitive complaints, as assessed by the FACT‐Cog scale.Furthermore, our findings showed that higher levels of anxiety and depression are associated with worse perceived cognitive functioning.Cognitive complaints in breast cancer patients are predicted by a complexity of factors, such as psychological adjustment, age, and education. The implications of this paper: Health‐care professionals, including nurses, should recognize cognitive complaints as legitimate in breast cancer patients.Findings may deepen nurses' knowledge about cognitive concerns in breast cancer patients, in order to improve the quality of care provided to this population.The results of the study highlight the importance of tackling this problem with specifically designed clinical interventions that target both the cognitive deficits and the psychological adjustment of patients, especially depressive symptomatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current paper is based on two different approaches. One is the relational model of authority (Tyler & Lind, 1992), which addresses the effects of justice perceptions on the legitimacy of authorities and behavioural compliance. The other is Emler and Reicher's theory (1995, 2005), which explains the involvement of adolescents in delinquency through their relationship with the institutional authorities of society. Aims: To provide empirical evidence for the linkage of these perspectives, analysing the relationship between justice perceptions about teachers and the involvement of adolescents in deviant behaviour. Our hypotheses are that teachers' justice is negatively related with deviant behaviour and that this relationship is mediated through the evaluation of institutional authorities, after controlling for school failure. Sample: Three hundred and ninety adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years. Methods: Participants completed the following scales: perceptions of justice about teachers, evaluation of institutional authorities, and deviant behaviour. Data were examined through correlation and bootstrap analyses. Results: Justice judgments about teachers were negatively related with deviant behaviour, and this relationship was partially mediated by the evaluation of institutional authorities, even after controlling for school failure. However, procedural justice revealed a much stronger relationship with deviance, compared to distributive justice. Conclusions: As predicted, these results suggest that when adolescents perceive school authorities as fair, other institutional authorities are likely to be perceived in a similar way and the more those authorities are positively evaluated, the less often adolescents engage in deviant conduct. Results are discussed according to the theories underlying our hypothesis. Directions for future research are suggested. (Contains 1 footnote, 2 tables, and 2 figures.)

Introduction: During the past academic year in Spain, more than 500,000 immigrant students were enrolled in primary and secondary schools. School is one of those places available to society for creating spaces for coexistence and for changing attitudes. The teacher plays a very important role in this task. In this paper we will observe opinions and attitudes of future teachers regarding immigration, and particularly immigration at school. Method: In order to analyze these attitudes, we have developed two instruments: the scale of attitudes towards immigration and the scale of attitudes towards multiculturality at school. In order to analyze the psychometric characteristics of these scales we worked with 300 students in Teacher Training at the Universities of Extremadura (Spain) and of Evora (Portugal). For data analysis related to this work we selected 200 students at the University of Extremadura. Results: Both attitude scales have very acceptable psychometric characteristics. There were significant differences in the factor "Negative Social Distance" associated with the variables for type of degree program and for knowledge of, or lack of knowledge of, an immigrant group. There are significant correlations between the total scores and scale factors. Discussion: For an explanation of differences associated with type of degree program, one must look into academic and preparatory criteria, and even consider the entrance profile which differentiates students in one degree program from another. Students unfamiliar with an immigrant group maintain more negative attitudes. This fact agrees with research which considers positive contact with immigrants and having immigrant friends as factors that reduce perceived threat and reduce prejudice and discrimination. The most negative perception towards immigrants is found toward North Africans, as opposed to Latin Americans, thus confirming prior research. Finally, significant correlations between the two scales and their factors confirm the need for future teachers, during their time at university, to be made aware of the importance of their beliefs towards immigration and how these will influence a multi-cultural classroom. (Contains 8 tables.)

Military tourism has been growing in Portugal in recent years with numerous initiatives to enhance and promote the country's military and historical heritage. In the academic context, studies have emerged to consolidate the segment in the tourism activity. In this framework, INSIGNIA was born, a project aimed at monitoring, evaluating and optimizing the Military Tourism Route. The implementation of the route and the network-based strategies chosen to structure the supply have been monitored to register key insights gathered through this model of heritage asset intervention and tourism development. This paper proposes a reflective overview of the implementation and monitoring processes, a lookback at the work conducted. Firstly, proposes a reflection on the implementation process, tracing its genesis in response to the conjunctures of the structuring of tourism supply and the consolidation of the concept itself. It seeks to reflect on the specific choices and services developed during the implementation process. Based on this lookback, the authors then propose a replicable model to guide these implementation processes. Using the monitoring experience of this study as a reference point, the model suggests possible metrics, as well as proposals for the collection and analysis of data relevant to its wider application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After two years of psychological, physical, social, economic, environmental, and societal challenges, this paper examines the psychological health and well-being of Portuguese students based on their socioemotional skills (SSES), positive youth development (PYD), depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS), as well as the relationship between these variables and their influence on perceived quality of life and life satisfaction. Methods: This study examined 3235 students from lower to upper secondary, half of whom were female (M = 14.46 ± 1.883 years old). Using SPSS software, descriptive statistics were determined for all variables; mean differences between age and gender were found using ANOVA and the post hoc Scheffe test. Linear regressions with the Enter method were used to study how to predict perceived quality of life and satisfaction with life. Results: Males had scores indicating more SSES|optimism, emotional control, resilience, confidence, sociability, creativity, energy, a sense of belonging to school, and PYD. Girls had better skills for cooperating and relating to teachers but more test anxiety and DASS. Younger adolescents had better psychological health, greater skills, and a better perception of quality of life and life satisfaction when compared to older adolescents. Age, gender, SSES, PYD, and the DASS variables can explain 69% of the variance in life satisfaction, while these variables can explain 60.5% of the variance in perceived quality of life. Conclusions: These results point to the relevance of SSES for psychological health and well-being, suggesting that interventions should focus on promoting these variables, paying special attention to female gender and age-related challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Nursing Knowledge is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: The paper aims to clarify the potential impact of data gathered from social media (SM) in the competitive intelligence (CI) process of organizations. As use of SM expands, analysis of this data becomes a critical business need providing essential support for decision makers. This paper seeks to examine how SM be used to enhance CI in an organizational context. Design/methodology/approach: This paper adopted an exploratory mixed-method approach followed by a sequential and equal status design, with qualitative semi-structured interviews, accounting for the qualitative study and serving as precursor to a quantitative structured survey. Interviewees included a university professor and CI consultant, an SM analyst and a subject in a management position – all in the field of CI. A survey was sent to Fortune 1000 companies. Some 227 companies replied. Findings: The findings were that the majority of respondents produce CI reports at least monthly, and that information transmitted mainly by presentation within organizations. Over 70% of companies outsource CI activities to specialized firms, while 80.9% of organizations felt CI improved their relationship with their customers. Not surprisingly, as the number of people dedicated to CI activities increased, the likelihood of an organization hiring outside companies specializing in CI diminished. Research limitations/implications: All organizations sampled were large US companies; thus, small- and medium-sized enterprises were excluded, as were non-US viewpoints. As survey respondents were anonymous, the source of data at the level of the individual is missing. Finally, only three interviewees provided the qualitative data. Practical implications: This investigation determined organizations should have an established and well-structured CI department. Furthermore, such a department should have between five and ten employees to maximize the potential. Outsourcing depends on the company's specific needs. Nevertheless, regardless of whether it outsources CI activities or not, each firm should monitor SM to enhance the CI process. Originality/value: Much SM-based CI is either non-existent or in "embryotic" stages in most companies, and therefore still a work in progress. Furthermore, as SM is a relatively new phenomenon, studies supporting its implementation are scarce. Companies stand to gain significant improvements to CI if SM is effectively used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall prevalence of inactivity among individuals aged 55 or older in Portugal is the highest in Europe therefore it's important to develop effective strategies to increase adherence to structured exercise programs by older adults (Picorelli et al., 2014a). The purpose of this paper is to characterise different perspectives on barriers and facilitators to the practise of physical exercise in a sample of the Portuguese elderly. Two groups of enrolled and non-enrolled in a community exercise program were recruited. Each group had 6 participants that were included in the study if they were ≥ 60 years of age. Two focus groups were conducted via Zoom and lasted ≤ 60 min. Participants were asked about five domains regarding physical exercise. Data analysis occurred in three phases by 2 trained and experienced examiners. While the enrolled group highlighted benefits (n = 6) and facilitators (n = 6), and shared strategies to overcome some barriers (n = 2) the non-enrolled group focused on the barriers (n = 6) instead and shared more excuses to justify their non-practice of physical exercise (n = 3). To overcome the barriers considered by the participants in the non-enrolled group, some education strategies focused on physical literacy might be crucial. The high number of barriers felt by the less active older people makes it more complicated for them to adopt and maintain an exercise program. Narratives-based methodologies are interesting methodologies to collect patient-centred perspectives about exercise practise and therefore design adequate programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tourism & Management Studies is the property of Escola Superior de Gestao, Hotelaria e Turismo, Universidade do Algarve and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Value of time (VOT) is a crucial aspect of travel demand modeling. VOT impacts most mobility projects and the evaluations therein. It has been noted to be influenced by multiple factors, mainly related to individuals' demographics and trips' characteristics. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted among users of the Portuguese national freeway network, aiming to derive insights about their travel choice mechanism for testing mobility projects, in particular dynamic pricing strategies. Particular attention is dedicated to the value they attribute to travel time by analyzing willingness-to-pay for avoiding congestion and saving travel time. An elaborate questionnaire survey was distributed through online survey campaigns between March and June of 2021, eliciting 163 valid responses. Even after a stratification process, results revealed that VOT is generally lower than our original expectations; various statistical distributions were tested to fit the empirical data, the best performing ones were selected and the results were compared with a previous survey-based VOT study. We finally measured the elasticity of the freeway demand and of the whole demand for transportation, which confirmed the generally low willingness to pay for less congested travels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hospital efficiency analysis depends largely on the model specifications. This study discusses the importance of the case-mix index (CMI) to homogenize the sample of inpatient discharges. It proposes a new index where they are classified by service, since it is usual to have lack of data to compute the CMI and this can influence the credibility of results. Data from the Portuguese national diagnosis-related group (DRG) database was utilized. Three different approaches are developed in this paper, based on locally convex order-m method as well as on translog functions. The first one correlates the efficiency with different inpatients weighting schemes, by using the Nadaraya-Watson method. The second approach compares different frontiers that have been computed using the different weighting schemes. Finally, by using bootstrap, the paper investigates whether the inclusion of severity/ complexity-related variables in the model statistically modifies the results. It has been shown that, under the Portuguese healthcare framework, if the model is environment corrected (which should include epidemiological and main political/ structural health reforms variables), then the severity adjustment of inpatients is pointless. The employment of an inpatient-weighting scheme, such as the CMI, may introduce significant frontier shift, thus its absence is not recommended in productivity evolution analyzes. The CMI shifts the efficiency frontier, but not the relative position of units against it (the last scenario if exogenous variables are present). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dot maps are one of the best ways to visualize absolute values in thematic cartography. Dots represent quantitative data on a map. Population is often used in this type of representation. This paper presents a population dot density map for the year 2011 on two scales: (1) for mainland Portugal, and (2) for the Lisbon and Oporto regions. We have used dots with constant values and sizes at the most detailed statistical level (i.e. statistical subsection) for localities with less than 5000 inhabitants, and proportional circles for localities with more than 5000 inhabitants. These two scales of analysis coupled with two cartographic representation techniques used on a single map allow for a clear reading of the distribution of population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the translation and cultural adaptation process of the WRITIC (Writing Readiness Inventory Tool in Context) into European Portuguese. We examined the content and convergent validity, test-retest, and interrater reliability on the norm-referenced subdomain of the Portuguese (PT) WRITIC Task Performance (TP). To establish content validity, we consulted six experts in handwriting. Internal consistency was found with 70 children, test-retest reliability with 65, inter-rater reliability with 69, and convergent validity with 87. All participants were typically developing kindergarten children. Convergent validity was examined with the Beery–Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery™VMI-6) and the Nine Hole Peg-Test (9-HPT). On content validity, we found an agreement of 93%, a good internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha of 0.72, and an excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability with ICCs of 0.88 and 0.93. Correlations with Beery™VMI-6 and 9-HPT were moderate (r from 0.39 to 0.65). Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of WRITIC into European Portuguese was successful. WRITIC-PT-TP is stable over time and between raters; it has excellent internal consistency and moderate correlations with Beery™VMI-6 and 9-HPT. This analysis of the European Portuguese version of WRITIC gives us the confidence to start the implementation process of WRITIC-PT in Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the relationship between property-liability insurance premiums and economic and financial development in the case of Portugal, assuming a supply-leading causality pattern of development. In other words, the expansion of the financial system precedes the demand for services. Design/methodology/approach – The paper conducts OLS estimations between premiums and the gross domestic product (GDP) in order to evaluate the economic growth, in addition to the ratio of the broader definition of money (M2) to GDP and the ratio of currency to demand deposits (M1/M2), in order to assess financial development. Findings – The level of the gross domestic product is the only factor explaining the level of property-liability insurance demand in Portugal. Originality/value – To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first attempt to examine determinants of property-liability casualty insurance in Portugal, using time series data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been an increasing attention to the study of stress. Particularly, college students often experience high levels of stress that are linked to several negative outcomes concerning academic functioning, physical, and mental health. In this paper, we introduce the EuStress Solution, that aims to create an Information System to monitor and assess, continuously and in real-time, the stress levels of the students in order to predict burnout. The Information System will use a measuring instrument based on wearable device and machine learning techniques to collect and process stress-related data from the students without their explicit interaction. In the present study, we focus on heart rate and heart rate variability indices, by comparing baseline and stress condition. We performed different statistical tests in order to develop a complex and intelligent model. Results showed the neural network had the better model fit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to assess whether companies conduct preparations, such as managing culture, before starting to implement an ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS). Based on a literature review, the paper develops a model of firm preparation for ISO 9001 certification and several research hypotheses. The survey research method adopted consists of data collection through questionnaires – sent to hotels of four and five stars, in Portugal, in two different moments (2012 and 2014) – and of a longitudinal data analysis based on non-parametric statistical tests. Results show that the majority of companies conduct preparations before starting to implement an ISO 9001 QMS. However, most companies do not assess their initial situation, nor do they plan for the preparations. One of the significant implications from this research is that a more coherent and integrated approach in ISO 9001 preparation is required. Other implications for practice and for research are also noted. This is the first study, as far as the authors are aware of, that addresses the topic of planning for the preparations that a company can make before starting to implement an ISO 9001 QMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The appropriate use of language in context depends on the speaker's pragmatic language competencies. A coding system was used to develop a specific and adult-focused self-administered questionnaire to adults who stutter and adults who do not stutter, The Assessment of Language Use in Social Contexts for Adults, with three categories: precursors, basic exchanges, and extended literal/non-literal discourse. This paper presents the content validity, item analysis, reliability coefficients and evidences of construct validity of the instrument. Methods: Content validity analysis was based on a two-stage process: first, 11 pragmatic questionnaires were assessed to identify items that probe each pragmatic competency and to create the first version of the instrument; second, items were assessed qualitatively by an expert panel composed by adults who stutter and controls, and quantitatively and qualitatively by an expert panel composed by clinicians. A pilot study was conducted with five adults who stutter and five controls to analyse items and calculate reliability. Construct validity evidences were obtained using the hypothesized relationships method and factor analysis with 28 adults who stutter and 28 controls. Results: Concerning content validity, the questionnaires assessed up to 13 pragmatic competencies. Qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed ambiguities in items construction. Disagreement between experts was solved through item modification. The pilot study showed that the instrument presented internal consistency and temporal stability. Significant differences between adults who stutter and controls and different response profiles revealed the instrument's underlying construct. Conclusion: The instrument is reliable and presented evidences of construct validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses an econometric frontier model to evaluate the technical efficiency of a sample of Portuguese travel agencies. The model encompasses a Cobb–Douglas cost frontier approach, with data running from 2000 to 2004, and makes use of financial variables to generate the travel agencies' efficiency scores. We conclude that the efficiency scores are, at best, mixed. A policy is then derived for guiding management teams, as far as this specific sector is concerned. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Sociología is the property of Federacion Espanola de Sociologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This year-long action research (AR) study, conducted in the context of a physical education teacher education (PETE) program in Portugal, explored how critical reflection among preservice teachers (PSTs) developed in response to tailored questioning by an external facilitator (EF). Participants were six PSTs and the first author, who assumed the dual role of EF and researcher. Four AR cycles, each involving a self-reflection analysis, intervention, and the development of the PSTs' reflections were completed. During each AR cycle, the EF examined the PSTs' teaching-learning practices and views and generated tailored questions to support critical reflection. Data were collected through focus group interviews and written reflective journals. The EF also made participant observations to contextualize each PST's teaching-learning process, resulting in field notes. Using various question types (e.g. leading, probing, and procedural next-step questions) designed to address individual needs, PSTs progressed from a basic reflection level to thinking critically about their teaching-learning practices. The questions were helpful for PSTs in interpreting daily issues faced in teaching-learning and understanding the relevance of self-analysis and attention to learners' needs in fostering critical reflection. Given these results, we recommend that PETE programs incorporate a component or module explicitly promoting reflection on and analysis of PSTs' pedagogical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood obesity presents a significant public health concern globally, with implications for cardiovascular health and metabolic syndrome. In Portugal, approximately 31.6% of children are affected, highlighting the urgency for intervention strategies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Portuguese school-aged children, with a focus on sex and age differences. Methods: Anthropometric measurements were conducted on 1564 children aged 6–10 years, including weight, height, and skinfold thickness. Body Mass Index (BMI) and the percentage of body fat were calculated using established methods. Results: The results revealed significant differences in BMI (≤0.001) and body fat percentage (≤0.001) among different BMI categories, with a notable prevalence of overweight and obesity, particularly among boys. A total of 37% of the studied population is overweight or obese, among which 40.1% and 33.9% are boys and girls, respectively. Conclusions: This study highlights statistically significant differences in BMI and body fat percentage for both sexes in different BMI categories. A large proportion of the population is overweight or obese, with a greater prevalence in boys. In short, childhood obesity has a negative impact on body composition and is associated with significant differences in anthropometric parameters, emphasizing the importance of preventative and intervention strategies to address this health problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation planning is a complex process involving a wide range of agents such as architects, engineers, conservators and archaeologists. Their integrated inputs contribute to the definition of criteria for the conservation project and the conservation strategy. In this process, graphical documentation is a common denominator to all involved areas-of-expertise. It provides the basis for the dialog between agents coming from different fields of knowledge that often don't speak the same technical language nor share the same codes. The way this dialog can be improved through documentation is the main motivation of our study.In this paper we analyze the requirements of digital documentation in Cultural Heritage (CH) conservation strategies, and we tackle the fundamental role of photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), and integrated implementation throughout the several steps, from the fieldwork to the conservation planning for CH sites. The described process is demonstrated through the case study of 'the conservation project of the historic walls of Lagos', in south Portugal.After introduction and related work, the study is structured in four main sections. In the second section, we present the case study and conduct an analysis of existing data and preliminary synthesis of heritage values related to the historic walls of Lagos. Second section corresponds to an overview of the project workflow. This spans from recording and documentation, considering geometry, colour, light, materials and degradation forms; to their analysis and diagnosis, resulting in criteria and guidelines for the intervention actions. Third section emphasises on how the simultaneous use of photogrammetry and TLS in the documentation process, and its relationship with other methods and techniques, introduces a distinctive character in the conservation project. Fourth section is about the documentation process with photogrammetry and TLS. Finally, fifth section focus in the analysis and architectural project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delves into the territorial nuances of political populism, examining Portugal's CHEGA party as a case study. Through a comprehensive analysis of survey data and correlational studies, this study reveals that discontent, manifesting in the rise of populist movements, is intricately linked to the economic decline and neglect of specific regions. The unexpected success of CHEGA is not merely a socio-economic phenomenon but a product of deeply rooted territorial dynamics. The findings underscore the importance of adopting place-sensitive development policies that address the unique challenges of overlooked territories, steering clear of traditional compensatory measures. The urgency to counteract long-term economic decline, industrial decay, and brain drain demands innovative strategies that tap into latent economic potential and provide tangible opportunities. As we confront the rise of anti-establishment voting threatening European unity, this research advocates for a paradigm shift towards place-sensitive policies to navigate the crossroads of discontent and foster a more resilient, inclusive future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with different manifestations, affecting the quality of life at social, emotional, and professional dimensions and requiring long-term treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of psychosocial and clinical factors on adherence to topical treatment in psoriasis. (2) Methods: Self-reported measures and weighing the medicines were used to assess adherence. Psychopathological symptoms were measured using the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI). Social and clinical factors were assessed by a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. Adherence to treatment with topical medication was assessed using a sample of 102 psoriasis patients. (3) Results: The explanatory models of adherence to topical treatment in psoriasis translated into positive associations between adherence and the education level (higher education) (p = 0.03; φ = 0.23), the single-family household (p = 0.01; φ = 0.44), active employment status (p = 0.05; φ = −0.19), familiar history of psoriasis (p = 0.04; φ = −0.21), and the presence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (p = 0.01; d = 0.29). (4) Conclusions: In patients who present the characteristics identified that influence non-adherence, instructions should be reinforced to increase adherence. The experimental mortality (39.6%) reduced the sample size, representing a limitation of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Enfermería Global is the property of Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There is an increasing interest in multimodal technology-based warnings, namely those conveying speech-warning statements. This type of warning may be tailored to the situation as well as to the target user's characteristics. However, more information is needed on how to design these warnings in a way that ensures intelligibility, promotes compliance and reduces the potential for annoyance. In this context, this paper reports an exploratory study whose main purpose was to assist the selection of a synthesized voice for a subsequent compliance study with personalized (i.e., using the person's name) technologybased warnings using Virtual Reality. Participants were requested to listen to speech signals, gathered from a speech synthesizer and post-processed in order to change the pitch perception, and then these were evaluated by fulfilling the MOS-X questionnaire. After that, the participants ranked the voices according to their preference. The effects of the speaker's gender and voice pitch, on both ratings and ranking were assessed. The preference of the male and female listeners for a talker's voice gender was also investigated. The results show that participants mostly prefer as first choice the high-pitched female voice, which also gathered the highest overall score in the MOS-X questionnaire. No significant influence of the participants' gender was found on the assessed measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of intellectual capital (IC) awareness among Portuguese bank managers and which disclosure techniques are most common. The annual report is regarded by some authors as the most important vehicle of information about banks’ affairs because of some specific characteristics of banks’ activities. However, organizations are increasingly using their webpages to disclose a broad spectrum of information. The objectives of this study are twofold: to investigate how Portuguese bank managers perceive the impact of IC disclosure on the bank’s competitiveness; and to assess the extent to which Portuguese banks voluntarily report their IC in annual reports vs webpages.Design/methodology/approach The methodology involved in the exploratory study includes the collection of secondary data – annual reports and websites – collected from the 28 banks operating in Portugal, and semi-structured interviews from 25 banking managers. Content analysis is applied using a constructed index based on two European frameworks – Intellectus and InCaS – slightly modified to take into consideration the peculiarities of the sector.Findings Results show higher level of IC disclosure in annual reports than that provided in websites. Human capital and structural capital are the most reported category in annual reports and, conversely, the disclosure of relational capital is higher in the webpages. Findings are found similar in comparison to various other studies on the subject which reveal very low level of IC disclosure, not yet receiving priority from the mentors of banks. Interviews reveal that not many managers recognize the need and significance of measuring and reporting IC, although it is recognized as a driver of competitiveness. For protecting business confidentiality, banks do not want to report information of sensitive nature.Research limitations/implications The analysis is limited to a single sector. Future research can expand to other industries (e.g. manufacturing, technological, services) to enable a more comprehensive understanding of IC disclosure in Portugal. The cross-sectional approach is also a limitation. A longitudinal study could be conducted for capturing the trend of reporting practices during the period. Further research could apply research methods other than content analysis (e.g. questionnaire survey, interviews or mixed-methods) in order to obtain a more in-depth view of how the Portuguese organizations manage, measure and report their IC.Practical implications Research may be of relevance for both banking managers and regulators. For banking managers because it offers an opportunity to envisage their banks’ future potential for growth and competitiveness. For regulators, the relevance of the study focusses on their understanding of developing mandatory reporting or additional policy requirements. This study provides a motivation for further research that contributes to a body of knowledge and practices on the IC disclosure.Social implications Emerging from the years of a financial crisis, restoring trust and confidence is the most critical challenge for banks to become competitive. IC disclosure could help to restore confidence.Originality/value The existing literature on the IC reporting and disclosure in the context of banking sector is limited. Based on the Intellectus model and the InCaS model we built an index of IC disclosure to banking sector which contributes to a greater accuracy, transparency and reliability in the disclosure of this unique sector. This initiative may encourage its applicability in other sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Medical education provides students with abundant learning opportunities, each of which is embodied with messages concerning what is expected from students. This paper analyses students? exposure to instances of unprofessional behavior, investigating whether they judge such behavior to be unprofessional and whether they also participate in unprofessional behavior. Methods: The survey developed in the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago was the basis of this questionnaire that was answered by 276 students from two medical schools in Brazil and Portugal. Results: Unprofessional behavior was observed frequently by students in both universities, and the mean participation rates were similar (26% and 27%). Forty-five percent of students? participation in unprofessional behavior was explained by academic year, prior observation, and judgment. Discussion: The results indicate that once students have observed, participated in or misjudged unprofessional behavior, they tend to participate in and misjudge such behavior. The frequency with which students judged behaviors they had observed or participated in as ?borderline? or unprofessional could mean that they are experiencing moral distress. Conclusion: Proper discussion of unprofessional behavior should foster a broad debate to encourage empowered students, faculties, and physicians to co-create a more professional environment for patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Psycho-Oncologie is the property of Tech Science Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Paideia (0103863X) is the property of Paideia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a serious and relatively prevalent problem in adolescence. Although several studies have identified risk factors for the aetiology and maintenance of NSSI, little is known about the impact of individual and contextual variables in such pervasive behaviors among adolescents. Objective: This paper aims to test whether specific internal traits characterized by shame, self-criticism and fear of self-compassion impact on NSSI, through their effect in daily peer hassles and depression. Methods: Participants are 782 adolescents with 12-18 years-old from middle and secondary schools (years of education's mean = 9.46). This study has a cross-sectional design. Self-report measures include external shame, self-criticism, fear of self-compassion, daily peer hassles, depressive symptoms and NSSI. Results: External shame, hated self and fear of self-compassion indirectly predict NSSI, through their effect in daily peer hassles and depression. The most pathological form of self-criticism (hated self) is strongly associated with NSSI. Conclusions: These findings contribute to clarification of the paths through which the belief that one is seen negatively by others, the hostile self-to-self relationship and the inability to direct compassion for self may increase NSSI. Daily peer hassles and current depressive symptoms seem to play an important role in the association between internal traits and NSSI. Preventive and intervention actions for reducing NSSI in adolescence should address not only interpersonal difficulties but also self-to-self relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and service use of centenarians living in the community and centenarians residing in an elder care facility/nursing home and examines their main differences. Participants were 140 centenarians from the population-based Oporto Centenarian Study (Mage = 101.2; SD = 1.6). Main findings revealed that the majority of the centenarians lived at home with their family members (57.9%). Increased health care needs, living alone, and family caregiving constraints were the most common reasons for entering a nursing home. Community-dwelling centenarians were cared for mostly by their children and were less dependent and in better cognitive health than those who resided in a nursing home. Differences were found in the pattern of health service use according to the centenarians' residence, ability to pay medical expenses, and dependency level. Findings highlight the need for an accurate assessment of caregiving support systems, particularly family intergenerational duties, and of the factors constraining the access and use of health and social services. Policy makers may be guided by the insights gained from this research and work toward improvement of support options and removal of barriers to service access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The length of hospital stay (LOS) is an important measure of efficiency in the use of hospital resources. Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), as one of the diseases with higher mortality and LOS variability in the OECD countries, has been studied with predominant use of administrative data, particularly on mortality risk adjustment, failing investigation in the resource planning and specifically in LOS. This paper presents results of a predictive model for extended LOS (LOSE - above 75th percentile of LOS) using both administrative and clinical data, namely laboratory data, in order to develop a decision support system. Laboratory and administrative data of a Portuguese hospital were included, using logistic regression to develop this predictive model. A model with three laboratory data and seven administrative data variables (six comorbidities and age ≥ 69 years), with excellent discriminative ability and a good calibration, was obtained. The model validation shows also good results. Comorbidities were relevant predictors, mainly diabetes with complications, showing the highest odds of LOSE (OR = 37,83; p = 0,001). AMI patients with comorbidities (diabetes with complications, cerebrovascular disease, shock, respiratory infections, pulmonary oedema), with pO2 above level, aged 69 years or older, with cardiac dysrhythmia, neutrophils above level, pO2 below level, and prothrombin time above level, showed increased risk of extended LOS. Our findings are consistent with studies that refer these variables as predictors of increased risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the geographical distribution and concentration of firms' innovation persistence and innovation type (product and process) based on three waves of the Portuguese Community Innovation Survey data covering the period 1998-2006. The main findings are: 1) both innovation persistence and innovation type are asymmetrically distributed across Portuguese regions, 2) the degree of correlation between geographical location and innovative output varies with the innovation type, and 3) the correlation between geographical unit and innovation increases when the spatial unit of analysis is narrower. The results suggest that the firms' choices of geographical location have a long-lasting effect, engendering no equal probabilities of being persistently innovative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Hearing Science is the property of Institute of Sensory Organs and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background The effectiveness of two treatment approaches (phonological therapy and articulation therapy) for treatment of 14 children, aged 4;0-6;7 years, with phonologically based speech-sound disorder (SSD) has been previously analysed with severity outcome measures (percentage of consonants correct score, percentage occurrence of phonological processes and phonetic inventory). Considering that the ultimate goal of intervention for children with phonologically based SSD is to improve intelligibility, it is curious that intervention studies focusing on children's phonology do not routinely use intelligibility as an outcome measure. It is therefore important that the impact of interventions on speech intelligibility is explored. Aims This paper investigates the effectiveness of the two treatment approaches (phonological therapy and articulation therapy) using intelligibility measures, both in single words and in continuous speech, as the primary outcome. Methods & Procedures Fourteen children with phonologically based SSD participated in the intervention. The children were randomly assigned to phonological therapy or articulation therapy (seven children in each group). Two assessment methods were used for measuring intelligibility: a word identification task (for single words) and a rating scale (for continuous speech). Twenty-one unfamiliar adults listened and judged the children's intelligibility. Reliability analyses showed overall high agreement between listeners across both methods. Outcomes & Results Significant improvements were noted in intelligibility in both single words (paired t(6) = 4.409, p = 0.005) and continuous speech (asymptotic Z = 2.371, p = 0.018) for the group receiving phonology therapy pre- to post-treatment, but no differences in intelligibility were found for those receiving the articulation therapy pre- to post-treatment, either for single words (paired t(6) = 1.763, p = 0.128) or continuous speech (asymptotic Z = 1.442, p = 0.149). Conclusions & Implications Intelligibility measures were sensitive enough to show changes in the phonological therapy group but not in the articulation therapy group. These findings emphasize the importance of using intelligibility as an outcome measure to complement the results obtained with other severity measures when exploring the effectiveness of speech interventions. This study presents new evidence for the effectiveness of phonological therapy in improving intelligibility with children with SSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]