Search

An essential aspect of higher education institutions' academic curricula for engineering courses is the students' industrial internship programs. In the literature, it is well accepted that such programs provide valuable learning outcomes and increase the graduates' employment prospects. Thus, it is paramount to evaluate the internship programs' quality to identify opportunities to improve their design and implementation. However, that evaluation typically depends on self-designed academic assessment surveys of questionable validity. The purpose of this paper is to assess engineering students' perceptions of their internship experiences. For that purpose, the validation of a recently adapted version of the Work Experience Questionnaire (WEQ) was carried out on a sample of 447 engineering students that participated in industrial internship programs offered by Portuguese public universities and polytechnic schools. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to confirm the suitability of the model proposed by the WEQ's authors on this study's sample. The psychometric qualities were evaluated through convergent and discriminant validity. The results showed that the model fit the sample well, and convergent and discriminant validity was established. The general competencies subscale was the most important for the participants--specifically, the competency of solving problems. Differences concerning the WEQ and gender, company size, and compensation were found and discussed. This study provides researchers in the field with a new tool validated explicitly for engineering students.

In light of ongoing controversies concerning expressive arts education in Portuguese primary schools, the life history of one primary-school teacher who lives and works in the city of Porto (Portugal) is the starting point for problematizing this issue from the perspective of lived experiences. Data collection comprises oral reports, visual materials, and emotional accounts. Feelings were shared in a relational environment framed by ethical commitments. Through these processes, it was possible to create a narrative within the framework of a biographical narrative research approach. The main purpose was to highlight the voice of one primary-school teacher whose life history is blended with the foundations and practices of artistic expression in basic education--such as language, communication, knowledge, and lived experiences--making it an important starting point for reconceptualizing expressive arts education. The results showed that this reconceptualization can be achieved through three dimensions: seducing people, mediating places, and governing senses.

The present work intends to analyse how pre-school aged children experience the re/construction of a 'gender identity' and the processes that create it as an essential, factual, and unchangeable reality -- therefore, suspect. Given the growing importance of 'gender identity development' in child development literature, as well as the arising voices of 'gender non-conforming' childhoods, this theme seems particularly relevant when faced with the limitations imposed by macrosocial discourses of cisheteronormativity. Using grounded theory and ethnography, the re/construction processes were observed in a mixed-age kindergarten classroom in Porto and analysed through the feminist lens of gender performativity. It was possible to observe the following dimensions: clothing and accessories as performative marks of gender; beauty and its role in constructing femininities; play as a regulatory fiction, that is both shaped by and constructs gender differences; gender borders and how they can be reinstated, negotiated or defied.

This research aims to analyse the financial performance of companies using one of the most used profitability indicators, the return on investment (ROI), which measures the company's performance in terms of the profit generated over time. To this end, several different methods are used to calculate the ROI indicator, considering the different calculation methods used by different authors over the years. The use of different ROI calculation formulas has been identified in the literature, leading to different conclusions. Based on a sample of 2805 Portuguese companies, it examines how the different indicators react to the different variables analysed, using nine different econometric models. Through this study, it is possible to verify that the different variables that depend on the return on investment have different results, namely that the variables "age" and "size" have a negative effect on the return on investment. On the other hand, "financial leverage" and "ROA" have a positive impact on the contribution to the return on investment. We also found that the different variables behave similarly for virtually all types of ROI calculation, although not completely harmonious, especially in terms of impact. The results are empirically vital, as they alert researchers and companies to the need for standardised formulas for calculating variables such as ROI so that results are not distorted. Using one to the detriment of the other impacts the results obtained and the analyses to be carried out. How empirical research will continue to use the ROI metric will always depend on its users' discretion and free will. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assumes that formative processes are not limited to the school context or model but that other life contexts and experiences, even if not intentionally, have educational effects. These informal formative contexts and experiences can play a key role individual´s development, resulting not only in superficial changes, but also in deep changes in terms of subjectivity and identity. Our research involves clandestine militants of the Portuguese Communist Party during the dictatorship, and explores the type of knowledge acquired during their hiding experience (1940-1974) that allowed them to resist and survive over long periods. As our focus is the experience of women, based on narrative discourses of women (or about them) we will consider the role and status of women in hiding. The discourses were collected through several published autobiographical narratives and mainly interviews where we tried to identify the learning processes, the people seen as significant for knowledge acquisition, and also how knowing, knowing how to do and knowing how to be were constructed during living in hiding.

Background: Recognizing the positive or negative effects of students' mental health promotes personal development, well-being, and academic success. Academic life exposes college students to multiple adjustments, demands, and vulnerabilities that can cause stress and mental health problems. This study aims to identify psychological well-being and psychological distress effects on college students' mental health. Methods: A correlational study was designed involving a non-probabilistic 560 sample of students (446 women) aged 18 to 41 years (M = 19.6; SD = 1.68). An online self-report questionnaire was used including demographic, relational, academic, and health behaviors variables, and the measures: Mental Health Inventory; Satisfaction with Social Support Scale; Academic Life Satisfaction Scale; and Psychological Vulnerability Scale. Results: Regression analyses indicate that male students, dating, good academic performance, exercise, sleeping seven hours, satisfaction with social support, and academic life satisfaction were significant correlates (p < 0.05) of psychological well-being, with the last two having great weight in the model. Females, low income, aged 21–24 years, sleeping less than 6 h, moderate psychological vulnerability, and perception of vulnerability were significant (p < 0.05) negative effects of psychological distress. Conclusions: This study addresses the positive and negative effects of psychological well-being and distress in college students. Specific mental health promotion and morbidity prevention programs can improve students' mental health literacy and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The All4Children project addresses the urgent need to transition from institutionalization to family-based care for out-of-home children in Portugal. Despite evidence highlighting the detrimental effects of institutionalization, only a small percentage of children (less than 4%) are currently placed in family foster care in the country. In response to European directives for deinstitutionalization, Portuguese legislation now prioritizes non-kinship family foster care as the preferred alternative for young children in need of care. To facilitate this transition, the Integrated Model of Family Foster Care (MIAF) was developed, offering a comprehensive framework covering the entire spectrum of family foster care. Objective: This research aims to investigate the initial implementation stage of the MIAF to promote high-quality family foster care in Portugal. Method: The study will conduct a mixed-method and longitudinal research project in family foster care agencies across different regions of Portugal, focusing on evaluating the implementation and outcomes of the MIAF model using a multi-informant and multi-method approach. The participants will include caseworkers, children aged 0–9 years entering foster care, and their respective foster families enrolled in the MIAF program. Process evaluation will assess fidelity, feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of MIAF modules, while outcome evaluation will examine child safety, stability, well-being, as well as foster family well-being and quality of relational care. Outcomes: The insights gained from this research initiative will serve as a foundation for the ongoing enhancement of MIAF. Consequently, this project has the capacity to advance evidence-based child welfare practices by refining processes and strategies to better serve vulnerable children and youth. Conclusion: Facilitated by a multidisciplinary team, this project will contribute to advancing research in the field, enhancing practice, and informing policy during a pivotal stage of deinstitutionalization in Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social prescribing (SP) is a non-clinical approach, most commonly based in healthcare units, that aims to address non-medical health-related social needs by connecting individuals with community-based services. This qualitative study explores the perception of Portuguese older adults regarding the benefits of SP and their willingness to participate in SP initiatives. Methods: Three face-to-face focus group sessions were conducted with 23 participants in different cities in Portugal. Open and semi-open questions were used to guide the discussions and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The participants recognized the potential benefits of SP for older adults, including diversifying leisure activities, improving mental health, and complementing existing support systems. They highlighted the need for external support, usually in the form of link workers, to facilitate personalized referrals and consider individual characteristics and preferences. While some participants expressed reluctance to engage in SP due to their existing busy schedules and a perceived sense of imposition, others showed openness to having new experiences and recognized the potential value of SP in promoting activity. Barriers to participation, including resistance to change, mobility issues, and family responsibilities, were identified. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the importance of a person-centered and co-designed approach to SP, involving older adults in the planning and implementation of interventions. The findings provide valuable insights for the development of SP programs tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of older adults in Portugal, ultimately promoting active and healthy aging. Future research should consider the perspectives of family doctors and include a broader representation of older adults from diverse geographic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The literature is consensual regarding the academic community exhibiting higher levels of mental disorder prevalence than the general population. The potential of digital mental health apps for improving access to resources to cope with these issues is ample. However, studies have yet to be performed in Portugal on individuals' attitudes and perceptions toward digital mental health applications or their preferences and decision drivers on obtaining mental health care, self-assessment, or treatment. Objective: This study aims to understand the determinants of digital mental health applications use in the Portuguese academic community of Porto, along with potential adoption barriers and enablers. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was delivered via dynamic email to the University of Porto's academic community. Data collection occurred between September 20 and October 20, 2022. We used structural equation modeling to build three models, replicating a peer-reviewed and published study and producing a newly full mediation model shaped by the collected data. We tested the relationships between use of digital mental health apps and perceived stress, perceived need to seek help for mental health, perceived stigma, past use of mental health services, privacy concerns, and social influence. Results: Of the 539 participants, 169 (31.4%) reported having used digital mental health apps. Perceived stress and a latent variable, comprising perceptions of mental health problems and coping strategies, were positively associated with mental health app use, while privacy concerns regarding one's information being accessible to others were negatively associated. Perceived stigma, need to seek help, and close relationships did not have a statistically significant direct effect. Conclusions: These findings can inform product and policy development of new, better-targeted digital mental health app interventions, with implications for researchers and academia, industry, and policymakers. Our study concludes that, to maximize adherence to these apps, they should have low to no financial charges, demonstrate evidence of their helpfulness and focus on the timely delivery of care. We also conclude that to foster digital mental health app use, there is a need to improve mental health literacy, namely regarding self-awareness of one's conditions, acceptable stress levels, and overall behavior towards mental health. Trial registration: RR2-10.2196/41040. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uveitis is a heterogeneous collection of infrequent diseases, which poses significant challenges to cost-effective research in the field. Medical registries are being increasingly recognized as crucial tools to provide high-quality data, thus enabling prospective clinical research. This paper describes the design and technical structure development of an innovative countrywide electronic medical record for uveitis, Uveite.pt, and gives an overview of the cohort registered since its foundation, March 2020. Uveite.pt is an electronic medical record platform developed by the Portuguese Ocular Inflammation Group (POIG), a scientific committee of the Portuguese Ophthalmology Society. This is a nationwide customized web-based platform for uveitis patients useful for both clinical practice and real-world-based research, working as a central repository and reporting tool for uveitis. This paper describes the technical principles, the design and the development of a web-based interoperable registry for uveitis in Portugal and provides an overview of more than 400 patients registered in the first 18 months since inception. In infrequent diseases, the existence of registries enables to gather evidence and increase research possibilities to clinicians. The adoption of this platform enables standardization and improvement of clinical practice in uveitis. It is useful to apprehend the repercussion of medical and surgical treatments in uveitis and scleritis, supporting clinicians in the strict monitoring of drug adverse reactions and surgical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we provide a thorough analysis, conducted on a company-by-company basis, of the impact of bank concentration and the bank-relative power of banks on firm profitability, financing costs, and capital structure in a small economy like Portugal. Using a sample of 434,990 Portuguese companies, the study spans a time frame of 13 years (from 2006 to 2018). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine bank concentration, and a new variable, "bank-related power", was introduced. This work employed linear regression with static panel data for fixed and pooled effects, using Driscoll–Kraay standard errors and robust standard error estimation. A direct association was found between business performance and the use of bank credit in highly concentrated banking markets (SMEs), and there is evidence of an inverse relationship when the relative power of banks increases (small business). Evidence also shows that financing costs increase with greater bank concentration, while firms' capital structure improves under similar conditions. When a bank holds greater relative market power, it tends to exert a negative impact on the capital structure of large companies. However, an inverse relationship is observed in the case of SMEs. Unlike previous studies, the article assesses the effects of bank market power on each of the different companies involved by using both bank concentration (as a composite variable) and a new variable that measures the relative power of banks. Due to its extensive database and expanded time frame, this research is innovative in the context of small-sized companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Portugal, there are over 7800 children with life-limiting conditions. The context of pediatric palliative care represents a complex and distressing experience for families. Compared to parental caregivers and healthy siblings, grandparents are underexplored in the literature and clinical practice. The aim of the present study is to propose a psychological experience assessment tool of grandparents in this context. It consists of a sociodemographic and clinical data sheet and a semi-structured interview based on sharing a testimony with other grandparents. On the basis of the latter, 10 dimensions were explored through the grandparents' own perspective: representation of the illness; representation of the sick grandchild; changes in routine and life; family impact; grandparents' contributions to the family system; social support and coping strategies; emotional impact; triple concern; needs identification; and post-traumatic growth. The tool can be used in person or remotely and may be combined with other instruments. Its application enables a personalized identification of needs and challenges for each family, promoting the adjustment of the clinical intervention to their wellbeing and resilience from an eco-systemic perspective. The clinical tool is presented in detail and its importance in the context of research and systemic intervention is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines whether the association of the neighborhood environment and overweight in children is moderated by age. This was a cross-sectional study of 832 children aged 3 to 10 years living in the city of Oporto (Portugal). Children were recruited under the scope of the project "Inequalities in Childhood Obesity: The impact of the socioeconomic crisis in Portugal from 2009 to 2015." Overweight was defined according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria. Parents completed a self-administered questionnaire capturing sociodemographic characteristics and their perceptions of their neighborhood environment. Logistic regressions were used to examine the influence of parental perceived neighborhood characteristics (latent variables: attractiveness, traffic safety, crime safety, and walkability) on overweight in children. A stratified analysis by age category was conducted. Overall, 27.8% of the children were overweight, 17.4% were aged 3 to 5 years, and 31.8% were aged 6 to 10 years. Children aged 3 to 5 years were more sensitive to the neighborhood environment than children aged 6 to 10 years. For children aged 3 to 5 years, the risk of overweight was inversely associated with neighborhood crime safety (OR = 1.84; 95% CI 1.07–3.15; p = 0.030). Conclusion: Our study suggests the existence of a sensitive age period in childhood at which exposure to a hostile neighborhood environment is most determining for weight gain. Until today, it was thought that the impact of the neighborhood environment on younger children would be less important as they are less autonomous. But it may not be true. What is Known: • The neighborhood environment may adversely affect children's weight status. However, the moderating role of child age in the association between neighborhood environment and overweight is uncertain. What is New: • The study highlights that the association between the neighborhood environment and child overweight is attenuated by age. It is stronger for preschoolers than for early school-age children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of sexuality for physical and psychological health throughout life, including in old age, are widely reported in the literature. However, in Portugal, little is known about the attitude of health professionals toward sexuality. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate general attitudes toward sexuality and toward sexuality in older people among Portuguese health professionals and students. A sample of 424 different health professionals of both sexes completed a questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics questions and general (Sexual Attitudes Scale – SAS) and aging (Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale – ASKAS) sexual attitudes scales. The results showed that physicians are the ones who reveal the greatest openness toward birth control issues. Regarding attitudes toward sexuality in older people, physicians and nurses are the ones with the most knowledge about this subject; and physical therapists are the ones with less permissive attitudes in this area. It is expected that this work will contribute to a reflection on the training of healthcare professionals regarding human sexuality, especially sexuality among older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food-related procedures are a part of rehabilitation interventions for dysphagia. However, studies show that professional-caregiver communication is often lacking in dysphagia, risking caregivers' knowledge, understanding, and practice of those procedures, with negative consequences for patient safety and rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate caregivers' perspectives about the utility of a poster designed to communicate dysphagia-related risks and food procedures for caregivers of patients in inpatient care. The impact of caregivers' exposure to the poster on patients' dysphagia-related health was additionally explored. The poster was placed by the beds of a randomly assigned group of patients (n = 21). Their caregivers responded to a questionnaire about the poster's utility. In addition, to explore whether the caregiver exposure to the poster could already have some effect on patient dysphagia-related health, patient risk of aspiration, food swallowing capacity, nutritional status, and oral cavity health were assessed before and one month after placement of the poster, and the poster-exposed group was compared with a (randomly-assigned) non-exposed group (n = 21). Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and generalized linear models based on analyses of covariance. All caregivers across various education levels reported noticing, reading, and understanding the poster (100%). Nearly all reported that the poster added new information to their knowledge (17 out of 21). In the additional analysis, the patients in the poster-exposed group showed greater improvements in the health outcomes, compared with the non-exposed group, although the effects were statistically non-significant within this study's one-month period. A poster with pictorial information was effective in increasing awareness about dysphagia-specific information among caregivers of patients in inpatient care and can be used as an augmentative means of information, with potential benefits for patient safety and rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Test for Creative Thinking-Drawing Production (TCT-DP, Urban & Jellen, 1986) is one of the most used instruments for the assessment of creative potential. Few studies exist regarding its factorial structure, and all of them were limited to using an exploratory approach. The aim of this research was to assess the factorial structure of the TCT-DP (Form A) for undergraduate and postgraduate Portuguese students. Two studies were performed, where Study 1 (967 participants) consisted of an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) that yielded a 2-factor solution and Study 2 (920 participants) consisted of a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) used to test the fit and compare the suitability of the 2 factorial solutions with alternative models. The 2-factor model exhibited good and acceptable indices of fit. The factors represented Innovativeness and Adaptiveness. This model was called Two Tracks of Thought (TTT). Its structure suggests the importance of both non-conventional and conventional thinking for the creative process.

Individuals express their creativity through a variety of thinking and creating styles (Wechsler, 2006, 2007). These constructs underlie the Thinking and Creating Styles Scale (TCSS), which is used to identify individuals' creating styles. The aim of this research is to assess the factorial structure of the Portuguese version of the TCSS. Two studies were performed using 414 and 369 Portuguese participants with mean ages of 29.25 and 29.35 years, respectively. Study 1 consisted of an exploratory factor analysis that yielded a three-factor solution. Study 2 consisted of a confirmatory factor analysis used to test the fit and compare the suitability of several factorial solutions. The three-factor model (Non-Conforming/Transformer, Cautious/Reflexive, and Logical/Objective) with the best statistical fit was called the Troika Model. In this model, each factor had five items and showed good and acceptable indices of fit. This new three-factor structure results in a more efficient and attractive version of the TCSS: the Creating and Thinking Styles-Troika Scale (CTS-TS). Future studies should use the CTS-TS and other creativity assessment instruments to explore the creativity level and style dichotomy.

Background: Chronic pain (CP) has serious medical and social consequences and leads to economic burden that threatens the sustainability of healthcare services. Thus, optimized management of pain tools to support CP patients in adjusting to their condition and improving their quality of life is timely. Although acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is considered an evidence-based psychological approach for CP, evidence for the efficacy of online-delivered ACT for CP is still scarce. At the same time, studies suggest that self-compassion mediates the change in disability and psychopathological symptoms in ACT interventions for CP, although self-compassion is not a specific target in ACT. Thus, an explicit focus on self-compassion might increase the efficacy of ACT interventions for CP, although this hypothesis has not been tested. This study aims to develop an eHealth ACT and compassion-based self-management intervention for CP, the iACTwithPain, and to compare its efficacy in improving health outcomes to a similar ACT-only intervention and a medical TAU group. Methods: The eHealth platform that will host the interventions will be developed using a flat design identity and will be interactive. The iACTwithPain intervention will comprise eight weekly self-management sessions and will be developed taking into consideration the psychological flexibility model applied to CP, with the addition of explicit compassion-based components. To analyze whether the iACTwithPain intervention will present superiority in improving CP's impact and related health markers over the two other conditions, this study will follow an RCT design with three arms. CP patients will be recruited through direct contact with patient associations and healthcare services and a national press release in Portugal. Outcome measurement will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. The interventions' acceptability will also be assessed. Discussion: The iACTwithPain intervention is expected to improve CP patients' psychosocial functioning, quality of life, and empowerment, by promoting adaptive disease management and regulation of pain-related internal experiences. Results will contribute to a better understanding on the pertinence of adding compassion elements to ACT for CP and to reach an optimized intervention for CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paediatric Palliative Care (PPC) has undergone rapid growth in Portugal, where there are over 7800 children with life-limiting conditions. This is a complex experience for families due to the ongoing threat and vulnerability caused by the emergence of an illness, and therefore several studies have tended to focus on the adaptation of parent caregivers. The aim of the present study is to present a psychological experience assessment protocol of parents in PPC. Methods: It consists of a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire and a semi-structured interview based on an incomplete narrative deriving from the Unwanted Guest Metaphor. Results: On the basis of the latter, 10 dimensions of the experience in the parental subsystem were explored through parents' own perspective, namely: confrontation with the diagnosis; representation of the illness; emotional impact; day-to-day challenges; family impact; resources and social support; coping strategies; posttraumatic growth; representation of the sick child; and future perspectives. Discussion: The protocol can be used in person or remotely and its application enables the identification of specific needs and the establishment of psychotherapeutic goals and strategies for each family, thus enhancing their well-being and resilience, from an eco-systemic perspective. Conclusions: The protocol is presented in detail and its importance in the context of research and systemic intervention in PPC is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Old and abandoned mines are testimonials of ancient industrial activities, and as such, they are able to convey environmental concerns. A multidisciplinary approach combining ground measurements—i.e., portable X-ray fluorescence and optical spectroradiometry—with airborne multispectral images—i.e., Sentinel-2 and unmanned aerial vehicles—was conducted to define a baseline for the characterization of areas that constitute environmental burdens. The Mostardeira mine, an old copper mine located in the Portuguese Ossa-Morena Zone, was selected as a case study. The results reveal that the soils have toxic metals—e.g., As (mean = 1239 ppm) and Cu (mean = 435 ppm)—above the defined health thresholds. The spectroradiometry provided insights into the soil characterization using data from the vis-NIR spectral region, allowing us to distinguish agricultural soil, mine waste, and bare soils. The spectra obtained are comparable with the USGS soil spectra standards, namely Clinozoisite Epidote HS299, Hematitic Alt. Tuff CU91-223, and Sand DWO-3-DEL2ar1 no oil. The airborne images considered through the lens of principal components analysis and supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques (random forest and K-means) are found to be effective tools in creating cartographic representations of the contaminated soils. The collected data are used to construct a baseline for characterizing these environmentally challenging areas, whereas the methodological approach is revealed to be successful for tackling the posed environmental problems, allowing us to map the old mine environment passives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advertising has played an increasingly relevant role in raising awareness of social problems via institutional campaigns. In the phenomenon of domestic violence, most institutional advertising campaigns are directed at victims, who are often represented as vulnerable people. The general objective of this explorative study was to ascertain, from the point of view of victims of domestic violence, what the contributions of advertising campaigns are in combating this phenomenon. Stemming from a previous study on institutional advertising campaigns on domestic violence, which included a survey with about 500 participants residing in Portugal, a focus group was carried out with 4 participants who declared that they had been victims of domestic violence. The data were subjected to thematic analysis, and two major themes were identified: A: the effectiveness of advertising campaigns on the prevention of domestic violence and B: domestic violence and the fight against it via advertising strategies. The results suggest that advertising is a useful tool for social transformation, which has contributed to the social awareness of the problem of domestic violence. There is no consensus that the shock strategy of certain advertisements has the desired effects nor that campaigns should only focus on victims. It was suggested that the campaigns should be extended to the aggressors and that the theme should also be introduced in schools. The discussion made it possible to question the characteristics of advertising campaigns and to propose new directions in this field for the prevention of the phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The sparse literature on the effect of a preterm delivery on parents' quality of life (QoL) yields inconsistent results, restricting their analysis to mothers. The present study aimed to assess the effect of a very preterm delivery on parents' gender-specific perception of QoL, 4 to 6 months after birth. Methods: A total of 117 parents of very preterm infants hospitalized at birth in a level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and 214 parents of never hospitalized full-term infants born in a public maternity, both located in the North of Portugal, participated in the study, 4 to 6 months after delivery (November 2013–June 2015). The Portuguese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life – BREF Inventory was applied and scores were transformed to reflect a 0 to 100 scale. Results: The mean [standard deviation (SD)] of overall QoL ranged between 72.1 (13.3) among mothers of full-term infants and 74.6 (12.5) among mothers of very preterm infants. The perception of QoL was not significantly different among parents of very preterm and full-term infants, according to gender. The highest scores were observed in the psychological and physical dimensions, for both mothers and fathers. Conclusions for Practice: The lack of differences on the perception of QoL among mothers and fathers of very preterm and full-term infants, highlights the need to deeply understand and explore the influence of accommodation mechanisms, the extended family/community and health policies on parental QoL trajectories. Significance: What is Already Known on this Subject? The effect of a preterm delivery on parents' QoL yields inconsistent results, mainly due to a considerable heterogeneity regarding the operationalization of QoL, the use of different units of analysis, and different periods of data collection. Also, most studies restrict their analysis to mothers, with few attempts to assess parents's QoL during mother's return-to-work period. What this Study adds? Parents who experience increased family burden and distress after a very preterm delivery do not perceived their QoL 4–6 months after delivery differently than parents of full-term infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance (CG) and corporate performance, considering the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. We consider a sample of Portuguese-listed firms for the period between 2010 and 2020 using a panel data methodology. The main results show that higher levels of managerial ownership and gender diversity may drive higher firm performance. However, no evidence was found that a representation of three or more female directors leads to an increase in performance. Moreover, the results suggest that there is a negative relationship between leverage and performance when we consider a market-based performance measure. Finally, the study found evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on corporate performance. This study sheds light on the role of ownership and gender on firms' performance. The results of this research can have some implications for academia and policymakers' decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) cause human losses and irreparable physical and psychological damage to many of the victims. They also involve a very relevant economic dimension. It is urgent to improve the management of human and material resources for more effective prevention. This work makes an important contribution by presenting a methodology that allowed for achieving a predictive model for the occurrence of RTA on a road with a high RTA rate. The prediction is obtained for each road segment for a given time and day and combines results from statistical methods, spatial analysis, and artificial intelligence models. The performance of three Machine Learning (ML) models (Random Forest, C5.0 and Logistic Regression) is compared using different approaches for imbalanced data (random sampling, directional sampling, and Random Over-Sampling Examples (ROSE)) and using different segment lengths (500 m and 2000 m). This study used RTA data from 2016–2019 (training) and from May 2021–June 2022 (test). The most effective model was an ML logistic regression with the ROSE approach, using segments length 500 m (sensitivity = 87%, specificity = 60%, AUC = 0.82). The model was implemented in a digital application, and a Portuguese security force is already using it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Road traffic accidents are a major concern for modern society with a high toll on human life and involve hard to account economic consequences. New knowledge can be obtained from combining GIS tools with machine learning and artificial intelligence, developing what is, in this work, identified as spatial intelligence. This approach is tested in a case study of Setúbal district, Portugal, for the period of 2016 to 2019. Departing from a heatmap analysis, and applying kernel density estimation, new spatial approaches were used, namely DBSCAN and Getis-Ord. The results obtained allowed the identification of novel meaningful locations of road traffic accidents. Consequently, the knowledge built from the underlying patterns is considered the key to developing new strategies to solve this modern social curse. The methodology proposed in this study demonstrates that the combination of expertise built from the different spatial analyses can provide a better understanding of the determinants of road traffic accidents. This approach is expected to be valuable for data analysts and decision-makers, contributing to diminishing human losses related to road traffic accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable landscape management is a key aspect for the development of mountain areas, especially where communities historically held common lands. Mountains face depopulation and abandonment, and transition to multifunctional landscapes emerges as an opportunity. We present a village case study (NW Portugal) focusing on people's perceptions and practices around the common land. Results confirm the common plays a central role in local identity, being perceived as shared heritage with potential to provide multiple benefits. Traditional uses and governance practices are prevalent, revealing inertia in adapting to new users and goals. Public support targeting common land management skills would facilitate these transitions, as well as to overcome lasting effects of former authoritarian regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral‐motor performance for speech and swallowing, and verbal fluency represent important domains that can determine frailty thresholds in older people. Objectives: The study aims to explore the association between oral‐motor performance and verbal fluency to achieve a comprehensive measurement of the frailty phenotype. Methods and Procedures: An exploratory and inferential cross‐sectional study was carried out in two nursing homes and 2 day care centres. The study comprised a sample of 95 individuals with a mean age of 83 years. The oral‐diadochokinesis test (ODDK), water swallow test (WST), time of mastication and swallowing (TOMASS), maximum tongue pressure, verbal fluency, physical phenotype and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used as measurements variables. Results: The comparison of mean values between the performance of observed and normative values for the target population was shown to be statistically significant for all the measurements and between the pre‐frail and frail. Conclusions: The results of this study add to the growing body of evidence that oral‐motor function for speech and swallowing and verbal fluency are relevant to the diagnosis and management of the frailty condition in older people. The frailty syndrome is more than just the traditionally observed physical function, rather it is a multidimensional construct, where additional dimensions should be considered when evaluating frailty in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portugal has been identified as the European country with the most rapid evolution of Pediatric Palliative Care provision, where approximately 7800 children have life-limiting conditions. This is a highly complex experience not only for the children and their parental caregivers, but also for their healthy siblings and grandparents. The present descriptive-exploratory study seeks to contribute to the understanding of the psychological experience of life-limiting conditions in grandparents. A total of 19 families, consisting of 15 grandmothers and 4 grandfathers, completed a sociodemographic and clinical data sheet and a semi-structured interview was conducted in which they shared their testimony. The results of the thematic analysis highlighted an integrated view on 10 important dimensions in the grandparental experience and promoted creative responses by means of their own perspective. However, it has some limitations, such as the small sample size and the data collection procedure via telephone. The results contribute to the design of specific intervention methodologies in an ecosystemic approach and suggest further research to explore more protective factors and communication with health professionals. For psychological intervention, it is suggested considering the identification of individual and family resources that contribute to the activation of key processes in resilience and posttraumatic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Sun exposure seems to have an indirect effect on the development of obesity through vitamin D synthesis in the skin, the primary source of this vitamin. The present study aimed to investigate associations among sun exposure time, obesity indicators, and lifestyle habits in children. Methods: A total of 4755 children (3–10 years; 49.86% boys) from the north, center and south‐central Portugal were included in the present study. During 2016/2017 children's sun exposure time, screen time, time devoted to the practice of physical activity and active play were collected through standard questionnaires answered by parents. Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate differences among sun exposure time according to the sex, age, obesity indicators and lifestyle habits. Results: Linear regression analysis showed that sun exposure time presented a negative association with Body Mass Index (β = −0.09, 95% CI: −0.18; −0.003; p =.042), body fat % (β = −0.31, 95%; CI: −0.54; −0.07; p =.010), computer time (β = −0.08, 95% CI: −0.12; − 0.05; p <.0001) and a positive association with active play time (β = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.17; 0.27; p <.0001) and total time of physical activity practice (β = 10.01, 95% CI: 4.52; 15.20; p <.0001). Conclusions: The results reinforce the need for future guidance on the ideal sun exposure time, especially in children, who are at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Standardization of criteria for classifying optimal sun exposure time in this age group, considering the parameters that affect vitamin D status, such as age and seasonality, should be considered when planning future guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive investigation into the application of machine learning algorithms for accurately classifying mineral deposit types is presented. The study specifically focuses on iron deposits in the Portuguese Ossa-Morena Zone, employing a limited dataset of trace element geochemistry from magnetites. The research aims to derive meaningful methodological and metallogenic conclusions from the obtained results. The findings demonstrate that the combination of a restricted dataset of trace element geochemistry from magnetites with diverse machine learning models serves as a reliable tool for achieving precise classifications of mineral deposit types. Among the machine learning methods evaluated, random forest, naïve Bayes, and multinomial logistic regression emerge as the most accurate classifiers, whereas the support vector machine, the k-nearest neighbour, and artificial neural networks exhibit lower performance scores. By integrating all literature-proposed classifications, and applying them to selected iron deposits, confident classifications were obtained. Alvito and Azenhas are reliably classified as skarns, whereas Monges, Serrinha, and Vale da Arca are classified as either porphyry or a Banded Iron Formation (BIF). Notably, the classification of Orada proves cryptic, encompassing both BIF and volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit types. Moreover, the application of machine learning models to pertinent case studies offers valuable insights not only for classifying mineral deposit types but also for discerning mixed or complex origins. This approach provides meaningful results that can aid in the interpretation of mineral deposit types and may facilitate the identification of new mineral exploration targets. The research highlights the robustness of machine learning algorithms in interpreting magnetite data and underscores their potential significance in exploration projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection acquisition occurs mainly in childhood and may be a critical factor in developing long‐term complications. In contrast to other developed countries, previous studies have reported a relatively high H. pylori infection prevalence in Portugal, both in children and adults. However, there are no recent data concerning pediatric population. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study concerning an 11 years period (2009, 2014, 2019), that included patients under 18 years old who underwent upper endoscopy at a pediatric tertiary center. Demographic, clinical‐pathological, and microbiological data were collected. Results: Four hundred and sixty one children were included. The average age was 11.7 ± 4.4 years. In total, H. pylori infection was confirmed in 37.3% of cases (histology and/or culture) and a decreasing infection trend was observed (p =.027). The most common indication for endoscopy was abdominal pain, which was a good predictor of infection. Antral nodularity was present in 72.2% of the infected children (p <.001). In the oldest age groups, moderate/severe chronic inflammation, H. pylori density and lymphoid aggregates/follicles were positive predictors for the presence of antral nodularity. For all ages, the presence of antral nodularity, neutrophilic activity in the antrum and corpus and lymphoid follicles/aggregates in the antrum were positive predictors for the presence of H. pylori infection. Among the 139 strains tested for antibiotic susceptibility, 48.9% were susceptible to all tested antibiotics. Resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and both was detected in 23.0%, 12.9%, and 6.5% of the strains, respectively; furthermore, resistance to ciprofloxacin and to amoxicillin was observed in 5.0% and 1.4% of the strains, respectively. Conclusions: The present study reports (for the first time in Portugal) a significant decreasing trend in the prevalence of pediatric H. pylori infection, although it remains relatively high compared to the recently reported prevalence in other South European countries. We confirmed a previously recognized positive association of some endoscopic and histological features with H. pylori infection, as well as a high prevalence rate of resistance to clarithromycin and to metronidazole. The clinical relevance of these findings requires confirmation with further studies at a national level, taking into account the high incidence rate of gastric cancer in Portugal and the potential need for country‐specific intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the relationship between body size, form, and composition, and children's lifestyle on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: This cross‐sectional study comprised 1333 children (9.05 ± 0.75 years; 683 females) living in mainland Portugal. Objective anthropometric measures were collected. Parents answered a standardized questionnaire related with children's lifestyle (e.g., sport participation, screen‐ and sleep‐time) and family socioeconomic status (e.g., parental education). HRQoL was measured using the Portuguese version of the KIDSCREEN‐27. Scores were categorized into low and high using a sex‐specific normative cut‐off from European children. A healthier score was created including positive scores for body weight, abdominal obesity, sport participation, sleep‐ and screen‐time. Results: Body size, form and composition were correlated with children's physical wellbeing. However, sex differences were found in which parameters were associated with wellbeing. Among boys, the body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐height ratio, subscapular and suprailiac skinfold were most correlated with wellbeing, while waist circumference and subscapular skinfold showed the strongest correlations for girls. Sleep duration and sport participation revealed a significant relationship with girls' HRQoL. A logistic regression analysis (adjusted for parental education) revealed that boys scoring 4 or 5 in the healthier index had an increased likelihood of high HRQoL level compared to those fulfilling none. Conclusions: Future programs aimed at reducing obesity, particularly central obesity, and incorporating multiple health indicators and behaviors, such as sport participation and sleep duration may help improve children's health and wellbeing. [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.)

In Europe, Portugal has been identified as the country with the most rapid evolution of paediatric palliative care provision, which is a highly complex experience for families. The present descriptive–exploratory study seeks to contribute to the understanding of the psychological experience of life-limiting conditions in parent caregivers. A total of 14 families completed a sociodemographic and clinical data sheet and answered a structured online interview based on an incomplete narrative resulting from the Unwanted Guest Metaphor. A thematic analysis of the various narratives was performed through an inductive–deductive process. The results provide a holistic view of 10 essential dimensions in the parental psychological experience and contribute to the design of intervention methodologies in an eco-systemic approach. The importance of clear communication with health professionals, an awareness of the unpredictability of the disease, the desire for more self-care, the difficulty in understanding their children's needs and the threat implicit in everyday life are some of the main findings. This research emphasizes the importance of having opportunities of emotional expression and psychoeducation about anxiety' management, enhancing the perception of positive characteristics in children with palliative needs and creating time for the couple. The study has some limitations, such as the small sample size, and suggests that further research should explore the father's experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in COVID-19 patients with hypoxaemia is still under debate. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of NIPPV (CPAP, HELMET-CPAP or NIV) in COVID-19 patients treated in the dedicated COVID-19 Intermediate Care Unit of Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Portugal, and to assess factors associated with NIPPV failure. Methods: Patients admitted from December 1st 2020 to February 28th 2021, treated with NIPPV due to COVID-19 were included. Failure was defined as orotracheal intubation (OTI) or death during hospital stay. Factors associated with NIPPV failure were included in a univariate binary logistic regression analysis; those with a significance level of p < 0.001 entered a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 163 patients were included, 64.4% were males (n = 105). The median age was 66 years (IQR 56–75). NIPPV failure was observed in 66 (40.5%) patients, 26 (39.4%) were intubated and 40 (60.6%) died during their hospital stay. The highest CRP (OR 1.164; 95%CI 1.036–1.308) and morphine use (OR 24.771; 95%CI 1.809–339.241) were identified as predictors of failure after applying multivariate logistic regression. Adherence to prone positioning (OR 0.109; 95%CI 0.017–0.700) and a higher value of the lowest platelet count during hospital stay (OR 0.977; 95%CI 0.960–0.994) were associated with a favorable outcome. Conclusions: NIPPV was successful in over half of patients. Highest CRP during hospital stay and morphine use were predictors of failure. Adherence to prone positioning and a higher value of the lowest platelet count during hospital stay were associated with a favourable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindful parenting has been linked to maternal psychological adjustment in mothers of babies, preschoolers and adolescents, but research including mothers of school-aged children is lacking. Also, little is known about the mechanisms linking mindful parenting and maternal psychological adjustment (e.g., maternal depression and parenting stress). The aims of this study were: first, to explore differences in mindful parenting, self-expressiveness within the family (SEF), maternal depression, and parenting stress as a function of sociodemographic and health-related variables; second, to analyze the associations between mindful parenting, SEF, maternal depression, and parenting stress; and third, to examine the mediating role of positive and negative SEF on the links between mindful parenting and maternal psychological adjustment (i.e., maternal depression and parenting stress). A sample of 229 mothers of elementary school-aged children was collected through online resources. Path analysis was used to explore direct and indirect effects between variables. First, results revealed differences in mindful parenting, negative SEF, maternal depression and parenting stress, depending on number of children, and health status-related variables. Second, while positive SEF correlated positively with mindful parenting and negatively with maternal depression and parenting stress, negative SEF, on the other hand, correlated positively with maternal depression and parenting stress. And third, positive SEF mediated the association between mindful parenting and maternal depression, while both positive and negative SEF mediated the association between mindful parenting and parenting stress. Mindful parenting interventions are likely to improve the psychological adjustment of mothers of school-aged children through the promotion of adaptive communication skills, namely SEF. Highlights: Mindful parenting, negative SEF, maternal depression, and parenting stress appear to differ depending on the number of children, and mother's health status. Positive and negative SEF are important correlates of mindful parenting, maternal depression and parenting stress. Positive and negative SEF differentially mediate the links between mindful parenting and maternal depression, and between mindful parenting and parenting stress. Mindful parenting interventions are likely to improve maternal psychological adjustment through the promotion of mothers' adaptive SEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective assessment of physical activity (PA) using accelerometers and pedometers has become more accurate and common practice in the study of childhood overweight. The study aimed: i) to compare PA levels and body shape of boys and girls, and assess compliance of active children with the PA recommendation; ii) to analyse associations between the risk of overweight and the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in children. The sample comprised 395 children (198 girls) aged 6–10 years. Height and weight were measured, and BMI was calculated subsequently. A tri-axial accelerometer was used to obtain seven consecutive days of MVPA, as well as the weekly time being sedentary. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the afore-mentioned relationship among the risk of obesity and MVPA, controlling for confounders. After controlling for wearing time, boys spent significantly more minutes in the moderate-to-vigorous portion of PA than their female counterparts. About 47% of boys were active on week days by achieve the mean value of 60 min/day of MVPA; corresponding percentage for the weekend was just 32%. Among girls, only 22% were active on week days and 29% at the weekend. MVPA was not significantly associated with the risk of being overweight nor in female neither in male children. The final regression model revealed that girls of mothers with high educational level were less likely to be classified as overweight girls. Findings revealed no significantly relation between MVPA and obesity risk among Portuguese children. Future research should extend similar design to other lifestyle features of children to clarify potential predictors of being overweight at early ages. • The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends active behaviours to manage the concerning prevalence of childhood obesity. • The majority of children of both sexes did not meet the current daily physical activity (PA) guidelines. • The worst prevalence rates of active children were observed at the weekend (i.e. just about 30% of children were active). • Girls of mothers with high educational level were less likely to be classified as overweight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncertainties about COVID-19 require evaluating national responses to identify successes and failures in the pandemic control. This article analyzes Portugal´s response, particularly the contribution of its health and surveillance systems in dealing with the pandemic. An integrative literature review was conducted, including consultations of observatories, documents, and institutional websites. Portugal´s response was agile and showed unified technical and political coordination, including surveillance structure using telemedicine. The reopening was supported by high testing and low positivity rates and strict rules. However, the relaxation of measures as of November/2020 resulted in an increase in cases, collapsing the health system. The response involved a consistent surveillance strategy with innovative monitoring tools, which, combined with high population adherence to vaccination, led to overcoming that moment and kept hospitalization and death rates at new disease waves at low levels. Thus, the Portuguese case discloses the risks of disease resurgence with the flexibility of measures and the population´s exhaustion in the face of restrictive measures and new variants, but also the importance of articulation between technical coordination, the political sphere, and the scientific committee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjective Cognitive Complaints, which result from the self-perception of Subjective Cognitive Decline, are frequently reported by older adults. The Cognitive Decline Complaints Scale (CDCS) assesses subjective complaints of cognitive decline in several cognitive domains through three levels of severity. This study aims to psychometrically validate this instrument considering the Classical Test Theory, and to establish preliminary normative data of the CDCS for adults and older adults of the Portuguese population. The community-based sample consisted of 199 cognitively healthy Portuguese participants, aged 50 years or older, stratified according to several sociodemographic variables. In addition to the CDCS, all participants responded to an extensive neuropsychological assessment protocol. The psychometric characteristics of the CDCS were generally adequate for this community sample (e.g. Cronbach's alpha =.936). As for the sociodemographic variables analyzed, only the geographic region showed differences in the CDCS scores, which were more significant in the Azores. There were no significant correlations or differences between the CDCS scores and age and educational level and, therefore, normative data were explored considering the total sample. As a scale, the CDCS allows for the detailed assessment of subjective cognitive complaints and the determination of whether or not such complaints are considered normative, which will facilitate an empirically based understanding of this dimension of psychological functioning and also provide indications as to the need for a more extensive neuropsychological assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Enfermagem Referência is the property of Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra 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.)

Portugal has the sixth highest road fatality rate among European Union members. This is a problem of different dimensions with serious consequences in people's lives. This study analyses daily data from police and government authorities on road traffic accidents that occurred between 2016 and 2019 in a district of Portugal. This paper looks for the determinants that contribute to the existence of victims in road traffic accidents, as well as the determinants for fatalities and/or serious injuries in accidents with victims. We use logistic regression models, and the results are compared to the machine-learning model results. For the severity model, where the response variable indicates whether only property damage or casualties resulted in the traffic accident, we used a large sample with a small imbalance. For the serious injuries model, where the response variable indicates whether or not there were victims with serious injuries and/or fatalities in the traffic accident with victims, we used a small sample with very imbalanced data. Empirical analysis supports the conclusion that, with a small sample of imbalanced data, machine-learning models generally do not perform better than statistical models; however, they perform similarly when the sample is large and has a small imbalance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization, 11% of all children are born prematurely, representing 15 million births annually. An extensive analysis on preterm birth, from extreme to late prematurity and associated deaths, has not been published. The authors characterize premature births in Portugal, between 2010 and 2018, according to gestational age, geographic distribution, month, multiple gestations, comorbidities, and outcomes. Methods: A sequential, cross‐sectional, observational epidemiologic study was conducted, and data were collected from the Hospital Morbidity Database, an anonymous administrative database containing information on all hospitalizations in National Health Service hospitals in Portugal, and coded according to the ICD‐9‐CM (International Classification of Diseases), until 2016, and ICD‐10 subsequently. Data from the National Institute of Statistics was utilized to compare the Portuguese population. Data were analyzed using R software. Results: In this 9‐year study, 51.316 births were preterm, representing an overall prematurity rate of 7.7%. Under 29 weeks, birth rates varied between 5.5% and 7.6%, while births between 33 and 36 weeks varied between 76.9% and 81.0%. Urban districts presented the highest preterm rates. Multiple births were 8× more likely preterm and accounted for 37%–42% of all preterm births. Preterm birth rates slightly increased in February, July, August, and October. Overall, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), sepsis, and intraventricular hemorrhage were the most common morbidities. Preterm mortality rates varied significantly with gestational age. Conclusion: In Portugal, 1 in 13 babies was born prematurely. Prematurity was more common in predominantly urban districts, a surprise finding that warrants further studies. Seasonal preterm variation rates also require further analysis and modelling to factor in heat waves and low temperatures. A decrease in the case rate of RDS and sepsis was observed. Compared with previously published results, preterm mortality per gestational age decreased; however, further improvements are attainable in comparison with other countries. Key points: Study question What are the characteristics of preterm births in Portugal, according to gestational age, geographic distribution, seasonality, multiple gestation, and outcomes?What is already known7.8% of all births in Portugal are preterm. Distinct prematurity urban–rural patterns have been reported in different regions worldwide. Several countries have reported a seasonal prematurity trend. Multiple births are a risk factor for prematurity. Prematurity outcomes are intrinsically related to gestational age.What this study addsOne in 13 babies was born prematurely in Portugal. Under 29 weeks, birth rates varied between 5.5% and 7.6%, and between 33 and 36 weeks varied from 76.9% to 81.0%. Prematurity was more common in predominantly urban districts than rural ones, which was a surprising finding and warrants further studies. Seasonal preterm variation rates also require further analysis. Multiple births were eight times more likely to be preterm. A decrease in the case rate of RDS and sepsis was observed. Preterm mortality per gestational age improvements are attainable compared with other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally assumed that the larger the bottle volume, the longer the duration of phytoplankton microcosm experiments. We hypothesize that volume and duration are independent, as volume does not regulate the extension of the exponential growth phase. We conducted two microcosm experiments using 1, 2, and 8 L bottles, inoculated with phytoplankton collected in the Ria Formosa lagoon (SE Portugal) and incubated for 1, 2, 4, and 8 days. Phytoplankton net growth rates were estimated using chlorophyll a concentration and cell abundance, determined with epifluorescence and inverted microscopy. Results show that the experimental duration significantly affected net growth rates, independently of volume, with decreasing net growth rates with time. Regarding volume, we found significant, but weak, differences in net growth rates, and significant two-way interactions only for the larger-sized cells. No significant differences in net growth rates across the different volumes were detected for the smaller, most abundant taxa and for the whole assemblage. We conclude that duration, not volume, is the main factor to consider in microcosm experiments, and it should allow the measurement of responses during the exponential growth phase, which can be detected through daily sampling throughout the duration of the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Gaucha de Enfermagem is the property of Revista Gaucha de Enfermagem 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 Comunicaçõe Geológicas is the property of Laboratorio Nacional de Energia e Geologia, I.P. 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.)

Intermittent rivers and streams are aquatic ecosystems that lose hydrological connectivity during drought periods. Anthropogenic pressures combined with climate change accelerate the spatial and temporal intermittency of these ecosystems, promoting alterations in ecology and ecosystem functions. This study aimed to assess the ecological status of Ribeira de Silveirinhos, located in the municipalities of Valongo and Gondomar (north of Portugal), using the metrics described in the Water Framework Directive. Thus, five sampling sites were selected along Ribeira de Silveirinhos. Sampling was done in three different periods, spring of 2019 and 2020, and autumn of 2019. At each site, physical and chemical water parameters were measured, and the benthic macroinvertebrates community was characterized. Physical and chemical parameters showed low pH values at upstream sites (where the dry phase occurs and is surrounded by Eucalyptus monoculture) and high concentrations of phosphorus at the downstream sites (subjected to several anthropogenic activities, iron waters, and agriculture). The macroinvertebrate community revealed low values of specific abundance and richness, especially during the dry period. Sensitive taxa (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) were negatively correlated with flow intermittency. Results showed that Ribeira de Silveirinhos is classified between "poor" and "moderate" in terms of ecological status. Intermittent streams are undervalued, so their protection is at risk. Thus, it is important to consider the specific ecological functioning of these ecosystems and to adjust the planning and management models in order to guarantee ecological quality and conservation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fisioterapia Brasil is the property of Atlantica Editora 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.)

Reflects on a collection of papers that examined the Association for Teacher Education in Europe's scenario model, suggesting that they indicated a trend toward a more pragmatic and individualistic approach in society that influences teacher education. However, these two trends (pragmatism and idealism) were not always strongly connected in the case studies, and the paper cautions against drawing strong conclusions from the different countries' reflections. (SM)

Commuting flows and long-distance travel are important spreading factors of viruses and particularly airborne ones. Therefore, it is relevant to examine the association among diverse mobility scenarios and the spatial dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 cases. We intended to analyze the patterns of virus spreading linked to different mobility scenarios, in order to better comprehend the effect of the lockdown measures, and how such measures can be better informed. We simulated the effects of mobility restrictions in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 amongst the municipalities of two metropolitan areas, Lisbon (LMA) and Porto (PMA). Based on an adapted SEIR (Suscetible-Exposed-Infected-Removed) model, we estimated the number of new daily infections during one year, according to different mobility scenarios: restricted to essential activities, industrial activities, public transport use, and a scenario with unrestricted mobility including all transport modes. The trends of new daily infections were further explored using time-series clustering analysis, using dynamic time warping. Mobility restrictions resulted in lower numbers of new daily infections when compared to the unrestricted mobility scenario, in both metropolitan areas. Between March and September 2020, the official number of new infections followed overall a similar timeline to the one simulated considering only essential activities. At the municipal level, trends differ amongst the two metropolitan areas. The analysis of the effects of mobility in virus spread within different municipalities and regions could help tailoring future strategies and increase the public acceptance of eventual restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]