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This study aims to explore how subjects identified as digital scholars use social media for sharing information and knowledge. A qualitative approach was used with in-depth semi-structured interviews to a purposive sample of 13 subjects. We adopted the Braun and Clarke Thematic Analysis approach and used NVivo QDA Software for the analysis of the data. The results point to 3 major themes: 1) Sharing 2) Interacting and Communicating and 3) Connecting and Networking. The participants in this study reveal a clear awareness of the importance of online presence and interaction with others in establishing shares, dialogues, relationships and bonds on the network. However, there is some heterogeneity among the participants, some being assumed as more active and participatory and others as less so, some clearly separating the work and non-work contexts and others for whom this distinction is less relevant. Motivations for sharing, such as altruism and generosity, are also related to possible gains in social capital. What is common to all participants is the need to find value in what is shared in networks, as well as the need for these actions to have some utility for themselves or for the collectives where information and knowledge are shared.

Copyright of Veterinarska Stanica is the property of Croatian Veterinary Institute 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.)

The UK National Student Survey (NSS) is a sound and widely used instrument for assessing students' academic experiences. We aimed to translate the NSS for Portuguese students and to validate the instrument in a sample of medical undergraduates. The research team translated and adapted the NSS for Portuguese students (NSS-P). The survey was administered on an online platform to 1,256 final-year students at eight Portuguese medical schools. A total of 329 medical students (69.9% female) replied to the NSS-P, a response rate of 26.2%. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original six-factor structure had an adequate fit to the data. Adequate internal consistency was observed for all the subscales. Medium to large correlations were found among all the subscale scores and between the subscale scores and the students' overall satisfaction. Multiple regression showed that the scores on the Teaching, Organization and Management and Personal Development subscales significantly predicted the students' overall satisfaction. Approximately 64% of the students reported being satisfied with the quality of their courses. Significant differences among the medical schools in their NSS-P scores were found. The NSS-P is a valid and reliable measure for assessing medical students' perceptions of academic quality.

Copyright of Veterinarska Stanica is the property of Croatian Veterinary Institute 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 article presents an evaluative study of the telecare protection system (TPS) implemented in Portugal as a protection order for domestic violence victims. A survey was applied to a representative sample of victims who were supported by the system (N = 171) and their responses were compared with those of domestic violence victims who did not benefit from it (N = 100). Victims were asked about their: (i) knowledge, expectations, and experiences with the implementation of the system; (ii) assessment of agencies' activities, and (iii) levels of satisfaction, safety, and re-victimisation. TPS had an activation rate of 32% for emergencies. Victims with the TPS showed great expectation fulfilment and a very positive assessment of the demeanour and behaviour of police and other support agencies. Generally, very satisfied with the system, victims reported, however, relatively lower satisfaction with the police responses in specific emergencies. Victims reported that the actions of agencies involved in the system allow them to feel safer; nonetheless, they also reported stable and continued fear and risk of being victimised. Finally, victims benefiting from TPS significantly differed from victims who did not benefit from it in terms of physical re-victimisation (7% and 15%, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional study was conducted to gain insight into the epidemiology of canine ehrlichiosis and rickettsiosis in northern Portugal. Specific IgG antibodies to Ehrlichia canis were analysed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and antibodies to Rickettsia conorii were analysed using a commercial indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). A total of 113 dogs from two different shelters were sampled, and seroprevalence values of 0.9% (95% confidence (CI): 0.2–4.8%) for E. canis and 9.7 (95% CI: 5.5–16.6%) for R. conorii were found. Multiple logistic regression investigated risk factors for seropositivity. The odds ratios (ORs) of R. conorii seropositivity were higher for female dogs (OR = 6.429; 95% CI: 1.201–34.407). Dogs seropositive for co-infection (E. canis + R. conorii) were more frequently observed among females (OR = 7.606; CI 95%: 1.478–39.132) and in Shelter 2 (OR = 18.229; 95% CI: 2.190–151.756). These findings show that shelter dogs in northern Portugal are exposed to E. canis and R. conorii, which can affect both canines and humans. It is imperative to adopt a One Health approach to educate the public about the hazards of canine zoonoses and develop legislation and procedures to control their spread and preserve public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Veterinarski Glasnik is the property of Veterinarski Glasnik 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.)

Grasmick et al.'s Low Self-Control Scale (LSCS) is considered the gold-standard of self-control measures due to the frequency of its use in criminology. The aim of the present study is to examine the psychometric properties of the LSCS from a more modern psychometric perspective and develop a shorter version. Our sample consisted of young adults (N = 610, M = 21.33 years, SD = 3.09) from Portugal. The six-factor intercorrelated model of the LSCS showed an adequate fit, but models that would legitimate using a total score could not be confirmed. The subscales' intercorrelations revealed some low non-significant correlations. The six subscales showed distinctive correlates with other measures, with three subscales presenting some problematic correlations. Confirmatory factor analysis was subsequently used to develop a three-factor shorter version with strong cross-gender measurement invariance and good reliability. Findings have implications for the validity of the general theory of crime specifically which components of self-control have the greatest empirical linkages to conduct problems and related deviance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on developing and evaluating an online course aimed at preschool educators and primary school teachers. It presents a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on computational thinking, programming and robotics developed as part of the project "Laboratory for Technology and Programming and Robotics Learning in Primary and Preschool Education in Portugal (KML II)" The MOOC design was inspired by a blended learning model used in teacher professional development at the project's inception and incorporates theoretical-pedagogical models of MOOC design as well as theoretical models of online interaction in virtual educational environments. The course will be offered on the NAU platform, a Portuguese MOOC platform. A pilot test was conducted with a purposive sample that included both participants from the target audience of the course as well as national and international experts specialised in these domains. The evaluation included a Likert scale questionnaire survey and open-ended questions. The results aim to validate the MOOC's quality, including its structure, content relevance, proposed activities, and learning design. The findings provide evidence to improve the final version of the MOOC, contributing to its effectiveness and adequacy to the target audience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Shelter dogs are considered more susceptible to infection with Leishmania infantum than domestic dogs due to the living conditions they are subjected to. These two populations of dogs were compared in an area where leishmaniosis is endemic, and shelter dogs were found to be less infected than domestic dogs. Statistically significant differences were also found between age groups and clinical statuses. Monitoring, preventing, and treating canine leishmaniosis is crucial in reducing this zoonosis among animals and humans, under the scope of One Health. Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a chronic, systemic, and often severe disease. The main causative agent of CanL is a protozoan parasite, Leishmania infantum, with phlebotomine sand flies acting as vectors. In Europe and other continents, L. infantum is also responsible for leishmaniosis in other animals, such as cats, horses, and humans. In Portugal, animal and human leishmaniosis is endemic, and high prevalence levels of infections and disease have been reported in dogs. There is a prejudice against stray animals and also those housed in shelters, assuming they have higher levels of infection with vector-borne pathogens, including L. infantum, when compared to domestic animals. In northeastern Portugal, serum samples were obtained from March to May 2022 in three shelters (n = 179) and thirteen veterinary clinics (n = 164), resulting in 343 dogs being analyzed for antibodies to Leishmania spp. by the direct agglutination test (DAT). The overall seroprevalence was 9.9%, with 15.2% seroprevalence in domestic dogs and 5.0% in the shelter ones (p = 0.003). The fact that shelter dogs had a lower seroprevalence could be explained by more regular veterinary care provided in shelters regarding preventive measures, including insecticides with an antifeeding effect, in comparison with domestic dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Lockdown, as a measure implemented to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, left many domestic violence (DV) victims trapped with their abusers. This study intends to explore the links between perceived stress, substance use and socio-demographic factors with DV experiences during COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 1062 participants over 16 years old, residing in Portugal. Data were collected through an online survey conducted between April and October 2020. The associations between potential factors and DV were investigated using bivariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Results The prevalence of DV reported was 13.75% (n  = 146), disaggregated into psychological violence (13%, n  = 138), sexual violence (1.0%, n  = 11) and physical violence (0.9%, n  = 10). Multivariable analyses confirmed that perceived financial difficulties (OR = 1.608; P = 0.019), use of medications to sleep or calm down (OR = 1.851; P = 0.002) and perceived stress (OR = 2.443; P = 0.003) were responsible for DV exposure during COVID-19 pandemic. Younger age (<25 years old) and consumption of alcohol were associated with a higher risk of DV victimization. Conclusions Interventions aimed at preventing and confronting DV are necessary within the strategies to combat COVID-19 in Portugal, especially aimed at groups in vulnerable situations, during and after the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are transmitted among ovine and caprine species. This disease is a severe problem for small ruminant production, not only for animals' well-being but also for flocks' efficiency. The main aim of this research was to quantify the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for SRLV infection in the northern region of Portugal. Samples were collected from a total of 150 flocks, of which 129 (86.0%; 95% CI: 80.67%–91.33%) had at least one seropositive animal. Out of 2607 individual blood samples, 1074 (41.2%) were positive for SRLVs. Risk factors associated with SRLV infection were species (caprine), age (>2 years old), flock size (>100 animals), production system (intensive), food production system (milk), type of activity (professional), participation in livestock competitions (yes), replacement young ewe bought (yes), and natural feeding management (yes). This knowledge empowers the implementation of effective preventive measures. Overall, biosecurity measures should be promoted and implemented with the main aim of reducing viral transmission and reducing the prevalence of this disease. We recognise that government authorities should promote and audit voluntary control and eradication programs in small ruminant flocks in the region studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine bacteria are a significant source of bioactive compounds for various biotechnological applications. Among these, actinomycetes have been found to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites of interest. Saccharopolyspora is one of the genera of actinomycetes that has been recognized as a potential source of these compounds. This study reports the characterization and genomic analysis of Saccharopolyspora sp. NFXS83, a marine bacterium isolated from seawater from the Sado estuary in Portugal. The NFXS83 strain produced multiple functional and stable extracellular enzymes under high-salt conditions, showed the ability to synthesize auxins such as indole-3-acetic acid, and produced diffusible secondary metabolites capable of inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, when Phaeodactylum tricornutum was co-cultivated with strain NFXS83 a significant increase in microalgae cell count, cell size, auto-fluorescence, and fucoxanthin content was observed. Detailed analysis revealed the presence of clusters involved in the production of various secondary metabolites, including extracellular enzymes, antimicrobial compounds, terpenes, and carotenoids in the genome of strain NFXS83. Ultimately, these findings indicate that Saccharopolyspora sp. NFXS83 has a significant potential for a wide range of marine biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae are important members of the soil and plant microbiomes, playing key roles in the maintenance of soil and plant health as well as in the promotion of plant growth. However, not much is understood regarding the potential of different microalgae strains in augmenting plant growth, or the mechanisms involved in such activities. In this work, the functional and genomic characterization of strain NFX-FRZ, a eukaryotic microalga belonging to the Micractinium genus that was isolated from the rhizosphere of a plant growing in a natural environment in Portugal, is presented and analyzed. The results obtained demonstrate that strain NFX-FRZ (i) belongs to a novel species, termed Micractinium rhizosphaerae sp. nov.; (ii) can effectively bind to tomato plant tissues and promote its growth; (iii) can synthesize a wide range of plant growth-promoting compounds, including phytohormones such as indole-3-acetic acid, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and abscisic acid; and (iv) contains multiple genes involved in phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling. This study provides new insights regarding the relevance of eukaryotic microalgae as plant growth-promoting agents and helps to build a foundation for future studies regarding the origin and evolution of phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling, as well as other plant colonization and plant growth-promoting mechanisms in soil/plant-associated Micractinium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In early childhood, the curricular integration of computational thinking, programming, and robotics topics is ever more pressing. Therefore, preparing teachers and educators to implement this integration in the curriculum is fundamental. In the project «Laboratory of Technologies and Learning of Programming and Robotics in basic and preschool education in Portugal», the proposal of a MOOC was designed to meet this demand. This paper discusses aspects of the architecture of MOOCs, and their typologies, in the context of the challenges that the researchers encountered in the design process of the present MOOC. To do so, the Interaction Equivalency Theorem was considered, which equates the fundamental types of interaction to be considered in course design (learner-instructor; learner-content; learner-learner). Considering that learning design is both a process and a product the design of the MOOC is analysed in terms of its socio-technical context and systemic tensions present in work-based learning. Through a qualitative analysis of an individual interview and of a focus group, the paper describes formal and informal interactions and attempts to define a common vision, consensus, and divergences and contradictions that are part of the learning design process. Finally, the MOOC is presented, and its pedagogical design is substantiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sociologia, Problemas e Práticas is the property of Centro de Investigacao e Estudos 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.)

To better understand the epizootiology of caprine paratuberculosis in the North of Portugal, a cross-sectional study was conducted from 2014 to 2015. The seroprevalence and risk factors for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) seropositivity were evaluated. Antibodies against Map were determined by a commercial ELISA. In 936 sera tested from 56 goat herds, 120 (12.8%, 95% CI: 10.8–15.1%) goats and 34 (60.7%, 95% CI: 47.6–72.4%) herds were positive. Risk factors for seropositivity were investigated by logistic regression models. The odds of Map seropositivity were found to be higher for animals with clinical signs, OR = 5.1 (95% CI: 2.7–9.6%), animals belonging to herds with previous wasting disease, OR = 2.3 (95% CI: 1.1–4.8%), and accumulation of manure in the herd, OR = 3.1 (95% CI: 1.7–5.7%). The potential risk factors identified in this study support the current recommendations for the control of paratuberculosis in these and other animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the microbiological quality of sesame, flaxseed, chia, pumpkin sunflower seeds, a mix of seeds, as well as flaxseed flour, marketed in southern Portugal, were studied through the counting of aerobic microorganisms at 30°C (AM), molds and yeast (M&Y), Escherichia coli (_-glucuronidase positive) (β-GP E. coli), Staphylococcus coagulase positive, and detection of Salmonella spp.. The persistence of AM and M&Y populations were also counted in organic and non-organic flaxseed at 20 °C for 11 months. The seeds with the highest average of AM were flaxseed (1.3 x 106 CFU/g) followed by flaxseed flour (1.1 x 106 CFU/g) while the lowest level was found in chia (2.9 x 104 CFU/g). This seed also presented the lowest average values of filamentous fungi (9.8 x 10² CFU/g), whereas sunflower seeds had the highest levels (1.7 x 105 CFU/g). Flaxseed flour had the highest yeast counts (1.5 x 104 CFU/g). Although some samples had high levels of AM and fungi, β-GP E. coli and Salmonella were not detected, therefore, they complied with the microbiological criteria of the European Union. The organic flaxseed contained higher numbers of AM and M&Y than the non-organic ones (p < 0.05). In addition, the storage of flaxseed at 20°C resulted in changes of AM and M&Y, showing that these populations were able to remain viable after eleven months (AM Log 5.4-Log 5.6; M&Y Log 2.8-Log 4.1). The results obtained in the present study, namely those high levels of AM and fungi (>106 and 104 CFU/g respectively), alert to the need of improving processing practices, storage/distribution conditions of edible seeds and derivatives, as well as the requirement of implementing adequate decontamination techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The triarchic model of psychopathy is one of the most influential models of psychopathy developed in recent years. The current aim is to investigate the utility of a self-report measure of the triarchic model of psychopathy in predicting criminal recidivism among a sample of incarcerated juvenile offenders. Male youth participants (N = 228, M = 16.38 years, SD = 1.26 years) from the Detention Centers managed nation-wide by the Ministry of Justice of Portugal were followed during a two-year period and categorized as recidivists or non-recidivists. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) results showed that only the Disinhibition dimension of the triarchic model of psychopathy was able to significantly predict general recidivism. The binary logistic regression models controlling for relevant variables (e.g. age of first detention, past frequency of crimes, conduct disorder symptoms) found that the boldness, meanness, and disinhibition dimensions failed to predict general or violent recidivism. The overall findings suggest that the triarchic model of psychopathy demonstrates limited utility in terms of predicting recidivism among juvenile offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-control refers to the ability to override impulses and behave in accordance with societal norms. Deficits in self-control are strongly associated with conduct problems, externalizing disorders, crime, and violence. The main aim of the present study is to investigate possible moderation and mediation effects related to self-control. A school sample of male (n = 257, M = 15.97 years, SD = .98 years) and female (n = 213, M = 15.79 years, SD = 1.03 years) youth from Portugal agreed to participate. Moderation analysis revealed that sex moderates the relationship between self-control and aggression, conduct disorder symptoms, and self-reported delinquency. Mediation analysis revealed that self-control mediates the relations between both triarchic psychopathic traits and dark triad traits, and the self-reported juvenile delinquency outcome. The findings suggest that self-control exerts significant effects on the criminal/antisocial-related variables examined among Portuguese youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several brief screening measures for youth risk to reoffend have been developed; however, these measures have been tested primarily in high-income English-speaking countries and their predictive validity is limited. A recent study proposed a screening strategy using a combination of seven items from the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI). Predictive validity for this strategy was better than that reported in studies of previously developed screening tools. In the current study, the predictive validity of this strategy was examined across samples of justice-involved youth from two countries: Canada (N = 196) and Portugal (N = 2,348). The full version of the YLS/CMI was completed and recidivism data were collected over a 2-year period. Results support the predictive validity of this strategy, with area under the curve (AUC) values (.69–.74) very similar to those found in the full version in each country, both in the full samples, and for both genders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-control refers to the ability to override impulses and behave in accordance with societal norms, and deficits in self-control are strongly associated with conduct problems, externalizing disorders, crime, and violence. Here, we examine the psychometric properties of the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) and its refined version (BSCS-R) among a forensic sample (n = 131) of incarcerated male youth and a school sample of male (n = 257) and female (n = 213) youth from Portugal. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the original one-factor structure of the BSCS and the refined two-factor structure of the BSCS-R obtained adequate fits. The BSCS demonstrated strong measurement invariance across gender and setting (forensic versus school), while the BSCS-R only revealed gender measurement invariance. The BSCS also tended to perform better that the BSCS-R in terms of other psychometric properties, including internal consistency measured by Alpha and Omega coefficients, discriminant and convergent validities, criterion validity, and known-groups validity. Findings support the use of the BSCS among justice-involved and community youth, but caution is advised regarding the use of its refined version in forensic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sudden need for an adaptation of two science projects based on the changes that the COVID-19 pandemic brought to the education system in Portugal, transitioning from classroom learning to distance learning, led to a reorganization within the structure of these projects in order to implement them, maintaining the same objectives. Both projects have the main goal to develop computational thinking, with the first project having simultaneously the aim to also develop an environmental awareness through an initiation to programming by way of implementing challenges regarding the same topic, within 1st grade pupils, namely recycling and reducing single use waste, based on a mix method research. The second project, based on the quantitative method research, constitutes the assembly and implementation of a weather station, based on the microprocessor Micro:bit, at the service of the science curricula contents within 5th grade students, with regard to abiotic factors and its influence on animals and plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A number of observations, including among our study population, have implicated variants in the syntaxin‐1A, a component of the synaptic vesicles, in migraine susceptibility. Therefore, we hypothesize that variants in other components of the vesicle machinery are involved in migraine. Background: Migraine is a common and complex neurologic disorder that affects approximately 15‐18% of the general population. The exact cause of migraine is unknown; however, genetic studies have made possible substantial progress toward the identification of underlying molecular pathways. Neurotransmitters have been for long considered to have a key role in migraine pathophysiology; so we investigated common variants in genes involved in the synaptic vesicle machinery and their impact in migraine susceptibility. Methods: We performed a case‐control study comprising 188 unrelated patients with headache and 286 healthy controls in a population from the north of Portugal. Benefiting from the presence of linkage disequilibrium, we selected and genotyped 119 tagging single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in 18 genes. Results: We found significant associations between single‐nucleotide variants and migraine in 7 genes, SYN1, SYN2, SNAP25, VAMP2, STXBP1, STXBP5, and UNC13A, either conferring an increased risk or protection of migraine. Due to SYN1 X‐chromosomal location, we performed the statistical analysis separated by gender and, in the female group, the C allele of rs5906435 increased the risk for migraine susceptibility (P =.021; OR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.21‐2.34). In contrast, the TT genotype of the same variant emerged as a potential protective factor (P =.003; OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.27‐0.74). The SYN2 analysis supported the rs3773364's G allele (P =.014) as a risk factor for migraine, and although not statistically significant after correction, the AG genotype (P =.006; OR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.20‐2.90) reinforced the allelic findings. Additionally, we found the SNAP25‐rs363039's CT genotype (P =.001; OR = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.36‐3.34), the STXBP5‐rs1765028's T allele (P =.041; OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.13‐1.90), and the UNC13B‐rs7851161's TT genotype (P =.001; OR = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.36‐3.34) as statistically significant risk factors for migraine liability. VAMP2‐rs1150's G allele revealed a risk association to migraine, not statistically significant after correction (P =.068). Additionally, we found haplotypes in SYN1, SYN2, STXBP1, and UNC13B to be associated with migraine. Conclusions: Overall, this study provides a new insight into migraine liability, identifying possible starting points for functional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attractiveness and student loyalty are determinant for the sustainability of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as it contributes to the number of students who seek and preserve their connection to the institution. The main objective of this study is to analyse course attractiveness and student loyalty, in the last five years, in the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (IPVC), Portugal. The demand, student dropout rate and pursuance of studies and satisfaction with teaching and services were analysed, linking them to student profiles and organizational context. Dropouts in Professional Higher Technical Courses (CTeSP) and Bachelor's Degree occur mainly within the masculine gender and in the first year; in Masters', this occurs mainly in the 2nd year and in the feminine gender. In 2013/14, dropouts reached their highest level and students' enrolment in National Call reached its lowest number of the last 8 years, coinciding with the peak of the economic crisis. 60% of CTeSP graduates go on to Bachelor's and 25% of graduates carry on to Master's. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychological well-being is a personal perception which can impact students' health behaviors. To evaluate psychological well-being, instruments should be preferably short and have adequate psychometric properties. Objective: To validate the Questionário Geral de Bem-Estar Psicológico, versão reduzida (QGBEP-R) and verify its psychometric properties, after translation of the 6-item short version of the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWB-S). This Index was chosen because of the excellent psychometric properties of its original version. Methodology: The original factor structure was validated using confirmatory factor analysis through structural equation modeling and maximum likelihood estimation. A total of 300 students were randomly selected from a total sample of 1,400 Portuguese university students. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis revealed a fit 6-item one-factor model. Conclusion: The QGBEP-R has good psychometric properties and is valid for use in Portuguese university students. [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.)

This study aims to develop a software application (App) for the identification of drugs of abuse from visual information retrieved from pills: Information System for Tablets Identification (ISTI). The consumption of anxiolytics and hypnotics, in particular, benzodiazepines (BZD) and similar products, as reached record levels in Portugal, with 10.5 million packages of these products being sold in 2018 [1]. The high prescription of BZD presents a risk to public health [2,3]. An Information system like ISTI will provide an enormous importance on pills' identification at crime scenes (e.g. homicidal attempts) or premeditated intoxications [4,5]. Tablets from benzodiazepine derivates (ATC codes: N05BA; national pharmacotherapeutic classification: 2.9.1. Anxiolytic, sedatives and hypnotics) were purchased from portuguese pharmacies. In the database were introduced the commercial name, the active substance name, the dose and also photographs were taken from the front, back and side and several physical characteristics of each pill were determined, namely: shape, surface elevation, logo and imprint description, break line, colour, coating, diameter, thickness, weight, horizontal, vertical and side view. The ISTI core is an identification algorithm targeted to matching results by score. The application is being prepared in a way that can either be accessed from a computer or from a mobile device. If economically viable, an image search and request by the users algorithm will be included, so that a photo can be an input, in a query which may prove particularly important to field in the future work. Furthermore, the system is being designed to be easily maintained, through a simple backoffice, and if necessary, agreements will be proposed to national regulatory authorities in order to assure that its data is effectively up to date. The prototype developed application allows us to identify pills that may possibly be lost or out of their original packaging. This identification is made through a wide range of tablet features. The person who wants to identify a pill can access the ISTI and through answers to simple questions can find correspondence with the concerning tablet. Discussion and conclusions: The purpose of ISTI is to help health technicians, like doctors, nurses and pharmacists, and agents of authority to identify medicines pills which are not inside the original packaging. Although in the USA there are several Apps with the same objective, to the best of the authors knowledge, ISTI is the first App with this purpose in Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This PhD thesis has as field of study the graphic design and illustration produced in Portugal during the 1940s. Its analysis focuses on four areas of investigation: a) advertising; b) design and illustration of newspapers, magazines and books; c) editorial design produced by Secretariado da Propaganda Nacional; d) design of some publications edited for the Paris Exhibition (1937), the New York and San Francisco exhibitions (1939), and the Portuguese World Exhibition of 1940. Through the research of primary sources - newspapers, magazines, books, print ads, posters, other advertising material - in conjunction with texts and articles of the epoch - we aim to write a History of Graphic Design in Portugal that has in consideration not only the aesthetics of the material produced but also the historic, the economic, the sociologic and the ideological conjuncture in which this material was created. We compare the design made for state institutions with the design made for private companies to conclude that there were points of contact between the two, not only because the artists who worked in both fields were, more or less, the same, but also because the same ideological discourse was imbued in the New State propaganda and in the commercial production as well. There were, however, pockets of resistance from other aesthetical proposals and imaginaries, like surrealism and neo-realism. António Ferro, director of the Secretariado da Propaganda Nacional, knew how to employ the talent of a number of artists to create a visual identity for Portugal, an identity that would synthesize elements of popular art with a modern structure. Through several activities that identity was developed and replicated but it is in the working opportunities given to the modernist artists that the true legacy of António Ferro to the Portuguese Graphic Design lays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many European countries have witnessed the rise of right-wing (nativist and authoritarian) populist parties over the last few years, which have gained significant votes and sometimes threatened the position of traditional parties. In Portugal, however, right-wing populism has failed to gain electoral support, and the populist discourse is scarcely found in Portuguese politics. In this comment, we offer four tentative hypotheses that explain why right-wing parties with a populist discourse are not present in Portugal: low levels of Eurospecticism, low immigration rates, lack of political space to develop, and lower engagement in communicating that same populism. We conclude that these dynamics create a special balance, and a rather specific political situation in Portugal that does not facilitate the spread of right-wing populism. This balance, we also argue, may be compromised if any of these dynamics suddenly change, potentially paving the way for right-wing populists in Portugal to achieve more political prominence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important clinical problem. In 2005, a livestock-associated MRSA clone was described, named CC398, being mostly associated with pigs, and causing colonization and infection in pigs and in related humans. The prevalence of these strains in food-producing pigs raised concerns about the possibility of MRSA-CC398 being a foodborne pathogen. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of S. aureus and MRSA in 141 carcasses of pigs at three slaughterhouses of Portugal, discarded from the food chain by signs of infection, and to characterize the recovered isolates. Methods:S. aureus isolates were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight and they were typed (spa, CC398-clone, and SCCmec). The study of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, and the detection of immune evasion cluster genes and prophages were performed by PCR and sequencing. Results: Twenty-eight S. aureus were obtained from 141 samples (one/sample, 19.9%), being 22 MRSA and 6 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). All MRSA strains were typed as CC398 and were ascribed to three spa types (t011, t108, and t1451). The SCCmec detected differed according to the spa types of MRSA isolates (SCCmecV: t011 and t108; SCCmecIVa: t1451). The MSSA strains were classified as spa-t1491-ST1-CC1. All the strains contained a wide range of antimicrobial resistance genes, the resistance to tetracycline being the prevalent one. In contrast, the strains contained only a few virulence genes. Among the 6 integrases of phages tested, three were detected: SΦ1, SΦ2, and SΦ7, with variations between MRSA and MSSA strains. Conclusions: MRSA-CC398 is not only a habitual pig colonizer but also an opportunistic pathogen in these animals, and must be controlled at the level of producers and slaughterhouses because of its impact on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of fresh-cut fruit (FCF) in the marketplace has been increasing in Portugal, although reports of its microbial quality are not known. Due to the growing concerns of these commodities over their microbial safety, the objectives of this work were to study the microbiological quality and prevalence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes on fresh-cut fruits sold in southern Portugal. A study to examine the changes in pH and microbial counts, before and after the expiration dates, was also made. A total of 160 samples was purchased in the local grocery stores between September 2011 and August 2014, before their sell-by date. These samples were assayed for aerobic mesophilic (AM) and psychrotrophic (AP) microorganisms, yeasts and molds (YM), lactic-acid bacteria (LAB), coliforms (TC), Escherichia coli and coagulase positive staphylococci as well as L. monocytogenes and Salmonella . The microbiological counts ranged from 3.0-9.2 lg cfu/g (AM); 2.2–10.7 lg cfu/g (AP); 2.3–10.4 lg cfu/g (YM); 1.9–9.0 lg cfu/g (LAB) and less than 1–9.1 lg cfu/g (TC). The melons and watermelon presented the highest levels of the microbial quality parameters studied. However, no E. coli , staphylococci, Salmonella and L. monocytogenes were detected in any of the samples. After the sell-by date, an increase of the AM, AP, LAB and YM values was observed in all fruits. Conversely, the differences found in TC counts before and after the best-before date had no statistical significance. A decrease in pH was observed in all fruits except pineapple whose pH slightly increased after 14 days of storage. The results highlight the importance of preventing contamination and cross contamination, selecting adequate decontamination technologies and maintaining a strict temperature control during processing, distribution and selling of FCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work's aim was to study the microbial quality of minimally processed apples commercialized in Portugal. Sixty eight samples of fresh-cut apple were analyzed before their best-before date in 2011 and 2012 for aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms, total coliforms, lactic-acid bacteria (LAB), coagulase-positive staphylococci and fungi. The parameters of food safety studied were Cronobacter sakazakii , Salmonella spp. and Listeria sp. Samples were analyzed according to standard methodologies and using Chromocult Agar for coliforms and Escherichia coli . The yeasts were identified by restriction analysis of the ITS-5.8S rDNA-region and 26S rDNA partial sequencing. The mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms ranged from 3.3 to 8.9 and from 4.9 to 8.4 log CFU/g, respectively. Coliforms were detected in all the samples and staphylococci in 5.8% of them. LAB numbers varied from 2.8 to 8.7 and fungi (yeast and molds) from 3.6 to 7.1 log CFU/g. The most common yeasts were Candida sake and Pichia fermentans followed by Hanseniaspora spp., Candida spp., Meyerozyma guilliermondii , Metschnikowia pulcherrima , Cryptococcus spp. and the psychrotrophic Cystofilobasidium infirmominiatum . Foodborne bacteria and opportunistic pathogenic yeasts were not detected in the apples studied. The results obtained respected the European Commission regulation regarding criteria of food hygiene and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relative age is a phenomenon broadly studied in sport sciences. Youth sports participants born earlier in the selection year tend to present a maturational advantage over their peers. As it is also dependent on physical performance, older physical education students may also benefit from this effect in this school subject. The main goal of this manuscript was to determine whether the relative age effect is present within physical fitness outcomes of Portuguese children and adolescents. The physical-aerobic fitness, strength, flexibility and body composition of 885 students (490 females and 395 males) were collected and compared by quarters of birth, segmented by gender and age groups (10-12; 12-14; 14-16 and 16-18 years). The results reveal a moderate to small effect in physical fitness outcomes, with a trend for children and adolescents born in the early part of the year to present higher performance levels. These differences were more evident in ages closer to the physical maturational onset (12-14 y) and more apparent in male students. This physical fitness advantage may lead to a biased assessment and development of students born earlier in the year.

Objectives: To characterize the nature and dynamics of the neutralizing antibody (NAb) response and escape in chronically HIV-2 infected patients., Methods: Twenty-eight chronically infected adults were studied over a period of 1-4 years. The neutralizing activity of plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against autologous and heterologous primary isolates was analyzed using a standard assay in TZM-bl cells. Coreceptor usage was determined in ghost cells. The sequence and predicted three-dimensional structure of the C2V3C3 Env region were determined for all isolates., Results: Only 50% of the patients consistently produced IgG NAbs to autologous and contemporaneous virus isolates. In contrast, 96% of the patients produced IgG antibodies that neutralized at least two isolates of a panel of six heterologous R5 isolates. Breadth and potency of the neutralizing antibodies were positively associated with the number of CD4(+) T cells and with the titer and avidity of C2V3C3-specific binding IgG antibodies. X4 isolates were obtained only from late stage disease patients and were fully resistant to neutralization. The V3 loop of X4 viruses was longer, had a higher net charge, and differed markedly in secondary structure compared to R5 viruses., Conclusion: Most HIV-2 patients infected with R5 isolates produce C2V3C3-specific neutralizing antibodies whose potency and breadth decreases as the disease progresses. Resistance to antibody neutralization occurs in late stage disease and is usually associated with X4 viral tropism and major changes in V3 sequence and conformation. Our studies support a model of HIV-2 pathogenesis in which the neutralizing antibodies play a central role and have clear implications for the vaccine field.