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The integration of virtual manipulatives in classroom practices facilitates student learning processes. For this, the teacher must understand how to support students in establishing mathematical connections between the manipulation and their interpretations of the representations. We present a learning scenario that integrates the use of virtual manipulatives in mathematical modelling tasks. It was designed and implemented during initial teacher training, with the aim of helping a group of first-year elementary school students to overcome difficulties identified in their comprehension of the meaning of subtraction. The research, following the principles of design-based research, included three distinct moments: an individual written pre-test, an intervention phase with six micro-cycles, and an individual written post-test. The analysis of the collected data--audio, screen recordings, and written productions--allowed us to identify the most influential structural characteristics of the learning scenario: mathematical communication, collaborative learning, self-regulation, and co-regulation of learning. Our results suggest that differentiated instruction, minimal guidance, and scaffolding played an important role in the support provided by the pre-service teacher to students in the mathematical modelling activities that integrated virtual manipulatives.

Lower Jurassic sedimentary successions in many central and northern Atlantic basins include relatively thick organic-rich intervals. Despite intense research, it is still unclear which mechanisms led to the deposition of these sediments during the Early Jurassic. In this talk, we will (1) present a detailed temporal and geographical framework of Sinemurian and Toarcian organic matter preservation intervals (OMPIs; subdivided into local, regional, and superregional) and (2) broadly constrain the relationship of OMPIs with the Early Jurassic δ13C record. For this, we combine an in-depth analysis of the distribution of organic-rich facies in the Sinemurian and Toarcian with new geochemical data [total organic carbon (TOC) and organic matter pyrolysis] from Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. The developed OMPI framework suggests a strong local control on organic matter preservation during most of the Sinemurian. Regionally widespread organic-rich facies are associated with the most negative δ13C values of the broad Sinemurian-Pliensbachian negative carbon isotopic trend (including the Sinemurian-Pliensbachian Boundary Event). Pliensbachian OMPIs are expressive in the areas bordering the proto-Atlantic Ocean and are often linked with positive δ13C excursions and short-lived warm intervals, but OMPIs are also observed for the Late Pliensbachian cool interval. Toarcian maximum TOC content occurs with the positive 513C (recovery) trend following the 513C negative shift typically linked to the Early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE). However, superregional OMPIs predate and postdate the T-OAE, indicating that conditions favouring the preservation of organic matter (increased productivity and/or enhanced preservation) were not restricted to the T-OAE interval. We will also briefly discuss how future research should aim to disentangle (1) the complexities in estimating original TOC and organic carbon accumulation rates, (2) temporal and spatial variability in environmental or Earth system feedback mechanisms driving sedimentary carbon sequestration, and (3) their combined impact on the global carbon cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower Jurassic outcrops in the westernmost part of the Lusitanian Basin (São Pedro de Moel area, Portugal) reveal three stratigraphic units with source rock potential: i) Unit F from the Coimbra Formation, ii) the Polvoeira Member of the Água de Madeiros Formation, and iii) the Marly Limestones with Organic-rich Facies Member of the Vale das Fontes Formation. Despite decades of research, these source rocks have not yet been characterised in the offshore areas of the Lusitanian Basin. As a consequence of the discrepancy between organic matter contents in correlative surface-subsurface intervals, this paper investigates the applicability of petrophysical methods to semi-quantitatively estimate total organic carbon (TOC) and delineate source rock intervals in Lower Jurassic (Sinemurian–Pliensbachian) units in the offshore Lusitanian Basin. This study is based on the i) high-resolution stratigraphic correlation between well 14A-1 and the São Pedro de Moel section and ii) calibration of the TOC curve calculated for well 14A-1 using the high-resolution TOC datasets from São Pedro de Moel. Sonic transit time vs resistivity cross-plot shows that several intervals of the aforementioned lithostratigraphic units deviate from the (organic) lean sediment baseline, interpreted to indicate the presence of hydrocarbons and low-density organic matter. Thermal maturity from cuttings samples were used to estimate vitrinite reflectance for each well point measurement. These values vary between 0.51 and 0.87, indicating that the studied interval has reached the oil generation window. The level of organic metamorphism is in accordance with the hydrocarbon generation window interval, varying between 9.49 and 9.76. Neutron/resistivity, density/resistivity, and sonic/resistivity cross-plots and the petrophysical-based method for TOC calculation outlined in Passey et al. (1990) demonstrate the close similarity between TOC curves calculated for well 14A-1 and TOC measurements from the São Pedro de Moel outcrops. This comparison highlights the organic-rich nature of Unit F, the Polvoeira Member and the Marly Limestones with Organic-rich Facies Member in the offshore areas of the Lusitanian Basin and their potential as hydrocarbons source intervals. This work demonstrates a feasible solution to semi-quantitatively estimate TOC in subsurface source rocks when there is large uncertainty regarding sample quality. Delineation of source rock intervals in the offshore wells of the Lusitanian Basin reduces uncertainty, minimises risk, and may aid in new exploration concepts for hydrocarbons offshore Portugal. On a broader scale, this work reinforces the importance of outcrop control to correlate and improve the current knowledge of Portugal's offshore areas. • Potential source rocks are recognised based on petrophysical methods. • The importance of high-resolution stratigraphy and organic geochemistry field data are stressed. • Calculated TOC curves are calibrated based on outcrop TOC data. • Semi-quantitative TOC contents are estimated in the offshore Lower Jurassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sinemurian ostracodes from the Lusitanian Basin (western Portugal, Iberian Peninsula) were studied using twelve samples from the marl-limestone succession of the Coimbra Formation at S. Pedro de Moel, north of Lisbon. The detailed taxonomical study identified 11 genera and 14 species, among which 3 are new species: Phraterfabanella boomeri Cabral and Colin n. sp., Klieana? coimbraensis Cabral and Colin n. sp. and "Klinglerella" roselinae Cabral and Colin n. sp.. The recognized ostracode species are particularly similar to those described from the uppermostHettangian-Sinemurian offshore Southwest Ireland (Fastnet Basin) and France (Normandy, Central France and Quercy). Overall, the assemblages include four brackish species (one clearly dominant) and ten marine species. The paleoecological analysis of the assemblages allowed a detailed paleoenvironmental reconstruction, reflecting frequent variations from brackish to restricted marine to slightly more open marine settings, which is supported by sedimentological and other paleontological data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Middle-Upper Jurassic transition is a geodynamic benchmark in the evolutionary history of several peri-Atlantic basins. Contrary to the vast Tethyan and peri-Tethyan areas, in the Lusitanian Basin (Portugal), this interval corresponds to a major basin-wide disconformity preceded by a complex forced regression that induced sharp facies variations across the depositional systems. The Middle Jurassic units below are fully marine, whereas the Upper Jurassic sediments (Lower?-Middle Oxfordian), correspond to freshwater/brackish lacustrine, grading into punctuated brackish-restricted lagoonal and shallow-marine paleoenvironments. This study presents total organic carbon and palynofacies data of 34 samples (total analyzed thickness about 85 m) collected from three key sections encompassing the Middle-Upper Jurassic transition in the central-northern sector of the Lusitanian Basin. The palynofacies of the analyzed part of Middle Jurassic units (Cabo Mondego Formation) are characteristic of marine environments at their base, evidencing upwards a regressive trend of the depositional systems. Total organic carbon content is generally low, reaching up to 1.94 wt%. The Upper Jurassic Cabaços Formation presents kerogen assemblages mostly of continental origin, although punctuated by minor intervals of marine influence. Total organic carbon content is more variable, reaching up to 30.56 wt%. Intraclasts of re-deposited fragments of microbial mats were found incorporated in the kerogen assemblages, which point to highly dynamic erosional and depositional processes. Diversity of Botryococcus sp. occurrences was confirmed as an indicator of the degree of paleoenvironmental stability. The vertical distribution and comparison of the kerogen assemblages of the different sections indicate major changes of these parameters among relatively close settings and along narrow vertical intervals, attesting to the high sedimentary dynamics observed in the Lusitanian Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pine sawyer Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier, 1795) is the vector of the introduced pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer, 1934) in Portugal, and until recently was considered a secondary insect pest. In this study eight artificial diets were tested with the purpose of rearing this insect under laboratory conditions with reduced costs and high efficiency. Tested diets included various artificial mediums commercially available for other insects and mediums based on dried or fresh pine phloem. Among the eight tested variations, diet #5 was the most efficient with 80% eclosions of adult beetles, while diet #6 allowed the fastest development, with the first adult emerging within 53 days. The best rearing method, the diet ingredients and the prices of the diets are discussed, resulting in a list of essential ingredients for the artificial rearing of the pine sawyer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) follow-up monitoring in energy projects, such as wind farms, solar facilities and power lines, frequently encompasses bird fatality surveys based on regular carcass searches. Since a large number of bird carcasses are often not found, field experiments to determine carcasses persistence (CP) and searcher efficiency (SE) biases in fatality surveys are typically performed for every single project. These data are, however, rarely used beyond the scope of each original project. We compiled data from CP and SE trials performed under 36 independent monitoring programs aiming to assess bird mortality at transmission lines in Portugal, whose results were until now unavailable or dispersed in grey literature. We used survival analysis and generalized linear mixed-effects models to investigate the ecological and methodological factors influencing CP times and SE rates. Bird carcass size was a key driving factor of both CP times and SE rates of human observers, which were consistently out-performed by scent detection dogs. Season and habitat interactions had also an important role in CP patterns, while variations in SE rates by human observers were largely influenced by ground visibility (i.e., a combination of ground cover and vegetation height). Our results reinforce previous studies indicating that CP and SE biases are site-specific and determined by a wide range of ecological and methodological factors not always accounted in standard trial designs. Overall, our study demonstrates that data routinely collected under bird monitoring programs from multiple projects can be combined to identify broad ecological patterns, limitations of current studies and, ultimately, improve EIA follow-up practice. • Data from EIA follow-up monitoring is rarely used beyond each original project. • We compiled bias-correction data of bird fatality surveys in multiple transmission lines. • Bias-corrections were affected both by ecological and methodological factors. • Despite the broad patterns, bias-correction values were often site-specific. • Monitoring data from multiple projects can be combined to inform EIA practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this work is to study the prevalence, intensity, and treatment of pain in Portuguese palliative care teams. Methods: Twenty-one palliative care teams were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey. Ten of these accepted and were included in the study. Data of all patients observed on the 18th week of 2011 were collected. The data collected concerning pain were: demographic data, pain intensity, drugs prescribed, and invasive techniques. The intensity of pain was rated using a five-point verbal rating scale from none to maximum. The Pain Management Index (PMI) was used to calculate the adequacy of the analgesia. Results: A total of 164 patients were included in this study. One hundred fifty-one (92 %) had cancer. The median age was 71 years (16 to 95). Eighty-four (51 %) were females. Pain was directly assessed in 136 (83 %) of the patients, whereas 27 patients could not report pain because of cognitive failure. Of those directly assessed, 77 (57 %) had pain when they were assessed: 42 (55 %) mild, 25 (32 %) moderate, 9 (12 %) severe, and 1 (1 %) maximum. Non-opioid analgesics were used: paracetamol in 61 (37 %) and NSAID in 20 (12 %). Tramadol was the only opioid for mild to moderate pain used in 25 (15 %) patients. The opioids most used for moderate to intense pain were: morphine 74 (45 %), transdermal (TD) fentanyl 32 (20 %), and buprenorphine TD 28 (17 %). The adjuvants most used were: corticosteroids 38 (23 %), gabapentin 37 (23 %), and amitriptyline 15 (9 %). Only five (4 %) patients had a negative PMI, meaning an inadequate analgesia. Conclusion: The general prevalence of pain is similar to that reported by other. The prevalence of moderate to severe pain is also similar to that reported in other studies, although severe pain is somewhat lower than indicated in most reports. According to the PMI, pain control was acceptable to good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the challenge of operating within an economically strained healthcare budget, Portuguese health authorities convened with dialysis providers and agreed on a framework to change from a fee-for-service reimbursement modality to a capitation payment system for hemodialysis. This article reviews the components of the agreed capitation package implemented in 2008 as well as the necessary preparatory work undertaken by a for-profit 34-unit dialysis network (approx. 4,200 patients) to cope with the introduction of this system. Furthermore, trends in clinical quality indicators and in resource management are reviewed for 3 years immediately following capitation introduction. Here, improvements were observed over time for the specified clinical targets. Simultaneously, costs controllable by the physician could be reduced. As more countries convert to a capitation or bundled payment system for hemodialysis services, this article offers insight into the scope of the necessary preparatory work and the possible consequences in terms of costs and treatment quality. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on lipids, carbohydrates and proteins of the most expressive black shale (s.l.) intervals of the Early--Late Pliensbachian (Early Jurassic, ˜187 Ma) organic-rich hemipelagic series of the Lusitanian Basin (Portugal) were determined using a method that has been successfully applied over the last two decades in the characterization of biomass and very immature sediments. The goal of this paper is to test the applicability of these techniques to the ancient geological record. To our knowledge, this is the first time that this type of biogeochemical data from sedimentary series older than Oligocene is reported and tentatively used for palaeoenvironmental/diagenetic inferences. Carbohydrates and proteins are present in low concentrations, reaching up to 385.13 and 451.13 µg/g rock, respectively. The main variations are observed in the lipid contents, ranging from 197.67 to 8446.36 µg/g rock. The samples with the highest amounts of lipids seem to correlate with low [O2] time intervals determined by independent data, such as organic petrography, micropalaeontology and sedimentology. This was probably related with selective lipid preservation under oxygen and hydrogen sulfide-rich depleted environments. The good overall match between the determined lipid contents and specific depositional/early diagenetical conditions seem to favor the idea that the easy to perform and inexpensive method applied here has the potential to add useful information to the study of ancient organic-rich carbonate sedimentary series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A preliminary study for a source–sink match for application of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Portugal is presented. The location of the main CO2 emission sources in Portugal, existing and planned, was analysed and three main source clusters, emitting a total of 26.8Mt/year, were defined. The three source clusters are connected by a natural gas pipeline network. CO2 storage reservoirs are likely to be restricted to deep saline formations. Potential storage formations are described in the Porto, Lusitanian and Algarve sedimentary basins. Due to the large continental shelf, composed mainly of sedimentary rocks, it is important to consider offshore opportunities. A Geographical Information System (GIS), including information on the stratigraphy, seismicity, neotectonics and geothermal features, was used for prioritising the areas where reservoir identification and characterization studies should be conducted. Despite not showing the most promising geological conditions, the area around the deepwater harbour of Sines is given the highest priority, since sources in the area account for more than 40% of point source emissions in Portugal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A high-resolution carbon and oxygen isotopic bulk carbonate record from organic-rich hemipelagic series of Early–Late Pliensbachian age (~187Ma) is presented for the Lusitanian Basin (Portugal) and compared to the record of other sedimentary basins. This dataset provides an excellent basis for discussing newly raised questions concerning the hypothesis of major carbon cycle perturbations prior to the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event. In addition to the recognition in the studied series of two positive carbon isotope excursions previously defined elsewhere, corresponding to the Ibex and Margaritatus (uppermost Stokesi–Gibbosus subzones) zones, a third positive excursion is identified here for the first time, at the Davoei Zone. In the Lusitanian Basin these excursions are associated with organic-rich facies intervals. The younger excursion may be related to worldwide enhanced preservation of organic matter in the Margaritatus Zone. We suggest that until these organic-rich facies are well age constrained at a wider scale and high-resolution carbon data are provided from other locations, and that worldwide anoxia is proven, this interval should be referred to as an Organic Matter Preservation Interval (Late Pliensbachian OMPI). This period is probably linked with the complex chain of events that eventually led to the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Despite worldwide recognition of the burden of dementia, no epidemiological data is yet available in Portugal. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence and describe the pattern of cognitive impairment with dementia or no dementia (CIND) in rural and urban populations from Northern Portugal. Methods: Two random samples of residents aged 55 to 79 years in rural and urban communities were drawn from the health centres registries to be screened for cognitive impairment. The screening criteria for dementia were an abnormal Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score or a Blessed Dementia Scale score. After excluding those who tested positive for dementia, cut-off points for CIND were set at 1 standard deviation below the mean of the MMSE according to educational level. All those who screened positive either for dementia or CIND were examined by a neurologist for establishing a definitive diagnosis. Results: The prevalence of cognitive impairment was higher in rural than in urban populations, 16.8% (95% CI: 14.3- 19.8%) vs. 12.0% (95%CI: 9.3-15.4%), with a rural/urban prevalence ratio (PR) of 2.16 (95% CI: 1.04-4.50) in the eldest and 2.19 (95% CI: 1.01-4.76) in persons with vascular risk factors. The prevalence of dementia was 2.7% (95% CI: 1.9-3.8%) with a rural/urban PR = 2.1 and the prevalence of CIND was 12.3% (95% CI: 10.4-14.4%) and PR = 1.3. The prevalence of dementia increases exponentially with age and in those with cerebrovascular disease or other comorbid conditions while the prevalence of CIND, besides these factors, is also higher in persons with low levels of education or vascular risk factors. Alzheimer's and vascular disease were equally likely aetiologies of dementia (38.7%), the later more common in men PR(F:M = 0.3) as opposed to the former PR(F:M = 2.0). Vascular CIND, associated either with cerebrovascular disease or vascular risk factors was more frequent (39.7%) then depression (18.4%) or any other aetiology. Conclusions: The prevalence of cognitive impairment is higher in rural compared with urban populations. This is shown in the synergy between age and rurality, with the rural/urban prevalence ratio increasing with age. In this relatively young population from Northern Portugal, cerebrovascular disease as well as vascular risk factors account for 48% of overall cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the associations and impact of increased meal frequency, physical activity and 'skipping' breakfast on obesity levels in a sample of urban adolescents, aged 13-17 years old, from Porto, Portugal. Methods: Overweight and obesity were defined according to age- and sex-specific BMI cut-points. Daily meal frequency was assessed by questionnaire. Self-reported physical activity was recalled. Results: The proportion of overweight/obese girls (p ≤ 0.05) and boys (p ≤ 0.001) that consumed fewer than three meals was significantly higher than those reported from normal-weight counterparts. While no statistically significant differences were reported in girls, obese boys skipped breakfast significantly more (13% vs 5.6%; p ≤ 0.05) than normal-weight counterparts did. Normal-weight boys but not girls were significantly more active (p ≤ 0.01) than obese peers. An additional meal in boys (OR: 2.75; p ≤ 0.05) and girls (OR: 1.97; p ≤ 0.05) reduced the risk of being overweight/obese. Regardless of gender, breakfast skipping is not seen as a predictor of being overweight/obese. However, boys (OR: 2.10; p < 0.003), but not girls, who were moderately active were more likely to be of normal weight. Conclusion: The data indicate that increased meal frequency may have a beneficial effect on a reduced BMI. Physical activity and breakfast skipping may be candidate targets for prevention programmes aimed at reducing overweight/obesity among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oceans are the largest, readily exchangeable, superficial carbon reservoir; a current challenge in investigating past and present environments and predict future evolution relates to the role of oceanic carbon in regulating Earths' carbon cycle and climate. At least one paired δ13C carb-TOC decoupling event is noted in the Late Bathonian–Early Callovian. Provokingly, we suggest that this decoupling event and other carbon isotopic events in the Bathonian–Callovian resulted from the addition and removal of carbon from the oceanic organic carbon (OOC) reservoir, likely dominated by dissolved and fine particulate oceanic organic carbon. The decoupling event is characterised by a mainly invariant δ13C TOC record and increasingly more positive δ13C carb values. The δ13C carb-TOC decoupling is tentatively explained by the expansion of the OOC reservoir, which increased the residence time of carbon in the oceans and buffered (slow equilibrium) δ13C OOC (approximated by δ13C TOC) to changes in δ13C of oceanic inorganic carbon, comprised mainly of dissolved inorganic carbon (approximated by δ13C carb). Reconversion of OOC to CO 2 may have resulted in negative δ13C excursions and increased atmospheric p CO 2 , whereas the change from accumulation of OOC to export of organic carbon to sediments may have resulted in positive δ13C excursions and widespread accumulation of organic matter. It is speculated that other small-scale (~ 1‰) δ13C excursions in the Mesozoic record may have resulted from similar episodes of OOC accumulation and oxidation. Our study calls attention to the potential of the OOC reservoir to act as a critical driver for planetary-scale changes over short geological time intervals. • At least one δ13C carb-TOC decoupling event occurred in the Late Bathonian–Callovian. • Decoupling resulted from the accumulation of oceanic organic carbon (OOC). • The enlargement of the OOC pool increased C residence time and buffered δ13C TOC to change. • The wane and wax of the OOC pool resulted in carbon isotopic excursions. • These decoupling events are evidence of a non-steady state carbon cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this dissertation is to study the life and work of João de Castilho. Despite being considered one of the fundamental pillars of late gothic architecture and renaissance in our territory, in fact, João de Castilho needed a global re-reading according to the new historiographic values, new documentation and a renewed analysis of his work. We will examine his artistic journey from the time of his formation in Castilho to the Convent of Christ, in Tomar, where he died in the early fifties of the 16th century. We will analyze the various buildings where Castilho participated, looking for his identity, structural solutions, constructive technology, models and forms. On the other hand, we try to understand how João de Castilho, who was trained in a very concrete shipyard reality, is facing a certain moment with two very different realities, the late gothic and the renaissance. Our work look for an answer that allows us to understand the reconciliation of these realities and the development of Renaissance in his work. In addition to the study of the various elements related to his works, this dissertation also focuses on the life of the artist. In this way we try to answer questions such as: what relationship does it maintain with its various patrons - whether royal or ecclesiastical-, what position it reaches within the yard, what social status it achieves throughout the various stages of its life, what its patrimonial and economic condition. And what are the family ties. These are some of the points in discussion throughout this work and that we try to answer in order to better know the figure of João de Castilho. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical-chemical monitoring of vast oceanic areas aims at assessing the status and evolution of the environmental resource for its exploration, protection and/or better understanding. However, the interpretation of monitoring data is affected by ocean seasonality and heterogeneity, and by the quality of sampling and characterization tools used to study the environment. All these factors contribute to the uncertainty of collected information that should be expressed in determined parameter values or trends. A trend of a studied parameter quantified by values difference is significant if the observed absolute value of the difference is larger than their expanded uncertainty. The correlation of studied parameters, useful for their interpretation, is equality affected by the mentioned sources of uncertainty. This work describes the metrologically sound evaluation of trends and correlations of physicochemical parameters of vast oceanic areas where all uncertainty sources affecting the information are considered by simulating their complex impact by the Monte Carlo Method. The described methodology was successfully used to study the impact of summer upwelling in an 800 km2 coastal area offshore two large cities in Portugal. Nutrients, conductivity, salinity and temperature trends and correlations are distinguished from system heterogeneity, sampling and sample analysis uncertainty for a 99% confidence level. [Display omitted] • Simulation of the impact of the heterogeneity, and sampling and analysis uncertainty on oceanic area characterisation. • Mean value of nutrients and fundamental oceanographic parameters from a vast oceanic area reported with uncertainty. • Evaluation of the variation of mean composition values between October 2019 and May 2018 for a 99% confidence level. • Correlations between nutrients and fundamental oceanic parameters evaluated taking information uncertainty into account. • Upwelling trends and correlations confirmed from modelled spatial variation of a vast oceanic area with uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between early Toarcian climatic events and the composition of kerogen assemblages in the Lusitanian Basin (Portugal). In particular, we aim to understand how the Pliensbachian–Toarcian Event (Pl–Toa Event) and Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (TOAE) affected the continental areas of the western Iberian margin and how possible variations in continental sources of organic matter (OM) were expressed in marginal-marine and hemipelagic depositional environments during the early Toarcian. We present here a characterisation [total organic carbon (TOC), total sulphur (TS), δ13C in kerogen concentrate (δ13C Kerogen), and palynofacies] of kerogen assemblages from several uppermost Pliensbachian (emaciatum ammonite Zone)–lower Toarcian sections in the Lusitanian Basin (western Iberian margin), including the Peniche section, which contains the Toarcian GSSP. In all sections, TOC concentration is low (average 0.4 wt.%), with the highest values reaching up to 2.1 wt.% in a discrete level located approximately 10.5 m above the base of the levisoni Zone at Peniche. The TOAE negative carbon isotope excursion is observed in kerogen concentrate at the base of the levisoni Zone throughout the basin. Palynofacies analysis demonstrates that the kerogen assemblages are mostly of terrestrial affinity, with the dominance of the Phytoclast Group and terrestrial palynomorphs, and with punctual increases in amorphous organic matter, freshwater (e.g. Botryococcus sp.) and marine microplankton (dinoflagellate cysts, acritarchs, and prasinophyte algae) in specific stratigraphic intervals. A change in palynofacies assemblages associated with the TOAE is observed around the base of levisoni Zone. Although with slight differences between sections, the TOAE interval records an increase in non-opaque, translucent, phytoclasts (NOP) and cuticle fragments, and is also associated with an increased contribution of terrestrial palynomorphs (increase in sporomorphs and Classopollis in tetrads and agglomerates) and decrease in marine palynomorphs. The increases in NOP and terrestrial palynomorphs support the postulated enhancement of the hydrological cycle and increased export of terrestrial OM into marine environments during the early Toarcian, especially during the TOAE, in the western Iberian margin. Understanding the impact of the early Toarcian climatic events on land-based ecosystems may provide important insights into current climate change. • The Lower Jurassic in the Lusitanian Basin is mainly organic matter lean. • The studied kerogen assemblages are mostly of terrestrial affinity. • A link between kerogen assemblages and climate conditions is demonstrated. • During the TOAE δ13C negative trend an increase in terrestrial particles is observed. • A gradual re-establishment of the depositional conditions after TOAE is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of coercive measures in mental health care is an important indicator of the quality of care being provided, and non-patient-related factors are increasingly recognized to contribute to their use. The study aimed to explore the perspectives of mental health care professionals who have first-hand experience with the use of coercion on the contextual factors that influence the use of coercion in the Portuguese mental health care. Five focus group discussions were conducted among 23 doctors and 17 nurses from five psychiatric departments in urban and rural regions of Portugal. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with the aid of MAXQDA. Four broad themes related to insufficient resources, staff-related factors, inefficient services, and socio-legal factors were derived. Participants highlighted how inadequate structures, staff shortages, staff attitudes, a lack of training, restrictive ward rules, an inefficient organization of services, the mental health legislation, and public attitudes contributed to the use of coercive measures. The COVID-19 pandemic complicated existing shortfalls in the system and increased the use of coercive measures. The study confirms that the use of coercive measures in mental health care is influenced by factors that are independent of patient characteristics. Addressing existing systemic problems is crucial for the successful implementation of interventions to reduce coercion in mental health care. • Non-patient-related factors contribute to the use of coercion in mental health care. • Low levels of human resources encourage the use of coercive measures. • Inefficiently organized mental health services promote the use of coercive measures. • Ambiguous mental health laws encourage coercion through subjective interpretations. • Policies that address systemic inadequacies can reduce coercion in mental health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea cucumbers are indicators of metal contamination in sea bottoms due to their low mobility and feeding behaviour. Comparing contaminations of specimens from different locations, habitats, and/or organs allows understanding of contamination processes and differences. However, the interpretation of these data is affected by the variability of contamination levels in specimens, the uncertainty of tissue analyses, and the complex correlation of mass fractions estimated by using the same calibration of the used instrumental method of analysis. This work presents a novel tool for the sound comparison of contamination levels of biota where all mentioned factors are considered to produce reliable and undisputable information on the studied system. The Monte Carlo simulation of uncertainty components, affecting the determination of mean contamination levels observed in selected types of tissues, allowed simulating mean contamination differences and determining if these are meaningful. This tool was used to assess the levels of Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb of animals collected in different locations of Sesimbra-Portugal. It was concluded that specimens that selectively consume macroalgae have larger contamination levels than animals feeding on sediment. The gut is the most contaminated organ suggesting intake from feeding is dominant. Three of the analysed animals have Pb mass fractions larger than a maximum admissible value for human consumption of 3 mg kg−1 with a probability larger than 2.5%. [Display omitted] • Pb, Cd, Ni & Cu levels in sea cucumber from different origins with known uncertainty. • Contamination of organs from different species, habitats, feeding habits & locations. • Monte Carlo Simulation of mean concentration variability and analysis uncertainty. • Comparison by simulating mean contamination differences for 95% confidence level. • Animals feeding from macroalgae are more contaminated than those fed from sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-intensity noise is produced by fireworks at popular festivals and pilgrimages. • Babies, children, young adults and vulnerable people are exposed to these noises. • WHO and European Union standards for firework noise have been exceeded. • WHO fireworks noise limits are best suited to protect children's hearing. Although most research related to urban noise exposure, refers mainly to transportation noise, epidemiological research has already demonstrated the risks of leisure noise exposure, including fireworks, on children, the youth, and young adults thus denoting the need for further investigation. Cumulatively, the general population living near an event's location can also feel disturbed by this type of noise. This study investigated the noise produced by fireworks at events not yet evaluated, indicating the need for better noise management by the organizers, as well as a revision of the recent European Directive in addressing exposure limits for children. The objective of this study was to evaluate the noise exposure of the population of Northern Portugal during fireworks at festivals and pilgrimages. With that purpose, measurements and questionnaires were conducted at 27 non-pyromusical and pyromusical events. Events considered to be the largest or the most traditional events which occur annually in the Northern Region of Portugal. The measurement equipment was a type 1 sound level meter, from 01 dB, positioned at the most exposed point, meaning, the area where the population was closest to the fireworks. The measurement time lasted for the entire duration of the firework explosions. The L Aeq , L Amin , L Amax values, as well as the statistical indicators, L A90 , L A50 , and L A10 , were determined with an impulsive response. The results showed that in 72% of the evaluated events, the exposure level exceeded 120 dB (A, imp), the limit- value defined by the Directive 2013/29 UE. The average L Amax , CI 95% value, for the exposed population when assisting those events, ranged between 121 and 125 120 dB (A, imp). Hypothesis tests performed for this sample, at a significance level of 5%, demonstrated that there is no significant difference between the average exposure for both types of events, non-pyromusical and pyromusical. Considering that these noise levels can induce hearing impairment this study demonstrated the need for noise control measures for the people attending these types of events. Suggested solutions highlight the following safety measures: the use of quiet fireworks, the reduction of music volume at pyromusical events, changes to the public's position and an implementation of public sessions in order to raise the population's awareness about harmful noise effects, particularly for groups that are more sensitive to noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Hypothesis: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) Bladder Diary (BD) is a standardized and validated diary, developed in the English language, designed to assess lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men and women. This study reports the translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation process of this diary to the Portuguese language., Methods: After translation and back-translation of the ICIQ-BD to Portuguese, 140 urologic patients were asked to fill in this 3-day diary as well as the Overactive Bladder questionnaire Short Form (OABqSF) and a questionnaire evaluating the difficulties in filling out the ICIQ-BD. A subset of 60 patients filled out a second diary with/without LUTS treatment in between (30 patients in each group). In addition, content validity, internal consistency, criterion and construct validity were tested., Results: The Portuguese version of the ICIQ-BD showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.78), and patients reported few difficulties in filling out this tool, answering most commonly 1 on a 1-6 scale of difficulty. Excellent test-retest reliability and responsiveness of the diary were observed when comparing the first diary to a second completed 2-6 weeks later. Criterion validity was also confirmed, given the good correlation with the OABqSF (Pearson's 0.386-0.447). Finally, construct validity was established through statistically significant concordance between data obtained in the BD with generally accepted theories., Conclusion: The present version of the ICIQ-BD is the first bladder diary successfully validated in the Portuguese language. It is a suitable and standardized tool for scientific research and diagnostic assessment of LUTS in adult men and women., (© 2021. The International Urogynecological Association.)

Plastics are the major constituent of waste accumulated in inland waters and subsequently transferred to the ocean. The smaller plastic particles, typically obtained from the fragmentation of larger pieces, are vehicles for food chain accumulation of plastic components and contaminants sorbed to these particles through their ingestion by small organisms. The monitoring of the level and trends of the contamination by microplastics is essential to determine the relevance and potential sources of this contamination necessary to define strategies to reduce this threat. This work presents microplastic contamination levels and trends of sediments of four Portuguese inland waters, namely Ria de Aveiro, Ria Formosa, Mira river, and Mondego river, between 02/2019 and 09/2020. The contamination is classified considering the type of polymer and size, shape, and colour of particles. Polymers are identified by micro-ATR-FTIR with true and false identification rates larger and lower than 95% and 5%, respectively. Duplicate analysis results are used to quantify contamination heterogeneity subsequently applied to assess if a specific contamination trend is not meaningful for a 99% confidence level. The analytical procedure is described in detail to clarify the scope of the analysis. Tests' quality is controlled by following strict quality control measures. Results from sixty-three sediment samples proved the ubiquitous presence of microplastic (MP) in these inland waters with contamination levels ranging between 20 MP kg -1 and 1090 MP kg -1 , excluding six samples not contaminated with these particles. Overall, more than 86% of the microplastics were fragments lower than 1000 μm, and 33% were identified as polyethylene or polypropylene. A large diversity of microplastic colours was observed. For the Mondego River and Ria de Aveiro locations monitored for consecutive years, no significant variations of microplastic contamination were observed for a 99% confidence level., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with ~26% of all species being included in the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associated with habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mammals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion for marine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems functionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is crucial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublished georeferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mammals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira that includes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occurring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live observations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%), bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent less than 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrows | soil mounds | tunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animal | hair | skulls | jaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8), observation in shelters, (9) photo trapping | video, (10) predators diet | pellets | pine cones/nuts, (11) scat | track | ditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalization | echolocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and 100 m (76%). Rodentia (n =31,573) has the highest number of records followed by Chiroptera (n = 18,857), Carnivora (n = 18,594), Lagomorpha (n = 17,496), Cetartiodactyla (n = 11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n = 7008). The data set includes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened (e.g., Oryctolagus cuniculus [n = 12,159], Monachus monachus [n = 1,512], and Lynx pardinus [n = 197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate the publication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contribute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting on the development of more accurate and tailored conservation management strategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications., (© 2022 The Authors. Ecology © 2022 The Ecological Society of America.)

Background: Performance indicators assessing the quality of medical care and linked to pay for performance may cause disagreement. Portuguese indicators included in recent health care reform are controversial., Objectives: To obtain consensus from opinion leaders in family medicine regarding the performance indicators for practice management used in the evaluation of Family Health Units in Portugal., Methods: Eighty-nine specialists in primary care were invited to answer the following question in an online Delphi study: 'Which performance indicators should be assessed regarding the organization and management of clinical practice in primary care in Portugal?' A Likert scale was used to evaluate validity, reliability, feasibility and sensitivity to change. Twenty-seven experts participated in the second round and achieved a high degree of consensus. Eight categories were created for analysis., Results: The experts suggested the use of existing indicators as well as new indicators. Thirty-nine indicators suggested by the experts are currently in use in Portugal. The assessment of the number of clinical acts performed, the number of administrative acts, and evaluation of the clinical demographic profile achieved a high degree of consensus. The expert panel suggested fifty new indicators. Five categories of these new indicators had a high degree of consensus, and three categories had a low degree of consensus., Conclusion: The expert panel recommended that performance indicators of practice management should first assess the quantity of clinical and administrative activities undertaken. These indicators must take into account the human and financial resources available to the clinic and its demographic context.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to discover the potential role of the pig farm environment in the spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterococcus strains, including high-risk clones, to animals and humans., Methods: Enterococcus isolates were recovered from a variety of samples (n = 82; swine, feed/medicines/antiseptics and pig farm facilities) from six Portuguese farms, most using antibiotics. Antimicrobial susceptibility/conjugation assays were performed by standard procedures, bacterial identification/screening of antibiotic resistance genes were performed by PCR and clonality was determined using PFGE/multilocus sequence typing., Results: Enterococcus isolates resistant to antibiotics (n= 473) were recovered from samples of different origin (swine, feed/antiseptics, animal residues and pig farm facilities), but only the clinically relevant species Enterococcus faecium (n = 171) and Enterococcus faecalis (n = 78) were included for further comprehensive molecular analysis. Isolates resistant to vancomycin, ampicillin, tetracyclines, erythromycin and aminoglycosides were better recovered in Slanetz-Bartley medium with these antibiotics present than in media not supplemented with antibiotics (P < 0.05). E. faecium was more frequently resistant to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin or nitrofurantoin and E. faecalis to tetracyclines, chloramphenicol or aminoglycosides (P < 0.05). Glycopeptide and erythromycin resistance rates were similar in both species. The transfer of resistance to several antibiotics, including vancomycin and ampicillin, was demonstrated. Clones associated with human infections were detected in different samples from the same farm [E. faecium from sequence type (ST) 78 lineage and E. faecalis ST16; manure, waste lagoons, faeces and drinking water] and in geographically distant farms [E. faecium clonal complex (CC) 5; E. faecalis CC21 and ST16]., Conclusions: The pig farm environment has an underestimated potential role in the transmission of MDR Enterococcus to animals and, possibly, to humans. The continuous contact of swine with MDR Enterococcus by different routes (e.g. feed, dust, air and rooms) might decrease the impact of restrictive antibiotic use policies and reinforces the need for different and preliminary interventions at the husbandry management level.

Due to the challenge of operating within an economically strained healthcare budget, Portuguese health authorities convened with dialysis providers and agreed on a framework to change from a fee-for-service reimbursement modality to a capitation payment system for hemodialysis. This article reviews the components of the agreed capitation package implemented in 2008 as well as the necessary preparatory work undertaken by a for-profit 34-unit dialysis network (approx. 4,200 patients) to cope with the introduction of this system. Furthermore, trends in clinical quality indicators and in resource management are reviewed for 3 years immediately following capitation introduction. Here, improvements were observed over time for the specified clinical targets. Simultaneously, costs controllable by the physician could be reduced. As more countries convert to a capitation or bundled payment system for hemodialysis services, this article offers insight into the scope of the necessary preparatory work and the possible consequences in terms of costs and treatment quality., (Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.)