Efeitos dos poluentes atmosféricos na alergenicidade do pólen

A poluição atmosférica agrava a asma e as alergias respiratórias, sendo o tráfego rodoviário uma das suas principais fontes. O pólen disseminado através do ar entra em contacto com os poluentes atmosféricos, podendo alterar o seu perfil alergénico. O principal objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da exposição ambiental do pólen de P. hispânica a poluentes atmosféricos na sua alergenicidade, estudo feito em Lisboa, Toledo e Madrid, durante a primavera de 2019. Construiu-se uma base de dados relativa aos poluentes atmosféricos fornecidos pelas Estações de Monitorização da Qualidade do Ar de cada local, e dados alergológicos do pólen, previamente obtidos. Foram efetuadas análises de PCA e correlação de Pearson. O alergénio Pla a 1 está negativamente correlacionado com os níveis de NO, NO2 e NOx e positivamente com O3 e PM2.5. Estes resultados evidenciam uma associação entre a poluição atmosférica e o conteúdo alergénico do pólen de plátano; - Abstract: Effects of air pollutants on pollen allergenicity Air pollution aggravates asthma and respiratory allergies. Road traffic is one of the major sources of air pollutants. Aero-disseminated pollen contact with air pollutants generated by automobile traffic, potentially changing its protein and/or allergenic profile. The main goal was to evaluate the allergenicity of P. hispanica pollen from Lisbon, Toledo and Madrid in relation to the local air pollutant levels, during 2019 pollinic season. A database was constructed incorporating open access air pollutant data, provided by Air Quality Monitoring Stations from each location, as well as pollen allergologic data, previously obtained, namely Pla a 1 allergen quantification by ELISA. PCA and correlation analysis were performed. Results show that allergen is negatively correlated with pollutant levels of NO, NO2 and NOx and positively with O3 and PM2.5. These results highlight an association between air pollution and platanus tree pollen allergenic content, being O3 and PM2.5 exposure associated with higher allergenicit

Assessing European and Brazilian Portuguese LLMs for NER in Specialised Domains

This paper discusses the impact of Portuguese variants in Large Language Models for the task of named entity recognition (NER) in specialised domains. The tests were made on a Brazilian Portuguese le gal and a European Portuguese historical corpora. The models taken into account are BERTimbau (PT-BR), Albertina (PT-PT and PT-BR), and XML-R (multilingual). The impact was more evident in the Portuguese historical corpus, which resulted in higher F1 measures compared to previous works that did not consider the same language variant. Ad ditionally, the study underscores the impact of model architecture on performance, highlighting the critical role of both linguistic alignment and model size in enhancing NER in specialised domains.This work has received funds from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior- Brasil (CAPES)- Finance Code 001, the Brazilian funding agency CNPq, and the Portuguese Science Foundation FCT,inthecontext of the projects CEECIND/01997/2017 and UIDB/00057/2020 https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDB/00057/202

Effects of multimodal exercise and processing speed training on physical and cognitive functioning in older adults: social centers and nursing homes

This thesis aimed to investigate the effects of an eight-week psychomotor processing speed program on the physical and cognitive abilities of older adults using social centers, and to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of an individualized multimodal intervention program for nursing home residents. Additionally, an extensive literature review was conducted, focusing on physical and motor fitness tests for older adults living in nursing homes. Moreover, this thesis studied the psychometric properties of five assessment methods for proprioception, balance, and instrumental activities of daily living. The results revealed that an eight-week psychomotor processing speed intervention led to statistically significant improvements in several physical fitness parameters (such as strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and balance), as well as in most cognitive parameters (including reaction time, visual attention, executive functioning, and processing speed). Small to large effect sizes were observed. Concerning the individualized multimodal intervention program implemented in nursing homes, positive changes were noted in physical fitness (agility, strength, balance, dexterity, and gait speed) and cognition (memory and reaction time) from pre- to post-intervention. The exercises involving both physical and cognitive components were feasible and well received by participants. The systematic review described the most used assessment tests for each physical/motor component. Additionally, two empirical studies conducted within this thesis demonstrated that five assessment methods exhibited good to excellent test-retest reliability and acceptable measurement precision in older nursing home residents. Furthermore, we also showed the construct validity of the Portuguese Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. This thesis demonstrated the potential of a psychomotor processing speed program and multimodal individualized interventions tailored for social center users and older nursing home residents, respectively. The systematic review provided valuable information to researchers and healthcare professionals engaged in nursing home residences, assisting them in selecting screening tools that closely align with their study/intervention objectives. Finally, the empirical studies on the psychometric properties of five assessment methods indicated they could serve as valuable clinical tools for evaluating proprioception, balance, and instrumental activities of daily living in nursing home residents; - Efeitos do Exercício Multimodal e do Treino de Velocidade de Processamento no Funcionamento Físico e Cognitivo em Idosos: Centros Sociais e Lares de Idosos - Resumo: Esta tese teve como objetivo investigar os efeitos de um programa psicomotor de velocidade de processamento de oito semanas nas habilidades físicas e cognitivas de pessoas idosas que frequentam centros sociais, bem como avaliar a viabilidade, aceitabilidade e eficácia de um programa de intervenção multimodal individualizado para residentes em lares para pessoas idosas. Além disso, foi realizada uma revisão da literatura, com foco em testes de aptidão física e motora para pessoas idosas que vivem em lares. Esta tese também estudou as propriedades psicométricas de cinco métodos para avaliação da propriocepção, equilíbrio e atividades instrumentais da vida diária. Os resultados revelaram que uma intervenção psicomotora focada na velocidade de processamento resultou em melhorias estatisticamente significativas em vários parâmetros de aptidão física, bem como na maioria dos parâmetros cognitivos. Nesta intervenção os tamanhos dos efeitos foram estimados entre pequenos a grandes. No que diz respeito ao programa de intervenção multimodal, foram observadas alterações positivas na aptidão física e cognição do pré para o pós-intervenção. Os exercícios que envolvem componentes físicas e cognitivas foram viáveis e bem recebidos pelos participantes. A revisão sistemática descreveu os testes de avaliação mais utilizados para cada componente física/motora. Além disso, dois estudos empíricos realizados demonstraram que cinco métodos de avaliação apresentaram boa a excelente confiabilidade teste-reteste e precisão de medição aceitável em pessoas idosas residentes em lares. Demonstrámos também a validade de construto da versão em Português do Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Esta tese demonstrou o potencial de um programa de intervenção psicomotora focado na velocidade de processamento e de intervenções multimodais individualizadas, adaptadas para utilizadores de centros sociais e residentes em lares de idosos, respetivamente. A revisão sistemática forneceu informações valiosas para investigadores e profissionais de saúde em contexto de lares para pessoas idosas, auxiliando-os na seleção de ferramentas de triagem/avaliação alinhadas com os seus objetivos de estudo/intervenção. Por último, os estudos sobre as propriedades psicométricas de cinco métodos de avaliação mostraram que os mesmos são ferramentas clínicas valiosas para avaliar propriocepção, equilíbrio e atividades instrumentais da vida diária em pessoas idosas institucionalizadas

Relatório de avaliação - O caso SEGURADOS, SA.

Este projeto surgiu no âmbito do Mestrado em Gestão da Universidade de Évora, e o tema escolhido foi a avaliação de uma empresa. Trata-se de um projeto que apresenta como principal objetivo a determinação do valor da empresa “Segurados – Corretores e Consultores de Seguros, SA.”, a 31 de dezembro de 2019, através da elaboração de um Relatório de Avaliação, que tem por base uma análise do horizonte temporal explícito 2019-2023 ao qual sucede a estimativa de uma perpetuidade. Posto isto, estabelece-se que o resultado da avaliação deverá compreender os resultados do método de avaliação através do Método do Rendimento Atualizado, pela abordagem do Método do Custo Médio “Enterprise Value”, e da avaliação através do Método dos Múltiplos de Mercado. Por fim, concluísse que o intervalo de valores próprio para uma possível venda estabelecesse em aproximadamente um milhão e setecentos mil euros; Evaluation Report – The Case Segurados, SA. Abstract: This project emerged within the scope of the Masters in Management at the University of Évora, and the chosen theme was the evaluation of a company. This project has as its main objective the determination of the value of the company “Insured – Corretores e Consultores de Seguros, SA.”, on December 31, 2019, through the preparation of an Valuation Report, which is based on an analysis of the explicit time horizon 2019-2023 followed by the estimate of a perpetuity. That said, it is established that the result of the valuation should comprise the results of the valuation method using the Updated Income Method, the approach of the Average Cost Method “Enterprise Value”, and the valuation using the Market Multiples Method. Finally, it concluded that the range of values suitable for a possible sale would be set at approximately one million and seven hundred thousand euros

Insights into conservation success: Analysing shore angling before implementing a marine protected area

In January 2024, the "Natural Marine Park of the Algarve Reef – Pedra do Valado" (NMPAR-PV; southern Portugal), a community-based Marine Protected Area (MPA) was formally classified, setting the scene for a new paradigm for co-creating Portuguese MPAs. While complying with the best practices for MPA establishment, this area also contributes to national and international conservation targets. Measuring the success of MPAs relies on the availability of the best scientific information, including baseline data on biodiversity, habitat and human activities characterization. Marine recreational fishing is a significantly important human activity within this recently designated MPA. Hence, the systematic collection of quantitative data on this activity is critical for determining its impacts and ensuring the preservation and protection of fisheries resource. This study aims to collect and analyze socioeconomic and ecological data on shore angling fisheries at NMPAR-PV, implementing surveys and instantaneous counting. Data from 325 questionnaires and 27 counting surveys conducted between February 2022 and February 2023 highlighted the importance of shore angling. The activity is primarily conducted by local Portuguese men, over 50, employed and with low formal education. Most recreational fishers supported the MPA's implementation, suggesting community care for conservation efforts. The annual fishing effort was estimated at 52 198 ± 6 631 angling hours, with peaks in Autumn. Annual catches, dominated by Scombridae and Sparidae species, were estimated at 10.41 ± 1.96 tonnes of fish. This study provides valuable insights into the evolution of recreational fishing activity within the MPA, addressing important information to assess its effectiveness

Commercial Cosmopolitanism? The Case of the Firm De Bruijn & Cloots (Lisbon) in the 18th Century

The Portuguese maritime expansion and consequent empire building is often perceived as the first moment in Early Modern globalization. One would intuitively expect Portugal and its empire then to continue at least actively participating in the globalization wave of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, albeit not necessarily at the forefront. When looking at the outreach, outputs and geographical extent of the Portuguese empire, it can certainly be said to have been a global phenomenon, with that ‘globality’ also being reflected in the international participants involved in exploiting the empire and in redistributing products and rents across differentiated economic and social systems. This chapter uses eighteenth-century sources for Northern European merchant firms (mostly Dutch) established in Lisbon as a stepping stone for analysing how their mercantile knowledge and ways of conducting business adapted to the workings of the Lisbon market. It is in their capacity to adapt to and find solutions for challenges arising from operating in a system with a specific, albeit radically different, socio-economic logic from that of their place of origin that we discuss the cosmopolitan nature of these firms and the cosmopolitan solutions they devised

Economic and Financial Evaluation of Cork Oaks Forest Plantations Under Fertirrigation

Cork oaks usually become productive after 20 years of age. To shorten this period, fertirrigation has been tested to enhance tree vitality and growth, thus anticipating cork stripping. This study aims to determine the economic and financial indicators of this afforestation technique compared to rainfed indicators. Simulations were conducted based on information gathered from fertirrigated and rainfed stands, assuming 4 × 4m tree spacing and good site quality. Various net cork renevues, initiation, and maintenance costs were tested. Fertirrigation was more profitable in most combinations, except for the most expensive one when net cork value was low. In other scenarios, fertirrigation was advantageous as it reduced time to the first cork stripping to 12 years since planting and increased tree growth and productivity. Fertirrigation can be discontinued when cork productivity reaches 300 @ (4500 kg)/ha, with no potential advantage in maintaining fertirrigation beyond that point

Iron gall ink and blotting sands on Portuguese written heritage - a comprehensive study and developments in conservation treatments

Iron gall ink (IGI) was once regarded as the paramount ink of the Western world owing to its indelibility. It was widely employed to write and draw from the 13th to the 19th centuries, producing magnificent works and routine documents. Despite the extensive IGI-oriented research, the characterisation of these inks within the Portuguese context remains largely unexplored. This work aims to bridge this gap by presenting the first analytical study of a large-scale corpus of Portuguese IGI-containing records (16th-18th centuries). An integrated spectroscopic and microscopic approach was employed to characterise these inks and investigate their interaction with the support. Unexpectedly, Zn-rich IGIs were significantly used, revealing a not-so-uncommon practice in Portugal. The amount of ink per surface area was shown to be critical in the samples’ conservation status. Another exciting topic was blotting sands, uncovered by the archival research developed within the IGI study. This writing tool used to hasten the ink drying was characterised by a systematic analytical approach, combining imaging, chemical and mineralogical composition and multivariate analysis. Processing and provenance were discussed based on these parameters. This work also intends to contribute a more comprehensive knowledge of the IGI impact on cellulosic support and the IGI chromophore. Historical IGI reproductions were prepared, and the precipitates and dried inks were extensively characterised. The inks were afterwards applied on Whatman® paper and artificially aged. Reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) oxalate and sulfate occurred over ageing. Fe(III) polyphenol monocomplex with a catecholate binding mode and the iron octahedrally coordinated was inferred as the model for the IGI chromophore. Ultimately, this work established polyoxometalate-ionic liquids (POM-ILs) as effective materials to counteract IGI corrosion. A dimeric Fe-substituted undecatungstate Keggin was synthesised as a proof-of-concept. The POM-ILs were applied as coatings on IGI mockups. Their impact and efficacy were assessed with promising results; - Tinta ferrogálica e areias secantes no património escrito Português - estudo multidisciplinar e contributos para os tratamentos de conservação RESUMO: A tinta ferrogálica foi outrora considerada o meio de escrita mais importante do mundo ocidental sobretudo pela sua indelebilidade. Foi profusamente usada entre os séculos XIII-XIX. Uma parte substancial do Património escrito português foi redigido com esta tinta, contudo, permanece escassamente estudado de um ponto de vista analítico. Este trabalho compreende uma abordagem espetroscópica e microscópica para a caracterização de tinta ferrogálica numa coletânea de documentos históricos portugueses (séc. XVI-XVIII). A sua interação com o suporte foi também estudada. Tintas enriquecidas em zinco foram identificadas, o que revelou práticas que se pensavam incomuns em Portugal. A quantidade de tinta por área superficial foi identificada como fator crítico no estado de conservação dos documentos. Este trabalho pôs em evidência as areias secantes usadas em Portugal (séc. XVI-XIX). Estes materiais foram caracterizados com recurso a análise de imagem, de composição química e mineralógica, análise multivariada e estatística. As técnicas de seleção usadas e a proveniência das areias foi discutida. Atualmente continua por ser esclarecido de que forma(s) a tinta potencia os mecanismos de degradação dos suportes celulósicos e quais o(s) composto(s) responsável(is) pela sua cor. Esta tese contribui para melhor compreensão destes temas. Foram reproduzidas tintas a partir de receitas históricas, obtidos os precipitados e tintas secas, e caracterizados. As tintas foram também aplicadas em suporte Whatman® e envelhecidas artificialmente. Durante o envelhecimento verificou-se a redução de Fe(III) a Fe(II) oxalato e sulfato. Um monocomplexo polifenólico de Fe(III), com ligando catecolato e ferro coordenado octaedricamente foi identificado como cromóforo da tinta. Este projeto introduz o uso de polioxometalatos-líquidos iónicos (POM-ILs) para atenuar a corrosão potenciada pela tinta. Validou-se esta hipótese a partir da síntese e caracterização do polioxotungstato do tipo Keggin mono-substituído por Fe. Os POM-ILs foram aplicados em mockups e o seu impacto e eficiência foram avaliados, indicando resultados promissores

Charcoal analyses from the prehistoric funerary site of Perdigoes (Alentejo, Portugal)

This dissertation presents the results of the anthracological analysis of Pit 40 (a collective human cremation) and a Chalcolitic post-hole, both from the prehistoric funerary site of Perdigões (Southern Portugal). The aim of the thesis was to gather comprehensive information about the use of wood by humans during the Chalcolithic period in this area. While optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for species identification, radiocarbon dating was employed for dating samples in this study. Accordingly, as of the results from Pit 40, six different taxa were identified, and the single taxon of Pinus pinea/pinaster was identified from the post-hole. The radiocarbon dating of the charcoal samples in this study matched exactly previously established chronologies derived from bone samples. The obtained data provided insights on the choices related to woods employed for human cremations and for the construction of the poles during the chalcolithic at Perdigões: - Resumo: Esta dissertação apresenta os resultados da análise antracológica da Cova 40 (uma cremação humana colectiva) e de um poste calcolítico, ambos provenientes do sítio funerário pré-histórico dos Perdigões (Sul de Portugal). O objetivo da tese foi reunir informações abrangentes sobre o uso da madeira pelo homem durante o período Calcolítico nesta área. Embora a microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura (MEV) tenha sido usada para identificação de espécies, a datação por radiocarbono foi empregada para datar amostras neste estudo. Assim, a partir dos resultados da Cova 40, foram identificados seis táxons diferentes, e o único táxon de Pinus pinea/pinaster foi identificado a partir do pós-buraco. A datação por radiocarbono das amostras de carvão neste estudo correspondeu exatamente às cronologias previamente estabelecidas derivadas de amostras de ossos. Os dados obtidos permitiram compreender as escolhas relacionadas com as madeiras utilizadas nas cremações humanas e na construção dos postes durante o Calcolítico dos Perdigões

Territorial embeddedness of sustainable agri-food systems. A systematic review

The current food systems require an urgent transition toward more sustainable food landscapes. One key discussion arising is on the potential of territorial approaches to foster the sustainability of agri-food systems, for which this paper provides a review. This systematic literature review is based on bibliometric methods which allowed us to identify in a fairly unbiased manner the most impactful authors, papers, and research trends. Three distinctive scientific fronts are identified, revealing research specializations defined by their distinctive social-territorial approach: sustainable agroecosystems at the farm level; agroecological initiatives at the community level; and transformation of the food system and societal values at the regional/national level. We expect this review will trigger and enrich further discussions about future trends and opportunities for enhancing the sustainability of agri-food systems. This is especially urgent since research on these topics is relatively recent, and conflicting approaches are identified for which an overall understanding of potential solutions is largely missing. Reconciling agricultural and biodiversity sustainability stands on top of current political agendas, and thus providing an overall picture of how territorial approaches confront this problem shall prove key in guiding better-informed land policy and management decisions