Especies piscícolas existentes en La Granja de la Sra. de Mércules – Escuela Superior Agraria de Castelo Branco

A Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules é uma exploração agrícola com 166 ha. Nesta propriedade da Escola Superior Agrária do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco (ESACB), Portugal, predominam os terrenos de sequeiro. As culturas mais importantes são o olival tradicional e as pastagens de sequeiro. Nas zonas baixas estão instalados prados de regadio e pomares e cultivam-se forragens de outono/inverno e de primavera/verão. Estas últimas são regadas com água armazenada nos diversos poços e nas três charcas existentes na exploração. Entre a fauna rica e diversificada que se observa na Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules, uma área de “não caça”, incluem-se quatro espécies piscícolas que foram identificadas nas charcas e nos poços existentes nomeadamente: Micropterus salmoides (Lacépède, 1802) – achigã, identificado na charca grande localizada na zona Este da Quinta (39,824174; -7,448806) (C1) e na charca pequena localizada por trás do Parque de Máquinas (39,822938; -7,457389) (C2); Gambusia holbrokii (Girard, 1859) - gambúsia ou peixe mosquito, identificado nas charcas pequenas, à entrada do Parque Florestal (39,826201; -7,463912) (C3) e por trás do Parque de Máquinas (39,822938; -7,457389) (C2); Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758) e Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) – pimpões, identificados em vários poços espalhados pela Quinta, Poço 1 no extremo Norte da Quinta (39,828319; -7,458634) (P1), Poço 2 no parque de regadio à frente da Vacaria (39,825905; -7,454868) (P2), Poço 3 atrás do Picadeiro (39,825377; -7,452748) (P3) e Poço 4 no parque de regadio próximo das estufas (39,822907; -7,452679) (P4). Relativamente à monitorização feita em 2011, verifica-se que em 2024 na charca grande já não existem gambúsias, provavelmente como resultado do aumento da população de achigãs. Porém, foram identificados achigãs na charca pequena por trás do Parque de Máquinas, provavelmente como consequência da transferência de alguns exemplares provenientes da charca grande. Considera-se que a biodiversidade existente na Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules é uma mais-valia para fins pedagógicos e de conservação da natureza (evitar a poluição e respeitar os ecossistemas de água doce) e também educação ambiental (existência de espécies exóticas e o impacto que a sua introdução nos ecossistemas).Abstract: Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules is a 166-hectare farm managed by the School of Agriculture of the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (ESACB), Portugal. The estate is predominantly classified as dryland. The principal agricultural systems consist of traditional olive groves and extensive dryland pastures. In the lower-lying areas, irrigated meadows and orchards are established, together with seasonal fodder crops cultivated in autumn/winter and spring/summer. Irrigation of spring/summer crops relies on water resources stored in multiple wells and three ponds distributed across the farm. The area supports a rich and diverse fauna and it is a “no-hunting” area. Surveys have identified four fish species inhabiting the ponds and wells. Micropterus salmoides (Lacépède, 1802) – largemouth bass, recorded in the large pond located in the eastern sector of the estate (39.824174; -7.448806) (C1) and in the small pond situated behind the farm Machinery Park (39.822938; -7.457389) (C2). Gambusia holbrooki (Girard, 1859) – eastern mosquitofish, recorded in small ponds at the entrance to the School Forest Park (39.826201; -7.463912) (C3) and behind the farm Machinery Park (39.822938; -7.457389) (C2). Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758) and Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) – crucian carp and goldfish, respectively, recorded in several wells distributed across the farm: Well 1, at the northern boundary (39.828319; -7.458634) (P1); Well 2, in the irrigation area in front of the Cattle Unit (39.825905; -7.454868) (P2); Well 3, behind the Riding Arena (39.825377; -7.452748) (P3); and Well 4, in the irrigation area adjacent to the greenhouses (39.822907; -7.452679) (P4). In comparison with the monitoring carried out in 2011, it was observed that by 2024 eastern mosquitofish were no longer present in the large pond, most likely as a consequence of the increased population of largemouth bass. However, largemouth bass were recorded in the small pond located behind the Machinery Park, probably due to the transference of some individuals from the large pond. The biodiversity present at Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules is regarded as an asset for pedagogical purposes and for nature conservation (preventing pollution and safeguarding freshwater ecosystems), as well as for environmental education (raising awareness of the presence of exotic species and the impacts of their introduction into ecosystems).Resumen: La Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules es una explotación agrícola de 166 hectáreas. En esta propiedad de la Escuela Superior Agraria del Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco (ESACB), Portugal, predominan los terrenos de secano. Los cultivos más importantes son los olivares tradicionales y los pastos de secano. En las zonas bajas hay prados de regadío y huertos, y se cultivan forrajes de otoño/invierno y primavera/verano. Estos últimos se riegan con agua almacenada en los diversos pozos y en los tres estanques existentes en la explotación. Entre la rica y diversa fauna que se observa en la Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules, una zona de «no caza», se incluyen cuatro especies piscícolas que han sido identificadas en los estanques y pozos existentes, a saber: Micropterus salmoides (Lacépède, 1802) – lubina, identificada en el estanque grande situado en la zona este de la finca (39,824174; -7,448806) (C1) y en el estanque pequeño situado detrás del parque de máquinas (39,822938; -7,457389) (C2); Gambusia holbrokii (Girard, 1859) - gambusia o pez mosquito, identificado en los estanques pequeños, a la entrada del Parque Forestal (39,826201; -7,463912) (C3) y detrás del Parque de Máquinas (39,822938; -7,457389) (C2); Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758) y Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) – pimpões, identificados en varios pozos repartidos por la finca, Pozo 1 en el extremo norte de la finca (39,828319; -7,458634) (P1), Pozo 2 en el parque de regadío frente a la Vacaria (39,825905; -7,454868) (P2), Pozo 3 detrás del picadero (39,825377; -7,452748) (P3) y Pozo 4 en el parque de regadío cerca de los invernaderos (39,822907; -7,452679) (P4). En relación con el seguimiento realizado en 2011, se observa que en 2024 ya no hay gambusias en el estanque grande, probablemente como resultado del aumento de la población de lubinas. Sin embargo, se han identificado lubinas en el estanque pequeño detrás del parque de máquinas, probablemente como consecuencia del traslado de algunos ejemplares procedentes del estanque grande. Se considera que la biodiversidad existente en la Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules es un valor añadido para fines pedagógicos y de conservación de la naturaleza (evitar la contaminación y respetar los ecosistemas de agua dulce) y también para la educación ambiental (existencia de especies exóticas y el impacto de su introducción en los ecosistemas)

Edge-computing smart irrigation controller using LoRaWAN and LSTM for predictive controlled deficit irrigation

Enhancing sustainability in agriculture has become a significant challenge today where in the current context of climate change, particularly in countries of the Mediterranean area, the amount of water available for irrigation is becoming increasingly limited. Automating irrigation processes using affordable sensors can help save irrigation water and produce almonds more sustainably. This work presents an IoT-enabled edge computing model for smart irrigation systems focused on precision agriculture. This model combines IoT sensors, hybrid machine learning algorithms, and edge computing to predict soil moisture and manage Controlled Deficit Irrigation (CDI) strategies in high density almond tree fields applying reductions of 35% ETc (crop evapotranspiration). By gathering and analyzing meteorological, humidity soil, and crop data, a soft ML (Machine Learning) model has been developed to enhance irrigation practices and identify crop anomalies in real-time without cloud computing. This methodology has the potential to transform agricultural practices by enabling precise and efficient water management, even in remote locations with lack of internet access. This study represents an initial step toward implementing ML algorithms for irrigation CDI strategies

A aplicação do repertório da disciplina de Instrumento na Formação Musical como promotor da motivação e da interdisciplinaridade

Relatório de Estágio apresentado à Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Ensino de Música - Formação Musical e Classe de Conjunto.Este relatório apresenta duas dimensões fundamentais do percurso formativo no Mestrado em Ensino da Música, área de especialização de Formação Musical e Música de Conjunto: a Prática de Ensino Supervisionada (PES) e um projeto de investigação pedagógica. A primeira componente descreve a experiência de estágio curricular desenvolvida no Conservatório de Música e Artes do Centro (CMAC) durante o ano letivo 2023/2024, envolvendo uma turma do 6º ano de Formação Musical e uma turma de Classe de Conjunto Vocal com alunos dos 5º, 6º e 7º anos, todos em Regime Articulado no âmbito do Ensino Artístico Especializado da Música. Esta prática pedagógica incluiu um trabalho sistemático de planificação de aulas, observação e reflexão sobre aulas ministradas, participação em atividades extracurriculares e uma análise crítica dos desafios e aprendizagens adquiridas. A segunda componente corresponde a um projeto de investigação concebido a partir de questões emergentes da prática docente. Como professora das disciplinas de Formação Musical e Classe de Conjunto Vocal no CMAC, e simultaneamente docente de oboé na mesma instituição, surgiu a oportunidade de desenvolver um estudo que articulasse estes diferentes âmbitos do ensino musical. O projeto foi delineado com o duplo propósito de alinhar com os objetivos curriculares da Formação Musical e de explorar as potencialidades da interdisciplinaridade entre esta disciplina e o estudo instrumental. Esta dupla perspetiva permitiu criar uma abordagem pedagógica inovadora, onde as partituras utilizadas nas aulas de instrumento dos alunos foram integradas como material de trabalho nas aulas de Formação Musical. O projeto teve ainda como objetivo fomentar uma maior motivação para o estudo instrumental, demonstrando aos alunos como o trabalho desenvolvido em Formação Musical pode contribuir para o seu progresso técnico e artístico. Esta abordagem interdisciplinar mostrou-se particularmente eficaz na criação de conexões significativas entre diferentes domínios do conhecimento musical, sem comprometer o cumprimento dos objetivos curriculares estabelecidos. Pelo contrário, permitiu enriquecer o processo de aprendizagem, tornando-o mais contextualizado e relevante para os estudantes.Abstract: The first component describes the curricular internship experience developed at the Conservatory of Music and Arts of the Center (CMAC) during the 2024/2025 academic year, involving a 6th-grade Music Theory class and a Vocal Ensemble class with students from the 5th, 6th, and 7th grades, all enrolled in the Integrated Regime under the Specialized Artistic Music Education framework. This pedagogical practice included systematic lesson planning, observation and reflection on taught classes, participation in extracurricular activities, and a critical analysis of the challenges and lessons learned. The second component corresponds to a research project conceived from emerging questions in teaching practice. As a teacher of Music Theory and Vocal Ensemble at CMAC, while also serving as an oboe instructor at the same institution, the opportunity arose to develop a study connecting these different areas of music education. The project was designed with the dual purpose of aligning with the curricular objectives of Music Theory and exploring the potential for interdisciplinary connections between Music Theory and instrumental studies. This dual perspective enabled the creation of an innovative pedagogical approach, where sheet music used in students' instrumental lessons was incorporated as working material in Music Theory classes. Additionally, the project aimed to foster greater motivation for instrumental study, demonstrating to students how the work developed in Music Theory can contribute to their technical and artistic progress. This interdisciplinary approach proved particularly effective in establishing meaningful connections between different domains of musical knowledge, without compromising the fulfillment of established curricular objectives. On the contrary, it enriched the learning process, making it more contextualized and relevant for students. The experience revealed that this integration between Music Theory and instrumental practice can serve as a promising pedagogical model, capable of simultaneously enhancing technical-musical development and student motivation. By directly linking theoretical content to individual instrumental practice, students gained a deeper understanding of music as a global language, where different skills and knowledge areas interact coherently and complementarily. This report thus reflects an action-research journey that began with concrete teaching challenges and developed innovative pedagogical strategies, contributing to the broader discussion on specialized music education and its interdisciplinary potential

Últimos dias e horas de vida - os benefícios da desprescrição

Este relatório de estágio é elaborado no âmbito do 8º Mestrado em Cuidados Paliativos da Escola Superior de Saúde Dr. Lopes Dias do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco (IPBC). Tem como objetivos a reflexão da prática clínica, a demonstração de competências adquiridas nas áreas-chave dos cuidados paliativos e a descrição detalhada das atividades desenvolvidas no estágio e no projeto de intervenção/plano de formação. A parte prática inerente ao estágio decorreu na Unidade de Cuidados Paliativos do Hospital X, tendo início no mês de março de 2020, posteriormente foi interrompido devido à pandemia COVID-19, pelo que foi retomado em setembro / outubro de 2021, a fim de completar as 300 horas de estágio. Os Cuidados Paliativos pressupõem uma formação específica baseada em competências clínicas (controlo sintomático), comunicativas de apoio ao doente e à família fundamentada num trabalho de equipa multidisciplinar. A fim de obter o nível de formação necessário realizei a análise de um caso clínico com vista a demonstrar as competências adquiridas pela aquisição de conhecimentos teóricos e práticos ao longo da oferta curricular que este Mestrado oferece. A revisão sistemática da literatura subordinada ao tema da desprescrição em Últimos Dias e Horas de Vida (UDHV) demonstra a importância de adequar a terapêutica do doente consoante o benefício atempado que cada fármaco aporta, adequando assim a terapêutica às necessidades de controlo sintomático do doente. Posto isto é importante identificar os obstáculos à desprescrição e a importância da mesma em doentes em situação frágil de UDHV.This internship report is prepared within the scope of the 8th Master's Degree in Palliative Care at Escola Superior de Saúde Dr. Lopes Dias from the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (IPBC). The objectives indeed are the reflection of clinical practice, the demonstration of skills acquired in the key areas of palliative care and the detailed description of the activities developed in the internship and in the intervention project/training plan. The practical part inherent to the internship took place in the Palliative Care Unit of Hospital X, starting in March 2020, it was later interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so it was resumed in September / October 2021, in order to complete the 300 hours of internship. Palliative Care presupposes specific training based on clinical skills (symptomatic control), communicative support for the patient and family, based on multidisciplinary team work. In order to obtain the necessary training level, I carried out the analysis of a clinical case in order to demonstrate the skills acquired through the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge throughout the curricular offer that this Master offers. The systematic review of the literature on the subject of deprescription in Last Days and Hours of Life (UDHV) demonstrates the importance of adapting the patient's therapy according to the timely benefit that each drug provides, thus adapting the therapy to the patient's symptomatic control needs. That said, it is important to identify the obstacles to deprescription and its importance in patients in a fragile situation of UDHV

Dynamics of pesticide residues in soils during the growing season: a case study in peach orchards, east-central Portugal

Permanent crops rely heavily on pesticides. Their short-term behaviour has already been characterised under laboratory conditions. However, their degradation in the field is still poorly understood. Furthermore, studies that relate pesticide residues in soil with their application history are still scarce, despite their relevance for inferring the historical and diffuse dimensions of pollution. This work explores the spatial and temporal dynamics of pesticide residues in soil under the light of their application records and the accuracy of the predicted environmental concentrations (PEC). To achieve these purposes, 270 soil samples were collected at 5 sampling times over the 2022 growing season, in 18 peach orchards from east-central Portugal. Moreover, the data extracted from the application records was used to obtain predicted levels which were compared with the measured results. A total of 37 residues were analysed. Overall, 32 of these were detected back in, at least, one sample. Glyphosate and AMPA were the most frequently found and had the highest median concentrations. The comparison between predicted and measured environmental concentrations (MEC) suggests that pesticide decay was generally slower than expected. Glyphosate, AMPA, fluopyram and tebuconazole showed a high potential for resulting in background concentrations in soil. Our results highlight the need for regular and comprehensive monitoring, being recommended long-term assessments of the persistence and fate of pesticides under realistic conditions. Furthermore, our results also stress the necessity of more studies on reasons for PEC-MEC mismatch, a factor of concern considering the regulatory relevance of PEC values.</jats:p

The contribution of Dorothy Taubman’s approach to piano technique

Só está disponível o resumo.This research intends to analyze how Dorothy Taubman’s approach contributes to the resolution of problems in piano technique, particularly in students at beginner level. The problematic of this study is based on the curiosity to explore new strategies that help students overcome technical difficulties, such as muscle tension or note articulation, while simultaneously developing a greater body awareness of the process that involves piano playing. Using action-research methodology, the study was founded on an analysis of the results obtained with two students at level III (of initiation) and three students at level IV, after applying eight exercises created according to the principles of Taubman’s approach. The following instruments were used to assist the data collection process: a lesson report, a lesson evaluation grid, a monthly evaluation table, two interviews and two recordings of each of the participants (before and after the intervention). The aim was to share them, along with the respective evaluation grids, with examiners not involved in the project, so that external opinions could be gathered. At the end of the research, it was possible to see progress in almost all the parameters evaluated, and it was also observed, through the interviews, that the students had developed a greater awareness of their body behavior and their technique.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Older men in motion : bodies, masculinities, and redefinition of identity

Introduction: This study explores the intersection of physical exercise, masculinity, and aging in older men, examining how these elements shape identity and bodily experiences. Aging is often framed through deficit-based narratives that emphasize decline; however, this research seeks to reframe aging as a process of adaptation and opportunity. By investigating how physical activity contributes to identity reconstruction, this study aims to provide insights into the broader social and structural factors influencing older men’s engagement in exercise. Methods: The study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 12 men aged 65–76. A narrative thematic analysis was conducted to examine participants’ experiences, concerns, and expectations regarding physical activity. This approach allowed for an in-depth exploration of how exercise intersects with notions of masculinity and aging, as well as the barriers and facilitators that shape participation in physical activities. Results: The analysis identified three key themes: (1) the transformative role of exercise in fostering emotional well-being and bodily awareness, (2) the renegotiation of traditional masculinity through engagement in non-traditional physical activities, and (3) the social connections cultivated through group-based exercise programs. Additionally, the study highlights social and structural barriers, such as limited access to facilities and economic constraints, which hinder participation in physical activity. Discussion: Findings underscore the significance of physical activity not only for maintaining health but also as a space for identity reconstruction and resistance to conventional narratives of aging. The study suggests that exercise serves as a means of empowerment, allowing older men to navigate aging in ways that challenge societal expectations. Moreover, the identification of structural barriers emphasizes the need for inclusive public health policies and targeted interventions that promote active aging. By reframing aging as a dynamic process of adaptation rather than mere decline, this research contributes to a broader understanding of how older adults experience and engage with physical activity

Music education : aesthetics vs practice in the perspectives of Bennett Reimer and David Elliott

Partindo das perspetivas de Bennett Reimer e David Elliott acerca de uma filosofia da educação musical, apresenta-se uma reflexão sobre o que os aproxima e faz divergir. Reimer, em A Philosophy of Music Education (1970), defende a educação musical como uma experiência estética, centrada na apreciação e sensibilidade musical. Esta premissa é sustentada pelas teorias estéticas - Referencialismo, Formalismo e Expressionismo Absoluto – que refletem a música enquanto arte com valor em si própria, que se aproxima e relaciona com a experiência humana. Contrariamente, Elliott critica esse pressuposto em Music Matters (1995), defendendo que a educação musical deve assentar numa vertente prática performativa, em oposição a uma experiência exclusivamente estética que descura esta abordagem. A reflexão sobre esta dicotomia, em que Reimer prioriza a experiência auditiva/contemplativa da música e Elliott defende uma abordagem prática e contextualizada, é objeto deste artigo e pretende contribuir para uma visão holística ao nível da filosofia da educação musical.Abstract : Starting from the perspectives of Bennett Reimer and David Elliott on a philosophy of music education, we present a reflection on what brings them together or makes them differ. Reimer, in A Philosophy of Music Education (1970), defends music education as an aesthetic experience, centred on appreciation and musical sensitivity. This premise is supported by aesthetic theories - Referentialism, Formalism and Absolute Expressionism - which reflect music as an art that approaches and relates to human experience. In contrast, Elliott criticises this perspective in Music Matters (1995), arguing that music education should be based on a practical performative aspect, as opposed to na exclusively aesthetic experience that neglects this approach. The reflection on this dichotomy, in which Reimer prioritises the auditory/contemplative experience of music and Elliott advocates a practical and contextualised approach, is the subject of this article, and aims to contribute to a holistic view of the philosophy of music education

O jazz e a sua Influência no ensino da trompa em Portugal

Relatório de estágio apresentado à Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Ensino da Música – Instrumento e Música de Conjunto.O presente relatório de estágio descreve, primeiramente, o percurso e experiências pedagógicas decorridas durante o período de Prática de Ensino Supervisionada do Mestrado em Ensino de Música da Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas de Castelo Branco. A segunda parte reporta o projeto de investigação, que tem como principal objetivo explorar a interseção entre o jazz e o ensino da trompa no contexto português. O relato da Prática de Ensino Supervisionada apresenta uma descrição, análise e reflexão sobre as experiências pedagógicas do autor como docente de trompa e classe de conjunto na Academia de Música de Castelo de Paiva, no ano letivo 2023/2024. O estágio incidiu sobre um aluno do 8.º grau e um quarteto de trompas, para os quais se procuraram explorar metodologias de ensino adaptadas às necessidades dos estudantes. A instituição de acolhimento, com um ambiente rico em recursos, proporcionou uma base sólida para o desenvolvimento pedagógico, incluindo oferta curricular abrangente em cursos de iniciação, básico e secundário, em regimes articulado e supletivo. O projeto de investigação reportado na segunda parte centra-se no estudo da presença e evolução da trompa no jazz em Portugal. Embora tradicionalmente associada à música clássica, a trompa ganhou espaço no jazz a partir dos anos 1940, com músicos como Julius Watkins (1921-1977). Este género, caracterizado pela improvisação e complexidade harmónica, representa um desafio e uma oportunidade pedagógica para trompistas. A presente investigação explora o jazz como potencial ferramenta para o enriquecimento da aprendizagem da trompa em Portugal, promovendo criatividade, adaptabilidade técnica e exploração de novos repertórios. O estudo explora ainda a possibilidade de integração do jazz nos currículos e a necessidade de formação especializada para. Para esse efeito, foram conduzidos questionários e entrevistas a músicos e pedagogos renomados, foram recolhidos planos curriculares de instituições musicais portuguesas, e foi organizado um estudo prático com dois alunos, com idades entre os 15 e os 17 anos, com a finalidade de compreender o impacto do jazz no desenvolvimento técnico e expressivo de alunos de trompa. Após a analise dos resultados das metodologias adotadas, é possível afirmar que existe um certo nível de interesse por parte dos alunos em aprender algo diferente, além das bases clássicas que geralmente são lecionadas nas escolas de música portuguesas.Abstract: This research focuses on the theme "Jazz and Its Influence on French Horn Teaching in Portugal." It explores the intersection between jazz and French horn education in the Portuguese context, divided into two main parts. The first part describes the Supervised Teaching Practice carried out at the Academia de Música de Castelo de Paiva, while the second examines the influence of jazz on the pedagogy and performance of the horn. The Supervised Teaching Practice details the author's pedagogical experiences as a horn and ensemble class teacher. The practicum focused on an 8th-grade horn student and a horn quartet, addressing teaching techniques tailored to the students' needs. Highlights include detailed lesson planning, post-class reflections, and the integration of diverse repertoires. The Academia de Música de Castelo de Paiva, with its resource-rich environment, provided a solid foundation for pedagogical development, offering a comprehensive curriculum spanning introductory, basic, and secondary courses in both articulated and supplementary systems. The second part of the study centres on the presence and evolution of the horn in jazz. Although traditionally associated with classical music, the horn began to gain prominence in jazz in the 1940s, with musicians like Julius Watkins. This genre, characterized by improvisation and harmonic complexity, represents both a challenge and a pedagogical opportunity for horn players. The dissertation explores how jazz enriches horn learning in Portugal, fostering creativity, technical adaptability, and exploration of new repertoires. The study also highlights the integration of jazz into curricula and the need for specialized teacher training through various research methodologies. To this end, surveys and interviews were conducted with renowned musicians and educators, curricular plans from Portuguese music institutions were collected, and a practical study with two students, with ages between 15 and 17, was organized to understand the impact of jazz on the technical and expressive development of horn students. After analyzing the results of the methodologies adopted, it is possible to affirm that there is a certain level of interest from the students in learning something different, in addition to the classical bases that are generally taught in Portuguese music schools

Grip strength, fall efficacy, and balance confidence as associated factors with fall risk in middle-aged and older adults living in the community

Background: Falls are a major public health concern among older adults, often resulting in injury, functional decline, and reduced quality of life. While handgrip strength (HGS), fall efficacy, and balance confidence have individually been associated with fall risk, their com bined predictive value is still underexplored, particularly in physically active older adults. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HGS, fall efficacy, and balance confidence and their association with fall risk in community-dwelling older adults engaged in regular exercise programs; A cross-sectional study was conducted with 280 participants aged 55 and over from community exercise programs near Lisbon, Portugal. Fall risk was assessed through self-reported falls in the past 12 months. HGS was measured with a dynamometer, fall efficacy using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and balance confidence using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Statistical anal yses included Spearman correlations and binary logistic regression. Results: Falls were reported by 26.4% of participants. Fall efficacy and balance confidence were significantly associated with fall history, while HGS was not. Fall efficacy was significantly associated with increased fall risk, as indicated by the odds ratio (OR = 3.37, p < 0.001), while balance confidence was negatively associated (OR = 0.95, p < 0.001). HGS was positively correlated with balance and confidence but not with fall incidence. Conclusions: Psychological factors, particularly fall efficacy and balance confidence, play a critical role in fall risk among physi cally active older adults. However, this study included physically active middle-aged and older adults living in the community, which should be considered when interpreting the generalizability of the results. These findings support the integration of simple, validated psychological assessments into fall prevention strategies in community settings