Podem as coleções de árvores ser museus vivos para a educação ao ar livre? Reflexões sobre um caso de estudo com coleções de árvores de nogueiras-pecã e de pistácios

Os educadores ambientais reconhecem a importância de aproximar os jovens à natureza, embora os sistemas educacionais atuais operem dentro de estruturas que precisam de melhorar essa ligação. Este artigo contribui para a crescente literatura sobre a forma como os espaços ao ar livre podem ser usados e valorizados como parte de práticas de aprendizagem para promover a ligação dos jovens à natureza. Estes são tópicos cada vez mais relevantes devido a fenómenos de transtorno de déficit da natureza (Louv, 2005) e disparidade de conhecimento sobre as plantas (Hiatt et al., 2021), que desafiam os sistemas de educação a superá-los. Este estudo descreve iniciativas de aprendizagem ao ar livre sobre coleções de árvores de Pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] e Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) e combina elementos de abordagens de investigação qualitativa e quantitativa, segundo a Investigação de Métodos Mistos (Johnson et al., 2007). É discutido o valor das visitas a coleções de árvores como uma estratégia para aumentar a ligação dos jovens à natureza e enriquecer os currículos escolares.Abstract Environmental and outdoor educators acknowledge the importance of connecting young people to nature, yet current education systems functions within frameworks that need to enhance such connection. This paper adds to the growing literature on the way outdoor learning spaces can be used and valued as part of learning practices to promote young students’ connection to nature. These are increasingly relevant topics due to phenomena of nature deficit disorder (Louv, 2005) and plant awareness disparity (Hiatt et al., 2021), which challenge education systems to overcome them. This study is focused on outdoor learning initiatives about tree collections of Pecan [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] and Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) and combines elements of qualitative and quantitative research approaches, within Mixed Methods Research (Johnson et al., 2007). It is discussed the value of visits to tree collections as a strategy to enhance young students’ connection to nature and enrich school curricula.Resumen Los educadores ambientales reconocen la importancia de conectar a los jóvenes con la naturaleza, mientras que los sistemas educativos actuales operan dentro de marcos que necesitan mejorar esa conexión. Este artículo contribuye a la creciente literatura sobre cómo se pueden utilizar y valorar los espacios al aire libre como parte de las prácticas de aprendizaje para promover la conexión de los jóvenes con la naturaleza. Estos son temas de creciente relevancia debido a los fenómenos del trastorno deficitario de la naturaleza (Louv, 2005) y la disparidad de conocimientos sobre las plantas (Hiatt et al., 2021), que desafían a los sistemas educativos a superarlos. Este estudio se centra en iniciativas de aprendizaje al aire libre sobre colecciones de árboles de nuez pecana [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] y pistacho (Pistacia vera L.) y combina elementos de enfoques de investigación cualitativos y cuantitativos de acuerdo con los métodos de investigación mixtos (Johnson et al., 2007). Se discute el valor de las visitas a las colecciones de árboles como estrategia para incrementar la conexión de los jóvenes con la naturaleza y enriquecer los planes de estudio escolares.Résumé Les éducateurs en environnement reconnaissent l'importance de connecter les jeunes à la nature, même si les systèmes éducatifs d'aujourd'hui fonctionnent dans des cadres qui doivent améliorer cette connexion. Cet article contribue à la littérature croissante sur la façon dont les espaces extérieurs peuvent être utilisés et valorisés dans le cadre de pratiques d'apprentissage pour promouvoir le lien des jeunes avec la nature. Ce sont des sujets de plus en plus pertinents en raison des phénomènes de trouble déficitaire de la nature (Louv, 2005) et de la disparité des connaissances sur les plantes (Hiatt et al., 2021), qui interpellent les systèmes éducatifs pour les surmonter. Cette étude se concentre sur les initiatives d'apprentissage en plein air sur les collections d'arbres de noix de pécan [Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] et de pistachier (Pistacia vera L.) et combine des éléments d'approches de recherche qualitatives et quantitatives selon les méthodes d'enquête mixtes (Johnson et al., 2007). La valeur des visites de collections d'arbres en tant que stratégie pour accroître le lien des jeunes avec la nature et enrichir les programmes scolaires est discutée.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Let them shine: insights from an outdoor education initiative for primary school students about an olive tree collection

Nowadays, experiential learning and outdoor education are increasingly relevant due to phenomena of ‘extinction of experience’ (Pyle, 1993), ’plant blindness’ (Wandersee & Schussler, 2001) and ‘nature deficit childhoods’ (Louv, 2005). This paper revisits experiential learning and outdoor education concepts and some of their development history for European and North American contexts. It highlights plant biodiversity as an important issue for outdoor education due to current risks of biodiversity loss/erosion within agriculture (Linos, et al., 2014; Mousavi et al., 2017).It describes an experiential learning initiative held in Portugal, in 2019, at an olive tree collection (Olea europaea L.) planted for a research project during the 1980s-1990s.The initiative was structured with outdoor visits as a complement to classroom learning. It engaged five teachers and 117 students, aged 8-9 years. Data from students and teachers questionnaires results are evaluated as a way to counteract the above phenomena and to benefit children training. Existing research indicates the role of provision of supportive and stimulating environmental conditions during childhood to strengthen individual competencies to make decisions able to accelerate transition for more sustainable societies (U.N., 2019). This paper results articulates with existing research and can be useful to inform effective outdoor programme design

Max Rosenfeld, The Home Architect

1949 marks the beginning of a radical change in the relation between New Zealanders and their homes. The new government at that time began encouraging home ownership in opposition to the existing policy of renting state houses. In those days, one of the most influential architects in the country was Max Rosenfeld, a Czech immigrant who became known mainly through the Auckland magazine The Weekly News. Rosenfeld hadn't produced any iconic building or brought any revolutionary aesthetic style. Nevertheless his contribution to New Zealand domestic architecture was tremendous, though today he is hardly ever mentioned. This paper proposes to shed light on the work of this architect focusing on his participation in The Weekly News publication which started in 1949. For almost a decade Rosenfeld became known as the "Home Architect" following the name of his magazine column. His ideas and architectural advice became very popular and his publications inspired owners and helped builders to familiarize themselves with the Modern way of living and building. Rosenfeld is mainly quoted in reference to the popularization of New Zealand plan books, a kind of publication renowned for containing projects made to fit just about any taste, budget and site. Seen with disdain by some, those books were, nevertheless, the most efficient vehicle for the dissemination of architecture into the everyday life of ordinary Kiwis. In that sense Rosenfeld can be seen as one of the essential contributors to the modern building practice we find in New Zealand, which decisively influences the way Kiwis live today

Animation Documentaries and Biodiversity Issues – is ‘Plant blindness’ a concept worth keeping? Insights from the Portuguese animation documentary ‘Viagem a Cabo-Verde’ (2010)

From the contemporary panorama of creative media, the animation documentary A Journey to Cape Verde (2010, Viagem a Cabo Verde) is analysed in terms of its content concerning biodiversity and plant issues. The concept of ‘plant blindness’ is revisited, a term introduced by Wandersee and Schussler in 1998 (Allen, 2003) to describe “the inability to see or notice the plants in one’s own environment” and their importance in the biosphere. Some future considerations are discussed. It is hoped this case-study displays a picture of what can be done to improve collective knowledge about biodiversity issues and could inspire and help others to develop awareness raising projects about them. 

Business plan for Riomio: an entrepreneurial social venture

In the most aged segment of the Portuguese population, loneliness has become more common and therefore, also its potential consequences, such as depression and anxiety. Riomio aims to be an alternative to the current medication burden by setting opportunities for elderly crafters to be part of the team. The brand is operating in the swimwear market where it positions itself as premium, delivering handmade products with an exclusive design that can incorporate customer’s personalized requests. A low risk and simple business as Riomio can serve to inspire citizens to provide solutions to current social problems

The impact of lockdown announcements during the COVID-19 crisis: An event study from the Portuguese stock market

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted global financial markets in an unprecedented manner. It is well-documented the negative effect in stock markets and increased volatility caused by the preventive measures adopted to combat the disease. This study aims to analyse how lockdowns and other restrictive measures affected the Portuguese index PSI-20 and its constituents. Specially, it investigates the effect over the three first waves of COVID-19 in Portugal, using the STOXX600 European index as benchmark, between March 2020 and April 2021. To test the hypothesis of whether lockdown measures affected stock returns, an event study methodology is employed to detect the presence of abnormal returns around each event date. Using a set of 21 events and a 5-day event window for each event, the abnormal returns are analysed with parametric and nonparametric tests. The test results show a negative market response over strict lockdown announcements, and a positive response over the withdrawals of such restrictions. The results suggest investors are likely to respond negatively to government’s impositions, especially in extraordinary situations. Nevertheless, the impact declines as the period of impositions extends. In addition, the companies most affected by the Portuguese government impositions are Ibersol and EDP Renováveis, while the least affected companies are Jerónimo Martins and Pharol.A pandemia da COVID-19 teve um impacto sem precedentes nos mercados financeiros mundiais. Está bem documentado o efeito negativo nos mercados bolsistas e o aumento da volatilidade causada pelas medidas preventivas adotadas para combater a transmissão da doença. Este estudo visa analisar como os confinamentos e outras medidas preventivas afetaram o índice bolsista Português PSI-20, assim como os seus constituintes. Em especial, investiga o efeito nas três primeiras vagas da COVID-19 em Portugal, utilizando o índice Europeu STOXX600 como referência, entre Março de 2020 e Abril de 2021. Para testar a hipótese se as medidas de prevenção afetaram os retornos das ações, é utilizada uma metodologia de estudo de eventos para detetar a presença de retornos anormais durante cada evento. Utilizando um conjunto de 21 eventos e um período de 5 dias para cada evento, os retornos anormais são analisados com testes paramétricos e não paramétricos. Os resultados dos testes mostram uma resposta negativa do mercado em relação a anúncios de confinamento, e uma resposta positiva em relação à retirada de tais restrições. Os resultados sugerem que os investidores são suscetíveis de responder negativamente às restrições do governo, especialmente em situações extraordinárias. No entanto, o impacto decresce à medida que o período de restrições se estende. Adicionalmente, as empresas mais afetadas pelas imposições do governo Português são a Ibersol e a EDP Renováveis, enquanto as empresas menos afetadas são a Jerónimo Martins e a Pharol

An investigation of genetic algorithm-based feature selection techniques applied to keystroke dynamics biometrics

Due to the continuous use of social networks, users can be vulnerable to online situations such as paedophilia treats. One of the ways to do the investigation of an alleged pedophile is to verify the legitimacy of the genre that it claims. One possible technique to adopt is keystroke dynamics analysis. However, this technique can extract many attributes, causing a negative impact on the accuracy of the classifier due to the presence of redundant and irrelevant attributes. Thus, this work using the wrapper approach in features selection using genetic algorithms and as KNN, SVM and Naive Bayes classifiers. Bringing as best result the SVM classifier with 90% accuracy, identifying what is most suitable for both bases

Consumer perception and acceptability of lupin-derived products: a systematic review

The addition of lupin into other foods can enhance their nutritional value and may be an acceptable approach to introducing lupin into the food supply, particularly as an ingredient. Lupin could be used in many food products (bakery products, pasta, beverages, meat products and dairy products) to improve their protein content and possible nutraceutical effects. The main aim of this study is to summarise the recent formulation trends with lupin as an ingredient of new food products based on consumer perception and acceptability. The present systematic literature review was conducted through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The eligibility criteria for the articles to be considered were: (a) the manufacturing of a food product with lupin as a formulation ingredient; (b) the food product developed was tested by a sensorial panel. A total of 33 studies filled the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into the qualitative synthesis. The sensory analysis of each product was notoriously different based on the jury evaluators and measurement scales used but revealed high acceptability rates for possible future consumers. The high protein and fibre contents of lupin were the most cited reason associated with the importance of nutrient-rich food products for consumers. More research on foods with high nutrition profiles and well-established sustainability parameters is crucial to promote healthier food environments.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio