A New Approach to Monitoring Touristic and Cultural Routes: The Challenge of Development and Use of Indicators-Based Systems

The present paper results of an ongoing research project were it is expected to develop an information system to monitoring a cultural-touristic route. The route to monitor is the Romanesque Route of Tâmega. This Route is composed of 58 monuments located in the region of Tâmega in the North of Portugal. Due to the particular location of this region, that is between coastal zone, but not yet in the inland, it has a weak political influence, and it is reflected in the low levels of development at several levels, observed. The Romanesque Route was implemented in a part of this region in 1998, and enlarged to the all-region in 2010. In order to evaluate the socio-ecomonic impact of this route in the region a research project is being developed. The main goal of this paper is to open a discussion on the elements that must be taken into consideration to evaluate the economic and social impact of a touristic cultural route within a region and this one in particular

Drivers of Insect Community Change along the Margins of Mountain Streams in Serra da Estrela Natural Park (Portugal)

Mountain ecosystems are important biodiversity hotspots and valuable natural laboratories to study community assembly processes. Here, we analyze the diversity patterns of butterflies and odonates in a mountainous area of high conservation value—Serra da Estrela Natural Park (Portugal)—and we assess the drivers of community change for each of the two insect groups. The butterflies and odonates were sampled along 150 m transects near the margins of three mountain streams, at three elevation levels (500, 1000, and 1500 m). We found no significant differences in odonate species richness between elevations, but marginal differences (p = 0.058) were found for butterflies due to the lower number of species at high altitudes. Both insect groups showed significant differences in beta diversity (βtotal) between elevations, with species richness differences being the most important component for odonates (βrich = 55.2%), while species replacement drove the changes between butterfly assemblages (βrepl = 60.3%). Climatic factors, particularly those depicting harsher conditions of temperature and precipitation, were the best predictors of total beta diversity (βtotal) and its components (βrich, βrepl) for the two study groups. The study of insect biodiversity patterns in mountain ecosystems and of the role played by different predictors contribute to further our understanding on the community assembly processes and may help to better predict environmental change impacts on mountain biodiversity.FUNDING: This work benefited the support from Energias de Portugal (EDP) Fund for Biodiversity 2011 and Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) through project PTDC/BIA-BIC/1013/2014 and contract DL57/2016/CP1375/CT0001 to MB. PAVB and MB are currently also funded by the project Azores DRCT Pluriannual Funding (M1.1.A/FUNC.UI&D/010/2021-2024). The APC was funded by FCT project UIDB/00329/2020–2024 (Thematic Line 1—integrated ecological assessment of environmental change on biodiversity).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Distribuição espacial de atributos químicos do solo no Estado de Santa Catarina

The mapping of soil chemical properties constitutes a tool for planning actions to correct those who have limitingvalues for agricultural production in some region. The spatial distribution of some of these attributes in the State of SantaCatarina, was determined from standardized collection of samples of two fields with the use and management systems morerepresentative of each region. The samples were collected in the 0-20cm layer, in which were determined the organic mattercontent and the attributes related to soil acidity and soil exchange complex. The mean values of certain attributes in the fieldsof each municipality were georeferenced in geographic coordinates of its headquarters, and elaborating maps of the spatialdistribution of class values with the software ILWIS 3.2 Academic. It was observed a large spatial variation in soil chemicalproperties in the state, with higher content of exchangeable manganese and potassium and extractable phosphorus, copperand zinc in the west; lower pH in water and organic matter along the Coast region and in the Upper Itajaí Valley, and higherorganic matter content and lower pH, base saturation and phosphorus available in the plateau. These information’s arefundamental for the development of land use and management plans considering regional peculiarities.A elaboração de mapas de atributos químicos do solo consttui-se em uma ferramenta para o planejamento de ações regionalizadas para correção daqueles que apresentam níveis limitantes à produção agrícola. A distribuição espacial de dez atributos químicos no Estado de Santa Catarina foi determinada a partr de coleta padronizada de amostras de solos em lavouras dos dois sistemas de uso e manejo mais representatvos de cada região, na camada de até 20cm de profundidade. As médias dos valores dos atributos determinados nas lavouras de cada município foram georreferenciadas nas coordenadas geográfcas de sua sede, elaborando-se mapas com a distribuição espacial de classes de valores com o sofware ILWIS 3.2 Academic. Observou-se grande variação espacial dos atributos químicos do solo no Estado, com maiores teores de potássio e manganês trocáveis e de fósforo, cobre e zinco extraíveis na região Oeste; menores valores de pH em água e teor de matéria orgânica ao longo do Litoral e no Alto Vale do Itajaí; e maior teor de matéria orgânica e menores pH em água, saturação por bases e fósforo disponível no Planalto Sul. Essas informações são fundamentais para a elaboração de planos de uso e manejo do solo considerando as peculiaridades regionais

Standardised sampling of odonates (Odonata) in Serra da Estrela (Portugal) - 2013 and 2014

Mountain ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity conservation since they host high biodiversity. This study reports novel information on odonate species diversity, distribution and abundance from Serra da Estrela Natural Park (Portugal). Twenty six odonate species were sampled in this protected area, including the first finding of Macromia splendens (Pictet, 1843). New populations of Oxygastra curtisii (Dale, 1834), a protected species under the Habitats Directive, was found in this Natural Park and novel distribution and ecological data was collected for most species, including several rare species (e.g., Aeshna juncea (Linnaeus, 1758), Sympetrum flaveolum (Linnaeus, 1758)). All data were collected using standardised sampling allowing its use as baseline for long-term monitoring of Serra da Estrela mountain biodiversity.FUNDING: This work was financed by Energias de Portugal (EDP) Fund for Biodiversity 2011 through project "Biodiversidade, endemismos e espécies protegidas associadas às lagoas e cursos de água da Serra da Estrela: valorização de um século de aproveitamento hidroeléctrico". Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia supported MB by contract DL 57/2016/CP1375/CT0001.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Standardised sampling of lepidopterans (Lepidoptera) in Serra da Estrela (Portugal) - 2013 and 2014. v1.2

Mountain ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity conservation since they host high biodiversity. This study reports novel information on lepidopteran species diversity, distribution and abundance from Serra da Estrela Natural Park (Portugal). Seventy two lepidopteran species were sampled in this protected area, including the first findings of Apatura ilia (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775) and Vanessa virginiensis (Drury, 1773). New populations of Euphydrias aurinia (Rottemburg, 1775), a protected species under the Habitats Directive, was found in this Natural Park and novel distribution and ecological data was collected for most species, including several rare species [e.g., Coenonympha glycerion iphioides Staudinger, 1870, Cyaniris semiargus (Rottemburg, 1775)]. All data were collected using standardised sampling allowing its use as baseline for environmental changes long-term monitoring of Serra da Estrela mountain biodiversity.FUNDING: The study was financed by Energias de Portugal (EDP) under the Fundo EDP para a Biodioversidade 2011.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

ÁGUA DE BEBER: UM OLHAR SOBRE A POSSIBILIDADE DO REUSO DA ÁGUA DE AR-CONDICIONADO PARA FINS POTÁVEIS

A situação de uma demanda de recursos hídricos que cresce em uma proporção alarmante no mundo, aliada ao desperdício e as contaminações dos corpos hídricos pela ação antrópica, faz com que cada dia mais se pense em soluções tecnológicas voltadas ao reuso de água. O objetivo desse trabalho foi o de verificar a quantidade e a qualidade físico-química e microbiológica da água condensada de um aparelho de ar-condicionado split de potência 24.000 BTU’s no município de Cuiabá-MT, para averiguar a possibilidade de seu uso futuro para o consumo humano. Por meio de um aparato construído com materiais acessíveis, fez-se a coleta da água em garrafão graduado de 20 L. As análises das amostras de água in natura e com tratamentos preliminares de filtração e cloração foram realizadas em 4 etapas, nos anos de 2014, 2016 e 2018, seguindo os métodos estabelecidos pelo Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wasterwater e observando-se a PCR MS 05/17, Anexo XX. A vazão média produzida foi de 1,72 litros de água condensada por hora. As amostras analisadas revelaram o padrão de qualidade do ar atmosférico do local e do entorno, visto que a água condensada do ar condicionado traz consigo o material particulado contendo as substâncias provenientes principalmente da agropecuária e das queimadas. A água oriunda da condensação dos condicionadores de ar tem potencial para ser usada como alternativa para consumo humano, desde que se observe os mesmos cuidados e tratamentos dedicados as águas superficiais e subterrâneas

Impairment of T cell development and acute inflammatory response in HIV-1 Tat transgenic mice

Immune activation and chronic inflammation are hallmark features of HIV infection causing T-cell depletion and cellular immune dysfunction in AIDS. Here, we addressed the issue whether HIV-1 Tat could affect T cell development and acute inflammatory response by generating a transgenic mouse expressing Tat in lymphoid tissue. Tat-Tg mice showed thymus atrophy and the maturation block from DN4 to DP thymic subpopulations, resulting in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells depletion in peripheral blood. In Tat-positive thymus, we observed the increased p65/NF-κB activity and deregulated expression of cytokines/chemokines and microRNA-181a-1, which are involved in T-lymphopoiesis. Upon LPS intraperitoneal injection, Tat-Tg mice developed an abnormal acute inflammatory response, which was characterized by enhanced lethality and production of inflammatory cytokines. Based on these findings, Tat-Tg mouse could represent an animal model for testing adjunctive therapies of HIV-1-associated inflammation and immune deregulation

THINK4JOBS TRAINING: Critical Thinking Training Packages for Higher Education Instructors and Labour Market Tutors

This Report presents the findings of the “Critical Thinking for Successful Jobs-Think4Jobs” Partnership regarding the development of Critical Thinking Training Packages for Higher Education Instructors and Labour Market Organisations Tutors, namely Intellectual Output II. Considering previous research findings, it is suggested that despite HE and LMO instructors’ willingness to promote CT, they both might lack conceptual as well as procedural knowledge regarding CT. In order to assume that a common understanding between HE and LMOs can be achieved to promote CT skills development effectively in future graduates, the aim of this project was to develop a training course for HE instructors as well as LMO tutors. More specifically, the project aims to strengthen University-Business Collaboration for the effective promotion, development, support and assessment of students’ CT through their transition into a professional context using apprenticeships as a privileged interface in order to “bridge the gap” between their skills and those needed by the labour market. The specific objective of the second Intellectual Output was to develop a training curriculum for Higher Education Instructors and Labour Market Organisations Tutors on how to promote, develop, support and assess students’ CT in apprenticeships curricula as well as on how to develop blended curricula using Moodle. The training aimed at reaching 30 participants from the Partnership (i.e., 15 from Higher Education and 15 from Labour Market Organisations). To reach the aforementioned objective for the delivery of the Output, five activities were originally designed: 1. Define the goals, outcomes and assessment criteria of the training packages. 2. Identify the training subjects and design the activities to be held. 3. Identify, select and/or create training resources, which will support the activities during the training packages. 4. Develop a transnational training course. 5. Delivery of the training course. University of Western Macedonia (UOWM) was the leading Organisation for the delivery of the second Intellectual Output. A Participatory Co-Design (PC-D Methodology was implemented to map the participants’ requirements and needs for the training. For the implementation of the training course, participants from both the Higher Education and the Labor Market Organisations from the five countries partake as Trainers providing various workshops focusing on experiential learning. More specifically, workshops concerned the deconstruction and reconstruction of previously held ideas regarding CT, the development of a working definition on CT for the Think4Jobs project, instructional approaches and teaching strategies that promote CT, blended learning and Moodle, the assessment of CT as well as the preparation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HE and LMOs. Finally, a reflective session on the work carried out for the MoU and a session for the design and development of the CT blended apprenticeship curricula were scheduled. According to the registrations, on a daily basis, 35 participants engaged in the LTTA. Participants' knowledge on conceptual and procedural knowledge regarding CT, evaluation of CT, as well as blended learning, University-Business Collaboration and Moodle were evaluated in a pre-post measurement. In order to assess participants’ previous knowledge as well as the knowledge acquired during the LTTA, two online questionnaires were used. The first questionnaire (pre-measurement) was administered to participants at the beginning of the training course, while the second questionnaire (post-measurement) at the end of the LTTA (122 items for the pre-test, 130 items for the post-test, including questions about participants’ commitment during LTTA and their evaluation of the LTTA). The data collection tool consisted of seven distinct parts. The first part concerned demographic information, while the second part assessed participants’ level of perceived self-confidence in the issues addressed in the LTTA, the Moodle’s ease of use and perceived self-efficacy. Parts three to five of the tool explored participants’ conceptions regarding myths and facts about conceptual and procedural knowledge of CT, the evaluation of CT, blended learning and the University and Business Collaboration. Moreover, participants’ level of confidence about their answers was also assessed. Statistical analysis of data collected suggested that participants’ knowledge about CT, blended learning and the University and Business Collaboration increased after their participation in the LTTA. However, these results were not statistically significant. A statistically significant median increase elicited only in participants’ perceived self-confidence on the topics addressed during the LTTA, only for HE participants. Finally, the administrative and management of the implemented LTTA was evaluated highlighting that the event reached the predefined objectives and goals, met participants’ expectations and offered a high quality learning and training experience to the participants. Apart from the measurable data, a significant outcome of the LTTA was the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between each pair of HEIs and LMOs partner per country. The MoU set a specific framework on the expected collaboration between HE and LMOs for the design-development (IO3), implementation and evaluation (IO4) of the CT blended apprenticeships curricula. The development of MoUs suggest that a common understanding on the design and delivery of CT blended apprenticeships curricula has been achieved and that UBC has been tailored to each pair of contributors. Overall, the CT training course presented in the current report has contributed to the existing research and literature in numerous ways. First, it presented a course designed to address the specific needs of its participants, by employing a PC-D approach. Second, it presented a training course that can also be applied in the future, as an intensive program aiming to enhance CT in educational and LMO settings. Third, it actively engaged HE Instructors and LMOs in a common training course, trying to reach a common understanding. Finally, the current report contributes to the literature with the exploitation of a multiple-choice instrument incorporating a Certainty Response Index identifying not only participants’ alternative concepts but also their level of confidence on aspects of CT, blended learning and UBC

Indicadores ambientais e captura de triatomíneos em área rural com histórico recente de captura do vetor

A doença de Chagas ou Tripanossomíase americana é uma antropozoonose causada pelo protozoário Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitida por insetos triatomíneos com sua ocorrência relacionada a indicadores ambientais. Dessa forma, objetivou-se identificar os indicadores ambientais para a doença em áreas rurais do município de Mossoró com histórico recente de captura do vetor e ainda analisar a sua associação com a ocorrência de triatomíneos. Para tanto, foram visitadas 392 residências e 279 moradores permitiram a realização da pesquisa em suas casas. Foi utilizado um roteiro estruturado para analisar a presença de características ambientais favoráveis à ocorrência de triatomíneos. E capturas passivas de triatomíneos foram realizadas pelos próprios moradores. Em 10,75% das casas visitadas foram capturados espécimes de triatomíneos. Permaneceram no modelo final da análise multivariada os seguintes indicadores: telhado de madeira (OR= 2,512, IC 95% 1,02 – 6,16), parede de taipa (OR= 1,290, IC 95% 1,07 – 1,54), e o acúmulo de matéria orgânica (OR= 0,398, IC 95% 0,161 – 0,981). A partir dos resultados obtidos, conclui-se que indicadores, como o tipo de telhado, o tipo de parede e o acúmulo de matéria orgânica no peridomicílio podem ser considerados fatores de risco para a ocorrência de triatomíneos. A associação observada ressalta a importância de identificar fatores de risco para o vetor e a doença, com o objetivo de melhorar as ações de prevenção e controle