Sectoral and regional impacts of the European Carbon Market in Portugal

Across Europe, CO2 emission permits represent one of the main policy instruments to comply with the limits established by the European Commission to achieve the goals of the Kyoto Protocol. In this paper we use microdata to address two issues regarding the impact of the European Carbon Market (EU ETS). On the one hand, we analyse the sectoral effects of the EU ETS in Portugal. The main goal is to study the outcomes of this policy in terms of the transactions carried out between sectors, as well as the distributive consequences. On the other hand, we also look at the regional impact. The pre-existing specialization of different regions in the production of different goods and services might lead to an uneven economic impact of the new permit market. In particular, Portuguese data indicate a distribution of revenue from low income to high income regions, or rather, between installations located in those regions. We focus on the first two years of operation of the EU ETS, using data for each one of the 244 Portuguese installations regulated by this market as well as financial data for 80% of these installationsRegional impact, sectoral impact, tradable CO2 permits, European Carbon Market.

Are we doing enough to discourage early retirement?

Increasing the effective retirement age contributes to the sustainability of pension systems.\ud However, oftentimes policies aiming at rising employment rates of older workers fall short in\ud delaying retirement. This seems to be the case with retirement age flexibility reforms in Portugal.\ud We analyze the recent Portuguese history of incentives to retire. For 1990-2006 we find that\ud individuals faced very high implicit taxes on working with the result that half the workers had already left the labour force before age 65. We then look at the Social Security reforms in 2007 and find that the incentives to continue working became even smaller than they already were.\ud We conclude that increasing the labour supply of older workers in a system with flexible\ud retirement age needs policies with more aggressive use of penalties and bonuses than what\ud decision makers were willing to accept

Acute kidney injury in asphyxiated newborns treated with therapeutic hypothermia

Trabalho Final do Curso de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 2021Introdução: A asfixia perinatal é uma causa major de disfunção multiorgânica em recém-nascidos. De acordo com a literatura atual22, a lesão renal aguda é comum em recém-nascidos com encefalopatia hipóxico-isquémica, caracterizada por um quadro de coma e convulsões, em consequência de um processo de isquémia e hipoxia no período perinatal. Objetivos: Este estudo tem como objetivos: 1) Determinar a incidência de lesão renal aguda em recém-nascidos que desenvolveram encefalopatia hipóxico-isquémica, tendo sido submetidos a hipotermia induzida, e 2) Averiguar a correlação entre a gravidade do prognóstico neurológico a curto-prazo destes recém-nascidos com o desenvolvimento de lesão renal aguda. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo prospetivo dos recém-nascidos com encefalopatia hipóxico-isquémica, submetidos a hipotermia induzida no Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, EPE, desde a implantação do programa (2010) até 2017. De acordo, com o seu prognóstico neurológico expectável a curto-prazo, a população em estudo foi dividida em dois grupos (Favorável/Desfavorável), com base no eletroencefalograma de amplitude integrada (aEEG) e na ressonância magnética realizada às 2 semanas de vida. Para a definição de lesão renal aguda, foram utilizados os critérios modificados para o período neonatal, definidos pela Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)28. Os parâmetros renais (creatinina sérica e débito urinário) da população foram monitorizados durante a hospitalização. Após a colheita dos dados, foi realizada a sua análise estatística, recorrendo-se ao programa SPSS, versão 26. Resultados: Neste estudo foram incluídos 92 pacientes, dos quais 59 (64%) eram do sexo masculino, enquanto 32 (35%) eram do sexo feminino. A média de peso ao nascer foi 3161 ± 615.7g e a idade gestacional média foi 39.06 ± 1.63 semanas. Verificou-se que 44 (48%) dos recém-nascidos estudados desenvolveram lesão renal aguda (LRA), dos quais 38 (86%) tiveram LRA estádio I, 2 (5%) desenvolveram LRA estádio II, enquanto os restantes 4 (9%) recém-nascidos desenvolveram LRA estádio III. No recém-nascidos com LRA, verificou-se, embora não estatisticamente significativa, uma maior mortalidade (17% vs. 10%) e uma hospitalização cerca de 2.1 dias mais prolongada na Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatais, quando comparados com o recém-nascidos sem LRA. No que concerne ao prognóstico neurológico expectável a curto-prazo, este foi determinado em 61 (66%) dos recém-nascidos em estudo, sendo que destes 39/61 (6%) apresentavam prognóstico desfavorável. Globalmente, verificou-se uma maior incidência de lesão renal aguda nos recém-nascidos com prognóstico neurológico a curto-prazo desfavorável (64% vs. 36%). Conclusões: A realização deste estudo permitiu concluir que a lesão renal aguda ocorre frequentemente em recém-nascidos com encefalopatia hipóxico-isquémica, submetidos a hipotermia induzida, bem como quando a associada a lesão renal aguda, os recém-nascidos apresentam maior taxa de mortalidade e tempo de internamento em Unidade de cuidados intensivos. Observou-se uma correlação, estatisticamente significativa, entre a severidade do prognóstico neurológico a curto-prazo na encefalopatia hipóxico-isquémica e o desenvolvimento de lesão renal aguda. A realização de novos estudos, tendo como objetivo a deteção precoce de lesão renal aguda, possíveis estratégias renoprotetoras e o esclarecimento das possíveis sequelas a longo prazo nesta população de elevado risco de atingimento renal é recomendada.Introduction: Perinatal asphyxia represents one of the main causes of multiorgan dysfunction in newborns. According to the most recent literature22, acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) – characterized by coma and seizures in the early neonatal period, as a result of a hypoxic-ischemic insult in the neonatal period. Objectives: This study aims to: 1) Determine the incidence of AKI in asphyxiated neonates with HIE enrolled in therapeutic hypothermia (TH); and 2) Examine the correlation between the severity of short-term neurologic outcome in these neonates and the development of AKI. Methods: A prospective database of patients submitted to TH, in Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, EPE, is maintained since the beginning of the program (2010) until 2017. Patients were divided into two groups based on their short-term neurologic outcome (favourable/unfavourable), according to amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the second week of life. Renal parameters of neonates in both groups were monitored and AKI was determined using neonatal modified Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO)28 criteria. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: 92 patients were included in this study, 59 (64%) were male and 32 (35%) were female. The mean weight was 3161 ± 615.7 g and the gestational age was 39.06 ± 1.63 weeks. We reported that 44 (48%) of the neonates had AKI, of whom 38 (86%) neonates had AKI stage I, 2 (5%) had AKI stage II and the remaining 4 (9%) AKI stage III. Neonates who developed AKI had, although not statistically significant, higher mortality (17% vs. 10%) and stayed an average of 2.1 days longer in the NICU, compared to those without AKI. Expected short-term neurologic outcome, according to aEEG and MRI, was determined in 61 (66%) neonates, 39/61 (64%) of these had an unfavourable outcome. We reported a higher incidence of AKI in neonates in the unfavourable group (64% vs. 36%) 3 Conclusions: In this prospective study we found a significant incidence of AKI in HIE undergoing TH and neonates with both HIE and AKI had a longer length of stay and mortality than HIE alone. There is also a correlation, statistically significant, between the severity of the short-term expected neurologic outcome of HIE and AKI. Future research on early detection of AKI, renoprotective management strategies, and understanding of long-term renal sequelae is recommended in this high-risk group of patients

The setting of architectural heritage: a research project

A par da substancial transformação do conceito de património arquitectónico, os modelos, estratégias e instrumentos que promovem a sua protecção sofreram também significativas alterações ao longo do tempo. Em simultâneo, e de forma inevitável, o contexto vem assumindo um progressivo e preponderante papel na sua salvaguarda e nos critérios que medeiam as intervenções nestes imóveis de valor patrimonial. As mais recentes cartas ou recomendações referem a importância do contexto – alargado ao conceito de “lugar” – para o significado dos bens imóveis de interesse cultural e, consequentemente, a necessidade de desenvolver instrumentos que promovam a sua conservação e gestão. Este artigo apresenta uma proposta de investigação que pretende reflectir sobre esta temática: o contexto do património arquitectónico. O objectivo final deste projecto é constituir uma plataforma crítica, que contribua activamente para a presente necessidade de reflexão sobre as Zonas Especiais de Protecção (ZEP) dos imóveis classificados, em particular sobre a sua delimitação. Este propósito assentará no desenvolvimento de três linhas de investigação: a interpretação das relações territoriais do património edificado, a inventariação e caracterização das zonas especiais de protecção existentes em Portugal e a elaboração de um estudo comparativo das diferentes experiências europeias no âmbito da protecção do contexto dos bens imóveis.Alongside the substantial transformation of the concept of architectural heritage, the models, strategies and tools that promote their protection, have also been subject to significant changes over time. Simultaneously, and also in an inevitable way, the settings has been taking a progressive and predominant role in the protection and the criteria that mediate the interventions in the architectural heritage. The most recent heritage charters and recommendations refer to the importance of settings - extended to the concept of “place” - to the meaning of cultural heritage and therefore the need to develop tools to promote their conservation and management. This article presents a research proposal that aims to reflect on this theme: the setting of architectural heritage. The ultimate goal of this project is to provide a critical platform, to contribute actively to the need for reflection on the Special Protection Zones of classified heritage, particularly on its boundaries. This purpose will be based on developing three main research lines: the interpretation of the territorial relations of the built heritage, the identification and characterization of special protection zones that exist in Portugal and the comparative study of different European experiences in the protection of settings of cultural heritage

Conflictive management of small mammals considered as pests: A long way to evidence-based policy making

This paper discusses the controversial management decisions made by policy-makers worldwide regarding poisoning campaigns aimed to control small mammal populations, often considered harmful economic pests. Aside from considerations regarding the biological consequences of these campaigns, we argue that when society rejects all values of science and expertise then only badly supported and negligent decisions will be made about conservation and management issues. The extermination of small mammal species, some of which play crucial ecological roles in several regions of the world, is just an example of such discredit and misinformation. Without a strong commitment towards evidence-based policy-making, economic investments in research and development could be entirely compromised.C. Ferreira is supported by a PhD grant (Ref. SFRH/BD/22084/2005) funded by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia of the Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, Portuguese government and M. Delibes Mateos was supported by a Juan de la Cierva research contract, awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and the European Social Fund.Peer Reviewe

Wild rabbit management in the Iberian Peninsula: state of the art and future perspectives for Iberian lynx conservation

The Iberian lynx, the most endangered cat in the world, is presently found only in two isolated populations in southern Spain. Natural expansion from these populations is limited which turns Iberian lynx reintroduction programs into the only alternative to save the species from extinction. Prey availability is one of the top considerations for predator reintroductions. In this paper, we review the state of the art regarding wild rabbit (lynx¿s main prey) biology, status and management in the Iberian Peninsula, and future perspectives for Iberian lynx conservation. Historically, wild rabbits have sharply declined in the Iberian Peninsula, mainly as a consequence of habitat loss and the arrival of viral diseases. Most Iberian rabbit populations are still declining so different management techniques are employed to revert this scenario. Population monitoring, adjusting hunting pressure, predator control, habitat management, restocking and rabbit vaccination are the most frequently employed management tools. Surprisingly, strong empirical evidence is still lacking to support the usefulness and impact of most of these management techniques. Hence, for the success of future Iberian lynx reintroductions, efforts need to be made to suppress knowledge gaps of rabbit ecology and management at several levels, namely: the study of basic biological parameters from natural free populations, the implementation of an Iberian rabbit monitoring framework based on standardised rabbit monitoring protocols (that produces systematic and periodic comparable results), the study of the impact of predator control, the assessment of both the costs vs. benefits of vaccinating wild rabbits against viral diseases and the effectiveness of habitat management. Finally, the creation of a working platform congregating researchers, hunters and game managers, conservationists and further sectors involved in wild rabbit management is essential for the definition of a global strategy that defends collective interests and serves the ultimate goal of conserving this lagomorph.M. Delibes-Mateos is currently holding a Juan de la Cierva research contract awarded by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and the European Social Fund.Peer Reviewe

Os neuroléticos na perturbação do espetro do autismo

Trabalho de projecto de mestrado em Medicina (Pediatria), apresentado á Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de CoimbraIntrodução: A perturbação do espetro do autismo é uma patologia crónica do neurodesenvolvimento, com apresentação em idades precoces cujos principais sintomas são défices na comunicação, na interação social e padrões de comportamentos restritivos e estereotipados. Frequentemente os indivíduos apresentam associados sintomas disruptivos como auto e hetero agressividade, agitação psicomotora, birras, hiperatividade e alterações de humor, que interferem gravemente com a sua qualidade de vida e das suas famílias. O tratamento farmacológico destes sintomas baseia-se em várias classes de medicamentos, sendo os neuroléticos a mais utilizada, uma vez que demonstra maior eficácia e segurança. A farmacogenética tem sido decisiva na procura das causas para esta perturbação, demonstrando já alguns avanços na descoberta de genes que interferem na farmacodinâmica e no tipo de reações adversas dos neuroléticos e que prometem optimizar a utilização destes nos quadros de autismo. Objetivo: Rever as indicações dos neuroléticos nos quadros de autismo, no que à eficácia e reações adversas diz respeito. Materiais e Métodos: Revisão realizada com base na literatura disponível na base de dados Pubmed, referente à utilização dos neuroléticos na perturbação do espectro do autismo. Conclusões: Os resultados dos estudos analisados sugerem que os neuroléticos são úteis na abordagem dos sintomas associados ao autismo. Apenas a risperidona e o aripiprazol têm indicação legal para o tratamento da irritabilidade relacionada com as perturbações do espetro do autismo, contudo os restantes fármacos utilizados off label também demonstram eficácia nestes quadros. As reações adversas são frequentes, sendo os efeitos extrapiramidais, o aumento de peso e a sonolência os mais observadosIntroduction: Autism spectrum disorder is a chronic neurodevelopmental disease, which appears at early ages, whose core symptoms are deficits in communication, social interaction and restrictive and stereotyped behavior. Often these individuals have associated disruptive symptoms, like aggression and self-injury, agitation, tantrums, hyperactivity and mood swings, which interfere with their quality of life and their families. The pharmacological treatments are based on various classes of drugs, where neuroleptics are the most commonly used, since they show better efficacy and safety. Pharmacogenetics has been decisive in the search for the causes for autism, already showing advances in the discovery of genes that influence in pharmacodynamics and in the type of adverse reactions of neuroleptics drugs that promise to optimize that use in autism. Objective: Review the indications, related with efficacy and safety, of neuroleptics drugs in autism Spectrum disorders. Methods: was reviewed based on the literature available in the Pubmed database, regarding the use of neuroleptics in autism spectrum disorder. Conclusions: The results of the studies reviewed suggest that neuroleptics drugs are useful in the treatment of the symptoms associated with autism. Only risperidone and aripiprazole have legal statement for the treatment of irritability related to autism spectrum disorders, however the remaining drugs used off label also demonstrate efficacy in these disorders. Adverse reactions are common, where extrapyramidal side effects, weight gain and drowsiness are the most observe

Abortion: legal, deontological and ethical framework

A interrupção da gravidez antes do limite gestacional da viabilidade fetal está inerente a uma reflexão multidisciplinar, pelos conflitos que envolve. Do ponto de vista legal, os documentos vigentes em Portugal têm vindo a ser alterados ao longo do tempo no sentido da protecção da saúde da mulher, possibilitando-lhe a informação e apoios necessários a uma tomada de decisão livre, informada e esclarecida. Os determinantes deontológicos acerca dos profissionais de saúde face ao abortamento legitimam a prática em conformidade com a lei, no entanto, salvaguardam o direito de cada um desses profissionais à objecção de consciência. A discussão ética acerca do abortamento nas suas diferentes formas engloba a preocupação com o valor da vida humana intra-uterina, mas também com o respeito pela autonomia individual. Muito embora a discussão acerca do estatuto moral a atribuir à vida humana intra-uterina se perspective em torno de diferentes correntes e opiniões, conclui-se que diversas perspectivas são aceitáveis, numa perspectiva de valorização da diversidade interpessoal.(undefined

Women and men’s psychological adjustment after abortion: a six months prospective pilot study

Background: The psychological impact of abortion is a controversial issue. While some studies indicate that women who had elective abortions present lower psychological distress when compared with those who had spontaneous or therapeutic abortions, other studies found abortion to be associated with significant psychological distress. Objectives: To assess psychological adjustment (emotional disorder, trauma symptoms and couple relationship) one and six months after abortion, and gender differences regarding psychological adjustment, and to assess the moderation role of couple relationship in the effect of the etiology of abortion on emotional disorder and trauma symptoms. Methods: Women (n=50) with different etiologies of abortion agreed to participate, as well as 15 partners (N=65). Assessments took place one and six months after abortion. Measures included the Brief Symptoms Inventory, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised and the Relationship Questionnaire. Results: A decrease in emotional disorder for all etiologies of abortion and an increase in perceived quality of couple relationship in therapeutic abortion were observed over time. Couple relationship moderates the effect of the etiology of abortion on trauma symptoms one month after abortion. Conclusion: Psychological adjustment after abortion seems not to be exclusively related to its etiology, being influenced by other factors such as couple relationship