Ag2S nanodots for advanced biological applications through Luminescence Thermometry and Fluorescence Images .

Tesis doctoral inédita cotutelada por la Universidade Federal de Alagoas de Brasil y la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Física de Materiales. Fecha de lectura: 13-03-202

Neutrinos in a left-right model with a horizontal symmetry

We analyze the lepton sector of a Left-Right Model based on the gauge group SU(2)_L x SU(2)_R x U(1), concentrating mainly on neutrino properties. Using the seesaw mechanism and a horizontal symmetry, we keep the right-handed symmetry breaking scale relatively low, while simultaneously satisfying phenomenological constraints on the light neutrino masses. We take the right-handed scale to be of order 10's of TeV and perform a full numerical analysis of the model's parameter space, subject to experimental constraints on neutrino masses and mixings. The numerical procedure yields results for the right-handed neutrino masses and mixings and the various CP-violating phases. We also discuss phenomenological applications of the model to neutrinoless double beta decay, lepton-flavor-violating decays (including decays such as \tau \to 3\mu) and leptogenesis.Comment: 26 pages, 4 figure

A fine-tuned global distribution dataset of marine forests

Species distribution records are a prerequisite to follow climate-induced range shifts across space and time. However, synthesizing information from various sources such as peer-reviewed literature, herbaria, digital repositories and citizen science initiatives is not only costly and time consuming, but also challenging, as data may contain thematic and taxonomic errors and generally lack standardized formats. We address this gap for important marine ecosystem-structuring species of large brown algae and seagrasses. We gathered distribution records from various sources and provide a fine-tuned dataset with ~2.8 million dereplicated records, taxonomically standardized for 682 species, and considering important physiological and biogeographical traits. Specifically, a flagging system was implemented to signal potentially incorrect records reported on land, in regions with limiting light conditions for photosynthesis, and outside the known distribution of species, as inferred from the most recent published literature. We document the procedure and provide a dataset in tabular format based on Darwin Core Standard (DwC), alongside with a set of functions in R language for data management and visualization.FCT: (SFRH/BPD/111003/2015) / (SFRH/BSAB/150485/2019) / (SFRH/BD/144878/2019)(PTDC/MAREST/6053/2014) / MARFOR (BIODIVERSA/004/2015) / UIDB/04326/2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Biologically meaningful distribution models highlight the benefits of the Paris Agreement for demersal fishing targets in the North Atlantic Ocean

Aim: With climate change challenging marine biodiversity and resource management, it is crucial to anticipate future latitudinal and depth shifts under contrasting global change scenarios to support policy-relevant biodiversity impact assessments [e.g., Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)]. We aim to demonstrate the benefits of complying with the Paris Agreement (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) and limiting environmental changes, by assessing future distributional shifts of 10 commercially important demersal fish species. Location: Northern Atlantic Ocean. Time period: Analyses of distributional shifts compared near present-day conditions (2000–2017) with two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios of future climate changes (2090–2100): one following the Paris Agreement climate forcing (RCP2.6) and another without stringent mitigation measures (RCP8.5). Major taxa studied: Demersal fish. Methods: We use machine learning distribution models coupled with biologically meaningful predictors to project future latitudinal and depth shifts. Structuring projections with information beyond temperature-based predictors allowed us to encompass the physiological limitations of species better. Results: Our models highlighted the additional roles of temperature, primary productivity and dissolved oxygen in shaping fish distributions (average relative contribution to the models of 32.12 ± 10.24, 15.6 ± 7.5 and 12.1 ± 6.1%, respectively). We anticipated a generalized trend of poleward shifts in both future scenarios, with aggravated changes in suitable area with RCP8.5 (average area loss with RCP2.6 = 13.3 ± 4.1%; RCP8.5 = 40.9 ± 13.3%). Shifts to deeper waters were also predicted to be of greater magnitude with RCP8.5 (average depth gain = 25.4 ± 21.5 m) than with RCP2.6 (average depth gain = 10.4 ± 7.9 m). Habitat losses were projected mostly in the Mediterranean, Celtic and Irish Seas, the southern areas of the North Sea and along the NE coast of North America. Main conclusions: Inclusion of biologically meaningful predictors beyond temperature in species distribution modelling can improve predictive performances. Limiting future climate changes by complying with the Paris Agreement can translate into reduced distributional shifts, supporting biodiversity conservation and resource management.MAR2020; European Maritime and Fisheries Fund; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologiainfo:eu-repo/semantics/submittedVersio

Biophysical modelling and graph theory identify key connectivity hubs in the Mediterranean marine reserve network

Connectivity plays a key role in the effectiveness of MPA networks ensuring metapopulation resilience through gene flow and recruitment effect. Yet, despite its recognized importance for proper MPA network functioning, connectivity is not often assessed and is very seldomly used in marine spatial planning. Here, we combined biophysical modelling with graph theory to identify Mediterranean marine reserves that support connectivity between different ecoregions through stepping-stone processes, thus preventing network fragmentation, and those that have an important role as propagule source areas contributing to the recruitment and rescue effects. We identified 19 reserves that play a key role towards the functioning of the network, serving either as stepping-stones or as propagule sources, yet with distinct patterns between ecological groups with contrasting propagule duration (PD). The Cote D'Azur marine reserves are important both as stepping-stones and propagule sources for several ecological groups. Also, key is the Capo Rizzuto and Plemmirio marine reserves due to their role as stepping stones between different marine ecoregions, particularly for species with longer PD (Pisces, Crustacea and Echinodermata). These results provide stakeholders and managers with crucial information for the implementation and management of an efficient marine reserve network in the Mediterranean.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Reduced global genetic differentiation of exploited marine fish species

Knowledge on genetic structure is key to understand species connectivity patterns and to define the spatiotemporal scales over which conservation management plans should be designed and implemented. The distribution of genetic diversity (within and among populations) greatly influences species ability to cope and adapt to environmental changes, ultimately determining their long-term resilience to ecological disturbances. Yet, the drivers shaping connectivity and structure in marine fish populations remain elusive, as are the effects of fishing activities on genetic subdivision. To investigate these questions, we conducted a meta-analysis and compiled genetic differentiation data (FST/ΦST estimates) for more than 170 fish species from over 200 published studies globally distributed. We modeled the effects of multiple life-history traits, distance metrics, and methodological factors on observed population differentiation indices and specifically tested whether any signal arising from different exposure to fishing exploitation could be detected. Although the myriad of variables shaping genetic structure makes it challenging to isolate the influence of single drivers, results showed a significant correlation between commercial importance and genetic structure, with widespread lower population differentiation in commercially exploited species. Moreover, models indicate that variables commonly used as proxy for connectivity, such as larval pelagic duration, might be insufficient, and suggest that deep-sea species may disperse further. Overall, these results contribute to the growing body of knowledge on marine genetic connectivity and suggest a potential effect of commercial fisheries on the homogenization of genetic diversity, highlighting the need for additional research focused on dispersal ecology to ensure long-term sustainability of exploited marine species.MAR-01.04.02-FEAMP-0015, UIDB/04326/2020, PTDC/BIA-CBI/6515/2020, DL57/2016/CP1361/CT0035, DL 57/2016/CP1361/CT0036info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Rendimento mínimo, básico ou participativo : três caminhos para as políticas públicas de combate à pobreza

Mestrado em Economia e Políticas PúblicasEm discussões recentes sobre políticas públicas, tem-se acentuado os debates acerca de daquelas baseadas em transferências monetárias. Estas sugerem a distribuição rendimentos a todos os cidadãos, na esperança de contribuir para a erradicação da pobreza um pouco por todo o mundo. Neste âmbito, é objetivo do presente trabalho dar a conhecer três propostas de políticas públicas com efeitos positivos no combate à pobreza: o Rendimento Básico Incondicional, o Rendimento Social de Inserção, e o Rendimento Participativo. Serão apresentadas as suas formas de intervenção, assim como os seus pontos positivos e negativos. Como forma de contextualizar esta problemática irá analisar-se a situação de pobreza e a sua ligação com a integração ou não dos indivíduos no mercado de trabalho, para em seguida abordar a intervenção do Estado. Ainda no presente trabalho será aprofundada a temática ao rendimento básico incondicional, ao rendimento mínimo e ao rendimento participativo. Na secção seguinte são discutidas as diferenças e semelhanças entre as políticas públicas apresentadas, tentando compreender os seus pontos em comum e os seus pontos contrastantes. Numa abordagem empírica será efetuada a análise a dados do Inquérito Social Europeu, que recentemente abordou esta temática, de modo a compreender que adesão política poderia ter uma forma de rendimento básico. Que, sem um forte apoio político e social é muito pouco provável que alguma vez passe do plano teórico ao prático, por maiores que sejam as vantagens apresentadas pelos seus defensores.In recent years, discussions on social policies based on monetary transfers have become more pronounced. These policies suggest the distribution of income to all citizens, hoping to contribute to the eradication of poverty around the world. In this context, it's the objective of this paper to present three proposals of public policies design to reduce poverty, the Universal Basic Income, the Minimum Income, and the Participative Income. These models will be presented in their forms of intervention, as well as their positive and negative points. As a way of contextualizing this problem, the framework of poverty will be analyzed as well as its connection with the integration or not of the individuals in the labor market, and the intervention of the state in these matters, deepening the analysis to the Unconditional Basic Income, Minimum Income and Participatory Income. In a more empirical approach, an analysis will be made from data provided by the European Social Survey, which recently addressed this issue, in order to understand what would be the public and political support of a form of basic form of income. That, without a strong political and social support, is very unlikely to ever change from the theoretical to the practical, however great are the advantages presented by their greatest defenders.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Trajetos escolares no ensino secundário: efeitos das origens sociais e expectativas dos estudantes

O presente trabalho tem como objeto de estudo os trajetos sociais e escolares de uma amostra de 6836 jovens de 568 escolas que foram inquiridos pelo Observatório de Trajetos dos Estudantes do Ensino Secundário (OTES) ao longo de cinco anos, através da aplicação de três inquéritos por questionários distintos, em momentos considerados chave no seu trajeto escolar e profissional. Pretende-se compreender de que modo as origens sociais influenciam os trajetos vividos e projetados dos jovens inquiridos, bem como as suas expectativas, respondendo a algumas questões consideradas fundamentais: que elementos contribuem mais para a definição dos trajetos escolares e profissionais, e se as representações e expectativas face ao mesmo variam ao longo do tempo. Ao longo do presente trabalho os trajetos serão reconstituídos e analisados, desde o período de entrada no sistema educativo, até ao pós-secundário, sendo abrangidos os casos de inserção profissional, e/ou no ensino superior.This work’s main objective is to study school paths from a sample of 6836 youths from 568 schools, which participated in the first cohort of the Observatory of the Paths of Secondary Education Students (OTES) thought five years, through the application of three separate questionnaires, which were responded in key moments of their educational and professional paths. The purpose is to understand in which way social origins, as well as expectations influence the experienced and projected paths of young respondents, intending thereby to answer some fundamental questions considered: what elements that contribute more to the definition of school and professional journeys, and do the representations and expectations about school paths vary over time. The trajectories will be reconstructed systematically, and the covered period will be the entry into the education system, with admission into pre-school to post-secondary events, like the admission into higher education, or joining the workforce

Como incrementar o retorno de patrocínios de futebol através da otimização do produto Liga de Futebol

A tese procura compreender de que forma o produto “Liga de Futebol Profissional” se poderá adaptar, de forma a incrementar o valor do patrocínio às marcas que estão direta e indiretamente associadas à competição. Ao decidir alocar recursos no apoio a uma competição, as marcas procuram obter determinadas contrapartidas como uma imagem associada a valores desportivos ou o incremento do negócio. Quanto mais emocionante é uma competição, maior o retorno para as marcas que se associam à mesma. Com base nesta premissa, analisou-se a performance desportiva das equipas do topo e da base da tabela classificativa de 10 ligas Europeias ao longo das 10 épocas desportivas compreendidas entre 2001/2002 e 2010/2011. Concluiu-se que na grande maioria das 100 provas em estudo se poderia ter alterado a ordem dos jogos entre os 4 primeiros classificados, permitindo que o campeão fosse encontrado num desafio contra uma de 3 equipas teoricamente mais fortes numa das últimas 3 jornadas da Liga. Esta alteração, a ser efetuada, estaria de acordo com o regulamento da Liga Portuguesa de Futebol Profissional pois manteria a competição a duas voltas. Assim, é proposto um novo modelo competitivo, que consiste em realizar os jogos entre os 4 primeiros classificados da primeira volta nas últimas 3 jornadas da 2ª volta da Liga. Alterando o produto Liga com base no modelo competitivo proposto, as marcas teriam um maior retorno pois, 1) os consumidores teriam uma ligação mais forte às marcas patrocinadoras da competição e, 2) os objetivos inicias das marcas seriam mais facilmente alcançados.This thesis looks into how one could improve the product “Professional Football League” in order to increase the return to the Brands, directly and indirectly associated with this competition. The brands decision to allocate resources to support a competition is inextricably linked to obtain specific returns, such as shared sporting values or business development. The most exciting a competition is, the bigger the return to the brands associated. Having this as an underlying assumption, an analysis was made to the performance of the teams in the top 10 European Leagues in the seasons between 2001/2002 and 2010/2011. The conclusion withdrawn was that, considering the vast majority of the 100 events studied, the matches’ calendar between the top 4 teams in the ranking could have been changed, promoting the finding of the champion in a match against one of considered 3 stronger teams, in the last 3 rounds of the League. If this change was to be made, it would be according to the Portuguese Professional Football League regulation and would maintain the competition in two legs. Given the stated just above, a new competitive model is proposed, consisting in having the matches between the Top 4 teams ranked after the 1st leg in the last 3 rounds of the League’ 2nd leg. Should the product change according to the proposed model, the brands would increase their returns due to, 1) the consumers would develop a stronger connection to the League sponsors and, 2) the initial objectives of the brands would be easily achieved

Beneficial microorganisms for corals (BMC): proposed mechanisms for coral health and resilience

The symbiotic association between the coral animal and its endosymbiotic dinoflagellate partner Symbiodinium is central to the success of corals. However, an array of other microorganisms associated with coral (i.e., Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, and viruses) have a complex and intricate role in maintaining homeostasis between corals and Symbiodinium. Corals are sensitive to shifts in the surrounding environmental conditions. One of the most widely reported responses of coral to stressful environmental conditions is bleaching. During this event, corals expel Symbiodinium cells from their gastrodermal tissues upon experiencing extended seawater temperatures above their thermal threshold. An array of other environmental stressors can also destabilize the coral microbiome, resulting in compromised health of the host, which may include disease and mortality in the worst scenario. However, the exact mechanisms by which the coral microbiome supports coral health and increases resilience are poorly understood. Earlier studies of coral microbiology proposed a coral probiotic hypothesis, wherein a dynamic relationship exists between corals and their symbiotic microorganisms, selecting for the coral holobiont that is best suited for the prevailing environmental conditions. Here, we discuss the microbial-host relationships within the coral holobiont, along with their potential roles in maintaining coral health. We propose the term BMC (Beneficial Microorganisms for Corals) to define (specific) symbionts that promote coral health. This term and concept are analogous to the term Plant Growth Promoting Rhizosphere (PGPR), which has been widely explored and manipulated in the agricultural industry for microorganisms that inhabit the rhizosphere and directly or indirectly promote plant growth and development through the production of regulatory signals, antibiotics and nutrients. Additionally, we propose and discuss the potential mechanisms of the effects of BMC on corals, suggesting strategies for the use of this knowledge to manipulate the microbiome, reversing dysbiosis to restore and protect coral reefs. This may include developing and using BMC consortia as environmental "probiotics" to improve coral resistance after bleaching events and/or the use of BMC with other strategies such as human-assisted acclimation/adaption to shifting environmental conditions