Produção primária, ciclo de nutrientes e trocas gasosas em duas espécies halófitas, Atriplex portulacoides L. e Limoniastrum monopetalum L., no Sapal de Castro Marim: importância no funcionamento base para o ecossistema

Os ecossistemas costeiros albergam uma grande biodiversidade e são um dos ecossistemas mais ameaçados do planeta. A importância das comunidades vegetais para a conservação destes ecossistemas ganha cada vez mais destaque, à medida que a informação a elas associada aumenta. Este trabalho teve como objetivo aprofundar o conhecimento da produtividade primária, ciclo de nutrientes e trocas gasosas em duas das espécies mais representativas do Sapal de Castro Marim, Atriplex portulacoides L. e Limoniastrum monopetalum L., contribuindo para um maior e melhor conhecimento do funcionamento base deste ecossistema. Ambas as espécies apresentaram elevados valores de taxas fotossintéticas, particularmente nos períodos com condições ambientais mais favoráveis, o que reflete marcadas características adaptativas ao meio ambiente. Observaram-se diferenças entre A. portulacoides e L. monopetalum, no respeitante à capacidade de sequestro do carbono atmosférico, quer através das trocas gasosas, quer na consequente produtividade. Os valores obtidos para L. monopetalum foram superiores aos da maioria das espécies halófitas. No geral, a capacidade evidenciada por estas espécies, como sumidouros de carbono, através das elevadas taxas de produtividade primária e turnover, conferem-lhes um importante papel na estrutura e funcionamento deste e dos ecossistemas adjacentes, constituindo fatores chave para a conservação efetiva do sapal. ***/Abstract - Coastal ecosystems or Wetlands sustain a great deal of biodiversity and are among the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. The importance of plant communities to the conservation of such ecosystems is growing, as the knowledge associated to them increases. The main goal of this work was to increase knowledge on two of the most representative plant species of Castro Marim salt marsh, Atriplex portulacoides L. e Limoniastrum monopetalum L. Aerial productivity, nutrient cycles, and gas exchange were assessed over one-year, in order to understand and highlight some of the basic functioning mechanisms of this ecosystem. Both species exhibited high photosynthetic rates, particularly in favorable climate conditions, what reflects marked adaptive characteristics to the environment. Some differences were observed between A. portulacoides and L. monopetalum, in what concerns their aptitude as carbon sinks, either through their gas exchange variation patterns, or consequent their productivity. The productivity of L. monopetalum was higher than for most halophyte species. In general, the aptitude of these species as carbon sinks, due to their high productivity, turnover rates, and gas exchange potential, enhances their importance, in this so productive ecosystem, and increases the needed awareness about salt marshes conservation

Repensar o tubarão - representações sociais e modelo de conteúdo do estereótipo como contributos fundamentais para a conservação dos tubarões

Tubarões, raias e quimeras, juntos conhecidos como peixes cartilagíneos (devido ao seu esqueleto de cartilagem), enfrentam hoje "uma crise de extinção global". Cerca de 40% das mais de 500 espécies conhecidas de tubarões encontram-se hoje sob ameaça de extinção. Elementos essenciais para o bom funcionamento dos ecossistemas em que se inserem, este marcado declínio populacional dos tubarões pode originar desequilíbrios sistémicos que nos afetam, direta e indiretamente, de forma incontornável. Mas para lá do necessário reforço de medidas mitigatórias na exploração dos recursos marinhos, há ainda uma outra dimensão, a humana, de capital importância para o futuro dos tubarões. A imagem negativa que o tubarão carrega na sociedade em geral é, na realidade, um importante travão a muitas das medidas de conservação até hoje implementadas. Pese embora seja notório, nos últimos anos, um acréscimo na dedicação científica em temas relacionados com a conservação dos tubarões, pouca atenção tem sido dada a esta dimensão humana do problema. É, pois, fundamental compreender em maior detalhe a imagem partilhada dos tubarões na sociedade, nomeadamente na sua representação social e no seu estereótipo. Para além disto, é ainda crucial compreender a relação entre esta imagem negativa e as atitudes em relação à sua conservação, bem como nos comportamentos de ajuda direta (e.g., apoio financeiro a projetos de conservação). O presente trabalho teve como principais objetivos investigar e caracterizar alguns dos fatores psicológicos envolvidos na perceção dos tubarões, identificar os fatores que podem influenciar esta perceção, determinar possíveis relações entre esta e as atitudes e comportamentos de apoio na conservação. Por fim, compreender como estes fatores podem ser usados para modificar esta perceção marcadamente negativa. Através de uma sequência de 6 investigações, integradas em 3 estudos empíricos, foram amostrados um total de 1681 participantes (979 estudo 1a; 60 estudo 1b; 144 estudo 2; 45 estudo 3a; 150 estudo 3b; e 303 estudo 3c). O estudo 1a descreve, pela primeira vez, a representação social do tubarão. O estudo 1b identifica o estereótipo de género no qual o tubarão é percecionado, assim como as suas marcadas características agênticas. O estudo 2, através do Modelo do Conteúdo do Estereótipo e do mapa BIAS, descreve em maior detalhe o estereótipo do tubarão nas duas dimensões super-ordinais, Calor e Competência, e como estas influenciam a predisposição emocional e comportamental de quem o perceciona. O estudo 3a valida alguns dos instrumentos de investigação para aplicação no estudo 3b, o qual explora o uso de uma narrativa das características sociais do tubarão, aliado ao uso do humor como distrator emocional, na modificação da dimensão Calor. Por fim, o estudo 3c procura replicar os resultados anteriores em contexto experimental naturalista. Os resultados obtidos ao longo deste trabalho permitem relevar a importância do conhecimento mais aprofundado dos fatores psicológicos por detrás da perceção geral do tubarão, fatores estes que condicionam sobremaneira as estratégias de conservação do grupo zoológico. Entre os vários resultados, destacam-se a existência de estereótipo ambivalente, o seu consistente estereótipo de género e a relevância da dimensão Calor para uma melhoria na perceção geral deste animal. As implicações gerais destes resultados são discutidas.Sharks, rays and chimeras, together known as cartilaginous fish (because of their cartilage skeleton), face today "a crisis of global extinction". About 40% of the more than 500 known species of sharks are now under threat of extinction. Essential elements for the proper functioning of the ecosystems in which they operate, this marked decline in the population of sharks can lead to systemic imbalances that affect us, directly and indirectly, in an unavoidable way. But beyond the necessary reinforcement of mitigation measures in the exploitation of marine resources, there is still another dimension, the human one, of capital importance for the future of sharks. The negative image that the shark carries in society in general is, in fact, an important barrier on many of the conservation measures implemented to date. Despite the fact that, in recent years, there has been an increase in scientific dedication to issues related to the conservation of sharks, little attention has been paid to this human dimension of the problem. It is therefore essential to understand in greater detail the shared image of sharks in society, namely in their social representation and stereotype. In addition, it is crucial to understand the relationship between this negative image and attitudes towards conservation, as well as direct help behaviors (e.g., financial support for conservation projects). The main objectives of the present work were to investigate and characterize some of the psychological factors involved in the perception of sharks, identify the factors that may influence this perception, and determine possible relationships between this and attitudes and behaviors in support of conservation. Finally, understand how these factors can be used to modify this markedly negative perception. Through a sequence of 6 investigations, integrated in 3 empirical studies, a total of 1681 participants were sampled (979 study 1a; 60 study 1b; 144 study 2; 45 study 3a; 150 study 3b; and 303 study 3c). Study 1a describes, for the first time, the social representation of the shark. Study 1b identifies the gender stereotype in which the shark is perceived as well as its markedly agentic characteristics. Study 2, through the Stereotype Content Model and the BIAS map, describes in detail the shark stereotype in the two super-ordinal dimensions, Warmth and Competence, and how these influence the emotional and behavioral predisposition of those who perceive it. Study 3a validates some of the research instruments for application in Study 3b, which explores the use of a narrative of the shark's social characteristics, combined with the use of humor as an emotional distractor, in modifying the Warmth dimension. Finally, study 3c seeks to replicate the previous results in a naturalistic experimental context. The results obtained throughout this work allow us to highlight the importance of a deeper knowledge of the psychological factors behind the general perception of the shark, factors that greatly affect the conservation strategies of the zoological group. Among the various results, the existence of an ambivalent stereotype, its consistent gender stereotype and the relevance of the Warmth dimension to an improvement in the general perception of this animal stand out. The general implications of these results are discussed

O que é para ti um tubarão? percepções das crianças sobre os tubarões em contexto (educação) informal de ciências

Dissertação de mest., Didáctica e Inovação no Ensino das Ciências (Biologia/Geologia), Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Univ. do Algarve, 2011Para a população em geral, os tubarões têm uma reputação que não se enquadra com a sua verdadeira natureza. Pesquisas informais muitas vezes revelam os tubarões como animais perigosos, agressivos ou devoradores de homens, uma visão muito distante da sua real biologia e comportamento. Este resultante senso-comum é aparentemente difícil de dissociar da consciência de muitos visitantes de entidades zoológicas no mundo inteiro, mesmo com o recurso a programas educativos dirigidos para a temática específica dos tubarões. Como podem, então, parques zoológicos e aquários contribuir para uma mudança neste paradigma? Serão as abordagens de educação e conservação actualmente praticadas eficazes para os visitantes? Neste estudo, a percepção de jovens visitantes (8-16 anos) sobre os tubarões foram avaliados com o objetivo de elaborar uma hipótese de progressão para o conhecimento destes animais, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de mais eficazes abordagens educativas. O estudo realizou-se no Zoomarine, um parque oceanográfico localizado no sul de Portugal, através de um estudo de caso utilizando uma metodologia qualitativa (entrevistas e desenhos) através de uma abordagem interpretativa. A hipótese de progressão proposta é composta por três níveis de conhecimento sequenciais. Os resultados deste estudo mostraram uma clara predominância de visões antropomórficas e antropocêntricas, bem como uma visão utilitarista dos tubarões e dos ecossistemas condicionando, assim, o conhecimento e a visão epistemológica dos visitantes

How full is your luggage? Background knowledge of zoo visitors regarding sharks

For the general population, sharks have a reputation that does not really fit with their biological and ecological nature. Informal surveys often classify sharks as dangerous, aggressive and/or man-eaters. This apparent common knowledge seems difficult to detach from the conscience of many worldwide zoo visitors, even with the help of shark-focused educational programmes. As so, how can zoos and aquariums contribute to a change in this paradigm? Are the education and conservation strategies effective to the average zoo visitor? In this study, young visitors’ perceptions regarding sharks were assessed with the goal of identifying a valid Learning Progression, thus helping to update and develop different and more effective educational strategies and methodologies. The study took place at Zoomarine, an oceanographic park located in southern Portugal, with visitors aged between 8 and 16. A case study was conducted using a qualitative research approach (drawings and interviews) resulting in a Learning Progression Hypothesis. The proposed Learning Progression is composed of three knowledge levels for the participants’ biological perceptions regarding sharks. The results of this study showed a clear predominance of anthropomorphic and anthropocentric visions, as well as a utilitarian view of sharks and ecosystem, thus conditioning the visitors’ epistemological knowledge

Global variation in postoperative mortality and complications after cancer surgery: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in 82 countries

© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licenseBackground: 80% of individuals with cancer will require a surgical procedure, yet little comparative data exist on early outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared postoperative outcomes in breast, colorectal, and gastric cancer surgery in hospitals worldwide, focusing on the effect of disease stage and complications on postoperative mortality. Methods: This was a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of consecutive adult patients undergoing surgery for primary breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer requiring a skin incision done under general or neuraxial anaesthesia. The primary outcome was death or major complication within 30 days of surgery. Multilevel logistic regression determined relationships within three-level nested models of patients within hospitals and countries. Hospital-level infrastructure effects were explored with three-way mediation analyses. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03471494. Findings: Between April 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2019, we enrolled 15 958 patients from 428 hospitals in 82 countries (high income 9106 patients, 31 countries; upper-middle income 2721 patients, 23 countries; or lower-middle income 4131 patients, 28 countries). Patients in LMICs presented with more advanced disease compared with patients in high-income countries. 30-day mortality was higher for gastric cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (adjusted odds ratio 3·72, 95% CI 1·70–8·16) and for colorectal cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (4·59, 2·39–8·80) and upper-middle-income countries (2·06, 1·11–3·83). No difference in 30-day mortality was seen in breast cancer. The proportion of patients who died after a major complication was greatest in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (6·15, 3·26–11·59) and upper-middle-income countries (3·89, 2·08–7·29). Postoperative death after complications was partly explained by patient factors (60%) and partly by hospital or country (40%). The absence of consistently available postoperative care facilities was associated with seven to 10 more deaths per 100 major complications in LMICs. Cancer stage alone explained little of the early variation in mortality or postoperative complications. Interpretation: Higher levels of mortality after cancer surgery in LMICs was not fully explained by later presentation of disease. The capacity to rescue patients from surgical complications is a tangible opportunity for meaningful intervention. Early death after cancer surgery might be reduced by policies focusing on strengthening perioperative care systems to detect and intervene in common complications. Funding: National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit

Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licenseBackground: Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide. Methods: A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study—a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital. Findings: Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3·85 [95% CI 2·58–5·75]; p<0·0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63·0% vs 82·7%; OR 0·35 [0·23–0·53]; p<0·0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer. Interpretation: Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised. Funding: National Institute for Health and Care Research

Safety of hospital discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery

© 2020 BJS Society Ltd Published by John Wiley & Sons LtdBackground: Ileus is common after colorectal surgery and is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Identifying features of normal bowel recovery and the appropriateness for hospital discharge is challenging. This study explored the safety of hospital discharge before the return of bowel function. Methods: A prospective, multicentre cohort study was undertaken across an international collaborative network. Adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between January and April 2018 were included. The main outcome of interest was readmission to hospital within 30 days of surgery. The impact of discharge timing according to the return of bowel function was explored using multivariable regression analysis. Other outcomes were postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery, measured using the Clavien–Dindo classification system. Results: A total of 3288 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 301 (9·2 per cent) were discharged before the return of bowel function. The median duration of hospital stay for patients discharged before and after return of bowel function was 5 (i.q.r. 4–7) and 7 (6–8) days respectively (P < 0·001). There were no significant differences in rates of readmission between these groups (6·6 versus 8·0 per cent; P = 0·499), and this remained the case after multivariable adjustment for baseline differences (odds ratio 0·90, 95 per cent c.i. 0·55 to 1·46; P = 0·659). Rates of postoperative complications were also similar in those discharged before versus after return of bowel function (minor: 34·7 versus 39·5 per cent; major 3·3 versus 3·4 per cent; P = 0·110). Conclusion: Discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery appears to be safe in appropriately selected patients