Desertification in Portugal: causes, consequences and possible solutions

Although desertification is not a new problem, world-wide population awareness is increasing. This problem has a greater impact in developing countries, where subsistence agriculture leads to very serious consequences as famine and sub-nutrition. However, desertification also affects the developed ones, because of, among other factors, unsustainable practices in the Agriculture and Forestry sectors combined with poor land management and weak policies. Without proper action, over 50 million people worldwide could be displaced by desertification and land degradation in the next decade. This paper, through a literature review, will approach the problem of desertification, with a special focus on the Portuguese case, its causes and consequences as well as some possible solutions. We conclude that driving forces of desertification can be separated into climate variations and Human activities and that its main consequences are environmental and social-economic. We also point out that, though technical solutions are abundant, part of the solution to this issue relays on attracting population back to the country side, involving the local people on the solution finding processes and increase the social benefits of exploring scarce resources, always bearing in mind the sustainability and the balance between the agro ecosystems and the natural ecosystems

Deforestation in Portugal: causes, consequences and possible solutions

Deforestation is not a new problem although world-wide population awareness is increasing. This issue has terrible environmental, social and economic consequences due to the over-exploitation of the natural resources and to alternative land uses which are more profitable in the short term. The combat and mitigation of deforestation is one of the biggest challenges for the 21st Century in order to achieve the Millennium Goals and a global sustainable development at all levels of human activities. Therefore this paper will address these concerns focusing on the causes and consequences of deforestation as well as on the actions carried out by the decision makers in order to provide solutions for this increasingly alarming problem. This paper will also approach the concepts of sustainability as well as economy and management of the natural resources aiming at providing an insight of the past deforestation in Portugal, the present situation and a sustainable perspective regarding the future

Desertification in Portugal: causes, consequences and possible solutions

Although desertification is not a new problem, world-wide population awareness is increasing. This problem has a greater impact in developing countries, where subsistence agriculture leads to very serious consequences as famine and sub-nutrition. However, desertification also affects the developed ones, because of, among other factors, unsustainable practices in the Agriculture and Forestry sectors combined with poor land management and weak policies. Without proper action, over 50 million people worldwide could be displaced by desertification and land degradation in the next decade. This paper, through a literature review, will approach the problem of desertification, with a special focus on the Portuguese case, its causes and consequences as well as some possible solutions. We conclude that driving forces of desertification can be separated into climate variations and Human activities and that its main consequences are environmental and social-economic. We also point out that, though technical solutions are abundant, part of the solution to this issue relays on attracting population back to the country side, involving the local people on the solution finding processes and increase the social benefits of exploring scarce resources, always bearing in mind the sustainability and the balance between the agro ecosystems and the natural ecosystems

A liderança dos Comandantes dos Postos Territoriais da Guarda Nacional Republicana

Dissertação de Mestrado em Sociologia das Organizações e do TrabalhoEste trabalho visa a caraterização da representação dos estilos de liderança dos Comandantes de Postos Territoriais da Guarda Nacional Republicana, a partir da da avaliação dos mesmos. Utilizou-se a Teoria de “Banda Larga” de Liderança de Bass & Avolio, assente em três estilos de liderança (transformacional, transacional, passiva/ evitante) e em três resultados da liderança (esforço-extra, eficácia, satisfação), tendo-se explorado o efeito do género e dos anos de serviço na avaliação. Optou-se por uma estratégia de investigação quantitativa e pela técnica do inquérito por questionário, tendo-se obtido 189 respostas. A análise estatística engloba medidas de estatística descritiva e estatística inferencial. Utilizou-se a análise fatorial exploratória, o coeficiente de consistência interna Alfa de Cronbach, o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, a Anova One-Way, o teste t de Student, a Anova repeated measures, teste de Mann-Whitney, teste de Shapiro-Wilk, o teorema do limite central e o teste de Levene. Devido aos maus resultados da análise fatorial exploratória, decidiu-se construir as variáveis de acordo com a definição teórica dos autores da teoria central, e mesmo avaliando os valores fracos de consistência interna de alguns fatores, considerou-se adequado avançar para toda a restante análise estatística realizada. Verificou-se que a representação dos estilos de liderança proveniente da autoavaliação dos Comandantes de Posto coincide com uma frequência sucessivamente crescente de comportamentos pela seguinte ordem: passiva/ evitante, transacional e transformacional. Verificou-se também que a representação do estilo de liderança transformacional está significativamente correlacionada com os resultados da liderança. O mesmo sucede com a liderança transacional, ainda que de modo menos expressivo. Verificou-se que a representação do estilo de liderança não varia significativamente com o género nem com os anos de serviço e que os estilos e resultados da liderança na GNR não diferem expressivamente da amostra normativa europeia gerada pelo modelo utilizado.This work aims to characterize the representation of the leadership styles of the Commanders of Territorial Posts of the National Republican Guard, based on their evaluation. Bass & Avolio's Full Range Leadership Theory was used, based on three leadership styles (transformational, transactional, passive / avoiding) and three leadership results (extra effort, effectiveness, satisfaction), as it was explored the effect of gender and years of service in the assessment. It was used a quantitative investigation strategy and the questionnaire survey technique, obtaining 189 responses. The statistical analysis involved measures of descriptive and inferential statistics. Exploratory factor analysis, the internal consistency coefficient of Cronbach's alpha, the Pearson's correlation coefficient, Anova One-Way, the Student's t test, Anova repeated measures, the Mann-Whitney test, the Shapiro-Wilk test, the central limit theorem and Levene's test. Due to the poor results of the exploratory factor analysis, it was decided to build the variables according to the theoretical definition of the authors of the central theory, and even evaluating the weak values of internal consistency of some factors, it was considered appropriate to proceed to the rest of the analysis performed statistic. It was found that the representation of leadership styles resulting from the self-assessment of the Commanders of Territorial Posts coincides with a successively increasing frequency of behaviors in the following order: passive / avoidant, transactional and transformational. It was also found that the representation of the transformational leadership style is significantly correlated with the results of the leadership. The same is true of transactional leadership, although in a less expressive way. It was found that the representation of the leadership style does not vary significantly with gender or years of service and that the styles and results of leadership in GNR do not differ significantly from the European normative sample generated by the model used.N/

Inatividade física no lazer e na escola está associada à presença de transtornos mentais comuns na adolescência

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of physical inactivity in leisure and school time with common mental disorders during adolescence. METHODS: The sample consisted of 73,399 adolescents (12–17 years old), participants in the Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes (Erica — Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents). This cross-sectional, national and school-based study was conducted in 2013 and 2014 in Brazilian municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. Leisure time physical activity was categorized according to weekly practice volume, and adolescents were classified as active (≥ 300 minutes/week), inactive (0 minute/week) and insufficiently active (1–299 minutes/week). Sports practice and participation in physical education classes at school were also analyzed. The presence of common mental disorders was assessed based on the general health questionnaire, with a cutoff point greater than or equal to 3. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The chance of common mental disorders was 16% higher in the group that reported being inactive (0 minute/week) at leisure time (OR = 1.16; 95%CI 1.06 (1.27). The prevalence of common mental disorders was higher among young people who did not practice sports (37.2% vs. 25.9%; OR = 1.14; 95%CI 1.04–1.25) and did not participate in physical education classes at school (39.5% vs. 29.6%; OR = 1.25; 95%CI 1.15–1.36). Insufficient physical activity (1–299 minutes/week) did not increase the OR of common mental disorders. Practicing physical activity during leisure time, regardless of duration and weekly frequency, reduced the chances of common mental disorders in this population by 26%. CONCLUSIONS: Physical inactivity during leisure and school time is associated with the presence of common mental disorders in adolescence. The results suggest that sports practice, school physical education and physical activity during leisure time, even without reaching the current recommendation, are related to the mental health of young people.OBJETIVO: Investigar a associação da inatividade física no lazer e na escola com os transtornos mentais comuns durante a adolescência. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 73.399 adolescentes (12–17 anos), participantes do Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes (Erica). Esse estudo transversal, nacional e de base escolar foi realizado em 2013 e 2014, nos municípios brasileiros com mais de 100 mil habitantes. A atividade física no lazer foi categorizada de acordo com o volume de prática semanal, e os adolescentes foram classificados em ativos (≥ 300 minutos/semana), inativos (0 minuto/semana) e insuficientemente ativos (1–299 minutos/semana). A prática esportiva e a participação em aulas de educação física na escola também foram analisadas. A presença de transtornos mentais comuns foi avaliada a partir do general health questionnaire, com ponto de corte maior ou igual a 3. Odds ratios (OR) foram estimados utilizando regressão logística múltipla. RESULTADOS: A chance de transtornos mentais comuns foi 16% maior no grupo que relatou ser inativo (0 minuto/semana) no lazer (OR = 1,16; IC95% 1,06–1,27). A prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns foi maior entre jovens que não praticaram esportes (37,2% vs. 25,9%; OR = 1,14; IC95% 1,04–1,25) e não participaram das aulas de educação física na escola (39,5% vs. 29,6%; OR = 1,25; IC95% 1,15–1,36). Atividade física insuficiente (1–299 minutos/semana) não aumentou a razão de chances de transtornos mentais comuns. Praticar atividade física no lazer, independentemente da duração e frequência semanal, reduziu em 26% as chances de transtornos mentais comuns nessa população. CONCLUSÕES: A inatividade física no lazer e na escola foi associada à presença de transtornos mentais comuns na adolescência. Os resultados sugerem que prática esportiva, educação física escolar e atividade física durante o lazer, mesmo sem atingir a recomendação atual, têm relação com a saúde mental dos jovens

Performance of an immunochromatography test for vivax malaria in the Amazon region, Brazil

The study was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the ICT malaria Pf/PvTM test for vivax malaria diagnosis in Belém, Amazon region, Brazil. The results of blood malaria parasites examination using an immunochromatography test were compared with thick blood film (TBF) examination. It was also evaluated the performance of this test storaged at three different temperatures (25°C, 30°C, and 37°C) for 24 hours before use. Overall sensitivity of ICT Pf/PvTM was 61.8% with a specificity of 100%, positive and negative predictive value of 100% and 71.8%, respectively and accuracy of 80.6%. The test sensitivity was independent of the parasite density. This test needs to be further reviewed in order to have better performance for P. vivax malaria diagnosis.Avaliação do teste ICT malaria Pf/PvTM para o diagnóstico da malária por P. vivax em Belém, Estado do Pará. Foram comparados os resultados do teste imunocromatográfico com a gota espessa (GE) e avaliados o comportamento desse teste, estocado a três temperaturas distintas (25(0)C/ 30(0)C/ 37(0)C), 24 horas antes de seu uso. A sensibilidade do ICT malaria Pf/PvTM foi de 61,8% com especificidade de 100%, valores preditivo positivo e negativo de 100% e 71,8%, respectivamente, e acurácia de 80,67%. A sensibilidade desse teste foi independente da densidade parasitária. Este teste necessita de reavaliação para melhorar o seu comportamento no diagnóstico da malária por P. vivax

Electrocardiogram sensitivity in left ventricular hypertrophy according to gender and cardiac mass

BACKGROUND: Several factors are known to interfere with electrocardiogram (ECG) sensitivity when diagnosing Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), with gender and cardiac mass being two of the most important ones OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of gender on the sensitivity of some of the criteria used to detect LVH, according to the progression of ventricular hypertrophy degree. METHODS: According to gender and the degree of LVH at the echocardiogram, the patients were divided in three groups: mild, moderate and severe LVH. ECG sensitivity to detect LVH was assessed between men and women, according to the LVH degree. RESULTS: Of the 874 patients, 265 were males (30.3%) and 609, females (69.7%). The [(S + R) X QRS], Sokolow-Lyon, Romhilt-Estes, Perugia and strain criteria showed high discriminatory power in the diagnosis of LVH between men and women in the three groups with LVH, with a superior performance in the male population and highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores. Conclusion: The diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG increases with the cardiac mass. The examination is more sensitive in men, highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG increases with the cardiac mass. The examination is more sensitive in men, highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores.FUNDAMENTO: Sabe-se que vários fatores interferem na sensibilidade do Eletrocardiograma (ECG) no diagnóstico da Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda (HVE), sendo o gênero e a massa cardíaca alguns dos principais. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do sexo na sensibilidade de alguns dos critérios utilizados para a detecção de HVE, de acordo com a progressão do grau de hipertrofia ventricular. MÉTODOS: De acordo com o gênero e com o grau de HVE ao ecocardiograma, os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: HVE leve, moderada e severa. Avaliou-se a sensibilidade do ECG para detectar HVE entre homens e mulheres, conforme o grau de HVE. RESULTADOS: Dos 874 pacientes, 265 eram homens (30,3%) e 609, mulheres (69,7%). Os critérios [(S + R) X QRS], Sokolow-Lyon, Romhilt-Estes, Perúgia e padrão strain mostraram alto poder discriminatório no diagnóstico de HVE entre homens e mulheres nos três grupos de HVE, com desempenho superior na população masculina e destaque para os escores [(S + R) X QRS] e Perúgia. CONCLUSÃO: A sensibilidade diagnóstica do ECG é maior com o aumento da massa cardíaca. O exame é mais sensível entre homens, destacando-se os escores [(S + R) X QRS] e Perúgia.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite genotypes: a limited variation or new subspecies with major biological consequences?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Plasmodium vivax </it>circumsporozoite variants have been identified in several geographical areas. The real implication of the genetic variation in this region of the <it>P. vivax </it>genome has been questioned for a long time. Although previous studies have observed significant association between VK210 and the Duffy blood group, we present here that evidences of this variation are limited to the CSP central portion.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The phylogenetic analyses were accomplished starting from the amplification of conserved domains of <it>18 SSU RNAr </it>and <it>Cyt B</it>. The antibodies responses against the CSP peptides, MSP-1, AMA-1 and DBP were detected by ELISA, in plasma samples of individuals infected with two <it>P. vivax CS </it>genotypes: VK210 and <it>P. vivax</it>-like.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>These analyses of the two markers demonstrate high similarity among the <it>P. vivax CS </it>genotypes and surprisingly showed diversity equal to zero between VK210 and <it>P. vivax</it>-like, positioning these <it>CS </it>genotypes in the same clade. A high frequency IgG antibody against the N- and C-terminal regions of the <it>P. vivax </it>CSP was found as compared to the immune response to the R- and V- repetitive regions (<it>p </it>= 0.0005, Fisher's Exact test). This difference was more pronounced when the <it>P. vivax</it>-like variant was present in the infection (<it>p </it>= 0.003, Fisher's Exact test). A high frequency of antibody response against MSP-1 and AMA-1 peptides was observed for all <it>P. vivax CS </it>genotypes in comparison to the same frequency for DBP.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This results target that the differences among the <it>P. vivax CS </it>variants are restrict to the central repeated region of the protein, mostly nucleotide variation with important serological consequences.</p