Recovery of Incomplete Data of Statistical Livestock Number Applying an Entropy Approach

Livestock Production/Industries, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Positive Mathematical Programming: a Comparison of Different Specification Rules

In this paper, the prescriptive capacity of different types of positive mathematical programming models applied to the Alentejo agricultural sector is analysed. Model results are compared for 2000 and 2004 agricultural price and subsidies scenarios, regarding optimal combination of activities. Thus, it is tested, on one hand, models capacity to reproduce Alentejo agricultural sector behaviour, and by the other hand, their response and adjustment capacities to changes in prices and in agricultural policy.Positive mathematical programming, agricultural supply, Alentejo, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

A minimum cross entropy model to generate disaggregated agricultural data at the local level

This work presents an entropy approach to disaggregate agricultural data at a local level. It comprises two different steps. In a first one, an information prior at disaggregated level based on experts’ opinions, available cartography of land use and biophysical data is created. In a second step, it’s used a minimum cross entropy process in order to manage these information inputs and to guaranty a solution compatible with all the different restrictions. The model was applied to the region of Algarve in the year of 1999, in order to disaggregate the data at the pixel and county level. Results show that the model was able to provide some satisfactory results since the estimated values obtained for the different areas revealed a good approximation to the true values. These results were then analyzed and provided a new insight about the policies’ consequences in the territory.Minimum cross entropy, data disaggregation, local level, Algarve, agricultural policies, Agricultural and Food Policy, C11, C81, Q15, R14,

Eficacia de un programa educativo basado en el empoderamiento en la percepción de la autoeficacia en pacientes con diabetes

Background: Studies suggest that empowerment-based educational models, implemented in patients with diabetes, may encourage the improvement of perceived self-efficacy. This variable is considered relevant in the therapeutic regimen self-management. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of an empowerment- based educational program in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study, with two different evaluation moments, with a 6-week interval. A randomized sample of 42 participants (experimental group = 19; control group = 23), registered in a family health unit of the ARS of Central Portugal. The Diabetes Empowerment Scale - Short Form (DES-SF) was the instrument chosen to determine the program’s effectiveness. All formal and ethical procedures were assured. Results: Patients subjected to the empowerment-based educational program presented a higher self-efficacy perception (p = 0.000) than those who followed the regular surveillance protocol. Conclusion: Empowerment-based educational programs seem to contribute to an improvement in perceived self-efficacy and should, therefore, be used as an educational strategy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Enquadramento: Estudos sugerem que modelos educativos baseados no empowerment, implementados em pessoas com diabetes, poderão fomentar a melhoria da autoeficácia percecionada. Esta variável é considerada relevante na autogestão do regime terapêutico. Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia de um programa educacional baseado no empowerment, na perceção de autoeficácia, em utentes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Metodologia: Estudo quasi-experimental, com avaliação antes e após implementação do programa, com intervalo de 6 semanas. Amostra aleatória randomizada, constituída por 42 participantes (grupo experimental = 19; grupo de controlo = 23), inscritos numa unidade de saúde familiar da Administração Regional de Saúde do Centro. O Diabetes Empowerment Scale - Short Form (DES-SF) foi o instrumento utilizado para determinar a eficácia do programa. Foram assegurados todos os procedimentos formais e éticos. Resultados: Os utentes submetidos a um programa educativo baseado no empowerment apresentaram uma maior perceção de autoeficácia (p = 0,000), comparativamente com aqueles que seguiram o regular protocolo de vigilância. Conclusão: Os programas educacionais baseados no empowerment parecem contribuir para uma melhoria da autoeficácia percebida, pelo que poderão ser assumidos como estratégias a aplicar a utentes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2.Marco contextual: Los estudios sugieren que los modelos educativos basados en el empoderamiento, implementados en personas con diabetes, pueden fomentar la mejora de la autoeficacia percibida. Esta variable se considera relevante en el autocontrol del régimen terapéutico. Objetivos: Evaluar la eficacia de un programa educativo basado en el empoderamiento y la percepción de la autoeficacia en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Metodología: Estudio cuasiexperimental, con evaluación antes y después de la implementación del programa, con un intervalo de 6 semanas. Muestra aleatoria, compuesta por 42 participantes (grupo experimental = 19; grupo de control = 23), inscritos en una unidad de salud familiar de la Administración Regional de Salud del Centro. La Diabetes Empowerment Scale - Short Form (DES-SF) fue el instrumento utilizado para determinar la efectividad del programa. Se garantizaron todos los procedimientos formales y éticos. Resultados: Los pacientes que se sometieron a un programa educativo basado en el empoderamiento tuvieron una mayor percepción de la autoeficacia (p = 0,000) en comparación con los que siguieron el protocolo de vigilancia regular. Conclusión: Los programas educativos basados en el empoderamiento parecen contribuir a mejorar la autoeficacia percibida, por lo que pueden asumirse como estrategias para aplicar a los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Lipid oxidation inhibition by natural tocopherols increases the nutritional value of tuna salami

Introduction: The quality attributes of fish products deteriorate due to the lipid oxidation during processing and storage. Tuna salami is highly susceptible to oxidation, which can precipitate health hazards and economic losses in terms of inferior product quality. Methods: The effect of adding different natural antioxidants on the lipid oxidation, colour and fatty acid profile of tuna salami after nine days of storage at 4 ºC was assessed. Three different commercial mixes of tocopherols were added during the production of the tuna salami and samples were sliced and refrigerated for 9 days. Results: The lipid oxidation increased from 0.98 to 4.03 mg of malondialdehyde/kg. The oxidation process was inhibited by DLT-100 and VIT-100; however, RNX10 did not blunt the oxidative process. VIT and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) reduced the total unsaturated fatty acid reduction. The RNX did not prevent the reduction of the a* value. Conclusion: It was concluded that tocopherols supplementation kept the nutritional value of tuna salami mainly by lipid oxidation inhibition.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

CHARACTERISATION AND TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF PORTUGUESE WINE FARMS

This study aims to characterise the evolution of vineyard production, to measure the levels of technical efficiency, and to relate these with farmers and farms attributes. The sample used is composed of a panel of vineyard farms, for the period 2000-2005, belonging to Portuguese Alentejo region. The methodology used to estimate technical efficiency, was the stochastic production frontier. The results showed that there are room to improve the levels of technical efficiency in input use and that efficiency is variant with time. It was observed that technical efficiency increases with economic size and net farm income, as well as with family entrepreneurship.efficiency, parametric, vineyard, Crop Production/Industries, Farm Management,

A system for the management of old building retrofit projects in historical centres: the case of Portugal

The retrofitting works in old buildings require appropriate knowledge of the vernacular techniques. Previous researches have identified retrofitting works as more intrusive and using more unnecessary demolition materials than real needs. This study constitutes a new framework that focuses on the project management success of old building retrofitting in historical centres by developing a methodological system for this purpose. It uses a construction sector system approach, reviews legal requirements, framework specifications, recommendation practices and sustainable measures adapted to old building projects. It presents 50 parameters adapted to these works’ specificities that could be used by construction market stakeholders. The research uses a case study methodology divided in two parts. The first one involves the review of building retrofitting projects in historical centres, complemented by a questionnaire in the second part. The results of the projects review have shown little concern with the underlying sustainability aspects of retrofitting works in all project designs analysed. However, the questionnaire results have revealed a high interest and applicability of all parameters omitted in the project designs data. The study describes a useful management system in a toolkit format which might contribute to reduce uncertainty in the management of retrofitting projects in historical centres.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Management of child camps: a structured literature review and new directions

The study of child camps has grown over the last years. Still, the common use of different terminology and the dispersion of the information in literature regarding camps management, makes it difficult to clarify research and hinder the improvement of managerial practices. This study aims to synthetise existent knowledge in child camps’ management, identify inconsistencies and gaps in the literature, and set directions for future research and practice on child camps. A structured review of peer-reviewed articles published between 1950-2021 was conducted. Results indicate that half of the studies used the term “summer camp”; but other ten different terms were also used. Five different management areas were identified: safety, consumer behaviour, human resources, event planning and camp research. Gaps were also identified in the literature. These findings are important to set new research avenues and to improve practice.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Estudo das propriedades psicométricas da Escala do Empowerment na Diabetes Versão Reduzida (DES-SF)

ABSTRACT - Introduction: The control of diabetes mellitus type 2 implies that people are actively engaged in self-care behaviours and self-efficacy is one of the variables involved in this process. Based on the Model of Behavioural Change, the Diabetes Empowerment Scale assesses the psychosocial self-efficacy of people with this disease. The aim of this study is to analyse the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (DES-SF), namely its reliability and validity. Method: A methodological nature study was conducted, with a convenience sample comprising 123 participants with diabetes mellitus type 2. In a primary health care context, the participants were asked to fill the DES-SF, the Diabetes Self-care Scale, and a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. Four weeks later and in order to evaluate stability over time, the self-efficacy scale was administered to a sub-sample comprised of 23 of these participants. Results: The study showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.83) and stability over time (r = 0.532, p = 0.009) of the DES-SF. The adjustment indices of the confirmatory factor analysis suggested the unidimensional nature of the scale. A positive association was found between self-efficacy and schooling (r = 0.209, p = 0.020), and self-care behaviours, in particular dietary (r = 0.221, p = 0.023) and physical exercise (r = 0.296, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Reliability and validity of the DES-SF was confirmed, which demonstrates its usefulness in the context of clinical practice or in research studies involving the Portuguese population.RESUMO - Introdução: O controlo da diabetes mellitus tipo 2 implica que as pessoas se envolvam ativamente em comportamentos de autocuidado, sendo a autoeficácia uma das variáveis que interfere nesse processo. Baseada no Modelo de Mudança Comportamental a Diabetes Empowerment Scale avalia a autoeficácia psicossocial em pessoas portadoras desta doença. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar as propriedades psicométricas da versão portuguesa da Escala do Empowerment na Diabetes – versão reduzida (DES-SF), nomeadamente a sua fidelidade e validade. Método: Desenvolvemos um estudo de cariz metodológico, com uma amostra de conveniência de 123 participantes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 que, em contexto dos cuidados de saúde primários, preencheram a DES-SF, a Escala do Autocuidado na Diabetes e um questionário sociodemográfico e clínico. Para avaliar a estabilidade temporal, a escala da autoeficácia foi novamente preenchida após 4 semanas, por uma subamostra de 23 desses participantes. Resultados: O estudo revelou boa consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach de 0.83) e estabilidade temporal (r = 0.532, p = 0.009) da DES-SF. Os índices de ajustamento, da análise fatorial confirmatória, sugerem a natureza unidimensional da escala. Verificamos uma associação positiva entre a autoeficácia e a escolaridade (r = 0.209, p = 0.020) e os comportamentos de autocuidado, nomeadamente a dieta (r = 0.221, p = 0.023) e o exercício físico (r = 0.296, p = 0.002). Conclusão: A DES-SF revelou ser uma medida fiável e válida, podendo ser utilizado em contexto da prática clínica ou em estudos de investigação, na população portuguesa.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Study of the Psychometric Properties of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale Short Form (DES-SF)

Introdução: O controlo da diabetes mellitus tipo 2 implica que as pessoas se envolvam ativamente em comportamentos de autocuidado, sendo a autoeficácia uma das variáveis que interfere nesse processo. Baseada no Modelo de Mudança Comportamental a Diabetes Empowerment Scale avalia a autoeficácia psicossocial em pessoas portadoras desta doença. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar as propriedades psicométricas da versão portuguesa da Escala do Empowerment na Diabetes – versão reduzida (DES-SF), nomeadamente a sua fidelidade e validade. Método: Desenvolvemos um estudo de cariz metodológico, com uma amostra de conveniência de 123 participantes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 que, em contexto dos cuidados de saúde primários, preencheram a DES-SF, a Escala do Autocuidado na Diabetes e um questionário sociodemográfico e clínico. Para avaliar a estabilidade temporal, a escala da autoeficácia foi novamente preenchida após 4 semanas, por uma subamostra de 23 desses participantes. Resultados: O estudo revelou boa consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach de 0.83) e estabilidade temporal (r = 0.532, p = 0.009) da DES-SF. Os índices de ajustamento, da análise fatorial confirmatória, sugerem a natureza unidimensional da escala. Verificamos uma associação positiva entre a autoeficácia e a escolaridade (r = 0.209, p = 0.020) e os comportamentos de autocuidado, nomeadamente a dieta (r = 0.221, p = 0.023) e o exercício físico (r = 0.296, p = 0.002). Conclusão: A DES-SF revelou ser uma medida fiável e válida, podendo ser utilizado em contexto da prática clínica ou em estudos de investigação, na população portuguesa.Introduction: The control of diabetes mellitus type 2 implies that people are actively engaged in self-care behaviours and self-efficacy is one of the variables involved in this process. Based on the Model of Behavioural Change, the Diabetes Empowerment Scale assesses the psychosocial self-efficacy of people with this disease. The aim of this study is to analyse the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (DES-SF), namely its reliability and validity. Method: A methodological nature study was conducted, with a convenience sample comprising 123 participants with diabetes mellitus type 2. In a primary health care context, the participants were asked to fill the DES-SF, the Diabetes Self-care Scale, and a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. Four weeks later and in order to evaluate stability over time, the self-efficacy scale was administered to a sub-sample comprised of 23 of these participants. Results: The study showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.83) and stability over time (r = 0.532, p = 0.009) of the DES-SF. The adjustment indices of the confirmatory factor analysis suggested the unidimensional nature of the scale. A positive association was found between self-efficacy and schooling (r = 0.209, p = 0.020), and self-care behaviours, in particular dietary (r = 0.221, p = 0.023) and physical exercise (r = 0.296, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Reliability and validity of the DES-SF was confirmed, which demonstrates its usefulness in the context of clinical practice or in research studies involving the Portuguese population.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio