for an empathetic approach to justice based on Ronald Dworkin and Adam Smith

Até um olhar desatento para os dados sobre a composição de tribunais arbitrais internacionais seria suficiente para revelar, independentemente do critério que decidamos adotar, uma manifesta falta de diversidade. Tal circunstância é tão mais preocupante se considerarmos que as consequências decorrentes de sentenças arbitrais internacionais ultrapassam todas as fronteiras. Enfraquece-se, assim, a sua legitimidade política e, eventualmente, até jurídica. Neste contexto, na arbitragem internacional, florescem as iniciativas e os projetos que reivindicam uma maior diversidade na composição daqueles tribunais. Trata-se fundamentalmente de uma exigência política. Procuro, pois, compreender de que forma tal reivindicação, se deferida, poderá impactar a forma como pensamos e produzimos o pensamento jurídico e, em caso afirmativo, como e em que medida. Para tanto, considero a forma como os julgadores, em geral, e os árbitros internacionais, em particular, pensam as suas decisões. Em primeiro lugar, abordo a influência das nossas identidades e cultura, mas também da ética e da moral. Em segundo lugar, analiso as idiossincrasias, os debates e os desafios relacionados com a teoria do direito e a fenomenologia do raciocínio jurídico, sem os quais qualquer exercício deste género encontrar-se-ia insanavelmente comprometido. Em particular, proponho-me demonstrar as responsabilidades específicas dos julgadores na sua procura pela correta interpretação de proposições jurídicas. Rejeito as abordagens positivistas sobre o conceito de direito, em particular a proposta por Herbert Hart (1907-1992), e adoto a o quadro teórico proposto por Ronald Dworkin (1931-2013). O que se segue, então, decorre do entendimento de que, por um lado, os problemas jurídicos não podem ser plenamente compreendidos sem que se reconheça a indissociabilidade entre o direito e a moral e que, por outro lado, qualquer interpretação deve ser compatível com as decisões institucionais passadas da comunidade com a qual se relaciona e ser justificada pelos seus princípios de moral política. Concluída esta etapa, procuro identificar as responsabilidades específicas dos árbitros internacionais na interpretação do direito processual e substantivo aplicável e explicar o que os espera ao aceitarem uma nomeação arbitral. Fecho o círculo retornando à ideia original de Adam Smith (1723-1790) propondo como olharmos o árbitro internacional como um espetador imparcial poderá contribuir para uma abordagem holística e empática da justiça.Even a careless glance at the data on the composition of international arbitral tribunals would suffice to reveal—regardless of the criteria we choose—an obvious lack of diversity. This circumstance is all the more worrying when we consider that the consequences of international arbitral awards transcend all boundaries. This weakens their political and, eventually, even their legal legitimacy. Against this background, initiatives and projects calling for greater diversity in the composition of these tribunals are flourishing in international arbitration. This is a political demand. I therefore seek to understand how such a claim, if granted, might affect the way we think and produce legal thought—and if so, how and to what extent. To this end, I examine the way adjudicators in general, and international arbitrators in particular, think and make their decisions. First, I address the influence of our identities and culture, as well as ethics and morality. Second, I analyze the idiosyncrasies, debates, and challenges related to legal theory and the phenomenology of legal reasoning, without which any work of this kind would be hopelessly compromised. In particular, I propose to identify the specific responsibilities of adjudicators in their search for the right interpretation of propositions of law. In doing so, I reject positivist approaches to the concept of law, particularly that proposed by Herbert Hart (1907-1992), and adopt the theoretical framework proposed by Ronald Dworkin (1931-2013). What follows, then, is based on the insight that, on the one hand, legal problems cannot be fully understood without recognizing the inseparability of law and morality, and that, on the other hand, any interpretation of a proposition of law must fit with the past institutional decisions of the community to which it refers and be justified by its principles of political morality. I proceed to address the particular responsibilities of international arbitrators in interpreting the applicable procedural and substantive laws and to explain what awaits them when they accept the appointment to serve as arbitrator. I close the circle by returning to the original idea of Adam Smith (1723-1790) and suggesting how viewing the international arbitrator as an impartial spectator may contribute to a holistic and empathetic approach to justice

Factors associated to repeated influenza vaccination in the Portuguese adults with chronic conditions

Introduction: Reduction of unfair differences in health between socioeconomic groups and countries constitutes an important public health challenge in the 21st century. To monitor progress on this goal, health inequalities are most frequently estimated based on self-reported data from population surveys. However, it has been shown that self-reported data on cardiovascular disease risk factors is prompt to reporting error. If errors occur more often in specific socioeconomic groups (due to under-diagnosis or lower literacy) they are likely to seriously bias health inequality estimates. This study aims at comparing measurement errors between socioeconomic categories in self-reported hypertension, and their consequences on health inequality estimates. Methods: We used data from the Portuguese National Health Examination Survey (INSEF), a cross-sectional nationwide study conducted in 2015 on a probabilistic sample (n=4911) of community-dwelling individuals aged between 25 and 74 years old. INSEF combines measured biochemical parameters and blood pressure with self-reported data. Self-reported hypertension was defined based on the question: “Do you have any of the following diseases or conditions: hypertension? (Yes/No)”. Examination-based hypertension was defined as having systolic blood pressure of at least 140 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure of at least 90 mmHg, or using prescribed antihypertensive medication. Participants´ socioeconomic status was measured through the education level (no education/ 1st cycle of basic education, 2nd cycle of basic education, 3rd cycle of basic education, secondary education and higher education). Inequalities in hypertension between the highest and lowest socioeconomic status groups were measured using relative indexes of inequality (RII) and respective confidence intervals (CI 95%), estimated by Poisson regression. Estimates of inequalities were stratified by age and sex, using four population groups (male 25-49 years old, female 25-49 years old, male 50-75 years old, female 50-75 years old). Results: Hypertension was reported by 25.7% [CI 95%: 24.0 to 27.4] of participants, while 35.9% [CI 95%: 34.2 to 37.5] were considered to have hypertension according to examination-based data. The difference between examination-based and self-reported prevalence was 12.7pp for those with no education/ 1st cycle of basic education and 4.6pp for those with higher education. Similar educational gradients were observed for both self-reported (RII=1.87; CI 95%: 1.45 to 2.42) and examination-base (RII=1.91; CI 95%: 1.60 to 2.28) hypertension, with lowest prevalence of disease among the highly educated. Age- and sex-specific results showed considerable discrepancies in inequality indicators between self-reported and examination-based data. Namely, differences in estimated gradients were more pronounced among 25-49 years old males, with RII=0.67 (CI 95%: 0 .29 to 1.54) for self-reported and RII=1.90 (CI 95%: 1.22 to 2.96) for examination-based hypertension. In 25-49 years old females inequalities in self-reported hypertension were not statistically significant (RII=3.18; CI 95%: 0.94 to 10.73), while females with the lowest education were 4.35 (CI 95%: 2.60 to 7.27) times more likely to have examination-based hypertension then compared to the most educated. In 50-75 age group educational inequalities in self-reported hypertension were larger than in examination-based for both, male (RII=1.82 CI 95%: 1.25 to 2.69 vs. RII=1.40; CI 95%: 1.04 to 1.89) and female (RII=1.77; CI 95% 1.30 to 2.41 vs. RII=1.58; CI 95%: 1.22 to 2.04). Conclusions: Our results illustrated the significant effect of measurement error in self-reported hypertension on estimates of socioeconomic inequalities. Use of self-reported data led to underestimation of educational inequalities among young and middle-aged individuals and overestimation in older age groups. Inequality indicators derived from self-report should be interpreted with caution.EEA grantsN/

Hypertension: comparison of self-reported information and objective measures from the first Portuguese National Health Examination Survey (INSEF)

Prémio de Melhor Poster do Dia do Jovem Investigador 2017This study compares self-reported and examination-based prevalence of hypertension using data from the Portuguese National Health Examination Survey (n=4911), that combines personal interview and clinical measurements. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated to incorrect self-reports. Self-reports underestimated prevalence of hypertension. The accuracy of self-reports varied between population subgroups. Sex, age group, education and use of healthcare services were associated with incorrect self-reports of hypertension. Adding objective measurements to self-reported questionnaire improve data accuracy and allow better understanding of socioeconomic inequalities in health.The Portuguese National Health Examination Survey is developed as a part of the project “Improvement of epidemiological health information to support public health decision and management in Portugal. Towards reduced inequalities, improved health, and bilateral cooperation”, that benefits from a 1.500.000€ Grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants.N/

O MARKETING DIGITAL NA TAP AIR PORTUGAL

This work aims to analyze the digital marketing developed by the company TAP Air Portugal and make a comparison with Easyjet and Emirates.As a methodology, in a first phase, a literature review was carried out in several databases: ProQuest, RCAAP, RECIL and Google Scholar.In a second stage, the detailed study of TAP Air Portugal was developed, in which the digital media used and the analysis of their performance were researched, through the digital communication tools: Google Trends, KWFinder, Page Speed Insights, GT Metrix, Similar Web and Site Analyzer.Finally, a comparison was made between TAP Air Portugal, Emirantes and EasyJet.As a fieldwork, an anonymous questionnaire was carried out to 735 customers - between 10/28/2019 and 10/30/2019 - who were at the Lisbon Airport and were preparing to board. This questionnaire allowed to verify the reach of TAP Air Portugal’s digital marketing.From this study it was found that they should continue to be focus on digital marketing, social networks, and mobile web, because they have a great impact on the promotion and sale of airline ticketsEste artigo tem como objetivo analisar o marketing digital desenvolvido pela empresa TAP Air Portugal e efetuar uma comparação com a Easyjet e a Emirates. Metodologicamente, numa primeira fase realizou-se uma revisão da literatura em diversas bases de dados, através da ProQuest, do RCAAP, do RECIL e do Google Scholar.Numa segunda etapa desenvolveu-se o estudo detalhado da TAP Air Portugal, em que se pesquisaram os meios de comunicação digital utilizados e a análise do seu desempenho, através das ferramentas de comunicação digital: Google Trends, KWFinder, Page Speed Insights, GT Metrix, Similar Web e Site Analyzer.Por último, elaborou-se uma comparação entre a TAP Air Portugal, a Emirantes e a EasyJet. Como trabalho de campo, foi realizado um questionário anónimo a 735 clientes - entre os dias 28/10/2019 e 30/10/2019 - que se encontravam nas instalações do Aeroporto de Lisboa e que se preparavam para embarcar. Este questionário permitiu verificar o alcance do marketing digital da TAP Air Portugal.Deste estudo verificou-se que deve continuar a haver uma aposta no marketing digital, nas redes sociais e no mobile web pois têm um grande impacto na divulgação e venda de passagens aéreas

Hypertension: comparison of self-reported information and objective measures from the first Portuguese National Health Examination Survey (INSEF)

Prémio de Melhor Poster do Dia do Jovem Investigador 2017This study compares self-reported and examination-based prevalence of hypertension using data from the Portuguese National Health Examination Survey (n=4911), that combines personal interview and clinical measurements. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated to incorrect self-reports. Self-reports underestimated prevalence of hypertension. The accuracy of self-reports varied between population subgroups. Sex, age group, education and use of healthcare services were associated with incorrect self-reports of hypertension. Adding objective measurements to self-reported questionnaire improve data accuracy and allow better understanding of socioeconomic inequalities in health.The Portuguese National Health Examination Survey is developed as a part of the project “Improvement of epidemiological health information to support public health decision and management in Portugal. Towards reduced inequalities, improved health, and bilateral cooperation”, that benefits from a 1.500.000€ Grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants.N/

Fieldwork Monitoring Strategies in a Health Examination Survey

UIDB/04647/2020 UIDP/04647/2020Health surveys constitute a relevant information source to access the population's health status. Given that survey errors can significantly influence estimates and invalidate study findings, it is crucial that the fieldwork progress is closely monitored to ensure data quality. The objective of this study was to describe the fieldwork monitoring conducted during the first Portuguese National Health Examination Survey (INSEF) regarding protocol deviations and key performance indicators (KPI). Methods: Data derived from interviewer observation and from the statistical quality control of selected KPI were used to monitor the four components of the INSEF survey (recruitment, physical examination, blood collection and health questionnaire). Survey KPI included response rate, average time distribution for procedures, distribution of the last digit in a specific measure, proportion of haemolysed blood samples and missing values. Results: Interviewer observation identified deviations from the established protocols, which were promptly corrected. During fieldwork monitoring through KPI, upon implementation of corrective measures, the participation rate increased 2.5-fold, and a 4.4-fold decrease in non-adherence to standardized survey procedures was observed in the average time distribution for blood pressure measurement. The proportion of measurements with the terminal digit of 0 or 5 decreased to 19.6 and 16.5%, respectively, after the pilot study. The proportion of haemolysed samples was at baseline level, below 2.5%. Missing data issues were minimized by promptly communicating them to the interviewer, who could recontact the participant and fill in the missing information. Discussion/Conclusion: Although the majority of the deviations from the established protocol occurred during the first weeks of the fieldwork, our results emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of survey KPI to ensure data quality throughout the survey.publishersversionpublishe

a mixed method study

© 2022. The Author(s).BACKGROUND: Participation rates in health surveys, recognized as an important quality dimension, have been declining over the years, which may affect representativeness and confidence in results. The Portuguese national health examination survey INSEF (2015) achieved a participation rate of 43.9%, which is in line with participation rates from other similar health examination surveys. The objective of this article is to describe how local teams of survey personnel conducted the survey, describing strategies used to solve practical survey problems and to try to increase the participation rate. METHODS: After a literature search, informal interviews were conducted with 14 public health officials from local health examination teams, regional and central authorities. Forty-one of the local staff members (survey personnel) also filled in a short questionnaire anonymously. The interviews and self-administered questionnaires were analysed using mixed methods, informed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: The local teams believed that the detailed manual, described as a "cookbook for making a health examination survey", made it possible to maintain high scientific standards while allowing for improvising solutions to problems in the local context. The quality of the manual, supported by a series of training workshops with the central research and support team, gave the teams the confidence and knowledge to implement local solutions. Motivation and cohesion within the local teams were among the goals of the training process. Local teams felt empowered by being given large responsibilities and worked hard to incite people to attend the examination through a close and persuasive approach. Local teams praised their INSA contacts for being available for assistance throughout the survey, and said they were inspired to try harder to reach participants to please their contacts for interpersonal reasons. CONCLUSIONS: The theory of organizational improvisation or bricolage, which means using limited resources to solve problems, was useful to discuss and understand what took place during INSEF. A detailed manual covering standard procedures, continuous monitoring of the data collection and face-to-face workshops, including role-play, were vital to assure high scientific standards and high participation rates in this health examination survey. Close contacts between the central team and local focal points in all regions and all survey sites were key to accommodating unexpected challenges and innovative solutions.publishersversionpublishe

Laurus nobilis (laurel) aqueous leaf extract's toxicological and anti-tumor activities in HPV16-transgenic mice

Cancers induced by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remain a significant public health threat, fueling the study of new therapies. Laurel (Laurus nobilis) compounds and extracts recently showed in vitro activity against HPV-transformed cell lines. This work aims to evaluate the in vivo efficacy and hepatic toxicity of a laurel extract in a transgenic mouse model of HPV16-induced cancer. The extract was administered in drinking water (20 mg per animal per day) for three consecutive weeks, using four experimental groups (n = 10) (group I: HPV16−/− without treatment, group II: treated HPV16−/−, group III: HPV16+/− without treatment and group IV: treated HPV16+/−). Following the treatment period, animals were sacrificed and skin samples were used to classify skin lesions histologically. Toxicological parameters included hematological and biochemical blood markers, splenic and hepatic histology and hepatic oxidative stress. The extract did not prevent the progression of HPV16-induced cutaneous lesions in this model. The treated wildtype animals showed mild hepatitis, while transgenic animals suffered weight loss. However, there were no changes concerning hematological, biochemical and hepatic oxidative stress markers.This work was supported by: Integrative Research in Environment, Agro-Chains and Technology no. NORTE-01- 0145-FEDER-000017, in its line of research entitled ISAC, cofinanced by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Regional Operational Program 2014/2020). European Investment Funds by FEDER/COMPETE/ POCI– Operational Competitiveness and Internationalization Programme, under Project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006958 and National Funds by FCT - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the project UID/AGR/04033/2013. This study was also funded by Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro, by the Research Center of the Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Porto (CI-IPOP 37-2016), by project POCI-01-0145- FEDER-006939 (Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy – LEPABE), project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006958 and UID/AGR/04033/2013, funded by FEDER funds through COMPETE2020 - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI) – and by national funds through FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; Rui M. Gil da Costa was funded by grant number SFRH/BPD/85462/2012 from FCT, funded by the Portuguese Government and the Social European Fund. The authors are also grateful to FCT, Portugal and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/ 00690/2013), and to the Interreg España-Portugal for financial support through the project 0377_Iberphenol_6_E.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Prevalence, awareness and control of diabetes in Portugal: results from the first National Health Examination Survey (INSEF 2015)

A Diabetes Mellitus é uma grande ameaça para a saúde pública em todo o mundo, continuando a aumentar em prevalência e significado. As estimativas da sua prevalência, conhecimento e controlo são essenciais para monitorizar as suas tendências de forma efetiva. Neste contexto, foi realizado o primeiro Inquérito Nacional de Saúde com Exame Físico (INSEF) à população residente em Portugal, com idade compreendida entre os 25 e os 74 anos, em 2015. O INSEF consistiu num estudo transversal de prevalência, que incluía a medição do nível de HbA1c no sangue, um exame físico e uma entrevista geral de saúde. A prevalência geral de diabetes foi estimada em 9,9% (IC95%: 8,4; 11,5), sendo mais elevada nos homens do que nas mulheres (12,1% vs 7,8%). A diabetes era mais prevalente entre os indivíduos que apresentavam baixa escolaridade e sem atividade profissional. A maioria dos indivíduos diabéticos estava ciente de sua condição (87,1%) e encontrava-se a tomar medicação antidiabética (79,7%). Destes, 63,2% apresentaram níveis de HbA1c inferiores a 7,0%. A prevalência de diabetes permanece mais elevada do que as estimativas globais e europeias, embora haja maior conscientização e melhor controlo dos objetivos clínicos relacionados com esta doença crónica.Diabetes Mellitus is a major public health threat around the world, continuing to increase both in prevalence and significance. Estimates of its prevalence, knowledge and control are essential to monitor its trends ef fectively. In this contex t, the first National Health Examination Sur vey (INSEF) was per formed on the resident population in Por tugal aged between 25 and 74 years old, in 2015. The INSEF consisted of a crosssectional prevalence study, which included the measurement of the HbA1c level in the blood, a physical examination and a general health inter view. The overall prevalence of diabetes was estimated at 9.9% (95% CI: 8.4, 11.5), being higher in men than in women (12.1% vs 7.8%). Diabetes was more prevalent among individuals with low education level and without professional activit y. The majorit y of diabetic individuals were aware of their condition (87.1%) and were taking antidiabetic medication (79.7%). Of these, 63.2% had HbA1c levels lower than 7.0%. The prevalence of diabetes in Por tugal remains higher than the global and European estimates, although there is greater awareness and bet ter control of the clinical objectives related to this chronic disease.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio