“All roads lead to Fatima”: Religious tourism at the sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary

In the centennial of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, this chapter analyzes the religious tourism at Cova da Iria: historical and anthropological contextualization of the religious phenomenon; the initial stages of the pilgrimage as spontaneous occurrences without organized touristic facilities; tourism development while the rural landscape was being transformed by the construction of buildings and structures to the religious cult and host facilities appropriating icons and symbols related to the apparitions; the consolidation of the cult with the papal devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, the seers beatifcation, and canonization and the centennial celebrations imposing a complex management of the sanctuary activities and spaces; as well as a challenging communication of its religious meanings. Conceived as a case study, this research is based on a qualitative methodology involving a bibliographic research towards a theoretical framework, as well as anthropological methods such as direct observation

Territórios culturais e património gastronómico: da «cerdeira» à cereja do Fundão

A partir do caso da “cereja do Fundão” este trabalho aborda os fenómenos de construção das identidades territoriais no contexto moderno, sobretudo nos aspectos mais induzidos pelo argumento dos valores turísticos. A dissertação baseia-se numa interpretação crítica do processo de consagração da gastronomia como património no quadro do reconhecimento do património etnológico e da história de constituição da própria noção de património. De seguida é analisado o caso da região das Beiras à luz dos seus processos de configuração territorial. A pesquisa incide sobre a cereja da Cova da Beira destacando como vectores territoriais o Fundão, Alcongosta e a Serra da Gardunha tendo em vista analisar os processos que levaram à associação da cereja à identificação com a cidade do Fundão. A pesquisa aborda as transformações assinaladas na cultura e na paisagem agrária protagonizadas pela cerejeira e analisa de seguida o processo de consagração patrimonial da cereja como produto local, como valor gastronómico e como motivo institucional no caso da Confraria da Cereja de Portugal.Based on the case of the "Fundão cherries” this thesis addresses the modern-day construction of territorial identities, especially with regard to the tourist attraction argument. It starts with a look at the enshrinement of traditional foods as a heritage in the recognition of the ethnological legacy and the history of the constitution of the very concept of heritage. It then analyses the Beiras region in light of its territorial configuration. Our research focuses on Cova da Beira cherries and highlights the following areas: Fundão, Alcongosta and Serra da Gardunha in order to identify the processes that led to the association between cherries and the town of Fundão. We address the substantial changes in the agricultural culture and landscape involving the cherry tree and then analyse the enshrinement of cherries as a local heritage product, gastronomic asset and institutional motivation, in the case of the Confraria da Cereja de Portugal [Portuguese Cherry Society]

Senhora do Cabo: santuário, culto e turismo entre a tradição e a transformação

The Círio of Our Lady of the Cabo, also known as Círio dos Saloios, has beena pilgrimage since the XV century,far from the sanctuary at cap Espichel to the far away rural communities of the neighbouring diocese of Lisbon. It is intended to analysehow this religious practice, associated with profane activities, has been evolving through timeand pilgrims are experiencing it, identifying their motivations, between devotion and leisure. An attempt is made to understand the effects of tourism in the place perception, considering the projected reconversion of the old pilgrims’ inns into ahotel unit. The qualitative descriptive research is based on a review of the literature, including historical resources, complemented with unstructured interviews and participant observations. Recognizing the religious cult’s revival, which had been recovering abandoned traditions, while others are lost or modified, it is concluded that the transformation of the cult can be understood as a factor that contributes to itscontinuity.O Círio de Nossa Senhora do Cabo, ou Círio dos Saloios, é uma peregrinação feita anualmente, desde o século XV, entre a região saloia, nos arredores de Lisboa, até ao santuário do Cabo Espichel. Pretende-se analisar a forma como esta prática religiosa, a que se associam actividades profanas, tem evoluído e como é vivida na actualidade, identificando as motivações de quem o procura, entre a devoção e o lazer. Procura-se, ainda, compreender os efeitos do turismo no sentido do lugar, considerando a projectada reconversão das antigas hospedarias de peregrinos em unidade hoteleira. O estudo, de carácter qualitativo e descrito, baseia-se numa revisão da literatura a partir de fontes históricas, complementado com entrevistas não estruturadas e observações participantes. Na sequência da constatação da revitalização do culto, recuperando tradições abandonadas, enquanto outras se perdem ou são modificadas, conclui-se que a transformação do culto pode ser entendida como um factor que contribui para a sua continuidade

The effectiveness of pilates training interventions on older adults’ balance: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Pilates training intervention programs have gained attention as a potential approach to enhancing balance in older adults, thereby reducing the risk of falls. In light of these considerations, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to critically evaluate the existing evidence and determine the effect of Pilates training intervention programs on older adults’ balance. Materials and Methods: The literature was searched through the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception until July 2023. The primary keywords used for the literature search included “elderly” or “older adults” and “pilates training” and “balance”. Results: The systematic review through qualitative analysis showed robust evidence about the efficacy of Pilates intervention programs in improving older adults’ balance. The pooled meta-analysis of static and dynamic balance showed that eight (53%) out of a total fifteen analyzed interventions presented a significant effect of Pilates in improving the participants’ balance, without between-study heterogeneity. In addition, the meta-analysis regarding dynamic balance showed that six (67%) out of nine analyzed interventions presented a significant effect of Pilates in improving the participants’ balance, without heterogeneity between studies. Similarly, the meta-analysis regarding static balance showed that four (50%) out of eight analyzed studies presented significant effects on the older adults’ balance, where moderate between-study heterogeneity was found. Sensitivity analysis showed that three studies reduced the between-study heterogeneity (19, 17.6, and 17%), regressing from moderate to low heterogeneity, p < 0.05. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis underscores the potential of Pilates training as a valuable intervention to enhance balance in the elderly populationThis work is supported by national funding through the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., under the project UIDB/04045/2020.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Determination of Mg, Ti and Cl in Ziegler-Natta catalysts by WDXRF

Abstract A method for determination of Mg, Ti and Cl in Ziegler-Natta (ZN) catalysts by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometry was developed. For comparative reasons, Ti was determined by spectrophotometry, Mg by complexometry and Cl by argentometric titration. Direct pressing was shown to be unsuitable for sample preparation due to catalyst decomposition. For Ti and Mg measurements, catalyst samples were calcinated at 1000 • C and pressed at 275 MPa. Their determination by the fundamental parameters based on the Ti Ka line measurement was shown to be equivalent to those results obtained by univariate calibration or by the classical methods. Cl was determined by aqueous extraction, followed by deposition on a support. Chloride loss was observed. Fixation of Cl as AgCl on polytetrafluoroethylene (FHLC) millipore membrane afforded the best results. Nevertheless, measurements by WDXRF were shown to be inferior to those obtained by argentometric titration

DETERMINANTS OF VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE: A Study in the Brazilian Banking Sector

Disclosure theory assumes the wide availability of information to users, increasing the level of corporate transparency and reducing information asymmetry common to the business environment. This research aims to investigate the factors influencing the level of voluntary disclosure by companies in the Brazilian banking sector. Corporate reputation (REP), firm size (TAM), performance (DES), and internationalization (ADR) were the variables used as factors influencing the level of disclosure. The sample was composed of the 100 largest Brazilian banks in relation to total assets in 2012. The methodology technique used multiple linear regression. The evidence revealed that the corporate reputation and the size of the companies had a significant and positive relationship with the level of voluntary disclosure. In this sense, the larger the company and higher the standard of corporate reputation, the higher the level of corporate disclosure. Performance and internationalization were not statistically significant

Qualidade de Vida de Crianças e Adolescentes Portadores de Diabetes Mellitus Tipo I.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic syndrome of multiple etiologies, which results from the lack of insulin or its inability to perform its function properly, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, with the presence of metabolic disorders in proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. OBJECTIVE: To present, according to the scientific literature, the quality of life of children and adolescents with Type I Diabetes Mellitus. METHODOLOGY: This is a qualitative study, referring to an integrative literature review, presenting a synthesis of the studies analyzed in full, organizing them for the elaboration of the results regarding the established theme, being carried out in the month of August 2023. RESULTS: After the diagnosis of DM1, the child and the adolescent ends up going through several phases due to the changes that end up happening in your life. These changes end up bringing about a profound transformation in her world, modifying her routine and making her have to live with some limitations. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: These consequences are directly linked to psychological factors and the difficulty in accepting the disease. Thus, it is important that these users have follow-up and further clarification on the subject, in order to encourage their autonomy and self-confidence in the face of DM1 treatment.INTRODUÇÃO: A Diabetes Mellitus (DM) é uma síndrome metabólica de etiologia múltipla, que decorre da carência de insulina ou da incapacidade da mesma exercer sua função adequadamente, caracterizando-se por uma hiperglicemia crônica, com presença de distúrbios metabólicos nas proteínas, carboidratos e lipídios. OBJETIVO: Apresentar, de acordo com a literatura científica, a qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes portadores da Diabetes Mellitus Tipo I. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, refere-se a uma revisão integrativa da literatura, apresentando uma síntese dos estudos analisados na íntegra, organizando-os para a elaboração dos resultados a respeito da temática estabelecida, sendo realizada no mês de agosto de 2023. RESULTADOS: Após o diagnóstico da DM1, a criança é o adolescente acaba passando por várias fases devido às mudanças que acabam acontecendo em sua vida. Essas mudanças acabam trazendo uma transformação profunda em seu mundo, modificando sua rotina e fazendo com que ela precise conviver com algumas limitações. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Essas consequências estão diretamente ligadas a fatores psicológicos e a dificuldade na aceitação da doença. Assim, torna-se importante que esses usuários tenham acompanhamento e mais esclarecimentos a respeito do assunto, de forma a incentivar sua autonomia e autoconfiança diante do tratamento da DM1

Lysyl-tRNA synthetase as a drug target in malaria and cryptosporidiosis

Malaria and cryptosporidiosis, caused by apicomplexan parasites, remain major drivers of global child mortality. New drugs for the treatment of malaria and cryptosporidiosis, in particular, are of high priority; however, there are few chemically validated targets. The natural product cladosporin is active against blood- and liver-stage; Plasmodium falciparum; and; Cryptosporidium parvum; in cell-culture studies. Target deconvolution in; P. falciparum; has shown that cladosporin inhibits lysyl-tRNA synthetase (; Pf; KRS1). Here, we report the identification of a series of selective inhibitors of apicomplexan KRSs. Following a biochemical screen, a small-molecule hit was identified and then optimized by using a structure-based approach, supported by structures of both; Pf; KRS1 and; C. parvum; KRS (; Cp; KRS). In vivo proof of concept was established in an SCID mouse model of malaria, after oral administration (ED; 90; = 1.5 mg/kg, once a day for 4 d). Furthermore, we successfully identified an opportunity for pathogen hopping based on the structural homology between; Pf; KRS1 and; Cp; KRS. This series of compounds inhibit; Cp; KRS and; C. parvum; and; Cryptosporidium hominis; in culture, and our lead compound shows oral efficacy in two cryptosporidiosis mouse models. X-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics simulations have provided a model to rationalize the selectivity of our compounds for; Pf; KRS1 and; Cp; KRS vs. (human); Hs; KRS. Our work validates apicomplexan KRSs as promising targets for the development of drugs for malaria and cryptosporidiosis

Galvanic coupling effects on the corrosion behavior of the 6061 aluminum alloy used in research nuclear reactors

The 6061 alloy is used in different thermomechanical conditions in research nuclear reactors. Nuclear fuel plates are manufactured by the picture frame technique (PFT) and the 6061 alloy is used as cladding for the nuclear fuel “sandwiches”. After the process, these nuclear plates are placed in a case composed of 6061-T6 alloy. In this work, the galvanic effects of coupling the 6061 alloy in the T6 and PFT conditions on the corrosion behavior was investigated in solutions of different chloride contents. The results showed that galvanic corrosion was favored due to the different microstructural features related to these two thermomechanical conditions of the 6061 alloy. The 6061 alloy in the PFT condition was cathodic to the alloy in the T6 condition. Local electrochemical techniques were useful in characterizing the electrochemical behavior of the coupled alloys