Variabilidade da pluma estuarina do Tejo : impacto na circulação e hidrologia costeira

Mestrado em Meteorologia e Oceanografia FísicaAs descargas dos estuários formam uma pluma que é advetada para a região costeira adjacente, durante a maré vazante, modulando a circulação e hidrografia costeiras. Na costa central portuguesa, a pluma do Estuário do Tejo influencia a hidrografia da região, controlando a dinâmica local. Na atualidade, estudos de plumas estuarinas são realizados utilizando modelos de circulação e de transporte de alta-resolução e sofisticados métodos de análise de dados, como as redes neuronais. O objetivo deste estudo consiste em analisar os padrões da descarga estuarina do Tejo na zona costeira adjacente, sob diferentes condições de vento e eventos de descarga estuarinas elevadas. Neste âmbito, implementou-se o modelo 3D de circulação e transporte MOHID, utilizando um método de downscaling do modelo Operational Model for the Portuguese Coast (PCOMS) (6 km) para a ROFI do Estuário do Tejo (500m). De modo a melhorar os forçamentos atmosféricos do modelo costeiro, implementou-se uma nova aplicação de alta-resolução (2 km) do modelo WRF para a região. A validação dos modelos de circulação e de transporte foram realizadas para o período de Julho a Dezembro de 2012. Resultados numéricos demonstram uma reprodução correta dos padrões superficiais quando comparados com dados observados de velocidade da corrente, salinidade e temperatura da água. O erro médio quadrático (RMSE) das correntes de superfície mostrou um desvio médio inferior a 16 cms−1. Comparação da temperatura superficial da agua com os dados remotos do sensor MODIS-Aqua identificaram um desvio inferior a 2oC, demostrando a qualidade das previsões do modelo em reproduzir os padrões dinâmicos costeiros. De modo a estudar a variabilidade costeira causada pela descarga estuarina do Tejo, simularam-se 5 cenários utilizando ventos favoráveis de upwelling e downwelling, e descargas do Rio Tejo de 1500, 3000 e 5000 m3s−1. As simulações dos cenários foram realizadas para o período de 8-31 de Novembro de 2012, devido à ocorrência de padrões favoráveis de vento. Com o objetivo de quantificar a variabilidade costeira, realizou-se uma analise SOM com 1x4 padrões espaciais dos campos de salinidade à superfície. Os resultados demonstram que as descargas fluviais são o principal forçamento nas simulações, só superados pelo vento aquando se registam baixas descarga fluviais. Secções transversais da salinidade mostraram uma profundidade da pluma estuarina com cerca de 15 m na zona da embocadura do estuário, reduzindo-se para 10 m na zona costeira adjacente ao Cabo da Roca. A tensão do vento revelou ter um papel importante na dispersão da pluma, sendo responsável pelo transporte para norte ou para sudoeste da mesma. Em todos os cenários, os ventos favoráveis a downwelling transportam a pluma para norte encostada à costa, enquanto ventos de upwelling transportam a pluma para sudoeste. A nova implementação de alta resolução em 3D desenvolvida neste trabalho permite retirar informação extra acerca da dinâmica da pluma estuarina sob diferentes condições de vento e descarga do Rio Tejo. Padrões distintos de dispersão foram observados, permitindo uma melhoria do conhecimento da circulação e hidrografia da região. Para trabalhos futuros, este modelo pode permitir o acoplamento de modelos biogeoquímicos ou de derrame de hidrocarbonetos, temas importantes e desafiantes para a complexa zona costeira adjacente ao Estuário do Tejo.Buoyant discharges from estuaries form an outflow plume that is advected onto the near shelf during the ebb tide, modulating the circulation and hydrography of the adjacent coast. In the central coast of Portugal, the plume from the Tagus Estuary influences the hydrography of the area, controlling local dynamics. Nowadays, estuarine plume propagation studies are performed using high-resolution circulation and transport models and sophisticated data analyses tools, as the artificial neural networks. The main aim of this work consists in studying the Tagus Estuarine outflow behaviour under different wind forcing conditions and variable river discharge events. For this purpose, a 3D circulation and transport model (www.mohid.com) was implemented for the region, using a nested downscaling approach from the Operational Model for the Portuguese Coast (PCOMS) (6 km) to the Tagus ROFI (500 m). To improve the atmospheric circulation model forcing, a new high-resolution atmospheric model (2 km) was implemented for the region, using the WRF model. To validate the circulation and transport models, a simulation period between July and December 2012 was used. Numerical predictions shown an accurate reproduction of the surface patterns when compared with observed data of current velocity, salinity and water temperature. The root mean square error (RMSE) of surface currents revealed a mean deviation lower than 16 cm s−1. SST comparison with MODIS-Aqua remote sensing imagery shows a deviation lower than 2oC, revealing the model accuracy in reproducing coastal dynamics. In order to study coastal variability due to the Tagus estuarine outflow, five scenarios were simulated under upwelling and downwelling favourable winds and Tagus river discharge of 1500, 3000 and 5000 m3s−1. The scenarios simulations were performed for the days 8-31 of November 2012 because of favourable distinct wind patterns. In order to quantify the region variability 1×4 Self-Organizing Map (SOM) of the surface salinity fields were performed. The results show that river discharge is the main controlling forcing for the scenarios simulation, only overtaken by the wind, when low discharge values were present. The cross-shelf sections show a depth of the plume bulge of 15 m near the mouth of the estuary, reducing to 10 m in the far region, near Cabo da Roca. The wind stress played a powerful role in the dispersion of the bulge, being responsible for the north or southwest transport of the plume. In all scenarios, under downwelling favourable winds the plume is compressed toward the coast, and under upwelling winds the plume follows a SW direction, being advected offshore. The new high resolution 3D implementation developed in this study provides extra information about the Tejo estuarine plume dynamic under different conditions of winds and river discharge. Distinct spatial dispersion was observed improving the knowledge of the region circulation and hydrography. Thus, this validated implementation can be used for new studies, such as coupling of a biogeochemistry or oil spill models, topics that are important and challenging for a complex coastal region such as the off the Tagus Estuary

Criação de um novo modelo de qualidade

Ao longo das últimas décadas tem se verificado várias alterações na forma como as instituições de ensino superior percecionam e abordam a qualidade e a sua gestão. Devido às dinâmicas atuais do mercado de trabalho e à competitividade da oferta formativa do mundo académico, as instituições de ensino superior devem procurar garantir a qualidade dos seus ciclos de estudo, tendo em conta a promoção de uma cultura institucional interna de garantia da qualidade. A Marinha Portuguesa, mais especificamente, a Escola Naval não é alheia a esta dinâmica, tendo-se verificado uma evolução significativa ao longo do tempo. De forma a estudar o Sistema Integrado de Garantia da Qualidade da Escola Naval, foi analisado o estado da arte relativamente aos estudos, considerações e normas definidas por diferentes literaturas nesta área. Posteriormente, definiu-se os key quality indicators e a partir destes validaram-se e integraram-se os processos em cadeia de valor. Foram desenhados os procedimentos de qualidade definidos e abordado um estudo de caso aplicado no 1º semestre de 2022/2023 aos alunos da Escola Naval. Analisando a revisão de literatura e retiradas as conclusões, através de recolha e análise de dados do estudo de caso e dos dados fornecidos pelo Centro de Investigação Naval, foram propostas as guidelines para um Sistema Integrado de Garantia da Qualidade da Escola Naval. Esta proposta de modelo de garantia da qualidade tende a convergir o ensino no aluno e a responder positivamente às lacunas identificadas através da análise de dados e com os referenciais que o Almirante Chefe do Estado Maior da Armada definiu na Diretiva Estratégica da MarinhaOver the last decades there have been several changes in the way higher education institutions perceive and approach quality and its management. Due to the current dynamics of the labour market and the competitiveness of the academic world's training offer, higher education institutions should seek to ensure the quality of their study cycles, considering the promotion of an internal institutional culture of quality assurance. The Portuguese Navy, more specifically, the Naval Academy is no stranger to this dynamic, and there has been a significant evolution over time. To study the Integrated Quality Assurance System of the Naval Academy, the state of the art was analyzed in relation to the studies, considerations and standards defined by different literatures in this area. Subsequently, the key quality indicators were defined and from these the processes in the value chain were validated and integrated. The defined quality procedures were designed, and a case study applied in the 1st semester of 2022/2023 to the students of the Naval Academy was addressed. Analyzing the literature review and drawing the conclusions, through collection and analysis of data from the case study and the data provided by the Naval Research Center, the guidelinesfor an Integrated Quality Assurance System of the Naval Academy were proposed. This proposed quality assurance model tends to converge student education and respond positively to the gaps identified through data analysis and with the references that the Chief of Staff of the Navy defined in the Navy's Strategic Directive

Quality management in higher education. Using SERVPERF to assess services quality

Purpose: The implementation of comprehensive quality management systems in higher education institutions (HEIs) implies the need to consider not only its main mission processes but also support processes, including those providing internal services to students and teaching staff. This paper intends to illustrate how the SERVPERF instrument can contribute to HEIs quality management. Design/methodology/approach: An empirical case was carried out to illustrate the potential of the SERVPERF instrument for the quality management of HEIs. A specific-designed questionnaire based on the SERVPERF instrument was used to collect data on students and teaching staff perceptions of post-service performance of three different support services of a selected HEI. An interview was later conducted to the institution’s director to gain a richer understanding of the results obtained and pertinence of the study. Findings: –Overall, students and teaching staff have a positive view of the services provided. Still, improvement actions were proposed to address the critical aspects identified. The SERVPERF instrument was an adequate tool to collect data on the services’ performance and address the need for support processes quality management. Practical implications: The research highlights the potentialities of the SERVPERF instrument in supporting managerial decisions addressing the quality of HEIs support processes. Originality/value – The design and implementation of quality management systems in HEI has been mainly focused in the teaching and learning process, dismissing support processes. The paper sheds some light on the potentiality of service quality instruments in improving these processes. It also contributes to the validation of the SERVPERF instrument in the higher education context.Maria João Rosa would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Centre for Research in Higher Education Policies, supported by the FCT - Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., under project UIDB/00757/2020. Patrícia Moura e Sá would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Research Centre in Political Science (UIDB/CPO/00758/2020), University of Minho, supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the Portuguese Ministry of Education and Science through national funds, to the current research

PO104 placebo and nocebo responses in RLS : a meta-analysis

Objective: Our goals were to estimate the placebo and nocebo responses in restless legs syndrome (RLS). Methods: Databases were searched up to October 2015. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of RLS patient were included. ‘Placebo response’ was defined as the within-group change from baseline, using any scale measuring RLS severity or disability. ‘Nocebo response’ was defined as the proportion of patients experiencing adverse events in the placebo arm. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool data. Results: We included 5046 participants. Pooled placebo response effect size was −1.41 (95%CI:−1.56-−1.25), corresponding to −6.58 points in the International RLS Study Group Scale (IRLS). Pooled nocebo response was 45.36% (95%CI:40.47%–50.29%). The placebo and nocebo responses were greater in trials with longer duration, evaluating pharmacological interventions and idiopathic RLS, and in industry funded and unpublished studies. The placebo response was considerable smaller in objective as compared to subjective outcomes. In addition, the nocebo response increases proportionally with the placebo response, and has the same predictors. Conclusions: The magnitude of the placebo response in RLS is above the threshold of minimal clinical important difference, and the frequency of adverse events is also considerable. These results are relevant to inform the design and interpretation of future clinical trials.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The timing of the deglaciation in the Atlantic Iberian mountains: Insights from the stratigraphic analysis of a lake sequence in Serra da Estrela (Portugal)

Understanding the environmental response to the last glacial termination in regions located in transitional climate zones such as the Atlantic Iberian mountains is crucial to estimate potential changes in regions affected by current glacial melting. We present an 8.5 m-long, solid last deglaciation and Holocene chronostratigraphic record including detailed sediment analysis from Lake Peixao, a pro-glacial lake in the Serra da Estrela (Central Portugal). The age-depth model relies on a Bayesian approach that includes 16 AMS C-14 dates and Pb-210-(CS)-C-137 measurements, robustly dating the lake formation at 14.7 +/- 0.32 cal. ka BP. This chronological reconstruction shows an average sedimentation rate of ca. 0.07 cm yr(-1) (15 yr cm(-1)), enabling proxy analyses at decadal timescales. The sediment sequence is composed of five lithological units: (U1) coarse and unsorted fluvioglacial lacustrine deposits; (U2) massive fluvioglacial lacustrine deposits (863-790 cm below surface [bsf]; 14.7 +/- 0.32-13.8 +/- 0.12 cal. ka BP); (U3) water current fluvioglacial lacustrine deposits (790-766 cm bsf; 13.8 +/- 0.12-12.9 +/- 0.29 cal. ka BP); (U4) laminated/banded lacustrine deposits characterized by terrigenous deposits from ice-covered lake periods and episodic events of ice and snow melting (766-752 cm bsf; 12.9 +/- 0.29-11.7 +/- 0.15 cal. ka BP); and (U5) massive muddy lacustrine deposits (752-0 cm bsf; 11.7 +/- 0.15 cal. ka BP-present). The occurrence of U2 to U4 deposits defines the transition from glacial cold (U1) to net warm postglacial conditions (U5). These climate transitions are marked by changes in sediments and the presence of very low sedimentation rate periods, possibly related to the Intra-Allerod Cold Period and the coldest phase of the Younger Dryas. Our results support the previously proposed timing of the retreat of the Serra da Estrela glaciers ca. 13.8 +/- 0.12 cal. ka BP. The robust chronology of Lake Peixao highlights the potential of Iberian pro-glacial lakes for dating deglaciation processes and will lead to unprecedented decadal-to-centennial timescale palaeoclimate reconstructions in this region since the last glacial-interglacial transition.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The timing of the deglaciation in the Atlantic Iberian mountains: Insights from the stratigraphic analysis of a lake sequence in Serra da Estrela (Portugal)

Understanding the environmental response to the last glacial termination in regions located in transitional climate zones such as the Atlantic Iberian mountains is crucial to estimate potential changes in regions affected by current glacial melting. We present an 8.5 m-long, solid last deglaciation and Holocene chronostratigraphic record including detailed sediment analysis from Lake Peix˜ao, a pro-glacial lake in the Serra da Estrela (Central Portugal). The age–depth model relies on a Bayesian approach that includes 16 AMS 14C dates and 210Pb–137CS measurements, robustly dating the lake formation at 14.7 ± 0.32 cal. ka BP. This chronological reconstruction shows an average sedimentation rate of ca. 0.07 cm yr 1 (15 yr cm 1), enabling proxy analyses at decadal timescales. The sediment sequence is composed of five lithological units: (U1) coarse and unsorted fluvioglacial lacustrine deposits; (U2) massive fluvioglacial lacustrine deposits (863–790 cm below surface [bsf]; 14.7 ± 0.32–13.8 ± 0.12 cal. ka BP); (U3) water current fluvioglacial lacustrine deposits (790–766 cm bsf; 13.8 ± 0.12–12.9 ± 0.29 cal. ka BP); (U4) laminated/banded lacustrine deposits characterized by terrigenous deposits from ice-covered lake periods and episodic events of ice and snow melting (766–752 cm bsf; 12.9 ± 0.29–11.7 ± 0.15 cal. ka BP); and (U5) massive muddy lacustrine deposits (752–0 cm bsf; 11.7 ± 0.15 cal. ka BP–present). The occurrence of U2 to U4 deposits defines the transition from glacial cold (U1) to net warm postglacial conditions (U5). These climate transitions are marked by changes in sediments and the presence of very low sedimentation rate periods, possibly related to the Intra-Allerød Cold Period and the coldest phase of the Younger Dryas. Our results support the previously proposed timing of the retreat of the Serra da Estrela glaciers ca. 13.8 ± 0.12 cal. ka BP. The robust chronology of Lake Peix˜ao highlights the potential of Iberian pro-glacial lakes for dating deglaciation processes and will lead to unprecedented decadal-to-centennial timescale palaeoclimate reconstructions in this region since the last glacial–interglacial transition.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL : A data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in P ortugal

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with 26% of all species being includedin the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associatedwith habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mam-mals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion formarine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems func-tionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is cru-cial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS INPORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublishedgeoreferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mam-mals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira thatincludes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occur-ring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live obser-vations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%),bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent lessthan 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrowsjsoil moundsjtunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animaljhairjskullsjjaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8),observation in shelters, (9) photo trappingjvideo, (10) predators dietjpelletsjpine cones/nuts, (11) scatjtrackjditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalizationjecholocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and100 m (76%). Rodentia (n=31,573) has the highest number of records followedby Chiroptera (n=18,857), Carnivora (n=18,594), Lagomorpha (n=17,496),Cetartiodactyla (n=11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n=7008). The data setincludes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened(e.g.,Oryctolagus cuniculus[n=12,159],Monachus monachus[n=1,512],andLynx pardinus[n=197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate thepublication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contrib-ute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting onthe development of more accurate and tailored conservation managementstrategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite thisdata paper when the data are used in publications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mammals in Portugal: a data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in Portugal

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with ~26% of all species being included in the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associated with habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mammals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion for marine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems functionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is crucial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublished georeferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mammals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira that includes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occurring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live observations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%), bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent less than 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrows | soil mounds | tunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animal | hair | skulls | jaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8), observation in shelters, (9) photo trapping | video, (10) predators diet | pellets | pine cones/nuts, (11) scat | track | ditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalization | echolocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and 100 m (76%). Rodentia (n =31,573) has the highest number of records followed by Chiroptera (n = 18,857), Carnivora (n = 18,594), Lagomorpha (n = 17,496), Cetartiodactyla (n = 11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n = 7008). The data set includes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened (e.g., Oryctolagus cuniculus [n = 12,159], Monachus monachus [n = 1,512], and Lynx pardinus [n = 197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate the publication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contribute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting on the development of more accurate and tailored conservation management strategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications