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Unravelling consumer sentiments towards communicated health-safety and sustainability practices in hotels
No full textCOVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted travel and hospitality industry. As hotels began to reopen after the initial lockdowns, many implemented new standards to reduce health risks. At the same time, travel recommender sites and accommodation booking websites introduced sustainability labelling and health and safety badges to help travellers book safe and sustainable accommodation options. This study investigates a 2,655 online hotel reviews from Costa del Sol region of Spain, collected between February 2020 and March 2021 to capture the full impact of the pandemic’s first year on tourism sector. Using a deep learning-based sentiment analysis combined with ANOVA, the study examines gest perceptions of hotels’ health and sustainability standards and explores their relationship with overall review scores. Additionally, the content of the reviews is analysed to identify emerging themes and associated sentiments. The findings indicate that although guests rarely mentioned health measures explicitly, these practices had a measurable impact on review scores. While the analysis of sustainability-related sentiments remains exploratory, preliminary results suggest that highercategory hotels (i.e., 4- or 5-star) are more likely to communicate a broader range of implemented sustainability, health, and safety practices. More research is needed to understand the evolving sentiment towards health and sustainability issues amongst hotel guests across various segments of travel and hospitality industry as wells as across cultures
ENAQUA 25 national aquaculture meeting CIMAR/LA: book abstracts
No full textIt is a great pleasure to host you at the University of Algarve for this inaugural event, jointly organised by CCMAR and CIIMAR, the two research institutes that together form CIMAR-LA, Portugal’s largest marine and environmental research laboratory. This meeting marks an important milestone for our community, and our ambition is to establish ENAQUA as a biennial gathering that strengthens collaboration, promotes scientific excellence, and advances innovation in aquaculture.
We are pleased to welcome participants from 15 institutions, including researchers, students, industry representatives, and stakeholders from across the sector. Your presence reflects the diversity, vitality, and growing strategic importance of aquaculture in Portugal and Europe.
This year, ENAQUA25 features a dedicated Industry Session focusing on Bivalves, a major pillar of national and international aquaculture. This session underscores our commitment to engaging with industry partners, understanding their challenges, and contributing meaningful scientific solutions that support sustainable growth, food sovereignty, and the societal relevance of aquaculture.
We thank all contributors for their abstracts, presentations, and posters, which form the core of this scientific programme. We also extend our gratitude to our keynote speakers, supporters, sponsors as well as organising and scientific committees for their dedication and essential support in making this event possible.
We wish you an inspiring and productive meeting, full of opportunities for learning, discussion, and the strengthening of future collaborations.UID/04326/2025; UID/04423/2025; UID/PRR/04326/2025; UID/PRR/04423/202
Joint model for zero-inflated data combining fishery-dependent and fishery-independent sources
No full textAccurately identifying spatial patterns of species distribution is crucial for scientific insight and societal benefit, aiding our understanding of species fluctuations. The increasing quantity and quality of ecological datasets present heightened statistical challenges, complicating spatial species dynamics comprehension. Addressing the complex task of integrating multiple data sources to enhance spatial fish distribution understanding in marine ecology, this study introduces a pioneering five-layer Joint model. The model adeptly integrates fishery-independent and fishery-dependent data, accommodating zero-inflated data and distinct sampling processes. A comprehensive simulation study evaluates the model performance across various preferential sampling scenarios and sample sizes, elucidating its advantages and challenges. Our findings highlight the model’s robustness in estimating preferential parameters, emphasizing differentiation between presence–absence and biomass observations. Evaluation of estimation of spatial covariance and prediction performance underscores the model’s reliability. Augmenting sample sizes reduces parameter estimation variability, aligning with the principle that increased information enhances certainty. Assessing the contribution of each data source reveals successful integration, providing a comprehensive representation of biomass patterns. Empirical application within a real-world context further solidifies the model’s efficacy in capturing species’ spatial distribution. This research advances methodologies for integrating diverse datasets with different sampling natures further contributing to a more informed understanding of spatial dynamics of marine species.UIDP/00013/2020; UIDB/00013/2020; PD/BD/150535/2019; PTDC/MAT-STA/28243/2017; MAR-111.4.1-FEAMPA-0000
Rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations: the overlooked factor promoting SW Iberian Forest development across the LGM and the last deglaciation?
No full textA cross the last deglaciation, the atmospheric CO2 concentration (CO2) increased substantially from ∼ 180 to ∼ 280 ppm, yet its impact on vegetation dynamics across this major climatic transition remains insufficiently understood. In particular, Iberian pollen records reveal an intriguing feature that can be related to an often-overlooked role of CO2 in shaping vegetation responses during the last deglaciation. These records reveal the near disappearance of forests during the cold Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and Heinrich Stadial 1 (HS1) phases and an unexpected recovery during the Younger Dryas (YD) cold phase when CO2 increased. Here, we present high-resolution tracers of terrestrial (pollen, C29: C31 organic biomarker) and marine (alkenone-derived Sea Surface Temperature, C37: 4 %, and long-chain n-alkanes ratios) conditions from the southwestern (SW) Iberian margin Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Site U1385 (“Shackleton site”) for the last 22 cal kyr BP. This direct land-sea comparison approach allows us to investigate how the Iberian Peninsula vegetation responded to major global CO2 changes during the last deglaciation. Our results show that cool and moderately humid conditions of the LGM supported a grassland-heathland mosaic ecosystem, but low CO2 likely caused physiological drought and suppressed forest development. HS1, the coldest and most arid period, combined with sustained low CO2 values, almost suppressed forest growth in favour of Mediterranean steppe. In contrast, the warmer Bølling-Allerød, characterised by a temperature optimum and variable but generally wetter conditions, along with the rise of CO2 above 225 ppm at ∼ 15 cal kyr BP, contributed to substantial forest development. During the YD, sufficient moisture combined with increasing CO2 enabled the persistence of a mixed grassland-forest mosaic despite cooler temperatures. Our study suggests that during cool and humid periods (LGM and YD) different pCO2 values led to contrasting SW Iberian vegetation responses. In contrast, during periods of relatively high CO2, temperature and precipitation played the main role in shaping the distribution and composition of the vegetation.SFRH/BD/128984/2017; MAR/LA00015/2014; CEECIND/02208/201
Classifying polish in use-wear analysis with convolutional neural networks
No full textLithic use-wear analysis examines micro- and macroscopic traces on tool surfaces resulting from human use and post-depositional processes. Polish, formed through surface abrasion with different materials, is a key diagnostic feature that is increasingly analyzed using machine learning to enhance automation and standardization. However, further research is needed to explore whether deep learning approaches, in particular, can be effectively applied to use-wear analysis and to determine the optimal surface area size (e.g., patch size and microscope objectives) and model architecture (custom vs. pre-trained) for achieving the best results. This study employs convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to classify experimental polish based on contact material (wood, hide, bone) and use intensity, while also assessing optimal imaging and analytical parameters. The results of this exploratory study suggest that CNNs may effectively identify polish from bone and hide but perform less effectively with wood. The models also successfully distinguish between polish formed by short- and long-term use. Custom models outperformed pre-trained ones, particularly when using images that captured smaller areas of the tool’s surface, suggesting that bigger surface areas may lack the necessary information for optimal results. These findings underscore the need to expand use-wear datasets in terms of size and variability and optimize CNN architectures and workflows
Psychological adjustment and dark triad traits in adolescents living in residential care: a comparative study between boys and girls
No full textYoung people in residential care settings tend to present a heightened risk of emotional and behavioral problems. This study intended to explore connections between Dark Triad personality traits and psychological adjustment and to investigate potential sex and age differences in psychological adjustment and the expression of Dark Triad traits. Primary data were collected from a sample of 511 youth (279 girls and 232 boys) aged between 12 and 24 years, living in 46 Portuguese residential care institutions. Self-report questionnaires (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Short Dark Triad) were used to collect the primary data. Statistical methods were used such as analysis of variance, multivariate analysis of variance, and hierarchical regression analysis. Results showed that boys scored higher in all Dark Triad traits and in behavioral problems. Younger participants scored higher in Machiavellianism and Psychopathy, in emotional and behavioral problems, and in hyperactivity/inattention difficulties. These results could help institutional professionals and social policies assess and delineate individual programs.UID/06317/202
Presença do corpo: práticas pedagógicas afrorreferenciadas para uma educação sensível e antirracista na formação docente
No full textVisando resgatar a cultura e a valorização das africanidades, o governo brasileiro alterou a Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação (LDB), Lei n.º 9.394/96, ao sancionar a Lei n.º 10.639, em 09 de janeiro de 2003, tornando obrigatório o ensino de História da África e da cultura afro-brasileira nas escolas da educação básica e no ensino superior, com destaque para os cursos de formação de professores. O parecer do CNE/CP n.º 03/2004 aprovou as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para Educação das Relaç.es Étnico-Raciais e para o Ensino de História e Cultura Afro-Brasileiras e Africanas. A Lei n.º 10.639 foi atualizada pela Lei n.º 11.645, em 2008, reforçando os estudos de culturas indígenas.
A criação da Lei n.º 10.639/2003 ocorreu dois anos após a III Conferência de Durban, com o intuito de reparar as desigualdades históricas a respeito da população negra, bem como contribuir para que se possa diminuir o número de pessoas vítimas do racismo e da discriminação racial
Correction: Din et al. AI-driven conservation of the endangered twisted yew (Taxus contorta Griff.) in the western himalaya.
No full textThe renin-angiotensin system in healthy human platelets: expressed but inactive
No full textPlatelets play a crucial role in arterial thrombus formation, offering potential for new antiplatelet therapies with reduced bleeding risk. Here, we investigated the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in human platelets and explored its potential link to COVID-19 coagulopathy. Experiments were performed ex vivo on healthy human platelets. The expression of RAS receptors (Mas, MrgD, ACE, ACE2, AT1 and AT2) was evaluated using western blot and immunofluorescence. Platelets were incubated in vitro with either Captopril or different RAS peptides including Alamandine, Angiotensin-I, Angiotensin-II, Angiotensin-(1-7), and Angiotensin-(1-9). Platelet adhesion was measured by spectrophotometry using BCECF fluorescence. Platelet activation and aggregation were analyzed using aggregometry after stimulation with extracellular matrix proteins. ACE and ACE2 activity were assessed using Fluorescent Peptides (FPS). We demonstrated that healthy human platelets express all the tested RAS receptors. However, RAS peptides did not modulate platelet adhesion or aggregation despite a wide range of concentrations tested. ACE activity was detected in platelet lysates, but it was not inhibited by Captopril, while ACE2 activity was undetectable. Our findings suggest that while RAS receptors are expressed in platelets, RAS peptides do not impact platelet function, at least in our experimental setting. COVID-19 coagulopathy may occur independently of the RAS
Evaluation of antioxidant and anthelmintic properties of tithonia diversifolia extracts against gastrointestinal nematode eggs using in vitro assays
No full textParasitic diseases caused by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are considered important limiting factors for livestock production worldwide, as they significantly compromise animal welfare and increase production costs. For years, parasite control has relied exclusively on the use of synthetic drugs. Resistance of GIN to commercial anthelmintics has been increasingly reported throughout the world. Therefore, alternative approaches have emerged for controlling GIN in farm animals, including the exploration of plants with bioactive potential. Tithonia diversifolia can be harvested year-round, and all parts of the plant have been used in folk medicine for a wide range of diseases. This study evaluated the in vitro antioxidant properties of water and 70% aqueous acetone extracts of T. diversifolia aerial parts, including leaves, branches, and flowers, using radical-based methods, and assessed its anthelmintic potential through a parasite model, employing the egg hatching assay (EHA) with water extracts. Additionally, the total polyphenolic content of the extracts was determined. These findings highlight T. diversifolia as a promising natural source of antioxidant and anthelmintic compounds.CEECIND/00425/201