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Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs survival in late-onset axial spondyloarthritis — data from a Portuguese registry
No full textObjectives Although axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) typically begins before age 45, late-onset axSpA (lo-axSpA) has been widely recognized. While existing literature describes this subgroup, data on therapeutic approaches remain limited. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biologic DMARDs in patients with lo-axSpA.Methods We conducted a retrospective, multicentre, national cohort study using data from the Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Register. A cut-off age of 45 years was applied to define lo-axSpA. Group differences between early- and late-onset disease activity scores were evaluated, and drug survival was assessed over 12 months. Predictors of drug discontinuation were identified using a Cox proportional hazards model.Results In total, 2256 patients were included, of whom 260 (11.5%) had lo-axSpA. Patients with late-onset disease exhibited significantly higher scores in the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Despite these differences, both groups showed proportional reductions in disease activity scores, indicating a continuous decrease in disease activity over time. Although the late-onset group had a higher discontinuation rate during the first 12 months of treatment, lo-axSpA was not associated with an increased risk of therapy discontinuation. The primary reason for treatment discontinuation in both groups was inefficacy, with low rates of infections and other adverse events observed across the cohort.Conclusion Our study demonstrated that lo-axSpA is not associated with reduced treatment efficacy or compromised safety
Operational platform for metocean forecasts in Thermaikos Gulf (Aegean Sea, Greece)
No full textThermaikos Gulf, located in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea, faces significant anthropogenic pressures and natural hazards, requiring reliable metocean forecasts for weather, ocean circulation, sea levels, waves, and hazard predictions, including pollutant transport, coastal floods, and freshwater discharges. The Wave4Us operational platform addresses these needs by providing high-resolution and specialised forecasts, accessible to local authorities, researchers, and the public. Additionally, on-demand predictions for marine pollution, coastal inundation, and heatwaves offer real-time insights to emergency responders and coastal authorities during hazardous events. This study presents the platform’s structure, modelling advancements, and predictive skill for specific hazards. Forecast efficiency is evaluated against satellite and field observations: (i) the simulated oil spill spreading is verified by satellite data; (ii) the modelled freshwater discharges are validated against field measurements (high correlation, RMSE < 10%); (iii) a pronounced river plume spreading is confirmed by ocean/tracer simulations and satellite imagery; (iv) the prediction of sea level, wave conditions, and coastal flooding under a severe low-pressure system is validated against measurements and documented events; (v) the marine heatwave predictions is confirmed by comparing simulated and satellite sea temperatures (error < 1%). These evaluations demonstrate the platform’s reliability in forecasting key environmental risks, aiding decision-making and response efforts in the Thermaikos Gulf region.10.54499/CEECINST/00146/2018/CP1493/CT001
Skeletal age assessed by Greulich-Pyle: intra-observer and inter-observer agreement among male pubertal tennis players
No full textThe assessment of biological maturation is a central topic in pediatric exercise sciences. Skeletal age (SA) reflects changes in each bone of the hand and wrist from initial ossification to the adult state. This study examined intra-observer and inter-examiner agreement is Greulich-Pyle (GP) assessments of SA in 97 male tennis players 8.6–16.8 years of age. Two observers independently examined all films on two occasions using the GP method. The SA of each bone was evaluated. The mean and median of SAs assigned for each bone was the individual SA for each participant. The calculation was exclusively based on the bones that were not skeletally mature. Intra-observer mean differences were significant for several bones with better results by the experienced examiner (observer B). Comparisons between SA values of the two independent observers indicated significant differences for the ulna, metacarpals II and III, and distal phalanx V. Nevertheless, the magnitude of the bone-specific differences was small, perhaps trivial. Differences in individual SA values of the tennis players based on the non-mature bones of the hand-wrist were negligible based on the mean (0.04±0.39, t = 0.321, p = 0.749) or the median (0.05±0.58, t = 0.007, p = 0.994). Nevertheless, the current study confirmed examiners as a source of error in the estimation of SA using the Greulich-Pyle method and highlighted the importance of calculating SAs based on non-mature bones among adolescent players.UIDP/04213/202
The effect of smoking on lung function changes during a 16-week combined exercise program in middle-aged workers: a latent growth curve analysis
No full textPurpose To investigate the longitudinal changes in lung function of sedentary middle-aged workers over a 16-week combined exercise training program. Methods Thirty-six sedentary workers (53.70±6.92 years old) were randomly allocated to either a combined aerobic and resistance training program (n=18) or a control group (n=18). Lung function was evaluated through spirometry using a portable fow spirometer (Spiropalm 6MWT, Cosmed, Italy). Predicted percentages of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the frst second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and mean forced expiratory fow between 25 and 75% of exhaled FVC (FEF25–75) were analyzed. Assessments were performed at baseline (M1), after 8-week (M2) and 16-week follow-up (M3). The changes in lung function were analyzed using the Latent Growth Curve Modeling that estimated interindividual and intraindividual growth paths. Results Smoking status revealed a signifcant efect on lung function growth with signifcant paths to intercept and slope for all models in both groups. The exercise group participants who are non-smokers revealed higher increases in FVC% (β=.22), FEV1% (β=.08), FEV1/FVC% ratio (β=.19), and FEF25–75% (β=.06) compared to those who are smokers from M1 to M3. The control group revealed a lower growth in lung function from M1 to M3, with a lower slope observed in smokers compared to non-smokers for FVC% (β=−.44), FEV1% (β=−.41), FEV1/FVC% (β=−.98), and FEF25–75% (β=−.52). Conclusion Our fndings suggest that a 16-week combined training program is an efective strategy to improve lung function among sedentary workers, with a higher magnitude of improvement for non-smokers compared to smokers. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04868240. Registered April 30, 2021
Using “Txting” to teach/learn maternal languages
No full textText messaging (commonly known as txting) has become a preferred form of communication among young people worldwide. More than a fashion accessory, texting from mobile devices is fast becoming a Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) form of expression, albeit one often accused of introducing dramatic changes to every language it touches. Even though we find signs of spelling and grammatical inventions in the text messages of young users —such as abbreviations, quick sentences, questionable punctuation—this practice will not affect the structure of a language, since languages (as products of conventions, accepted and transformed at the same rhythm as societies and mentalities that propel them) progress and modify themselves constantly, without being destroyed in the process.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Tourism literacy: um conceito e competências para trazer um olhar mais sustentável e ético ao turismo
No full textEsta investigação tem como objetivos fundamentais procurar: 1- Definir o conceito de Tourism Literacy (TL);
2- Apresentar uma proposta de competências, que permita aos investigadores e demais stakeholders avaliar competências neste âmbito e aplicá-la em estudos futuros; ou seja: compreender o papel dos mediadores, quem são e como se relacionam, através dos seus canais de comunicação; como se tornam competentes e literatos, numa relação que faz parte de um processo educomunicativo, no qual existem sempre as fases de preparação, experiência e aprendizagem e em que todos são educadores não formais, estabelecem conexões, direcionando as suas ações para o desenvolvimento integral do ser humano;
3- Demonstrar que estas competências têm relação estreita com a comunicação/media, determinantes na comunicação turística e que contribuirão para os mediadores tenham práticas mais consonantes com os ODS (Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável) e as propostas da OMT (Organização Mundial do Turismo) relativas à sustentabilidade, cultura, ética e diálogo intercultural.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Gestão de marketing turístico no Grupo Visabeira: Experiência nos hotéis Montebelo & Resorts
No full textEste relatório analisa a oferta dos estabelecimentos e a experiência dos consumidores nos restaurantes e hotéis do grupo Visabeira, com maior ênfase no hotel Montebelo Vista Alegre Chiado, em Lisboa. O estudo é parte integrante do relatório de estágio realizado no Grupo Visabeira, no âmbito do mestrado em turismo da Universidade do Algarve. A investigação foi conduzida através de uma combinação de métodos, incluindo observação não participante no hotel, análise de comentários na plataforma Booking.com, e uma entrevista aprofundada com a diretora da unidade hoteleira. Os resultados indicam que a experiência dos consumidores é influenciada por vários fatores, como o ambiente das instalações, a qualidade do serviço, e a adequação da oferta gastronómica às expectativas dos clientes. A análise sugere que a personalização e a consistência na experiência do cliente são determinantes para a satisfação e lealdade, enquanto a comunicação eficaz desempenha um papel central na promoção dos produtos turísticos e no fortalecimento da imagem da marca. Conclui-se que o Grupo Visabeira, tem adotado estratégias de comunicação que, embora sejam eficazes na sua maioria, podem ser aprimoradas para aumentar ainda mais o impacto positivo na perceção da experiência dos consumidores. As informações obtidas fornecem insights valiosos para a melhoria contínua dos serviços oferecidos, especialmente no estudo de caso concreto da experiência dos consumidores no hotel Montebelo Vista Alegre Chiado Lisboa.This report examines consumer communication and experiences in the restaurants and hotels of the Montebelo group, with a particular focus on the Montebelo Vista Alegre Chiado Hotel in Lisbon. The study is part of an internship report conducted at Grupo Visabeira, as part of a master's degree in Tourism Marketing. The research employed a combination of methods, including non-participant observation at the hotel, analysis of customer reviews on the Booking.com platform, and an in-depth interview with the hotel's director. The findings suggest that customer experience is shaped by various factors, such as the ambiance, service quality, and how well the gastronomic offerings meet customer expectations. The analysis highlights that personalization and consistency in the customer experience are key to driving satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, effective communication plays a vital role in promoting the group's tourism products and strengthening brand perception. The conclusion indicates that, while Montebelo's communication strategies have been largely successful, there are opportunities for improvement to further enhance the customer experience. The insights gathered offer valuable recommendations for the ongoing development of the group's hospitality and restaurant services
The first tools produced in Portuguese territory more than a million years ago
No full textThe issue of pre-Acheulean archaic industries, or, to use more rigorous terminology, the Oldowan (name derived from the Oldowan Gorge in Tanzania), has a long history in Portuguese territory, with some of the findings made so far being somewhat uncertain, given the lack of radiometric dating of the respective sediments and of coeval fauna, which could contribute to establishing the chronology of the geological formations in question, which have not been preserved due to the geochemical nature of the terrain.
The following paragraphs will present a summary of the knowledge, identifying the main sites and associated artefacts, which constitute relevant elements for the critical analysis of the issue, based on the available observational data
The presence of the biface in Portuguese territory. The all-rounder, or the worldwide spread of a tool over 700,000 years ago
No full textThe ability to teach, learn and innovate was what allowed humans to become the dominant species on the planet and the biface was, together with fire, one of the main elements in the discovery and technical innovation that allowed the evolution of humanity at the beginning of our history
Storm processes and impacts in high energy geologically controlled barriers
No full textCoastal barriers are dynamic sedimentary landforms exposed to the impacts of coastal storms, with storm-induced erosion and shoreline retreat controlled primarily by the hydrodynamic forcing and barrier morphology. When located in storm-dominated environments, coastal barriers are typically attuned to energetic wave forcing, but extreme events can still result in significant impacts. Moreover, in geologically controlled barrier systems, less studied non dynamic geological controls such as the underlying bedrock topography or sediment availability can also mediate the morphological response to storms. Aiming to investigate the relative importance of geological controls on storm processes and impacts in coastal barriers along high wave energy coasts, this study integrates morphological and hydrodynamic data, satellite imagery and process-based numerical modelling to explore storm response in the Outer Hebrides barriers in the northwest of Scotland. Improvements to storm identification methods, to assessment and morphodynamic modelling of morphological change at contemporary timescales, resulted in more comprehensive characterisation of storm processes and impacts in high energy, geologically controlled barriers. Results indicate that there is an increasing trend in storm duration in the western coast of Scotland, and that more than the intensity of wave forcing, water level has a critical influence on storm response in barriers with a wide and shallow nearshore profile. However, variation in foreshore configuration, particularly the presence and height of intertidal rock surfaces, can induce a shift in the primary control of storm response from the hydrodynamic forcing to the geological control. Thus, geological constraints are shown to be important controls on storm-induced morphological response in coastal barriers, leading to spatial variability in shoreline change. Overall, the results of this thesis outline that the incorporation of geological controls in storm impact assessments, particularly in the context of rising sea-levels, is critical to better understand storm-induced changes in coastal barriers on high-energy, geologically constrained coastal environments.As barreiras sedimentares costeiras são formas de relevo dinâmicas, cuja resposta erosiva a tempestades é principalmente determinada pelo forçamento hidrodinâmico e pela morfologia litoral. Em ambientes costeiros dominados por tempestades, as barreiras sedimentares estão normalmente ajustadas à elevada energia da ondulação, mas a ocorrência de eventos extremos pode resultar em impactos significativos. Para além disso, em barreiras sedimentares controladas geologicamente, a presença de superfícies rochosas ou da disponibilidade de sedimentos pode influenciar a resposta morfológica às tempestades. Tendo como objetivo a investigação dos controlos geológicos nos processos e impactos de tempestades em barreiras sedimentares de litorais expostos a ondulação de elevada energia, este estudo integra a análise de dados morfológicos e hidrodinâmicos, imagens de satélite e modelação numérica para explorar a resposta morfodinâmica a tempestades nas barreiras das Outer Hebrides (Noroeste da Escócia). As melhorias propostas nos métodos de identificação de tempestades, na avaliação e na modelação morfodinâmica da resposta morfológica a tempestades, resultaram numa caraterização mais detalhada dos processos erosivos e dos impactos das tempestades em barreiras controladas geologicamente. Os resultados obtidos indicam um aumento na duração das tempestades na costa oeste da Escócia, e que o nível da água é mais determinante na resposta às tempestades do que a intensidade da ondulação. Contudo, a variação geomorfológica do perfil das barreiras, nomeadamente as características das superfícies rochosas na zona entremarés, pode levar à alteração no controlo da resposta às tempestades, com o domínio do forçamento hidrodinâmico a ser substituído pelo controlo geológico. Assim, verificou-se que os controlos geológicos determinam de forma significativa a resposta morfológica induzida pelas tempestades nas barreiras, promovendo uma variabilidade espacial considerável na dinâmica da linha de costa. Este trabalho evidencia que a incorporação dos controlos geológicos na análise do impacto de tempestades é fundamental para melhor compreender a dinâmica e evolução de barreiras sedimentares costeiras.2020.07497.D