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    Evaluating brown trout as a potential biological control agent of signal crayfish

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    This study evaluates the potential of brown trout (Salmo trutta) as a biological control of a recently established signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) population in a protected area (Baceiro River, Montesinho Natural Park, Portugal). Five sampling sites were monitored throughout 2023. Results indicated that brown trout were able to predate on signal crayfish but did so infrequently as only 12.24% of the sampled fish showed signs of signal crayfish in their stomachs. The number of signal crayfish in the stomach contents of brown trout was also low (only 2.13% of all prey items), but accounted for 17.70% of the total biomass of all retrieved prey items. Predation was higher in the warmer months and was size-dependent, with larger fish more able to predate on this non-native crayfish species. These findings highlight that, although brown trout can prey on signal crayfish, their effectiveness as a biological control agent is limited due to their lower abundance and predation rates. However, this situation may change in the future since brown trout may increasingly consume signal crayfish as they become more familiar with this novel prey. Therefore, it is important to conserve key native populations, and even reinforce their abundance, to allow communities to develop effective resistance to non-native species. In the meantime, a multifaceted management approach that incorporates additional control strategies, such as mechanical removal, is recommended to reduce the abundance and biomass of signal crayfish, potentially mitigating their impact and helping to maintain ecosystem balance in this protected area.This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through national funds under the project MULTI-CRASH: Multi-dimensional ecological cascades triggered by an invasive species in pristine habitats (PTDC/CTA-AMB/0510/2021) (https://doi.org/10.54499/PTDC/CTA-AMB/0510/2021) and the project Scientific Employment Stimulus - 6th Edition (2023.07078.CEECIND)

    Defining industrial tourism in the cross-border region of Portugal and Spain

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    This paper deals with the definition and valorisation of industrial and pre-industrial tourism in the crossborder region of Terras de Trás-os-Montes (Portugal) and Castilla y León (Spain). Industrial and preindustrial heritage is crucial to collective memory and has significant cultural, historical and tourist value. Industrial tourism is emerging as an initiative that enhances historic landscapes and contributes to urban development, the revitalisation of communities and the preservation of heritage. It is considered an innovative strategy for rehabilitating territories, transforming old facilities into attractions, exploring historic sites or operating companies. The “IN_GENIOS_DUERO_DOURO” project focused on promoting this heritage in the Douro-Duero Euroregion. The methodology included detailed mapping and characterisation, creating a database with 1,079 sites identified in 22 Portuguese and 80 Spanish municipalities. The results show that most sites are in Spain (77.1 %). The municipalities with the most identified sites are Valladolid (250) in Spain and Mirandela (32) in Portugal. The main heritage categories include transport infrastructure (335), wineries (255) and the food industry (221). Around 47.27 per cent of the sites identified are accessible to tourists. The database created is fundamental for valuing, safeguarding and designing tourist routes

    Ojos cruzados: Un protocolo de observación para la supervisión de la enseñanza entre iguales

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    Este artigo apresenta resultados da primeira fase de um estudo longitudinal e que teve como objetivo desenvolver um protocolo de observação para a supervisão pedagógica entre pares, com foco na educação pré-escolar e no 1.º ciclo do ensino básico. O estudo foi desenvolvido no contexto de um programa de Mestrado em Supervisão e Inovação em Educação, numa Instituição de Ensino Superior (IES) no nordeste de Portugal. O estudo propõe uma ferramenta prática e inovadora para enriquecer a prática reflexiva dos educadores/professores, com um foco específico no cruzamento de olhares no âmbito da supervisão pedagógica. O percurso metodológico incluiu a revisão da literatura, a análise das práticas de supervisão existentes e a consulta de especialistas reconhecidos, bem como a professores do 1.º ciclo do ensino básico realização de entrevistas a professores do 1.º ciclo do ensino básico, na modalidade de focus group. O protocolo fundamenta-se na supervisão pedagógica como processo colaborativo de aprendizagem contínua que contribui para o desenvolvimento profissional docente. No decorrer da investigação fomos percebendo que a eficácia do protocolo depende de formação, acompanhamento e adaptação às necessidades dos contextos educativos. Concluiu-se que o protocolo poderá constituir uma contribuição relevante para a formação de professores (inicial e contínua).This article presents the findings from the initial phase of a longitudinal study aimed at developing an observation protocol for peer pedagogical supervision, with a particular focus on early childhood education and the first cycle of basic education. The study was conducted within the framework of a Master’s programme in Supervision and Innovation in Education, offered by a higher education institution (HEI) located in the northeast of Portugal. The research proposes a practical and innovative tool intended to enhance educators’ and teachers’ reflective practice, with a specific emphasis on fostering dialogic and reciprocal perspectives within the scope of pedagogical supervision. The methodological design encompassed a comprehensive literature review, an analysis of existing supervisory practices, and consultations with acknowledged experts in the field, as well as focus group interviews conducted with teachers from the first cycle of basic education. The proposed protocol is underpinned by a conceptualisation of pedagogical supervision as a collaborative process of continuous professional learning, contributing substantively to teachers’ professional growth. As the research progressed, it became evident that the protocol’s effectiveness is contingent upon adequate training, sustained support, and contextual adaptation to the specificities of educational settings. The study concludes that the protocol holds significant potential as a meaningful contribution to both initial and continuing teacher education.Este artículo presenta los resultados de la primera fase de un estudio longitudinal cuyo objetivo fue desarrollar un protocolo de observación para la supervisión pedagógica entre pares, con un enfoque centrado en la educación preescolar y en el primer ciclo de la educación básica. El estudio se desarrolló en el contexto de un programa de Maestría en Supervisión e Innovación en Educación, en una Institución de Educación Superior (IES) ubicada en el noreste de Portugal. La investigación propone una herramienta práctica e innovadora orientada a enriquecer la práctica reflexiva de educadores y docentes, con un enfoque específico en el intercambio de miradas en el marco de la supervisión pedagógica. El recorrido metodológico incluyó una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura, el análisis de las prácticas de supervisión existentes y la consulta a especialistas reconocidos en el área, así como la realización de entrevistas en modalidad de grupo focal con docentes del primer ciclo de la educación básica. El protocolo se fundamenta en la concepción de la supervisión pedagógica como un proceso colaborativo de aprendizaje continuo que contribuye al desarrollo profesional del profesorado. A lo largo del proceso investigativo, se constató que la eficacia del protocolo está condicionada por la formación adecuada, el acompañamiento sistemático y la adaptación a las necesidades específicas de los contextos educativos. Se concluye que el protocolo puede constituir una contribución significativa tanto para la formación inicial como continua del profesorado

    Influence of household conditions on the shelf-life and polyphenolic-related health claim of Cobrançosa extra virgin olive oil

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    This study examines how typical household conditions after bottle opening affect the physicochemical, sensory, and bioactive properties of cv. Cobrançosa extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), attempting to define kinetic models to predict the shelf-life (SL) during domestic use. For 9 weeks, EVOO amber glass bottles (750 mL), exposed to light (n = 5) or darkness (n = 5), at 18 ± 2 ºC, were opened/shaken daily to simulate household use, with oil removed weekly. In light-exposed samples, the peroxide value (PV) imposed EVOO declassification at week five, with intense rancidity at week eight (≥ 3.5), rendering the oil unsuitable for consumption. On the contrary, light-protected oils had only a downgrade to virgin olive oil due to a K232 rise. Acidity was preserved, as was the health claim supported by tyrosol/hydroxytyrosol polyphenols. Kinetic models (zero-, first-, and second-order) supported on the oxidation indicators (PV, K232, or K268), allowed determining reaction rates by linear regression (correlation coefficients: 0.942 to 0.997). For light-exposed oils, PV was the most reliable indicator of SL, predicting from a second-order TRUL model a preservation of the EVOO grade for 35 ± 2 days, in agreement with the experimental SL (28–35 days). For light-protected oils, K232 was the most accurate SL indicator, predicting a SL of 49 ± 4 days using a zero-order TRUL model, consistent with the experimental SL (49–56 days). The models were validated using SL literature data from cvs. Arbequina, Istarska Bjelica, and Buža olive oils, confirming their applicability to various cultivars and highlighting oxidation’s role, particularly photo-oxidation, in EVOO degradation during domestic use.Open access funding provided by FCT|FCCN (b-on). The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support by national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020, https:// doi.org/10.54499/UIDB/00690/2020; and UIDP/00690/2020, https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDP/00690/2020), and to the Associated Laboratories LAQV/Requimte (LA/P/0008/2020, https://doi.org/10.54499/LA/P/0008/2020; UIDP/50006/2020, https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDP/50006/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2020, https://doi.org/10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020). The authors are also grateful to the project “Agenda VIIAFOOD - Platform for Valorization, Industrialization and Commercial Innovation in Agri-Food” (no. C644929456-00000040), financed by the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Nuno Rodrigues and Rebeca Cruz also acknowledge the national funding by FCT, through the institutional scientific employment program-contracts

    Impact of pouch packages on olive oil shelf-life stored at 30 and 40 ºC

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    Olive oil is highly prone to oxidation, so proper storage and packaging are crucial to preserve its quality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of pouch packaging (like bag-in-box) in protecting extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) stored at 30 °C and 40 °C in darkness for 15 months, compared to glass packaging. EVOOs, classified as “soft” or “intense” based on aroma intensity, were analysed every three-months for free acidity, peroxide value, extinction coefficients (K232, K268) and total phenols. Except the latter, all parameters increased over time, especially at 40 ºC. Pseu do-kinetic models (zero, first, and second order) accurately described the degradation (R²: 0.9025–0.9973) and estimated shelf life (SL) based on legal EVOO thresholds. K268 gave the shortest SLs: 17/12 months for soft EVOO and 15/9 months for intense EVOO at 30 °C/40 °C. Despite the higher phenolic content, intense EVOO showed shorter SLs. Pouch packaging proved effective and com parable to traditional glass packaging

    Assessing surface water contamination by toxic metals via bioindicators: public health implications

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    This study presents the results of heavy metal concentrations in aquatic mosses collected from the Ave River Basin during two field surveys (campaigns II and III) and a comparison with data from a field survey carried out 15 years earlier (campaign I). The findings indicated high levels of chromium in the samples from the two previous campaigns, along with aggravated contamination of cadmium, lead, and zinc compared to campaign I. The order of metal accumulation in the moss samples, from highest to lowest, was Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd > Hg. The Metal Pollution Index (MPI) revealed changes in contamination levels between campaigns. Most stations experienced a decrease in classification due to increased water flow and reduced accumulation during Campaign II. The contamination patterns suggest the influence of industrial activities, particularly metal coating facilities. Monitoring and mitigation efforts are necessary to address persistent heavy metal pollution in the Ave River Basin

    (Des)orden informacional: Una discusión sobre el plan institucional de comunicación de crisis

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    O acesso rápido e fácil às informações por meio da internet provoca desafios quanto ao seu controle e gerenciamento. A percepção de liberdade pode favorecer a criação e a disseminação de notícias falsas, um problema presenciado por pessoas e instituições. Desse modo, como podemos extinguir notícias falsas e comportamentos oportunistas no fornecimento de informação? Esse caso busca contribuir para o desenvolvimento das habilidades de análise, diagnóstico e busca por soluções; despertar o aluno para possíveis ameaças; exercitar a criatividade na tomada de decisões e na concepção de estratégias, orientando-o, assim, à responsabilidade pela informação e à consulta de fontes oficiais. Os fatos apresentados no enredo do caso para ensino foram inspirados em acontecimentos reais no Instituto Federal do Piauí (IFPI). Apesar da história ser fictícia, acontecimentos nesse sentido eventualmente ocorrem na instituição. As informações são oriundas do IFPI, extraídas através da Diretoria de Comunicação e do site da instituição. A página oficial do IFPI no Instagram também constitui fonte de dados. O caso pode ser utilizado em disciplinas de graduação e pós-graduação lato sensu, nos cursos de Tecnologia da Informação, Comunicação Social, Administração e Gestão Pública, que discutam temas como: imagem institucional, gestão, crise, divulgação (e suas ferramentas), comunicação estratégica.The rapid, easy access to information via the internet creates challenges for its control and management. A broad perception of freedom can encourage the creation and dissemination of fake news, a problem that affects both individuals and institutions. How, then, can fake news and opportunistic behavior in the provision of information be eliminated? This teaching case seeks to contribute to the development of skills in analysis, diagnosis, and problem solving; to raise students' awareness of potential threats; to stimulate creativity in decision-making and strategy design; and to foster a sense of responsibility for information and the use of official sources. The events described in the case narrative are inspired by real situations at the Instituto Federal do Piaui (IFPI). Although the story is fictional, episodes of this nature do in fact occur at the institution. The information was obtained from IFPI, particularly from the Communications Directorate and the institution's official website, and from its official Instagram page. The case can be used in undergraduate and lato sensu graduate courses in Information Technology, Social Communication, Administration, and Public Management that address topics such as institutional image, management, crisis, dissemination (and its tools), and strategic communication.El acceso rápido y sencillo a la información por medio de internet genera desafíos en cuanto a su control y gestión. La percepción de libertad puede favorecer la creación y la difusión de noticias falsas, un problema experimentado tanto por personas como por instituciones. De este modo, ¿cómo podemos erradicar las noticias falsas y los comportamientos oportunistas en el suministro de información? Este caso busca contribuir al desarrollo de habilidades de análisis, diagnóstico y búsqueda de soluciones; despertar en el estudiante la atención hacia posibles amenazas; ejercitar la creatividad en la toma de decisiones y en la concepción de estrategias, orientándolo, así, hacia la responsabilidad por la información y la consulta de fuentes oficiales. Los hechos presentados en la trama del caso para enseñanza fueron inspirados en acontecimientos reales en el Instituto Federal de Piauí. Aunque la historia sea ficticia, sucesos de esta naturaleza eventualmente ocurren en la Institución. Las informaciones proceden del IFPI, extraídas de la Dirección de Comunicación y del sitio web de la institución. La página oficial del IFPI en Instagram también constituye una fuente de datos. El caso puede ser utilizado en asignaturas de grado y posgrado lato sensu, en cursos de Tecnología de la Información, Comunicación Social, Administración y Gestión Pública, que discutan temas como: imagen institucional, gestión, crisis, divulgación (y sus herramientas), comunicación estratégica

    Ethical challenges using technology in sport competitions

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    Purpose: Technologies such as artificial intelligence or tools such as AR and VR can potentially improve performance in sports. However, not all athletes, coaches, or sports clubs can access these resources. In addition, ethical issues related to data protection need to be considered. This research aims to evaluate the main challenges and potential drawbacks of using innovative technologies in sports, which may have an influence on their measures and the utility of innovative technologies. Design/methodology/approach: Considering Ethics in Sports, Ethical Measures, and Tech Benefits, to evaluate the main challenges and potential drawbacks of tech introduction in sports, which may influence their measures and the utility of innovative technologies, quantitative descriptive research was developed, and statistical analysis was carried out. Findings: This research found that ethical technologies in sports influence ethical measures, but technologies` utility influences ethical measures. It is necessary to broaden knowledge of the complex and dynamic relationships associated with the use of technology, to understand better the advantages and possible disadvantages associated with it, to promote the involvement of the different stakeholders, and to promote long-term engagement–the main consequences of introducing technology into sports influence both the measures and the usefulness of innovative technologies. Research limitations/implications: This study has many limitations, namely that it includes self-reported data and has a cross-sectional design, which may cause a conscious or unconscious bias. Practical implications: Ethical aspects of the use of technology, such as justice and equity, need to be considered. Social implications: It is well known that some technologies and tools, such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality (AR), or virtual reality (VR), can improve performance in sports. However, not all athletes, coaches, or sports clubs have access to these types of resources, which raises an ethical question regarding parity or fairness in competitions

    Efeitos da idade paterna na infertilidade e no desenvolvimento fetal

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    Embora a investigação sobre fertilidade se tenha centrado historicamente na idade materna, evidências recentes revelam que a idade paterna também influencia a capacidade reprodutiva e a saúde fetal. Objetivo: Analisar de que forma a idade paterna influência a fertilidade masculina e identificar os seus impactos potenciais no desenvolvimento fetal. Realizou-se uma revisão da literatura nas bases de dados PubMed e Web of Science, aplicando critérios de inclusão rigorosos (2015–2025, estudos quantitativos com homens em idade reprodutiva, texto completo em português ou inglês). Das x referencias obtidas, aplicados critérios de inclusão exclusão ficaram cinco estudos para análise. Verificou-se que a idade paterna avançada está associada a uma diminuição da qualidade do sémen (motilidade, morfologia, fragmentação do ADN), maior risco de aborto espontâneo, menor sucesso em técnicas de reprodução assistida, e aumento da incidência de doenças genéticas e neuropsiquiátricas na prole. Apesar de algumas compensações laboratoriais (ex. ICSI), os efeitos negativos do envelhecimento paterno são evidentes desde a fertilização até ao desenvolvimento embrionário. Conclusão: A idade paterna constitui um fator relevante na fertilidade e saúde neonatal. A sua inclusão nas avaliações e aconselhamentos reprodutivos deve ser reforçada na prática de enfermagem em saúde materna, promovendo decisões mais conscientes por parte dos casais e melhores cuidados pré-concecionais

    Storytelling e leitura mediada: ferramentas de promoção de competências socioemocionais em contextos educativos

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    No âmbito da unidade curricular de Prática de Ensino Supervisionada (PES) foi-nos possível desenvolver práticas de ação educativa em contexto de creche, educação pré-escolar e 1.º ciclo do ensino básico (1.º CEB) que sustentarão empiricamente este relatório. O presente estudo investiga o potencial do storytelling e da leitura mediada como ferramentas promotoras de competências socioemocionais (CSE) nos contextos formais de educação. Partindo da crescente valorização da educação holística e da centralidade das CSE no desenvolvimento global da criança, procurámos compreender de que forma a literatura para a infância pode contribuir para o reconhecimento, expressão e regulação das emoções, bem como para o fortalecimento da empatia, da escuta ativa e da consciência social. Com base numa abordagem qualitativa, centrada na observação participante, na análise de notas de campo, registos fotográficos e produções das crianças pode-se verificar o impacto efetivo da intervenção no desenvolvimento de CSE. As experiências de aprendizagem planificadas articularam a literatura para a infância com metodologias expressivas e dialógicas, demonstrando que a leitura mediada e as narrativas partilhadas constituem oportunidades privilegiadas para a construção de sentidos e o desenvolvimento da competência emocional e social. Os resultados sugerem que o uso intencional e sensível do storytelling e da leitura mediada em ambiente educativo potencia não só a literacia linguística e estética, mas também a capacidade das crianças de compreenderem a si próprias e aos outros, promovendo um clima de pertença, respeito e cooperação no grupo. Esta investigação sublinha, assim, a importância de integrar práticas narrativas no quotidiano pedagógico como parte de uma abordagem holística ao currículo, contribuindo para uma educação mais humana, inclusiva e emocionalmente significativa.Within the scope of the Supervised Teaching Practice (PES) curricular unit, it was possible to develop educational action practices in daycare, preschool, and the 1st cycle of basic education (1st CEB), which will empirically support this report. This study investigates the potential of storytelling and mediated reading as tools for promoting social and emotional competencies (SEC) in formal education contexts. Based on the increasing recognition of holistic education and the centrality of SEC in children's overall development, we sought to understand how children's literature can contribute to the recognition, expression, and regulation of emotions, as well as to the strengthening of empathy, active listening, and social awareness. Adopting a qualitative approach centered on participant observation and the analysis of field notes, photographic records, and children's productions, the planned learning experiences integrated children's literature with expressive and dialogical methodologies the effective impact of the intervention on the development of CSE can be verified. . These experiences demonstrate that mediated reading and shared narratives offer privileged opportunities for meaning-making and for developing emotional and social competence. The results suggest that the intentional and sensitive use of storytelling and mediated reading in educational settings enhances not only linguistic and aesthetic literacy but also children’s ability to understand themselves and others, fostering a sense of belonging, respect, and cooperation within the group. This research therefore highlights the importance of integrating narrative practices into everyday pedagogy as part of a holistic curricular approach, contributing to a more human, inclusive, and emotionally meaningful education

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