ISPA - Instituto Universitário

This study provides the first detailed assessment of the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting population from Poilão island, in the Bijagós archipelago of Guinea-Bissau, the only documented regular nesting site for this species in West Africa. Over 17 years, from 2007 to 2024, 29 females were tagged, with one to six individuals nesting annually, some for more than 10 years. Nesting occurs from July to November, coinciding with the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting season. Female hawksbills at Poilão are among the largest within the East Atlantic Regional Management Unit (EARMU), with average carapace length of 89.3 ± 4.3 cm. Satellite tracking revealed females remained year-round within the Bijagós archipelago, with small home ranges both during the inter-nesting (∼ 26.13 km²) and foraging periods (∼ 38.41 km²). Genetic sequencing identified two haplotypes - EiBr5 and EiBr7 - linking this population to others from within the EARMU and across the Atlantic, highlighting this rookery’s broader regional significance. Poilão is the single known rookery of origin of the orphan haplotype EiBR5 (also known as EiA49). Despite its importance, the minute size of this population and the lack of evidence for recent recruitment pose challenges to its potential for recovery and effective conservation. This study underscores the need for archipelago-wide sustained conservation measures to ensure the future of the hawksbills from Poilão, and West Africa.

The subjective task value (STV) aspect of Expectancy-Value Theory has recently gained significance in achievement motivation research. It posits that students are motivated to engage in a particular task due to its intrinsic value, attainment value, utility value, and perceived cost. More recently, these components have been divided into more specific facets. This study aimed to adapt Gaspard et al. (2017) value beliefs scale for Portuguese vocational secondary school students in the subjects of Portuguese and Mathematics. The confirmatory factor analysis conducted with 1859 students ( M age = 16.02) suggested that a hierarchical structure of STV fits the data adequately, with ten specific facets organized into four second-order components. Construct reliability, as well as convergent and discriminant validity, was also achieved. This instrument offers a useful tool for assessing students’ STV.

Higher-risk MDS (HR-MDS) with RARA gene overexpression is a subset of HR-MDS patients (pts) with an actionable target for tamibarotene, an oral and selective RARα agonist. Tamibarotene in combination with azacitidine (AZA) showed high complete remission (CR) rates in AML. SELECT-MDS-1 (NCT04797780) was a Phase 3 study comparing the activity of tamibarotene/ azacitidine (AZA) to placebo/AZA in newly diagnosed (ND) HR-MDS pts with RARA overexpression. Eligible patients had confirmed RARA overexpression by blood-based assay, untreated MDS with higher-risk features by IPSS-R and a bone marrow blast count >5%. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive either tamibarotene/AZA or placebo/AZA, respectively. A total of 246 participants with HR-MDS and RARA overexpression were randomized with 164 and 82 in the tamibarotene/azacitidine and placebo/azacitidine groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics included: 69.9% male; median age 75 (38-93); primary MDS 89.8%; WHO 2016 classification MDS-EB-1 48%, MDS-EB-2 52%; median bone marrow blasts 9.0%; IPSS-R risk category intermediate (25.5%), high (35.7%), very high (38.9%). The study did not meet the primary endpoint of CR, with a p-value of 0.2084 for the treatment effect in the tamibarotene/AZA group compared to the placebo/AZA group. The CR rates were 23.81% and 18.75% in the tamibarotene/AZA and placebo/AZA groups, respectively. The use of tamibarotene-based therapy to target RARα as a novel approach in HR-MDS pts with RARA gene overexpression is not a paradigm which can augment response rates beyond HMA monotherapy. Further explorations of alternative approaches, including those with a biomarker, to alter the natural history of this disease are warranted.

There is now abundant evidence for a role of social learning and culture in shaping behaviour in a range of avian species across multiple contexts, from migration routes in geese and foraging behaviour in crows, to passerine song. Recent emerging evidence has further linked culture to fitness outcomes in some birds, highlighting its potential importance for conservation. Here, we first summarize the state of knowledge on social learning and culture in birds, focusing on the best-studied contexts of migration, foraging, predation and song. We identify extensive knowledge gaps for some taxa but argue that existing evidence suggests that: (i) social learning and culture are taxonomically clustered and that (ii) reliance on social learning in one behavioural domain does not predict reliance across others. Together, we use this to build a predictive framework to aid conservationists in species-specific decision-making under imperfect knowledge. Second, we review evidence for a link between culture and conservation in birds. We argue that understanding which behaviours birds are likely to learn socially can help refine conservation strategies, improving the trajectories of threatened populations. Last, we present practical steps for how consideration of culture can be integrated into conservation actions including reintroductions, translocations and captive breeding programmes. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Animal culture: conservation in a changing world’.

Different theories explain how subjective experience arises from brain activity1,2. These theories have independently accrued evidence, but have not been directly compared³. Here we present an open science adversarial collaboration directly juxtaposing integrated information theory (IIT)4,5 and global neuronal workspace theory (GNWT)6, 7, 8, 9–10 via a theory-neutral consortium11, 12–13. The theory proponents and the consortium developed and preregistered the experimental design, divergent predictions, expected outcomes and interpretation thereof¹². Human participants (n = 256) viewed suprathreshold stimuli for variable durations while neural activity was measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging, magnetoencephalography and intracranial electroencephalography. We found information about conscious content in visual, ventrotemporal and inferior frontal cortex, with sustained responses in occipital and lateral temporal cortex reflecting stimulus duration, and content-specific synchronization between frontal and early visual areas. These results align with some predictions of IIT and GNWT, while substantially challenging key tenets of both theories. For IIT, a lack of sustained synchronization within the posterior cortex contradicts the claim that network connectivity specifies consciousness. GNWT is challenged by the general lack of ignition at stimulus offset and limited representation of certain conscious dimensions in the prefrontal cortex. These challenges extend to other theories of consciousness that share some of the predictions tested here14, 15, 16–17. Beyond challenging the theories, we present an alternative approach to advance cognitive neuroscience through principled, theory-driven, collaborative research and highlight the need for a quantitative framework for systematic theory testing and building.

A global pandemic is a hardly typical and anxiety-dampening event. Research in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic tells of associations between advancing age and anxiety dampening. The aim of this study was to further investigate this by examining and creating a blueprint of older Canadians’ symptoms of pandemic-related anxiety and coping strategies, and linkages among and between them. A national e-survey was conducted in the second year of the pandemic with 1,327 older Canadians, when national public health measures lifted. Anxiety symptoms were measured using the Geriatric Anxiety Scale - 10. Participants also completed the Coping with Stress and Anxiety personal assessment tool. Network Analyses revealed a troubling trio of anxiety symptoms of central importance to our respondents: feelings of restlessness, muscle tension and having no control over their lives. Restless and no control over my life explained between 64–68% of the variance in 8 other anxiety symptoms. Coping seemed to occur through trial and error. Some strategies appeared to work in tandem and others in opposition to each other. Remembered resilience and staying active functioned as bridges shielding older people from worry, restlessness, and tension through spurning other remedial actions. This study provides evidence of a stable and predictable network of anxiety symptoms containing three particularly pernicious symptoms and the complex and arduous nature of mentally healthy recovery work. A visual representation of how anxiety symptoms can operate as a network might help older people better understand their own symptom experiences. Combining the two networks offers a blueprint of what within-person recovery might look like and a visual teaching tool for practitioners and program developers; older people could gain added insight into their own recovery experience.

Inclusion is described as an ongoing process that aims to promote diversity and equity, and foster a sense of belonging for all. In Portugal, differentiated instruction (DI) is conceptualised as an effective inclusive approach that caters to individual student needs within a heterogeneous group. However, achieving the goal of including all students presents substantial pedagogical challenges and misconceptions about DI have proliferated, increasing inequalities in the classroom and sometimes educational exclusion. DI often only involves adjusting learning goals to accommodate struggling students’ abilities which neglects the transformation of school organisation that is fundamental to developing DI as a collective inclusive education project. Within this context, this chapter aims to explore the exclusionary effects of DI mainly due to the different interpretations of inclusive education.

Although fisheries bycatch is the greatest threat to many migratory marine megafauna, it remains unclear how population exposure to bycatch varies across the global range of threatened species. Such assessments across multiple populations are crucial for understanding variation in impacts and for identifying the management bodies responsible for reducing bycatch. Here, we combine extensive biologging data from white‐chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) populations (representing >98% of their global breeding population) with pelagic and demersal longline and trawl fishing effort to map the global distribution and fisheries‐overlap hotspots for the most bycaught seabird in the Southern Hemisphere. We tracked the year‐round movements of 132 adults in 2006–2018 and examined spatial overlap among seven populations comprising three genetically distinct groupings (metapopulations). Foraging areas during the nonbreeding season were more concentrated than during breeding, with birds from all populations migrating to continental shelf or upwelling zones, but with low spatial overlap among metapopulations. Fisheries overlap differed more among than within metapopulations, underlining that these should be considered separate management units. Overlap with pelagic longline fisheries was greatest for Indian Ocean populations, and from the fleets of South Africa, Japan, Taiwan, and Spain, off southern Africa and in the High Seas. Overlap with demersal longline and trawl fisheries was greatest for Indian and Atlantic Ocean populations, within the Exclusive Economic Zones of South Africa, Namibia, and Argentina, and with the South Korean demersal longline fleet in the High Seas. The high overlap with South Korean longliners in the southwest Atlantic Ocean is of particular concern as demersal fishing in this region is not covered by any Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO). We also identified fisheries‐overlap hotspots within RFMOs where there are no seabird‐bycatch mitigation requirements (1.5%–53.1% of total overlap within the area of competence of each RFMO), or where current mitigation regulations need to be strengthened. Our recommendations are that management bodies target the high‐priority fisheries we have identified for improved bycatch monitoring, mandatory best‐practice bycatch mitigation, and close monitoring of compliance, given the conservation concerns for white‐chinned petrels and other threatened seabirds.

Adolescents who possess environmental health literacy are more equipped to handle the effects of the environment on their health. This study uses data from Portugal’s 2022 HBSC survey to investigate the environmental health literacy (EHL) of teenagers. The Environmental Health Literacy Scale (EHLS) was verified by confirmatory component analysis. Within the framework of an ecosystem, this study investigates factors related to health and well-being. There are 7355 adolescents in the sample. EHLS_Social Norms and participation in volunteering activities were found to be significant predictors of EHL_Knowledge, which explained 25.2% of the variance in the final model. EHLS_Social Norms and EHLS_Knowledge accounted for 42.9% of the variance in EHL_Behaviors, while school grade was adversely connected with pro-environmental behavior. While actions and knowledge were major positive predictors, gender and school grades showed negative relationships, and EHL_Social Norms accounted for 46% of the variance. This study establishes a valid measure of environmental health literacy in adolescents, informing science education strategies and public health interventions.

Background DNA methylation (DNAm) is a developmentally dynamic epigenetic process; yet, most epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have examined DNAm at only one timepoint or without systematic comparisons between timepoints. Thus, it is unclear whether DNAm alterations during certain developmental periods are more informative than others for health outcomes, how persistent epigenetic signals are across time, and whether epigenetic timing effects differ by outcome. Methods We applied longitudinal meta-regression models to published meta-analyses from the PACE consortium that examined DNAm at two timepoints—prospectively at birth and cross-sectionally in childhood—in relation to the same child outcome (ADHD symptoms, general psychopathology, sleep duration, BMI, asthma). These models allowed systematic comparisons of effect sizes and statistical significance between timepoints. Furthermore, we tested correlations between DNAm regression coefficients to assess the consistency of epigenetic signals across time and outcomes. Finally, we performed robustness checks, estimated between-study heterogeneity, and tested pathway enrichment. Results Our findings reveal three new insights: (i) across outcomes, DNAm effect sizes are consistently larger in childhood cross-sectional analyses compared to prospective analyses at birth; (ii) higher effect sizes do not necessarily translate into more significant findings, as associations also become noisier in childhood for most outcomes (showing larger standard errors in cross-sectional vs prospective analyses); and (iii) DNAm signals are highly time-specific, while also showing evidence of shared associations across health outcomes (ADHD symptoms, general psychopathology, and asthma). Notably, these observations could not be explained by sample size differences and only partly to differential study-heterogeneity. DNAm sites changing associations were enriched for neural pathways. Conclusions Our results highlight developmentally-specific associations between DNAm and child health outcomes, when assessing DNAm at birth vs childhood. This implies that EWAS results from one timepoint are unlikely to generalize to another. Longitudinal studies with repeated epigenetic assessments are direly needed to shed light on the dynamic relationship between DNAm, development and health, as well as to enable the creation of more reliable and generalizable epigenetic biomarkers. More broadly, this study underscores the importance of considering the time-varying nature of DNAm in epigenetic research and supports the potential existence of epigenetic “timing effects” on child health.

The growing volume of waste electrical and electronic equipment (commonly known as e‐waste or WEEE) plastics presents significant environmental and regulatory challenges, particularly due to the presence of brominated flame retardants (BFRs). This study presents groundbreaking research on the mechanical recycling of brominated acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) derived from real post‐consumer WEEE. It evaluates the effectiveness of BFR extraction and explores the feasibility of simulating injection overmolding using the debrominated polymer. The extraction process achieves BFR removal rates exceeding 94%, reducing the final BFR content, mainly those identified as persistent organic pollutants (BFR‐POPs), to below 50 ppm, thus complying with Directive 2019/1021/EU. Compared to virgin ABS (vABS), the debrominated ABS maintains its physico‐chemical characteristics with increased elastic modulus, stress at yield, and stress at break, although impact toughness is reduced. Moldflow simulations reveal that the polymer interface temperature and duration above ABS's glass transition temperature are insufficient for optimal polymer chain auto‐diffusion. To maximize interlayer adhesion, both mold and material temperatures must be increased. These findings confirm the technical feasibility of BFR removal and reuse of ABS in value‐added applications, contributing to sustainable material development and circular economy objectives for WEEE plastics.

This study delves into the profiles of individuals awaiting trial in Portugal, examining their sociodemographic, clinical and criminal backgrounds to elucidate the factors influencing pre-trial detention decisions. Analysing a cohort of 198 individuals (78.3% men), our findings challenge common assumptions, revealing that the majority of pre-trial detainees exhibit a low propensity for violence, often facing non-violent charges. Notably, the study contradicts the prevailing belief about leniency towards women, as female detainees, primarily first-time offenders with non-violent charges, reported lower violence risk, higher levels of familial support and higher rates of employment at the time of detention. Additionally, the research identifies key variables associated with a higher risk of violence among pre-trial detainees, emphasising age, prior convictions and recent remand status. These results underscore the imperative for early interventions tailored to this high-risk group. Overall, this work contributes crucial insights, prompting a reconsideration of pre-trial measures and advocating for more nuanced approaches in cases where less severe alternatives may be warranted.

The skipjack tuna, Katsuwonus pelamis is the worldwide most fished and economically significant tuna species. In the Atlantic Ocean, the management strategy of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) includes two stocks: (a) eastern (SKJ-E) and (b) western (SKJ-W) stocks. However, the genetic cohesiveness between these stocks remains poorly understood. Here, we provide this information through mitochondrial [control region (CR)] and nuclear (intron S7) data. In both markers, high genetic diversity and no contraction signals in effective population sizes were found, supporting the species conservation status as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN and the results of the latest ICCAT assessment of the two stocks. In general, no well-defined genetic-geographic structure was detected, which may be explained by the specie life history strategies, such as large population effective sizes and migratory behavior, with a broad geographical distribution, that reduce the isolation, inbreeding, and genetic drift effects. However, pairwise FST values within and between the Eastern and Western Atlantic suggest some weak to moderate genetic differentiation. These results involved mainly the Eastern Temperate Zone, represented herein by the Azores archipelago. It is important to highlight that higher differentiation levels were found between sites from different stocks. In addition, the CR data revealed a weak but significant genetic differentiation between the eastern and western stocks (FST = 0.0006). These results can be used to improve and support the ICCAT management strategies of skipjack tuna stocks, highlighting the need for a reevaluation and possible alignment between Eastern and Western Atlantic management actions.

Background: Health is a critical factor influencing key workplace outcomes, including job attitudes, behaviors, and performance. This study investigated the role of daily micro-breaks, specifically morning meditation practices, and positive affective experiences (i.e., positive affect) at work in predicting health-related outcomes, namely vitality and mental health. Using a non-experimental design, this study tested a moderated mediation model in which sleep quality moderates the relationship between morning meditation and positive affect, which, in turn, predicts end-of-the-day health-related outcomes. Methodology: Data were collected twice a day from 44 healthcare employees over five consecutive workdays using a daily survey approach. Key Results: Multilevel modeling analyses revealed that morning meditation was significantly associated with increased positive affect and improved health indicators at the end of the workday. Moreover, sleep quality moderated the relationship between morning meditation and positive affect, such that the conditional indirect effect of meditation on end-of-day mental health and vitality via positive affect was significant when sleep quality from the preceding night was poor. Conclusions: These findings underscore the interactive effect of prior-night sleep quality and morning meditation on affective and health-related outcomes by the end of the day. By identifying sleep quality as a key boundary condition, we contribute to a more nuanced understanding of when meditation is most beneficial. Our findings have significant implications for both research and practice, particularly in high-stress environments such as healthcare, where optimizing employee well-being is crucial for both individual and organizational performance.

In the current Portuguese population context 21% of people are aged 65 or over. This demographic phenomenon leads to a series of challenges like being exposed to. This study aimed to evaluate how resilience, loneliness, social support, sense of community, and ageism relate to neglect indicators according to gender and according to area of residence. The final sample consisted of 1101 Portuguese older adults aged 65 or over. The results showed that higher ageism and lower social support correlated with increased neglect in older women, while higher ageism and lower resilience were predictors in men. In rural areas, ageism and loneliness were key factors, whereas in urban areas, ageism, loneliness, and lower social support were significant. The multifaceted nature of neglect among Portuguese older adults is underscored, revealing the critical influence of ageism, gender and area of residence.

Background Palliative care teams’ support practices for bereavement vary substantially. Clinical guidelines are needed to promote concerted, evidence-based intervention. The goal of the present study is to identify and synthesize the principles and clinical guidelines that ensure best practices in bereavement support for family caregivers accompanied in palliative care. Methods A scoping review was conducted based on a systematic search of articles in academic databases (EBSCO, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Scopus) and Google (2010–2024). The review included articles focused on the principles, guidelines, and clinical recommendations for bereavement support for adult family caregivers in palliative care. Quality appraisal of guidelines was conducted using the AGREE II instrument. Results Of the 1,489 references identified, 20 documents were included, mostly governmental or institutional norms and clinical guidelines from gray literature. Quality appraisal revealed gaps in evidence selection, resource implications, updates and monitoring criteria. Eight fundamental principles were identified, from which several clinical guidelines were derived, organized according to the moments of assessment and intervention throughout the bereavement process, including pre and post-death period: (1) organizing support for the family caregiver; (2) assessing needs and establishing a care plan; (3) ensuring information and support for the family caregiver; (4) preparing for death; (5) support at the time of death; and (6) bereavement support post-death. In addition to universal support and information measures, regular assessment procedures should be adopted for timely referrals based on individual needs. Discussion These guidelines cover the temporal variation of care and the multidimensional and multiple-actor nature of palliative care. Implementing these guidelines and evaluating their impact will allow for the standardization of best practices and improve the quality of bereavement support in palliative care.

This book explores policies and practices in higher education specifically in teacher education, that promote sustainability, from multiple perspectives. It highlights both shared enablers and barriers across 18 research chapters. This book examines research, policies and practices across the world and discusses theory and empirical data underlying the research. The book offers critical perspectives on teacher education and highlights potential developmental objects. The findings across the book provide important insights into sustainable development in higher education institutions teaching and research and give its readers a possibility to better understand the challenges it faces. The final chapter of this book will conclude with an action plan for higher education institutions drawing all the presented global research of this book together, for the renewal of higher education.

There are multiple similarities and differences in policies but also practices for sustainable education across the 18 research chapters of this book. According to the chapters of this book, the future of teacher education lies in its ability to prepare educators who are not only knowledgeable but also deeply committed to the principles of sustainability. These educators will be well-equipped to contribute to the global agenda for a sustainable future, making a profound impact on the next generation and beyond. This chapter will conclude with an action plan for higher education institutions, especially for teacher education programs. The plan will set out some priority areas for reimagining the teacher education programs, that are highlighted across the chapters of this book. The final chapter will give its readers some guidelines on how to rethink teacher education now and in the future to support the sustainable development of societies. Finally, this book aims to inspire and guide those involved in teacher education to cultivate these necessary skills and perspectives.

Introduction The escalating prevalence of obesity presents a multifaceted challenge involving genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, with significant public health implications. Photobiomodulation (PBM) may positively influence metabolic activities in adipose cells and regulate inflammation, potentially impacting obesity. Methods A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to assess the effects of transabdominal PBM treatments in preclinical and clinical obesity studies, covering a range of physical, psychological, and physiological variables. Research articles were sourced from PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 24 studies, comprising 1041 patients, and 100 mice were incorporated. R software was employed for conducting meta‐analyses, and calculating effect sizes between experimental and control groups. Results In human models, significant discrepancies were revealed in waist circumference (Z = ‐2.16; p = 0.031), hip circumference (Z = 2.11; p = 0.035), insulin levels (Z = 2.11; p = 0.035), and triglycerides (Z = ‐2.4674, p = 0.0136). In animal models, significant differences were observed in epididymal adipocyte area (Z = ‐5.6930; p < 0.0001), triglycerides (Z = ‐2.0254; p = 0.04848), and glucose area under the curve (AUC; Z = ‐6.4112; p < 0.0001). Conclusions This study underscores the necessity of considering diverse wavelengths in PBM research, particularly within the realm of obesity, and emphasizes the imperative for further investigations to comprehensively elucidate PBM mechanisms and applications. The exploration of innovative therapeutic approaches unfolds novel avenues in the pursuit of comprehensive strategies to address obesity and its underlying determinants.

Background Immigrant students face additional challenges in educational settings. Current research lacks understanding of the associations between social aspects of students' school life, their impact on adjustment and how these differ based on immigrant status. We argue that solely knowing noting about the existence of differences is insufficient, and there is a need to better comprehend the complexity of such inequalities. Aims This study aimed at exploring associations among reported bullying, friend and teacher relationships, achievement motivation, well‐being and sense of school belonging, and comparing them among native and non‐native students. Methods We used structural equation modelling to test a theoretically proposed model. Multi‐group analysis compared associations between native and non‐native students, with additional analyses exploring differences between first‐ and second‐generation students. Results Immigrant status is linked to higher reports of bullying and poorer friendship quality. First‐generation (1G) immigrants are particularly affected in their friendships compared to second‐generation (2G) peers. The association between socioeconomic status (SES) and bullying was negative and significant in the native sample, but positive and slightly significant for non‐natives. The positive relationship between SES and the quality of friendships was only significant for the 1G sample, but not for 2G students. Finally, the negative association between bullying and well‐being was only significant for 2G students, but not for 1G immigrants. These and other results are presented and discussed. Conclusions Natives, 1G and 2G immigrant students show some differences in the way their social and affective school factors relate to one another. Implications, limitations and future directions are discussed.