RCAAP Repository

Infants born preterm (<37 gestational weeks, GW) are at increased risk for regulatory difficulties and insecure attachment. However, the association between infants' regulatory behavior patterns and their later attachment organization is understudied in the preterm population. We addressed this gap by utilizing a Portuguese sample of 202 mother-infant dyads. Specifically, we compared the regulatory behavior patterns of 74 infants born moderate-to-late preterm (MLPT, 32-36 GW) to those of 128 infants born full-term (FT, 37-42 GW) and evaluated the associations of these regulatory patterns with later attachment. Infants' regulatory behavior patterns (Social-Positive Oriented, Distressed-Inconsolable, or Self-Comfort Oriented) were evaluated in the Face-to-Face-Still-Face paradigm at 3 months, and their attachment organization (secure, insecure-avoidant, or insecure-ambivalent) was evaluated in the Strange Situation at 12 months corrected age. In both samples, the Social-Positive-Oriented regulatory pattern was associated with secure attachment; the Distressed-Inconsolable pattern with insecure-ambivalent attachment; and the Self-Comfort-Oriented pattern with insecure-avoidant attachment. However, compared to FT infants, infants born MLPT were more likely to exhibit a Self-Comfort-Oriented pattern and avoidant attachment. Most perinatal and demographic variables were not related to infant outcomes. However, infants with a higher 1-min Apgar were more likely to exhibit the Social-Positive-Oriented regulatory pattern and secure attachment.

Objectives: HIV outcomes centre primarily around clinical markers with limited focus on patient-reported outcomes. With a global trend towards capturing the outcomes that matter most to patients, there is agreement that standardizing the definition of value in HIV care is key to their incorporation. This study aims to address the lack of routine, standardized data in HIV care. Methods: An international working group (WG) of 37 experts and patients, and a steering group (SG) of 18 experts were convened from 14 countries. The project team (PT) identified outcomes by conducting a literature review, screening 1979 articles and reviewing the full texts of 547 of these articles. Semi-structured interviews and advisory groups were performed with the WG, SG and people living with HIV to add to the list of potentially relevant outcomes. The WG voted via a modified Delphi process - informed by six Zoom calls - to establish a core set of outcomes for use in clinical practice. Results: From 156 identified outcomes, consensus was reached to include three patient-reported outcomes, four clinician-reported measures and one administratively reported outcome; standardized measures were included. The WG also reached agreement to measure 22 risk-adjustment variables. This outcome set can be applied to any person living with HIV aged > 18 years. Conclusions: Adoption of the HIV360 outcome set will enable healthcare providers to record, compare and integrate standardized metrics across treatment sites to drive quality improvement in HIV care.

O OBJETIVO. Em 2021, o projeto de investigação REP-Representatitivade dos Parceiros Sociais e Impacto da Governança Económica, do Instituto de Ciências Sociais da Universidade de Lisboa, realizou o primeiro inquérito por questionário alguma vez realizado sobre a representatividade de sindicatos e de associações de empregadores em Portugal. Neste inquérito procurou-se operacionalizar o conceito de representatividade incluindo diversos indicadores, de natureza quantitativa e qualitativa. A AMOSTRA. Embora se trate de uma amostra estatisticamente não representativa, os sindicatos e associações de empregadores que compõem a amostra seguem uma distribuição próxima do universo em muitas variáveis (predomínio de associações de empregadores e de organizações sediadas nas grandes cidades), além de apresentarem uma diversidade geográfica, de dimensão e idade importante. A REPRESENTATIVIDADE DESCRITIVA (relativa ao número e composição social dos representados). As mulheres estão representadas maioritariamente nas direções dos sindicatos mas são uma minoria no seio dos associados. Elas estão representadas minoritariamente nas direções das associações de empregadores da amostra. A REPRESENTATIVIDADE SUBSTANTIVA (relativa à congruência entre interesses dos representados e defesa dos interesses pelos representantes). A matéria mais negociada nos últimos anos, de entre as sondadas, foram contratos estáveis, no caso dos sindicatos, e igualdade salarial entre homens e mulheres, no caso das associações de empregadores. Os sindicatos e as associações de empregadores tomam decisões importantes sobretudo reunindo a direção, mas auscultam os interesses dos seus associados de modo diverso: os sindicatos privilegiam os delegados sindicais, enquanto que as associações de empregadores recorrem às Assembleias Gerais. A PERCEÇÃO SOBRE O SISTEMA (sistema atual de aferição de representatividade, assente em critérios subjetivos). A esmagadora maioria, quer de sindicatos quer de associações de empregadores, considera que há riscos significativos decorrentes da falta de representatividade, sendo que o problema maior é o enfraquecimento da pressão negocial. Neste sentido, a maioria das organizações da amostra é favorável à mudança do sistema atual, baseado em critérios informais.

Lantibiotics are promising candidates to address the worldwide problem of antibiotic resistance. They belong to a class of natural compounds exhibiting strong activity against clinically relevant Gram-positive bacterial strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). Lichenicidin is a class II two-peptide lantibiotic. The presence of the two mature peptides, Bliα and Bliβ, is necessary for full activity against target bacteria. This work aims at clarifying the synergistic activity of both peptides in their interaction with the target membranes. The effect of lichenicidin was tested against S. aureus cells and large unilamellar vesicles. Lichenicidin increases the net surface charge of S. aureus, as shown by zeta-potential measurements, without reaching electroneutralization. In addition, lichenicidin causes cell surface perturbations that culminate in the leakage of its internal contents, as observed by atomic force microscopy. Bliα seems to have low affinity for S. aureus, however, it contributes to increase the affinity of Bliβ, because together they present higher affinity than separately. In contrast, Bliα seems to provide an anchoring site for lichenicidin in lipid II-containing membranes. Interestingly, Bliβ alone can induce high levels of membrane leakage, but this effect appears to be faster in the presence of Bliα. Based on this information, we propose a mechanism of action of lichenicidin.

A presente dissertação tem como objetivo o estabelecimento de uma delimitação dos conceitos de “versão” e “variante”, aplicados ao teatro breve português. São utilizados como casos de estudo dois conjuntos de entremezes dos séculos XVII e XVIII sem autoria identificada, com diferentes graus de variação entre si e cuja datação aproximada difere grandemente. O primeiro conjunto diz respeito a duas peças com o título Entremez do Sapateiro e o segundo tem por base uma comparação entre o Entremez da Vaca e o Entremez do Trapaceiro Castigado. É feita uma análise da variação mais significativa, e são apresentadas duas propostas de edição que têm em conta as especificidades de cada um.

This dissertation presents a detailed study on the current sustainable urban mobility at a European level, specifically the niche of networks operated by tramcars as public transport: the tramways. This study aims to analyze and evaluate the measures and proposals that influence and improve the quality of life of users and the urban environment in the future, articulating a new mobility proposal in Lisbon – the LIOS Project (Linha Intermodal Ocidental Sustentável). This study consists primarily in understanding the notions of Public Space in general, City and Public Spaces associated with Public Transport System Interfaces. Due to the constant technological evolution the public space has been increasingly more modifications in order to give way to new concepts of sustainable urban development as well as a sustainable city. It is understood that urban space needs to be a place of coexistence and leisure as well a set of services and flows, henceforth it is essential to include notions of sustainable urban mobility, the goals, challenges and politics involved. Following study we look on to a more practical analysis of examples of national and international tramcars to understand bus and tram car shelter design, materials, forms and concepts. This research provided insight on how the whole niche of sustainable development proposals influence a positive experience for the user in these environments. This analysis corroborates the relevance of a proposal of public transportation shelters within the LIOS Project. The proposal derives from a concept that respects sustainable parameters, form the wise selection of materials, design and incorporation.

Com este estudo, pretendemos investigar se se verifica uma diferença entre nacionalidades na influência entre a religiosidade e o bem-estar. Partimos da ideia de que é mais importante para o bem-estar o “como se é religioso” do que o simples “ser-se ou não religioso”. Abordamos a questão do ponto de vista do processamento cognitivo dos conteúdos religiosos, partindo da Teoria das Crenças Pós-Críticas de Wulff, e do ponto de vista da motivação subjacente à religiosidade, com um enfâse particular na Teoria da Auto-Determinação de Deci e Ryan. A amostra final conta com um total de 380 sujeitos, repartidos por 6 nacionalidades: 245 portugueses, 40 brasileiros, 29 irlandeses, 24 franceses, 22 canadianos e 20 espanhóis. Cada nacionalidade foi analisada em separado com o objectivo de se encontrar para cada uma o efeito dos tipos de religiosidade na satisfação com a vida e na sintomatologia depressiva, nomeadamente se a sintomatologia depressiva é explicada por uma motivação mais controlada e uma interpretação literal e se a satisfação com a vida pode ser prevista por um tipo de motivação mais autónoma e uma interpretação simbólica dos conteúdos religiosos. Os resultados obtidos revelam diferenças significativas entre cada nacionalidade, sendo apresentadas algumas sugestões explicativas do porquê dessas diferenças.

A aplicação dos princípios de justiça é restrita nos relacionamentos amorosos, contribuindo para a aceitação da violência contra a mulher. Objetivou-se analisar se o papel de percepções de justiça e do sexismo no apoio social que os estudantes universitários dão à violência doméstica. E se a crença do mundo justo é um moderador do papel mediador da restrição do âmbito da justiça na relação entre o sexismo e a aceitação da violência contra a mulher. Participaram 314 estudantes universitários. Os resultados demonstraram que as pessoas mais sexistas, que também acreditam que o mundo é um lugar justo, são as que restringem mais o âmbito da aplicação de justiça, ou seja, percebem o casamento como sendo excluído desse âmbito. Logo, este estudo acrescenta dados importantes nos estudos sobre o papel do contexto social na legitimação das desigualdades sociais.

This dissertation seeks to investigate concepts related to the public space and some of its current problems concerning urban social inclusion, as well as to assess concepts, areas of intervention and principles referring to the urban plans of Smart Cities, orienting them towards the importance of inclusion of social diversity. In this sense, it explains the importance of urban public space as an essential scenario for the realization of active citizenship, using a comprehensive perspective on its uses and the principles that guide the good practices of design procedures for public space. It also makes a reflection on the social inclusion of the public space and what the main chal-lenges are in this regard. In addition, we define the main underprivileged groups and those with the greatest risk of social exclusion. In addition, Smart Cities are currently associated with efficient responses to urban chal-lenges such as marked demographic growth or environmental pollution. Therefore, we analyze the intervention areas of Smart Cities, as well as the proliferated discourses about them, seeking to distinguish their real strengths and opportunities from the widespread technological utopias. We also recommend reflections on the use of Information and Communication Technologies - as a fundamental channel for Smart Cities' activities - and their relationship with the user, namely regarding their access, security and digital liter-acy. We then propose to focus on the concepts previously mentioned in order to highlight the contributions of Smart Cities to the social inclusion within the public space, listing them as principles for the development of inclusive Smart Cities.

The most recently discovered Human coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Coronavirus - 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is certainly the best-known coronavirus of all, as it is considered a successful invader. First identified in late 2019, it generated the current pandemic of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) when it spread across the planet in only a few months. Like some other members of the same family of viruses, SARS-CoV-2 can infect different types of human cells, however, the epithelia of the lungs and larynx are the main targets thus preferentially causing respiratory infections. Mortality associated with COVID-19 alongside the impacts on health, education, the economy and individual and social well-being are currently a concern for the whole world. These are not only due to the effects of the disease, but also the pandemic control measures imposed by governments across the world, namely mandatory isolation, and we are still looking to adapt to this new way of life alongside a virus that was previously unknown. However, humans and other animal species have long lived side by side with other coronaviruses, many of which unknown to most people, some quite harmless whilst other potentially lethal. In that sense, this is no different. This book aims to assemble and disseminate information about the origin, evolution and pathogenesis of animal and human coronaviruses in a simple and accessible way, and through this clarify readers’ doubts and fears as well as the rationale underlying transmission prevention actions. The main text of the manuscript is accompanied by two types of additional information for optional consultation; more in-depth information about some of the mentioned concepts (know more) and a set of questions & answers, providing the reader with the opportunity to clarify doubts relating to the content of each section. For the preparation of this book, we counted on the collaboration of technicians, researchers and academics in the areas of microbiology, epidemiology, animal health and public health. During the production and editing process, a board game and cards (Beat Corona) were also produced. These further explored some of the concepts mentioned in this book, including behaviours related to life in society and their implications in the transmission of diseases caused by coronaviruses, including COVID-19. This game can be used as a pedagogical resource in the classroom context, or as a mere leisure and learning activity.

The arrival of autumn each year brings new flu outbreaks a “season” which lasts over autumn and winter. The seasonality of the disease can be explained by prevailing weather conditions of higher humidity and lower temperatures, which favour the spread of the virus that causes the disease, and the fact that we also become more susceptible to transmission of the virus by spending more time indoors in closed environments. This disease is known as the flu or influenza. The word influenza — which is also the name of the virus that causes the disease —, reflects the seasonality of the disease and is derived from an Italian word meaning “influence”. The disease was given this name because doctors in the Middle Ages believed the disease was caused by the “influence” of the stars.

Objective: To understand participation and attrition phenomena variability in European cohorts of individuals born preterm through in-depth exploration of the interplay of situational elements involved. Study design and setting: Multi-situated qualitative design, using focus groups, semi-structured interviews and collaborative visual methodology with a purposive sample of adults born preterm, parents and professionals (N=124) from eight cohorts in seven European countries. Results: Most cohort participants were motivated by altruism/solidarity and gratitude/sense of duty to reciprocate (only absent in adults aged 19-21), followed by expectation of direct benefit to one's health and knowledge amongst participating adults. Common deterrents were perceived failure in reciprocity as in insufficient/inadequate interaction and information sharing, and postal questionnaires. Combining multipurpose, flexible strategies for contact and assessment, reminders, face-to-face and shorter periodicity and not simply adding retention strategies or financial incentives favoured participation. Professionals' main challenges entailed resources, funding and, European societal changes related to communication and geopolitical environment. Conclusion: Retention would benefit from tailoring inclusive strategies throughout the cohorts' life cycle and consistent promotion of reciprocal altruistic research goals. Investing in regular interaction, flexibility in procedures, participant involvement and return of results can help mitigate attrition as well as considering mothers as main facilitators to participating children and impaired adults.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, which is neuropathologically characterized by extracellular senile plaques containing amyloid-β and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Previous studies have suggested a role for septin (SEPTIN) protein family members in AD-associated cellular processes. Here, we elucidated the potential role of presynaptic SEPTIN5 protein and its post-translational modifications in the molecular pathogenesis of AD. RNA and protein levels of SEPTIN5 showed a significant decrease in human temporal cortex in relation to the increasing degree of AD-related neurofibrillary pathology. Conversely, an increase in the phosphorylation of the functionally relevant SEPTIN5 phosphorylation site S327 was observed already in the early phases of AD-related neurofibrillary pathology, but not in the cerebrospinal fluid of individuals fulfilling the criteria for mild cognitive impairment due to AD. According to the mechanistic assessments, a link between SEPTIN5 S327 phosphorylation status and the effects of SEPTIN5 on amyloid precursor protein processing and markers of autophagy was discovered in mouse primary cortical neurons transduced with lentiviral constructs encoding wild type SEPTIN5 or SEPTIN5 phosphomutants (S327A and S327D). C57BL/6 J mice intrahippocampally injected with lentiviral wild type SEPTIN5 or phosphomutant constructs did not show changes in cognitive performance after five to six weeks from the start of injections. However, SEPTIN5 S327 phosphorylation status was linked to changes in short-term synaptic plasticity ex vivo at the CA3-CA1 synapse. Collectively, these data suggest that SEPTIN5 and its S327 phosphorylation status play a pivotal role in several cellular processes relevant for AD.

Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that regulates the stability of microtubules. We use metainference cryoelectron microscopy, an integrative structural biology approach, to determine an ensemble of conformations representing the structure and dynamics of a tau-microtubule complex comprising the entire microtubule-binding region of tau (residues 202-395). We thus identify the ground state of the complex and a series of excited states of lower populations. A comparison of the interactions in these different states reveals positions along the tau sequence that are important to determine the overall stability of the tau-microtubule complex. This analysis leads to the identification of positions where phosphorylation and acetylation events have destabilizing effects, which we validate by using site-specific post-translationally modified tau variants obtained by chemical mutagenesis. Taken together, these results illustrate how the simultaneous determination of ground and excited states of macromolecular complexes reveals functional and regulatory mechanisms.

From its initial conceptualization as emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced personal efficacy for the help professions, burnout has received increasing attention in modern times, especially after the 2019 WHO's inclusion of this syndrome in the ICD-11 list. Burnout can be measured using several psychometric instruments that range in dimensionality, number of items, copyrighted, and free use formats. Here, we report the psychometric properties of data gathered with the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) in a sample of Portuguese Aircraft maintenance technicians. As far as we know, this is the first study addressing the burnout syndrome in this occupational group. Data gathered with the OLBI displayed good evidence of validity related to internal structure, to other variables, with good evidence of reliability. We showed that burnout significantly correlated with mental and physical fatigue emphasizing the vital critical role that these variables play with safety in the aviation industry.

Within the Persian Wars narrative, Herodotus makes allusions to Demeter. One reference is presented in the context of the Persian occupation of Attica. In other passages, Herodotus writes that the battle of Plataia was near the sanctuary of Demeter, just as was the battle of Mykale. The Historian considers this was just a coincidence. But he also says that among the Greek forces were soldiers from Athens, Sparta, Corinth, and Megara. Therefore, Demeter emerges as a protective goddess of the Greeks and Herodotus represents the Goddess of Eleusis as well as the cults associated with her as panhellenic identity factors.

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Na fase de vida que corresponde ao jovem adulto salienta-se a construção de relações íntimas e o processo de adaptação a um parceiro como tarefas fundamentais. Paralelamente, este período parece ser marcado por desafios a nível de diferentes sistemas e contextos. O presente estudo adopta uma abordagem sistémica e ecológica com o propósito de alargar a compreensão relativamente ao impacto dos factores contextuais nos relacionamentos amorosos do jovem adulto. Para tal recorre-se a uma abordagem predominantemente qualitativa, combinando metodologias quantitativas e qualitativas. Primeiramente realizou-se uma análise global à satisfação relacional numa amostra de jovens adultos portugueses (N=590) que se encontram num relacionamento amoroso, tendo sido aplicada a Relationship Rating Form - Revised (RRF-R) (Davis, 1996; versão portuguesa, Lind, 2007). Foram ainda realizadas entrevistas a 10 casais pertencentes à amostra inicial, utilizando-se o método de entrevista semi-estruturada, de forma a explorar quais os factores contextuais percepcionados como mais influentes ao nível da relação do casal. Os resultados sugerem que os jovens adultos que se encontram numa relação amorosa apresentam elevados níveis de satisfação relacional. Casais satisfeitos parecem percepcionar mais frequentemente os factores contextuais como sendo negativos. No entanto, os casais reconhecem um maior impacto positivo destes factores na sua relação, ao considerarem que mesmo aqueles percepcionados como dificuldades podem ter uma influência positiva. As questões académicas emergem como o factor com maior impacto negativo nomeadamente ao nível da ansiedade e tempo disponível do casal. A família de origem e rede social são percepcionadas como os factores mais influentes no momento presente da relação, sendo consideradas como mais apoiantes. Os dados emergentes das percepções dos casais sublinham questões profissionais, recursos económicos e questões habitacionais como factores contextuais potencialmente influentes no futuro das suas relações. Deste estudo são ainda retiradas implicações reais para as práticas preventiva e clínica.

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