Northern Portugal Research Articles

Nurses' perspectives on nurses' work methods.

To analyze nurses' perspectives on nurses' work methods in the hospital context. A descriptive study with a qualitative approach was conducted in a hospital in northern Portugal, involving 17 nurses. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Data collected between May and June 2023 underwent content analysis, supported by Atlas.ti software. Three thematic areas emerged: "Nurses' work methods in a hospital context," highlighting the conception and components of work methods and the methods in use; "Implementation of nurses' work methods," emphasizing influencing factors and challenges to implementation; and "Impact of nurses' work methods on patients, nurses, and institutions." Nurses' work methods constitute the structure of nursing care. Some factors influence and some challenges arise in the implementation of these methods, producing impacts on patients, nurses, and institutions.

Emigration and its implications for the revolution in Northern Portugal

Emigration and its implications for the revolution in Northern Portugal

Carbapenemase-producing organisms screening – A three-year retrospective, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory study at a tertiary-care center in Northern Portugal

Carbapenemase-producing organisms screening – A three-year retrospective, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory study at a tertiary-care center in Northern Portugal

INTERACCIÓN ROMANO-INDÍGENA EN EL VALLE DEL RÍO SALAS (NOROESTE PENINSULAR): EL CAMPAMENTO ROMANO DEL ALTO DA RAIA Y SU PAISAJE ARQUEOLÓGICO

This paper discusses the archaeological research and historical contextualisation of the Alto da Raia enclosure located on the border between northern Portugal and Galicia, identified as a possible Roman camp, following an interdisciplinary and multi-proxy approach. This included archaeological excavation, remote sensing and geophysical survey, as well as sample collection for archaeobotanical and geochemical studies by means of chemical and mineralogical analyses and absolute dating using radiocarbon and luminescence protocols. The results seem to indicate that this site was a Roman camp probably built and occupied between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, when major changes occurred in Northwest Iberia driven by the expansion of the Roman State. The camp overlaps with previous prehistoric occupations possibly dating back to the Bronze Age and Iron Age.

Escala de aprendizagem cooperativa: validação para estudantes universitários de Portugal e do Brasil

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Spanish version of the Cooperative Learning Scale (CAT) for Portuguese and Brazilian higher education students. The study included 493 higher education students aged 17-45 years from a university in northern Portugal and 414 Brazilian university students aged 14-52 years from different universities in Brazil. To this adaptation, the original instrument, designed and validated for Spanish contexts and for students from the 3rd cycle of basic education and secondary education, went through several phases: a) evaluation by experts; b) pilot study; c) confirmatory factorial analysis; and d) determination of convergent and divergent validity. Both the Portuguese and the Brazilian versions of the CAT present a good adjustment model and include five factors with three items each: positive interdependence, interpersonal skills, promotive interaction, individual accountability, and group processing.

Furry hosts and fungal guests: Investigating dermatophyte carriage in shelter and clinic cats and dogs of northern Portugal

Dermatophytosis is a widespread fungal infection affecting both animals and humans, commonly known as ringworm. Dermatophytosis results in the breakdown of keratin, leading to skin, hair, and claw lesions, and has an important global prevalence that is often underestimated. While typically self-limiting, dermatophytosis can pose a severe risk due to its contagious nature, particularly in shelters. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dermatophytes in the fur of dogs and cats in animal shelters and pet clinics, shedding light on the importance of understanding and managing this infectious disease in both animal and human populations. To better understand the epidemiology of dermatophytes in Portugal, a study was conducted from March to May 2022. The prevalence of dermatophyte isolation in culture was evaluated. A total of 341 animals, 286 (83.9%) dogs and 55 (16.1%) cats were studied, and 45.0% (n=157) of the animals were from shelters, while 54.0% (n=184) were from clinics. Twenty-eight (8.2%) animals had skin lesions, and of these, four (14.3%) tested positive for dermatophytes. Dermatophytes were isolated from 12/341 studied animals. The prevalence of Microsporum canis was 3.2% (confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.6-5.7%), and the prevalence of Microsporum audouinii was 0.3% (CI 95%: 0.0-1.6%). Healthy dogs and cats without clinical signs were found to carry dermatophytes, stressing the potential for these animals to act as subclinical carriers and emphasizing the importance of pet-owner awareness regarding zoonotic risks and the need for ongoing research and surveillance to mitigate the risks associated with fungal infections.

O burro de Miranda: uma revisão dos estudos publicados com perspetivas de investigação em patologia clínica para a preservação da raça

ABSTRACT: Miranda’s donkey is an autochthonous asinine breed from northern Portugal classified as endangered by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Research on Miranda’s donkey in several scientific areas is important to standardize the breed and to assist the breed’s preservation. Reference values in clinical pathology are used to determine the health status of individuals and herds, and to control the evolution of diseases and their response to therapy. This review summarized the studies performed on Miranda’s donkey and evaluated the state of the art concerning studies performed in the clinical pathology field. Thirty-seven publications on Miranda’s donkey published between 2000-2023 in various scientific areas were found. In conclusion, research on Miranda’s donkey is scarce, and further studies are needed, especially in hematology and clinical biochemistry areas with respect to physiological and pathological changes that affect the breed, thus helping its conservation.

“Cystic Fibrosis and Sweat Test – Clinic and Genetic Characterization of a Portuguese Sample Non-Screened not included in the Neonatal Screening”- preliminary results

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common and lethal autosomal recessive disorder among the Caucasian population. Advances in medical care have extended the life expectancy of affected individuals to beyond 40-50 years, transitioning CF from a predominantly pediatric disease to a chronic, multi-system condition. In Portugal, neonatal screening for CF was introduced in 2013, becoming the primary diagnostic method. However, for cases not detected through neonatal screening, clinical presentation becomes vital for diagnosis and the sweat test (ST) remains the gold standard for CF diagnosis, particularly when sweat chloride levels are ≥60 mmol/L and two CFTR mutations are identified. Diagnosis becomes complex with chloride levels of 30-59 mmol/L. In 2015, intermediate chloride levels (30-59 mmol/L) were recognized for all ages, reclassifying previously 'unlikely CF' cases (30-40 mmol/L) to 'possible CF'. Despite advances, late diagnoses with significant lung impairment are still reported globally, affecting patient outcomes. Moreover, CFTR variants can lead to atypical CF manifestations. The phenotypic variability, particularly in the Portuguese population, suggests many undiagnosed cases and uncertain CFTR mutation impacts. This study focuses on a sample of Portuguese individuals selected through three methods: analysis of all STs performed at Centro Hospitalar do Porto over seven years, identifying those with intermediate ST levels; identification of individuals followed at northern Portugal hospitals over five years with clinical suspicion of CF but without diagnosis; and analysis of bronchiectasis databases, selecting cases without iontophoretic ST determination or with intermediate ST levels. Inclusion required at least two STs performed by iontophoresis, with two intermediate and/or positive results necessary for final inclusion. Exclusion criteria included prior CF diagnosis, normal ST results by iontophoresis, other etiologic diagnoses of non-CF bronchiectasis, or neonatal diagnosis (post-October 2013 births). Participants completed a questionnaire to gather clinical and demographic data, fecal elastase quantification, spirometry, and CF serum genetic data (most common mutations, followed by sequencing if fewer than two mutations were detected). Data were encoded, stored in a database, and analyzed descriptively and correlatively, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. This ongoing study faced limitations primarily due to the SARS/COV2 pandemic. Adjustments to the initial schedule were necessary due to increased clinical care demands and efforts to minimize exposure risk for eligible individuals. Initially, the study focused on the CHP Sweat Test Database. From 2010 to 2016, 1817 sweat tests were conducted at CHP, with 303 showing intermediate values; 150 of these were included in the final sample. The sample consisted of 150 individuals, with a median age of 13 years at the initial data collection (November 2020). Among these, 69.3% (n=103) were under 18 years, with a slight male predominance (n=81, 54%). The primary symptoms prompting sweat tests were difficult-to-control asthma (n=60, 40%), poor weight gain (n=27, 18%), bronchiectasis/pulmonary CT alterations (n=20, 13.3%), and recurrent pneumonia (n=11, 7.3%). The genetic characterization of CFTR mutations/variants in a sample of Portuguese individuals will provide valuable insights into the frequency of specific mutations/variants and their correlation with phenotypic manifestations. It is important to note that this study is ongoing, and we eagerly await the final results.

Universidad sin fronteras en la Eurorregión Galicia-Norte de Portugal: una exploración desde las experiencias de estudiantes y docentes

The literature review on university cooperation in the Galicia-North Portugal Euroregion allows for the development of the script for in-depth interviews, a fundamental source of information in this study. The study explores student and academic mobility, as well as research mobility from Galicia to Northern Portugal, specifically towards the Escola Superior de Enfermagem Dr. José Timóteo Montalvão Machado for the former, and the Universidade do Minho for the latter. Emphasis is placed on understanding cross-border relations, the role of linguistic issues, how residence is addressed, and what the facilitators are. This exploratory research reveals the importance of relational capital in cooperation beyond the necessary community framework and the existence of formal structures, emphasizing the relevance of this Euroregion as a spatial frame of reference.

Second primary cancers among females with a first primary breast cancer: a population-based study in Northern Portugal.

To estimate the incidence rate of second primary cancers (SPCs) and the cumulative incidence of metachronous [diagnosed > 2 months after a first primary cancer(FPC)] SPCs in patients with a breast FPC, and to compare the incidence of SPC [overall, synchronous (≤ 2 months of the FPC) and metachronous] with that expected in the general female population. A cohort of patients with a breast FPC from the North Region Cancer Registry of Portugal, diagnosed in 2000-2010 (n = 15,981), was followed to 31 December 2015 for synchronous and metachronous SPCs. Cumulative incidence of metachronous SPCs considering death as a competing event, and incidence rates and standardized incidence ratios of SPCs were estimated. The diagnosis of an SPC occurred in 1229 (7.7%) of patients with a breast FPC. SPCs occurred mainly in the breast, followed by digestive organs, lung, thyroid, and female genital organs. Globally, patients with a breast FPC had a higher incidence for all types of cancer compared to the general female population, and in particular for cancers of the breast, stomach, colon, lung, lymphoma, uterus, and ovary. The 10-year cumulative incidence of metachronous SPCs following a breast FPC was 6.6% and the corresponding 10-year cumulative mortality was 26.2%. In Portugal, patients with a breast FPC have a higher incidence of cancer compared to the general female population, highlighting important aspects of care, surveillance, and counselling among this growing number of patients.

Perceptions and attitudes of stakeholders on the return of brown bears (Ursus arctos): Contributions from a workshop held in northern Portugal

AbstractBrown bears (Ursus arctos) were extinct in Portugal by 1843. In the spring of 2019, a male bear was officially confirmed in northern Portugal, and more bears will likely reach the country shortly. We surveyed participants in a workshop held in Bragança in October 2021 to understand the perceptions and attitudes of different stakeholder groups (Administration, Research, Nongovernmental Organizations, and Local Stakeholders) regarding the return of brown bears to Portugal. Results indicate that, generally, participants would feel safe in areas where bears are present, are positive toward the return of brown bears, and see it as an opportunity for local development rather than a threat. Results also indicate a high level of consensus among groups of stakeholders concerning the issues analyzed. These preliminary results provide a baseline for perceptions and attitudes to consider when planning the conservation of brown bears returning to Portugal.

Techno-economic analysis of a circular microalgal approach for enhanced wastewater treatment and resource recovery in Northern Portugal

Microalgae culturing in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) can be a solution to lower the effluent's nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations to comply with the new legislative limits. Microalgae can also promote a circular approach to WWTP by recycling material streams and reducing the energetic consumption of the treatment process. This study aims to perform a techno-economic assessment of the integration of microalgae culture (Chlorella vulgaris) as tertiary treatment at a WWTP in northern Portugal. This evaluation took into account information collected from the specific WWTP under study as well as relevant literature for each stage of the process. The major system flows: (i) a 7377 m3 d−1 treated water flow (ii) the treatment of 107,736 kg d −1 of sludge; (iii) a biosolids soil amendment production of 7580 kg d−1; and (iv) 10,874 kW h d−1 energy for self-consumption. In this work, the integration of microalgae in WWTP achieved yearly gross earnings of approximately 619,100 €.

The Southern European Atlantic diet and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a European multicohort study.

The Southern European Atlantic diet (SEAD) is the traditional dietary pattern of northwestern Spain and northern Portugal, but it may resemble that of central, eastern, and western European countries. The SEAD has been found associated with lower risk of myocardial infarction and mortality in older adults, but it is uncertain whether this association also exists in other European populations and if it is similar as that found in its countries of origin. We conducted a prospective analysis of four cohorts with 35 917 subjects aged 18-96 years: ENRICA (Spain), HAPIEE (Czechia and Poland), and Whitehall II (United Kingdom). The SEAD comprised fresh fish, cod, red meat and pork products, dairy, legumes and vegetables, vegetable soup, potatoes, whole-grain bread, and moderate wine consumption. Associations were adjusted for sociodemographic variables, energy intake, lifestyle, and morbidity. After a median follow-up of 13.6 years (range = 0-15), we recorded 4 973 all-cause, 1 581 cardiovascular, and 1 814 cancer deaths. Higher adherence to the SEAD was associated with lower mortality in the pooled sample. Fully adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval per 1-standard deviation increment in the SEAD were 0.92 (0.89, 0.95), 0.91 (0.86, 0.96), and 0.94 (0.89, 0.99) for all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality, respectively. The association of the SEAD with all-cause mortality was not significantly different between countries [Spain = 0.93 (0.88, 0.99), Czechia = 0.94 (0.89,0.99), Poland = 0.89 (0.85, 0.93), United Kingdom = 0.98 (0.89, 1.07); P for interaction = 0.16]. The SEAD was associated with lower all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality in southern, central, eastern, and western European populations. Associations were of similar magnitude as those found for existing healthy dietary patterns.

44% of steep slope cropland in Europe vulnerable to drought

Steep-slope cropland plays a vital role in food production, economic development, ecosystem diversity, and European cultural heritage. However, these systems are susceptible to extreme weather events. The 2022 summer drought significantly impacted European agriculture, but the specific effects on steep-slope crops remain uncertain. Clarifying this is essential for comprehending similar future events and for implementing effective water management strategies to ensure the sustainability of steep-slope agriculture and associated ecosystem services. This study quantitatively analyzes the spatial distribution of twelve major European steep-slope (>12%) crops and assesses agricultural drought severity during the 2022 events using open-access spatial data. The satellite-based Vegetation Health Index (VHI) is utilized to identify critical hotspots. Results show that olive grove is the most widespread crop in steep slope agriculture (34% of total area), followed by wheat (24%), maize (16%), and vineyard (11%). Almost half of the steep-slope agriculture in Europe suffered drought during summer 2022. Vineyards were hardest affected at 79%, primarily in northern Portugal, northern Spain, southern France, and central Italy. Sunflowers followed at 62%, mainly in Spain, central Italy, southern France, and northern Romania. Olive groves ranked third at 59%, with the most impact in northern Portugal, southern and central Spain, and southern Italy. Maize was also significantly affected at 54%. In this paper, we therefore highlight the need to increase steep-slope agriculture resilience by improving water management and promoting sustainable land practices.

Relation between EP-like lesions and pleurisy with pluck and gut lesions in slaughtered pigs in Northern Portugal

Respiratory diseases have a great impact in the swine production industry. Macroscopic lesions in lungs are often detected during routine post-mortem inspection in the slaughterhouse, with enzootic pneumonia-like lesions (EP-like lesions) and pleuritic lesions being the most common. EP-like lesions, which are primary related with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection, are characterised by consolidation areas, demarcated purple or grey areas in the lungs. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is a respiratory pathogen and the suggestive lesions associated with previous infections of this agent are commonly chronic pleurisy lesions located in the dorso-caudal regions from the lungs. This type of lesion is commonly evaluated by the Slaughterhouse Pleurisy Evaluation System (SPES). The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of EP-like lesions and pleurisy in 2,142 finishing pigs from 18 different farms (central Portugal, southern Portugal, and northern Spain), the association between EP-like lesions and pleurisies, and the relationship with pluck lesions (lobe scars, emphysema, lung congestion, pericarditis, liver milk spots lesions, and steatosis) and gut lesions (splenitis, pancreatitis, enteritis). For this purpose, EP-like lesions were classified per lobe under the method of enzootic pneumonia–like lesions. Pleurisy lesions were classified under the SPES score method. The presence of other lesions such as pericarditis, liver milk spots, splenitis, pancreatitis, lymphadenitis, and enteritis were also evaluated. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out. A variable was considered statistically significant when its P-value≤ 0.05, i.e. its 95% confidence interval of the Odds Ratio (OR) does not contain 1. Among the sample, 41.1% pigs presented EP-like lesions (20.5% registered EP-like lesions scored 1–3, and 20.7% scored 4–24). Around 12% of the sample presented pleurisy, of which 4.8% were of a degree 4 level. Following the EP-like lesions and pleurisy, liver milk spots and pericarditis were the most frequent lesions (4.8% and3.6%, respectively). In this study, the most affected lobes by EP-like lesions were the medial and cranial lobes. The higher the EP-like lesion score, the lower the incidence of presenting an SPES score of 4 (OR=0.38, P<0.001). The higher the SPES scores, the lower the incidence of an EP-like lesion score of category 1 (OR=0.86, P=0.031) or category 2 (OR=0.71, P<0.0001). Pericarditis was associated with a higher incidence of SPES scores 1 (OR=8.57, P<0.001), 2 (OR=7.29, P<0.001), or 4 (OR=26.55, P<0.001). Consolidated pneumonia lesions were the most common cause of partial rejection for human consumption, followed by pleuritic lesions, milk spot lesions, and pericarditis. This study reinforces the importance of monitoring respiratory findings of pig carcasses at the slaughterhouse. It is advantageous to assess the animal’s production performance and welfare. Moreover, lung lesions are closely associated with other findings in tissues and organs with economic value, which can be subclinical or difficult to diagnose in live animals. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, this is the only study of its kind carried out in Portugal.

Associations of medicine use and ejection fraction with the coexistence of frailty and sarcopenia in a sample of heart failure outpatients: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundFrailty and sarcopenia have been extensively studied in heart failure (HF) patients, but their coexistence is unknown. The aim of this work is to describe the coexistence of these conditions in a sample of HF outpatients and its association with the use of medication and left-ventricular ejection fraction.MethodsParticipants in this cross-sectional study were recruited from a HF outpatients’ clinic in northern Portugal. Frailty phenotype was assessed according to Fried et al. Sarcopenia was evaluated according to the revised consensus of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People.ResultsA total of 136 HF outpatients (33.8% women, median age 59 years) integrated this study. Frailty and sarcopenia accounted for 15.4% and 18.4% of the sample, respectively. Coexistence of frailty and sarcopenia was found in 8.1% of the participants, while 17.6% had only one of the conditions. In multivariable analysis (n = 132), increasing age (OR = 1.13;95%CI = 1.06,1.20), being a woman (OR = 65.65;95%CI = 13.50, 319.15), having heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (OR = 5.61; 95%CI = 1.22, 25.76), and using antidepressants (OR = 11.05; 95%CI = 2.50, 48.82), anticoagulants (OR = 6.11; 95%CI = 1.69, 22.07), furosemide (OR = 3.95; 95%CI = 1.07, 14.55), and acetylsalicylic acid (OR = 5.01; 95%CI = 1.10, 22.90) were associated with increased likelihood of having coexistence of frailty and sarcopenia, while using statins showed the inverse effect (OR = 0.06; 95%CI = 0.01, 0.30).ConclusionsThe relatively low frequency of coexistence of frailty and sarcopenia signifies that each of these two conditions still deserve individual attention from health professionals in their clinical practice and should be screened separately. Being a woman, older age, having HFpEF, using anticoagulants, antidepressants, loop diuretics and acetylsalicylic acid, and not using statins, were associated with having concomitant frailty and sarcopenia. These patients can potentially benefit from interventions that impact their quality of life such as nutritional and mental health interventions and exercise training.

P166: Elderly diabetic and non-diabetic patients in Portuguese RNCCI Convalescence Units: Are they different?

Objective:Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases, whose incidence has been increasing especially in the elderly, being estimated that over one-quarter of people over the age of 65 years have diabetes. Diabetes implications, whether due to acute or chronic complications, namely cognitive and functional impairments, can be devastating and usually determine the need for more supervision, implying a caregiver. For a better clinical characterization of DM, this study aimed to compare older adults, with and without DM, hospitalized in the Convalescence Units (CUs) of the Portuguese National Network of Integrated Continued Care (RNCCI).Methods:This cross-sectional study included older adults (≥65 years old) admitted into three CUs in northern Portugal. The inability to communicate was considered an exclusion criterion. A comprehensive assessment protocol was used, which comprised the Mini Mental State Examination (cognitive function), the Katz Index, and the Lawton Index (basic and instrumental activities of daily living). A comparative analysis between patients’ groups (with and without DM) was performed using the Mann-Whitney and Chi-Square tests.Results:The final sample included 202 older adults (99 diabetics and 101 non- diabetics), with a mean age of 77 (±7) years, mostly (69.8%) women. Comparing the patients with and without DM, the first group had more dyslipidemia (97% vs. 62.1%, p<0.001) and osteoporosis (97% vs. 67%; p<0.001), as well as more comorbidities (6 vs. 5; p<0.001) and daily medication (9 vs. 7; p<0.001). Moreover, DM patients had more cognitive impairment (52.5% vs. 34.0%; p=0.008) and greater dependence on instrumental activities of daily living (57.6% vs. 37.6%; p=0.009). A tendency was found regarding the presence of a caregiver for those with diabetes (75.8% vs. 63.1%; p=0.051).Conclusion:Patients with diabetes had more associated diseases and prescribed medicines, presented more cognitive impairment, greater dependence on instrumental activities of daily living, and were more likely to have a caregiver. This study will contribute to a better knowledge about the clinical and psychosocial characterization of older adults with DM in a specific context, allowing the development of future care plans and the adoption of better strategies for this group’s specificities.

The Chemical Characterisation of the Maritime Pine Bark Cultivated in Northern Portugal

Maritime pine, scientifically known as Pinus pinaster, holds a vital role in Iberian Peninsula forests, primarily as a source of wood for panels, paper, and cellulose production. Recently, there has been a growing interest in utilising agroforestry by-products to yield valuable chemicals for applications in various sectors, including the food, pharmaceutical, and bioenergy industries. This study aimed to assess the value of the primary by-product of Pinus pinaster from the Minho region of northwestern Portugal, i.e., the bark. The research extensively examined the bark’s chemical and thermal characteristics, including ash content, extractives, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, fatty acids, and mineral composition. Additionally, various analytical techniques like FTIR, SEM, DSC, DTG, and XRD were used to observe chemical structure differences. The results reveal that the Pinus pinaster bark primarily consists of lignin (51.15%) and holocellulose (46.09%), with extractives mainly soluble in toluene–ethanol, followed by water, and a small amount of them are soluble in ethanol. The bark contained around 0.44% ash, and heavy metals such as Cd and Pb were not found. During degradation, Pinus pinaster experienced a 10% mass loss at 140 °C. In terms of crystallinity, holocellulose and cellulose showed similar percentages at approximately 25.5%, while α-cellulose displayed the highest crystallinity index at 41%.

Effects of protected areas on soil nematode communities in forests of the North of Portugal

AbstractNature conservation policy is mainly concerned with aboveground terrestrial species and soil biodiversity has been largely ignored, resulting in a lack of information about the conservation status of most soil organisms and about the effects that nature conservation policies have on soil systems. Forests in Northern Portugal are characterized by a remarkable diversity of ecosystems and provide habitat for an enormous diversity of living organisms. This study aims to investigate whether and to what extent protected areas and forest typology (native vs. exotic) affect soil nematode biodiversity and functions in forest ecosystems. We studied soil nematode communities, which have been widely used for their bioindicator value, to: (i) assess differences in soil biodiversity and functions between protected and non-protected areas, and between native and exotic forest types; and (ii) infer how protected areas deal with pressures and drivers of soil biodiversity and functions. We showed that current work done by nature conservation in Northern Portugal is producing some significant effects on the soil system, showing a larger Structure and Omnivore footprints and greater abundance of fungivorous and omnivorous nematodes in protected areas. Furthermore, native forest areas are better suited to ensure soil biodiversity and ecological functioning and should have a greater importance in nature conservation measures. Soil organic carbon, apparent density, soil moisture, and deciduous forest cover mainly influenced soil functional biodiversity with higher nematode trophic groups being positively associated with soil organic carbon and moisture and negatively associated with apparent density. Finally, conservation efforts targeted at the protection of native forests need to better consider effects on soil biodiversity and function, to provide an integrated protection of both aboveground and belowground components.

Coastal Flood Mapping with Two Approaches Based on Observations at Furadouro, Northern Portugal

This study assesses coastal flooding extension mapping based on two innovative approaches. The first is based on the coupling of two robust numerical models (SWASH and LISFLOOD); in this case, discharges were extracted from the wave overtopping results from SWASH 1D and set as boundary conditions for LISFLOOD on the crest of an existing seawall where overtopping typically occurs. The second, hereby called the ‘Tilted Bathtub Approach’ (TBTA), is based on wave run-up levels and buffering the affected area of a prior flooding event, adjusting it for expected sea states according to different return periods. The proposed approaches are applied to a case study on the Northern Portuguese coast, at Furadouro beach, in the municipality of Ovar, which has been facing multiple flooding episodes throughout recent years, including a dramatic storm in February 2014. This event was used as validation for the proposed methods. A 30-year-long hourly local wave climate time series was used both to perform an extreme value analysis in order to obtain expected sea states according to different return periods and also for performing a sensitivity test for established empirical formulas to estimate wave run-up in this particular case. Results indicate both approaches are valuable: they yield coherent flood extension predictions that align well with the real inundated area from the 2014 storm. The convergence of these findings underscores the potential for these methods in future coastal flood risk assessment, planning, and understanding of coastal responses under extreme weather conditions.