Portugal Research Articles

Transboundary Water Management in Central Asia and the Iberian Peninsula: Path Dependence Approach

This article examines the historical background and the state of the art of transboundary water management in the Central Asian region, which includes the republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, on one hand, and the Iberian Peninsula, which consists of the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of Portugal, on the other hand. These distances from each other regions are studied for the reason that both of them are located in arid landscapes and further climate change is posing grave challenges to transboundary water security. By highlighting the differences and similarities in the water management practices of Central Asia and the Iberian Peninsula, this article employs a path-dependence approach to shed light on new perspectives on good water management. As a result of identified opportunities, the Central Asian states could enhance their policy in the water management system and adopt new measures based on positive foreign experience.

Transmission dynamics of ESBL/AmpC and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales between companion animals and humans.

Antimicrobial resistance mediated by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- and plasmid-mediated cephalosporinase (AmpC)-producing Enterobacterales, as well as carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales have globally increased among companion animals, posing a potential health risk to humans in contact with them. This prospective longitudinal study investigates the transfer of ESBL/AmpC- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales between companion animals and their cohabitant humans in Portugal (PT) and the United Kingdom (UK) during animal infection. Fecal samples and nasal swabs collected from dogs and cats with urinary tract infection (UTI) or skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI), and their cohabitant humans were screened for resistant strains. Relatedness between animal and human strains was established by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). ESBL/AmpC-producing Enterobacterales were detected in companion animals (PT = 55.8%; UK = 36.4%) and humans (PT = 35.9%; UK = 12.5%). Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales carriage was observed in one dog from Portugal (2.6%) and another dog from the UK (4.5%). Transmission of index clinical ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains to cohabitant humans was observed in three Portuguese households (6.9%, n = 43), with repeated isolation of the index strains on fecal samples from the animals and their cohabiting humans. In addition, longitudinal sharing of E. coli strains carried by companion animals and their owners was observed in other two Portuguese households and two households from the UK. Furthermore, a multidrug-resistant ACT-24-producing Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. hoffmannii strains were also shared within another Portuguese household. These results highlight the importance of the household as an epidemiological unit in the efforts to mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance, further emphasizing the need for antimicrobial surveillance in this context, capable of producing data that can inform and evaluate public health actions.

Wastewater surveillance for antibiotic resistance genes during the late 2020 SARS-CoV-2 peak in two different populations.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a rise in resistant infections after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic started. How and if the pandemic contributed to antibiotic resistance in the larger population is not well understood. Wastewater treatment plants are good locations for environmental surveillance because they can sample entire populations. This study aimed to validate methods used for COVID-19 wastewater surveillance for bacterial targets and to understand how rising COVID-19 cases from October 2020 to February 2021 in Portugal (PT) and King County, Washington contributed to antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater. Primary influent wastewater was collected from two treatment plants in King County and five treatment plants in PT, and hospital effluent was collected from three hospitals in PT. Genomic extracts were tested with the quantitative polymerase chain reaction for antibiotic resistance genes conferring resistance against antibiotics under threat. Random-effect models were fit for log-transformed gene abundances to assess temporal trends. All samples collected tested positive for multiple resistance genes. During the sampling period, mecA statistically significantly increased in King County and PT. No statistical evidence exists of correlation between samples collected in the same Portuguese metro area.

SOCIAL SUPPORT OF MIGRANT CITIZENS OF UKRAINE IN THE NEW SOCIOCULTURAL ENVIRONMENT (ON THE EXAMPLE OF PORTUGAL)

This article studies the integration and adaptation processes of Ukrainians, especially those with the status of temporary protection, in order to understand their interaction with the new socio-cultural environment (using the example of Portugal). The issue of the interaction of Ukrainian migrants with their homeland, their social support is highlighted. Analytical conclusions were drawn on the basis of the "Great Research of the Community in Portugal", which was carried out as part of the project "Development of the Ukrainian Community Abroad during the War of Russia against Ukraine" (in cooperation with the Embassy of Ukraine in the Portuguese Republic and the Ukrainian Association in Portugal Associação " Descoberta de momentos", in the period from November 15 to December 25, 2023).

The Question of Language in Ana de Castro Osório

Although the Portuguese writer, activist and publicist Ana de Castro Osório (1872-1935) did not write any works specifically dedicated to the issue of language, some of her writings reveal her understanding of the Portuguese language as an essential element of identity, intrinsically linked to the nationʼs civilizing mission. In particular, in the years of the First Portuguese Republic (1910-26) several of her works, including children’s books, lectures and activist texts, make repeated references to linguistic identity and to Brazil as a bastion of the Portuguese language and civilization.

Правовой режим особо охраняемых природных территорий в Португальской Республике и Российской Федерации

A comparative legal analysis is being conducted of the main regulatory legal acts of the Portuguese Republic and the Russian Federation governing the protection and use of specially protected natural areas. The experience of the Portuguese Republic stands out as innovative and potentially amenable to legal borrowing due to (1) the presence of norms on preserving geo-diversity, (2) the establishment of its own regional networks of specially protected natural areas, (3) the organization of geoparks as a model for managing specially protected natural territories, as well as (4) allowing for the creation of «private protected areas».

Adolescents' Perspectives on Smartphone Applications for Physical Activity Promotion: Insights from Focus Group Discussions

Purpose: This study explores how children and adolescents perceive physical activity (PA) and PA apps. We aim to understand their perceptions, past experiences, and expectations of PA and PA apps. Methods: Participants (N=39) aged 11-15 from five European countries: Netherlands (NL), Poland (PL), Portugal (PT), Spain (ES), and Sweden (SWE) participated in the study. They provided insight regarding Behaviour Chance Techniques (BCTs) that enhance app engagement. Results: The results offer valuable insights for creating fun and engaging adolescent PA apps that meet diverse user preferences. They also provide invaluable guidance for designing PA apps that boost adolescents' enjoyment, fun, and engagement while considering a broad spectrum of user preferences. Key BCTs identified as significantly impacting app engagement included self-monitoring, rewards, feedback, social support, action planning, and reminders - preferences and suggestions varied by gender, age, and PA levels. Conclusions: Findings in the present study inform the MOVE4FUN project that contributes to understanding how BCTs promote sustained PA in adolescents. It underscores the pivotal role of personalised app design and a supportive climate in fulfilling individual needs and intrinsic goals. These insights contribute significantly to developing educational tools that encourage regular PA and nurture the holistic development of physically educated citizens. Keywords: Children and adolescents, Physical Activity; PA Apps; Behaviour Chance Techniques.

Assessment of The Reliability of The Portuguese Republic Financial Report (2010 To 2019)

Objective: Accountability and transparency are essential values within the New Public Governance, in which reporting emerges as an instrument of accountability from public managers to stakeholders. In this context, the research aims to study the reliability of the Financial Reporting of the Portuguese State from 2010 to 2019. Method: The investigation method was the case study. It was analysed the limitations disclosed in the Opinions of the General State Account, issued by the Court of Auditors, (TdC), from 2010 to 2019. Data have been classified to carry out the descriptive analysis, allowing the interpretation of the information. Results: It can be concluded that the reliability of the Portuguese State's financial reporting is conditioned, namely by limitations of the scope and by the existence of material errors. Also, the lack of consolidated financial information and an accounting system that allows the integrated recording of State operations, as provided for in the legislation, affects the transparency and reliability of the General State Account. These constraints also limit the issuing of an opinion by the Court of Auditors under the International Standards on Auditing. Originality/Relevance: There is no known research on the reliability of the financial reporting of the Portuguese State, which is essential for the desired transparency. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The study contributes to the knowledge of the public sector transparency, meeting the stakeholders’ requirements for good governance practices and accountability.

National Interests and Local Loyalties: Desertion and Subversion across the Spanish-Portuguese Border, 1914–19

This article explores Portuguese-Spanish relations during the First World War through the perspective of the borderlands separating the two countries. Spain remained neutral throughout the conflict, while the Portuguese Republic intervened on the Allied side in March 1916. The war, however, proved extremely polarizing for Portuguese society. It paved the way for the authoritarian regime of Sidónio Pais and for a brief civil war between republicans and monarchists in early 1919. As explained in classic diplomatic accounts, Madrid adopted a friendly attitude towards its neighbour during the most critical phases of the conflict. However, Spanish-Portuguese relations read differently from the perspective of the border. Local authorities on both sides of the frontier were generally hostile to Portugal’s republican regime and often circumvented or disobeyed orders coming from Lisbon and Madrid. Connivance of local authorities allowed numerous Portuguese deserters to defect to Spain and helped monarchist rebels establish subversive networks on border. These dynamics were underpinned by cross-border solidarities. The article makes a broader contribution to debates on state-building processes during the First World War. The central state attempted to strengthen its grip over peripheral regions, but in doing so it encountered opposition that was often able to mobilise local authorities.

Compositional, volatile, and structural features of Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) flours: The effect of population and life stages

The scope of the present study was to study the effect of different populations of Hermetia illucens, commonly known as black soldier fly (BSF), on the major components and volatile composition of the derived freeze-dried flours. Potential differences in the composition of different life cycle stages of BSF, i.e., larvae and pupae, were also investigated. The flours obtained from larvae of two BSF populations from Greece (GR) and Portugal (PO) (L-GR and L-PO, respectively) demonstrated similar major chemical compositions. Pupae (Pu-PO) were richer in chitin compared to larvae. Differences were spotted in their fatty acid profiles and volatile fractions. The saturated/unsaturated lipid fraction ratio was 1.5 in L-GR, higher in L-PO (2.5), and even higher in the case of Pu-PO (4.0). Seventeen (17) compounds were detected in the volatile fraction of the Pu-PO samples and 24 in the volatile fraction of the L-GR and L-PO samples. Notably, dodecanoic acid ethyl ester was the predominant volatile compound in all samples. The proteins of both larvae and pupae were dominated by β-sheet structures. The present study's findings are valuable for designing food or feed products based on BSF components and could be important for applying suitable manufacturing and processing procedures.

Причины, ход и результаты государственного переворота Сидониу Паиша (5–8 декабря 1917 г.) в Первой Португальской республике в документах Военного кабинета Великобритании

This article examines the coup d’état in the First Portuguese Republic, staged on 5–8 December 1917 by Major Sidónio Pais against the Government of Afonso da Costa and President Bernardino Machado. The author aims to uncover the causes, dynamics of events development and results of this coup d’état. The source base is the War Cabinet of Great Britain’s documents stored in the National Archive of the United Kingdom, which are being introduced into scientific discourse for the first time in the domestic historiography. The retrospective, systemic and narrative research methods were mainly used in the article. When using the retrospective method, it was established that the Sidónio Pais’s coup d’état was a logical result of the development of the First Portuguese Republic’s crisis. The systematic method revealed the constituent elements of this crisis: its political and socio-economic aspects, the consequence of which was mainly the coup d’état of Sidónio Pais. Since British documents had not been previously described in the domestic historiography, a narrative method was used in order to reflect fuller its content and character. The December 1917 coup d’état was the result of unsolved actual tasks after the establishment of the Republic in early October 1910 and accumulated problems after the Portugal’s entry into the First World War in March 1916. In peacetime, due to the radical anti-church policy, electoral restrictions, inter-party confrontation, changes of prime ministers and government compositions, it was difficult for the Republican leadership to solve consistently the urgent tasks in the country. In wartime, the internal situation had worsened and radicalized by December 1917 alone. The inability of the Republican leadership to solve the problems in the country and the short-sighted measures taken to improve the situation turned the majority of the civilian population and part of the military against it. In these conditions Artillery Major Sidónio Pais organized the coup d’état on 5 December 1917 with the aim of overthrowing the prime minister, leader of the Democratic Party Afonso da Costa and his fellow party member President Bernardino Machado. The coup d’état was accompanied by fierce fighting, especially in Lisbon. It ended on 8 December 1917 with the success of Sidónio Pais’s forces. Its results were the arrests of some members of the government, including the prime minister, and the president; the dissolution of the Portuguese Parliament – the Congress; the establishment of the Revolutionary Junta headed by Sidónio Pais, followed by the formation of a new government of the Republic. Thus, the December 1917 coup d’état was a response to the deep internal political crisis in Portugal. The documents of the British War Cabinet used in the study neither in general nor in detail contradict the facts set out in the historiography. However, they make it possible to expand possibilities for a further study of this coup d’état and related processes and events.

Compliance degree with the Right of Opposition in Portuguese Municipalities in a Pandemic Period – COVID-19

The Statute governing the Right of Opposition was approved by Law No. 24/98 of May 26, 1998. The "Right of opposition," which states that "Minorities shall be ensured the right to constitute and engage in a democratic opposition to the Government and to the executive bodies of the Autonomous Regions and of local authorities of a representative nature, as laid down by the Constitution or the law" shall be applied as a general law of the Portuguese Republic, according to articles 114, 161, subparagraph c), 164, subparagraph h), and 166, paragraph 3, and article 112, no. 5 of the Constitution. Alongside our investigation, the data obtained reveal that the municipalities of the CIM-AT[1] must assume a more proactive stance that fulfills and enforces, in all its dimensions, the provisions of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic CRP, and the legal provisions of the Statute of Right of Opposition that certify their right of opposition. This issue raises doubts about the importance of the Statute of Right of Opposition by the opponents, as there are weaknesses in its municipal impact, in view of the interest for democracy, seeming to be seen more as a matter of legal imposition than an instrument with formative and development dimensions. Such a change will be necessary, as according to Almeida & Sousa (2019, p.527) “practice has already demonstrated, namely with regard to the possibility of preparing the report by the opposition forces, provided for in the 1977 law and withdrawn in 1998, that this posture is fundamental for the good of democracy since in terms of the right of opposition, the corollary seems to hold: right not taken care of runs the risk of being right withdrawn”.

The republican Manuel de Arriaga – ‘the people’s representative’

ABSTRACT Poet, teacher, and parliamentarian (1882–1892–1911), Manuel de Arriaga (1840–1917) was also Vice-Chancellor of the University of Coimbra and President of the Portuguese Republic. He stood up for democratic principles and he cultivated dialogue and republican values. His thought and actions reflect the ideas of federal republicanism, philosophical eclecticism, secular spiritualism, scientism, and a critique of positivism. His fellow party members remembered him as a leader, a political player, and a politician of the people. As a parliamentarian, he discussed relevant issues such as education and teaching, electoral reform, constitutional reform, penal reform, foreign policy, and regional problems. His parliament speeches highlight his skills as a ‘fighter for the Republic’.

Pre-implantation Genetic Testing in Inherited Metabolic Diseases? Stateof- the-art and current challenges.

Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are genetic diseases involving congenital disorders of enzyme activities. Most follow Mendelian autosomal recessive inheritance and few follow mitochondrial inheritance. In many cases, after the birth of an affected child parents discover that have been the carriers for the condition and worry about the risk of recurrence in future offspring. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can analyze embryos before their transfer to the uterus and prevent the transmission of hereditary conditions to descendants, however this procedure is of limited value in mtDNA conditions. The list of diseases currently approved for PGT were reviewed. The process for eligibility, was as for the Comissão Nacional Procriação Medicamente Assistida (CNPMA), of Portugal (PT). Review of international practices for Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) in IEM was carried out. As of 07.2022, 23 IEM diseases associated with deleterious variants in nDNA were approved for PGT in PT. Couples at risk for conditions not included in the list can solicit an evaluation from an expert committee, after a medical genetics consultation. To qualify for approval, diseases must cause significant suffering and/or premature death. Due to a greater number of solicitations many more IEM conditions have been approved for PGT across the world. ART for mtDNA is not available in PT. International expert centers include PGT for specific well documented variants and mitochondrial donation. PGT is a reliable approach to reduce the risk of transmission of a genetic condition to the offspring. The list of IEM disorders currently accepted for this technique in Portugal are small, but it is expanding, as many more diseases fit the necessary criteria. While appealing in theory, low success rates coupled with limited availability can be discouraging for patients. Genetic counselling is of paramount importance after the diagnosis of IEM diseases. It is important for both clinicians and patients to be made aware of the available reproductive options and their limitations.

LIFANA - toward developing a meal recommender system as a dietary support app for the elderly.

Background: Though a variety of eHealth/mHealth dietary solutions exist, many are ill-adapted to the target population and local eating habits. A specific need exists for the elderly, a growing vulnerable population with limited digital literacy. The LIFANA project aimed at developing a mobile nutrition solution, i.e. a dietary meal-recommender app for personalized meal planning useful for the elderly. Methods: In addition to considering age, gender, and physical activity, the app assured sufficient intake of calories and proteins. The solution was optimized to consider local eating culture in Portugal (PT)/The Netherlands (NL) where it was tested. Recipes (>300) were included and aligned with national food composition dietary databases (FCDBs) to analyse their nutritional values for meal planning. Individual dietary preferences, food restrictions (i.e., allergies), and budget considerations were included in the user profile. The development process involved user integration, including focus groups and usability evaluations, followed by longer field trials in Portugal (n=53 participants, age 60-81y, 14 months) and the Netherlands (n=107, age 52-86y, 3 months). Endpoints regarding acceptance/usage frequency, anthropometric measures and (in PT) blood pressure and body fat were collected. Results: 23/34 elderly finalized the trials in PT/NL. No significant changes in anthropometry or other assessed markers, including blood pressure, were observed. 9% (NL) and 47% (PT) of users reported that they would consider using the solution if it were on the market. Conclusions: Via an iterative adaptive process, a dietary app was developed and improved that demonstrated acceptance/user-friendliness comparable to other tools available on the market and allowed - despite the COVID crisis - for stable anthropometric markers and blood pressure. However, it was also observed that additional features, such as a link to an online shopping app, and closer personal follow-up was associated with increased usability and acceptance of the solution and thus further personalization and nudges are warranted to increase employment of such dietary apps.

The Portuguese Republic at War: States of Emergency or Business as Usual?

ABSTRACT During Portugal’s troubled and divisive participation in the First World War, successive governments resorted to emergency powers in order to keep order throughout the country, notably in Lisbon. Considering that in 1926 the army took power through a coup d’état, and that this gave way over time to Salazar’s Estado Novo, it is tempting to establish a causal link between these two sets of events. This article suggests, however, that the repeated suspensions of constitutional guarantees, while damaging to the quality of Portuguese democracy and the long-term prospects of the country’s young republican regime, were by no means a recent departure, having already been a feature of politics during the late constitutional monarchy. The article examines these successive interventions, and their context, as well as a number of possible reasons for their occurrence, noting the existence of a paradox: although usually deployed by a vanguard party, the Democrats, in defence of the embattled republican regime, these moments of constitutional exception did not result (despite claims to the contrary) in a ‘Terror’, since those in authority baulked before any consistent and widespread use of political violence or even the imposition of harsh sentences. Neither did the military – transformed or not by the experience of colonial warfare (this is still to be determined) – seek to impose its will on the civilian authorities during the war years and their immediate aftermath. Ultimately, one must consider with great care Portugal’s political culture, notably the failure to secure widespread popular support for the basic rules that must underpin democratic governance.

How to Make the Fundamental Principles of the Labour Law Be Compatible with the Modern Work?

Based on the current legal regulatory framework in Portugal, it is relevant to reflect on the importance of the scope inclusion of the fundamental principles, applicable to Labour Law, in the text of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic. The current problem is to know to what extent, with all the recent changes in the labour world, which have been seen largely as a result of globalisation and new technologies, the existing balance between capital and labour does not compromise those principles, with emphasis on the principle of “worker protection”. The challenge is, therefore, posed to the State, but also to the interpreter of Labour Law, to permanently ensure a possible balance. The importance of labour compliance, as a tool for mitigating conflicts in labour relations, with principles, ethics, integrity, as a reference, can make it, today, a positive reality in the globalised labour world and can help to minimize risks to which a particular company is exposed. It is therefore instructive to assess the constitutional impact that ends up being given to Labour Law in the laws of an infra-constitutional nature. The case of teleworking appears to be paradigmatic as an instrument for flexibilization of work, which allows companies to attract, motivate and retain professionals. Having followed this path – which seems irreversible – it will now be important to provide this institute with a legal framework that gives it legal certainty without, however, compromising the fundamental principles. The methodology used to carry out this article followed a qualitative analysis, through deductive approach methods and of an analytical and descriptive character, with a monographic procedure.

Longitudinal study of ESBL/AmpC-producing Enterobacterales strains sharing between cohabiting healthy companion animals and humans in Portugal and in the United Kingdom.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- and plasmid-mediated cephalosporinase (AmpC)-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL/AmpC-E) are an increasing healthcare problem in both human and veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible sharing of ESBL/AmpC-E strains between healthy companion animals and humans of the same household in Portugal (PT) and the United Kingdom (UK). In a prospective longitudinal study, between 2018 and 2020, faecal samples were collected from healthy dogs (n=90), cats (n=20) and their cohabiting humans (n=119) belonging to 41 PT and 44 UK households. Samples were screened for the presence of ESBL/AmpC-E and carbapenemase-producing bacteria. Clonal relatedness between animal and human strains was established by using REP-PCR fingerprinting method, followed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of selected strains. ESBL/AmpC-E strains were detected in companion animals (PT=12.7%, n=8/63; UK=8.5%, n=4/47) and humans (PT=20.7%, n=12/58; UK=6.6%, n=4/61) in at least one timepoint. REP-PCR identified paired multidrug-resistant ESBL/AmpC-producing Escherichia coli strains from companion animals and owners in two Portuguese households (4.8%) and one UK household (2.3%). WGS analysis of nine E. coli strains from these three households confirmed that interhost sharing occurred only between the two animal-human pairs from Portugal. Three shared strains were identified: one CTX-M-15-producing E. coli strain in a cat-human pair (O15-H33-ST93) and two CTX-M-15- and CTX-M-55/CMY-2-producing E. coli strains, in a dog-human pair (O8:H9-ST410 and O11:H25-ST457, respectively) at different timepoints. These E. coli clonal lineages are human pandemic, highlighting the role of companion animals living in close contact with humans in the dissemination and persistence of antimicrobial resistance in the household environment.

Evaluating the Impact of Gamification on the Online Shop of a Game Server: A Comparison between the Portuguese and North American Contexts

Online commerce has been growing rapidly in an increasingly digital world, and gamification, the practice of designing games in a context outside the industry itself, can be an effective strategy to stimulate consumer engagement and conversion rate. This paper describes the design process involved in introducing gamification into an online shop that is supported by two game servers of the same kind, namely one in the United States of America (US) and another in Portugal (PT). Through the various phases of the design thinking process, a gamified system was implemented to meet the needs of various types of users frequently found in the shops. The gamification elements used were intended to increase user engagement with the shops so that they would become more aware of existing products and the introduction of new products, promoting purchase through intangible challenges and rewards. The impacts on server revenues and user satisfaction (N = 138) were evaluated one month after introducing the gamification techniques. The results show that gamification has a positive effect on users, with a significant increase in consumer interaction in both shops. However, from a business point of view, the results show only an increase in revenue for the US shop, while the Portuguese shop shows no significant differences compared to previous months. Of the two user groups analyzed, only those who frequent the US shop show receptivity toward intangible rewards, with tangible rewards (discounts) being a greater motivating factor for both groups.

Public perceptions about the invasive pampas grass, Cortaderia selloana: a case study of environmentally conscious citizens in Southern Europe

Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass), native to South America, is a widespread invasive plant in several regions of the World, including the south of the Atlantic Arc (Europe), where it has been used as an ornamental species. Citizens may help to spread it, e.g., planting it in their gardens, but on the other hand, when they are aware of its invasiveness, can contribute to control it and prevent its spread. An online survey was performed to better understand the perception and knowledge of Portuguese and Spanish citizens, regarding pampas grass. The influence of education and occupation, along with age, gender and country of residence, on the knowledge and perceptions of respondents was analysed. The questionnaire was answered by 486 and 839 citizens in Portugal (PT) and Spain (ES), respectively. Most respondents were between 41 and 64 years old, mostly women in Portugal and equally women and men in Spain, with higher education and working mostly in the services sector. The majority of respondents in both countries recognized the plant, knew it is invasive and were able to name it, alerting to a possible bias of the target audience toward citizens already aware of the invasiveness of the pampas grass. Fewer respondents were aware of the legislation that limits its use, and most were unable to identify particular characteristics of the species. The results showed that respondents' occupation in PT and education in ES influenced their knowledge and perception about pampas grass. This study confirms that education and raising awareness regarding invasive species is of utmost importance, as respondents identified academic training and projects with a strong focus on public awareness as the main sources of knowledge regarding pampas grass. Better informed citizens can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem, especially regarding invasive species with such ornamental interest as pampas grass.