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A guide to support the integration of marine protected areas into maritime spatial planning
Publication . Calado, Helena; Markovic, Marina; Dias Gois Rodrigues de Queiroz, Joyce; Gutierrez, Débora; Pegorelli, Camila; Santos, Catarina Frazão
Marine protected areas can contribute to achieving biodiversity targets, especially when embedded in maritime spatial planning (MSP). Drawing on a screening of European MSP, this work presents a framework spanning pre-planning, planning and implementation. At each stage, it combines Strategic Environmental Assessment, a Criteria Checklist, and Strategic Recommendations to align conservation objectives, blue-economy activities and the rights and needs of coastal communities, supporting a more just, healthy and productive ocean.
A cyberattack detection and mitigation framework for community-based microgrids
Publication . Velarde, P.; Zafra-Cabeza, A.; Santos, Joni; Monteiro, Jânio; Bordons, C.
This article presents a Model Predictive Control approach aimed at enhancing the resilience of community-based microgrids against cyberattacks, using the energy community of Culatra Island, located in Algarve- Portugal, as a case study. Additionally, this work incorporates cybersecurity measures designed to detect and mitigate various types of cyberattacks. By applying residual analysis, the control system is able to identify anomalies in key parameters such as power balance and battery state of charge, which allows for the implementation of targeted mitigation strategies. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the system in maintaining stability and operational resilience under different attack scenarios. Index Terms— microgrid, model predictive control, energy community, cyberattacks.
Final report on digital innovation and implementation
Publication . Pinto da Costa, José Carlos
The primary objective of this report is to present the acquired synthesis of the existing knowledge in digital innovation and implementation of Smart Healthy Age-Friendly Environments (SHAFE) solutions, a critical assessment of practices, and recommendations for the future, in line with the objectives defined for the Working Group 3 of NET4Age-Friendly:
1. Map the state-of-the-art on digital solutions and large-scale sustainable implementation examples enabling SHAFE, through the collation and analysis of existing initiatives, practices implemented and related projects.
2. Collect and analyse former and ongoing research/practices on digital solutions and large-scale implementation and publish such collection in the form of a searchable knowledge base on the Action website (www.net4age.eu).
3. Synthesize and improve the state-of-the-art and good practices through a detailed analysis and the development of recommendations for the future.
The objectives were achieved departing from a comprehensive desk research to address the background and challenges, define scope and purpose, identify target stakeholders, analyse the existing knowledge base, and augment it with new data, thereby contributing significantly to the further development of the framework’s Module on digital innovations and implementation.
Based on these findings, the report aims to offer a nuanced understanding of the current digital landscape and tailored approaches that align with the evolving dynamics of technological advancements in the SHAFE areas. Through these insights, it delivers a comprehensive and forward-looking resource in the sphere of digital innovations and implementation towards the promotion of more inclusive communities.
Metacognitive training (MCT-Silver) for older adults with depressive symptoms in Portugal: a pilot study
Publication . Silva, Celso Filipe Boto; Alves, Elisabete; Schneider, Brooke C.; Sampaio, Francisco; Morgado, Bruno; Santos, Bruno M.; Correia, Tânia; Coelho, Joana; Tomaz, Mónica Lopo; Ferreira, Rogério; Fonseca, César; Pinho, Lara
Purpose Depressive symptoms in older adults represent a significant concern with major life impact. This uncontrolled pilot study evaluated the safety, feasibility and acceptance of metacognitive training for depression in later life (MCT-Silver) among Portuguese older adults. MCT-Silver is an 8-week psychological group intervention targeting (meta)cognitive beliefs to reduce depressive symptoms. The study also assessed changes in depressive symptoms, metacognitive beliefs, quality of life, ruminative responses, self-esteem, and dysfunctional attitudes. Methods A pilot, uncontrolled, single-group study with twenty-nine participants aged≥60 years without cognitive impairment and beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II) scores≥14 were included. Blinded assessments occurred at baseline and post-intervention using patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) (depression), metacognitions questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30) (metacognitive beliefs), world health organization quality of life instruments-Bref, item 1 (WHOQOL-Bref) (quality of life), ruminative responses scale (RRS-10) (ruminative responses), Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSE) (self-esteem), and dysfunctional attitudes scale-18B (DAS-18B) (dysfunctional attitudes). Acceptance was assessed with a 21-item questionnaire. Results Participants attended an average of 6 sessions (75%) and evaluated the intervention very positively, indicating they found it to be useful in daily life and fun. We did not receive any negative responses. Pre-post comparisons showed statistically significant changes in depressive symptoms, metacognitive beliefs, quality of life, rumination, self-esteem and dysfunctional attitudes; however, given the uncontrolled design, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary and exploratory rather than as evidence of efficacy. Conclusions Results of this uncontrolled single-group pilot study are encouraging, indicating safety, and feasibility of administration as well as high adherence and acceptance among Portuguese older adults. Given the uncontrolled singlegroup design, the observed pre-post improvements in clinical outcomes should not be interpreted as evidence of efficacy. Controlled studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of MCT-Silver in this population.
Bone retouchers and end-scrapers side by side at bushman rock shelter: exploring a ca. 100,000-year-old technological imbrication in southern Africa
Publication . Val, Aurore; Tribolo, Chantal; Schmid, Viola C.; Igreja, Marina; Texier, Pierre-Jean; Mercier, Norbert; Galy, Asmodée; Pécheyran, Christophe; Barbotin, Gaëlle; Porraz, Guillaume
A growing body of archaeological data points towards distinct cultural innovations during Marine Isotopic Stage (MIS) 5 in Africa. At Bushman Rock Shelter in South Africa, we described previously a large corpus of end-scrapers that constitute a technological novelty in the context of MIS 5 developments. Here, we describe 25 bones with impressions collected from the same deposits. Middle Stone Age layers at the site represent a succession of distinct technological phases, but the bones with impressions are strictly associated with one of them only, characterised by the presence of end-scrapers. Our refined optically stimulated luminescence and U-series chronology, presented here, dates securely this technological association to 103 ± 3 ka. Amongst the bones with impressions, there is a marked preference for the diaphyses of large ungulate long bones. Scraping marks linked to periosteum removal and evidence of fresh breakage indicate the use of bones while still fresh. Macro- and microscopic characteristics of the used areas confirm that the bones were used during percussive activities. The orientation of the bone surface modifications indicates repeated, similar technological gestures. We propose that these bones with impressions are bone retouchers that were fully integrated into the production of the end-scrapers and that they document a clear technological imbrication between the processing of animal resources and the manufacture and use of stone tools. We argue that the use of bones in lithic retouching or resharpening activities represents a critical step in the technological process that led to the exploitation of bone as a versatile raw material by hunter-gatherers.