Percorrer por autor "Sousa, António"
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- An assessment of the psychometric properties of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale and its prediction in safety performance in a Portuguese adult samplePublication . Sousa, Cátia; Sousa, António; Pinto, Ezequiel; Gonçalves, GabrielaThis study aims to present the psychometric properties of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale in a Portuguese sample. Three studies were performed: the first study provides psychometric evidence pertaining to its reliability and factor structure, an analysis of the measurement invariance of the BSSS across gender and age, and an examination of the differences scores on the scale regarding gender, age and marital status (n = 526); the second study consists of an assessment of convergent, discriminant and postdictive validity (n = 240); and the third study includes a test-retest of the BSSS (n = 72). A four-factor model yielded the best fit to the data with good reliability and validity. The scale showed non-invariance between genders and between ages, which makes it less generalizable and susceptible to different populations. Convergent validity with the variables risk taking, need for arousal and extraversion, and discriminant validity between neuroticism, agreeableness and conscientiousness, were demonstrated. The scale presents good temporal stability and represent an important tool for psychological assessment of personality and behavior, and as a predictor of safety performance.
- Collaborative science narrows knowledge gaps in marine biological invasions to advance a national framework.Publication . Ribeiro, Romeu S.; Espírito Santo, Cristina; Celestino, Susana; Mamede, Marta; Castro, João J.; Cruz, Teresa; Silva, Teresa; Jacinto, David; Bartilotti, Cátia; Lobo-Arteaga, Jorge; Tuaty-Guerra, Miriam; Canning-Clode, João; Duarte, Sofia; Lavrador, Ana S.; Costa, Ana Cristina; Parente, Manuela Isabel; Parretti, Paola; Ramalhosa, Patrício; Castro, Nuno; Morais, Pedro; Teodosio, Maria; Encarnação, João; Afonso, Inês; Cabral, Sara; Carvalho, Frederico; Dionísio, Maria Ana; Melo, Ricardo; Amorim, Ana; Sousa, António; Cidade, Tiago; Chainho, PaulaLarge-scale data synthesis is a foundation pillar of modern macroecology, necessary for transitioning fragmented regional data into scalable biosecurity frameworks. This study presents the outcomes of a coordinated nationwide effort to analyze marine Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) records across mainland Portugal, the Azores and Madeira archipelagos using a dual-framework design. Our goals were to update the morphologically confirmed NIS inventory, identify primary introduction pathways, examine temporal and spatial trends, and evaluate genetic database coverage. We delivered an updated checklist comprising 231 morphologically confirmed marine NIS, including five new regional records. Spatial analysis reveals distinct biogeographical divergence: mainland NIS predominantly originate from the temperate North Pacific, probably due to shipping and aquaculture vectors, whereas archipelago NIS originate from the North Atlantic. This pronounced regional variability in pathway dynamics underscores the need for spatially specific management rather than uniform national policies. Also, a systematic genetic gap analysis showed that 71% of these species are cataloged in global repositories, whereas only 12.5% feature locally sourced sequences. To bridge this gap, the second framework introduces a precautionary molecular watchlist of 22 species detected exclusively via DNA-based methods awaiting morphological confirmation. Ultimately, this dual-framework structure demonstrates how integrating taxonomy with provisional molecular data provides a reliable, data-driven baseline, while moving beyond a localized dataset update to offer a scalable reference frame capable of informing regional and global marine biosecurity frameworks.
- Spatial and temporal variations of Cockle (Cerastoderma spp.) populations in two portuguese estuarine systems with low directed fishing pressurePublication . Santos, Cátia; Cabral, Sara; Carvalho, Frederico; Sousa, António; Goulding, Thomas; Ramajal, João; Medeiros, João Paulo; Silva, Gilda; Angélico, Maria Manuel; Gaspar, Miguel; Brito, Ana C.; Costa, José Lino; Chainho, PaulaCockles are amongst the most exploited bivalve species in Portugal, playing an important ecological and socioeconomic role in coastal ecosystems. Two sympatric species of cockles, Cerastoderma edule (Linnaeus, 1758) and Cerastoderma glaucum (Bruguiere, 1789-1792) may co-occur in estuaries and coastal lagoons in mixed populations along the European Atlantic coast, namely in Portugal, France and the United Kingdom. The increasing importance of shellfish harvesting in Portugal requires a good knowledge of cockle stocks and temporal variability in stock levels to better inform sustainable management practices. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing spatial and temporal variations in cockle populations in two Portuguese estuarine systems where the species are exploited at low levels. Sampling was carried out using a clam dredge, covering the entire potential area of occurrence of cockles in the Tagus and Sado estuaries at around the same time of the year in each of the three sampling years (2015, 2018, and 2019). The abundance, spatial distribution and population structure of cockles were examined at each system. Moreover, several water and sediment parameters were measured to understand the influence of environmental conditions on the spatial distribution and abundance of cockles. The results obtained showed that cockles occur mostly in the intermediate areas of both estuarine systems and are more abundant in the Tagus estuary. Depth, average sediment grain size and the species Ruditapes philippinarum were the factors that better explained the probability of species occurrence. The population structure analysis indicated that natural mortality is constraining the cockle communities given the low abundance of adult individuals with marketable size in both estuaries. This study highlights the need for appropriate management measures to ensure the sustainability of these bivalve population stocks that have significant socioeconomic importance for local populations.