Universidade da Madeira

Population parameters have been studied for only five out of 24 beaked whale species worldwide and in limited locations. This study provides novel knowledge on the natural markings and population parameters of Blainville’s beaked whales ( Mesoplodon densirostris ). Using photographic-identification data from adults and subadults of both sexes in Madeira Island (Eastern North Atlantic, 2015-2020), we estimated abundance and survival using capture-recapture models, the Robust Design (RD) and the POPAN. We calculated a proportion of marked individuals of 0.88, with new marks appearing every 0.4 years (range = 0.1-0.7). Annual abundance estimates from both models were similar and showed no trend. The POPAN model estimated a corrected super-population of 112 individuals (95% CI = 99-134) between 2015 and 2020. The corrected annual abundance estimates from the POPAN best-fitting model ranged from 42 whales (95% CI = 39-46 in 2016, and 95% CI = 39-48 in 2019) to 61 (95% CI = 51-72 in 2015). Survival rates of 0.98 (95% CI = 0.83-1.0) and 0.99 (95% CI = 0.97-1.00) were estimated (excluding transients) from the RD and POPAN models, respectively, which are similar to other regions. Despite potential caveats discussed in our analysis, these plausible estimates for a relatively small population should be considered in conservation and management strategies, highlighting the need to monitor the potential impact of local human activities. • First photo-ID-based abundance estimations of Blainville’s whales • Results suggest population stability over time • Two open population capture-recapture models gave consistent estimates

This article presents a targeted narrative review establishing the historical and theoretical foundations for computational belief change implementation. Seeded by Doyle and London’s foundational 1980 taxonomy, we trace the evolution of belief revision from computational origins through the theoretical transformation of the Alchourrón, Gärdenfors, and Makinson (AGM) framework to contemporary approaches. Our analysis demonstrates how pre-AGM computational pragmatism relates to AGM theoretical constructs, revealing both continuities and transformations across this evolution. We analyze how each taxonomical category evolved in the post-AGM era, identifying the theoretical foundations and historical precedents that inform contemporary implementation challenges. This foundation enables subsequent research into robust computational blueprints that synthesize historical insights with formal guarantees, providing the baseline for systematic implementation analysis and engineering-focused belief change research.

BackgroundJuvenile loggerhead sea turtles represent a crucial but understudied stage of the species life cycle. Most studies have been conducted at regional scales and there remains a need for a broader scale synthesis. In the North Atlantic, loggerheads encounter numerous threats such as fishing during their transoceanic journey, so it is important to get a broad view of their distribution, movement and habitat preferences.MethodsFor this study, we gathered tracking data from 124 juvenile loggerheads tagged along the Azores, Canary Islands, Madeira and in the western North Atlantic to develop a habitat model for the entire basin. We used a SSM to interpolate tracks to daily positions, simulated pseudo-absences with a correlated random walk for background data, and explored 17 environmental variables using boosted regression trees to select the best model in terms of biological realism and predictive power. The best model obtained (AUC = 0.988) was then used to predict habitat suitability for the North Atlantic for the period 1998–2022. Stranding records of loggerheads in France, UK and Ireland were used to discuss the predictions.ResultsAfter filtering, tracks of 105 individuals, covering most of the basin, were used in the model. Our predictions of habitat suitability show the importance of the Gulf Stream and the Azorean Current. Habitat suitability is predicted to be higher in the area between 30° and 45°N all year round, while open waters below 30°N, including Cape Verde, are not predicted to be a suitable habitat. In northern and eastern areas, like the Bay of Biscay and UK and Irish waters, habitat suitability varied seasonally, with colder seasons showing lower values. Accordingly, strandings in those areas occurred mostly during winter (December-February; 45.1%) and spring (March-May; 34.1%).ConclusionsThe model offers a first basin-scale prediction of the seasonal distribution of juvenile loggerheads in the North-Atlantic, which shows consistency with stranding and bycatch data in the basin. This study represents a first step towards a broader scale understanding of juveniles’ habitat preferences that can be used to quantify the magnitude and extent of the threats that they face.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40462-026-00640-2.

Lignin from Phaleria macrocarpa (Mahkota Dewa) fruit, a bioactive-rich cultivated medicinal biomass, was employed as a renewable precursor for lignin quantum dots (LQDs). A simple, aqueous, catalyst-free two-step route (lignin to lignin nanoparticles to LQDs) is demonstrated, enabling the valorization of non-food lignin into photoluminescent nanomaterials. The resulting LQDs were predominantly amorphous with short-range graphitic ordering and a narrow particle size distribution (3-5 nm). Structural and chemical analyses indicated a partially graphitized carbon framework enriched with oxygenated surface functionalities, which is consistent with their bright blue-green emission (λem of 490 nm; average fluorescence lifetime of 4.51 ns). Hydrothermal carbonization induced a blue shift in the UV-Vis absorption profile, resulting in a main band at 288 nm with a shoulder at 312 nm. The LQDs exhibited high cytocompatibility toward L929 mouse fibroblasts (93.1 ± 6.5% viability at 24 h) and were readily internalized by cells, facilitating green fluorescence live-cell imaging as a proof-of-concept. Antibacterial activity was observed against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, supporting dual biofunctional performance. Overall, this study established a green and scalable route for converting P. macrocarpa fruit lignin into multifunctional LQDs, with potential applications in circular-bioeconomy such as antimicrobial/active coatings and optical sensing in agro-industrial contexts.

Biocompatible shape-memory polymers are promising next-generation tissue engineering biomaterials that possess low toxicity, tunable mechanical strength, and programmable movement and actuation properties. To develop low cost, biocompatible and controllable shape-memory polymers, in this work, we prepared Poly(lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) copolymers (PDTs) by incorporating flexible trimethylene carbonate (TMC) segments into the rigid poly(DL-lactide) (PDLLA) backbone via ring-opening copolymerization. The polymerization conditions were optimized through a systematic orthogonal experimental design. Compared with brittle PDLLA (initial elongation at break: ∼7%), the introduction of TMCs resulted in a significant improvement in the flexibility and ductility (elongation at break for PDT: 27.6-1288%). The thermal shape-memory/recovery rate of PDTs after cyclic deformation is more than 95%, the adjustable thermomechanical properties (Tg: 41.54-10.14 °C) enable their programmable thermal shape-memory function. Moreover, the introduction of TMCs could alleviate local acid degradation of PDLLA, improve the hydrophilicity (water contact angle reduced from 97.75° to 62.25°), and maintain excellent cytocompatibility (meet the medical grade standard). The results showed that PDT copolymers possess tunable elasticity, acid degradation resistance, and enhanced bioactivity, making them promising biocompatible thermal shape-memory elastomers for cell culture scaffold application towards tissue engineering.

The transition to parenthood is a critical period for couples, particularly for first-time parents. It is during this period that the co-parenting relationship emerges, and some couples report a decline in their marital satisfaction due to the profound physical, emotional, and social changes that accompany the arrival of the new baby. Existing studies suggest that infant sleep patterns and co-sleeping arrangements also influence marital satisfaction and co-parenting quality. However, the relationship between these variables remains unclear, and no systematic review has been conducted on the topic before. Following PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed the literature on co-parenting, marital satisfaction, infant sleep, and co-sleeping during the transition to parenthood. Of the 7,152 publications reviewed, only 13 studies were selected, highlighting a significant gap in the literature. We found no study examining all four variables simultaneously. The available evidence suggests that disrupted sleep patterns and co-sleeping may be linked to lower marital satisfaction and co-parenting quality. Yet, most studies were conducted in Western countries where co-sleeping is less accepted, and study samples lacked sociocultural diversity. Addressing these gaps in future research is crucial for informing practices that support families during the early stages of parenthood.

Purpose This study examines how psychological detachment from work relates to work–family balance and how this relationship is moderated by the type of work model (remote, hybrid and on-site) and employees’ perceived fit with their work modality. Design/methodology/approach Based on the conservation of resources theory, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 373 Portuguese employees across various sectors. Validated measures of psychological detachment, perceived fit and work–family balance were used. Moderation effects were tested using PROCESS in SPSS. Findings Results show that psychological detachment significantly enhances work–family balance. Remote and hybrid work models are associated with higher levels of work–family balance than on-site work, although no significant differences were found in detachment levels across work models. Crucially, the perceived fit of the work model moderated the relationship: the positive effect of detachment was stronger when employees perceived the work model as adequate for their needs. Practical implications Organisations should support psychological recovery by creating conditions that promote detachment in all work models. Ensuring a good fit between employees and their work arrangements can amplify the benefits of detachment, improving well-being and reducing work–family conflict. Originality/value This study extends the understanding of how flexible work environments impact psychological recovery and highlights the role of perceived work model fit as a critical contextual resource. Findings offer practical insights for improving employee well-being in diverse work settings.

The management of aging infrastructure requires a paradigm shift from routine, time-based inspections to data-driven, condition-based assessment. This paper presents a novel and practical framework for this transition through an in-depth case study of the Machico Cable-Stayed Bridge, a modern structure exhibiting accelerated deterioration driven by its aggressive marine environment. The core contribution is a replicable methodology demonstrating how to leverage a unique and disparate set of existing diagnostic data—synthesizing visual inspection reports, non-destructive evaluations, and dynamic in situ measurements—to design a targeted and optimized Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) strategy. The diagnostic analysis reveals critical pathologies, including advanced corrosion and significant discrepancies between design and measured cable forces, a finding that highlights a critical gap in historical performance data. In direct response to an official mandate for continuous monitoring, this paper proposes a multi-level SHM framework where the placement and specifications of each sensor (accelerometers, strain gauges, corrosion sensors) are directly justified by the documented failure modes. This work thus provides a practical roadmap for translating forensic data into a coherent, long-term asset management strategy, bridging the critical gap between diagnostic engineering and proactive infrastructure management.

Typing and editing precise numerical input, in particular floating-point values, are essential tasks in Spatial Computing for applications such as 3D precision modeling, object measurement, object dimensioning, mathematical visualization, and immersive media creation. Yet the adopted interfaces and interaction techniques in VR/AR/MR are often replicas of flat, palm-sized numpads such as those found in physical calculators or their WIMP counterparts. To move beyond such conventional confines, this paper explores redesigning the numpad by leveraging the spatial freedom of VR with a specific focus on introducing redundancy in the input of floating point values. To do so, we took inspiration from mechanisms such as combination dials, movable numbers, and a mechanical calculator that offer a larger and multi-column number layout. We assess how redundant interfaces can enhance user experience and efficiency when it comes to precise number editing of floating point values. Through a user study (N=30), we compared four numpads where participants engage in inputting a list of target numbers within a virtual environment. Our findings reveal that the redesigned numpads, which utilize redundant design elements, were preferred by users over the conventional numpad design as they provided clearer and more efficient number input methods in VR.