Sexual assault is a global public health and human rights concern, with serious physical, psychological and reproductive consequences for survivors. Among these, sexually transmitted infections are particularly relevant due to their frequently asymptomatic nature and potential for long-term complications. The detection of sexually transmitted infections in forensic settings is crucial for clinical management of victims and for evidentiary support in forensic sexual crimes investigations. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of real-time polymerase chain reaction for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Treponema pallidum in biological samples collected from victims of sexual assault and stored under routine forensic conditions, in some cases, for up to 18 years. A total of 231 swabs from 116 individuals collected between 2004 and 2017 were analysed using real-time PCR with pathogen-specific primers and fluorescent probes. The analysis revealed 13 positive samples of T. vaginalis (5.6%) and 11 of C. trachomatis (4.8%). No positive results were obtained for N. gonorrhoeae or T. pallidum. These findings demonstrate the usefulness of real-time polymerase chain reaction for detecting sexually transmitted infections in long-term preserved forensic samples. Moreover, the ability to identify pathogen DNA in archived samples highlights the potential role of molecular diagnostics in the retrospective investigation of sexual crimes, including cold cases. It underscores the value of molecular methods as a complementary tool in forensic proceedings and survivor care.

Background/Objectives: Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y-STR) are genetic markers widely used in forensic and population genetics. However, despite their importance, many populations remain under-represented in published studies and genetic databases. One such population is the Cape Verdean, which, despite its unique history of admixture between European and sub-Saharan African populations, continues to be under-represented in global Y-STR reference databases. This study aims to characterize the Y-STR haplotype diversity and paternal lineage composition of the Cape Verdean population using a high-resolution STR panel. Methods: A total of 143 unrelated Cape Verdean men were analyzed using a set of 26 Y-STR loci, including rapidly mutating markers. Allele and haplotype frequencies were calculated, along with standard forensic parameters such as gene and haplotype diversity. Paternal lineages were inferred, and genetic relationships with other populations were evaluated using distance-based and graphical methods. Results: A total of 135 haplotypes were detected, with 88.8% being unique, yielding a haplotype diversity of 0.999. The most common haplogroups reflected both West African and European ancestry. Genetic distance analysis positioned the Cape Verdean population between African and European groups, supporting its intermediate and admixed genetic background. Conclusions: This study provides the first high-resolution Y-STR dataset for Cape Verdeans, contributing valuable reference data for forensic casework and population genetic studies. The results highlight the utility of extended Y-STR panels in admixed populations and underscore the need to enhance the representation of admixed populations in international forensic reference databases

Tourism has established itself as one of the most important and fastest growing economic sectors in the world. The success of this economic activity depends heavily on qualified human resources. In the case of travel agencies and tourism, travel agents are the pillar of all the dynamics of this subsector. In the absence of many specific studies on these professionals and their levels of qualification and job satisfaction, this article aims to define a profile of the travel agent in Portugal, by dividing it into four elements: socio‑demographic, professional, economic and psychological and also to understand the influence of the level of qualification. A descriptive quantitative methodology with univariate and bivariate analysis was applied using primary data collection, based on the questionnaire survey of a significant number of travel agents operating in Portugal, representative of the national territorial density. The empirical results of this study allowed the general conclusion that the vast majority of travel agents have higher education qualifications with incidence in the area. Travel agents with more years of profession tend to earn better wages, although agents in higher age brackets show lower educational qualifications. However, it is not because travel agents have more education that they will get better pay; such as travel agents with a degree in tourism feel less satisfied with their profession, this correlates with inappropriate pay and high levels of stress.

Nas últimas décadas o conceito de marca tem sido associado ao turismo, funcionando como uma ferramenta de marketing. Os destinos turísticos passaram a ser vistos como empresas e começam a utilizar a marca como forma de atrair e fidelizar o visitante. A marca assenta numa perspetiva de criação de valor funcionando como estratégia de diferenciação num mercado cada vez mais competitivo. Neste enquadramento, o estudo aqui apresentado procurou perceber como a entidade regional do Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal tem desenvolvido o seu marketing através do conceito de marca. Em termos metodológicos, numa primeira parte foi feita uma análise da literatura sobre o conceito de marca, associada ao turismo, e numa segunda parte analisaram‑se as estratégias adotadas pela entidade alvo do nosso estudo. Como principais conclusões, constatou‑se que esta entidade procurou criar uma marca própria, agregadora de todos os produtos estratégicos âncora e produtos complementares, das suas sub‑regiões com vista a promover os seus recursos naturais e patrimoniais, transmitindo a ideia de um destino cosmopolita e glamoroso, com história e tradição.

Industrial tourism asserts itself as a tourist product of high economic, cultural and recreational value, through which the visitor can experience the dynamics of companies in activity and/or relive activities from other times, visiting archaeological and museum spaces. The main objective of this work is to investigate the feasibility of implementing an industrial tourism network in Vila Nova de Gaia (Portugal). It was decided to focus on an aggregation of active companies, with the aim of re‑dimensioning the tourist offer and giving the municipality notoriety in industrial terms. The case study method was used, which was associated with a set of data collection tools, namely the survey through interviews with municipal entities and stakeholders, in this case industries interested in joining the network. It was possible to assess the degree of maturity of the project and how the intended industrial tourism network in the region could be implemented.

Os estabelecimentos de alojamento turístico têm uma função estruturante na exploração do destino por parte dos visitantes. Os seus rececionistas assumem um papel relevante, pois enquanto componente humana do serviço têm, também, grande responsabilidade na divulgação das atividades de animação existentes no destino. Isto sucede com as atividades criadas para o turista, como com as existentes para a população autóctone, funcionando, pois, os rececionistas como hub de acesso à experiência e aos processos criativos locais. Apresentam, então, capacidade de influenciar as opções tomadas pelos hóspedes em matéria de visitação de locais, participação em eventos e experienciação de atividades de animação. Este estudo centra‑se em três centros históricos portugueses, classificados como Património Mundial: Coimbra, Évora e Porto. As informações, recolhidas mediante inquéritos próprios e tratadas estatisticamente, permitiram avaliar as relações entre oferta e procura turística, intermediadas pelos rececionistas, comprovando que as suas sugestões influenciam, efetivamente, as decisões dos hóspedes no destino.

It is very important to highlight the understanding of the business consequences of online consumer reviews, online visibility, presence expertise of businesses, number of accommodations, market intelligence, and management response. The authors gathered data on rural tourism establishments (RTA) from a website leading infomediary for rural tourism, related to 235 French RTAs. The performance of RTAs and market intelligence was provided by complementary survey. The results of the study show how consumers position RTAs based on their positive perceptions help managers to understand what leads the consumer to position the RTA and which characteristics are most relevant. The implications of this study are for both tourism specialists and RTA managers who, in their pursuit of success, attempt to track and assess the real connections between the RTA's specific consumer positioning based on their insights, provided in the online review comments, defined business strategy, and management behavioral competencies.

O estudo Consumo de Psicadélicos em Portugal - 2024 tem o objetivo amplo de acrescentar informação quanto ao consumo de psicadélicos em utilizadores residentes no país, tendo em consideração a diversidade de psicadélicos e um aprofundamento de aspetos de caracterização deste consumo e dos consumidores.

O presente documento constitui um Guia de Apoio que decorre da necessidade de definir uma Estratégia Nacional para a Integração de Pessoas em Situação de Sem-Abrigo, surge pela primeira vez em 2009, no âmbito dos Planos Nacionais de Ação para a inclusão, decorrentes da 17ª reunião dos Ministérios da União Europeia da área da Habitação, com o tema "o acesso ao alongamento de pessoas em situação de vulnerabilidade." Desta reunião resultou uma recomendação de compromisso para que as políticas ligadas ao fenômeno das pessoas em situação de sem-abrigo fossem tidas em conta no quadro do Ano Europeu 2012 da Luta contra a Pobreza e Exclusão. Face à necessidade de consensualizar respostas, potenciar recursos existentes, públicos e privados, evitar a duplicação e sobreposição de esforços e persistência do fenómeno, o primeiro ciclo da ENIPSA (2009-2025) delineou um conjunto de orientações gerais e compromissos das diferentes entidades, cuja operacionalização preconiza a implementação a nível local, no âmbito das redes sociais (dos Conselhos de Ação Social), de planos específicos e adequados às necessidades locais identificadas.