Browsing by Author "Rodrigues, Sandra"
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Berlengas Biosphere Reserve : plan for the assessment of ecosystem services and functionsPublication . Leandro, Sérgio; Marques, Daniel; Mouga, Teresa; Coelho, Helena; Rodrigues, Sandra; Maranhão, PauloThe project Berlengas Biosphere Reserve Plan for the Assessment of Ecosystem Services and Functions arises from the need to identify and assess ecosystem services, promoting sustainable uses of the services in the Reserve. The high degradation rate currently observed in the natural systems, thus reducing the level and quality of ecosystem services, is reflected in a negative effect on environmental quality, human wellbeing and in some economic activities. Thus, it becomes inevitable to promote the need to convey the importance of these services to society. It is also essential to contribute to the development of innovative and environmentally sustainable practices which will maintain the functioning of the local ecosystem and the sustainability of the services. Thus, the main goals of this project are i) to identify and analyse the impacts and dependencies on ecosystem services in the Reserve; ii) to analyse the trends of the priority services, iii) to identify the risks and opportunities associated with these services; iv) to evaluate their value and ultimately iv) to disseminate the results improving conservation and management. Based on the results to be obtained through the evaluation and maintenance of these services it is expected an improvement on the environment in the region and the development of efficient mechanisms for the management of resources. Started in February 2014, over the past 3 months much research has already been conducted, with emphasis for the identification of services and opportunities in the Reserve. Ecosystem services in Berlengas can range from simply providing essential goods or support (e.g. fish) to cultural services (e.g. field trips, diving). Work is also being done to develop, define and optimize the methods to assess ecosystems services trends and values.
- The Impact of Multicomponent Exercise Protocols Order on the Maximum Voluntary Contraction of Older WomenPublication . Monteiro, António; Rodrigues, Sandra; Matos, Sérgio; Encarnação, Samuel; Teixeira, José; Barbosa, Tiago M.; Rodrigues, Filipe; Forte, PedroThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of exercise order in multicomponent training (MCT) on the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of older women. A total of 91 older women, ranging in age from 60 to 85 years, were randomly assigned to either Group A or Group B. Group A performed a warm up followed by aerobic training and resistance training, whereas Group B followed a warm up followed by resistance training and aerobic training. A control group (CG) did not engage in any exercise interventions. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA for between-group comparisons, and ANOVA was used for repeated measures. The results revealed that Group A demonstrated significant increases in MVC for knee extensors (KEs) between M1 and M3 (p < 0.001) and between M2 and M3 (p < 0.001). Similarly, Group A exhibited significant increases in MVC for knee flexors (KFs) between M1 and M3 (p = 0.001) and between M2 and M3 (p < 0.001). Both Group A and Group B demonstrated significant increases in MVC for elbow flexors (EFs) between M1 and M3 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, Group B showed a significant increase in hand grip strength (HGS) between M1 and M3 (p < 0.001). Overall, the findings suggest that initiating MCT with aerobic training followed by resistance training is the most effective approach for improving muscle strength in older women.