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- Exploring the role of relationship dynamics and chronic illness in psychological outcomes among cohabiting couples during the COVID-19 pandemicPublication . Lacomba-Trejo, Laura; Portugal, Alda; Vieira, Ana Diniz; Randall, Ashley K.; Relvas, Ana Paula; Portugal, AldaBackground: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated mental health difficulties among couples. Factors such as chronic physical illness, perceived threat of COVID-19, dyadic coping, and relationship quality may influence levels of psychological distress, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. This study aimed to examine how these individual and relational variables are associated with psychological outcomes in cohabiting couples during the first national lockdown in Portugal. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted with a sample of 956 individuals (83.9% women), aged 18 to 81 years (M = 40.76, SD = 10.42), living with a romantic partner for at least one year. Participants completed validated self-report instruments: Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales - 21 Items (DASS-21) to assess anxiety, depression, and stress; the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) to evaluate COVID-19 threat perception; the Perceived Relationship Quality Component – Short Version (PRQC-SV) to assess relationship quality; and the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) to measure dyadic coping. Hierarchical linear regression and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) were used to examine associations between variables. The study received prior approval from the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra. Results: The regression models accounted from between 17% to 21% of the variances of the dependent variables. In the case of the Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) models, the models explained between 11% and 85% of the cases. Hierarchical regression models (HRMs) showed that COVID-19 threat perception and relationship quality were significantly associated with mental health outcomes. In QCA models, low threat perception and high relationship quality and coping skills correlated with lower psychological distress. Conclusions: Chronic illness was not significantly associated with psychological distress when compared to COVID-19 threat perception, relationship quality, and dyadic coping. These insights are vital for managing mental health of couples during crises. By underscoring the importance of threat perception, relationship quality, and coping for psychological well-being management during health crises, this study offers valuable insights for supporting couples through periods of adversity.
- (Dis)Connected: finding the link between problematic use of internet, parent-child communication and academic performance in emerging adultsPublication . Portugal, Alda; Almada, Carina; Sotero, Luciana; Relvas, Ana Paula; Portugal, AldaInformation and Communication Technologies (ICT) play a central role in the lives of emerging adults, offering both opportunities and challenges. While ICT facilitates communication and access to information, its problematic use has raised concerns about its impact on family relationships and academic performance during this developmental stage. This cross-sectional study aims to describe the use of ICT in academic context and analyse differences between groups considering the problematic use of the internet, the perception of academic performance and parent-child communication in a sample of college students (N = 201, aged between 18 to 29). In addition to instruments for sociodemographic characterisation and of ICT use, Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 and Perception Scale of Parenting Communication-Emerging Adults were used. The results suggest that young people with problematic use of internet for non-academic purposes tend to report poorer communication with their parents, particularly their fathers. Additionally, half of the sample exhibited moderate problematic use of the internet. These results are relevant for professionals working with young adults, such as college professors, as well as for young adults themselves and their parents. Professors may benefit from implementing structured guidelines for ICT use in the classroom to promote academic engagement while minimizing distractions. For young adults, the findings emphasize the importance of developing self-regulation strategies to balance digital life, enhance academic performance, and maintain healthy relationships. Parents are encouraged to foster open communication and support positive family dynamics to mitigate the negative effects of problematic internet use.
- One year of COVID‐19: a longitudinal study of individual and relational factors of psychological adjustment of individuals living in a romantic relationship in Portugal during the COVID‐19 pandemicPublication . Relvas, Ana Paula; Portugal, Alda; Lacomba‐Trejo, Laura; Major, Sofia; Sotero, Luciana; Agostinho, Rafaela; Moreira, Marta; Randall, Ashley K.; Portugal, AldaAbstractThis longitudinal study explored the impact of COVID‐19 on individuals in romantic relationships. The sample spans three waves: first confinement (n = 52), deconfinement (n = 49), and second confinement (n = 26). The study tested sociodemographic factors, psychological adjustment (anxiety, depression, stress, well‐being), COVID‐19 threat perception, dyadic coping, and relationship quality. Results from repeated measures ANOVA and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) models revealed a decline in anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms, coupled with improved relationship quality over time. Well‐being and dyadic coping remained stable, while COVID‐19 threat perception increased. QCA models emphasized the predictive power of initial mental states (anxiety, depression, stress, and well‐being at W1) on subsequent adjustment. Notably, shorter relationship duration, healthcare worker status, and not having children, when combined with prior mental states, explained increased symptoms and diminished well‐being. The study underscores the significance of addressing these factors in individuals navigating romantic relationships during the pandemic.
- Endless forms most wonderful: four new cavernicolous planthopper species (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Cixiidae and Meenoplidae) from the Canary IslandsPublication . Hoch, Hannelore; López, Heriberto; Naranjo, Manuel; Aguín-Pombo, Dora; Oromí, Pedro; Aguin-Pombo, DoraThe Canary Islands harbour a rich and diverse fauna of obligate subterranean arthropods (i.e. troglobionts). Among the insect taxa which have repeatedly undergone the evolutionary switch from life on the surface to underground environments are the Fulgoromorpha, or planthoppers: Cixiidae and Meenoplidae. Previously, a total of 13 troglobitic planthopper species have been described from El Hierro, La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Here we describe three new troglobitic cixiid species: Cixius palmirandussp. nov. from La Palma, Cixius theseussp. nov. from El Hierro and Tachycixius gomerobscurussp. nov. from La Gomera, and one new meenoplid species: Meenoplus skotinophilussp. nov. from El Hierro. Tachycixius gomerobscurussp. nov. is the first record of a subterranean adapted Fulgoromorpha on La Gomera. With now 17 documented species of strictly hypogean planthoppers, the Canary Islands hold the highest number of subterranean planthoppers of any region worldwide, representing ca. ¼ of all known species. We provide a key to all subterranean planthopper species known from the Canary Islands as well as information on their habitat, distribution, ecological classification and conservation status. As all highly specialized, narrow range troglobitic planthopper species must be regarded as vulnerable, if not endangered, climate change poses a major risk of extinction. We hypothesize on island colonization and subterranean speciation underlying taxonomic diversity and high endemicity. We conclude that the currently observed zoogeographic patterns imply the existence of an ancient fauna which is now extinct.
- True parthenogenesis and female-biased sex ratios in Cicadomorpha and Fulgoromorpha (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha)Publication . Aguín-Pombo, Dora; Kuznetsova, Valentina G.; Aguin-Pombo, DoraInsects are renowned for their remarkable diversity of reproductive modes. Among these, the largest non-holometabolous order, Hemiptera, stands out with one of the most diversified arrays of parthenogenesis modes observed among insects. Although there are extensive reviews on reproduction without fertilization in some hemipteran higher taxa, no such analysis has been conducted for the large suborders Fulgoromorpha (planthoppers) and Cicadomorpha (leafhoppers). In both groups, there are species that reproduce by true parthenogenesis, specifically thelytoky, and in Fulgoromorpha, there are species that reproduce by pseudogamy or, more specifically, sperm-dependent parthenogenesis. In this review paper, we give and discuss the only currently known examples of true parthenogenesis in Fulgoromorpha and Cicadomorpha, mainly from the planthopper family Delphacidae and the leafhopper family Cicadellidae. We analyze patterns of distribution, ecology, mating behavior, acoustic communication, and cytogenetic and genetic diversity of parthenoforms and discuss hypotheses about the origin of parthenogenesis in each case. We also highlight examples in which natural populations show a shift in sex ratio toward females and discuss possible causes of this phenomenon, primarily the influence of endosymbiotic bacteria capable of altering the reproductive strategies of the hosts. Our review is mainly based on studies in which the authors have participated.
- Empoasca fabalis DeLong (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in European sweet potatoes: records, leaf damage, and Auchenorrhyncha insightsPublication . Aguin-Pombo, Dora; Boavida, Conceição; Valdiviesso, Teresa; Trindade, Cândida S.; Backus, Elaine; Mateus, Célia; Aguin-Pombo, DoraAbstractThe recent surge in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivation in Europe prompted an investigation into associated entomofauna within Portugal's southwestern region, known for its longstanding sweet potato production. This study aimed to assess entomofauna associated with this culture.Insect sampling was conducted by leaf and sweep net across three regional sites during 2018 and 2019 revealing the presence of Empoasca fabalis. Histological examination of sweet potato leaves affected by E. fabalis feeding unveiled significant damage, including the emergence of whitish spots (termed “stipples”) and subsequent necrotic spots. Comparative analysis between infested and undamaged control leaves revealed significant damage, involving mesophyll cell content deprivation and cellular disruption. This study describes, for the first time, the histological nature of the necrotic damage and suggests that E. fabalis primarily acts as a stippler on sweet potatoes, mainly targeting mesophyll cells with limited consumption of vascular tissue. The invasive behaviour and wide host range of E. fabalis pose a threat to sweet potato cultivation. These findings emphasize the need for monitoring to address the potential impact of E. fabalis on Europe’s agricultural ecosystem and native vegetation.In addition, six other Auchenorrhyncha species were identified during this study, including four crucial vectors of plant diseases: Laodelphax striatellus, Psammotettix alienus, Anaceratagallia glabra, Austroagallia sinuata, together with Empoasca solani and E. alsiosa. These results emphasise the importance of managing these insects in sweet potato cultivation.
- Three leafhoppers newly recorded from the European mainland (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae), with notes on their habitatsPublication . Avivar-Lozano, Laura; Pérez-Guerrero, Sergio; Molina-Rodrígues, José Mª; Reis, Fábio; Dora, Aguin-Pombo; Reis, Fábio; Aguin-Pombo, DoraThe leafhopper fauna of the Iberian Peninsula is the least studied in Europe. Recent surveys in agroecosystem areas of southern Spain, specifically in Andalusia, aimed to identify potential Auchenorrhyncha vectors of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. During these surveys, three previously unrecorded species of Cicadellidae belonging to the subfamily Deltocephalinae have been discovered. These newly recorded species are Balclutha incisa (Matsumura), Cicadulina (Cicadulina) bipunctata (Melichar), and Maiestas angustisecta (Linnavuori). Generally, these species were previously only known from American, African and eastern Palaearctic regions. This work is the first to record these species on the European mainland. Detailed descriptions of adult specimens have been provided, along with information on their current distribution and host plants. The potential role of these leafhoppers as potential vectors of plant pathogens is discussed, highlighting their importance in agroecosystems.
- New records of Oecanthus species (Orthoptera, Oecanthidae) in the Madeira archipelagoPublication . Silva, Hugo Miguel; Avivar-Lozano, Laura; Gomes, Gonçalo; Rhee, Howon; Dellinger, Thomas; Aguín-Pombo, Dora; Silva, Hugo Miguel; Dellinger, Thomas; Aguin-Pombo, DoraThe Madeira and Porto Santo Islands have both witnessed substantial habitat loss since their initial colonization. Despite their small size and the degradation of their natural habitats, they harbor a rich diversity of terrestrial invertebrates, including a significant number of endemic species. While research on Orthoptera fauna has predominantly focused on the largest island of Madeira, the smaller island of Porto Santo has remained relatively understudied. Fieldwork on both islands has led to the discovery of Oecanthus dulcisonans Gorochov, 1993 in the Madeira archipelago (Porto Santo and Madeira) for the first time. This species was described based on specimens collected in Tenerife and the Arabian Peninsula. However, its distribution, which includes parts of Africa, Western Asia, and some localities in Southern Europe, remains poorly understood. Oecanthus dulcisonans is morphologically very similar to Oecanthus pellucens (Scopoli, 1763), the only species of this genus previously recorded for the island of Madeira. Due to this resemblance, doubts have arisen regarding which of these two species is present in Madeira. By examining new material of O. pellucens, we have confirmed the presence of this species on Madeira as well. These new findings highlight the fact that, for these species, the Madeira archipelago represents the western limit of their distributional ranges in the Palearctic region.
- Collembola of the Cavalum and Landeiro Caves (Madeira, Portugal)Publication . Baquero, Enrique; Arbea, Javier I.; Nunes, Élvio; Aguin-Pombo, Dora; Mateos, Eduardo; Jordana, Rafael; Aguin-Pombo, DoraThe cave fauna of the Macaronesian archipelagos is rich in endemic species. Unlike the Azores and the Canary Islands, the cave fauna of the Madeira archipelago is little known. The only two cave complexes studied, Machico and São Vicente, lack protection measures. São Vicente is seriously threatened because it is being exploited for touristic purposes, while the Machico complex, the only one in its natural state, is open to the public but without any control. The importance of the conservation of this cave fauna is indisputable. So far, of the 13 cavernicolous species recorded, two of them—genus Centromerus—are critically endangered. Apart from occasional sampling, no monitoring study has ever been carried out. The aim of this work has been to make a species checklist of the cave fauna of the Machico complex, the least studied so far. For this purpose, during 2001–2002, a monitoring study was carried out using traps and manual collections in the lava tubes of Landeiros and Cavalum (I, II, III). Fourteen species of springtails were recorded. Of these, four are new species, Neelus serratus Jordana & Baquero sp. nov., Coecobrya decemsetosa Jordana & Baquero sp. nov., Coecobrya octoseta Jordana & Baquero sp. nov., and Sinella duodecimoculata Jordana & Baquero sp. nov., and one is a new record for the archipelago, Lepidocyrtus curvicollis Bourlet, 1839.
- Discovery of Hishimonus diffractus Dai, Fletcher & Zhang, 2013 (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae) in Europe, with remarks on previously recorded species of the genusPublication . Bella, Salvatore; Aguín-Pombo, Dora; Aguiar, António M. F.; Kunz, Gernot; Miralles-Núnez, Adria; Foster, Stuart; Sánchez-García, Inigo; Wilson, Michael R.; D`Urso, VeraDuring recent surveys on leafhoppers in urban and agroecosystem areas in Europe the Oriental Hishimonus diffractus Dai, Fletcher & Zhang, 2013 (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) has been found. This species, described from China and Thailand, is recorded here for the first time from Europe in the following countries: France, Portugal (Madeira), Spain, Gibraltar, United Kingdom, and Italy (Sicily). H. diffractus has been found associated with Jasminum and Olea (Oleaceae), Citrus (Rutaceae), Pittosporum (Pittosporaceae), Rubus (Rosaceae), Nerium (Apocynaceae) and Vitis (Vitaceae). Presence of the adults, morphological features, and some biological notes are provided to H. diffractus. Furthermore, Hishimonus hamatus Kuoh, 1976 is here reported for the first time in Spain and France. All Hishimonus species introduced in Europe are considered, and their economic importance discussed. Details on the first record and country in Europe, origin area, current distribution and host plants are given for each species.