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This paper develops a methodology to estimate ship emissions using Automatic Identification System data (AIS). The methodology includes methods for AIS message decoding and ship emission estimation based on the ship's technical and operational characteristics. A novel approach for ship type identification based on the visited port terminal is described. The methodology is implemented in a computational tool, SEA (Ship Emission Assessment). First, the accuracy of the method for ship type identification is assessed and then the methodology is validated by comparing its predictions with those of two other methodologies. The tool is applied to three case studies using AIS data of maritime traffic along the Portuguese coast and in the port of Lisbon for one month. The first case study compares the estimated emissions of a ferry and a cruise ship, with the ferry emitting much less than the cruise ship. The second case study estimates the geographical distribution of emissions in the port of Lisbon, with terminals corresponding to areas with a heavier concentration of exhaust emissions. The third case study focuses on the emissions from a container ship sailing along the continental coast of Portugal, differing considerably from port traffic since it operates exclusively in cruising mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of the research is to present a methodological approach based on geotechnologies to acquire, process and analyse high-resolution 3D data to support georesources monitoring and geoheritage site preservation. The work is focused on the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) mapping technology with applications in a challenging framework, i.e. rock quarry and geomining heritage sites. The investigation interconnects several ground fields: engineering geosciences, rock engineering, sensing and aerial technology, and data processing systems for acquiring high-resolution imagery. The study couples two technologies: (1) robotic systems and (2) LiDAR-based mapping and GIS geovisualisation techniques. The approach presented herein shows the complementarity between techniques to improve the rock quarry's geotechnical assessment and geomining heritage site. It was also possible to operate 3D recording technologies to preserve and record ancient mines' cultural heritage and surroundings. The methodology shows a common ground for an integrated vision for rocky georesources monitoring by applying UAV mapping technologies. The final outputs allowed the image processing, geospatial analysis and 3D ground modelling of the 'Malaposta' gneiss quarry (Lourosa) and the Roman mine 'Fojo das Pombas' (Valongo), both sites in NW Portugal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to explore the relationships between coping strategies, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and satisfaction with life among Portuguese workers. A sample of 402 participants (207 male, 195 female), ranging in age from 18 to 70 years (M = 32.90, SD = 11.75), was included in the study. Participants reported varying levels of work experience, ranging from 1 to 45 years (M = 10.62, SD = 4.07). The sample encompassed diverse occupations, including arts and design (n = 28), engineering (n = 23), marketing (n = 27), administration (n = 50), transportation and logistics (n = 57), clerks (n = 63), lawyers (n = 21), factory workers (n = 20), accountant and finance (n = 41), journalism (n = 27), health care (n = 29), and others (n = 16). To examine the associations between each determinant and satisfaction with life, hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted. Two models were tested, with predictors entered in blocks based on theoretical and empirical considerations. The second model accounted for 52.4% of the variance in satisfaction with life (F (14, 384) = 3.884, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.27, adjusted R2 = 0.24). Depressive symptoms and stress consistently exhibited a significant association (p < 0.05) with satisfaction with life across all tested models. In terms of coping mechanisms, instrumental support reinterpretation, disengagement, and humor demonstrated a significant association with satisfaction with life (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that employing adaptive coping strategies may help mitigate symptoms of mental distress and enhance satisfaction with life. By understanding the relationships between coping strategies, mental health symptoms, and satisfaction with life, interventions can be developed to promote well-being and improve overall quality of life among Portuguese workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the spread of the Industry 4.0 concept, implementing Artificial Intelligence approaches on the shop floor that allow companies to increase their competitiveness in the market is starting to be prioritized. Due to the complexity of the processes used in the industry, the inclusion of a real-time Quality Prediction methodology avoids a considerable number of costs to companies. This paper exposes the whole process of introducing Artificial Intelligence in plastic injection molding processes in a company in Portugal. All the implementations and methodologies used are presented, from data collection to real-time classification, such as Data Augmentation and Human-in-the-Loop labeling, among others. This approach also allows predicting and alerting with regard to process quality loss. This leads to a reduction in the production of non-compliant parts, which increases productivity and reduces costs and environmental footprint. In order to understand the applicability of this system, it was tested in different injection molding processes (traditional and stretch and blow) and with different materials and products. The results of this document show that, with the approach developed and presented, it was possible to achieve an increase in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of up to 12%, a reduction in the process downtime of up to 9% and a significant reduction in the number of non-conforming parts produced. This improvement in key performance indicators proves the potential of this solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to discuss the current status of port regionalization in the Portuguese range and to identify its possible developments, giving special consideration to cross-border issues. The ‘Portuguese range’ comprises a set of ports located in the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula, grouped in a multi-port gateway region, directly connected to one of the main European Union rail freight corridors. These ports possess a natural competitive advantage as a gateway to foreland regions along the Atlantic Ocean, such as Latin America, North America and West Africa. In order to fully realize this potential, the entire range is engaged in a regionalization process into certain regions of Spain, which is analysed in this paper. The paper builds upon previous work on regionalization, inland terminal networks, dry port development and dyad formations and applies these concepts to the Portuguese range, in its pursue for the capture of hinterlands in Spain. The validity of the regionalization theoretical framework is thus benchmarked against a trans-national case and novel elements are sought to enrich the framework. The paper first describes the current situation of container terminals in the Portuguese range regarding throughput, rail connections, network of inland terminals (and dry ports) and its utilization. Comparison is made with its Spanish counterparts. The policies of major stakeholders are also reviewed concerning dry port and logistic platform development. A number of potential and existing seaport-dry port dyads are identified. Conclusions and policy suggestions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Comprehensive methodology for evaluating intermodal transport chains. • Case study for evaluating various transport chains to Northern Europe. • Identification of the impact of external costs in the transport chain preferences. • Geographical information system utilization for displaying chain preferences. This paper presents research on the impact of transportation external costs internalization in the competitiveness of short sea shipping. Numerical methods for calculating emissions and external costs, that consider the full range of technical and operational vehicle characteristics are presented. The impacts of existing and future emission control areas, emissions abatement technologies, types of fuel, ship speed, cargo capacity and utilization factors in the required freight rate are evaluated. Internal and external costs are used to evaluate alternative intermodal chains for a set of pairs origin/destination extending to a range of regions in Northern Europe. Short sea shipping is competitive for a large set of destinations and its scope of competitiveness does not change significantly between different scenarios. Competitiveness regarding external costs shows more variation but, due to the small relative magnitude of these costs, internalization shows a moderate potential for promoting modal shift towards short sea shipping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a worldwide problem with serious health and economic repercussions. Since the 1940s, underuse, overuse, and misuse of antibiotics have had a significant environmental downside. Large amounts of antibiotics not fully metabolized after use in human and veterinary medicine, and other applications, are annually released into the environment. The result has been the development and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to many years of selective pressure. Surveillance of AMR provides important information that helps in monitoring and understanding how resistance mechanisms develop and disseminate within different environments. Surveillance data is needed to inform clinical therapy decisions, to guide policy proposals, and to assess the impact of action plans to fight AMR. The Functional Genomics and Proteomics Unit, based at the University of Trás-osMontes and Alto Douro in Vila Real, Portugal, has recently completed 10 years of research surveying AMR in bacteria, mainly commensal indicator bacteria such as enterococci and Escherichia coli from the microbiota of different animals. Samples from more than 75 different sources have been accessed, from humans to foodproducing animals, pets, and wild animals. The typical microbiological workflow involved phenotypic studies followed by molecular approaches. Throughout the decade, 4,017 samples were collected and over 5,000 bacterial isolates obtained. High levels of AMR to several antimicrobial classes have been reported, including to β-lactams, glycopeptides, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, sulphonamides, and quinolones. Multi-resistant strains, some relevant to human and veterinary medicine like extended-spectrum β-lactamaseproducing E. coli and vancomycin-resistant enterococci, have been repeatedly isolated even in non-synanthropic animal species. Of particular relevance are reports of AMR bacteria in wildlife from natural reserves and endangered species. Future work awaits as this threatening yet unsolved problem persists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the possibilities of closer integration of short sea shipping, with other components of the Trans-European Transport Networks, shifting a significant share of road freight onto rail corridors and inland waterways. A numerical model of transport networks is used to support the calculation of the main parameters driving transport decisions, for multiple pairs of origin/destination representing statistical regions of the European Union, and for different, alternative intermodal and unimodal transport chains. Results are presented using a geographic information system. This approach is applied in a case study dedicated to the evaluation of the competitiveness of transport chains based on short sea shipping between Portugal and The Netherlands, integrated with other components of Trans-European Transport Networks (rail freight corridors and inland waterways), compared to road haulage-based transport chains. Conclusions are drawn regarding the geographical scope of the relative competitiveness of these transport chains and policy investment insights are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in cancer research and therapy have improved prognosis and the quality of life of many patients. However, previous epidemiological studies in oncologic patients have shown an increased risk of suicide. Suicidal thoughts, relatively well known in those terminally ill, may be just as important for cancer patients who are survivors or are living with the disease. Nonetheless, there is a relative paucity of data about suicidality in this setting. The authors conducted a prospective observational study to identify death thoughts and to explore the factors associated with suicidal ideation in cancer patients. A sample of 130 patients referred for psychiatric consultation was obtained following informed consent and authorization from the local ethics committee. A semistructured interview assessed sociodemographic data, psychosocial support, and information regarding the cancer process and its treatment. Psychometric instruments were used to evaluate psychopathology, namely the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. Psychiatric diagnoses were obtained through the application of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Death ideation was identified in 34.6% of patients, yet only 10% had active suicidal thoughts. Risk of suicide was associated with female gender, a psychiatric diagnosis (major depressive disorder, panic disorder, or dysthymia), difficult interpersonal relationships, associated pain, high hopelessness, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Although suicidal thoughts are frequent in cancer patients at different stages of disease, most are transitory. Risk factors for suicidal ideation have been identified, such as depression, hopelessness, uncontrolled pain, and difficult interpersonal relationships. Further assessment is necessary to identify those at higher risk of attempting suicide, and underlying psychiatric disorders should be vigorously treated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of deficit irrigation on intrinsic water use efficiency (A/gs) and carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of two grapevine cultivars (Moscatel and Castelão), growing in a commercial vineyard in SW Portugal. The study was done in two consecutive years (2001 and 2002). The treatments were full irrigation (FI), corresponding to 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), rain-fed (no irrigation, NI), and two types of deficit irrigation (50% ETc): (i) by supplying the water either to one side of the root system or to the other, which is partial rootzone drying (PRD), or (ii) dividing the same amount of water by the two sides of the root system, the normal deficit irrigation (DI). The water supplied to the PRD treatment alternated sides approximately every 15 d. The values of predawn leaf water potential (Ψpd) and the cumulative integral of Ψpd (SΨ) during the season were lower in 2001 than in the 2002 growing season. Whereas differences in Ψpd and SΨ between PRD and DI were not significantly different in 2001, in 2002 (a dryer year) both cultivars showed lower values of SΨ in the PRD treatment as compared with the DI treatment. This suggests that partial rootzone drying may have a positive effect on water use under dryer conditions, either as a result of better stomatal control and/or reduced vigour. The effects of the water treatments on δ13C were more pronounced in whole grape berries and pulp than in leaves. The δ13C of pulp showed the best correlation with intrinsic water use efficiency (A/gs) as well as with SΨ. In spite of the better water status observed in PRD compared with DI in the two cultivars in 2002, no statistical differences between the two treatments were observed in A/gs and δ13C. On the other hand, they showed a higher δ13C compared with FI. In conclusion, it is apparent that the response to deficit irrigation varies with the environmental conditions of the particular year, the driest conditions exacerbating the differences among treatments. The highest values of δ13C found in the pulp of NI vines in Castelão compared with Moscatel suggest different sensitivities to water deficits in the two cultivars, as was empirically observed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper applies a methodology for computing external costs in an intermodal transport network that includes short sea shipping to explore the impact of external costs in its competitiveness. The network, which includes roads, freight railways, maritime and inland waterway connections, considers the specific characteristics of different transport alternatives and vehicle types, providing a fair comparison of the various modes. A case study focused on freight transportation between Northern Portugal and 75 destinations (NUTS2 regions) in north-western Europe is presented. The potential of different intermodal routes that include short sea shipping is assessed, including not only internal costs and times but also external costs per mode and unit of cargo. The impact of the different cost approaches in each country of transit is shown along with the progress that has been made in the integration of external costs, using the most recent EU estimates on marginal costs coverage ratios per country for freight transport modes. The results support the modal shift from road to sea in this corridor, providing means for modal comparison and for the development of short sea shipping's image as a sustainable mode of transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the most attractive emission compliance options (emission abatement technologies and cleaner fuels) in intermodal transport chains that include short sea shipping. Most studies on emissions-based transport chain comparisons have estimated high levels of nitrogen and sulfur oxide emissions in maritime transportation, decreasing its competitiveness. However, the consequences of regulatory and technological developments and the integration of maritime transport in intermodal transport chains have not yet been considered in detail. In order to address this research gap, a numerical model for computing emissions from different transport modes in an intermodal transport network, under the effect of these developments, is presented that is based on bottom–up emission factors that depend on the fuel type, engine type, and operational profile of each vehicle. Different emissions scenarios are chosen for specific unimodal and intermodal routes (short sea shipping-based) between Portugal and northwestern Europe. Conclusions are drawn on estimated values of air pollutant emissions and greenhouse emissions, in CO2-eq per unit of cargo, in each scenario. These results allow the identification of the most environmentally friendly transport chains, thus supporting the development of adequate transport policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a mathematical model for calculating the generalized costs resulting from the transportation of containers from multiple locations in a geographical region to different container terminals serving this region. The generalized costs are calculated using a road and rail transport network model, enabling potential hinterlands of terminals in close competition to be delimited, rather than port hinterlands as is more common in the literature. The mathematical model is used in a case study on the consequences of building a new terminal in the port of Lisbon and closing down an existing terminal, implying a terminal relocation between river banks. The model shows that this relocation has significant implications in the delimitation of container terminal potential hinterlands across southern Portugal. Conclusions and policy recommendations regarding the consequences of such relocation are given in terms of relative competitiveness of the different terminals and suitability of the relocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Monogenic forms of diabetes that develop with autosomal dominant inheritance are classically aggregated in the Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) categories. Despite increasing awareness, its true prevalence remains largely underestimated. We describe a Portuguese cohort of individuals with suspected monogenic diabetes who were genetically evaluated for MODY-causing genes., Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with positive genetic testing for MODY between 2015 and 2021. Automatic sequencing and, in case of initial negative results, next-generation sequencing were performed. Their clinical and molecular characteristics were described., Results: Eighty individuals were included, 55 with likely pathogenic/pathogenic variants in one of the MODY genes and 25 MODY-positive family members, identified by cascade genetic testing. The median age at diabetes diagnosis was 23 years, with a median HbA1c of 6.5%. The most frequently mutated genes were identified in HNF1A (40%), GCK (34%) and HNF4A (13%), followed by PDX1, HNF1B, INS, KCNJ11 and APPL1. Thirty-six unique variants were found (29 missense and 7 frameshift variants), of which ten (28%) were novel., Conclusions: Our data highlights the importance of genetic testing in the diagnosis of MODY and the establishment of its subtypes, leading to more personalized treatment and follow-up strategies., (© 2022. Springer-Verlag Italia S.r.l., part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a life-threatening condition caused by an impaired secretion of the adrenal glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hormones. It comprises a heterogeneous group of primary, secondary and acquired disorders. Presentation differs according to the child's age, but it usually presents with nonspecific and insidious symptoms and signs. The main purpose of this study was to describe and compare patients with primary or secondary AI., Methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients with adrenal insufficiency followed at the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit in a tertiary care Portuguese hospital over the last 30 years. Data on family history, age at the first manifestation and at etiological diagnosis, and clinical presentation (symptoms, signs and laboratory evaluation) was gathered for all patients., Results: Twenty-eight patients with AI were included; 67.9% were male, with a median (25th-75th percentile, P25-P75) age of 1 (0.5-36) month at the first presentation. The principal diagnostic categories were panhypopituitarism (42.9%) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (25%). The most frequent manifestations (75%) were vomiting and weight loss. They were followed for a median (P25-P75) period of 3.5 (0.6-15.5) years. In respect to neurodevelopmental delay and learning difficulties, they were more common in the secondary AI group., Conclusions: Despite medical advances, the diagnosis and management of AI remains a challenge, particularly in the pediatric population, and clinicians must have a high index of suspicion. An early identification of AI can prevent a potential lethal outcome, which may result from severe cardiovascular and hemodynamic instability., (© 2022 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Strain NL19T is a Gram-stain-negative, aerobic bacterium that was isolated from sludge of a deactivated uranium mine in Portugal. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain NL19T is a member of the genus Pedobacter and closely related to the strains Pedobacter himalayensis MTCC 6384T, Pedobacter cryoconitis DSM 14825T, Pedobacter westerhofensis DSM 19036T and Pedobacterhartonius DSM 19033T. It had a DNA G+C content of 40.8 mol%, which agreed with the genus description. The main fatty acids included C16 : 1ω7c, C14 : 1ω5c, C4 : 0, iso-C17 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C16 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The main lipids present were phospholipids (60 %) and sphingolipids (35 %). The most abundant phospholipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine. Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) was the only isoprenoid quinone detected. DNA-DNA hybridization similarities between strain NL19T and Pedobacter himalayensis MTCC 6384T, Pedobacter cryoconitis DSM 14825T, Pedobacter westerhofensis DSM 19036T and Pedobacter hartonius DSM 19033T were 15.3 , 16.2 , 11.5 and 16.0 %, respectively. Strain NL19T can also be distinguished from these four species based on gyrB and intergenic transcribed spacers (ITS) sequences and by some phenotypic traits such as NaCl tolerance, pH, growth temperature and carbon source utilization. Strain NL19Trepresents a novel species of the genus Pedobacter, for which the name Pedobacter lusitanus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NL19T (=LMG 29220T=CECT 9028T). An amended description of Pedobacter himalayensis is also included.

Purpose: The Miranda donkey (Equus asinus) is an endangeredasinine from Miranda do Douro region, located in the north east of Portugal. We studied the antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. isolates from these animals., Methodology: In March 2014, a total of 66 faecal samples were recovered from independent animals. Antibiotic resistance was determined by the disc diffusion method. Carriage of genes coding for antibiotic-resistant and virulent factors was analysed by PCR., Results: A total of 66 E. coli and 41 enterococcal isolates were detected, with Enterococcus faecium (61 %) and Enterococcus hirae (24 %) being the most prevalent species. For enterococcal isolates, high percentages of resistance rates to tetracycline (68.3 %), quinupristin/dalfopristin (51.2 %) and ciprofloxacin (48.8 %) were observed. The genes erm(A) and/or erm(B), tet(M) and/or tet(L), vat(D) and/or vat(E) and aph(3')-IIIa were also found. The most frequent virulence gene detected was gel(E), followed by ace, cpd and hyl. Escherichia coli isolates were highly resistant to streptomycin (78 %), whereas 39 % of them exhibited resistance to aminoglycosides and tetracycline. Genes sul1 and/or sul2 were detected in 66.7 % of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-resistant isolates. The virulence genes detected were fim(A) (46 %) and cnf1 (27 %)., Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing antibiotic resistance among Escherichiacoli and Enterococcus spp. isolates from the Miranda donkey in Portugal, indicating possible antibiotic-resistant bacterial reservoirs. However, the detection of these resistances presents a low risk for other animals and human beings in that rural area.

Unlabelled: Bibliographic references of scientific articles are the source for calculating impact indexes frequently used for the assignment of funding to research projects. Different citation patterns may result in measurement bias of these impact indexes., Objective: To analyze citation patterns of Brazilian and Portuguese biomedical journals regarding the geographic origin of the sources cited., Methods: As part of the v+biomed project, a convenience sample of 11 biomedical journals, 4 Portuguese and 7 Brazilian, was gathered including the following subject categories: General and Internal Medicine, Public Health, Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Surgery. All the references from all the articles published in all the issues (except supplements) in 2009 and 2010 were retrieved. The type of source cited and its geographic origin were analyzed., Results: A total of 102 issues from the 11 journals, containing 1430 articles, with a total of 32782 references were analyzed. No differences were found regarding the number of authors, pages or references between articles from Brazilian and Portuguese journals. Brazilian journals presented higher prevalence of English language and cited significantly more journals from their own country (30.1%) comparing to Portuguese journals (5.4%). Additionally, a lower citation rate to journals from the other country analyzed was evident in Brazilian (0.1%) when compared to Portuguese (3.2%) journals, as well as a higher self-citation of Brazilian journals (Brazil - 5.6%, Portugal - 2.1%)., Conclusion: A different citation pattern between Portuguese and Brazilian biomedical journals was found, consisting of a higher citation rate from Brazilian to other Brazilian journals and to themselves. This differential in citation patterns may have implications on impact indexes determination which warrant further investigation.

Background: Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs computer-assisted prescription in General Practice/Family Medicine (GP/FM) ambience can give information about the prescription profile during a period of time and understand its trend. Such prescription profile could vary according to the urban (city) vs non urban (village) setting of the GP/FM practice., Objectives: To characterize the prescription trends of non steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in General Practice, from 2007 to 2009, by public sales price per inscript, daily defined doses (DDD) per inscript and price of DDD. To verify differences of the three fractions according to the urban vs non urban health centre., Material and Methods: Retrospective observational study conducted in February 2010, by the analysis of prescription informatic files automatically generated when the prescription was made. Population calculated at the middle point of each period of study. The differences in volume prescription in Daily Defined Dose (DDD) per registered patient in the middle of 2006 and 2007 two semesters, as well as the value of prescription measured by the price per registered patient were calculated and medicines were studied by the third level of the Portuguese medicines classification very similar to the ATC. The price per DDD was calculated as well., Results: The studied population was of 315.377 subjects in 2007, 321.784 in 2008 and 331.106 in 2009. In price per inscript urban health centres showed a growth from 2007 to 2009 in "Indol and Inden" derivatives (+51.6%), in "Propionic acid derivatives" (+39.4%) and in "Selective cox-2 inhibitors" (+33.6%). For "Sulfanilamidic derivatives, a reduction of 3.8% was verified. For non urban Health Centres prescription a generalised reduction in price per inscript was observed. For DDD/per inscript from 2007 to 2009 we found a generalised increase for urban health centres, except for "Oxicans". For non urban Health Centres there is a generalised decrease of DDD/per inscript from 2007 to 2009, with a special decrease for non-acidic compounds. As for Price of DDD from 2007 to 2009 there is a generalised reduction of such ratio with the only exception of "non acidic compounds" (+9,1%) for urban Health Centres. In view of the calculated ratios, the differences by urban vs non urban Health Centre in each of the studied years there is a significant higher value in non urban health centre, with the exception of Price of DDD for 2008 and 2009 where such ratio is non significantly higher in urban heath centre., Conclusions: During the study period, demographic growth was higher than the prescription growth in volume and in value. Prescription was more frequent and expensive in non-urban Health Centres. Price of DDD decreases from 2007 to 2009 signifying a much cheaper NSAIDs therapeutics.