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The servperf model as a quality evaluation tool in hotel units
Get PDFThe objective of this study is to demonstrate through the use of the Servperf
model which variables are most valued by guests in accommodation units in Portugal. This study is based on the Servperf model, which measures
the quality of services from the point of view of the guest (customer), identifying each
of the 5 dimensions (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy),
which globally qualify the service of the accommodation unit, identifying processes that
can be improved in order to increase overall guest satisfaction. This Servperf model,
developed by the authors Cronin and Taylor (1992), seeks to evaluate the quality of
services, pointing out alternatives for improvement to the limitations they believe exist
in the Servqual model of Parasuraman et al. (1988).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Agile-based Requirements Engineering for Machine Learning: A Case Study on Personalized Nutrition
Get PDFRequirements engineering is crucial in developing machine learning systems, as it establishes the foundation for successful project execution. Nevertheless, incorporating requirements engineering approaches from traditional software engineering into machine learning projects presents new challenges. These challenges arise from replacing the software logic derived from static software specifications with dynamic software logic derived from data. This paper presents a case study exploring an agile requirement engineering approach popular in traditional software projects to specify requirements in machine learning software. These requirements allow reasoning about the correctness of software and design tests for validation. The absence of software specification in machine learning software is offset by employing data quality metrics, which are assessed using cutting-edge methods for model interpretability. A case study on personalized nutrition and physical activity demonstrated the adequacy of user stories and acceptance criteria format, popular in agile projects, for specifying requirements in the machine learning domain.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
O impacto do anúncio de dividendos e recompra de ações próprias na rentabilidade acionista das empresas do sector tecnológico americano
Get PDFO estudo avalia o impacto dos anúncios de distribuição de dividendos e dos anúncios dos
programas de recompra de ações no retorno diário das ações das empresas tecnológicas cotadas
na bolsa NASDAQ, para o período compreendido entre 2018 e 2022. Adicionalmente, este
estudo pretende aferir qual das tipologias de remuneração do acionista possui maior impacto na
rentabilidade acionista. Uma das principais contribuições desta investigação decorre do facto
de incorporar no seu estudo quatro anúncios de distribuição de dividendos ao longo do ano,
permitindo avaliar qual deles tem maior influência sobre o retorno acionista.
A procura de indicadores justificativos dos retornos dos mercados acionistas constitui um
propósito crescente de investigação no âmbito da literatura financeira. Influenciados por fatores
económicos, políticos, comportamentais e empresariais, são adotadas, por parte das empresas
emitentes, um conjunto de políticas estratégicas nomeadamente ao nível da distribuição de
dividendos e da aquisição de ações próprias que condicionam o desempenho acionista. O
presente estudo também se justifica pela dificuldade em encontrar consenso após análise da
extensa literatura internacional em torno desta temática.
A investigação foi baseada na metodologia de “estudo de eventos”, amplamente aplicada
por diferentes autores. Utilizaram-se 3 janelas de evento e uma janela de estimação de 72
observações, correspondendo ao intervalo [-80; -8] antes da janela de evento. Para analisar o
comportamento do mercado selecionaram-se os dois índices de mercado (NASDAQ Composite
e Dow Jones Industrial Average).
Os resultados obtidos evidenciam que, os anúncios de recompra de ações têm um maior
impacto nos retornos anormais de mercado. Adicionalmente, conclui-se que, os anúncios de
recompra de ações são mais sensíveis em períodos de crise relativamente aos anúncios de
distribuição de dividendos. Quanto à política de dividendos, constata-se que, o primeiro e o
quarto anúncio de distribuição de dividendos do ano são aqueles que mais influenciam a
rentabilidade das ações.ABSTRACT:
The study evaluates the impact of dividend distribution announcements and share
buyback program announcements on the daily return of shares of technology companies listed
on the NASDAQ exchange, for the period between 2018 and 2022. Additionally, this study
aims to evaluate which of the type’s remuneration have a greater impact on shareholder returns.
One of the main contributions of this research comes from the fact that it incorporates four
dividend distribution announcements throughout the year into its study, allowing us to evaluate
which of them has the greatest influence on shareholder returns.
The search for indicators that justify stock market returns constitutes a growing research
purpose within the scope of financial literature. Influenced by economic, political, behavioral
and business factors, companies adopt a set of strategic policies, particularly in terms of the
distribution of dividends and the acquisition of own shares that condition the performance of
shareholders. The present study is also justified by the difficulty in finding consensus after
analyzing the extensive international literature on the topic.
The investigation was based on the “event study” methodology, widely applied by several
authors. Three event windows and an estimation window of 72 observations were used,
corresponding to the interval [-80; -8] before the event window. To analyze market behavior
we selected two market indices (NASDAQ Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average).
The results obtained show that share repurchase announcements have a greater impact on
abnormal market returns. Additionally, it is concluded that share repurchase announcements
are more sensitive in periods of crisis compared to dividend distribution announcements. As for
dividend policy, it appears that the first and fourth dividend distribution announcements of the
year are those that most influence share returns
Effects of Soaking and Germination Treatments on the Nutritional, Anti-Nutritional, and Bioactive Characteristics of Adzuki Beans (Vigna angularis L.) and Lima Beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.)
Get PDFLima beans (Phaseolus lunatus) and adzuki beans (Vigna angularis) are some of the most nutritious underutilized pulses that are significant in being used as basic ingredients for the preparation of various food products. The present study aimed to determine the impact of soaking and germination on nutritional and bioactive components, in vitro protein digestibility, reducing power, metal chelating capacity, antioxidant activity, and anti-nutritional components of lima and adzuki beans. The findings showed that during the germination treatment, the in vitro protein digestibility of lima and adzuki beans increased by 14.75 and 10.98%, respectively. There was an increase in the antioxidant activity of lima beans by 33.48% and adzuki beans by 71.14% after 72 h of germination, respectively. The reducing power assay of lima and adzuki beans indicated an increase of 49.52 and 36.42%, respectively, during germination. Similarly, the flavonoid and metal chelating activity increased in lima and adzuki beans after 72 h of germination. In contrast, the anti-nutrients, such as phytic acid, tannin content, and trypsin inhibitor activity, decreased significantly p < 0.05 after 72 h of germination. These results are encouraging and allow for utilizing the flour obtained from the germinated beans in functional bakery products, which can contribute to eradicating protein deficiency among some population groups. At the same time, promoting soaking and germination of the beans as a way to enhance the nutritional quality and reduce anti-nutrients can contribute to the interest in these underutilized pulses. They could be seen as an additional tool to improve food security.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
O posicionamento predominante das termas do Luso nos serviços de bem-estar
Get PDFEste estudo tem como objetivo estudar as motivações dos frequentadores das termas em Portugal, com destaque para os frequentadores da estância do Luso, procurando analisar as suas diferenças. Pretende-se ainda analisar a imagem das termas, de modo a que as organizações consigam responder às novas exigências da procura.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The Role of Social Media Advertisement and Physical Activity on Eating Behaviors among the General Population in Saudi Arabia
Get PDFAbstract: Over the past few decades, people in Saudi Arabia have become less inclined to adopt active lifestyles and healthy eating habits due to the increasing use of digital technologies such as social media. The objective of this online-based cross-sectional study was to assess the role of social media food advertisements and physical activity on eating behaviors among the general population in Saudi Arabia (n = 471). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, which consisted of four parts: (i) sociodemographic information, (ii) attitude towards social media, (iii) eating behaviorsrelated information, and (iv) exposure to and engagement with social media advertisements. The study’s outcome variable, eating behaviors (healthy vs. unhealthy), was assessed using the following question: “Are you on a healthy diet (such as a balanced diet, keto, or low carb)?” A multiple binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors that influence unhealthy eating behaviors. Approximately 79.6% of the participants had unhealthy eating behaviors. Participants who were not involved in daily physical activity were more likely to have unhealthy eating behaviors compared to their counterparts (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 4.86). Participants who watched food ads on social media channels 1–3 times a week (AOR = 2.58) or daily (AOR = 3.49) were more likely to have unhealthy eating behaviors than their counterparts. Participants whose appetite to try foods increases always (AOR = 1.42) or usually (AOR = 2.88) after viewing ads on social media were more likely to have unhealthy eating behaviors. These findings suggest that policymakers should take immediate action to regulate food advertising policy to promote a healthy food environment across the country. Saudis should be encouraged to engage in more physical activity, which could support the maintenance of healthy eating patterns and lifestyles.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Enhancing Liquefaction Efficiency: Exploring the Impact of Pre-Hydrolysis on Hazelnut Shell (Corylus avellana L.)
Get PDFHazelnut shells (HS), scientifically known as Corylus avellana L. shells, are waste produced by companies that process nuts. The main objective of this study was to find an efficient way to maximize the chemical potential of HS by solubilizing the hemicelluloses, which could then be used to recover sugars and, at the same time, increase the lignin content of this material to produce adhesives or high-strength foams. In order to optimize the pre-hydrolysis process, two different temperatures (160 and 170 °C) and times varying from 15 to 180 min were tested. All the remaining solid materials were then liquefied using polyalcohols with acid catalysis. The chemical composition of hazelnut shells was determined before and after the pre-hydrolysis. All of the process was monitored using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) by determining the spectra of solids and liquids after the pre-hydrolysis and liquefaction steps. The highest solubilization of hazelnut shells was found for 170 °C and 180 min, resulting in a 25.8% solubilization. Chemical analysis after the hydrolysis process showed a gradual increase in the solubilization of hemicelluloses as both the temperature and time of the reactor were increased. Simultaneously, the percentages of α-cellulose and lignin in the material also increased with rises in temperature and duration. FTIR-ATR allowed for the detection of significant spectral changes in the hazelnut shells from their initial state to the solid residue and further into the liquefied phase. This confirmed that pre-hydrolysis was effective in enhancing the chemical composition of the material, making it more suitable for the production of adhesives, polyurethane foams, or in the production of bioplastics and composite materials, combined with other biopolymers or synthetic polymers to enhance the mechanical properties and biodegradability of the resulting materials.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Disciplina Positiva em crianças do 1.º CEB com Perturbação de Hiperatividade e Défice de Atenção
Get PDFEste estudo pretende explorar o impacto das estratégias da Disciplina Positiva no âmbito da gestão comportamental e das competências pessoais e sociais de duas crianças do 1.ºciclo com Perturbação de Hiperatividade e Défice de Atenção. Procurou-se perceber a sua relevância como meio facilitador visto que são escassos os estudos que abordam a relação entre a Disciplina Positiva e esta perturbação. A metodologia de investigação foi de natureza qualitativa, recorrendo à investigação-ação, com duas crianças de 7 e 8 anos, com diagnóstico de Perturbação de Hiperatividade e Défice de Atenção, a frequentar Centros de Estudo no horário pós-escolar. Participaram no estudo elementos da família (a mãe e o pai) e as docentes responsáveis pelas respetivas crianças nos Centros de Estudo. Foram utilizadas duas técnicas de recolha de dados: questionários - Questionário de Capacidades e Dificuldades – aplicado aos pais e docentes; e duas entrevistas semiestruturadas aplicadas em dois momentos temporais do estudo no início das sessões de intervenção e no fim. Os resultados permitem-nos concluir que, na perspetiva dos participantes, após a intervenção com recurso a estratégias da Disciplina Positiva, verificaram-se melhorias, sobretudo ao nível comportamental, nas crianças com Perturbação de Hiperatividade e Défice de Atenção. Ainda assim, é fundamental continuar a acompanhar a evolução das crianças, uma vez que, a longo prazo, havendo continuidade no recurso a estas estratégias se poderão constatar mudanças estruturais mais significativas.This study aims to explore the impact of Positive Discipline strategies in the field of behavioral management and on personal and social skills of two children of the 1st Cycle with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. We tried to realize its relevance as a facilitator, since there are scarce studies that explore the relationship between Positive Discipline and this disorder. The methodology was qualitative, using the action research study of the cases of two children aged 7 and 8 years, diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, attending Study Centers in the after-school hours. Members of the family (mother and father) and the teachers responsible for these children in the study centres took part in the study. Two data collection techniques were used: questionnaires - Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire - applied to parents and teachers; and two semi-structured interviews at two time points of the study at the beginning and at the end of the intervention sessions. The results allow us to conclude that, from the perspective of the participants, after Positive Discipline strategies implemented, there were improvements, especially at the behavioral level in children with Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit. Nevertheless, it is essential to continue to monitor the development of children, as significant structural changes may be observed in the long term, if the intervention has continuity
Relatório de Estágio numa Escola na Região Centro
No full textA Escola é uma das entidades com competência em matéria de infância e juventude (Montano, et al., s.d.), neste sentido, tem o privilégio de estar em contacto direto com crianças e jovens até aos 18 anos, idade escolar obrigatória. O presente relatório de estágio consistirá em desenvolver as fases de diagnóstico, planeamento, intervenção e avaliação de uma atuação realizada numa escola na região centro de Portugal. Para esta atuação foram criadas medidas de intervenção, nomeadamente 1) a Colaboração e Apoio aos Serviços de Psicologia e Orientação da Escola e 2) a Implementação de um Programa de Prevenção aos comportamentos aditivos sem substância, nesse âmbito, foi implementado um Programa de Prevenção. Participaram do estudo 105 adolescentes com idades compreendidas entre os 13 e 16 anos, os resultados apresentaram uma diminuição de intenção de jogar jogos de apostas após a implementação do programa.The school is one of the entities with responsibility for children and young people (Montano, et. al), so it has the privilege of being in direct contact with children and young people up to the mandatory school age of 18. This internship report will consist of developing the diagnosis, planning, intervention and evaluation phases of an action carried out in a school in the central region of Portugal. For this action, intervention measures were created, namely 1) the Collaboration and Support of the School's Psychology and Guidance Services and 2) the Implementation of a Prevention Program for non-substance addictive behaviors. 105 adolescents aged between 13 and 16 took part in the study, and the results showed a decrease in the intention to gamble after the program was implemented
Consumption of fruits and vegetables in two European countries: Results from a survey in France and Portuga
Get PDFPresently, there is a huge burden on public health due to a very high incidence of chronic
diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, among others. The modern lifestyle, with
inadequate diets and insufficient physical activity, is one of the most important factors contributing to
this situation. Therefore, a healthy diet can have a very positive impact on global population health.
Fruits and vegetables are staple foods with a typically low caloric value that still contribute to an
adequate ingestion of the necessary macro and micronutrients and bioactive compounds, with a
beneficial effect on health. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge about the consumption of
fruits and vegetables in two countries, Portugal and France. A questionnaire survey was carried out on
a sample of 639 adult participants (382 French and 257 Portuguese). The results revealed significant
differences in knowledge between countries, sexes, level of education, body mass index, satisfaction
with body weight, reasons for dissatisfaction with weight, and having a chronic disease. The most
influential sociodemographic variable was the country, while the most influential behavioral variable
was practicing a varied diet. Factor analysis identified two factors, one accounting for items in the
scale that were true, and the other accounting for false items; both factors had acceptable internal
consistency. Finally, cluster analysis showed three clusters of participants: The first included
individuals with high knowledge of both factors, the second included individuals with low or very
low knowledge, and the third cluster included individuals with partial knowledge, who only knew
about true items. These results are relevant for planning educational measures aimed at improving
knowledge and thus helping to promote healthier diets.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio