69166 research outputs found
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Non-coding genome in bacterial virulence: characterization of regulatory rnas in listeria monocytogenes
No full textRESUMO: Listeria monocytogenes é um patógeno alimentar, gram-positivo, que causa listeriose e, em casos graves, meningite e infeções feto-placentárias. Devido à sua capacidade de atravessar as barreiras intestinal, hematoencefálica e placentária, L. monocytogenes serve como um excelente modelo para compreender as interações entre um hospedeiro e um patógeno. Os pequenos RNAs não codificantes (sRNAs) são uma classe de reguladores da expressão génica bacteriana importantes em muitos processos fisiológicos, incluindo a virulência. Mais de 300 sRNAs foram identificados em L. monocytogenes, mas apenas um pequeno número foi caracterizado (53-60), para o seu papel na patogenicidade da bactéria. Neste estudo, uma abordagem de genómica comparativa foi utilizada para identificar sRNAs com elevado potencial de serem novos reguladores de virulência em L. monocytogenes, que estão ausentes no genoma da Listeria innocua, não patogénica. Além disso, 33 sRNAs candidatos de reguladores de virulência foram selecionados através de genómica comparativa entre L. monocytogenes e L. innocua. Critérios rigorosos, incluindo a previsão de alvos de mRNA in silico e a comparação com sRNomas centrais de outras espécies de Listeria patogénicas e não patogénicas, bem como uma estirpe avirulenta de L. monocytogenes, permitiram reduzir a lista de candidatos a 6 sRNAs com maior probabilidade de atuarem como reguladores de virulência: Rli24, Rli77, Rli107, Rli118, Rli133 e Rli142. A construção de mutantes de deleção usando o vetor pMAD e recombinação homóloga na L. monocytogenes EGD-e foi bem-sucedida para Δrli24, Δrli107, Δrli133 e Δrli142. O potencial de virulência desses sRNAs foi testado in vitro usando células epiteliais intestinais humanas da linha celular Caco-2. Enquanto as estirpes Δrli24, Δrli107 e Δrli142 não demonstraram impacto na virulência de L. monocytogenes nas condições testadas, o mutante Δrli133 apresentou uma redução de quase 30% nas bactérias intracelulares pós-infeção. Este trabalho demonstrou que Rli133 é um novo sRNA envolvido na regulação da patogenicidade de L. monocytogenes, destacando o seu potencial papel positivo na ativação de vias de virulência.ABSTRACT: Listeria monocytogenesis a gram-positive foodborne pathogen causing listeriosis and in severe cases, meningitis and maternofetal infections. Because of its capability of crossing the intestinal, blood-brain, and placental barriers, L. monocytogenes serves as an excellent model for understanding the interactions between a host and a pathogen. Small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) are a class of bacterial gene expression regulators important in many physiological processes, including virulence. More than 300 sRNAs have been identified in L. monocytogenes but only a small number have been characterized (53-60), highlighting the great potential of sRNAs to act as novel regulators of bacterial pathogenicity. In this study, a comparative genomics approach was used to identify sRNAs with high potential to be new regulators of virulence in L. monocytogenes, which were absent from the genome of the closely related non-pathogenic Listeria innocua. Strict criteria involving in silico mRNA target prediction and comparison to core sRNomes of other pathogenic, non-pathogenic Listeria species and one avirulent L. monocytogenes strain allowed to narrow the list of sRNAs candidates. The top six sRNAs selected for their higher probability to act as virulence regulators of L. monocytogenes were Rli24, Rli77, Rli107, Rli118, Rli133, and Rli142. Deletion mutant construction in L. monocytogenes EGD-e strain were successful for rli24, rli107, rli133, and rli142. The virulence potential of these sRNAs was tested in vitro using the human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. While rli24, rli107 and rli142 strains were not found to affect the infectivity of L. monocytogenes under the conditions tested, the rli133 mutant showed a nearly 30% decrease in intracellular bacteria post-infection. This work demonstrated that Rli133 is a newly sRNA involved in the regulation of L. monocytogenes pathogenicity, highlighting its potential positive role in activating virulence pathways
How can Aon Portugal optimize its sales strategy in the middle market?- segmentation and targeting
No full textThe primary goal of this thesis is to help improve Aon’s positioning and customer acquisition within Portugal’s middle market. The following study critically evaluates Aon’s current definition of the “middle market” and identifies the frictions restraining their success in the segment. By integrating insights from primary and secondary research, the thesis proposes a marketing and sales strategy according to the middle market’s needs. The marketing strategy offers insights into a revised segmentation, targeting and positioning, ensuring alignment with the client needs. The sales strategy encompasses a structured framework, including a sales funnel, and practical recommendations on preferable sales methods, to help Aon achieve its financial goals
Pathway to regenerative tourism: analyzing a potential transition from conventional to regenerative tourism from the perspectives of the citizens of Salzburg
No full textThis study explores pathways for the Salzburg region’s tourism sector to transition
toward a regenerative model, emphasizing the role of citizen engagement. Employing a four phase methodology aligned with OECD participation guidelines, the research involved interviews, workshops, surveys, and stakeholder consultations. Findings reveal key local concerns
– particularly around community integration and cultural preservation – and identify citizen driven initiatives across four themes: Nature, Community, Culture, and Economy. Challenges
to implementation include tourist acceptance and economic feasibility. The study offers practical implications for regions seeking regenerative transformation and contributes original insights into region-specific, citizen-informed tourism development strategies
A financial assessment of predictive maintenance – cash flow perspective [predictive maintenance – proof of concept]
No full textThis thesis evaluates the financial impact of predictive maintenance from a cash flow perspec tive. By comparing predictive maintenance with reactive maintenance, it examines cost savings,
downtime reduction, and investment requirements over a 10-year horizon. An Excel-based fi nancial model, supported by industry data, is used to assess key metrics such as net present
value, return on investment, and payback period. Scenario and sensitivity analyses provide in sights into risk and variability. Results indicate that predictive maintenance can enhance cash
flow stability and long-term profitability, supporting its adoption as a financially sound strategy
in manufacturing and other asset-intensive industries
Performance evaluation of ESG optimized portfolios versus minimum variance portfolios: a predictive approach using S&P 500 companies for 2021 and 2022
No full textThis project explores the creation of an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) portfolio
aimed at maximizing sustainability while comparing it to a minimum variance portfolio derived
from CAPM and GARCH models. The study reveals a nuanced relationship between ESG factors
and portfolio performance.
While ESG criteria alone show no definitive link to return or risk at the individual asset level,
portfolio-level analysis within the efficient frontier highlights that portfolios with higher Sharpe
ratios often have lower ESG levels. This suggests that traditional financial metrics, such as risk
and return, outweigh ESG factors in driving performance within efficient portfolios.
An alternative methodology for integrating ESG into portfolio optimization is proposed. Instead
of maximizing ESG, the efficient frontier is used to identify portfolios that meet ESG thresholds
while maintaining efficient risk-return trade-offs. This balanced approach demonstrates that
sustainability and financial performance can coexist without compromising optimal returns.
The findings emphasize that ESG investing provides sustainability benefits but may not always
produce the most efficient portfolios. A combination of traditional financial metrics and ESG
considerations is essential for achieving optimal outcomes
What entry strategy should direct-to-consumer (D2C) insurtechs adopt when breaking into the Portuguese auto insurance market? CEMS business project with Kearney: excellence in claims management in the Iberian insurance sector
No full textThis project explores the optimal market entry strategy for Direct-to-Consumer (D2C)
Insurtechs targeting the Portuguese auto insurance sector. Drawing from industry interviews,
consumer surveys, and international benchmarks, it evaluates the structural, regulatory, and
behavioral factors shaping digital insurance adoption in Portugal. The research highlights both
the barriers and opportunities for digital-first insurers, emphasizing hybrid service models,
trust-building, and embedded partnerships as key to overcoming incumbent dominance and low
digital penetration. The study concludes with a phased entry recommendation, positioning
Portugal as a viable second-stage market for well-funded, strategically agile D2C Insurtechs
Beyond recruitment: understanding workplace challenges and the experience of first generation professionals # speed up social mobility – how can McKinsey improve its first generation student recruiting
No full textThis work project investigates the post-hire challenges faced by first-generation professionals
(FGPs) and proposes actionable recommendations for McKinsey Portugal to facilitate their
long-term inclusion and career advancement. Building on the CEMS Business Project focused
on recruitment barriers, the research combines literature review, benchmarking, and qualitative
insights to reveal persistent disadvantages related to cultural fit, informal networks, and support
systems. The study presents a comprehensive set of recommendations, ranging from
onboarding toolkits and affinity groups to data-driven DEI practices, designed to create a more
equitable and empowering workplace for professionals from underrepresented socio-economic
backgrounds
ESG benchmarking and strategy for AB Portugal electrification in Portugal: a life cycle and market perspective on sustainable mobility
No full textThis report explores AB' sustainability journey focusing on sustainability culture and operations,
governance, and fleet electrification. Assessing AB Portugal's current state, the report identifies
key challenges and opportunities to enhance sustainability within the organization. Benchmarking
against industry leaders highlights gaps in reporting, employee engagement, and fleet
digitalization. Key recommendations aim to close gaps and showcase further potential around
green office management, fleet transition, refurbishing, and procurement. The findings
demonstrate the need for robust governance, improved data accuracy, and stakeholder engagement
to achieve carbon neutrality and sustainable growth. Sustainable mobility leadership thereby is
achieved through innovations and further service offerings.
The individual part looks upon the current barriers and emissions regarding electric vehicles within
Portugal. The thesis thereby analyses the barriers in regard to financial incentives, charging
infrastructure, as well as repair and maintenance. As to assess environmental impact of various
powertrains, the individual part furthermore builds on a conducted lifecycle assessment, comparing
two kinds of fully electrified vehicles (NCM and LFP battery electric vehicle), a plug in hybrid and
a combustion engine vehicle to showcase the difference in total lifetime emissions
Interactive Documentary and Home Movies: Navigating Expanded Documentary Practices, the Portuguese Diaspora, Mnemonic Gestures and Affective Trajectories
No full textDoutoramento em parceria com a Faculdade de Ciência e Tecnologia da NOVA e com a Universidade do PortoEsta tese teórico-prática examina de que modo os arquivos de família podem ser
apropriados e reconfigurados num documentário interativo e num documentário-instalação. A
intenção é explorar como os arquivos domésticos de migrantes portugueses são
recontextualizados em novas narrativas interativas de não-ficção utilizando metodologias
(auto)etnográficas, o processo de anarchiving e processos iterativos. O enquadramento teórico
baseia-se numa abordagem fenomenológica, nos estudos de cinema e na teoria feminista do
cinema. Apresenta também perspetivas interdisciplinares sobre a intersecção de práticas
expandidas do território do documentário, arquivos familiares, incluindo filmes de família e
fotografias, e migração humana.
Para investigar a manipulação e a reconfiguração das memórias sobre migração e
arquivos de família colaboro com descendentes de famílias portuguesas que partiram e
regressaram a Portugal entre os anos 60 e 80. A cocriação acontece antes do design do
documentário interativo e da instalação, onde escavamos pelo território familiar e pela
transmissão de memórias em segunda mão. Mergulho nestas narrativas pessoais, nas memórias
fragmentadas e filmes domésticos e procuro reconfigurá-los dentro de um documentário
interativo e (re)reconfigurá-los numa documentário-instalação considerando as dimensões
polifónicas e afetivas destas esferas. Pretendo criar espaços afetivos digitais e físicos que
promovam ligações significativas entre os descendentes de testemunhos da diáspora
portuguesa e ainda desenvolver um espaço partilhado e coletivo para futuros diálogos e
conversas sobre a migração humana.
Esta investigação prática centra-se no potencial das práticas expandidas do
documentário para equilibrar gestos analógicos e digitais. Proponho observar o documentário
interativo como um artefacto experimental e ensaístico nos seus métodos, promovendo a
interação e o envolvimento com o espectador. Assim, o espectador e interator cria um espaço
polifónico onde histórias fragmentadas estão em constante diálogo. Por sua vez, a instalação é
um espaço físico que pode ser percorrido, enriquecendo as relações fora do ecrã ao gerar novos significados com a paisagem imagética. Laranja no bolso, Aerogramas e o Resto das Memórias
(2024) é o artefacto resultante desta investigação teórico-prática e que se desdobra num
documentário interativo e num documentário-instalação e, ainda num caderno resultante do
meu profundo interesse pela natureza criativa e maleável dos filmes de família e das práticas
documentais e experimentais intersetadas com histórias de migração humana.This thesis combines theoretical and practical elements to examine how family archives
can be appropriated and reconfigured into an interactive documentary and a documentary
installation through practice-based research. The aim is to explore how the family archives of
Portuguese migrants are recontextualized into new interactive nonfiction narratives using
(auto)ethnographic methodologies, anarchiving methods, and iterative processes. The
theoretical framework is grounded in a phenomenological approach, cinema studies, and
feminist film theory, offering interdisciplinary perspectives on the intersection of expanded
documentary practices, family archives (including home movies and photographs), and human
migration.
To investigate the repurposing and manipulation of memories about migration and their
family archives, I collaborate with descendants of Portuguese families that departed and
returned to Portugal between the ‘60s and ‘80s. The co-creation happens before the interface
and installation design, where we excavate through the family territory and the second-hand
transmission of memories. I delve into personal narratives, fragmented memories, and domestic
footage, considering multiple perspectives and polyphonic and affective dimensions of these
elements as I seek to reconfigure them within an interactive documentary sphere and employ
them in a documentary installation. I intend to create both digital and physical affective spaces
that foster meaningful connections among the descendants’ testimonies of the Portuguese
diaspora to develop a shared and collective space for future dialogues and conversations about
human migration.
This practice-research focuses on expanded documentary practices’ potential to balance
analog and digital gestures. I propose viewing the interactive documentary as an experimental
and essayistic artifact in its methods, allowing for interaction and engagement. Thus, the
interactor creates a polyphonic space where fragmented stories are in constant dialogue. On its
turn, the documentary installation is a physical space that can be traversed, enriching the offscreen
relationships and generating new meanings with the imagetic landscape. Orange in the
Pocket, Aerograms and the Rest of Memories (2024) morphs into an interactive documentary,
a documentary installation, and a notebook resulting from theory and practice and my profound
interest in the creative and malleable nature of home movies and documentary practices,
intertwined with the crucial component of human migratory stories
How do individuals use conversational ai systems for leisure travel planning purposes
No full textWith the research question “How do individuals use Conversational AI Systems for Leisure
Travel Planning Purposes?”, this paper exploresthe dynamics between users and conversational
AI platforms when it comes to plan leisure travels. The methodology pursued adopts an
experiential approach, in which each of the eight participants completes a three-step process:
survey, recorded interview planning a travel with a Conversational AI, and debrief session.
Conclusions suggest that the main topics discussed with AI are destination, itinerary and budget
definition, formalities and requirements to travel and, lastly, looking for advice regarding
accommodation, transportation and cultural/local activities in potential destinations