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Wired for growth Prysmian’s strategic role in electrification and digital transformation
No full textThis individual report is part of a broader equity research
project on Prysmian S.p.A, the global leader in cable systems
for energy and telecommunications. This analysis focuses on
the Electrification and Digital Solution segments.
This dissertation leverages an Excel financial mode, this report
applies APV, FTE and EVA valuation methos, complemented
by sensitivity analysis, to derive a target share price of €76.12
by FY2026. This implies a 39.3% upside form the current
price of €54.86.
The report also examines each sector individually, recent
M&A activity, and Prysmian’s competitive positioning.
Supported by a strong order backlog, technological leadership,
and resilient margins, this analysis concludes with a BUY
recommendation
Pricing mechanisms in renewable energies: a model for deployment and energy transition onshore wind in Germany: a market entry strategy EDP- Energias de Portugal,S.A.
No full textThis Work Project quantitatively assesses how pricing mechanisms and government support
influenced renewable energy deployment and energy transition in Germany, the UK, and Spain
(2000-2023). Utilizing a novel three-index model (Deployment Growth, Energy Costs, Energy
System Characteristics), the research reveals distinct national trajectories. Insights highlight
trade-offs between deployment speed, cost efficiency, and financial sustainability, underscoring
the critical role of adaptive and stable policy frameworks in accelerating the energy transition
Estudo das interações Amibas / Legionella em sistemas geradores de aerossóis contaminados
No full textResumo: A bactéria Legionella é o agente responsável pela Doença dos Legionários, uma pneumonia grave. Esta bactéria vive na água e a sua transmissão ao homem ocorre através de aerossóis gerados em equipamentos e sistemas de água contaminados com a bactéria.
O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar os riscos associados à co-interação Legionella amiba em sistema de águas. Neste contexto, realizou-se a deteção de três géneros de amibas (Vermamoeba, Acanthamoeba e Naegleria) em amostras de água, com e sem contaminação com Legionella. Pretendeu-se igualmente testar o efeito do choque térmico e do cloro sobre uma linha celular de Acanthamoeba castellanii com o objetivo de verificar se as medidas que são preconizadas para a irradicação ou controlo da bactéria Legionella são eficientes para os seus hospedeiros.
A amostragem do estudo incluiu 224 amostras de água recolhidas de sistemas produtores de aerossóis (5 amostras foram utilizadas no estudo piloto). A deteção de amibas realizou-se por cultura e PCR, utilizando primers gerais e posteriormente, primers específicos de 3 géneros (Vermamoeba, Acanthamoeba, Naegleria).
Os resultados do exame cultural mostram que 75 (34%) amostras foram positivas para amibas. Entre os géneros identificados, Vermamoeba foi o mais frequente (22/75; 29%), seguido por Vannella (17/75; 23%) e Acanthamoeba (7/75; 9%).
Por PCR com os primers gerais, analisaram-se 51 amostras diretamente da água filtrada. Os resultados mostram que em 18% (9/51) foi detetada a presença de amibas.Nas amostras com cultura positiva, recolheu-se o conteúdo do poço de cultura, extraiu-se o DNA e efetuou-se a PCR com os primers específicos para os três géneros selecionados. Os resultados mostraram que em 56% (42/75) houve deteção de pelo menos um género. O género mais detetado foi Vermamoeba (33/42; 78%), seguido da Família Vahlkampfiidae (20/42; 48%) e o género Acanthamoeba (9/42; 21%). Nas amostras que foram positivas para dois géneros, observaram-se três coocorrências distintas: Vermamoeba e Família ahlkampfiidae (14/75, 19%), Vermamoeba e Acanthamoeba (3/75, 4%) e Acanthamoeba e Família Vahlkampfiidae (1/75, 1%). A presença dos três géneros foi apenas detetada em uma amostra (1/75, 1%). Em 23% (17/75) das amostras, confirmou-se a presença simultânea de Legionella e pelo menos um género de amiba, no entanto, não foi identificada associação entre a presença desses dois
microrganismos.
Os resultados dos ensaios da exposição a concentrações de cloro inicialmente controladas, mostraram que Acanthamoeba castellanii exposta a concentrações iniciais de cloro (0,2 a 1,2 mg/L, durante 1h), apresenta uma ligeira redução de viabilidade, que é recuperada ao longo do tempo, o que indicia que a exposição às concentrações iniciais cloro indicadas não foi totalmente eficaz. Nos ensaios de choque térmico, a exposição a 50ºC (durante 15, 30 e 60 min), 60ºC (durante 15, 30 e 60 min) e 70ºC (5 min) sugere uma redução na viabilidade das amibas. A 50ºC verificou-se recuperação celular parcial ao fim de 7 dias. Contrariamente nas temperaturas de 60ºC e 70ºC os quistos, embora com aspeto intacto, não reverteram para trofozoítos. Estesresultados alertam para a existência de risco quando os sistemas e equipamentos são mantidos às temperaturas de 50ºC.
Os resultados destacam a capacidade de resistência das amibas ao método de desinfeção por cloro e a necessidade de estratégias adicionais para o controlo efetivo desses organismos em sistemas de água. Este estudo indica a necessidade de revisão das práticas de desinfeção em sistemas de água, sendo fundamental para a implementação de políticas de saúde pública que mitiguem o risco de surtos em ambientes aquáticos artificiaisABSTRAC: Legionella is the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia. This bacterium thrives in water, and its transmission to humans occurs through aerosols generated by equipment and water systems contaminated with the bacterium. The present study aims to analysethe risks associated with the co-interaction between Legionella and amoeba in water systems. In this context, the detection of three genera of amoebae (Vermamoeba, Acanthamoeba, and Naegleria) was carried out in water samples, both with and without Legionella contamination. Additionally, the study sought to test the effects of chemical and thermal shocks on an Acanthamoeba castellanii cell line to evaluate whether the measures recommended for the eradication or control of Legionella are effective against its hosts. The study sampling included 224 water samples collected from aerosol-producing systems (5 samples were used in the pilot study). Amoebae detection was performed using culture and PCR techniques, employing general primers followed by specific primers targeting three genera (Vermamoeba, Acanthamoeba, Naegleria). The results from the cultural analysis revealed that 75 (34%) samples tested positive for amoebae. Among the identified genera, Vermamoeba was the most frequent (22/75; 29%), followed by Vannella (17/75; 23%) and Acanthamoeba (7/75; 9%). Using PCR with general primers, 51 samples were directly analysed from filtered water. The results indicated that amoebae were detected in 18% (9/51) of the samples. For culture-positive samples, the culture well content was collected, DNA was extracted, and PCR was performed with specific primers for the three selected genera. The results showed that in 56% (42/75) of the samples, at least one genus was detected. The most frequently detected genus was Vermamoeba (33/42; 78%), followed by the Vahlkampfiidae family (20/42; 48%) and the genus Acanthamoeba (9/42; 21%). Among the samples positive for two genera, three distinct co-occurrences were observed: Vermamoeba and Vahlkampfiidae family (14/75; 19%), Vermamoeba and Acanthamoeba (3/75; 4%), and Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfiidae family (1/75; 1%). The presence of all three genera was detected in only one sample (1/75; 1%). In 23% (17/75) of the samples, the simultaneous presence of Legionella and at least one genus of amoeba was confirmed; however, no association was identified between these two microorganisms. The results of the exposure to initially controlled chlorine concentrations assays showed that Acanthamoeba castellanii exposed to initial chlorine concentrations (0.2 to 1.2 mg/L, for 1h) suggests a slight reduction in viability, which is recovered over time, indicating that exposure vii to the initial chlorine concentrations mentioned was not fully effective. In the thermal shock assays, exposure to 50ºC (for 15, 30, and 60 min), 60ºC (for 15, 30, and 60 min), and 70ºC (for 5 min) suggested a reduction in amoeba viability. At 50ºC, partial cellular recovery was observed after 7 days. Conversely, at temperatures of 60ºC and 70ºC, the cysts, although appearing intact, did not revert to trophozoites. These results highlight the potential risk when systems and equipment are maintained at temperatures of 50ºC. The results highlight the resistance capacity of amoebae to chlorine disinfection and the need for additional strategies to effectively control these organisms in water systems. This study emphasises the necessity of reviewing disinfection practices in water systems, which is essential for implementing public health policies to mitigate the risk of outbreaks in artificial aquatic environments
Exploring Alternative Culture Media for Recombinant Expression in Bacterial Hosts
No full textRecombinant protein production is essential in biotechnology, with applications in various fields. However, traditional production methods are costly and environmental unsustainable, relying on highly pure raw materials for bacterial culture media production and consuming significant energy and water during the autoclaving process. This contributes to resources depletion and increase of the environmental footprint, raising concerns about the sustainability of these processes. With the global demand for recombinant protein rising, this dissertation explores sustainable bioprocessing strategies by proving the feasibility of using spent media from eukaryotic cultures to support E. coli growth and protein production.
Reducing sugar analysis showed sufficient carbon sources in spent media to sustain E. coli growth. High throughput screening showed that E. coli BL21(DE) adapted slower but achieved comparable biomass to standard media, while E. coli Rosetta showed superior growth in spent media. Supplementation of the spent enhanced biomass production, surpassing standard media in both cases. Protein expression analysis indicated 2.3 times higher purity in spent media, though absolute yields were lower than standard media. Economic analysis confirmed that reusing spent media significantly reduces protein production costs while maintaining a reasonable yield, supporting its scalability.A produção de proteínas recombinantes é essencial na biotecnologia, com aplicações em várias áreas, contudo, os métodos tradicionais de produção são caros e ambientalmente insustentáveis. Dado que recorrem a matérias-primas altamente puras para a produção de meios de cultura bacterianos e consumem muita energia e água durante o processo de esterilização. Tal contribui para a escassez de recursos e aumento da pegada ambiental, suscitando preocupações quanto à sustentabilidade destes bioprocessos. Com a crescente procura global por proteínas recombinantes, esta dissertação explora estratégias para desenvolver um processo mais sustentável, provando a viabilidade da reutilização de meios usados de culturas de células, para suportar o crescimento da E. coli e a produção de proteínas.
A análise de açúcares redutores revelou fontes de carbono suficientes nos meios gastos para sustentar o crescimento de E. coli. O crescimento em pequena escala revelou que a E. coli BL21(DE) se adaptou mais lentamente mas atingiu biomassa comparável à dos meios padrão, enquanto a E. coli Rosetta revelou um crescimento superior em meios usados. A suplementação dos meios usados aumentou a produção de biomassa, superando os meios padrão em ambos os casos. A análise da expressão proteica indicou uma pureza 2,3 vezes superior nos meios gastos, embora os rendimentos absolutos tenham sido inferiores aos dos meios padrão. A análise económica confirmou que a utilização dos meios usados reduz significativamente os custos de produção de proteínas, mantendo um rendimento aceitável e apoiando a sua escalabilidade
Improved environmental and economic protection of conservation-worthy ecosystems
No full textOver-exploitation of ecosystem services and lacking implementation of conservation ef forts are challenges that world economies are facing and force policy makers and practitioners
to rethink their approaches to natural capital. This thesis develops a potential framework to
improve environmental and economic protection of the Alpstein region in Switzerland, by incorporating ecosystem service valuation and stakeholder participation. Following the analysis
of 20+ in-person interviews with regional stakeholders, the study finds that declaring the Alpstein region to an official Nature Park under Swiss regulation is a feasible approach to ensure the
ecosystem’s long-term conservation while accounting for stakeholder’s priorities and concerns
Economic growth in the Portuguese overseas colonies Angola and Mozambique : historical accounts and comparisons
No full textIn recent years, we have seen an exciting trend in assessing economic growth in 20th
-century
Sub–Saharan Africa. Numerous studies have been published, but only for British and French
colonies; this study is dedicated to estimating economic growth and GDP per capita values for
the Portuguese colonies in Africa, Angola and Mozambique. This dissertation aims to provide
an initial try on deriving GDP per capita numbers in those former Portuguese colonies through
an innovative approach inspired by merited researchers
How do betting sponsorships impact fan engagement and the sustainability of Portuguese football clubs
No full textBetting companies have significantly penetrated the Portuguese sports industry, especially
football, through aggressive sponsorship strategies. With the rise of online platforms, sports
betting has surged in popularity. Consequently, this paper uses both quantitative and qualitative
research to assess the impact of betting on Portuguese football from the perspectives of fans
and clubs. It generates football bettor personas to represent the current state of football betting
in Portugal and evaluates the implications of betting sponsorships on clubs, particularly small
to mid-tier clubs that rely heavily on the financial support provided by these deals
Softography: the future of biopsy analysis, business strategies and development
No full textSoftography is a revolutionary enterprise seeking to introduce Optical Projection Tomography
(OPT) technology combined with AI to biopsy practices, in order to make them less time
consuming and more accurate. The project is carried out in collaboration with the expertise of
the Gulbenkian Science Institute. Investigating OPT's technological intricacies, clinical
applications, and market opportunities, Softography’s goal is to identify strategies for
leveraging its advantages in establishing a disruptive business venture. The business plan aims
to highlight, the revolutionary potential of our breakthrough device, OPTsy, as the foundation
for a pioneering firm and persuade potential investors by demonstrating the company's strategy.
The study focuses on how Softography meets the needs of hospitals, patients, governments, and
biomedical research institutions, and how to overcome the possible hurdles that could arise
during the launch and development of the company, providing innovative solutions. This thesis
underscores Softography's potential to transform cancer diagnostics, highlighting its innovative
approach and strategic planning
Fostering the jewellery sector through the lens of the portuguese assay office with a shared value approach: an overview of the portuguese population-s and economic operators- industry perception and consumption patterns in the jewellery sector
No full textContrastaria, an independent business unit belonging to Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda, is responsible for certifying and monitoring precious metal items within the Portuguese
Jewellery and Watch Industry. In Portugal, with some exceptions, all precious metals artefacts are required to be hallmarked before being introduced in the market, guaranteeing the
product's authenticity and securing the market's credibility. The Consulting Project addresses the challenge of "Fostering the Jewellery and Watch Sector through the Lens of the
Portuguese Assay Office with a Shared Value Approach". The Thesis was carried out using a problem-solving driven approach, where the Team sought to validate several
beforehand-created hypotheses. The validation process consisted of an in-depth internal and external analysis, based on primary – interviews and surveys – and secondary data –
papers, reports, and frameworks. Accordingly, meaningful insights were gathered, guiding the formulation of impactful recommendations that will increase the awareness of the
Portuguese population regarding Contrastaria's Mission and Hallmarks, generate internal processes' efficiency, and protect online consumers of precious metal artefacts.
Consequently, in a more holistic view, the Portuguese Assay Office's recognition will be enhanced, customer satisfaction improved, online demand and supply for precious metals
jewellery strengthened, and the online Imitation Jewellery Market weakened. Therefore, successfully solving the challenge proposed by Contrastaria, adding value to the institution
and placing it in the industry's core.
Throughout the subsequent section, the aforementioned primary data will be analysed in greater detail. The surveys and interviews carried out, enabled valuable conclusions to be
reached regarding the industry perception of consumers and Economic Operators as well as consumption behaviours within the Portuguese Jewellery and Watch Sector. Product
attributes mostly valued by consumers, their frequency of purchase and preferred channels were highlighted, facilitating the creation of personas. Furthermore, existing gaps within
the industry were identified and these further verified the previously developed hypotheses. Hereby, the importance of opportunities that should be leveraged by Contrastaria was
reinforced and proven to be the right path for the company to increase its impact both within the Portuguese community and the industry
Esgate
No full textFinancial scandals have created scepticism; thus, an impact venture has been developed
with NGOs as a trustful driver of change. After 4 months ESGATE is halfway through
its validation stage. The product, a platform where investors obtain structured NGO data
for their portfolio (matched to EU sustainable regulation) relies on a strong network as
its core. While allowing to solve market data gaps, by serving as a fundraising site for
new NGO data projects, the platform supports NGOs’ commercialization and impact
generation. Revenues come from a base fee paid by investors for the datasets, a variable
fee due to usage or AUM, and a percentage of the funds gathered in the campaigns