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The privacy calculus: An analysis of connectivity and security in the use of public Wi-Fi networks
No full textDissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Driven Marketing, specialization in Marketing IntelligenceThis study investigates the factors that influence the intention to continue using public Wi-Fi
networks, analyzing the relationship between ubiquitous convenience and privacy concerns.
The research integrates rational perspectives from the privacy calculus theory (PCT) with
psychological aspects, especially fear of missing out (FoMO), to understand how users
evaluate trade-offs between benefits and risks in this context. The study’s relevance stems
from the contradiction between the widespread use of these networks and the recognized
security risks, highlighting the need for strategies that reconcile security and user experience.
The methodology employed a quantitative approach with analysis through structural equation
modeling, allowing for the testing of relationships between constructs. The results revealed
significant behavioral patterns: perceived value emerged as the main motivating factor for
continued use, surpassing trust, while FoMO showed a paradoxical influence, altering the
perception of both benefits and risks. The findings underscore the importance of considering
both utilitarian and emotional aspects in the development of digital security policies,
suggesting innovative directions for future research
Unraveling wearable technology for migraine management: The role of personalization
No full textDissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Information Management, specialization in Information Systems and Technologies ManagementMigraine is a debilitating chronic disease that has a severe impact on patients' quality of life
and daily functioning due to its unpredictable nature. Despite the growing adoption of
wearable technology in healthcare and its potential for migraine management, there is a
significant gap in research on the theoretical explanation of human behavior regarding
wearables, and an opportunity to develop an innovative wearable specifically for migraine
management. This study examines the factors that would influence the use of a migraine
management wearable and its outcomes, considering privacy risks and personalization. A
conceptual research model is proposed combining privacy calculus theory with health belief
model, wearable personalization, and wearable use’s outcomes (individual performance,
wellbeing, and quality of life). Structural equation modeling is used to empirically test the
model using data collected from 225 migraine sufferers. Based on the findings, the study
provides insights about instrumental and humanistic outcomes, privacy calculus, and
enhances the importance of personalization in maximizing the outcomes of wearable use
Uma análise da ameaça à Privacidade e à Proteção de Dados Pessoais na utilização de Reconhecimento Facial para a verificação e identificação como mecanismo de segurança por organizações privadas
No full textÀ medida que os indivíduos e a tecnologia evoluem, novos mecanismos são necessários para garantir a segurança das operações, propriedades e pessoas. Em resposta, a sociedade procura medidas inovadoras para se proteger contra ameaças à segurança. Tais medidas devem acompanhar o progresso tecnológico para serem eficazes na prevenção de crimes, o que demanda a busca por novos mecanismos, como o uso de inteligência artificial. Entre as estratégias adotadas para melhorar a segurança na esfera privada, algumas organizações têm implementado o reconhecimento facial para a verificação e identificação dos indivíduos. Tendo em vista que o uso de reconhecimento facial envolve o tratamento de categorias especiais de dados pessoais, os dados biométricos, tal prática pode ser
considerada invasiva à privacidade, pois pode gerar o uso desproporcional de dados pessoais
biométricos por sistemas de reconhecimento facial, resultando em consequências prejudiciais para os direitos e liberdades dos indivíduos. O quadro regulamentar europeu estabelece normas que regulam a utilização dos dados pessoais, assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar as disposições legais sobre proteção de dados, com foco no Regulamento Geral de Proteção de Dados (UE) 2016/679, para compreender as regras e boas práticas a serem seguidas na implementação de tecnologia de reconhecimento facial pelo setor privado com o objetivo de segurança.As individuals and technology evolve, new mechanisms are needed to ensure the security of operations, property and people. In response, society seeks innovative measures to protect itself against security threats. Such measures must keep pace with technological progress to be effective in preventing crimes, which requires the search for new mechanisms, such as the use of artificial intelligence. Among the strategies adopted to improve security in the private sphere, some organizations implemented facial recognition to verify and identify individuals. Given that the use of facial recognition involves the
processing of special categories of personal data, biometric data, this practice can be considered invasive of privacy, as it can lead to the disproportionate use of biometric personal data by facial recognition systems, resulting in harmful consequences for the rights and freedoms of individuals. The European regulatory framework establishes rules that regulate the use of personal data, therefore, the objective of this research is to analyze the legal provisions on data protection, focusing on the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679, to understand the rules and good practices to be followed when implementing facial recognition technology by the private sector for security
Pesquisa de bactérias entéricas multirresistentes em suínos produzidos para consumo humano
No full textMuitas doenças de origem alimentar são causadas por agentes zoonóticos transmitidos através de carne contaminada ou fezes de animais de produção, o que representa uma preocupação significativa para a saúde pública.
Este estudo visa identificar e caraterizar, fenotípica e genotipicamente, estirpes de Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. e Yersinia enterocolitica provenientes de amostras de fezes (n=141) e de carne crua (n=47) de porco destinados ao consumo humano.
A presença de E. coli foi detectada em 31,9% das amostras de carne e em todas as amostras de fezes. Nos isolados fecais, foram identificadas estirpes patogénicas, incluindo E. coli enteropatogénica (EPEC, 1,4%), E. coli produtora de toxina Shiga (STEC, 0,7%), E. coli enterotoxigénica (ETEC, 1,4%), híbrido STEC/ETEC (0,7%) e E. coli enteroagregativa (EAEC, 1,4%). Nos isolados de carne, foram identificadas estirpes de EAEC em 6,7%. Contudo, todos os isolados de E. coli sequenciados apresentaram genes de virulência de E. coli patogénica extraintestinal (ExPEC). Não foram detectadas estirpes de Salmonella spp. ou Shigella spp.. Por outro lado, Y. enterocolitica foi identificada em 3,5% das amostras fecais analisadas, sendo outras duas espécies de Yersinia encontradas em 4,3% das amostras de carne.
A resistência a antibióticos foi observada em 65,0% dos isolados de E. coli, dos quais 37,4% apresentavam um perfil multirresistente (MDR), incluindo sete isolados resistentes a cinco ou mais classes de antibióticos. Todos os isolados de Y. enterocolitica provenientes de fezes demonstraram resistência, dos quais 40% foram classificados como MDR. As resistências mais prevalentes foram à Tetraciclina, Ampicilina, Sulfametoxazol-Trimetoprim e Cloranfenicol. Adicionalmente, foram identificados isolados resistentes a antibióticos de importância crítica para a saúde humana, incluindo (Fluoro)quinolonas, Aminoglicosídeos e Macrólidos. Três isolados de E. coli produtoras de β-lactamases de espectro alargado (ESBL) foram identificadas em amostras fecais, sendo apenas detectado um isolado na carne de porco.
Foi verificada uma elevada diversidade de serótipos e de sequências tipo (STs). A análise filogenética das estirpes de Y. enterocolitica revelou a presença de três clusters genéticos distintos. Por sua vez, não foram identificados clusters genéticos entre os isolados de E. coli analisados.
A identificação de E. coli patogénicas e Y. enterocolitica, incluindo isolados MDR, em fezes e carne de porco produzidos para consumo humano evidencia o potencial destes reservatórios como fontes de transmissão de agentes patogénicos para humanos, evidenciando a importância da sua monitorização ao longo da cadeia alimentar. A implementação de uma abordagem One Health é crucial para a deteção e gestão eficaz de doenças de origem alimentar, de modo a garantir a segurança alimentar.Many foodborne illnesses are caused by zoonotic agents transmitted through contaminated meat or farm animal faeces, representing a major public health concern.
This study aims to identify and characterize, phenotypically and genotypically, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. e Yersinia enterocolitica strains from faeces (n=141) and raw meat (n=47) samples of pigs intended for human consumption.
E. coli was detected in 31.9% of meat samples and in all faecal samples. In faecal isolates, pathogenic strains were identified, including enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC, 1.4%), Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC, 0.7%), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC, 1.4%), hybrid STEC/ETEC (0.7%), and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC, 1.4%). In meat isolates, EAEC strains were identified in 6.7%. However, all E. coli isolates that were sewuenced carried virulence genes linked to extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). No Salmonella spp. or Shigella spp. strains were detected. Y. enterocolitica was identified in 3.5% of faecal samples, while two additional Yersinia spp. were found in 4.3% of meat samples.
Antibiotic resistance was observed in 65.0% of E. coli isolates from faeces, of which 37.4% exhibited a multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile, including seven isolates resistant to five or more antibiotic classes. All Y. enterocolitica isolates from faecal samples showed resistance, of which 40% were classified as MDR. The most commonly detected antimicrobial resistances were against Tetracycline, Ampicillin, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim, and Chloramphenicol.
Additionally, isolates resistant to critically important antibiotics for human health were identified, such as (Fluoro)quinolones, Aminoglycosides, and mMcrolides. Three extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing E. coli isolates were identified in faecal samples, with only one detected in meat isolates.
A high diversity of serotypes and sequence types (STs) was observed. Phylogenetic analysis of Y. enterocolitica strains revealed the presence of three distinct genetic clusters. In contrast, no genetic clusters were identified among E. coli isolates analyzed.
The identification of pathogenic E. coli and Y. enterocolitica, including MDR isolates, in faeces and meat from pigs produced for human consumption highlights the potential of these reservoirs as sources of pathogen transmission to humans, underscoring the importance of their monitoring throughout the food chain. Adopting a One Health approach is crucial for the effective detection and management of foodborne diseases to ensure food safety
Lactylation in HEPG2 toxicity response
No full textRESUMO: A regeneração de tecidos permite aos organismos restaurar estruturas danificadas através de vias de sinalização complexas e coordenadas que promovem a proliferação e diferenciação celular. No entanto, esta capacidade regenerativa varia entre espécies. Enquanto alguns animais conseguem regenerar totalmente os tecidos, os mamíferos — incluindo os humanos — dependem principalmente da cicatrização, um processo que frequentemente falha em restaurar plenamente a função original do tecido, podendo resultar em consequências clínicas prolongadas. Para ultrapassar estas limitações, é fundamental compreender os mecanismos que regulam as respostas celulares ao dano e à reparação. O metabolismo celular desempenha um papel central na adaptação ao stress e na regeneração, sendo comum as células alterarem o seu perfil metabólico para a glicólise aeróbica, favorecendo a sobrevivência e o restabelecimento do tecido. Esta reprogramação metabólica leva ao aumento da produção de lactato, que atua como molécula sinalizadora e reguladora epigenética. Estudos prévios do nosso laboratório em peixe-zebra demonstram que a atividade glicolítica aumentada durante a regeneração da barbatana caudal promove a formação do blastema e a regeneração eficaz do osso. Adicionalmente, a intensificação da glicólise foi associada a níveis elevados de lactilação de histonas em osteoblastos, com regiões de cromatina lactiladas enriquecidas junto a genes regulados por Oct4. Estes resultados sugerem que a remodelação da cromatina mediada por lactato pode modular programas de transcrição relevantes para a reparação de tecidos. No entanto, esta relação permanece inexplorada em modelos mamíferos. Neste estudo, investigámos se o dano celular induzido por toxicidade em células hepáticas humanas promove a acumulação de lactato e a lactilação de histonas, facilitando potencialmente a remodelação da cromatina nos locais de ligação de Oct4 e ativando uma resposta transcricional. Para testar a dependência da lactilação face ao metabolismo glicolítico, manipulámos a produção de lactato utilizando 2-desoxi-D-glucose, galoflavina, oxamato de sódio e lactato exógeno. Em seguida, avaliámos a acumulação de lactato extracelular e os níveis de lactilação após exposição a três insultos tóxicos distintos: acetaminofeno, peróxido de hidrogénio e cloreto de cobalto. Estes compostos foram selecionados por recriarem danos celulares fisiologicamente relevantes que caracterizam ambientes danificados. Por fim, explorámos se estas condições afetavam a expressão de OCT4 em função do estado de lactilação. Os nossos resultados demonstram que a lactilação é regulada pela atividade glicolítica. A acumulação de lactato e a lactilação induzidas por toxicidade dependeram do tipo de insulto. Apesar da clara modulação da lactilação, a expressão de OCT4 manteve-se inalterada, sugerindo que a lactilação não regula diretamente a transcrição deste gene. Ao esclarecer a interligação entre metabolismo, modificação das histonas e regulação transcricional durante o dano celular, este estudo fornece novos contributos para a compreensão da biologia regenerativa humana. O conhecimento destes mecanismos poderá apoiar o desenvolvimento de estratégias terapêuticas baseadas na modulação metabólica para promover a reparação de tecidos, especialmente em órgãos com capacidade regenerativa limitada.ABSTRACT: Tissue regeneration enables organisms to restore damaged structures through coordinated and complex signalling pathways that drive cell proliferation and differentiation. However, this regenerative capacity varies across species. While some animals can fully regenerate tissues, mammals — including humans — primarily rely on wound healing, a process that often fails to restore full functionality and may lead to long-term health consequences. To overcome these limitations, it is essential to understand the mechanisms driving cellular responses to damage and repair. Cellular metabolism plays a pivotal role in stress adaptation and tissue regeneration, as cells shift toward aerobic glycolysis to promote survival and support tissue restoration. This metabolic reprogramming process increases lactate production, which can act as a signalling molecule and epigenetic regulator. Prior work from our lab in zebrafish demonstrated that enhanced glycolytic activity during caudal fin regeneration supports blastema formation and effective bone regeneration. Moreover, elevated glycolysis was associated with increased histone lactylation in osteoblasts, with lactylated chromatin regions enriched near genes regulated by Oct4. These findings suggest that lactate-driven chromatin remodelling may modulate transcriptional programs relevant to tissue repair. However, this relationship remains unexplored in mammalian systems. In this study, we investigated whether toxicity-induced cellular damage in human hepatic cells promotes lactate accumulation and histone lactylation, potentially facilitating chromatin remodelling at Oct4 binding sites and activating a transcriptional response. To test the dependence of lactylation on glycolytic metabolism, we manipulated lactate production using 2-deoxy-D-glucose, galloflavin, sodium oxamate, and exogenous lactate. We then assessed extracellular lactate production and lactylation following exposure to three distinct toxic insults: acetaminophen, hydrogen peroxide, and cobalt chloride. These compounds were selected to model physiologically relevant damaging conditions that characterize early injured environments. Finally, we explored whether these conditions influenced OCT4 expression in relation to lactylation status. Our results demonstrate that lactylation is tightly regulated by glycolytic activity. Toxicity-induced lactate accumulation and lactylation were dependent on the type of insult, highlighting insult-specific metabolic responses. Despite clear modulation of lactylation, OCT4 expression remained unchanged, suggesting that lactylation does not directly regulate OCT4 transcription but may instead enhance its chromatin accessibility and influence downstream transcriptional responses. By elucidating the interplay between metabolism, histone modifications, and transcriptional regulation during cellular damage, this study offers new insights into human regenerative biology. Understanding these processes may support the development of metabolic-based therapeutic strategies to enhance tissue repair, particularly in organs with limited regenerative capacity
Forecasting meme engagement – a machine learning approach using reddit memes and comments data
No full textThis study examines meme engagement on Reddit via a multi-faceted approach that
incorporates sentiment analysis, machine learning, computer vision, generative AI. The
analysis at hand focuses specifically on predicting engagement by means of linear regression,
logistic regression, random forests, and deep learning—exploiting textual characteristics,
metadata, and log-transformed metrics. Taken together, these approaches shed light on why
memes go viral: illustrating the interplay between textual, visual, and user-driven dynamics on
Reddit's r/memes subreddit
Redefining oral care using Lean Business principles - market potential analysis and go to market strategy
No full textThe oral care market lacks products that combine safety, efficacy, sustainability, and a premium
sensory experience. This study developed KLEAN, a clean, premium oral care brand addressing
this gap. Using the Lean Business Model Canvas framework, surveys, interviews, and
community feedback validated the demand for a fluoride-free toothpaste with nano hydroxyapatite (nHAp) for enamel protection and probiotics for gum health. A refillable pump
dispenser made from recycled materials was designed based on consumer preferences. Results
from a social media analyses and user feedback confirm interest in KLEAN’s clean formulation
and eco-friendly packaging, highlighting significant market potential in Germany’s oral care
sector
Efficiency in water management: a strategy for the Alcobaça municipality
No full textThis Work Project was developed to highlight key steps toward achieving a more integrated,
forward-looking and territorially differentiated approach to water governance in Portugal. It
addresses the main question: How can Portugal be projected to face high levels of water stress
despite the apparent gap between water demand and available supply? The answer lies in
examining structural inefficiencies, regional asymmetries and the increasing pressures of
climate change. Through the analysis of national and sectoral data, this Work Project proposes
a strategic framework for implementation in the Municipality of Alcobaça, with the potential
to be replicated in other Portuguese regions
Relatório de Estágio na Oficina Quem Me Lera
No full textO presente relatório tem como objetivo apresentar e descrever o estágio curricular efetuado
na Oficina Quem Me Lera como componente não-letiva do Mestrado em Edição de Texto,
realizado entre 11 de setembro e 4 de dezembro. O relatório não só irá incidir sobre as
atividades práticas, realizadas ao longo do período indicado, como também a componente
mais teórica realizada dentro da Oficina. Primeiramente, ir-se-á falar um pouco sobre o
contexto em que foi criada e se insere a Oficina Quem Me Lera, tal como a maneira como
chegou ao meu conhecimento. Seguidamente, ir-se-á aprofundar aquelas que foram as
atividades realizadas, devidamente acompanhadas por exemplos daquele que foi o trabalho
efetuado. Posteriormente, será apresentada uma breve reflexão, não apenas sobre o estágio
em si, e todas as suas componentes positivas e negativas, como também sobre pequenas
editoras e oficinas emergentes no mercado editorial português.The aim of this report is to present and describe the curricular internship carried out at
Oficina Quem Me Lera as a non-teaching component of the Master's Degree in Text Editing,
which took place between 11 September and 4 December. The report will not only focus on
the practical activities carried out during the period indicated, but also the more theoretical
component that took place within the workshop. Firstly, I'll talk a little about the context in
which the Quem Me Lera Workshop was created and how it came to my attention. This will
be followed by an in-depth look at the activities carried out, duly accompanied by examples
of the work done. Afterwards, a conclusion will be made, not only about the internship itself
and all its positive and negative components, but also a brief reflection on small publishers
and emerging workshops in the Portuguese publishing market
Revitalizing the Port wine industry through premium rum diversification and strategic innovation exploring the market potential of Porto rum through global trends and competitive benchmarking
No full textThe Port wine industry, deeply embedded in Portuguese heritage, is undergoing a period of
significant transformation. Facing declining consumption, shifting demographics, and
intensifying global competition, traditional Port houses must seek innovative avenues for
growth. This thesis explores strategic diversification through the development of a Porto Rum
Cluster, a collaborative ecosystem where Port wine producers leverage their heritage, barrels,
and distribution channels to produce premium rum aged in Port casks. Using the case of
Scoundrels Distilling as a proof of concept, this study assesses the operational feasibility,
market trends, supply chain structure, and go-to-market strategy for launching a premium,
Portuguese-branded rum. Through frameworks like Porter’s Value Chain and STP
(Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning), the analysis demonstrates how storytelling,
sustainability, and cross-category innovation can revitalize legacy wine brands. The research
concludes that a Porto-based premium rum initiative is both culturally resonant and
commercially promising, offering a path toward long-term value creation for the broader spirits
industry in Portugal