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Shaping future motorsports: assessing the transferability of strategic elements from formula 1 to formula E and identifying opportunities for differentiation - fan growth analysis
No full textIn a context of rapidly evolving automotive technologies, this thesis explores a strategic
alignment and transferability between Formula 1 and Formula E. By conducting a
comprehensive investigation applying strategic frameworks such as SWOT and PESTEL
analyses, as well as extensive primary research through questionnaires and expert interviews,
the relevant strategic levers proposed by Formula E (Core Product, Fan Growth and Brand
Perception) are independently verified. The findings contribute insights into the sustainable
development of motorsport industries by providing an objective validation of Formula E's
strategic outlook and a roadmap for future strategic directions towards the competitive
landscape
Generation of Spread Spectrum Clock in LC-tank Based PLLs
No full textIn order to produce Spectrum Spread Clock (SSC) at the Phased-Locked Loop (PLL) for electromagnetic interference (EMI) reduction, this work presents a Digital to Time Converter (DTC) topology, with the objective to apply phase modulation in the PLL.
In this work it is firstly studied the linear small-signal model of the PLL. Then it is studied and compared the linearity achieved by the DTC with two working methods.
The two methods are based in a constant and a variable voltage slope generation, which will trigger the DTC response.
The detection time range goal for the DTC is between 100 ps and 2 ns with a sampling frequency of 100 MHz.
The current DAC is one of the principal blocks of the circuit, hence it is also made a linearity study for it, where it was verified that it behaved monotonically.
The DTC specifications were full-filled, with a minimum and a maximum time delay achieved equal to 0.139 ns and 4.322 ns respectively, in the variable slope method.
In terms of linearity it is proved that the constant slope method achieved better DNL and INL response, hence a more stable method.
The design was simulated with 16 nm FinFET technology and has a coarse area approximation of 127 µm2 with a power dissipation equal to 125.2 µW.Este trabalho apresenta uma topologia de Conversor de Digital-para-Tempo (DTC), de modo a criar um Alargamento de Espetro do Relógio (SSC) numa Malha de Captura de Fase (PLL) para redução de Interferência Electromagnética (EMI),com o objetivo de produzir modulação de fase na PLL.
Primeiramente, é estudado o modelo linear de pequenos-sinais da PLL e posteriormente é estudado e comparado a linearidade obtida no DTC nos dois modos de funcionamento.
Os dois métodos de funcionamento são baseados na criação de uma rampa de tensão com declive constante e outro com declive variável, o que irá ativar a resposta do DTC.
O intervalo de tempo de deteção desejado é entre 100 ps e 2 ns com uma frequência de amostragem de 100 MHz.
O DAC de corrente é um dos principais constituintes do circuito, logo é efetuado o estudo da sua linearidade, sendo verificado um comportamento monotónico.
As especificações do DTC foram atingidas, criando um atraso mínimo e máximo de 0.129 ns e 4.322 ns, respetivamente, no método de declive variável. Em termos
de linearidade foi comprovado que o método de declive constante obtém melhor resposta a nível de DNL e INL logo é mais estável.
O circuito foi simulado em tecnologia de FinFET de 16 nm e ocupa uma área aproximada de 127 µm2 consumindo aproximadamente 125.2 µW
Benchmark and Comparison of three DIGOTA topologies in 16 nm FinFET
No full textOne of the building blocks in any analog front-end is the Operational Transconductance Amplifier (OTA), which is usually implemented in the analog domain. However, the traditional gate-driven OTAs can’t promote a Ultra-Low Voltage (ULV) and Ultra-Low Power (ULP) operation, and this lead to the exploration of other topologies such as bulkdriven, inverter-based, subthreshold, floating-gate, and digital-based topologies. The latter has gained plenty of attention as it doesn’t require a DC bias current which is typically present in analog circuits, allowing for a quicker design and a lower power consumption.
In this Master Thesis three distinct Digital OTA (DIGOTA) topologies are implemented for the first time in Fin Field-Effect Transistor (FinFET) technology: the standard DIGOTA, a Schmitt-Trigger-based DIGOTA (ST-DIGOTA), and a DIGOTA that uses Floating Inverters as an input stage (FI-DIGOTA). The last two topologies, the ST-DIGOTA and the FI-DIGOTA, were proposed by the author of this thesis. The schematic and layout of
each DIGOTA were simulated with a supply voltage of only 300 mV and a capacitive load of 350 pF, aiming for an integration in Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Based on post-layout simulations, the standard DIGOTA presented the lowest area and power consumption amongst all the tested DIGOTAs. The ST-DIGOTA was the topology with the highest DC Gain (43.9 dB) achieving a higher GBW than the standard DIGOTA (68 kHz) while remaining under the 50 μm2 mark. The FI-DIGOTA reached the highest Gain Bandwith Product (GBW) (100 kHz), however, it’s power consumption and silicon area were the largest, 3.6 μW and 123.3 μm2, respectively. All of the tested DIGOTAs achieved record breaking Figure of Merit (FOM)s amongst current literature, especially the DIGOTA and the ST-DIGOTA.Um dos blocos fundamentais presente em qualquer front-end analógico é o Operational Transconductance Amplifier (OTA), que é normalmente implementado no domínio analógico. No entanto, os OTAs tradicionais não conseguem promover uma operação de ultrabaixa tensão e potência, e isso levou a comunidade científica à exploração de outras topologias, tais como as baseadas em técnicas de subtreshold, bulk-driven, floating-gate e de componentes digitais. A última técnica tem ganho muita atenção, uma vez que não requer uma corrente de polarização DC, normalmente presente nos circuitos analógicos; isto permite desenvolver um design mais rápido e atingir um menor consumo de energia.
Nesta Tese de Mestrado são implementadas e comparadas pela primeira vez três Topologias de um Digital Operational Transconductance Amplifier (DIGOTA) em tecnologia Fin Field-Effect Transistor (FinFET): o DIGOTA padrão, um DIGOTA que utiliza inversores do tipo Schmitt-Trigger (ST-DIGOTA) como definidor de tensão de limiar de comparação e um DIGOTA que utiliza Floating-Inverters como input stages (FI-DIGOTA). As duas últimas topologias, ST-DIGOTA e FI-DIGOTA, foram propostas pelo autor desta tese de
mestrado. O esquemático e a layout de cada DIGOTA foram simulados e validados com uma tensão de alimentação de apenas 300 mV e uma carga capacitiva de 350 pF, com âmbito de integração em aplicações de Internet-of-Things (IoT).
Baseado em simulações pós-extrações, o DIGOTA padrão apresentou a menor área e consumo de energia entre todos os DIGOTAs testados. O ST-DIGOTA foi a topologia com o ganho DC mais elevado (43,9 dB), alcançando um Gain-Bandwith Product (GBW) mais elevado do que o DIGOTA padrão (68 kHz), apresentando uma área de apenas 50 μm2. O FI-DIGOTA atingiu o GBW mais elevado (100 kHz), no entanto, o seu consumo de energia e a sua área foram as maiores, 3,6 μW e 123.3 μm2, respetivamente. Todos os DIGOTAs aqui simulados apresentaram Figure of Merits (FOMs) que superam a literatura atual, especialmente o DIGOTA e o ST-DIGOTA
The impact of perceived leadership support on employee commitment-a longitudinal case of randstad
No full textThis dissertation aims to examine how the perceived leadership support impacts employee
commitment in an organizational change context. A survey (N=90) was distributed to Randstad
Portugal’s employees, and the findings indicate that there are positive correlations between
employees’ receptivity to organizational change and perceived leadership support, training
opportunities, and variability in work tasks. This dissertation aims to develop the awareness about
perceived leadership support and employees’ responsiveness to change in the context of
organizational change, as well as examine their magnitude in affecting organizational change
The signing of flayers from underrepresented nationalities as a marketing strategy for football clubs
No full textThis thesis explores the off-pitch impact of football player signings, focusing on those from
underrepresented nationalities in top European leagues. Using Instagram followers as a
proxy for marketability, three predictive models analyze factors like market value, titles
won and socio-cultural ties to measure player influence. The study highlights how strategic
player acquisitions can enhance both on-field performance and off-field financial success,
and how by integrating these findings into scouting and strategic planning, football clubs
can optimize signings to boost marketability and global reach. The research underscores
the need for a balanced approach to achieving sporting and commercial excellence
Characterization of the clonal population structure, antimicrobial resistance and virulence profile of methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus from invasive infections
No full textStaphylococcus aureusis a major opportunistic pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections, from mild to life
threatening conditions, with a high capacity to acquire antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence determinants.
While methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has stabilized in European hospitals, reaching an overall rate of 15% in
2022, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) bloodstream infections (BSI) have seen an estimated rise of 84%
between 2005 and 2018. A similar trend has been observed in Portugal, with MSSA comprising 75% of all S. aureus
BSI in 2022. However, there is no epidemiologic data to support this surge.
Tofill this gap, 120 MSSA isolated from BSI in 13 Portuguese hospitals between 2022 and 2023were studied. S. aureus
species and absence of the mecAgene were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Phenotypic AMR profiles
were determined by disk diffusion and/or epsilon-test (E-test). Virulence determinants (Panton-Valentine leukocidin
[PVL], immune evasion cluster [IEC] and Sa3 integrase genes), as well as biocide non-susceptibility genes, were
screened by PCR. Genetic background was determined by spa typing, while clonality and the detection of additional
AMR and virulence genes were assessed through whole genome sequencing of 51 representative isolates. Population
structure and strain relatedness was achieved by phylogenetic analysis based on core genome MLST (cgMLST) and
single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP).
A total of 54 spa types were detected among all isolates. In 39% (n=47) of the isolates, spa types were associated to
a single major clone – CC398, a lineage that can be human or livestock-associated, and included: t1451 (53%), t571
(32%), t3625 (4%), t7880 (4%), t5719 (2%), t7160 (2%) and t011 (2%). The remaining isolates were associated to six
major clones: CC5 (9%), CC72 (8%), CC45 and CC30 (7%, each), CC15 (6%) and CC8 (5%); seven minor clones (<5%)
and six singletons. Clonal lineages were equally detected in hospitals from different geographic regions. AMR was
globally low, except for erythromycin (39%) and clindamycin (36%, with 16% of induced resistance), mostly associated
to ermT. PVL was detected in a single CC152-t355 isolate. Aureolysin, γ-hemolysin, enterotoxins and IEC genes were
widespread across isolates. Within CC398, IEC type C was detected in all but one isolate, linked to Sa3 integrase
phages, suggesting that these belong to the human-associated lineage, while the single IEC-negative spa type t011
isolate was associated to the animal lineage. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the CC398-t1451 isolateswere closely
related to isolates previously identified in the community in Portugal and globally clustered with isolates from South
America. CC398-t011 clustered with both MRSA and MSSA previously isolated from livestock carriage in Portugal.
Overall, our results showed that MSSA bloodstream infections in Portugal are currently primarily caused by a single
human-associated CC398-PVL negative lineage, with a low antimicrobial resistance profile but high invasive potential.
This lineage was possibly originated by direct introduction from South American countries or/and by local evolution
of isolates that were established in the community and then spread to the hospitals. The identification of a single
major clonal lineage represents a major shift in MSSA molecular epidemiology in Portuguese hospitals, previously
characterized by a high clonal diversityStaphylococcus aureus é uma bactéria patogénica oportunista responsável por uma grande variedade de infeções,
desde doenças de pele a doençasfatais, com uma grandecapacidade de adquirir resistência a antimicrobianos (AMR)
e determinantes de virulência. Enquanto a taxa de S. aureusresistentes à meticilina (MRSA) estabilizou em hospitais
europeus, com uma taxa de 15% em 2022, as infeções sanguíneas(BSI) por S. aureussuscetíveis à meticilina (MSSA)
aumentaram84% entre 2005 e 2018. Em Portugal, também se observou este aumento, comMSSA associados a 75%
das BSI por S. aureus em 2022. Contudo, não existem dados epidemiológicos que suportem este aumento.
Para colmatar esta lacuna, foram estudados 120 MSSA isolados de BSI em 13 hospitais portugueses entre 2022 e
2023. A espécie e ausência do gene mecA foram determinados por reação de polimerase em cadeia (PCR). Os perfis
fenotípicos de AMR foram determinados por difusão em disco e/ou teste de epsilon (E-test). Determinantes de
virulência (leucocidina de Panton-Valentine [PVL], cluster de evasão imunitária [IEC] e integrase Sa3) e genes de
suscetibilidade reduzida a biocidas foram pesquisados por PCR. O património genético foi determinado portipagem
de spa, enquanto a estrutura clonal e pesquisa de genes de AMR e virulência foirealizada porsequenciação total do
genoma de 51 isolados representativos. A estrutura populacional e relação entre estirpes foram avaliadas por análise
filogenética baseada em múltiplos loci do genoma central (cgMLST) e polimorfismos em nucleótidos únicos(SNPs).
Foram detetados 54 tipos de spa entre todos os isolados. Em 39% (n=47) dos isolados, os tipos de spa estavam
associados a um clone maioritário –CC398, uma linhagem que pode estar associada a humanos ou animais, e incluía:
t1451 (53%), t571 (32%), t3625 (4%), t7880 (4%), t5719 (2%), t7160 (2%) e t011 (2%). Os restantes isolados
pertenciam a seis clones principais: CC5 (9%), CC72 (8%), CC45 e CC30 (7%, cada), CC15 (6%) e CC8 (5%); sete clones
minoritários (<5%) e seis isolados únicos. As linhagens clonais foram igualmente detetadas em diferentes regiões
geográficas. A AMR foi globalmente baixa, exceto à eritromicina (39%) e clindamicina (36%, com 16% de resistência
induzida), associadas ao gene ermT. A PVL foi detetada num único isolado CC152-t355. Os genes de aureolisina, γ hemolisina, enterotoxinas e IEC estavam amplamente distribuídos entre os isolados. Dentro do CC398, o IEC do tipo
C foi detetado em todos exceto um isolado, associado a fagos com integrase Sa3, sugerindo que pertencem à
linhagem humana. O único isolado IEC-negativo, de tipo de spa t011, foi associado à linhagem animal. A análise
filogenética demonstrou que o clone CC398-t1451 estava relacionado com isolados previamente identificados na
comunidade em Portugal e a nível global, com isolados da América do Sul. O CC398-t011 agrupou-se com MRSA e
MSSA anteriormente isolados de animais em Portugal.
Em conclusão, os nossos resultados demonstraramque as BSI por MSSA em Portugal são maioritariamente causadas
por uma única linhagem CC398-PVL negativa associada aos humanos, com um perfil de AMR baixo, mas elevado
potencial invasivo. Esta linhagem poderá ter evoluído de países da América do Sul e/ou localmente a partir de
isolados da comunidade que disseminaram para os hospitais. A identificação de uma única linhagem clonal
maioritária constituiuma alteração significativa na epidemiologia de MSSA nos hospitais portugueses, anteriormente
caracterizada por uma elevada diversidade clona
Unlocking Portugal´s green hydrogen export potential: opportunities and challenges
No full textThis work project evaluates Portugal’s potential to export green hydrogen and provides
actionable recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders. This is especially
relevant given Portugal’s high external energy dependency and Europe’s net-zero ambitions.
The methodology includes a comprehensive literature review and interviews with green
hydrogen experts in Portugal. Findings reveal that while Portugal has promising prospects
due to low electricity costs and renewable energy potential, significant challenges remain.
These include production capacity limitations, infrastructure constraints, and an
underdeveloped market. Strategic recommendations focus on increasing renewable energy
production, improving technological readiness, and enhancing infrastructure to support
green hydrogen exports
Climate change and financial markets: how well do investors anticipate climate risk
No full textThe thesis aims to initiate research efforts into the fundamental impact of climate risk on
financial markets, diverging from the conventional retrospective approach. To address the
existent gap in the literature, a new climate risk index is introduced to eliminate information
lags, revealing investors tendency to anticipate risk only during certain periods of the year, while
generally underestimating its magnitude. Additionally, a methodology about weather derivatives
in the context of climate change to hedge fundamental risk is outlined, offering investors tools
to mitigate uninsurable financial risk exposure
O desaparecimento do corpo
Get PDFA tese O Desaparecimento do Corpo observa como a globalização e as tecnologias virtuais
interferem no corpo, diluindo a presença da vida no dia-a-dia e na relação com o Outro. A partir de
uma ideia ampla de corpo, que inscreve a acção do indivíduo e perspectiva a importância do
pensamento coletivo e identidade comum, são identificados alguns mecanismos que, no actual,
dissipam princípios humanistas, reféns da ameaça de um neoliberalismo voraz.
Do ponto de vista da criação artística, tendo como exemplo o trabalho coreográfico vaziopleno, que
explora aspectos do ambiente temático, a tese aponta a importância de uma nova ética do corpo na
construção do porvir, apenas viável com a reestruturação do sistema educativo com base no
holismo.The thesis The Disappearance of the Body explores how globalization and virtual technologies
disrupt the body, diluting presence in daily life and in relations with Others. Based on a broad
concept of the body that encompasses individual action and highlights collective thought and shared
identity, it identifies mechanisms that currently erode humanist principles, held hostage by
voracious neoliberalism.
From the perspective of artistic creation, illustrated by the choreographic work vaziopleno, which
explores this thematic environment, the thesis underscores the need for a new ethics of the body in
shaping the future—possible only through a holistic restructuring of the educational system
Image-Based Sexual Abuse: European Standards and National Criminal Approaches
No full textAmidst the boundless potential of the digital age, Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA) has emerged as a perfidious misuse of technological innovations, disproportionately impacting women and exposing critical gaps in traditional legal frameworks. This dissertation begins by establishing IBSA’s conceptual foundation in Chapter I, examining its scope and impact, with a focus on its gendered dimensions and
cross-border challenges. This analysis highlights the multifaceted nature of the phenomenon, setting the stage for the legal and regulatory discussions that follow. Chapter II shifts to the European Union’s legal framework, analysing the remedies available to victims under the GDPR’s right to be forgotten and the obligations of online platforms under the ECD and the DSA regarding third-party dissemination of intimate content. It further examines European criminal standards on IBSA through a genderbased lens, assessing the Istanbul Convention’s framework and the implications of the EU’s partial accession, alongside a critical evaluation of the minimum standards introduced by the new Directive on Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence. Finally, Chapter III explores how selected Member States address IBSA, with a particular emphasis on the Portuguese jurisdiction, uncovering shared challenges and the broader limitations of criminal law in effectively addressing IBSA.Na era digital, o Abuso Sexual Baseado em Imagens (ASBI) surge como uma manifestação pérfida dos avanços tecnológicos, impactando desproporcionalmente o género feminino e revelando falhas estruturais nos quadros jurídicos tradicionais. A presente dissertação inicia-se pelo estabelecimento da base conceitual do fenómeno no Capítulo I, examinando o âmbito do ASBI, com destaque para a sua dimensão de género, os desafios transfronteiriços e os profundos danos infligidos às vítimas. Esta análise sublinha o caráter multifacetado do fenómeno, entendimento necessário para as discussões jurídicas que se seguem. No Capítulo II procede-se à examinação do enquadramento jurídico da União Europeia, abordando os mecanismos de reparação disponibilizados às vítimas no âmbito do direito ao esquecimento previsto pelo RGPD e as obrigações impostas às plataformas digitais pelas diretivas ECD e DSA relativamente à disseminação de conteúdos íntimos por terceiros. O mesmo Capítulo inclui o estudo dos instrumentos criminais que abordam o ASBI sob uma perspetiva de género no contexto
europeu, avaliando o regime previsto na Convenção de Istambul e as implicações da conclusão parcial da União Europeia à mesma, bem como os padrões mínimos de harmonização criminal introduzidos pela nova Diretiva relativa ao combate à violência contra as mulheres e a violência doméstica. Por fim, o Capítulo III explora como os quadros jurídicos-penais de específicos Estados-Membros abordam o ASBI, com especial atenção ao ordenamento jurídico português, identificando limitações comuns e
evidenciando as limitações estruturais do direito penal na resposta a este fenómeno