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Source and digital procurement innovation: evolving the value proposition for modern challenges
No full textThis Work Project examines how to strengthen the market positioning of Soource S.r.l., a startup
offering AI-powered software for supplier discovery. Despite its innovative approach, Soource
currently faces challenges in driving sustained user engagement and attracting new customers.
Conducted as part of an internship within the company, this research is based on first-hand
business exposure, stakeholder interviews, and relevant literature to diagnose the limitations of
its existing value proposition. The study proposes a strategic evolution toward supplier
management functionalities, aiming to transition Soource from a tactical tool into a strategic
procurement partner
How do certain macroeconomic factors influence the growth or decline of insurance premiums in the European market? [Excellence in claims management: how can insurers win in a context of rising costs]
No full textThis thesis investigates how macroeconomic factors influence the growth of life and non-life insurance premiums in Europe. Using fixed effects panel data models, it analyzes variables
such as inflation, GDP growth, dependency ratios, and fiscal policies across 22 countries from 2010
to 2022. Results show that both life and non-life premiums co-move with the business cycle, with
GDP growth and income levels boosting insurance uptake, while inflation and dependency ratios
dampen it. These findings underscore the importance of macroeconomic stability for insurance
sector resilience in the European market
Global vs local: a paradox theory approach to understand how Italian metropolitan cities use European sustainability funds
No full textThis thesis investigates how Italian metropolitan cities interpret and implement EU
sustainability directives under ERDF Policy Objective 2. Using paradox theory, it examines
two key tensions: the balance between supranational mandates and local priorities, and the
interplay between sustainability and economic development. Through a mixed-methods
analysis of 143 projects across 14 cities, the study identifies a prevalence of technical,
compliance-driven approaches, with limited integrative strategies. Findings highlight the
need for more adaptive, context-sensitive governance models and suggest that recognizing
and navigating paradoxes can lead to more innovative and effective urban sustainability
interventions
Environmental, social, and governance performance in real estate investment trusts: level vs. momentum effects across property types
No full textThis paper investigates how the level and momentum (year-on-year change) in ESG scores
affect the financial outcomes for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). I look at 119 REITs
during 2010-2024, covering healthcare, hospitality, industrial, commercial, and residential
sectors. I show that ESG impacts are varied. Higher ESG levels often reduce short-term
profitability in service-heavy sectors, especially in healthcare. Industrial REITs benefit from
environmental, commercial REITs from governance efforts. Retail REITs suffer from
additional social investments. ESG momentum has an opposite direction to ESG level. My
results highlight that both ESG level and momentum matter and effects vary by sector
Verificação de Não Conformidades Relativas à Adição de Nitritos em Produtos Cárneos Processados Comercializados Em Grandes Superfícies
No full textA crescente utilização de aditivos alimentares pela indústria alimentar visa atender às exigências do mercado e garantir a conservação e propriedades tecnológicas dos produtos. Contudo, evidências associam os nitritos a riscos significativos para a saúde humana.
Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em quantificar o teor de nitritos e nitratos presente em amostras de fiambres, de modo a perceber se as práticas da indústria cumprem com recomendações da União Europeia. Foi igualmente analisada a cor dos fiambres, para tentar correlacionar com o teor de nitritos e nitratos.
Para o desenvolvimento deste trabalho foram analisadas 44 amostras distintas, das várias classificações de Fiambre (Perna Extra, Pá, Perna Superior, Perna e Corrente), sendo 23 fatiados em cuvete e 21 à peça, fatiados na hora, obtidas em grandes superfícies.
Os resultados mostraram níveis residuais de nitritos inferiores ao regulamentado (67,5 mg/kg em NaNO2). As amostras fatiadas em cuvete mostraram um valor médio em nitritos de 3,86mg/kg, inferior ao obtido nas amostras à peça, fatiadas na hora, que apresentaram um valor médio de 6,71mg/kg. As amostras em cuvete mostraram um valor médio em nitratos de 18,25mg/kg, também inferior ao valor obtido nas amostras à peça, fatiadas, para as quais o valor médio foi de 24,69mg/kg. A presença de um teor em nitritos e nitratos inferior nas amostras em cuvete face às amostras à peça, pode estar relacionado com fatores como o tempo de contacto da superfície do fiambre com o oxigénio e luz. Para os diferentes tipos de classificação em cuvete, tem-se um valor médio de nitritos e nitratos de 2,35mg/kg e de 13,83mg/kg, respetivamente, para o fiambre da perna extra. Para o fiambre da pá, obteve-se um teor médio de 3,84mg de nitritos/kg e de 17,30mg de nitratos/kg. Relativamente ao fiambre da perna superior, o teor médio foi de 0,09 mg/kg, para os nitritos e de 7,17 mg/kg, para os nitratos. Por fim, no fiambre corrente obteve-se um teor médio de 5,50mg/kg de nitritos e de 23,89mg/kg, de nitratos. Quanto aos fiambres à peça, fatiados na hora, estes apresentaram um valor médio de 4,97mg de nitritos/kg e de 20,75mg de nitratos/kg, para o fiambre da perna extra. Para o fiambre da pá, obteve-se um teor médio de 8,60mg de nitritos/kg e de 31,86mg de nitratos/kg. Por fim, para os fiambres da perna superior e corrente, os teores médios de nitritos observados foram de 8,01mg/kg e de 13,09mg/kg, respetivamente. Já para os nitratos, os teores médios observados para os mesmos tipos de fiambre, foram de 20,77mg/kg e de 25,80mg/kg. O estudo permitiu identificar diferenças nos teores residuais de nitritos e nitratos, o que permite estudar e propor estratégias para a redução da utilização de nitritos, sem comprometer a estabilidade e segurança dos produtos, ao longo do prazo de validade.The growing use of food additives by the food industry aims to meet market demands and guarantee the preservation and technological properties of products. However, evidence associates nitrites with significant risks to human health.
The aim of this study was therefore to quantify the nitrite and nitrate content of ham samples in order to determine whether the industry's practices comply with European Union recommendations. The colour of the hams was also analysed in an attempt to correlate it with the nitrite and nitrate content.
In order to carry out this work, 44 different samples were analysed, from the various ham classifications (Extra Leg, Shoulder, Upper Leg, Leg and Current), 23 of which were sliced in a cuvette and 21 were sliced by the piece, obtained from large stores.
The results showed residual nitrite levels lower than the regulated level (67.5mg NaNO2/kg). The cuvette-sliced samples showed an average nitrite value of 3.86mg/kg, lower than that obtained from the freshly sliced piece samples, which showed an average value of 6.71mg/kg. The cuvette samples showed an average nitrate value of 18.25mg/kg, also lower than the value obtained from the sliced samples, for which the average value was 24.69mg/kg. The presence of a lower nitrite and nitrate content in the cuvette samples compared to the sliced samples may be related to factors such as the contact time of the ham surface with oxygen and light. For the different types of cuvette classification, there was an average nitrite and nitrate value of 2.35mg/kg and 13.83mg/kg, respectively, for the extra leg ham. For the shoulder ham, the average content was 3.84mg of nitrites/kg and 17.30mg of nitrates/kg. For the upper leg ham, the average content was 0.09 mg/kg for nitrites and 7.17 mg/kg for nitrates. Finally, the average content of nitrites was 5.50mg/kg and nitrates 23.89mg/kg for the current ham. As for the freshly sliced piece hams, they had an average value of 4.97mg of nitrites/kg and 20.75mg of nitrates/kg for the extra leg ham. For the shoulder ham, the average content was 8.60mg of nitrites/kg and 31.86mg of nitrates/kg. Finally, the average nitrite levels observed for the upper leg and current hams were 8.01mg/kg and 13.09mg/kg, respectively. As for nitrates, the average levels observed for the same types of ham were 20.77mg/kg and 25.80mg/kg. The study allowed us to identify differences in the residual levels of nitrites and nitrates, which allows us to study and propose strategies to reduce the use of nitrites, without compromising the stability and safety of the products, throughout the shelf life
The evolution of core competencies in consulting: strategic responses to future industry disruptions
No full textThis report explores how core consulting competencies are evolving in response to AI, shifting
client demands, and changing work models. Drawing on interviews with professionals across
top-tier firms, the research uncovers a growing gap between individual adaptation and
organizational support. Key findings reveal the rising importance of AI fluency,
communication, and peer-led learning. This study offers actionable recommendations for
consulting firms to embed skill development into project workflows, formalize mentorship, and
foster a time-sensitive learning culture. These insights aim to help firms’ future-proof their
talent strategies in an increasingly complex and fast-moving consulting environment
How ai is reshaping football’s competitive landscape [how ai empowers the hr function to attract and engage]
No full textThis thesis explores how artificial intelligence is transforming professional football across three
core areas: scouting and recruitment, training and performance optimization, and injury
prevention. Drawing on academic research, industry case studies, and expert interviews with
figures like Sporting CP’s leadership, it analyzes both current applications and future trends. The
work highlights how AI enhances decision-making and competitive advantage, especially for
resource-constrained clubs, and examines the cultural, organizational, and ethical challenges
posed by these technological shifts. Ultimately, it reflects on how football can balance innovation
with preserving the human essence of the sport
(Poly)Phenol metabolites antinflammatory role in blood-brain barrier – microglia crosstalk
No full textAbstract: With increasing life expectancy, we stand at the cusp of a global health crisis: the rising incidence of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), that remain cureless, deeply affecting the quality of life of patients and causing a substantial socio-economic burden.
Preventive nutritional strategies are gaining attention, particularly surrounding (poly)phenol rich diets, which have revealed significant benefits towards brain health. Recently, low molecular weight (poly)phenol metabolites (LMWPMs), produced through gut microbiotacatabolism of dietary (poly)phenols, are suggested to be the real biological effectors with neuroprotective capabilities. Still, a major knowledge gap remains concerning their mode of action, especially in relevant models of (neuro)inflammation/NDDs that contemplate brain complexity and cell crosstalk.
Therefore, this thesis aims to shed light on the anti-inflammatory potential of six LMWPMs, particularly in the context of blood-brain-barrier (BBB)-microglia crosstalk, implementingmore complex and physiologically relevant human cell models. Additionally, samples from an animal intervention study of neuroinflammation with berry supplementation were used to validate our hypothesis from in vitro systems. We showed that some LMWPMs attenuated IL 6 release and reduced zonula occludens-1 membrane gaps in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC). We also observed that they attenuated IL-8 release and suppressed NF-κB nuclear translocation in human microglia (HMC3). Furthermore, we implemented two novel co-culture models of systemic inflammation, containing HBMEC and HMC3, in static (transwell) and dynamic (biochip) conditions, evidencing crosstalk between the different cell populations and system compartments. Finally, we demonstrated that supplementation with a berry-enriched diet modulated LPS-induced inflammatory responses in vivo, reducing microglial proliferation/hyper-ramification and potentially mitigating brain vascular damage.
Overall, the present work highlights LMWPMs’ neuroprotective effects at the BBB/microglial level and generating knowledge concerning physiologically relevant in vitro models of (neuro)inflammation, that can be used to further dissect cell-cell interactions and potential novel preventive and/or therapeutic approaches against NDDs.Resumo: Com o aumento da esperança média de vida, encontramo-nos à beira de uma crise global: a crescente incidência de doenças neurodegenerativas (NDDs), até à data sem cura, afetando profundamente a qualidade de vida dos pacientes, e causando um encargo socioeconómico substancial. Estratégias nutricionais preventivas contra as NDDs estão a ganhar atenção, particularmente em torno de dietas ricas em (poli)fenóis, que revelaram benefícios significativos para a saúde cerebral. Recentemente, sugere-se que os metabolitos biodisponíveis de (poli)fenóis de baixo peso molecular (LMWPMs), produzidos através do catabolismo dos (poli)fenóis da dieta pela microbiota intestinal, podem ser os verdadeiros agentes biológicos com capacidades neuroprotetoras. Ainda assim, existe uma grande lacuna no conhecimento relativamente ao seu modo de ação, especialmente em modelos relevantes de (neuro)inflamação/NDDs que contemplem a complexidade do cérebro e o crosstalk celular. Assim, esta tese tenciona esclarecer o potencial anti-inflamatório de seis LMWPMs, particularmente no contexto de crosstalk da barreira hematoencefálica (BBB)-microglia, implementando modelos celulares humanos mais complexos e fisiologicamente relevantes. Ademais, foram utilizadas amostras de um estudo de intervenção animal de neuroinflamação com suplementação de pequenos frutos, para validar a nossa hipótese dos sistemas in vitro. Mostrámos que alguns LMWPMs atenuaram a libertação de IL-6 e reduziram o número de gaps membranares de zónula occludens-1 em células endoteliais microvasculares cerebrais humanas (HBMEC). Observámos também que atenuaram a libertação de IL-8 e suprimiram a translocação nuclear de NF-κB em microglia humana (HMC3). Mais ainda, implementámos dois novos modelos de co-cultura de inflamação sistémica, contendo HBMEC e HMC3, em condições estáticas (transwell) e dinâmicas (biochip), evidenciando a ocorrência de crosstalk entre as diferentes populações celulares e compartimentos do sistema. Finalmente, demonstrámos que a suplementação com uma dieta enriquecida em pequenos frutos modulou as respostas inflamatórias induzidas pelo LPS in vivo, reduzindo a proliferação/hiper ramificação microglial e potencialmente mitigando os danos vasculares cerebrais. Globalmente, o presente trabalho destaca os efeitos neuroprotetores dos LMWPMs ao nível da BBB/microglia gerando conhecimento relativo a modelos in vitro fisiologicamente relevantes de (neuro)inflamação, que podem ser utilizados para examinar ainda mais as interações célula célula e potenciais abordagens preventivas e/ou terapêuticas contra as NDDs
Developing a balanced scorecard for Cascais Smart City: the learning and growth perspective
No full textThe concept of Smart City has become known globally, as cities realized that advanced
technology would foster citizens’ quality of life, by being able to provide data exchange
between public infrastructures.
Cascais has followed the trend, by creating a specified division within Cascais Municipal
Council (CMC) in 2015. As a result, the topics of managing data and innovative systems
became relevant to the local council, to achieve its ultimate goal of improving quality of life
for both citizens and visitors.
Over the years, CMC felt the need to monitor its strategy success by using specific measures.
This Work Project appears as supportive research to help CMC understand if it is on the right
path to continuously evolve as a Smart City, with focus on the Learning and Growth Perspective
of the Balanced Scorecard developed
The Dynamics of Redemption Patterns: Exploring the Impact of Voucher Exposure and Purchase Behavior in Digital Coupon Distribution
No full textDissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Driven Marketing, specialization in Marketing IntelligenceOnline voucher redemption serves as one of the key indicators of retail marketing success,
directly influencing both marketing effectiveness and customer engagement. However, the
interplay between voucher exposure and customer behavior on redemption rates remains
underexplored. This study investigates how repeated exposure to vouchers and patterns of
customer purchase behavior affect online voucher redemption rates. Grounded in mere
exposure theory and utilizing extensive field data from an online grocery retailer, the analysis
reveals a nuanced relationship between the number of vouchers sent and redemption
outcomes. At lower levels of voucher distribution, a U-shaped relationship emerges: as the
number of vouchers increases, redemption rates initially decline, reaching a minimum point,
before rising again. Conversely, at higher levels of voucher distribution, the relationship shifts
to an inverted U-shape, where redemption rates increase initially but later decline due to
saturation. The study also examines the influence of customer purchasing behavior, showing
that frequent purchases and larger basket sizes correspond with higher redemption rates, as
these customers seek to maximize their savings. Robustness tests confirm the consistency of
the results across various conditions, reinforcing the reliability of the findings. This study
advances the literature on online voucher redemption and provides practical insights for
retailers, outlining strategies for more effective voucher distribution to improve customer
targeting and maximize redemption rates