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Immunocompetent 3D human CNS Models: a novel approach for preclinical development of gene therapies
No full text"Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) gene therapies hold significant
promise for treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders. However,
their effectiveness in clinical settings is often limited by the immune
responses mounted by the host. Astrocytes and microglia, the resident
immune cells of the CNS, play a crucial role in initiating innate immune
responses, which can lead to neuroinflammation. However, a comprehensive
understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving and sustaining
glial cell activation remains unclear due to the lack of human models illustrating
the neuro-immune axis. To accelerate the clinical use of rAAVs,
thorough preclinical evaluation of their efficacy and safety in human models
is essential. The in vitro replication of CNS phenotypic and functional
characteristics requires advanced culture techniques to closely emulate the
structural and molecular complexity of in vivo systems. Models derived
from the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)
in a three-dimensional (3D) environment hold potential as complementary
tools for animal-based preclinical research. This thesis aims to create innovative
human 3D CNS models that effectively replicate the key features of
neuroinflammation by integrating hiPSC technology with stirred-tank bioreactor
systems and utilizing a broad array of characterization methods. The
models developed for advancing preclinical research of ATMPs, specifically
viral-based gene therapies, demonstrated significant potential.(...)"N/
From intention to action: Drivers of sustainable food choices and the role of descriptive norms
No full textDissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Science and Advanced Analytics, specialization in Business AnalyticsThis study investigates consumers' behavior regarding sustainable food consumption by
integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with additional constructs such as
descriptive norms and demographic factors. It examines the impact of attitudes, injunctive
norms, perceived behavioral control, and descriptive norms on intention and actual behavior,
while exploring the moderating effect of descriptive norms. Data was collected through an
online survey targeting a sample of 208 Portuguese consumers. The data was analyzed using
structural equation modeling (SEM). While previous research has extensively studied
sustainable food consumption, this study contributes by examining new moderating and
demographic factors within the TPB framework. The inclusion of descriptive norms as a
moderator provides deeper insights into the nuanced drivers of sustainable food
consumption, offering a more comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior. The
results confirm that attitudes, injunctive norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly
influence intentions, while perceived behavioral control also directly impacts actual behavior.
Additionally, descriptive norms moderate the relationship between injunctive norms and
intention positively and between attitudes and intention negatively, revealing a "diffusion of
responsibility" effect. Age emerges as a significant predictor, with older individuals more likely
to align their behavior with sustainable practices. These findings highlight the importance of
social influences and demographic factors in shaping sustainable consumption patterns. Based
on the findings, the study offers practical recommendations, including promoting foodcentered social events that advocate sustainability and developing age-specific educational
and marketing campaigns. These strategies aim to address identified barriers and leverage
cultural and social factors to foster a more sustainable food consumption landscape
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
The influence of Green Branding on Brand Loyalty: Retailer’s Private Label Food Brands context
No full textDissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Driven Marketing, specialization in Digital Marketing and AnalyticsIn the context of food retail private-label brands, this study examines the relationship between
perceived environmental responsibility, green brand trust, attitudes towards green branding and
health claims, and how their combined impact brand loyalty. The study intends to investigate how
customer perception, trust, and loyalty toward private-label food items are influenced by sustainability
features and health-related claims, both separately and in combination. Using a quantitative
experimental design analysis with the participation of 507 people in Portugal, was examined their
reactions to four different milk product conditions: neutral (no claims), sustainable-only, healthy-only,
and sustainable-healthy combination. Five hypotheses addressing the connections between
attitude towards green branding and health claims, perceived environmental responsibility, green
brand trust, and their effect on brand loyalty were tested using a structural model. The findings show
that green brand trust is highly influenced by perceived environmental responsibility, which in turn
promotes favourable perceptions and increases brand loyalty. Furthermore, the relationship between
trust and loyalty is mediated by attitude towards green branding, but the combination of sustainability
and health traits yielded the highest levels of loyalty under all settings. These findings offer practical
advice for private-label food manufacturers looking to increase consumer loyalty through integrated
green branding strategies, as well as theoretical insights into the combined benefits of sustainability
and health claims
Predicting Flood Risk Across Geographical Regions Using Machine Learning and Transfer Learning Techniques
No full textDissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geospatial TechnologiesFloods are major natural disasters that cause significant harm to lives and properties.
Identifying areas prone to flooding is essential for mitigating the impacts of floods, as decision
makers can implement necessary policies in these flood-prone areas. Machine learning has
proven highly effective in identifying flood-prone areas; however, it typically requires
historical flood data from a region to predict flood-prone areas in that region. Machine
learning is limited in areas that lack historical flood data. Transfer learning allows a machine
learning model trained on data from one location to predict flood risk in another. This study
examines the effectiveness of using transfer learning to predict flooding in different study
areas. A machine learning model was trained on flood data, including historical flood maps of
Bangladesh, and then used to predict flood-prone regions in Nigeria and Myanmar (Burma).
Historical flood maps of Nigeria and Myanmar were used to validate the model’s accuracy in
identifying flood-prone regions. The model captured 32.33% and 26.66% of the areas that
were flooded in Nigeria and Myanmar (Burma), respectively, as flood-prone areas. Although
these figures are modest, incorporating training data from other study areas could improve
the model's predictive capability. A dashboard was also created that can be used for flood risk
assessment in any part of the world. The dashboard was used to predict flood risk areas in
Accra which has no historical flood data
Validação de Metodologias de Limpeza de Equipamentos e Superfícies
No full textA segurança dos alimentos é um dos aspetos mais cruciais nas indústrias alimentares, tendo implicações diretas na saúde pública e na economia. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a higienização dos equipamentos, superfícies e das luvas dos colaboradores, identificando potenciais falhas no processo.
Na primeira fase de metodologia, foi realizada a validação dos planos de higienização por meio de análises microbiológicas (52 amostras) e medições de pH (89 medições), utilizando zaragatoas e fitas de pH, respetivamente. Os resultados indicaram que, antes da higienização, as luvas dos manipuladores de alimentos apresentavam níveis de contaminação elevada (1.51-3.45 log ufc.cm-2), tendo uma redução de 90% nas amostras após a higienização. No entanto, em relação aos equipamentos e superfícies, observou-se áreas mais críticas, especialmente na produção 2 (3.65 e 3.92 log ufc.cm-2), mesmo após a higienização final, evidenciando falhas no processo.
A análise do questionário revelou lacunas no conhecimento dos manipuladores quanto à higienização das mãos e à identificação de possíveis fontes de contaminação. Conclui-se que é essencial ajustar os procedimentos de higienização de modo a garantir a uniformidade nos resultados e implementar formações contínuas, a fim de consciencializar os colaboradores sobre a importância das boas práticas de higiene.Abstract: Food safety is one of the most crucial aspects in the food industry, having direct implications on public health and the economy. This study aimed to evaluate the hygienization of the equipment and the surfaces, as well as the employees' gloves, identifying potential faults in the process.
In the first phase of the methodology, the validation of the hygienization plans was performed through microbiological analysis (52 samples) and pH measurements (89 measurements), using swabs and pH strips, respectively. The results indicated that, before hygienization, food handlers' gloves had high levels of contamination (1.51-3.45 log ufc.cm-2); after the hygienization, the samples showed a reduction of 90% in contamination levels. However, regarding the equipment and surfaces, even after the hygienization, the situation is more critical, especially in production 2 (3.65 e 3.92 log ufc.cm-2), demonstrating flaws in the process.
The analysis of the questionnaire revealed gaps in the knowledge of the food handlers regarding hand hygiene and identification of possible sources of contamination. We concluded that it is essential to adjust the procedures of hygienization to ensure the uniformity of the results as well as to implement professional training in order to make the food handlers aware of the importance of good practices of hygiene
Digital mirrors: How influencers shape social comparison and mental well-being in Brazil
No full textDissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Driven Marketing, specialization in Marketing IntelligenceThe main objective of this study was to analyze how digital influencers can impact the mental
health of their followers. To achieve this, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed
to evaluate the proposed theoretical model, incorporating constructs such as Performance
Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Hedonic Motivation,
Habit, Influencers Following Behavior, Social Media Engagement, Social Comparison, Social
Anxiety, and Depression. The results revealed that habit and hedonic motivation are the most
significant predictors of use behavior toward influencers. Among psychological outcomes,
social comparison emerged as a key construct, significantly influenced by influencer-following
behavior and social media engagement. In turn, social comparison significantly increased
social anxiety, which then showed a strong positive effect on depressive symptoms.
Moreover, the mediation analysis confirmed that social comparison mediates the relationship
between social media engagement and anxiety, and anxiety mediates the relationship
between social comparison and depression, highlighting an indirect pathway by which
engagement with influencers can affect mental health. In conclusion, this study underscores
the importance of understanding the emotional and behavioral consequences of following
digital influencers, especially in the context of social comparison and its cascading effects on
anxiety and depression
Behind the Swipe: Uncovering the Drivers of Corrective Behaviors on Dating Apps
No full textDissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Driven Marketing, specialization in Marketing IntelligenceSocial media has become increasingly central to modern life, shaped by globalization and
evolving communication needs. Among its various forms, dating apps represent a significant
subcategory. The rise of these platforms, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has
transformed online interactions aimed at building different types of relationships and
connections. Despite their growing popularity and impact, there is limited research on the
corrective behaviors individuals adopt, such as reducing or discontinuing app usage. This study
seeks to address that gap by exploring the drivers behind such behaviors in the context of
dating apps, drawing parallels with existing models of social media use discontinuation. It
further examines how these motivations differ, with a comparative focus on users in Mexico
and Portugal. Through this lens, this research aims to contribute both theoretically and
practically, offering insights into the effects of internal and platform-related factors on dating
apps use reduction and discontinuance intentions
Strategic value of wine tourism operations for wine producers: leveraging external analysis for the sustainable development of a family-owned Portuguese business
No full textThis work project presents a Case Study exploring Wine Master’s expansion dilemma, analysing
whether to pursue a public tender for a strategic partnership with the Agriculture School in
Lisbon and its impact on wine tourism operations. The case study provides context and explores
internal, external, and financial factors, debating whether investing in Lisbon aligns with
Wine Master’s strategic goals. The Teaching Note promotes experiential learning and the
application of strategic frameworks such as PESTEL, Porter’s Five Forces, Stakeholder Theory,
and SDGs. The Consulting Report assesses Wine Master’s tourism units, identifying key
challenges and providing strategic recommendations to enhance operations and ensure long term sustainability
Responsible Artificial Intelligence in human resource management
No full textThis thesis explores the adoption and integration of Responsible Artificial Intelligence in
human resource management, analyzing its current use and strategies to ensure ethical and
effective application in human resource practices. A multi-level model reveals drivers like
efficiency and cost saving, alongside barriers such as ethical concerns, skill gaps, and
regulatory challenges. Additionally, to guide human resource professionals, a four-stage
recommendation framework was developed, focusing on building foundational Artificial
Intelligence knowledge, readiness audits, training, and piloting. Emphasizing transparency,
collaboration, and alignment with regulatory frameworks, this study provides actionable
strategies to balance technological innovation with the Human Resource Department’s
people-centric focus