69166 research outputs found
Sort by
Women’s leadership trajectories in consulting firms in Germany – exploring factors shaping leadership pursuit across career stages
No full textWomen are underrepresented in leadership roles in Germany's consulting industry. This thesis
examines the factors influencing their pursuit of these roles across career stages through
qualitative interviews with 40 women from various consulting firms, using the GIOIA
methodology. Four dimensions emerged: societal factors, individual drivers, organizational
context, and relational influence. Early-career leadership access depends on elite education and
financial support, while mid-career aspirations decline due to firm-specific flexibility barriers.
Gendered networking norms and a scarcity of female role models hinder leadership
development and expectations. These findings reveal barriers to gender parity and provide a
foundation for driving change
The Impact of Social Media Influencers on Consumer Purchase Intentions in the Travel Sector
No full textDissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Driven Marketing, specialization in Digital Marketing and AnalyticsThe increasing impact of social media has reshaped consumers’ actions and choices,
particularly in the travel sector, where Social Media Influencers (SMIs) are key in influencing
purchase decisions. This study explores how specific influencer attributes – trustworthiness,
expertise, attractiveness and content quality – impact consumer decision-making,
emphasizing the mediating role of perceived credibility. While previous research
acknowledges the broad influence of SMIs, there is a gap in understanding how credibility is
formed and its impact on consumer buying decisions. Through a quantitative approach using
Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), data from 694 respondents
were analyzed. The findings highlight that trustworthiness, expertise, and content quality
significantly enhance perceived credibility, which, in turn, strongly influences purchase
intention. However, attractiveness does not play a decisive role in shaping credibility in the
travel sector, challenging existing assumptions about its importance in influencer marketing.
These findings provide relevant insights for marketing professionals and tourism businesses,
emphasizing the need to select influencers based on credibility-driven attributes rather than
mere popularity. This research adds to the ongoing discussion regarding how social media
shapes consumer preferences and buying habits
The Effect of Natural Carbonated Mineral Water Consumption in Gastrointestinal Transit and in Gut Microbiota – a Randomized Controlled Trial
No full textRESUMO: Introdução: Obstipação e sintomas de desconforto gastrointestinal, como distensão abdominal, são comuns entre indivíduos saudáveis, mas com um impacto significativo na qualidade de vida dos mesmos. A obstipação funcional (OF) é uma condição comum com uma taxa média de prevalência a nível mundial de 14% e uma taxa média de prevalência na Europa de 17,1%. A OF é uma das principais doenças intestinais que afetam a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde, mas também inclui outras queixas que resultam em custos substanciais de saúde. Deste modo, alguns estudos relataram uma associação positiva entre a ingestão regular de água mineral-natural gaseificada, com alto teor de bicarbonato, cálcio e magnésio, e a melhoria da evacuação. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do consumo de água mineral-natural gaseificada durante 4-semanas no trânsito gastrointestinal e na microbiota intestinal em indivíduos com desconforto gastrointestinal. Metodologia: Este é um estudo clínico aleatorizado, controlado, composto por dois grupos (intervenção e controlo) com 30 participantes com desconforto gastrointestinal. O estudo foi implementado na sala de estudos clínicos da NOVA Medical School em Lisboa (NMS|FCM). Os participantes foram distribuídos em dois grupos: recebendo uma dose diária de 1000 ml de água natural-mineral gaseificada ou água não mineralizada. A variável de resultado primário foi a alteração no trânsito gastrointestinal (4- semanas versus inicial). Os resultados secundários incluíram a escala de Bristol, o questionário de avaliação de sintomas de obstipação (PAC-SYM), o questionário de avaliação da qualidade de vida associada à obstipação (PAC-QOL) e a composição da microbiota intestinal, avaliados após as 4 semanas de intervenção em comparação com a avaliação inicial. Resultados: A ingestão diária de água natural- mineral gaseificada durante 4-semanas revelou diferenças mínimas na função gastrointestinal entre o início e o fim da intervenção, em comparação com a água com baixo teor de minerais (grupo controlo). Globalmente, a ingestão de água natural-mineral gaseificada resultou numa tendência para melhorias clínicas mínimas no PAC-SYM e no PAC-QOL (total e subescalas) do que a água controlo. As melhorias na função gastrointestinal foram acompanhadas por alterações na microbiota intestinal. Conclusão: Este estudo representa uma abordagem inovadora ao examinar a microbiota intestinal de indivíduos com desconforto gastrointestinal ligeiro, centrando-se na obstipação. Os nossos resultados indicam que o consumo diário de água natural-mineral gaseificada durante 4-semanas não altera significativamente a função gastrointestinal, exceto nos indivíduos com obstipação, onde se revela promissor na melhoria dos sintomas. Adicionalmente, os resultados revelam que a água natural-mineral gaseificada poderá alterar ligeiramente a microbiota intestinal. É importante salientar que o consumo de água natural mineral gaseificada melhora os critérios de obstipação e a consistência das fezes, oferecendo se como um potencial adjuvante no tratamento destes pacientes.ABSTRACT: Background: Constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, are common complaints among healthy individuals. However, they can significantly impact the quality of life. Functional constipation (FC) is a condition affecting bowel function that affects up to 14% of people worldwide and 17% of people in Europe. FC can lead to other conditions that result in significant healthcare costs. Some studies have suggested that regular consumption of natural mineral-rich water, which is rich in bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium, may improve bowel movements. Aim: To evaluate the effect of natural carbonated mineral water on gastrointestinal transit and gut microbiota in people with gastrointestinal discomfort over 4 weeks. Methods: This was a randomized, controlled trial with two arms: an intervention arm and a control arm. Thirty participants with gastrointestinal discomfort were enrolled in the study at the clinical office of NOVA Medical School in Lisbon (NMS|FCM). Participants in the intervention arm consumed 1000 ml of natural mineral-rich water daily, while those in the control arm consumed low-mineral water. The primary outcome was a change in gastrointestinal transit over the four weeks between the intervention and control groups. Secondary outcomes included changes in stool form, patient assessment of constipation symptoms (PAC-SYM) score, patient assessment of constipation quality of life (PAC-QOL) score, and gut microbiota composition. Results: After four weeks, there were only minimal differences in gastrointestinal function between the natural mineral-rich and low-mineral water groups. However, the natural mineral rich water group showed minimal clinical improvement in PAC-SYM and PAC-QOL (total and subscales) compared to the control group. Additionally, alterations in gut microbiota were associated with improvements in gastrointestinal function. Conclusion: This study represents a novel approach by examining the gut microbiota of individuals with mild gastrointestinal discomfort, focusing on constipation. Our findings indicate that daily consumption of natural mineral-rich water for 4 weeks does not significantly alter gastrointestinal function, except in individuals with constipation, where it shows promise in improving symptoms. Additionally, our research highlights that this water can slightly change the gut microbiota. Importantly, natural mineral-rich water consumption improves constipation criteria and stool consistency. This suggests that natural mineral-rich water may be a promising adjunctive treatment for patients with constipatio
Uncovering the intrinsic potential of Deinococcus species for arsenic bioremediation
No full text"The Deinococcaceae family includes some of the most extensively studied
radiaƟon-resistant bacteria, parƟcularly those of the genus Deinococcus. This
thesis focuses on the stress-resistance mechanisms of Deinococcus radiodurans
and Deinococcus indicus, with a parƟcular focus on their potenƟal applicaƟons in
arsenic bioremediaƟon. While D. radiodurans is renowned for its resistance to
radiaƟon, oxidaƟve damage, and desiccaƟon, its arsenic detoxiĮcaƟon capacity
remains unexplored. In contrast, D. indicus is naturally resistant to arsenic but
remains poorly studied. By integraƟng structural, molecular, and physiological
analyses, this thesis provides novel insights into the adapƟve strategies and
resistance mechanisms of these species.(...)
The distance paradox: how proximity to Syrian refugees shapes political and economic attitudes in the Middle East and North Africa
No full textThis study examines how the Syrian refugee crisis has shaped public attitudes across the Middle
East and North Africa (MENA). Through the combined work of the Field Lab, we analyze
Political and Economic attitudes (Johannes Ludwig’s contribution) and Social and Religious
attitudes (Bianca Illing’s contribution) in MENA. Using Arab Barometer and UNHCR data
(2010–2023), we analyze public opinion in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, and Tunisia. A
gravity-style shift-share IV strategy shows that refugee exposure increases trust in government,
economic optimism, and social cohesion, while also reinforcing conservative religious views.
Effects are strongest among Muslim respondents, highlighting cultural proximity as a key driver
of opinion and extending Intergroup Contact Theory beyond Western contexts. These findings
advance the understanding of key drivers in shaping public responses to migration in
developing regions
The impact of social media usage on consumer well-being: the mediating roles of perceived social comparison, exposure to nutrition-focused content, and impulsive buying behaviour
No full textThis study investigates how specific social media content—social comparison,
nutrition-focused posts, and impulsive-buying promotions—affects consumer well-being. An
experimental design revealed that exposure to idealized content significantly increased
perceived inadequacy, health anxiety, and fear of missing out (FOMO). Mediation analyses
showed no indirect effects, suggesting users may not fully recognize content-driven impacts—
a form of identity dissonance. Moderators like life satisfaction and financial self-control did not
consistently buffer these effects. Findings emphasize the role of person-content interactions
over screen time and highlight implications for digital literacy and algorithm design
How to ensure Cuf is being recognized as a top player in dental medicine, as much as it is in every other speciality - development of a branding strategy and service assortment plan
No full textThe oral care sector in Portugal has been historically defined by shortcomings of the public
sector. Such as lead to highly competitive and saturated environment with an increasing number
of active oral health professionals. Thus, the purpose of this report is to carefully analyze the
ways CUF dental medicine can find an opportunity in the market. As a result, a complete marketing analysis and communications plan- from a group perspective and complemented by individual reports- was developed to support CUF dental medicine’s solution of becoming a new
sub-brand with exclusive payment options that offers consumers an integrated high-quality service
Fuelling the future: a consulting lab on engaging younger targets in Galp´s fuel and electric mobility business
No full textThe goal of this project is to help Galp enhance its engagement with younger consumers through
innovative strategies. To achieve this, the team conducted a comprehensive study that included a
literature review, best practice analysis, and both qualitative and quantitative research. These
efforts were aimed at understanding the needs and preferences of young consumers and validate
potential initiatives. Based on the findings, strategic recommendations were designed to improve
Galp's overall presence, create engaging content, and introduce new services tailored to the younger
demographic
The intersectoral propagation of ESG performance: assessing spillover effects across industries
No full textThis Work Project investigates if the environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) performance of firms propagates via industrial
networks. Based on a panel of American listed firms and an industry
network constructed from input-output data of the Bureau of Economic
Analysis, the effect is assessed empirically, using a panel regression model
with year and firm fixed effects. While the study finds evidence for the
propagation of environmental and social performance across sectors, no
evidence is found for the propagation of governance performance
The role of sustainability as a product feature in the airline industry
No full textSome airlines have started to market ‘green’ or environmentally progressive products. Besides
voluntary carbon offsets, little is known about consumer preferences regarding sustainability,
especially in the fare selection during the booking process. Therefore, this study examines
passengers’ general evaluation towards ancillary products, including environmental options
and their respective willingness to pay, using a choice-based conjoint analysis. Findings show
that sustainability is not an explicit priority for consumers yet plays a pivotal role in consum ers’ choice selection. This is especially true for eco-conscious consumers who are more prone
to choose environmental options and indicate a higher willingness to pay