69166 research outputs found
Sort by
Internationalization project of tulea´s tourism unit top - an in-depth market analysis of Belgium
No full textSmall tourism businesses often internationalize through global Online Travel Agencies (OTAs).
As OTAs exert price pressure, premium offers may seek independent internationalization. This
project applies such an independent approach to a real premium short-term rental property. My
individual contribution to this group project included an in-depth market analysis of Belgium
as a potential target market. However, the systematic international market selection (IMS)
process reveals affluent German families as the optimal target segment. Given the company’s
resource constraints, Germany-specific, villa-focused OTAs are identified as the optimal entry
mode. Using the managers’ insights, a financial model is constructed that accounts for
eventually increasing direct sales. Based on this model, the authors must conclude that the
property will likely become a liability
How to ensure Cuf is being recognized as a top player in dental medicine, as much as it is in every other specialty - communications 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
Balancing change and continuity in post-merger integrations: the multi-hub, multi-brand integration of ITA into Lufthansa Group
No full textThis qualitative study examines key factors for balancing integration and preservation in post merger integrations, focusing on Lufthansa Group’s integration of ITA Airways within a
multi-hub, multi-brand model. Findings reveal Lufthansa’s strategic goal to integrate ITA Air ways as the fifth airline in its full-service carriers portfolio while preserving its brand, identity,
and workforce, requiring clear governance frameworks to delineate areas for integration ver sus autonomy. By combining literature and interview insights, the study proposes a compre hensive framework highlighting Role & Target Operating Model Definition, Future Leader ship Appointment, Cultural Awareness, Communication, and Change Management to address
post-merger complexities and ensure long-term success
Internationalization of Uniquemark®: scaling innovation through a licensing model - licensing as a gateway to global markets
No full textThe internationalization of the UniqueMark®
project study was supported by a comprehensive
analysis of market opportunities within the jewelry industry and an in-depth evaluation of
Contrastaria’s internal capabilities to scale this innovative solution globally. The project
included the creation of a model to select the three most suitable countries for technology
expansion, the interpretation of consumer surveys, and interviews with the Assay Offices of the
countries under consideration. Drawing on their specific characteristics and leveraging
combined academic and industry expertise to strengthen customer engagement and market
positioning, six licensing models were designed, accompanied by comprehensive
recommendations for their implementation
Avaliação do padrão de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos e dos fatores que a influenciem em isolados ambientais de Legionella
No full textResumo: Legionella é um género bacteriano amplamente distribuído em ambientes aquáticos naturais e artificiais, sendo o agente etiológico da Doença dos Legionários (DL), uma pneumonia cuja gravidade pode variar de moderada a fatal. O aumento da resistência antimicrobiana em Legionella e a escassez de estudos sobre a suscetibilidade de isolados ambientais motivaram a realização deste estudo. O principal objetivo consistiu em caracterizar o padrão de suscetibilidades de isolados ambientais de Legionella e a distribuição de genes associados a resistência aos principais antimicrobianos utilizados no tratamento da DL. Como objetivos secundários procurou-se otimizar o método de gradiente em meio sólido, avaliando a influência do carvão no crescimento de Legionella; analisar as alterações genéticas em estirpes nas quais foi induzida resistência; e avaliar o impacto de concentrações sub-inibitórias de antimicrobianos, representativas das que estão presentes em águas residuais (AR) e águas superficiais (AS) europeias. A suscetibilidade de 68 isolados ambientais de Legionella foi determinada pelo método de microdiluição para oito antimicrobianos: azitromicina (AZT), eritromicina, claritromicina, ciprofloxacina (CIP), levofloxacina, moxifloxacina, doxiciclina e tigeciclina, e a presença dos genes de resistência lpeAB e tet56 foi avaliada por PCR. A otimização do método de gradiente incluiu a análise da taxa de crescimento e das concentrações mínimas inibitórias (MICs) de seis estirpes, em meio BCYE-α com 100%, 80%, 60%, 40% e 20% de carvão. Para a analise dos padrões de mutações em cinco estirpes de Legionella resistentes à AZT e à CIP individualmente, realizou-se a sequenciação dos genes gyrA, gyrB, parC, rplD, rplV e rrl. O impacto ambiental de antimicrobianos em AR e AS foi avaliado expondo duas estirpes de Legionella, em passagens sucessivas, a concentrações sub-inibitórias de AZT e CIP, calculadas após revisão da literatura. Os valores de MIC obtidos apresentaram uma distribuição consistente com a literatura, embora globalmente superiores aos reportados pelo EUCAST. As fluoroquinolonas demonstraram maior eficácia inibitória, seguidas pelos macrólidos, enquanto as tetraciclinas apresentaram os valores de MIC mais elevados. Na amostra de isolados estudados, 7% exibiram um perfil non-wild type, apresentando valores de MIC acima dos ECOFFs determinados. O gene lpeAB foi detetado em 17% da amostra em estudo, enquanto o gene tet56 não foi detetado. Uma redução da concentração de carvão no meio de BCYE-α superior a 20% fez prolongar o período de crescimento em todas as estirpes. Adicionalmente, para as estirpes Legionella não pneumophila, as contagens de UFC/mL foram mais baixas para meios com 40% e 20% de carvão. As MICs obtidas com o método de gradiente foram variáveis para cada antimicrobiano testado, não sendo comparáveis com os valores obtidos pelo método de microdiluição. A sequenciação das estirpes resistentes desenvolvidas, revelou a presença das mutações I18V, E142D, S144N, A89P e D82N, que do nosso conhecimento não se encontram descritas na iv literatura. Contudo, mutações previamente associadas a estirpes resistentes, como T65K, G91D e D87N, não foram identificadas. Esta análise revela novos padrões de desenvolvimento de resistência em Legionella, demonstrando a importância da continuação deste estudo. A exposição a concentrações sub-inibitórias de AZT e CIP, levou a um aumento dos valores de MIC, sugerindo um potencial para selecionar estirpes de Legionella com suscetibilidade reduzida, o que se traduz num risco para o ser humano. A caracterização do padrão de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos dos isolados ambientais de Legionella revelou dados preocupantes para a saúde pública, sublinhando a importância da sua monitorização contínua e dos níveis de contaminação de AR e AS por antimicrobianos. Simultaneamente, o método de microdiluição, conforme definido pelo EUCAST, mantém-se como o mais adequado para a realização dos testes de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos (TSA) neste género. Em suma, os resultados obtidos ampliam a informação disponível para a definição de ECOFFs e clinical breakpoints, bem como para o estabelecimento de um método gold standard, de modo a padronizar os TSA em LegionellaAbstract: Legionella is a genus of bacteria widely distributed in natural and artificial aquatic environments and serves as the etiological agent of Legionnaires’ Disease (LD), a pneumonia whose severity can vary from moderate to fatal. The increasing reports of antimicrobial resistance in Legionella and the scarcity of studies on the susceptibility of environmental isolates prompted this study. The main objective was to characterize the susceptibility pattern of environmental Legionella isolates, and the distribution of genes associated with resistance to the main antimicrobials used in the treatment of LD. As secondary objectives we sought to optimize the gradient method on solid medium, evaluating the influence of charcoal on Legionella growth; to analyse genetic alterations in strains in which resistance was induced; and to evaluate the impact of sub-inhibitory concentrations of antimicrobials, representative of those present in European wastewaters (WW) and surface waters (SW). Susceptibility of 68 environmental Legionella isolates was determined by broth microdilution method for eight antimicrobials: azithromycin (AZT), erythromycin, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin (CIP), levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, doxycycline, and tigecycline. The presence of the lpeAB and tet56 resistance genes was assessed by PCR. Optimization of the gradient method included an analysis of the growth rate and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of different Legionella strains in BCYE-α medium with 100%, 80%, 60%, 40% and 20% charcoal. Five Legionella strains resistant to AZT and CIP individually, were sequenced in order to analyse the mutation patterns. The environmental impact of antimicrobials in WW and SW was assessed by exposing two Legionella strains, in successive passages, to sub-inhibitory concentrations of AZT and CIP described in said waters, calculated after reviewing the literature. Obtained MIC values showed a distribution consistent with the literature, although overall higher than those reported by EUCAST. Fluoroquinolones showed the greatest inhibitory efficacy, followed by macrolides, while tetracyclines had the highest MIC values. 7% of the isolates exhibited a non-wild-type profile, with MIC values above the ECOFFs determined. The lpeAB gene was detected in 17% of the studied sample, whereas the tet56 gene was not detected. Reducing the charcoal concentration more than 20% prolonged the growth period for all studied strains. Additionally, Legionella non-pneumophila strains produced lower CFU/mL counts in media with 40% and 20% charcoal. The MICs obtained with the gradient method were variable for each antimicrobial tested and were not comparable with the MICs obtained by the broth microdilution method. Sequencing of the developed resistant strains revealed the presence of mutations I18V, E142D, S144N, A89P and D82N, which to our knowledge have not been described in the literature. However, mutations previously associated with resistant strains, such as T65K, G91D and D87N, were not identified. This analysis reveals new patterns of resistance development in Legionella, demonstrating the importance of further research. Exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of AZT vi and CIP led to an increase in MIC values, suggesting a potential for selecting Legionella strains with reduced susceptibility. The characterization of the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of environmental Legionella isolates revealed concerning data for public health emphasizing the importance of its continuous monitoring and an assessment of antimicrobial contamination levels in WW and SW. Simultaneously, the broth microdilution method, as defined by EUCAST, remains the most suitable aproach for performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) in Legionella. These findings expand the available data for defining of ECOFFs and clinical breakpoints, as well as for the establishment of a gold standard method in order to standardize AST in Legionell
Evaluating and elevating brand awareness for Una Seguros: a case for influencer marketing plan
No full textThis thesis evaluates and proposes strategies to elevate brand awareness and equity for Una
Seguros. Combining market analysis, customer surveys, and Keller’s Customer-Based Brand
Equity model, it identifies challenges in brand salience and customer advocacy, proposing and
exploring influencer marketing in depth to improve brand awareness and strengthen customer
loyalty. Diving into the potential of leveraging authentic influencer partnerships to build
credibility, reach targeted customer segments, and foster meaningful engagement.
Emphasizing alignment with brand values, transparent communication, and adherence to
industry regulations, it’s given a practical framework for Una Seguros to effectively implement
influencer marketing as part of a broader brand-building strategy
What drives rating agencies’ credit scoring models? An industry level analysis
No full textThis thesis investigates the determinants of Moody’s credit ratings in seven industries, focusing
on the role of firm size. Using factor analysis and regression modeling, the study identifies
key financial factors that influence creditworthiness and explores the potential to simplify
Moody’s credit rating methodology. The findings validate that firm size is a significant predictor,
particularly in capital-intensive sectors such as Oil and Gas and Manufacturing, while qualitative
factors remain critical in industries such as Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals. The research offers
insights into streamlining credit rating models while preserving industry-specific adjustments,
which benefit investors, policymakers, and corporate decision makers
Conspiracism as a Component of Elite-Popular Linkages in Populist Movements
No full textWhat is the role of conspiracy theories in building support for populist leaders? Contemporary experiences with populist candidates and movements has revealed an interesting commonality: conspiracism. While certain cases of populism around the world, such as Viktor Orbán, Donald Trump, and Eric Zemmour, display clear signs of Hofstadter’s “paranoid style” of politics, other cases are more ambiguous. Much of what we know about this relationship comes from nationally-representative studies which miss out on broader trends. Moreover, while these same studies, primarily based on observational data, have pointed out important evidence of conspiracism and voter support for populist parties, few have been interested in understanding the causal pathway. In this respect, this dissertation follows through with this, analyzing both the ‘supply’ and ‘demand’ sides of the relationship, and provides novel insights into both the general relationship between conspiracy theory believers on the mass level and support for populist candidates during elections, as well as the possible directions that causality may operate. The three empirical chapters in this dissertation test the observable implications of my theory on both the macro and micro level, using observational, experimental, and qualitative data.Sawyer, Patrick and Kalaycı, Yağmur. (May 27, 2022). Conspiracy Theories As A Component Of Populist Rhetoric. Higher School of Economics Research Paper No. WP BRP 87/PS/2022, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4121825 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.412182
Relatório de Estágio: Atividades Diplomáticas e de Comunicação na Embaixada de Portugal em Nova Deli
No full textO presente relatório elenca e descreve as atividades diplomáticas, consulares, culturais e
comunicacionais efetuadas ao longo do estágio curricular realizado entre abril de 2024 e
agosto de 2024 na Embaixada de Portugal em Nova Deli, discutindo-se ainda os conceitos
e a aplicação prática da diplomacia cultural e da diplomacia pública num contexto
político-ideológico potencialmente adverso, exigente de adaptações estratégicas que
correspondam às especificidades locais. Releva-se a cultura e a comunicação como
instrumentos de poder, fortalecedoras da imagem de Portugal e contributivas ao
estabelecer de relações de paz entre os povos. Atendendo ao papel histórico de Portugal
sugerem-se formas de concretização diplomáticas que densifiquem e correspondam a essa
sonância, dessa forma assegurando a dignidade e preservação das comunidades
portuguesas ou de influência portuguesa na Índia e na Ásia Meridional, assim como o seu
património material e imaterial. Relatam-se também os desafios, acontecimentos e
melhoramentos nas diferentes secções de trabalho da Embaixada.This report lists and describes the diplomatic, consular, cultural and communication
activities carried out during the course of the internship, which took place between April
2024 and August 2024 at the Portuguese Embassy in New Delhi. It also discusses the
concepts and practical applications of cultural and public diplomacy in a potentially
adverse political-ideological context, which requires strategic adaptations that correspond
to local specificities. Culture and communication are emphasised as instruments of power,
strengthening Portugal's image and contributing to the establishment of peaceful relations
between peoples. In view of Portugal's historical role, it suggests ways of realising
diplomacy that densify and correspond to this significance, thus ensuring the dignity and
preservation of the Portuguese communities or those of Portuguese influence in India and
South Asia, as well as their tangible and intangible heritage. The challenges, events and
improvements in the embassy's different working sections are also reported
Access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in EU/EEA countries: an analysis using the Levesque’s Framework of Access to Healthcare
No full textABSTRACT - Background: Despite its effectiveness in preventing HIV, PrEP access and scale-up remain limited across the EU/EEA, limiting progress toward ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.
Objectives: This study analyzes PrEP access across EU/EEA countries using Levesque’s Framework of Access to Healthcare, identifying key differences in national guidelines, delivery models, and barriers to equitable implementation.
Methodology: We conducted a cross-country comparative policy analysis to assess PrEP accessibility and delivery models in the EU/EEA. Publicly available national PrEP guidelines were identified through government and key organizational sources (up to December 2024). When unavailable, national informants were contacted for documentation or verification. Data on target populations, operational criteria, and procedural details were systematically extracted into standardized tables for cross-country comparison. To contextualize delivery, technical reports and healthcare provider publications were manually retrieved, with findings structured using Levesque’s Framework of Access to Healthcare across five dimensions.
Results: PrEP eligibility guidelines in 19 EU/EEA countries were analyzed. Most prioritized men who have sex with men, serodiscordant couples, sex workers, people who inject drugs, and transgender individuals, while cisgender men and women, pregnant women, incarcerated individuals, and migrants were largely excluded. Using the Levesque’s conceptual framework, we identified key gaps in the 25 EU/EEA countries where PrEP is available, including limited awareness, societal barriers to acceptability, prescribing and dispensing inconsistencies affecting availability, affordability shifts due to reimbursement changes, and regional disparities in appropriateness.
Conclusion: Achieving equitable PrEP access and advancing global HIV prevention goals require EU/EEA countries to adopt integrated, patient-centered approaches and expand access to all at-risk populations.RESUMO - Contexto: Apesar da sua eficácia na prevenção do VIH, o acesso e a expansão da PrEP continuam limitados na região da UE/EEE, dificultando o progresso na erradicação da epidemia de VIH até 2030.
Objetivos: Este estudo analisa o acesso à PrEP nos países da UE/EEE utilizando o Modelo de Acesso aos Cuidados de Saúde de Levesque, identificando diferenças-chave nas diretrizes nacionais, modelos de prestação de serviços e barreiras à implementação equitativa.
Metodologia: Foi realizada uma análise comparativa de políticas entre países para avaliar a acessibilidade e os modelos de prestação da PrEP na UE/EEE. As diretrizes nacionais de PrEP disponíveis publicamente foram identificadas através de fontes governamentais e organizacionais relevantes (até dezembro de 2024). Quando indisponíveis, foram contactados informantes nacionais para obtenção de documentos ou verificação. Os dados sobre populações-alvo, critérios operacionais e detalhes processuais foram sistematicamente extraídos e organizados em tabelas padronizadas para comparação entre países. Para contextualizar a prestação da PrEP, foram analisados manualmente relatórios técnicos e publicações de prestadores de cuidados de saúde, estruturando os resultados segundo as cinco dimensões do Quadro de Acesso aos Cuidados de Saúde de Levesque.
Resultados: Foram analisadas as diretrizes de elegibilidade para PrEP em 19 países da UE/EEE. A maioria priorizou homens que têm sexo com homens, casais serodiscordantes, trabalhadores do sexo, pessoas que injetam drogas e pessoas transgénero, enquanto homens e mulheres cisgénero, grávidas, pessoas encarceradas e migrantes foram amplamente excluídos. Com base no Quadro de Levesque, identificámos lacunas-chave nos 25 países da UE/EEE onde a PrEP está disponível, incluindo falta de conhecimento, barreiras sociais à aceitabilidade, inconsistências na prescrição e dispensa que afetam a disponibilidade, mudanças na acessibilidade financeira devido a alterações no reembolso e disparidades regionais na adequação dos serviços.
Conclusão: Para garantir um acesso equitativo à PrEP e avançar nos objetivos globais de prevenção do VIH, os países da UE/EEE devem adotar abordagens integradas e centradas na pessoa, ampliando o acesso a todas as populações em risco