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Supramolecular unidirectional assemblies at different length scales for biomedical applications
No full textTese de doutoramento em Engenharia de Tecidos, Medicina Regenerativa e Células EstaminaisIn living systems, the extracellular matrix (ECM) serves not only as a cellular support but also as a mediator of cell-cell communication. Its main components are proteins, glycosaminoglycans and their combination in the form of glycoproteins/proteoglycans. In recent years, self-assembling of peptide amphiphiles have been explored to generate biocompatible supramolecular hydrogels for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM). Their advantages rely on: their chemical composition (that copycat the bioactive sections of proteins); their nanomorphological presentation (that copycat collagen’s nanofibrils); and their ability to mimic the ECM’s dynamic character (i.e., capacity to assemble/disassemble). While the bioactivity of peptides have been extensively exploited under the supramolecular approach, the mechanisms by which glycan components exert their bioactivity is still not completely understood and attempts to include them in the design of supramolecular systems have been scarce. In this thesis, it was developed model glycan-based amphiphiles using saccharides of different stereochemistry to study the influence of isomerization (glucosamine/galactosamine and Dglucosamine/L-glucosamine) in asymmetry amplification and chirality transfer from the molecular to the supramolecular scale. The results share some insights on Nature’s selectivity towards D-saccharides, as they generate more dynamic supramolecular structures, allowing easier assembly/disassembly (as observed in living tissues). We then designed a minimalistic glycopeptide-based self-assembling amphiphile to mimic the proteoglycans from the ECM, and recapitulate their bioactivity. The incorporation of a sulfated saccharide enhanced the bioactivity of supramolecular hydrogels when compared to their peptide-based counterparts. They promoted the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells into neural lineages, as well as the concerted beating of induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes. It was also used the self-assembly concept to protect peptides from degradation (e.g., GHK, a promoter of wound healing). The conjugation of self-assembling motifs into GHK enhanced its bioavailability and bioactivity, leading to an overexpression of wound healing markers and a faster wound closure. Overall, this thesis demonstrates the potential of self-assembling peptides, glycans and glycopeptides for different biomedical applications, ranging from fundamental studies related with the organization of life systems, to the development of TERM strategies.Nos sistemas vivos, a matriz extracelular (MEC) serve não só como suporte celular, mas também como mediador da comunicação célula-célula. Os principais componentes são as proteínas, os glicosaminoglicanos e a combinação sob a forma de glicoproteínas/proteoglicanos. Nos últimos anos, a auto-organização de peptídeos anfifílicos tem sido explorada para gerar hidrogéis supramoleculares biocompatíveis para a engenharia de tecidos e medicina regenerativa. As vantagens dependem: composição química (que imita as secções bioativas das proteínas); nanomorfológica (que imita as nanofibrilas de colagénio); e a capacidade de imitar o carácter dinâmico da MEC (isto é, capacidade de montar/desmontar). Embora a bioatividade dos péptidos tenha sido extensivamente explorada sob a abordagem supramolecular, os mecanismos pelos quais os componentes glicanos exercem a sua bioatividade ainda não são completamente compreendidos e as tentativas de incluí-los na conceção de sistemas supramoleculares têm sido escassas. Nesta tese foi desenvolvido um composto anfifílico à base de glicanos com diferentes estereoquímicas para estudar a influência da isomerização (glucosamina/galactosamina e D-glucosamina/L-glucosamina) na amplificação da assimetria e transferência de quiralidade da escala molecular para a supramolecular. Os resultados dão indicações sobre a seletividade da Natureza pelos D-glicanos, que geram estruturas supramoleculares mais dinâmicas, facilitando a organização/desorganização (como observado em tecidos vivos). Também foi preparado um glicopetido baseado num componente anfifilico que se auto-organiza e emita os proteoglicanos da MEC, e recapitular a sua bioatividade. A incorporação do glycano sulfatado melhorou a bioatividade dos hidrogéis supramoleculares quando comparados com os seus equivalentes à base de peptídeos. Promoveram a diferenciação de células estaminais derivadas do tecido adiposo em linhagens neurais, bem como o batimento combinado de cardiomiócitos derivados de células estaminais pluripotentes induzidas. Foi também utilizado o conceito de auto-organização para proteger os peptídeos da degradação (por exemplo, GHK, um promotor de cicatrização de feridas). A conjugação de componentes que se auto-organizam incorporando o GHK melhorou a sua biodisponibilidade e bioatividade, o que levou a uma sob expressão de marcadores de cicatrização de feridas e a um fecho mais rápido da ferida. No geral, esta tese demonstra o potencial da auto-organização de péptidos, glicanos e glicopéptidos para diferentes aplicações biomédicas, desde estudos fundamentais relacionados com a organização de sistemas vitais, até ao desenvolvimento de estratégias para engenharia de tecidos e medicina regenerativa.Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the financial support from the Portuguese Foundation for Science
and Technology (FCT), for funding the work that led to this Thesis through the scholarships PD/BD/
135256/2017 & COVID/BD/152018/2021. This work was also supported by the
CEECINST/00077/2018 and 2022.05623.CEECIND; M-ERA-NET3/0007/2021 (RePark) and the
project “TERM RES Hub – Scientific Infrastructure for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine”
PINFRA/22190/2016 (Norte-01-0145-FEDER-022190, co-funded by FCT and the Northern Portugal
Regional Coordination and Development Commission, CCDR-N), for providing lab facilities, state-of-theart equipment and highly qualified human resources
A step forward in the development of a syngas-based biorefinery using the new acetogen Acetobacterium wieringae JM
No full textPrograma doutoral em Chemical and Biological EngineeringAs bactérias acetogénicas oferecem uma solução para a produção sustentável de produtos
químicos a partir de correntes gasosas poluentes/ gases residuais como o gás síntese (CO, H2 e CO2).
Esta tese explora o potencial da bactéria acetogénica Acetobacterium wieringae JM, e aborda os
principais desafios na fermentação do gás de síntese, incluindo limitações de transferência de massa
gás-líquido, flexibilidade metabólica, engenharia genética para diversificação de produtos e a
escalabilidade de processos.
A cinética de conversão de gás de síntese em acetato por A. wieringae e espécies de Clostridium
sob diferentes pressões parciais iniciais de CO foi avaliada. As estirpes de A. wieringae estudadas
exibiram crescimento superior em todas as composições de gás, atingindo uma taxa de crescimento
máxima de 0.104 h-1. Os padrões de consumo de CO, H2 e CO2 distintos revelaram flexibilidade metabólica
e adaptação a diferentes composições de gás de síntese.
Reconhecendo a necessidade de ferramentas genéticas para manipular esta nova estirpe, A.
wieringae JM, foi desenvolvido e otimizado um protocolo de eletrotransformação, atingindo eficiências de
transformação até 2.0 × 103 UFC/μgADN. A funcionalidade do marcador de resistência a tianfenicol, catP,
e de várias origens de replicação foram confirmadas. Com este protocolo eficiente de transformação, foi
possível a introdução do operão de produção de acetona de Clostridium acetobutylicum, levando à
produção não nativa de acetona em A. wieringae JM.
A produção de acetona em A. wieringae JM foi depois otimizada, com a identificação e
caracterização de novos promotores constitutivos. O promotor PFTL demonstrou melhorar
significativamente a expressão do operão de produção de acetona, resultando na produção máxima de
41.3 mM de acetona a partir de gás síntese, após otimização simultânea das condições de fermentação.
A utilização de múltiplas unidades transcricionais e a substituição da CoA-transferase de C.
acetobutylicum pelo homólogo de C. beijerinckii também melhoraram a produção de acetona.
Esta tese avaliou A. wieringae JM modificada para produzir acetona em diferentes configurações
de biorreator, modos de operação e composições de gás síntese, demonstrando sucesso na utilização
de gás síntese real, derivado da gasificação biomassa lignocelulósica. Adicionalmente, a disponibilidade
de gás e a transferência de massa gás-líquido demonstrou influenciar significativamente as vias
metabólicas e a biossíntese de acetona. Esta tese avança no desenvolvimento de bioprocessos com gás
síntese, promovendo a produção química sustentável e um futuro mais verde.Acetogenic bacteria offer sustainable production platforms for bio-based chemicals using waste
gas streams like syngas, containing CO, H2, and CO2. This thesis explores the potential of the acetogen
Acetobacterium wieringae JM, addressing major challenges in syngas fermentation, including gas-liquid
mass transfer limitations, metabolic flexibility, genetic engineering for product diversification, and the
scalability of processes using industrially relevant syngas sources.
The kinetics of syngas conversion to acetate by A. wieringae and Clostridium species under
varying initial CO partial pressures were evaluated. A. wieringae strains exhibited superior growth in all
gas compositions, achieving a maximum growth rate of 0.104 h-1. The distinct CO, H2, and CO2
consumption patterns revealed metabolic flexibility and adaptation to varying syngas compositions.
Recognizing the need for genetic tools to manipulate this novel strain, an electrotransformation
protocol was developed and optimized, reaching transformation efficiencies up to 2.0 × 103 CFU/μ gDNA
and the functionality of the thiamphenicol resistance marker, catP, and various origins of replication were
confirmed. This breakthrough allowed for the introduction of the acetone production operon from
Clostridium acetobutylicum, leading to non-native acetone production in A. wieringae JM.
Building upon the successful genetic manipulation, acetone production in A. wieringae JM was
optimized. Novel constitutive promoters native to A. wieringae JM were identified and characterized,
expanding the genetic toolbox for this organism. The PFTL promoter was found to significantly improve the
expression of the acetone production operon, resulting in the acetone titer of 41.3 mM, from syngas, after
optimization of fermentation conditions. The use of multiple transcriptional units for pathway gene
expression further enhanced acetone production compared to a single operon. Additionally, the CoAtransferase
enzyme from C. beijerinckii was found to improve acetone production compared to its
homolog from C. acetobutylicum.
This thesis also investigated the performance of engineered A. wieringae JM for acetone
production under various bioreactor configurations, modes of operation, and syngas compositions. The
strain demonstrated successful utilization of real syngas derived from lignocellulosic biomass gasification,
highlighting its adaptability and potential for integration into biorefineries. Moreover, the study revealed
the intricate relationship between gas availability, mass transfer, and metabolic pathways, particularly in
the context of acetone biosynthesis. Overall, this thesis marks progress on syngas-based bioproduction
technologies, offering a promising avenue for sustainable chemical production and a greener future.This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT): POCI-
01-0145-FEDER-031377; strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit with DOI
10.54499/UIDB/04469/2020; BioTecNorte operation [NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004]; INNOVsyn –
Innovative strategies for syngas fermentation [PTDC/BTA-BTA/31377/2017]; and FCT doctoral grant
[PD/BD/150583/2020] with DOI 10.54499/PD/BD/150583/2020 and consequent extension
COVID/BD/153656/2024
Recovery paraffin wax waste as phase change material for application in cement mortars for exterior coatings of buildings
No full textThe European Union aims to achieve decarbonized and highly energy-efficient buildings by 2050. The con
struction sector is a significant consumer of energy, natural raw materials and greenhouse gas emissions. Thus,
the construction industry proves to be a highly promising sector regarding reducing the environmental impacts
associated with these problems. The incorporation of phase change materials (PCM) in the construction industry
has been studied as a promising measure, in terms of reducing energy consumption in buildings and consequently reducing carbon emissions. However, most of the PCMs used still have high costs, making their implementation in construction difficult. On the other hand, the high consumption of natural raw materials and the difficulty in managing and recovering industrial waste have also become challenging issues. This work explored the possibility of using paraffin wax waste from the foundry industry as a potential substitute for organic PCMs. The main objective of this work was to analyze the impact of the incorporation of different contents of paraffin wax (25 %, 50 % and 75 %) in cement-based mortars according to their physical, mechanical, thermal, economic and environmental performance. Three scenarios were analyzed, these being a temperature law representative of a gray surface, a white surface and environment. The results achieved proved that the developed mortars show an adequate mechanical performance, achieving the CSIV classification, according to their compressive strength. It was also possible to verify that the incorporation of 75 % paraffinic wax resulted in a decrease in cooling needs of >10 % in all scenarios analyzed.This work is financed by national funds through FCT—Foundation for Science and Technology, under grant agreement CEECINST/00156/ 2018 and FCT-Tenure. This work was also developed within the scope of the REBORN project, funded by FCT (doi:10.54499/2023.11323.PEX). This work was also partly financed by FCT/MCTES through national funds (PIDDAC) under the R&D Unit Centre for Territory, Environment and Construction (CTAC) under reference UIDB/04047/2025 and UIDP/ 04047/2025
Looking at assessment through critical incidents written by preservice teachers: a study conducted in Portugal
No full textThis paper draws on data from a broader project aimed at investigating the experiences of pre-service teachers regarding assessment. Critical incidents written by pre-service teachers focusing on their experiences of assessment as students were collected. The study involved 121 first-year students from various subject areas enrolled in a master’s degree in teaching. Data were gathered in the first semester of the academic year 2023/2024. Most participants were female and aged between 20 and 25. Thematic analysis, following an inductive approach, was used to identify several categories of positive (n = 62) and negative (n = 59) critical incidents. Positive incidents included teacher support, innovative assessment approaches, feelings of accomplishment, feedback, and grade improvement. Negative incidents included nervousness, anxiety and stress prior to assessment exposure, unfairness, humiliation and lack of empathy, use of traditional assessment, and lack of support. By engaging in reflective practices during initial teacher education, pre-service teachers may cultivate a deeper understanding of the assessment process, enabling them to unpack their beliefs and orientations.Este trabalho foi financiado por Fundos Nacionais através da FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia no âmbito do projetos do CIEC (Centro de Investigação em Estudos da Criança da Universidade do Minho) com a referência UID/00317: Centro de Investigação em Estudos da Crianç
Proposal to improve organizational governance in a construction company: focus on project management
No full textDissertação de mestrado em Gestão de Projetos de EngenhariaA indústria da construção civil desempenha um papel crucial no desenvolvimento socioeconómico dos países, sendo essencial para o crescimento e modernização de infraestruturas. No entanto, a gestão de projetos nesse setor enfrenta desafios significativos, como a identificação de fatores críticos de sucesso e a comunicação eficaz entre as partes interessadas. Estudos indicam que a má gestão de recursos e a falta de uma abordagem estruturada à gestão de projetos contribuem para o insucesso de muitos empreendimentos. A empresa Combitur SA, com mais de 50 anos de experiência no setor da construção, tem se deparado com problemas de organização interna e de gestão de projetos, afetando a sua competitividade e a capacidade de entrega dentro dos prazos e orçamentos estipulados. Este estudo teve como objetivo propor melhorias na governação organizacional da empresa, com um foco particular na gestão de projetos, com base nas boas práticas descritas na literatura.
A principal pergunta de investigação formulada foi: “Quais os mecanismos de gestão de projetos que melhor se adaptam a uma empresa do setor de Engenharia e Construção?”. Para responder a essa pergunta, foi adotada uma metodologia mista, que incluiu análise documental, questionários aplicados aos colaboradores da empresa e entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores e responsáveis de diversos departamentos. Estas abordagens permitiram identificar falhas nos processos de comunicação, de tomada de decisão, e na utilização de ferramentas de gestão de projetos. Os resultados da investigação levaram à proposta de criação de um Project Management Office (PMO), à implementação da metodologia Earned Value Management (EVM) para monitorização de desempenho e à introdução do conceito de lições aprendidas, com o objetivo de otimizar a gestão dos recursos e promover a melhoria contínua dos processos internos. Estas medidas visam aumentar a eficiência dos projetos e garantir uma melhor adaptação às exigências do mercado atual.The construction industry plays a crucial role in the socio-economic development of countries, being essential for the growth and modernization of infrastructures. However, project management in this sector faces significant challenges, such as identifying critical success factors and effective communication between stakeholders. Studies indicate that poor resource management and the lack of a structured approach to project management contribute to the failure of many projects. Combitur SA, a company with over 50 years of experience in the construction sector, has been facing internal organization and project management problems, affecting its competitiveness and ability to deliver on time and within budget. The aim of this study was to propose improvements to the company's organizational governance, with a particular focus on project management, based on good practices described in the literature.
The main research question was: “Which project management mechanisms are best suited to a company in the Engineering and Construction sector?”. To answer this question, a mixed methodology was adopted, which included document analysis, questionnaires applied to the company's employees and semi-structured interviews with managers and heads of various departments. These approaches made it possible to identify flaws in the communication and decision-making processes and in the use of project management tools. The results of the research led to the proposal to create a Project Management Office (PMO), the implementation of the Earned Value Management (EVM) methodology for performance monitoring and the introduction of the concept of lessons learned, with the aim of optimizing resource management and promoting the continuous improvement of internal processes. These measures aim to increase project efficiency and ensure better adaptation to current market demands
The governance of family companies: a succession perspective
No full textTese de doutoramento em Direito (especialidade em Ciências Jurídicas Privatísticas)A realidade em torno das sociedades familiares tem estranhamente vindo a ser ignorada por parte
do legislador português, que, de forma contrária àqueles que vêm sendo os movimentos legislativos em
ordenamentos jurídicos próximos do nacional, tem desconsiderado tanto o seu papel nas economias
mundiais, como os relevantes interesses particulares e públicos subjacentes à sua existência.
Como consequência de uma tal tomada de posição, as sociedades familiares têm vindo a
sobreviver com recurso à regulação providenciada pela legislação vigente, de caráter geral, a qual foi
pensada para organizações que não apresentam nem as especificidades daquelas, nem tão pouco
enfrentam os desafios que lhes são característicos.
De entre todas as particularidades que encerram, a transmissão mortis causa de participações
sociais representativas do capital das sociedades familiares apresenta-se enquanto tema fulcral para a
sobrevivência deste tipo de sociedades, o que sucede em face da importância que o momento de
transição representa no ciclo de vida do projeto empresarial de cariz familiar.
A completa desadequação do regime sucessório português por referência às exigências das
sociedades familiares, que não considera os contornos associados à sua existência, tem levado os seus
titulares a procurar soluções sem qualquer índole sucessória que lhes permita contornar a rigidez dos
preceitos reguladores da sucessão legitimária, contratual e mesmo da testamentária.
Não obstante, o recurso a essas mesmas soluções, ainda assim insuficientes e que como opção
de recurso não se adequam aos reais interesses que um tema tão relevante como a transmissão de
sociedades familiares por morte deveria acautelar, leva a que os herdeiros legitimários do autor da
sucessão vejam, por vezes, a sua posição sucessória prejudicada.
Nessa medida, impõe-se encontrar uma resposta à desadequação dos preceitos legais sucessórios
vigentes, procurando flexibilizá-los e adaptá-los àquelas que são as características centrais das
sociedades familiares. Entre outras questões, cumpre reformular a regulação jurídica da sucessão
legitimária, repensar a proibição generalizada de pactos sucessórios, exigir ao legislador uma tomada
de posição quanto aos contornos associados à partilha em vida.The reality surrounding family companies has strangely been ignored by the Portuguese legislator,
who, in contradiction to what have been the legislative movements in legal systems close to the national
one, has disregarded both their role in world economies and the relevant private and public interests
underlying its existence.
As a consequence of taking such a stance, family companies have been surviving through the
regulation provided by current legislation, of a general nature, which has been thought for organizations
that neither have the specificities of those, nor face the challenges that are characteristic of them.
Among all the particularities that they contain, the mortis causa transmission of shares
representing the share capital of family companies presents itself as one of the most relevant themes
for the survival of this type of companies, as a result of the importance that the moment of transition
represents in the cycle of the family business project.
The complete inadequacy of the Portuguese succession regime with reference to the demands of
family companies, which does not consider the contours associated with their existence, has led family
business actors to look for solutions outisde the scope of Succession law, which allows them to
circumvent the rigidity of the precepts regulating legitimate succession, contractual succession and
even testamentary succession.
However, the implementation of those same solutions, which are still insufficient and which as a
recourse option do not suit the real interests that a topic as relevant as the transfer of family companies
through death should protect, causes that the successoral position of the author of succession
legitimate heirs’ may sometimes be jeopardized.
To this extent, it is necessary to find a response to the inadequacy of the current legal succession
legal regime, seeking to make it more flexible and adapt it to those that are the central features of
family companies. Among other issues, it is necessary to reformulate the legal regulation of legitimate
succession, rethink the generalized prohibition of succession pacts, and require the legislator to take a
position on the contours associated with in life partition.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - bolsa de investigação n.º 2022.14112.BD, concedida no âmbito do projeto 2022 Call for PhD Studentships – Regular line in scientific and academic institutions Cal
Fagos geneticamente modificados para o combate de infeções associadas a biofilmes polimicrobianos
No full textTese de doutoramento em Biomedical EngineeringThe presence of structured communities of bacteria embedded in a protective extracellular
matrix, known as biofilms, is a major hallmark of chronic infections, promoting infection persistence and
high levels of morbidity. In the search for effective therapeutic strategies, (bacterio)phages, the viruses of
bacteria, are considered promising candidates, although it is known that biofilms can limit their efficacy.
In this work, the potential of phages for biofilm control was assessed, and two different strategies were
implemented to improve it, namely the adaptive evolution of phages to biofilms and the engineering of
phages with heterologous genes. The first step of this work consisted of an analysis of 605 published
experiments using phages for in vitro biofilm control, which revealed that phages with higher burst sizes,
shorter latent periods, and higher titers, lead to more pronounced biofilm reduction. Then, the published
cases of phage therapy against biofilm-related infections were screened and revealed that chronic wounds
and chronic lung infections are the leading infections addressed, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
Staphylococcus aureus being the main target bacteria. For most of these cases, phage therapy resulted
in wound resolution and improvement of lung infections. In this work, phage therapy was monitored in a
Portuguese patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) and P. aeruginosa lung infection, revealing the potential of
phages for clinical improvement, even without bacterial eradication. However, the decreased effectiveness
of later phage therapy cycles highlighted that bacteria adapted to the CF lung environment pose significant
challenges to phage treatments. Targeted adaptation of phage PE1 to biofilms formed by a P. aeruginosa
CF isolate resulted in improved biofilm control in conditions mimicking the CF lung environment, due to
increased activity against the heterogeneous biofilm population, as a consequence of mutations in tail
fiber and baseplate genes. Genetic manipulation of P. aeruginosa phage PE3 with the staphylococcal lysin
CHAPk-Sh3blys, resulted in reduction of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus liquid co-cultures and polymicrobial
biofilms, but the effect of the phage against both strains was lower in an in vitro artificial wound model.
Taken together, this work supports the use of phages in biofilm control and proposes novel strategies for
improved therapeutic outcomes, while stressing the need of using experimental conditions that mimic the
infection environment.A presença de comunidades organizadas de bactérias rodeadas por uma matriz extracelular
protetora, conhecidas como biofilmes, é uma das principais caraterísticas das infeções crónicas, que
promove a persistência da infeção e elevados níveis de morbilidade. Na procura por estratégias
terapêuticas eficazes, os (bacterió)fagos, vírus das bactérias, são considerados candidatos promissores,
embora se reconheça que os biofilmes possam limitar a sua eficácia. Neste trabalho, foi avaliado o
potencial dos fagos no controlo de biofilmes, e foram implementadas duas estratégias diferentes para a
sua melhoria, nomeadamente a evolução adaptativa de fagos em biofilmes e a engenharia de fagos com
genes heterólogos. A primeira etapa deste trabalho consistiu numa análise da literatura de 605 ensaios
publicados sobre a utilização de fagos para o controlo de biofilmes in vitro, que revelou que os fagos com
maior burst size, menor período de latência e maior concentração podem promover uma maior redução
do biofilme. Seguidamente, os casos publicados de terapia fágica em infeções associadas a biofilme
foram analisados e revelaram que as feridas crónicas e as infeções pulmonares crónicas são as principais
infeções tratadas, sendo Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Staphylococcus aureus as principais bactérias alvo.
Na maioria destes casos, a terapia fágica resultou em resolução das feridas e melhoria das infeções
pulmonares. Neste trabalho, foi feito o acompanhamento da terapia fágica num doente português com
fibrose quística (FQ) e infeção pulmonar por P. aeruginosa, que revelou o potencial dos fagos para
melhorar a condição clínica, mesmo sem erradicação bacteriana. No entanto, a menor eficácia dos ciclos
de terapia fágica posteriores evidenciou que a adaptação das bactérias ao ambiente pulmonar da FQ é
um desafio significativo para o sucesso do tratamento com fagos. A adaptação específica do fago PE1 a
biofilmes formados por um isolado de P. aeruginosa de FQ resultou num melhor controlo do biofilme em
condições que simulam o ambiente pulmonar da FQ, devido a um melhor reconhecimento da população
heterogénea do biofilme, em consequência de mutações em genes da tail fiber e base plate. A
manipulação genética do fago de P. aeruginosa PE3 com a lisina estafilocócica CHAPk-Sh3blys resultou
na redução de co-culturas líquidas de P. aeruginosa e S. aureus e de biofilmes polimicrobianos, embora
o efeito dos fagos nas duas estirpes tenha sido inferior num modelo in vitro de ferida artificial. Em suma,
este trabalho suporta a utilização de fagos no controlo de biofilmes e sugere novas estratégias para
melhorar os resultados terapêuticos, salientando, em simultâneo, a necessidade de utilização de
condições experimentais que simulem o ambiente da infeção.This doctoral project was financially supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology
(FCT) – Grant 2020.07494.BD. I also acknowledge the funding through the FCT project PhageShaper (EXPL/EMDEMD/1142/2021) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) research grant “Chimeric phages as a new approach to target P. aeruginosa biofilm-related lung infections”. This work was also supported by FCT under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit, and by LABBELS – Associate Laboratory in Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Microelectromechanical Systems, LA/P/0029/2020
Value and main opportunities in hospital operations management
No full textThis paper explores the definition of value in healthcare and discusses the main challenges and opportunities in hospital operations management through semi-structured interviews. The participants included seven professionals working in hospitals and two experts with research experience on the theme. On average, they had ten years of experience in a variety of roles. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analysed by the researchers. Three main categories were identified for the perception of value in health: quality and safety; positive experience; and appropriate cost. For each of the dimensions analysed, a list of types of problems and opportunities was discussed, to obtain a qualitative diagnosis of the challenges in hospital operations management that can guide the actions of professionals in other regions and contexts. The qualitative diagnosis obtained is a toolbox that can guide other professionals dealing with health services’ main challenges.FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia(UIDB/00319/2020
Eco-concrete with recycled aggregate functionalized with phase change materials: physical and mechanical behavior
No full textWith urbanization and population growth, construction and demolition waste generate a significant environ
mental burden. Recycling construction waste and utilizing clean energy sources are crucial for sustainable
development. The recycled aggregates in this study are composed of various types of construction materials, such as concrete, bricks, ceramics, plastics, etc. This study modified the recycled aggregates (RA) by phase change materials (PCM) and investigated the physical and mechanical properties of concrete incorporating RA or functionalized RA, respectively. Nine concrete mixtures were designed and the workability, density, water ab
sorption by immersion, water absorption by capillarity, and microstructure, along with compressive and flexural
strength, were evaluated. The results presented that functionalized RA improves the workability of fresh concrete and the capillarity water absorption of concrete with 100 % functionalized RA decreased 70 % compared with the same RA content. There is not a significant difference in compressive strength between concrete with functionalized RA and non-functionalized RA. The findings elucidate the potential of utilizing functionalized recycled aggregates in concrete construction, offering insights into sustainable material practices.FCT -Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia(UIDB/04047/2020
招收中国学生的跨文化挑战：波尔图商学院的案例研究
No full textRelatório de estágio de mestrado em Estudos Interculturais Português/ChinêsEste trabalho, realizado no âmbito do estágio curricular na Porto Business School, tem como objetivo
examinar os desafios e oportunidades no recrutamento de estudantes chineses para programas de
educação executiva, considerando as particularidades culturais dos chineses e o papel de intermediários,
como agentes de recrutamento de alunos. Aborda também a expressividade numérica de estudantes
chineses em mobilidade de estudos e as suas motivações para estudar fora da China, culminando com
uma estratégia de promoção internacional que ressoe com essa demografia. Com base nesta análise,
espera-se que, no futuro, esta entidade consiga melhorar ainda mais o processo de internacionalização
para este mercado através de métodos de recrutamento que consigam comunicar mais eficientemente
junto dos estudantes chineses as suas ofertas de educação executiva.This work, carried out as part of the curricular internship at Porto Business School, aims to examine the
challenges and opportunities in recruiting Chinese students for executive education programs, considering
the cultural particularities of the Chinese and the role of intermediaries, such as student recruitment
agents. It also addresses the numerical significance of Chinese students in academic mobility and their
motivations for studying abroad, culminating in an international promotion strategy that resonates with
this demographic. Based on this analysis, it is expected that, in the future, this institution will further
improve its internationalization process for this market through recruitment methods that more effectively
communicate its executive education offerings to Chinese students.这份实习报告是在波尔图商学院(Porto Business School)实习期间完成的，旨在探讨在招收
中国学生参加高管教育项目过程中所面临的挑战和机遇。研究重点包括中国文化的独
特性以及中介机构（如海外招生代理）的作用。本研究还探讨了在海外求学的中国学
生的数量表现及其出国留学的动机，并最终提出一项能够与这一特定人群产生共鸣的
国际推广策略。基于这些分析，期望该商学院未来能够通过更高效的招生方法，向中
国学生更清晰、有效地传达推广其高管教育课程，从而进一步优化针对这一市场的国
际化进程