Competências para trabalhar remotamente: a pandemia como acelerador da transformação do trabalho

Apesar da modalidade de teletrabalho não ser um novo conceito, a sua adoção nos últimos tempos tem vindo a aumentar em consequência do contexto vivenciado. A pandemia Covid-19 criou muitos desafios para as organizações e o teletrabalho surgiu como um deles, pelo que a imposição da sua adoção sem preparação ou aviso prévio colocou muitos profissionais de Recursos Humanos a gerir trabalhadores remotos. Este novo cenário de organização do trabalho requere um conjunto de competências diferentes das necessárias à gestão de colaboradores em contexto de trabalho presencial. O presente estudo tem por objetivo explorar as competências que ajudam a melhorar a eficácia profissional dos gestores de equipas remotas. A metodologia utilizada envolve uma abordagem qualitativa, utilizando a entrevista como técnica de recolha de informação. No total, foi considerada informação, envolvendo 108 profissionais ligados à área de gestão de recursos humanos. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que a maioria dos profissionais inquiridos (84%) posui as competências necessárias à gestão de colaboradores na modalidade de trabalho remoto, competências essas que passam essencialmente pela comunicação, competências digitais, planeamento e organização, liderança e capacidade de adaptação. Estes resultados foram discutidos teoricamente e uma síntese das principais conclusões é apresentada na parte final desta dissertação.Even though teleworking is not a new concept, its adoption in recent times has been increasing as a result of the context experienced. The Covid-19 pandemic has created many challenges for organizations and teleworking has emerged as one of them, so the imposition of its adoption without preparation or prior notice has put many Human Resources professionals to manage remote workers. This new scenario of work organization requires a set of skills different from those necessary for managing employees in a face-to-face work context. The present study aims to explore the skills that help to improve the professional effectiveness of remote team managers. The methodology used involves a qualitative approach, using interviews as a technique for collecting information. In total, the information considered involved 108 professionals linked to the area of human resources management. The results obtained show that most of the professionals surveyed (84%) have the necessary skills to manage employees in the form of remote work, skills that essentially pass through communication, digital skills, planning and organization, leadership and adaptability. These results were discussed theoretically and a summary of the main conclusions is presented in the final part of this dissertation

Transmedia Storytelling no B2B: o caso de estudo do StorySD

O cérebro do ser humano é altamente desenvolvido o que lhe confere uma extraordinária capacidade de comunicação gestual, verbal e também escrita. Esta habilidade torna-nos seres sociais, capazes de viver em grupo e criar relações complexas. A linguagem evoluiu rapidamente, assim como a sua associação ao acto de contar "histórias". Hoje em dia, o "storytelling", tem um papel muito importante pois permite-nos prender a atenção de outros e passar conhecimento. A esta acção podemos aliar vários meios de comunicação, originando o transmedia storytelling, isto é, contar histórias através de diversas plataformas, onde as plataformas dão um contributo válido e distinto à história.Esta proposta de dissertação pretende avaliar e compreender o impacto da utilização da estratégia de transmedia storytelling na comunicação B2B, particularmente no que respeita à interacção com a marca nas plataformas digitais.O modelo de investigação adoptado para esta tese inclui a análise de casos de estudo e produção da primeira série do projeto StorySD, que procura ensinar o que é o transmedia storytelling e como utilizá-lo como estratégia de comunicação. O levantamento de dados estatísticos relativos a este projecto e as respostas obtidas no formulário disseminado no fim do StorySD, permitiu-nos concluir que o projeto foi globalmente bem sucedido, identificando as vantagens e desvantagens das plataformas utilizadas. Esta investigação contribui para a obtenção de melhores práticas na aplicação do transmedia storytelling no B2B e para a emergência do campo de investigação do transmedia storytelling.Palavras-chave: transmedia storytelling, marketing, social mediaThe human brain is highly evolved and provides an extraordinary communication capacity, written, verbal and gestural. This ability makes us social beings, able to live in groups and create complex bonds. The language has evolved quickly, just like the act of telling stories. Nowadays, storytelling has a fundamental role because it allows us to draw the attention of others and to transmit knowledge. When we tell stories, we can make use of different communication channels, thus originating transmedia storytelling, which is telling a story through multiple platforms, where each platform gives a valid and unique contribute to the story.This research intends to understand and evaluate the impact of the use of the transmedia storytelling strategy in B2B communication, specially the interaction of the brand in the digital platforms.The investigation model for this dissertation includes the analysis of case studies and the production of the first series of the project StorySD. This project teaches what is transmedia storytelling and how to apply it as a communication strategy. The data gathering related to the project and the answers of a form that was shared in the end of the first series, allowed us to conclude that this project was overall successful, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of the platforms that were used.This research contributes to obtained the best practices in the application of transmedia storytelling to B2B and to the emergence of the field of investigation of transmedia storytelling.Keywords: transmedia storytelling, marketing, social medi

Colistin heteroresistance in Klebsiella pneumonia and its association with slow-growing subpopulations within biofilms

The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae is a growing clinical concern that is leading to the re-introduction of the old and toxic colistin as a salvage therapy. However, several cases of heteroresistance to this antimicrobial have been recently reported in planktonic studies. Therefore, the understanding of the conditions that trigger heteroresistance is attracting considerable research interest. In this scope, this work aimed to more comprehensively study the response of K. pneumoniae biofilms to colistin and to inspect the occurrence of heteroresistance in biofilm-cells.K. pneumoniae presented susceptibility to colistin in its planktonic form, though biofilms presented an enhanced resistance. The population analysis profiles pointed out the existence of a slow-growing sub-population resistant to colistin within a K. pneumoniae strain that seemed to be exclusively associated with biofilms. This resistant sub-population is characterized by a small colony morphology (diameter around 5 mm), which remains unchangeable, and a completely different response to colistin compared to the observed in the wild-type morphotype. Colistin was ineffective in this small colony variant since it was never achieved any reduction in biofilm-cells viability. These findings suggest that heteroresistance is linked to biofilm formation and to a morphological distinct sub-population. Moreover, this is the first evidence that biofilm formation can trigger the emergence of heteroresistance from an apparently susceptible strain

Severe interstitial pneumonia due to murine typhus in a patient returning from Bali

Murine typhus has been increasingly reported as a cause of fever in returning travelers from Southeast Asia. We report a case of a previously healthy traveler returning from Bali with an non-specific febrile illness which quickly progressed to a severe form of interstitial pneumonia. After a careful epidemiological evaluation and laboratory analysis, murine typhus was diagnosed.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Fostering innovation in the treatment of chronic polymicrobial cystic fibrosis-associated infections exploring aspartic acid and succinic acid as ciprofloxacin adjuvants

Cystic fibrosis (CF) disease provokes the accumulation of thick and viscous sputum in the lungs, favoring the development of chronic and polymicrobial infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the main bacterium responsible for these chronic infections, and much of the difficulty involved in eradicating it is due to biofilm formation. However, this could be mitigated using adjuvant compounds that help or potentiate the antibiotic action. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to search for substances that function as adjuvants and also as biofilm-controlling compounds, preventing or dismantling P. aeruginosa biofilms formed in an in vitro CF airway environment. Dual combinations of compounds with subinhibitory (1 and 2 mg/L) and inhibitory concentrations (4 mg/L) of ciprofloxacin were tested to inhibit the bacterial growth and biofilm formation (prophylactic approach) and to eradicate 24-h-old P. aeruginosa populations, including planktonic cells and biofilms (treatment approach). Our results revealed that aspartic acid (Asp) and succinic acid (Suc) restored ciprofloxacin action against P. aeruginosa. Suc combined with 2 mg/L of ciprofloxacin (Suc-Cip) was able to eradicate bacteria, and Asp combined with 4 mg/L of ciprofloxacin (AspCip) seemed to eradicate the whole 24-h-old populations, including planktonic cells and biofilms. Based on biomass depletion data, we noted that Asp induced cell death and Suc seemed somehow to block or reduce the expression of ciprofloxacin resistance. As far as we know, this kind of action had not been reported up till now. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Burkholderia cenocepacia did not affect the efficacy of the AspCip and SucCip therapies against P. aeruginosa and, also important, P. aeruginosa depletion from polymicrobial communities did not create a window of opportunity for these species to thrive. Rather the contrary, Asp and Suc also improved ciprofloxacin action against B. cenocepacia. Further studies on the cytotoxicity using lung epithelial cells indicated toxicity of SucCip caused by the Suc. In conclusion, we provided evidences that Asp and Suc could be potential ciprofloxacin adjuvants to eradicate P. aeruginosa living within polymicrobial communities. AspCip and SucCip could be promising therapeutic options to cope with CF treatment failures.This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020— Programa Operacional Regional do Norte. The authors acknowledge COMPETE2020 and FCT for the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029841 and for Scientific Employment Stimulus 2017 (CEECIND/01507/2017) provided to ASinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Unraveling who is who in methanogenic oil degradation

2015 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Ecosystem ConferenceMethanogenesis from hydrocarbons is a potentially important component of attenuation in water and sediments impacted by oil spills. The largest fraction of crude oil consists of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHC). Current knowledge on key microorganisms degrading alkenes is scarce and is a central question addressed in our research. A methanogenic hexadecene (Hxd)-degrading consortium was obtained from laboratory microcosms inoculated with anaerobic granular sludge, and characterized by 16S rRNA gene amplification, cloning and sequencing. We have learned by community analysis that the present bacteria belong mainly to Syntrophaceae and Synergistaceae families. A Syntrophus-like microorganism (96% similarity at genera level) is possibly involved in Hxd degradation. Known methanogens utilizing acetate and H2/CO2 were identified, namely Methanosaeta-, Methanobacterium- and Methanolinea-related microorganisms, and were likely the syntrophic partners in Hxd degradation. With these results we find hints for similar pathways involved in alkenes and alkanes biodegradation. For alkanes, complete degradation to methane can occur through syntrophic interactions between bacteria and methanogens. This is the first time that an alkene-degrading methanogenic mixed community is characterized. Novel microorganisms involved in AHC degradation could be identified. This information is useful for understanding who is doing what, and at what rate. It can be used for innovative biotechnological solutions for deep contaminated sites clean-up.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Antimicrobial resistance three ways: healthcare crisis, major concepts, and the relevance of biofilms

Worldwide, infections are resuming their role as highly effective killing diseases, as current treatments are failing to respond to the growing problem that is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The social and economical burden of AMR seems ever rising, with health- and research-related organizations rushing to collaborate on a worldwide scale to find effective solutions. Resistant bacteria are spreading even in first-world nations, being found not only in healthcare-related settings, but also in food and in the environment. In this mini-review, the impact of AMR in healthcare systems and the major bacteria behind it are highlighted. Ecological aspects of AMR evolution and the complexity of its molecular mechanisms are explained. Major concepts, such as intrinsic, acquired, and adaptive resistance, as well as tolerance and heteroresistance, are also clarified. More importantly, the problematic of biofilms and their role in AMR, namely its main resistance and tolerance mechanisms, is elucidated. Finally, some of the most promising anti-biofilm strategies being investigated are reviewed. Much is still to be done regarding the study of AMR and the discovery of new anti-biofilm strategies. Gladly, considerable research on this topic is generated every day and increasingly concerted actions are being engaged globally to try and tackle this problem.This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2019 unit and COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006684) and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020 - Programa Operacional Regional do Norte. The authors also acknowledge COMPETE2020 and FCT for the project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-029841, and FCT for the PhD Grants of Andreia Magalhães [grant number SFRH/BD/132165/2017] and Tânia Grainha [grant number SFRH/BD/136544/2018].info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Successful management of bilateral orbital metastases from invasive lobular breast cancer with abemaciclib and letrozole: a case report and literature review

Breast cancer is a significant global health concern, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality among women. Hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/HER2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer constitutes a considerable proportion of cases, and significant advancements have been made in its management. CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6is) are a new targeted therapy that has demonstrated efficacy in adjuvant, advanced and metastatic settings. The propensity of lobular breast carcinomas for estrogen-rich sites, such as periocular tissues and orbital fat, may explain their tendency for orbital metastases. Current treatment strategies for these cases are predominantly palliative, and the prognosis remains poor. This article presents a unique case of a 51-year-old female with progressive right periorbital edema, pain, and limited ocular motility. An imaging work-up showed bilateral intra and extraconal orbital infiltration, which was biopsied. The histopathologic analysis disclosed mild chronic inflammatory infiltrate with thickened fibrous tissue and moderately differentiated lobular carcinoma cells, positive for GATA3 and CK7 markers, with 100% of tumor nuclei expressing estrogen receptors (ER+). A systemic evaluation showed a multicentric nodular formation in both breasts. Further diagnostic assessments unveiled an HR+/HER2- bilateral lobular breast carcinoma with synchronous bilateral orbital metastases. Systemic treatment was initiated with abemaciclib 150mg twice daily and letrozole 2.5mg once a day. However, this regimen was interrupted due to toxicity. After two weeks, treatment was resumed with a reduced abemaciclib dose (100mg twice daily) alongside letrozole, with a reasonable tolerance. Nearly two years after the initial diagnosis of inoperable metastatic cancer, the patient remains on the same systemic treatment regimen with no signs of invasive disease. This case report is the first of a patient presenting with bilateral orbital metastases from bilateral lobular breast cancer, showing an impressive and sustained response to a first-line treatment regimen combining abemaciclib and letrozole. A literature review on bilateral orbital metastases from breast cancer is also presented

Effect of sub-stoichiometric Fe(III) amounts on LCFA degradation by methanogenic communities

Long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) are common contaminants in municipal and industrial wastewater that can be converted anaerobically to methane. A low hydrogen partial pressure is required for LCFA degradation by anaerobic bacteria, requiring the establishment of syntrophic relationships with hydrogenotrophic methanogens. However, high LCFA loads can inhibit methanogens, hindering biodegradation. Because it has been suggested that anaerobic degradation of these compounds may be enhanced by the presence of alternative electron acceptors, such as iron, we investigated the effect of sub-stoichiometric amounts of Fe(III) on oleate (C18:1 LCFA) degradation by suspended and granular methanogenic sludge. Fe(III) accelerated oleate biodegradation and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis in the assays with suspended sludge, with H2-consuming methanogens coexisting with iron-reducing bacteria. On the other hand, acetoclastic methanogenesis was delayed by Fe(III). These effects were less evident with granular sludge, possibly due to its higher initial methanogenic activity relative to suspended sludge. Enrichments with close-to-stoichiometric amounts of Fe(III) resulted in a microbial community mainly composed of Geobacter, Syntrophomonas, and Methanobacterium genera, with relative abundances of 83–89%, 3–6%, and 0.2–10%, respectively. In these enrichments, oleate was biodegraded to acetate and coupled to iron-reduction and methane production, revealing novel microbial interactions between syntrophic LCFA-degrading bacteria, iron-reducing bacteria, and methanogens.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of project MORE (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016575), of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020—Programa Operacional Regional do Norte. The authors also acknowledge the financial support of FCT and European Social Fund through the grants attributed to S.A. Silva (SFRH/BD/122623/2016), A.L. Arantes (PD/BD/128030/2016), and J.C. Sequeira (SFRH/BD/147271/2019)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Development of a platform to align education and practice: bridging academia and the profession in Portugal

Limited fitness for practice may result from a mismatch between education and practice. Aiming to meet the common interests of academics and practitioners, the Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society (PPS) developed the Education and Practice Platform (EPP). The EPP includes one representative from each pharmacy faculty, and all Councils of Speciality Boards of Practice. Brainstorming with involved parties enabled sharing of interests, concerns and identifying a common path. Aims, mission, vision and values were set. The EPP's mission is to: act as an enabler to foster the quality and adequacy of education through sharing best practices, ultimately leading to facilitate professional integration, and to foster quality development in teaching practices with recognition for autonomy in freedom to teach and to learn. Its vision is an alignment of education and practice with the PPS' statutes to ensure validation of the competences defined for each practice area, and compliance with international guidance. Key performance indicators (KPIs) were set. Activities developed include the creation of a national forum to discuss education and practice, development of workshops on teaching methods and pharmacy internships, enhanced representation in international events and response to global and national requests. Ongoing work focuses on the creation of a common training framework in hospital and community pharmacy practice adapted to Portugal. The EPP is a worldwide case study, encouraging the development of discussion contributing to an open climate of sharing best practices, indirectly leading to foster a better alignment between education and practice. Many of these results are so far intangible in scientific terms but worth describing.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio