Processos de aquisição de tecnologias da informação na indústria hoteleira em Portugal

Mestrado em Ciências EmpresariaisAs tecnologias da informação (TI) são parte integrante da oferta da indústria hoteleira e contribuem de modo decisivo para a satisfação dos hóspedes. Na literatura sobejam exemplos de investimentos em TI, que não se consubstanciaram nos resultados esperados. O sucesso ou insucesso destes investimentos depende de diferentes fatores, entre os quais a maturidade dos processos de aquisição das organizações. Neste estudo pretendeu-se identificar, junto dos empreendimentos hoteleiros portugueses, os seus padrões organizacionais na aquisição de TI. Adicionalmente, foram obtidos, através da plataforma Bookings.com, dados sobre a satisfação dos hóspedes, em relação ao serviço de Wi-Fi. Por fim, utilizou-se o método fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) para entender as combinações de condições (perfil de aquisição, categoria, afiliação e nível de investimento de cada unidade hoteleira) que conduzem a um maior nível de satisfação dos hóspedes, com o serviço de Wi-Fi. Os resultados do estudo apontam para o predomínio do perfil de aquisição orientado às TI, alicerçado na cooperação interdepartamental entre Compras e TI. Contudo, não foi possível estabelecer o perfil de aquisição das organizações como condição necessária para um maior nível de satisfação dos hóspedes. Ainda assim, os resultados reforçam a relevância da categoria e o nível de investimento da unidade hoteleira para o sucesso, i.e., um maior nível de satisfação dos hóspedes, com o serviço de Wi-Fi.Information technologies (IT) are vital in hospitality industry's offering. They also play a decisive role and contribution to guest satisfaction. However, several examples of IT investments in industry are well documented in the literature, which did not materialize in the expected results. The success or failure of these investments depends on several factors, namely the maturity of the organization?s procurement process. In this study, a survey was applied to several Portuguese hotels in order to identify organizational patterns in IT procurement. Data were also obtained from Bookings.com platform in relation to the levels of guest satisfaction with the Wi-Fi service. A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was conducted to identify combinations of conditions (procurement profile, category, affiliation and level of investment of each hotel) that lead to higher levels of guest satisfaction with the Wi-Fi service. The results of the study point to the predominance of an IT acquisition profile based on interdepartmental cooperation between Purchasing and IT. However, it was not possible to identify the profile of organizations as a necessary condition for a higher level of guest satisfaction. Nevertheless, the study reinforces the relevance of the hotel category and investment level to achieve a higher level of guest satisfaction with Wi-Fi service.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Dos Réis ao Bitcoin

Abordar durante a linha de tempo do nosso país, quando e como, foi implantado nosso sistema monetário, como surgiu as primeiras moedas, quais os aspectos relevantes e que influenciaram uma política exercida pelos governos. Nessa cronologia, iremos informar uma linha de tempo sobre o capitalismo, suas crises, a grande crise de 29, o economista Keynes e sua teoria que influenciou todo um sistema financeiro atual, os nove tipos de moedas criadas pelo Brasil e apresentar a nova ferramenta monetária, que são as Criptomoedas, moedas digitais, que estão sendo capitaneadas pelo Bitcoin, sendo inclusive apontada como o futuro do novo sistema financeiro não só do Brasil, assim como do restante do mundo, conhecida como uma das ferramentas da quarta revolução industrial. Apresentamos esses aspectos relevantes para discussão de quais caminhos o Brasil irá trilhar para uma política eficiente e eficaz da administração pública num capitalismo que anseia por mudanças

The cholesterol 24-hydroxylase activates autophagy and decreases mutant huntingtin build-up in a neuroblastoma culture model of Huntington’s disease

Objective Compromised brain cholesterol turnover and altered regulation of brain cholesterol metabolism have been allied with some neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington’s disease (HD). Following our previous studies in HD, in this study we aim to investigate in vitro in a neuroblastoma cellular model of HD, the effect of CYP46A1 overexpression, an essential enzyme in cholesterol metabolism, on huntingtin aggregation and levels. Results We found that CYP46A1 reduces the quantity and size of mutant huntingtin aggregates in cells, as well as the levels of mutant huntingtin protein. Additionally, our results suggest that the observed beneficial effects of CYP46A1 in HD cells are linked to the activation of autophagy. Taken together, our results further demonstrate that CYP46A1 is a pertinent target to counteract HD progression.This work was supported by Brainvectis and E.rare: E-Rare Joint Transnational Call for Proposals 2017 “Transnational Research Projects for Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for Rare Diseases”. CN laboratory is supported by the French Muscular Dystrophy Association (AFM-Téléthon), the Ataxia UK, and the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (project ALG-01-0145-FEDER-29480 “SeGrPolyQ”). AM is supported by a Ph.D. fellowship from FCT (SFRH/BD/133192/2017)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The challenge of long-distance over-the-air wireless links in the ocean: a survey on water-to-water and water-to-land miot communication

Robust wireless communication networks are a cornerstone of the modern world, allowing data to be transferred quickly and reliably. Establishing such a network at sea, a Maritime Internet of Things (MIoT), would enhance services related to safety and security at sea, environmental protection, and research. However, given the remote and harsh nature of the sea, installing robust wireless communication networks with adequate data rates and low cost is a difficult endeavor. This paper reviews recent MIoT systems developed and deployed by researchers and engineers over the past few years. It contains an analysis of short-range and long-range over-the-air radio-frequency wireless communication protocols and the synergy between these two in the pursuit of an MIoT. The goal of this paper is to serve as a go-to guide for engineers and researchers that need to implement a wireless sensor network at sea. The selection criterion for the papers included in this review was that the implemented wireless communication networks were tested in a real-world scenario.cofunded by the project K2D: Knowledge and Data from the Deep to Space with reference POCI-01-0247-FEDER-045941, cofinanced by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the Operational Program for Competitiveness and Internationalization (COMPETE2020), and by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the MIT Portugal Program. This work is also cofinanced by national funds through FCT–Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, I.P., under project SONDA (PTDC/EME-SIS/1960/2020). T.M. thanks FCT for grant SFRH/BD/145070/201

Eosinophil granule proteins involvement in acute appendicitis: an allergic disease?

Several pieces of evidence point to an allergic component as a trigger of acute appendicitis. As the Th2 immune response is characterized by eosinophil mobilization to the target organ and release of their cationic granule proteins, it is reasonable to investigate if the degranulation of eosinophils could be associated with the local injury. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the participation of eosinophils granules proteins in acute appendicitis, both at local and systemic levels and the secondary aim is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of eosinophils granules proteins for the detection of acute appendicitis, as well as for distinguishing between complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil peroxidase (EP) are the most well-known eosinophil granule proteins. From August 2021 to April 2022, we present a prospective single-center study to evaluate the EDN, ECP, and EP concentrations simultaneously in appendicular lavage fluid (ALF) and the serum of 22 patients with acute phlegmonous appendicitis (APA), 24 with acute gangrenous appendicitis (AGA), and 14 normal controls. Concerning EDN, no differences were found between groups. ECP concentrations in ALF and serum were significantly higher in the histologically confirmed acute appendicitis compared to the control groups (p 11.41 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 93.5%, but with a specificity for identifying appendicitis of 21.4%, good discriminative power (AUC = 0.880). For EP, the optimal cut-off was >93.20 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 87%, but with a specificity of 14.3% (AUC = 0.901), excellent discriminative power. For the diagnosis of perforated AA, the discriminative power of ECP and EP serum concentrations are weak (AUC = 0.562 and AUC = 0.664, respectively). Concerning the presence of peritonitis, the discriminative power of ECP and EP serum concentrations is acceptable, respectively: AUC = 0.724 and AUC = 0.735. Serum levels of EDN (p = 0.119), ECP (p = 0.586) and EP (p = 0.08) in complicated appendicitis were similar to uncomplicated appendicitis. Serum concentrations of ECP and EP can be added to decision-making AA diagnosis. A Th2-type immune response is present in AA. These data bring forward the role of an allergic reaction in the pathogenesis of acute appendicitis.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A dança nas aulas de educação física escolar na cidade de Fortaleza-CE

This study analyzed the dance as a discipline in Physical Education and professionals are properly trained to administer it. It was observed that the schools visited, 89 % have included dancing in physical education. Most teachers (68.4%) teach classes based on knowledge acquired during their studies, and 47 % of demand with qualification courses in the area. We conclude that through dance considerable changes can be achieved in the behavior of students who practice, highlighting the need to reflect on the reality that school dance lies.Este estudio analizó la danza como una disciplina en la educación física y los profesionales de la formación adecuada para administrarla. Se observó que las escuelas visitadas, el 89% han incluido el baile en la educación física. La mayoría de los profesores (68,4%) dan clases sobre la base de los conocimientos adquiridos durante sus estudios, y el 47% de la demanda de cursos de capacitación en el área. Llegamos a la conclusión de que a través del baile cambios considerables se pueden conseguir en el comportamiento de los estudiantes que practican, destacando la necesidad de reflexionar sobre la realidad que se encuentra la escuela de baile.Este trabalho analisou a dança como disciplina na Educação Física escolar em 19 escolas e se os profissionais estão devidamente capacitados para ministrá-la, utilizando-se de um questionário estruturado pelos pesquisadores. Observou-se que das escolas visitadas, 89% possuem a dança incluída na Educação Física. A maioria dos professores (68,4%) ministram as aulas baseados em conhecimentos adquiridos na graduação, e 47% destes procura qualificação com cursos na área. Conclui-se que através da dança podem ser alcançadas mudanças consideráveis no comportamento dos alunos que a praticam, evidenciando a necessidade de refletir sobre a importância da dança escolar

Dental Informatics: an emerging discipline

Este trabalho de revisão de literatura pretende demonstrar não só a importância da introdução da disciplina de Informática Odontológica no currículo das Faculdades de Odontologia mas também no cotidiano do médico-dentista ou cirurgião-dentista. Nos últimos anos houve um rápido desenvolvimento da Informática aplicada à Odontologia, sobretudo em áreas dedicadas ao exame do paciente, ao diagnóstico e ao plano de tratamento. Os sistemas CAD-CAM, as sondas periodontais computadorizadas, os aparelhos de radiologia digital, as câmaras intra-orais são exemplos da aplicação da Informática em Odontologia. É neste sentido que surge a disciplina de Informática Odontológica, uma área em constante desenvolvimento, que tem por base a aplicação de computadores e ciências de informação para melhorar a prática clínica, a pesquisa, a educação e a gestão. É importante que simultaneamente com a formação em Odontologia haja também adequada formação em Informática Odontológica. Atualmente os avanços tecnológicos e as pesquisas científicas requerem interdisciplinaridade e integração de uma grande quantidade de informação, muitas vezes proveniente de fontes díspares, havendo necessidade de compilar a informação em bases de dados. Os meios informáticos podem aumentar significativamente a velocidade de integração e correlação dessa informação, tornando o diagnóstico médico-odontológico mais rápido e a implementação da terapêutica mais eficaz. Palavras-chave: Informática Odontológica; bioinformática; base de dados; formação odontológica; diagnósticoThis literature review aimed to present the importance of the discipline of Dental Informatics for the curriculum of dental schools and daily dental practice. In the last years there was a fast development of Informatics applied to Dentistry, especially in areas related to patient exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan. CAD-CAM systems, computerized periodontal probes, digital radiography, and intraoral cameras are examples of the application of Informatics in Dentistry. Dental Informatics is a discipline showing constant development and is based on the application of computers and information science to improve clinical practice, research, education, and management. Therefore, it is important that Dental Informatics is included in the dental curriculum. At present the technological advances and scientific research require interdisciplinary approach and integration of large amount of information. This information usually comes from several sources, which requires its compilation in databases. Informatics media can significantly increase the velocity of integration and correlation of necessary information to speed up the medical-dental diagnosis and improve treatment efficacy. Key words: Dental informatics; bioinformatics, databases; dental education; diagnosisinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Dizziness associated with panic disorder and agoraphobia: case report and literature review

SummaryDizziness is one of the most frequent complaints in both primary and specialized medical care facilities. Many dizzy patients, without a known organic cause, considered as having idiopathic dizziness, may have a psychiatric disorder. Besides, even organic dizziness may cause or exacerbate latent psychiatric alterations. One of the most common disorders associated with dizziness is Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia. The aim of this paper is to report a patient’s case and make a literature review on the subjec