Smart macroporous structures for the purification of viral particles

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia Química e BioquímicaThe increasing application of viral particles in vaccination and gene-based therapies, has led to the development of alternative and improved purification processes. Traditional purification methods include chromatographic techniques, however the chromatographic matrices used present limitations specially when aimed at the purification of large molecules. This work presents the preparation of chitosan-based monoliths using clean processes and easy functionalization techniques intending to improve Adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) purification. Monoliths were prepared by blending chitosan (CHT) with glycidylmethacrylate (GMA) or poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), using two preparation techniques, freeze-drying and a scCO2 – assisted drying process, and were subsequently functionalized with Q ligands by three different methods. In addition, monoliths blended with magnetic nanoparticles were also prepared using the same strategies to confer them a controlled magnetic response. The monoliths produced were characterized in terms of ligand immobilization yield, and evaluated for Ad5 purification. Two types of monoliths showed potential: the CHT/PVA(50:50) prepared by freeze drying and functionalized by the alternative plasma technique (M2) and the CHT/PVA(50:50) 7% monolith prepared by scCO2 – assisted drying process and functionalized by the epoxyactivation technique (M1). The amount of ligand Q immobilized on the supports was monitored by titration assays, among which the CHT/PVA(50:50) 7% M2 prepared by scCO2 – assisted drying process exhibited the highest immobilization yield (91%). Among the results for Ad5 purification, the CHT/PVA(50:50)M2 and the CHT/PVA(50:50)7% M1 resulted in a 40% and 14% of the viral particles, respectively. Protein-binding assays were conducted using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme, to evaluate the anionic-exchange capacity of the supports. The results make us believe in the potential of the produced monoliths to be applied in chromatographic techniques. However further improvements are necessary to enhance virus binding and recovery, to obtain an improved purification process.project PTDC/EBB-BIO/118317/201

Pricing strategy for Pestana Collection and Pestana CR7 in Madrid: group part A

The underlying project aims to achieve a pricing strategy of two Hotels of Pestana Group, from two different brands – Collection and CR7 – that will be placed in Madrid. Thus, this work project centres on an analysis of the Madrid market with a posterior analysis of the con-sumer profile of each brand and respective competitors prices. Finally, for a successful inter-nationalization a pricing entry strategy is suggested and supported by a revenue model that each hotel unit is expected to face in the first year

Rural Heritage: concept, features, capabilities and emergencies

Procuramos contribuir com elementos fundamentais para equacionar a problemática e as possibilidades de resposta à perda irreparável e contínua do património rural. Definimos o conceito, sublinhamos as características mais importantes bem como as potencialidades e, em consequência, propomos o que urge fazer e com que metodologia. Mobilizamos a nossa experiência de inventariação do património arquitectónico, de que somos autores de cerca de 100 fichas (não actualizadas, diga-se) respeitantes ao Distrito de Portalegre, muitas delas feitas em meio rural (www.monumentos.pt)

As potencialidades do ciberjornalismo na imprensa desportiva: o caso do Euro 2020

Dissertação de mestrado apresentada à Escola Superior de Comunicação Social como parte dos requisitos para obtenção de grau de mestre em Jornalismo.Esta investigação tem como tema o aproveitamento das potencialidades do ciberjornalismo por parte da imprensa desportiva escrita diária nas suas versões digitais. Num clima de crise financeira e de recursos humanos para os jornais, aproveitar a vertente online ao máximo deveria ser uma obrigação, mais do que uma propriedade. As vendas em papel continuam a descer de ano para e, se é verdade que o número de assinaturas digitais tem crescido em Portugal, a perda dos jornais impressos não é compensada pelo pagamento dos premiuns. A imprensa desportiva internacional foi das principais inovadoras no ciberjornalismo, com a cobertura de eventos em direto, de forma online, há mais de 20 anos, mas tarda em encontrar um modelo de negócio sustentável que permita alcançar a estabilidade financeira e que permita melhorar as condições de trabalho para os jornalistas. A análise dos três websites dos jornais desportivos com distribuição nacional permitiu perceber que há formas distintas de aproveitar as potencialidades do ciberjornalismo. Além disso, foram realizadas três entrevistas a um profissional ligado ao online de cada órgão, de forma a compreender as motivações por detrás das escolhas e, simultaneamente, questionar essas mesmas opções.ABSTRACT: This investigation has as its theme the use of the potential of cyberjournalism by the daily written sports press in its digital versions. In a climate of financial and human resources crisis for newspapers, making the most of the online aspect should be an obligation, more than a property. Paper sales continue to decline from year to year and, if it is true that the number of digital subscriptions has grown in Portugal, the loss of printed newspapers is not compensated by the payment of premiums. International sports press was one of the main innovators in cyberjournalism, with online live coverage of events for more than 20 years, but it’s taking a long time to find a sustainable business model that allows to achieve financial stability, which should lead to better working conditions for journalists. The analysis of the three websites of sports newspapers with national distribution made it possible to perceive that there are different ways to bet on the potential of cyberjournalism. In addition, three interviews were carried out with a professional connected to the online of each agency, to understand the motivations behind the choices and, simultaneously, to question these same options.N/

A arte na prática do serviço social: princípios, contribuições e transformação

A presente investigação procura aprofundar o conhecimento e a compreensão sobre as artes como métodos complementares na prática do serviço social, analisando a forma como se aproximam através do estímulo da consciência crítica do ser humano, para além de um recurso inovador na instrumentalidade do Serviço Social. Também pretende incluir conteúdo sobre as artes na investigação e na educação em serviço social em Portugal. A partir de uma metodologia qualitativa, foram realizadas entrevistas com a finalidade de dar visibilidade às perceções de profissionais da área social que desenvolvem funções em projetos de intervenção social pela Arte. Com recurso à técnica de análise de conteúdo, os resultados obtidos exploram a questão relativa à eficácia das práticas artísticas para o desenvolvimento do ser humano, capacitando e gerando processos promotores de mudança. Por um lado, responder às necessidades das pessoas geralmente requer mais do que comunicação verbal, sendo que uma visão holística dos seres humanos que se baseia nas artes expressivas permite, através destes métodos, ajudar os indivíduos a expressar os seus sentimentos e ideias. Por outro, como as técnicas das manifestações artísticas são possíveis para o enriquecimento da instrumentalidade da profissão. Finalmente, a visão das artes como um meio poderoso de enfrentar a injustiça social e catalisar mudanças sociais, abrindo caminho para a transformação individual e coletiva de indivíduos e de nós mesmos.The present investigation seeks to deepen knowledge and understanding of the arts as complementary methods in social work practice, for social workers who have been prepared through experience and/or study while adhering to ethical codes and principles in social work practice. It also intends to include content on the arts in social work research and education. Based on a qualitative methodology, interviews were carried, in order to give focus to the perceptions of social and art professionals who develop a role in social intervention through art projects. By the method of content analysis, the results obtained explore the issue of the effectiveness of artistic practices for the development of human beings, enabling and generating processes that promote change. On the one hand, responding to people's needs often requires more than verbal communication, and a holistic view of human beings based on the expressive arts allows them to help express their feelings and ideas through the methods. On the other hand, how the techniques of artistic manifestations are possible to enrich the instrumentality of the profession. Finally, the vision of the arts as a powerful means to address social injustice and catalyze social change, paving the way for the individual and collective transformation for individuals and for ourselves

Necessidades e recursos para a promoção da saúde oral infantil numa comunidade vulnerável: um estudo exploratório de base comunitária

RESUMO - Introdução: A prevenção das doenças orais tem sido predominantemente centrada no comportamento individual, negligenciando outros determinantes da saúde oral. A redução das desigualdades em saúde oral implicará abordagens e intervenções sensíveis aos contextos e envolvimento das populações vulneráveis na compreensão dos problemas e desenvolvimento de intervenções adequadas. A investigação participativa de base comunitária permite assegurar cuidados de saúde oral sustentáveis, eficazes, eficientes, seguros e apropriados. Objetivos: Compreender perceções, necessidades e oportunidades para a promoção da saúde oral na infância numa comunidade vulnerável. Metodologia: Estudo exploratório, com recurso a métodos quantitativos e qualitativos, com abordagem de investigação participada de base comunitária. Desenvolveu-se numa comunidade com mães e profissionais com intervenção no território. A recolha de dados envolveu a utilização de questionários e grupos focais. Resultados: Identificaram-se múltiplas influências na saúde oral infantil, sendo o consumo de açúcar e a escovagem dos dentes os comportamentos sob maior influência familiar e ambiental. Identificaram-se dificuldades no acesso e utilização de cuidados de saúde oral. Foram feitas propostas para a promoção da saúde oral infantil, marcadas pela valorização de intervenções de proximidade na comunidade e necessidade de uma abordagem intersectorial. Conclusão: A promoção da saúde oral implicará um olhar sistémico, considerando as famílias como um todo e os seus contextos em particular. Neste sentido, será também essencial considerar as especificidades de famílias em situação de vulnerabilidade para ajustar a implementação de políticas e intervenções na área da saúde oral.ABSTRACT - Introduction: The prevention of oral diseases has been predominantly focused on individual behavior, neglecting other oral health determinants. Reducing oral health inequalities will require context-sensitive approaches and interventions involving vulnerable populations in understanding the issues and developing suitable interventions. Community-based participatory research makes it possible to ensure sustainable, effective, efficient, safe and suitable oral health care. Objectives: To understand perceptions, needs and opportunities for oral health promotion in childhood in a vulnerable community. Methodology: Exploratory study, using quantitative and qualitative methods, with a community-based participatory research approach. It was developed in a community with mothers and professionals with intervention in the territory. Data collection involved the use of questionnaires and focus groups. Results: Multiple influences on children's oral health were identified, with sugar consumption and toothbrushing being the behaviors most influenced by family and environment. Difficulties in accessing and using oral health care were identified. Proposals were made for the promotion of children's oral health, marked by the appreciation of community outreach interventions and the need for an intersectoral approach. Conclusion: The promotion of oral health will involve a systemic view, considering families as a whole and their contexts in particular. In this sense, it will also be essential to consider the specificities of families in vulnerable situations to adjust the implementation of policies and interventions in the field of oral health

Fisiopatologia da Doença Hepática Alcoólica

Projeto de Pós-Graduação/Dissertação apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Ciências FarmacêuticasO alcoolismo é um problema de saúde pública de escala mundial. A doença hepática alcoólica é uma consequência primária do uso excessivo e prolongado do álcool, sendo um problema de saúde pública em Portugal, uma vez que o álcool é a droga de abuso mais comum do país. Esta revisão de literatura aborda a fisiopatologia da doença hepática alcoólica, incluindo a hepatoxicidade do etanol sobre o fígado, o espectro da doença hepática alcoólica e as suas principais manifestações. A fisiopatologia da doença hepática alcoólica envolve as consequências do metabolismo do álcool e mecanismos secundários, tais como o stress oxidativo, a depleção da glutationa, a produção de endotoxinas, citocinas e reguladores imunológicos. O desenvolvimento da doença hepática alcoólica é um processo multifatorial e de várias etapas, que compreende muitos fatores de risco e o seu espectro inclui: esteatose, hepatite alcoólica, fibrose, cirrose e carcinoma hepatocelular. Cada uma destas condições patológicas produz uma diversidade de manifestações clínicas muito importantes, podendo algumas ser fatais. Alcoholism is a world scale health problem. Alcoholic liver disease is a primary consequence of prolonged and excessive use of alcohol being a public health problem in Portugal, since alcohol is the most common drug of abuse in the country. This literature review discusses the pathophysiology of alcoholic liver disease, including the hepatotoxicity of ethanol on the liver, the spectrum of alcoholic liver disease and its main manifestations. The pathophysiology of alcoholic liver disease involves the consequences of the metabolism of alcohol and secondary mechanisms such as oxidative stress, depletion of glutathione, production of endotoxins, cytokines and immune regulators. The development of alcoholic liver disease is a multifactorial and multistep process that includes many risk factors and its spectrum includes: simple steatosis, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Each one of this pathological conditions produces a variety of clinical manifestations very importante, some may be fatal

Experimental Assessment of Cryogenic Cooling Impact on Induction Motors

In this work, an experimental assessment of the influence of cryogenic cooling in a conventional induction motor is presented. The performance of a fractional kilowatt induction motor is evaluated when submerged in liquid nitrogen. Using the single-phase equivalent electric circuit, the influence of the temperature and skin-effect is analyzed in the variation of the machine's parameters, under ambient and cryogenic conditions. Also, the variation of the iron core and mechanical losses are evaluated. An analytical methodology is proposed to estimate the change of motor performance under cryogenic conditions. For the analyzed induction motor, measurements are performed to verify the predicted machine performance. The experimental tests in cryogenic conditions show the possibility of achieving higher efficiency levels with more than double the nominal torque. Also, due to the cryogenic environment, there was no thermal constraint in the operation of the induction motor

Comparison of visual and auditory modalities for Upper-Alpha EEG-Neurofeedback

Electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback (NF) training has been shown to produce long-lasting effects on the improvement of cognitive function as well as the normalization of aberrant brain activity in disease. However, the impact of the sensory modality used as the NF reinforcement signal on training effectiveness has not been systematically investigated. In this work, an EEG-based NF training system was developed targeting the individual upper alpha (UA) band and using either a visual or an auditory reinforcement signal, so as to compare the effects of the two sensory modalities. Sixteen healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to the Visual or Auditory group, where a radius varying sphere or a volume-varying sound, respectively, reflected the relative amplitude of UA measured at EEG electrode Cz. Each participant underwent a total of four NF sessions, of approximately 40 min each, on consecutive days. Both groups showed significant increases in UA at Cz within sessions, and also across sessions. Effects subsequent to NF training were also found beyond the target frequency UA and scalp location Cz, namely in the lower-alpha and theta bands and in posterior brain regions, respectively. Only small differences were found on the EEG between the Visual and Auditory groups, suggesting that auditory reinforcement signals may be as effective as the more commonly used visual signals. The use of auditory NF may potentiate training protocols conducted under mobile conditions, which are now possible due to the increasing availability of wireless EEG systems.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio