Blended Learning in Marketing Education: Using Alumni Experiences to Increase Student Motivation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, both teachers and students underwent significant adaptation and flexibility in higher education courses. The literature documenting these experiences has grown extensively, with educators highlighting challenges and opportunities in distance learning formats. These reports are crucial to understanding how forced adaptations resulted in more productive activities for students than we had thought of before. These experiences also hold fundamental importance for deriving insights for the future, serving as valuable lessons for colleagues to draw inspiration from and apply them to their disciplines. This article describes an experience developed in an introductory Marketing subject that, due to university directives, adopted a blended learning regime during COVID-19. What started as a problem turned into an opportunity. An alumni engagement activity was devised to enhance student motivation — an undertaking that would have been challenging in an exclusively classroom-based setting. This activity became essential, elevating student motivation, promoting new experiences, facilitating networking, and encouraging collaborative work

An EFL student-generated syllabus

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Comunicação e ExpressãoNa área de estudos da aquisição de uma segunda língua, os pesquisadores têm discutido a respeito dos insumos linguísticos sob duas pespectivas: do tipo e seu efeito na aprendizagem. Quanto ao tipo de insumos, a literatura tem abordado, entre outros aspectos, o discurso do professor, a fala modificada, o maternales, livros texto e matérias de ensino autênticos. A relação entre insumos que são gerados espontaneamente pelos alunos. O objetivo deste estudo é observar o insumo gerado por um grupo de alunos quando aprende inglês através do método comunitário. Os dados indicam que os alunos deram pouca atenção à expansão do vocabulário e à análise gramatical de estruturas. O método mostrou-se estimulante para a aprendizagem e os resultados mostram que o grupo estava pronto para assumir as suas próprias responsabilidades na criação dos insumos necessários para a aprendizagem

User generated spatial content sources for land use/land cover validation purposes : suitability analysis and integration model

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor in Information Management, specialization in Geographic Information SystemsTraditional geographic information has been produced by mapping agencies and corporations, using high skilled people as well as expensive precision equipment and procedures, in a very costly approach. The production of land use and land cover databases are just one example of such traditional approach. On the other side, The amount of Geographic Information created and shared by citizens through the Web has been increasing exponentially during the last decade, resulting from the emergence and popularization of technologies such as the Web 2.0, cloud computing, GPS, smart phones, among others. Such comprehensive amount of free geographic data might have valuable information to extract and thus opening great possibilities to improve significantly the production of land use and land cover databases. In this thesis we explored the feasibility of using geographic data from different user generated spatial content initiatives in the process of land use and land cover database production. Data from Panoramio, Flickr and OpenStreetMap were explored in terms of their spatial and temporal distribution, and their distribution over the different land use and land cover classes. We then proposed a conceptual model to integrate data from suitable user generated spatial content initiatives based on identified dissimilarities among a comprehensive list of initiatives. Finally we developed a prototype implementing the proposed integration model, which was then validated by using the prototype to solve four identified use cases. We concluded that data from user generated spatial content initiatives has great value but should be integrated to increase their potential. The possibility of integrating data from such initiatives in an integration model was proved. Using the developed prototype, the relevance of the integration model was also demonstrated for different use cases

The power of storytelling as a marketing tool in personal branding

Brands and products are becoming partially human (regarding names, concepts, and the message they transmit) and people are mostly seen as brands. The job market itself is saturated to the point that people must find countless ways to differentiate themselves from other millions of competitors. Thus, the main goal of this research is to understand how regular individuals can build their brands by using storytelling as a marketing tool. To fully comprehend this matter, the concepts of personal branding and storytelling were described in detail. In terms of method, 9 interviews were conducted with several people with different profiles and professions. To conclude, the interviews and the literature review allowed us to comprehend that storytelling is an important tool when building a personal brand with the following features: authenticity, consistency, charisma, purpose, strong personality, creativity, adaptation, convincing, memorable, distinctive, and clear.publishe

O efeito da olivina no coral tropical Montipora digitata: avaliação toxicológica e resiliência a stresse térmico

The future of coral reefs is already being shaped by the resilience, or lack of it, of different species to climate change. Corals are currently undergoing a major ecological threat as result of ocean warming and acidification and anthropogenic activities. Marine protected areas and reduced carbon emissions are certainly relevant although likely insufficient to preserve this ecosystem. Therefore, additional conservation strategies are required. Olivine weathering, proposed as a CO2 removal strategy, is expected to increase seawater alkalinity while consuming CO2 from the atmosphere. Although verified the potential of increase pH values and alkalinity, the impact on marine organisms and ecosystem is still to be understood. Our study aimed to evaluate olivine exposure effects on tropical coral Montipora digitata, assessing molecular biomarkers of oxidative stress and damage and metabolic profiles, as well as photosynthetic efficiency, coral growth, pH and dissolved oxygen variations. Firstly, our study assessed sub-lethal effects of different olivine concentrations, 6.00, 9.00, 13.50, 20.25, 30.38, 45.56, 68.35 and 102.5 mg L-1 under an acute experiment of 96h. Primary results did not show a general dose-response tendency, although photosynthetic efficiency was impaired for increasing concentrations. HSP70 levels and protein content decreased for higher concentrations, while lipid content showed higher values as well as pH and DO. A second experiment was performed assessing chronic exposure effects on M. digitata to a concentration of 20.25 mg L-1 of olivine sand, of which we can conclude that a long-term exposure to olivine facilitates M. digitata relative growth and photosynthetic efficiency as well as significantly higher pH values. M. digitata experienced moderate oxidative stress efficiently tackled by antioxidant enzymes and a higher relative growth rate through the expense of tissue lipid content, but no additional energy demands to maintain defence mechanisms or metabolic activity. Additionally, coral macrostructures were not affected by olivine exposure. The final stage of this study aimed to assess biological responses of the coral M. digitata to increase temperature (30 ºC) for 24h, while exposed to 20.25 mg L-1 of olivine sand. Besides, we evaluated if previous olivine exposure enhances coral resilience to rising temperatures. Overall, biological response of M. digitata, associated with antioxidant pathways and cellular energy allocation and consumption was not indicative of induced thermal stress. Photosynthetic efficiency exhibited significantly higher values when exposed to olivine at 30 ºC, although being impaired in both treatments at the higher temperature. Therefore, we cannot conclude that olivine exposure enhances resilience mechanisms in the coral M. digitata whilst abnormal temperatures.O futuro dos recifes de coral está a ser moldado pela resiliência, ou falta dela, de diferentes espécies às alterações climáticas. Os corais são organismos marinhos sob uma grande ameaça ecológica como resultado do aquecimento e acidificação dos oceanos e das atividades antropogénicas. As áreas marinhas protegidas e a redução das emissões de carbono são certamente relevantes, embora provavelmente insuficientes para a preservação deste ecossistema. Assim, estratégias adicionais de conservação são necessárias. A desagregação de minerais como a olivina, proposta como uma estratégia de remoção de CO2, tem o potencial de aumentar a alcalinidade da água do mar enquanto consome CO2 da atmosfera. Embora verificado o potencial do aumento de valores de pH e alcalinidade, o impacte em organismos marinhos e no seu ecossistema, ainda não foi avaliado. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, pela primeira vez, os efeitos da exposição do mineral olivina no coral tropical Montipora digitata, avaliando biomarcadores moleculares de stresse e dano oxidativo e perfis metabólicos, bem como a eficiência fotossintética, crescimento do coral e variações de pH. Em primeiro lugar, o nosso estudo avaliou os efeitos sub-letais de diferentes concentrações de olivina, 6,00, 9,00, 13,50, 20,25, 30,38, 45,56, 68,35 e 102,5 mg L-1 durante uma exposição aguda de 96 h. Os resultados inicias não revelaram tendência geral de concentração-resposta, embora a eficiência fotossintética tenha sido menor em concentrações crescentes. Os níveis de HSP70 e o teor de proteína diminuíram em concentrações mais elevadas, enquanto o teor de lípidos apresentou valores superiores, assim como o pH e o oxigénio dissolvido. Um segundo ensaio foi realizado avaliando os efeitos da exposição crónica no coral M. digitata a uma concentração de 20,25 mg L-1 de olivina, do qual podemos concluir que a exposição prolongada a olivina facilitou o crescimento relativo de M. digitata e a sua eficiência fotossintética, contribuindo também para a manutenção de valores de pH significativamente mais elevados. M. digitata demonstrou stresse oxidativo moderado, eficientemente combatido pelas defesas antioxidantes, assim como uma maior taxa de crescimento relativo por intermédio de um consumo do conteúdo lipídico do tecido do coral, apesar de não demonstrar necessidade adicional de energia para manter os mecanismos de defesa ou atividade metabólica. Adicionalmente, as macroestruturas dos corais não foram afetadas pela exposição a olivina. A etapa final deste estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as respostas biológicas do coral M. digitata ao aumento da temperatura (30 ºC) em 24h, quando exposto a 20,25 mg L-1 de olivina. Além disso, avaliamos se a exposição anterior à olivina aumenta a resiliência dos corais ao aumento da temperatura. No geral, a resposta biológica de M. digitata, associada às vias antioxidantes, alocação celular de energia e consumo energético não foi indicativa de indução de stresse térmico, do qual não podemos concluir que a exposição ao mineral olivina aumente os mecanismos de resiliência no coral M. digitata quando este experiencia temperaturas anormais.Mestrado em Biologia Aplicad

Using gamification to promote financial literacy and consumer education among future generations.

[EN] This paper presents the development and implementation of a gamification initiative aimed at promoting financial literacy and consumer education among basic and secondary school students. Designed to engage students aged between 12 and 18 years old, the game addresses key financial and consumption concepts through interactive gameplay. Originally conceived for students visiting the university, the initiative has garnered interest from both educators and parents, highlighting the growing demand for financial education. In the future, efforts will focus on refining game mechanics, improving material quality, and empowering high school teachers to independently facilitate the game in their classrooms. This inclusive approach aims to equip future generations with essential financial skills to navigate personal finance confidently. This paper also aims to share this experience with other educators interested in the topic, providing insights and guidance for replicating similar initiatives in their contexts.Estima, A.; Peguinho, C. (2024). Using gamification to promote financial literacy and consumer education among future generations. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 1-7. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAd24.2024.173531

Equações diferenciais na física

A modelação matemática fornece modelos que permitem descrever, interpretar e prever a evolução de situações reais nas mais diversas áreas do conhecimento. As equações diferenciais são uma das ferramentas matemáticas usadas na modelagem de fenómenos físicos. O estudo da segunda lei de Newton e a lei de Hooke permite deduzir que certos sistemas envolvendo massas e molas apresentem um comportamento de oscilador harmónico. O estudo de múltiplos osciladores acoplados e a ligação ao problema da corda vibrante leva-nos ao estudo das equações diferenciais parciais, das séries de Fourier e do método da separação das variáveis; Di erential equations in Physics Abstract: The mathematical modeling o er us models that allow us to describe, interpret and predict the evolution of real situations in various elds of knowledge. The di erential equations are one of the mathematic tools when modeling physic phenomena. The study of Newton's second law and Hooke's law allow us to deduct that certain systems which involve masses and springs show an oscillator and harmonious behaviour. The study of multiple coupled oscillators and the connection to the vibrating string lead us to the study of the partial di erential equations, the series of Fourier and to the method of the separation of variables

Exploratory analysis of OpenStreetMap for land use classification

In the last years, volunteers have been contributing massively to what we know nowadays as Volunteered Geographic Information. This huge amount of data might be hiding a vast geographical richness and therefore research needs to be conducted to explore their potential and use it in the solution of real world problems. In this study we conduct an exploratory analysis of data from the OpenStreetMap initiative. Using the Corine Land Cover database as reference and continental Portugal as the study area, we establish a possible correspondence between both classification nomenclatures, evaluate the quality of OpenStreetMap polygon features classification against Corine Land Cover classes from level 1 nomenclature, and analyze the spatial distribution of OpenStreetMap classes over continental Portugal. A global classification accuracy around 76% and interesting coverage areas’ values are remarkable and promising results that encourages us for future research on this topic

Evaluation of the influence of nozzle cooling during the Hot Forging Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing process

Additive manufacturing processes have emerged to complement the conventional processes, allowing the production of components with high geometrical complexity and reducing raw material waste. Among additive manufacturing processes for metals, the Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology has aroused particular interest due to its capacity to produce large-scale components in useful time. However, there are common limitations in additive manufacturing processes that need to be overcome in order to industrialize the process, particularly the formation of porosities, coarse microstructures and anisotropy. This work focused on the design and study of a new variant of WAAM technology that combines the advantages of mechanical deformation with forced cooling. This variant consisted of hot forging between the deposition of each layer using a cooled hammer with the aim of increasing the cooling rate of the material, reducing the peak temperature, promoting grain refinement and reducing the anisotropy. Samples of a high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel were produced, with and without the use of the hammer, on which uniaxial tensile tests, microhardness, electrical conductivity and optical microscopy were performed. Moreover, thermography was used to analyze the thermal cycles that occurred in the material. It was found that hot forging contributes to refining the microstructure and reducing the anisotropy of the material. Combining the cooling system with hot forging led to a 77% reduction in hammer temperature and a 12% reduction in peak temperature and has helped to increase the material's cooling rate. After the tensile tests, the samples registered an increase in their mechanical strength and all exhibited ductile fracture. Furthermore, the use of the hammer caused a considerable reduction in the quantity and size of pores. Keywords:Os processos de fabrico aditivo surgiram com o intuito de complementar os processos convencionais, permitindo a produção de componentes com elevada complexidade geométrica e reduzindo o desperdicio de matéria-prima. Entre os processos de fabrico aditivo de metais, a tecnologia Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) tem suscitado particular interesse, devido à sua capacidade para produzir componentes de grande escala em tempo útil. Contudo, existem limitações comuns nos processos de fabrico aditivo que necessitam de ser ultrapassadas para viabilizar a industrialização do processo, nomeadamente a formação de porosidades, microestruturas grosseiras e anisotropia. Este trabalho incidiu sobre a conceção e estudo de uma nova variante da tecnologia WAAM que combina as vantagens da deformação mecânica com o arrefecimento forçado. Esta variante consistiu no forjamento a quente entre a deposição de cada camada através de um martelo arrefecido com o objetivo de aumentar a taxa de arrefecimento do material, reduzir a temperatura de pico, promover o refinamento de grão e reduzir a anisotropia. Produziram-se amostras de um aço de alta resistência e baixa liga, com e sem a utilização do martelo, nas quais foram realizados ensaios de tração uniaxial, microdureza, condutividade elétrica e microscopia ótica. Adicionalmente, recorreu-se à termografia para analisar os ciclos térmicos que atuaram sobre o material. Concluiu-se que o forjamento a quente contribui para refinar a microestrutura e reduzir a anisotropia do material. A combinação do sistema de arrefecimento com o forjamento a quente provocou uma redução de 77% na temperatura do martelo e de 12% na temperatura de pico, e contribuiu para aumentar a taxa de arrefecimento do material. Após os ensaios de tração, observou-se que as amostras registaram um aumento na resistência mecânica e todas apresentaram fratura dúctil. Verificou-se também que a utilização do martelo provoca uma redução considerável na quantidade e dimensão dos poros

Effect of Tim23 Knockdown IN VIVO on Protein Import into Mitochondria and Retrograde Signaling to the UPRmt in Muscle

The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is a protein quality control mechanism that strives to eliminate toxic effects exerted by misfolded and misassembled proteins. We sought to understand this mechanism by perturbing the coordination between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes by reducing the expression of a major channel of the inner mitochondrial membrane. This established a relationship between protein import, and the maintenance of mitochondrial proteostasis. Next, we sought to explore the communication between the nucleus and the mitochondrion that mediates the activation of the UPRmt. We investigated the role for proteolytically-derived peptides in this retrograde signaling. Here we highlight the relationship between the protein import pathway and its role in facilitating peptide-mediated communication in maintaining proteostasis. The UPRmt has been implicated in aging, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, my work has contributed to improving our understanding of this quality control mechanism, thereby providing potential future therapeutic targets