Marketing and sales management : FERESPE’s case study

No matter how competitive a particular industry may be, the essential will always be the collaboration and sharing of interests between the different parties. So, more than ever, it is absolutely crucial to exceed consumer expectations through innovative strategies that will ensure competitive advantages. Therefore, the maintenance and creation of good customer relationships have been a priority for every business as well as understanding which factors influence loyalty. In fact, this concept has been studied by several authors throughout the years. However, the definition of loyalty and what influences it is not consensual due to its complexity (Majumdar, 2005) (cited by Gee et al. (2008), p.360). That is why the purpose of this Master Final Work is to contribute, in theoretical and practical terms, to unveil what influences the loyalty of FERESPE’s clients. Furthermore, it is a valuable contribution to understand the main constructs of loyalty in order to improve marketing strategies and to achieve retention and creation of more and better relationships within customers. Applying the proposed conceptual model, built upon literature review, it was concluded that providing a good experience is important as it affects customer satisfaction, delivers customer loyalty, instills confidence, supports the brand and also creates emotional bonds with customers (Kong, 2011)

Specific and Nonhomologous Isofunctional Enzymes of the Genetic Information Processing Pathways as Potential Therapeutical Targets for Tritryps

Leishmania major, Trypanosoma brucei, and Trypanosoma cruzi (Tritryps) are unicellular protozoa that cause leishmaniasis, sleeping sickness and Chagas' disease, respectively. Most drugs against them were discovered through the screening of large numbers of compounds against whole parasites. Nonhomologous isofunctional enzymes (NISEs) may present good opportunities for the identification of new putative drug targets because, though sharing the same enzymatic activity, they possess different three-dimensional structures thus allowing the development of molecules against one or other isoform. From public data of the Tritryps' genomes, we reconstructed the Genetic Information Processing Pathways (GIPPs). We then used AnEnPi to look for the presence of these enzymes between Homo sapiens and Tritryps, as well as specific enzymes of the parasites. We identified three candidates (ECs 3.1.11.2 and 6.1.1.-) in these pathways that may be further studied as new therapeutic targets for drug development against these parasites

Impact of the “Journal Club” activity among medical students’ knowledge of scientific methodology

Introdução: O Journal Club é um ambiente para troca de informações dentro do contexto médico, diante de uma literatura atualizada e medicina baseada em evidências. Tendo em vista a importância da atualização constante de conhecimentos adquiridos e o cenário de isolamento social imposto pela pandemia da COVID-19, o evento Journal Club foi realizado virtualmente, com o objetivo de ampliar o entendimento sobre metodologia científica entre estudantes de medicina por meio da compreensão das diferenças de cada tipo de estudo da pirâmide de evidências a partir da leitura e discussão de artigos científicos. Metodologia: Estudo analítico, prospectivo e transversal realizado em outubro de 2021. O evento Journal Club ocorreu em nove aulas onde foram abordados cada tipo de estudoda pirâmide de evidência. A amostra foi composta por 20 estudantes de medicina. Um questionário foi aplicado no início e ao final do evento para avaliar o conhecimento dos participantes a partir das aulas ministradas, e foi dividido em duas partes, a primeira com dados de identificação do participante e a segunda com 19 questões sobre os tiposde estudos presentes na pirâmide de evidência. Resultados: Observou-se que, após a análise do questionário pré e pós-evento, dentre as 19 questões realizadas, houve um aumento de acertos em 17 entre as quais 3 obtiveram um valor estatístico significativo: questões 1 (p= 0,031), 15 (p=0,039) e 18 (p= 0,016). Discussão: Notou-se aumento dos acertos de questões entre o pré e pós-aulas, podendo indicar uma melhora no entendimento por parte dos acadêmicos acerca do assunto. Além disso, o estudo mostrou uma baixa atuação dos acadêmicos em pesquisas científicas (apenas 25% já se envolveram em algum projeto). Conclusão: A partir da análise do desempenho dos participantes nos questionários pré e pós-evento é possível afirmar que os estudantes de medicina conseguiram ampliar seu conhecimento sobre metodologia científica.Introduction: The Journal Club is an environment for exchanging information within the medical context concerning updated literature and evidence-based medicine. Considering the importance of constantly updating the acquired knowledge and scenarios of social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Journal Club event was held virtually, aiming to expand the understanding of the scientific methodology among medical students byunderstanding the differences among each type of evidence pyramid study by reading and discussing scientific articles. Methodology: An analytical, prospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2021. The Journal Club event took place in nine classes where each type of evidence pyramid study was addressed. The sample included 20 medical students. A questionnaire was used at the beginning and end of the event to assessthe participants’ knowledge from the classes taught and was divided into two parts: participant identification data and 19 questions regarding the types of studies present on the pyramid of evidence. Results: It was found that after the pre- and post-event analysis of the questionnaire among the 19 questions, correct answers increased in 17, among which 3 obtained a statistically significant value: questions 1 (p = 0.031), 15 (p = 0.039), and 18 (p =0.016). Discussion: An increase in the number of correct answers was noted between pre- and post-classes, which may indicate an improved understanding of the subject among students. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the students had little involvement in scientific research (only 25% had ever been involved in a project). Conclusion: Based on the analysis of the participants’ performance in the pre- and post-event questionnaires, it can be concluded that the medical students were able to expand their knowledge of scientific methodology

Cannabidiol Attenuates Sensorimotor Gating Disruption and Molecular Changes Induced by Chronic Antagonism of NMDA receptors in Mice

Background: Preclinical and clinical data suggest that cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychotomimetic compound from Cannabis sativa, induces antipsychotic-like effects. However, the antipsychotic properties of repeated CBD treatment have been poorly investigated. Behavioral changes induced by repeated treatment with glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists have been proposed as an animal model of schizophrenia-like signs. In the present study, we evaluated if repeated treatment with CBD would attenuate the behavioral and molecular modifications induced by chronic administration of one of these antagonists, MK-801. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice received daily i.p. injections of MK-801 (0.1, 0.5, or 1mg/kg) for 14, 21, or 28 days. Twenty-four hours after the last injection, animals were submitted to the prepulse inhibition (PPI) test. After that, we investigated if repeated treatment with CBD (15, 30, and 60mg/kg) would attenuate the PPI impairment induced by chronic treatment with MK-801 (1mg/kg; 28 days). CBD treatment began on the 6th day after the start of MK-801 administration and continued until the end of the treatment. Immediately after the PPI, the mice brains were removed and processed to evaluate the molecular changes. We measured changes in FosB/ΔFosB and parvalbumin (PV) expression, a marker of neuronal activity and a calciumbinding protein expressed in a subclass of GABAergic interneurons, respectively. Changes in mRNA expression of the NMDAR GluN1 subunit gene (GRN1) were also evaluated. CBD effects were compared to those induced by the atypical antipsychotic clozapine. Results: MK-801 administration at the dose of 1mg/kg for 28 days impaired PPI responses. Chronic treatment with CBD (30 and 60mg/kg) attenuated PPI impairment. MK-801 treatment increased FosB/ΔFosB expression and decreased PV expression in the medial prefrontal cortex. A decreased mRNA level of GRN1 in the hippocampus was also observed. All the molecular changes were attenuated by CBD. CBD by itself did not induce any effect. Moreover, CBD effects were similar to those induced by repeated clozapine treatment

Evaluation of bean residues in the production of agglomerated panels

This work aimed to evaluate the physical-mechanical properties of Pinus oocarpa wood agglomerated panels produced with different levels (0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %) of wood replacement with bean residues. For this purpose, Pinus oocarpa wood and the agricultural residue were reduced into particles and their properties of apparent density, extractives, lignin and ash content of these raw materials were determined. Then, the particles were dried to a 3 % humidity and granulometrically selected to produce panels with a density of 0,60 g/cm3. These particles were bonded using 12 % urea-formaldehyde adhesive, pressed, following normative dimensions (250 mm x 250 mm x 15 mm (width, length, and thickness)), and kept in a climate-controlled environment (20 ºC ± 2 ºC and 65 % ± 5 % RH) until the physical and mechanical tests were carried out. The research results indicated that the particles from bean residues in comparison with Pinus oocarpa wood, presented low density, lignin and holocellulose values, and higher extractives data. Furthermore, regarding the characterization of the panels, there was a trend towards uniformity in the apparent density values, an increase in the properties of compact ratio, water absorption and thickness swelling, and a decrease in their mechanical properties associated with the increase in the by-product addition to the panels. Therefore, new studies are necessary, seeking a larger study and greater knowledge of the addition effects of bean residues in particulate panels, aiming the dissemination of this sustainable process on large scale

Vaginal sheets with Thymbra capitata essential oil for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis: design, characterization and in vitro evaluation of efficacy and safety

We aimed to incorporate Thymbra capitata essential oil (TCEO), a potent antimicrobial natural product against bacterial vaginosis (BV)-related bacteria, in a suitable drug delivery system. We used vaginal sheets as dosage form to promote immediate relief of the typical abundant vaginal discharge with unpleasant odour. Excipients were selected to promote the healthy vaginal environment reestablishment and bioadhesion of formulations, while the TCEO acts directly on BV pathogens. We characterized vaginal sheets with TCEO in regard to technological characterization, predictable in vivo performance, in vitro efficacy and safety. Vaginal sheet D.O (acid lactic buffer, gelatine, glycerine, chitosan coated with TCEO 1% w/w) presented a higher buffer capacity and ability to absorb vaginal fluid simulant (VFS) among all vaginal sheets with EO, showing one of the most promising bioadhesive profiles, an excellent flexibility and structure that allow it to be easily rolled for application. Vaginal sheet D.O with 0.32 µL/mL TCEO was able to significantly reduce the bacterial load of all in vitro tested Gardnerella species. Although vaginal sheet D.O presented toxicity at some concentrations, this product was developed for a short time period of treatment, so this toxicity can probably be limited or even reversed when the treatment ends.This work supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology within the research project PTDC/BIA-MIC/28271/2017 under the scope of COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01- 0145-FEDER-028271) including an individual scholarship and general funding. This work was also developed within the scope of the CICS-UBI projects UIDB/00709/2020 and UIDP/00709/2020, financed by national funds through the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology/MCTES.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Close phylogenetic relationship between Angolan and Romanian HIV-1 subtype F1 isolates

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Here, we investigated the phylogenetic relationships of the HIV-1 subtype F1 circulating in Angola with subtype F1 strains sampled worldwide and reconstructed the evolutionary history of this subtype in Central Africa.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Forty-six HIV-1-positive samples were collected in Angola in 2006 and subtyped at the <it>env</it>-gp41 region. Partial <it>env</it>-gp120 and <it>pol-RT </it>sequences and near full-length genomes from those <it>env</it>-gp41 subtype F1 samples were further generated. Phylogenetic analyses of partial and full-length subtype F1 strains isolated worldwide were carried out. The onset date of the subtype F1 epidemic in Central Africa was estimated using a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo approach.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Nine Angolan samples were classified as subtype F1 based on the analysis of the <it>env</it>-gp41 region. All nine Angolan sequences were also classified as subtype F1 in both <it>env-gp120 </it>and <it>pol-RT </it>genomic regions, and near full-length genome analysis of four of these samples confirmed their classification as "pure" subtype F1. Phylogenetic analyses of subtype F1 strains isolated worldwide revealed that isolates from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were the earliest branching lineages within the subtype F1 phylogeny. Most strains from Angola segregated in a monophyletic group together with Romanian sequences; whereas South American F1 sequences emerged as an independent cluster. The origin of the subtype F1 epidemic in Central African was estimated at 1958 (1934–1971).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>"Pure" subtype F1 strains are common in Angola and seem to be the result of a single founder event. Subtype F1 sequences from Angola are closely related to those described in Romania, and only distantly related to the subtype F1 lineage circulating in South America. Original diversification of subtype F1 probably occurred within the DRC around the late 1950s.</p

FATORES DE RISCO ASSOCIADOS AO DESENVOLVIMENTO DE INFECÇÕES EM PACIENTES COM PÉ DIABÉTICO

A diabetes é classificada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde em 4 subtipos naturalmente distintos, na prática clínica a diabetes mellitus assume-se a grande maioria sob a forma de diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) ou tipo 2 (DM2). Numa distinção simplista, a DM1 parece resultar de uma destruição da célula pancreática essencialmente na decorrência de fenómenos autoimunes, e a DM2 parece variar entre um estado de insulina-resistência predominante com défice insulínico relativo e um predomínio do defeito secretor com insulina-resistência associada. A classificação atual do DM é baseada na etiologia e não no tipo do tratamento. As classes clínicas de diabetes: O DM tipo 1, onde existe uma destruição das células β no pâncreas, que geralmente é levada a uma deficiência absoluta de insulina; e o DM tipo 2, que é resultante de um defeito secretor de insulina, ou as células receptoras de insulina não reconhecem esse hormônio; também existe a DM gestacional, que ocorre durante a gravidez; e outros tipos específicos de DM devido a outras causas como: defeitos genéticos na função das células β, defeitos genéticos na ação da insulina, doenças do pâncreas exócrino e o tipo induzido por drogas ou químicos. Com base na aplicação destes pressupostos, o diagnóstico de DM1 estabelece-se geralmente em doentes jovens, magros, com manifestações clínicas e analíticas compatíveis com insulinopenia, sendo confirmados pela presença de auto anticorpos antígenos específicos ou de determinados alelos do antígeno leucocitário humano (HLA). A DM2, normalmente diagnostica-se após exclusão de DM1 ou de outras causas determinantes de hiperglicemia, nomeadamente outras endocrinopatias. Diabetes do tipo 1 está estimado em cerca de 5% a 10% dos casos, ocorre com mais frequência em crianças e adolescentes, mas pode manifestar-se também em adultos, geralmente de forma mais traiçoeira. Pacientes como essa forma de diabetes necessariamente dependem da administração de insulina. Existe relação comprovada entre controle inadequado e tempo de evolução do diabetes tipo 1 com a assim chamada doença microvascular, caracterizada por retinopatia, neuropatia e neuropatia diabética. A DM tipo 2 é caracterizada por uma deficiência relativa de insulina e é o tipo mais prevalente, em torno de 90%. Seu desenvolvimento se dá por causa da incapacidade da célula beta em responder à crescente demanda periférica de insulina. Embora, ainda não haja cura para a doença, seu controle é possível e vigorosamente recomendado. Para a população diabética, as atividades de autocuidado associadas ao controle glicêmico ajudam a prevenir complicações, e mortalidade relacionadas ao diabetes. As condutas mais empregadas são a avaliação precoce, o controle de fatores de risco glicêmico e cardiovascular, orientação nutricional e controle alimentar, hábitos de vida saudável

‘People lie’: overcoming obstacles to incorporate social science research to biodiversity conservation

Mesmo com o reconhecimento da importância da interdisciplinaridade na conservação da biodiversidade, ainda há resistência em incorporar a pesquisa em ciências sociais (PCS) ao pensamento e à prática conservacionista. As razões para tal resistência podem ser resumidas em três afirmações gerais ainda comumente atribuídas à PCS: 'tem pouca utilidade' e 'menos rigor metodológico' quando comparada à pesquisa em ciências naturais e, sobretudo, é pouco confiável porque 'as pessoas mentem'. Neste ensaio, desenvolvido a partir da experiência dos participantes de uma comunidade de prática, formada por profissionais de diversas áreas e setores relacionados à conservação, e das discussões geradas nesse espaço de aprendizado coletivo, abordamos as limitações e os equívocos por trás das afirmações acima. A PCS não é menos útil na conservação e nem tem menos rigor metodológico do que a pesquisa em ciências naturais, e quando as pessoas mentem para o pesquisador o problema não está na pesquisa em si, mas na relação entre sujeito e pesquisador. Argumentamos que à medida que os conservacionistas se familiarizam com a PCS e que os princípios de equidade e justiça são incorporados aos valores e objetivos da conservação, a importância e necessidade da PCS na conservação tornam-se óbvias, e a falta de confiança entre pesquisador e sujeitos deixa de ser uma preocupação significativa. Capacitar, integrar e apoiar são nossas recomendações básicas para pesquisadores, educadores, gestores e tomadores de decisão nas áreas de conservação, ensino, publicação e financiamento, para que a PCS cumpra plenamente seu papel na conservação.Despite the acknowledged importance of interdisciplinarity in biodiversity conservation, there is still resistance to incorporate social science research (SSR) to both conservationist thinking and practice. The reasons for such a resistance can be summarized in three general statements still commonly attributed to SSR, namely: it is of 'little use' and it has 'less methodological rigor' than research in the natural sciences and, above all, it is unreliable because 'people lie'. The current essay was developed based on the experience of participants of a community of practice (formed by professionals from different fields and sectors  associated with conservation), as well as on discussions held in this space of collective learning. It addresses the limitations and misconceptions behind the aforementioned statements. SSR is not less useful in conservation and not less methodologically rigorous than research conducted in the natural sciences. When researchers are lied to, the problem does not lie on the research itself, but on the subject-researcher relationship. We herein argue that as conservationists become more familiar with SSR, and as principles like equity and justice are incorporated to conservation values and goals, both the importance and need of SSR in conservation become obvious, making the lack of trust between researcher and subjects no longer a significant concern. Increasing capacity, integrating and supporting are our basic recommendations for researchers, educators, managers and decision-makers in the conservation, teaching, publishing and funding fields, so that SSR can fully fulfill its role in conservation