Entrepreneurship performance and influencing factors in the EU

Entrepreneurship is a driver of economic development, but also it is essential to consider the conditions which endorse remarkable changes in society. Therefore, the present study covers the literature gap by exploring the enhancing factors on entrepreneurship performance. Accordingly, to understand this matter, we aim to test the relationship between economic, social, governmental and innovative conditions and entrepreneurship performance, opportunity and necessity entrepreneurship. The research considers a sample of 21 European Union (EU) countries over the period 2003- 2018. For the methodology followed, a descriptive and quantitative analysis was conducted, which collected from the literature review and statistical databases, such as GEM, The World Bank, and Eurostat. Thus, we have applied the following statistical analysis: descriptive, ANOVA, correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. The results obtained have demonstrated an increase and significant relationship of entrepreneurial performance after the 2008 crisis. Additionally, economic, social, governmental and innovative conditions have generally had a negative impact on TEA, compared to a positive on necessity and opportunity entrepreneurship. There is a negative and significant effect between financial environment, population, governmental expenditures, innovation and entrepreneurship performance. A positive and significant relationship was identified between GDP, unemployment, macroeconomic environment, financial environment, age, population and necessity entrepreneurship. Likewise, there was a positive and significant impact between GDP, age and opportunity entrepreneurship. To sum up, this study completes the literature through the analysis of the influencing factors on entrepreneurship performance and both motivations on a sample of 21 EU countries, during a period of sixteen years.O empreendedorismo é um impulsionador de desenvolvimento económico. Assim, é de igual importância considerarem-se as condições que estimulam a sociedade. Desta forma, o estudo apresentado preenche a lacuna da literatura, com a investigação dos fatores influentes no desempenho do empreendedorismo. Pretende-se assim testar a relação existente entre condições económicas, sociais, governamentais, inovadoras e o desempenho do empreendedorismo, empreendedorismo por oportunidade e necessidade. A presente pesquisa considera uma amostra de 21 países da União Europeia (UE) no período de 2003-2018. A metodologia comtemplou uma análise descritiva e quantitativa, baseada na coleta de dados, pela revisão de literatura e por bases de dados estatísticos, como GEM, Banco Mundial e Eurostat. Posteriormente, foram realizadas as seguintes análises estatísticas: descritiva, ANOVA, correlação e regressão linear múltipla. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram um aumento significativo no desempenho do empreendedorismo após a crise de 2008. Complementarmente, as condições económicas, sociais, governamentais e inovadoras obtiveram maioritariamente um impacto negativo no TEA, comparativamente a um efeito positivo e significativo no empreendedorismo por necessidade e oportunidade. Há um efeito negativo e significativo entre ambiente financeiro, população, gastos governamentais, inovação e o desempenho do empreendedorismo. Identificaram-se relações positivas e significativas entre PIB, desemprego, ambiente macroeconómico, ambiente financeiro, idade, população e empreendedorismo por necessidade. Ademais, há um impacto positivo e significativo entre PIB, idade e empreendedorismo por oportunidade. Em suma, este estudo complementa a literatura através da análise dos fatores que influenciam o desempenho do empreendedorismo e as suas motivações numa amostra de 21 países da UE, num período de dezasseis anos

Micro, macro and mega-influencers on instagram: The power of persuasion via the parasocial relationship

This study analyzes the effect of the parasocial relationship on the audience's intention to adopt the recom-mendations of micro, macro and mega-influencers, considering the number of followers, perceived popularity and opinion leadership. A sample of 140 Portuguese social media influencers (SMIs) was classified into micro, macro or mega-influencers. 577 valid responses to a questionnaire were analyzed using Andrew Hayes' macro PROCESS for SPSS. The findings suggest that the indirect effect between the number of followers and the intention to adopt SMIs' recommendations is mediated by the perceived popularity and opinion leadership, and are moderated by the parasocial relationship. Significant differences are found between micro, macro and mega-influencers in terms of credibility, attractiveness and established relationship. The categorization into micro, macro and mega-influencers is adapted to the context of a small country. This paper provides relevant infor-mation on the process of SMI selection.- (undefined

The relationship between motor coordination and executive functions in 4th grade children

In the last decades, there has been a declining trend in different components of children’s motor capabilities and an increasing concern with cognitive skills, but the relationship between motor and cognitive domains remains uncertain. In this study, we aimed to (1) analyse the relationship between motor coordination (MC) and executive functioning, (2) verify the role of processing speed in this relationship and (3) examine the interaction between MC and task complexity. Ninety-six healthy 9- to 11-year-old were evaluated using the Kõrperkoordination Test für Kinder and the planning scale of the Cognitive Assessment System. The results showed moderate associations between the global composite of MC and executive functioning; however, it seems that processing speed plays an important role in this association. The results also show that children with high MC have better cognitive performances particularly in tasks with higher complexity.4811-99FE-2ECD | Luis Paulo Rodriguesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Practice of Physical Activity After Breast Cancer Treatments: A Qualitative Study Among Portuguese Women

This work received national funding from FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P, through the Research Center for Psychological Science of the Faculty of Psychology, University of Lisbon (UIDB/04527/2020 and UIDP/04527/2020).Background: Women survivors of breast cancer treatments face significant challenges around initiation or maintenance of physical activity (PA) as they transit to recovery. Embracing their needs and preferences is important to increase adherence. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of Portuguese women survivors of breast cancer regarding regular performance of PA and individual choices and strategies that should be considered in designing effective interventions. Methods: The individual semi-structured interviews (N = 20) were analyzed through thematic analysis, following an inductive process, seeking to identify the barriers, facilitators, and particular influencing circumstances associated with regular PA. Results: Four themes and several contextual, emotional, physical, and social factors were identified as determinants of regular PA. Guilt, women’s duties, and altruism to help close relatives were identified as emotional and cultural factors that are less-found in the existing literature. PA showed influence both from health professionals’ counseling and from knowledge and beliefs held by these women. Conclusion: While confirming the already-known impact of breast cancer diagnosis and treatments on PA, which redefine participants’ availability to be active, the findings highlight beliefs and specific emotional factors that should be considered when planning culturally sensitive interventions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Characterization of starch amorphous solid dispersions manufactured via hot-melt extrusion by calorimetry and diffractometry

Trabalho Final de Mestrado Integrado, Ciências Farmacêuticas, 2020, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia.Uma tarefa desafiadora para a indústria farmacêutica tem sido a melhoria da solubilidade de fármacos pouco solúveis em água. A produção de dispersões sólidas amorfas constitui uma das estratégias mais promissoras para aumentar a solubilidade, velocidade de libertação e biodisponibilidade destes fármacos. Este estudo propõe a produção de dispersões sólidas amorfas com fármacos de classe II do Sistema de Classificação Biofarmacêutica, através da extrusão a quente, tecnologia que permite o aumento da solubilidade em água, usando um polímero natural e biodegradável, o amido. Os fármacos em estudo, Ibuprofeno e Carbamazepina, classificados como fármacos de classe II (baixa solubilidade e elevada permeabilidade), foram formulados com amido de milho e amido de milho glutinoso. O amido é constituído por dois biopolímeros, amilose, uma macromolécula linear, e amilopectina, uma macromolécula altamente ramificada. O Ibuprofeno e a água foram usados pelos seus efeitos plastificantes. Primeiro, a mistura das formulações foi feita num misturador de tambor. A calorimetria diferencial de varrimento foi usada para determinar a temperatura de transição vítrea dos amidos. Durante a extrusão, a água foi adicionada ao extrusor de duplo parafuso co-rotativo através de uma bomba. Depois, as amostras foram secadas em estufa a 40°C durante ±12h e a moagem foi feita em almofariz e num moinho de bolas. Apresenta-se uma visão geral dos métodos de caracterização, a Calorimetria diferencial de varrimento e a Difração de Raios-X, para uma melhor compreensão das dispersões sólidas à base de amido. Os dados apresentados sugerem que a maiores rotações e com mais água, os produtos extrudados tornaram-se mais amorfos. Visualmente, a maioria das amostras exibia uma cor branca opaca homogénea, característica de um material cristalino. Os resultados da difratometria das dispersões sólidas de Ibuprofeno e Carbamazepina indicam que permaneceram na sua forma cristalina. Os termogramas, que exibem um pico endotérmico, indicam de que o Ibuprofeno permaneceu cristalino. Este trabalho permitiu uma melhor compreensão do processo de extrusão a quente, dos métodos de caracterização do estado sólido e do comportamento de amido extrudado com fármacos. Comparando os dois tipos de amidos, o amido de milho revelou-se uma melhor escolha para a produção de dispersões sólidas amorfas.A challenging task for the pharmaceutical industry remains the effort to improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. The production of amorphous solid dispersions is one of the most promising strategies to enhance the drug release rate and bioavailability of these active pharmaceutical ingredients. The current study explored the production of amorphous solid dispersions with Biopharmaceutical Classification System class II drugs via hot-melt extrusion, an aqueoussolubility enhancement technology, using a natural and eco-friendly polymer such as starch. As model drugs, Ibuprofen and Carbamazepine, categorized as class II drugs (low solubility, high permeability) were formulated with two different starch types, Maize Corn Starch and Waxy Corn Starch. Starch is made of two biopolymers, amylose, a linear macromolecule, and the highly branched amylopectin. Ibuprofen and the addiction of water had plasticizing effects. Prior to extrusion, the physical mixtures were mixed in a tumble blender and Differential Scanning Calorimetry was used to assess the glass transition temperature of both starches. During the extrusion, water was fed into the co-rotating twin-screw with a pump. Then, the samples were dried in an oven at 40°C for ±12h, and grinding was performed through hand grinding and a ball mill. An overview of the solid-state characterization methods, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and X-Ray Powder Diffraction, is put together for a better comprehension of the extrudates’ solid-state. The data presented suggest that at a higher rotation and with more water, the extrudates became more amorphous. The visual evaluation shows most samples exhibited a white opaque homogeneous colour, characteristic of a crystalline material. The diffractograms showed that Ibuprofen and Carbamazepine were embedded in the starch matrix in their crystalline form. The thermograms of Ibuprofen solid dispersions exhibited a single sharp endothermic peak, indicating that the drug remained crystalline. This work allowed for a better insight into the hot-melt extrusion process, the characterization methods and further understanding of the thermodynamic behaviour of hotmelt extruded starches with incorporated drugs. Comparing both starches, Maize Corn Starch revealed itself a better choice to produce amorphous solid dispersions.Com o patrocínio do Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Bonn, German

A fertile ground for ambiguities: casual sexual relationships among Portuguese emerging adults

Casual sexual relationships (CSRs) are frequent relationship experiences in young adulthood that provide opportunities for many to explore sexual relationships and to construct their sexual identity. Empirical research on casual sex is still lacking outside North-American countries, despite evidence pointing to the need to contextualize sexual interactions in their own sociocultural context. In order to better understand casual sexual relationships, these should be examined in with novel samples in other countries where a “hookup culture” as it is described in the North-American university campus is apparently absent. Through a qualitative study, we explored what casual sexual relationships consist of according to the perceptions of Portuguese college students (N = 35). The thematic analysis of eight focus group interviews resulted in the generation of six themes, three of which are presented here: (1) What CSRs are, regarding features and types of CSRs, (2) Why individuals engage in CSRs, focusing on positive and negative motivations, and (3) What one gets from CSRs, focusing on positive and negative outcomes of CSRs. Our findings showed that Portuguese emerging adults are familiarized with CSRs, particularly with one-night stand, friends with benefits and “curte”/hookup. Sexual interactions associated with other CSRs, such as booty call or fuck buddies, were mentioned but rarely associated with a distinctive label and established characteristics. Participants described the CSRs in a partially overlapping manner presenting some areas of ambiguity, such as with regard to sexual exclusivity and still-unlabeled sexual interactions. CSRs are generally evaluated as positively motivated and mainly beneficial. This study adds to the literature around casual sexual relationships by exploring and describing CSRs in a different sociocultural context, as well as indicating directions for future research in order to better prepare and empower young adults in their sexual and relational trajectories.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

THE EVALUATION OF MOTOR COMPETENCE IN TYPICALLY DEVELOPING CHILDREN: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

The development of motor competence (MC) is essential in childhood. In this respect, previous studies have found several positive associations of the MC with physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical fitness, and perceived physical competence, as well as an inverse association with weight status. The lack of MC during this stage might, therefore, compromise the future adoption of active and healthier lifestyles. This review aimed at listing and examining the different instruments that have been used to evaluate MC in typically developing children, pointing the weakness and strengths from the perspective of Physical Education (PE) teachers. A systematic search of six electronic databases was conducted. Research designs included cross-sectional, longitudinal or experimental/quasi-experimental. Forty-two articles were identified according to the inclusion criteria. A preference for quantitative measures (21 studies) was verified comparatively to a more qualitative approach (13 studies), although eight studies used both measures. Additionally, we have found that 34 studies used standardized protocol tests and eight studies used protocols developed by the authors. In general the protocols exhibited some strong points, however several presented weaknesses that can limit their application in PE classes, such as the excessive amount of time required, the large number of tasks, the ceiling or floor effects, and the fact that not all MC components are simultaneously evaluated. Different instruments and methodologies have been used to evaluate MC. Finally, a quantitative standardized protocol test is suggested, with proper reliability and validity, which can be used by physical education professional

Link between Motor Competence and Health Related Fitness in Children and Adolescents

This study examined motor competence (MC) behavior in 6- to 14-year-old children, and investigated the differences in health-related fitness (HRF) between high and low MC groups, according to sex and age. A sample of 564 children (288 males) participated in this study, divided into three age groups (6?8 years; 9?11 years; 12?14 years). Total MC and its three components (stability, locomotor, and manipulative) were assessed with a quantitative instrument. HRF was evaluated using a maximal multistage 20-m shuttle-run test and the handgrip test. Participants were divided into tertiles according to their MC level and high and low MC groups were analyzed. Overall, MC increased across age groups for both sexes, but boys presented better results than girls. The high MC group outperformed their low MC peers in all HRF variables, independent of their age group. Although cardiovascular fitness increased with age for both the high and low MC groups, the differences between these groups were greater in older children compared to younger children, within the study age range. The findings suggest that MC interventions should be considered as an important strategy to enhance HRF, and girls at a young age should be a priority target.4811-99FE-2ECD | Luis Paulo Rodriguesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Still Striving After All These Years: Between Normality of Conduct and Normativity of Evaluation in Casual Relationships among College Students

This work was supported by the Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT), under Grant (number PTDC/PSI-GER/28530/2017). This work received national funding from FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P, through the Research Center for Psychological Science of the Faculty of Psychology, University of Lisbon (UIDB/04527/2020; UIDP/04527/2020).Gender similarities have been detected in various sexual behaviors and attitudes in young adults, but persistent diferences remain regarding casual sexual relationships (CSRs), with women feeling diferent external pressures than men. We set out to study the spontaneous references made to gender similarities and diferences towards CSRs in eight focus group interviews (N=35 college-students, aged 18–28) about the characteristics of CSRs within a social-role framework. The thematic analysis led us to the interpretation that there is an ongoing change in the acceptability of these relationships, leading to the emergence of a single sexual standard – mostly liberal, but at times also conservative. However, diferent expectations remain, derived from a deep-rooted traditional sexual double standard still perceived in society. Challenges to the unequal standards and social constraints in CSRs is desired by many women, defended by men, and admired in those women whose striving contributes to the normalization of this conduct and of how it is evaluated.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Energetics and thermal adaptation in semifossorial pine-voles Microtus lusitanicus and Microtus duodecimcostatus

Acknowledgments are due for the financial support to Centre for environment and marine studies (UID/AMB/50017-POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007638), to Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia through national funds (PIDDAC), and the co-funding by the FEDER, within the PT2020 Partnership Agreement and Compete 2020. RIM was supported by fellowship BPD/UI88/7346/2016 and JRS was supported by the 1000 talents program of the Chinese government. We thank the three anonymous referees for their valuable comments on this manuscript.Peer reviewedPostprin