Gestão de recursos humanos no Hotel Faro: satisfação profissional dos colaboradores

A principal atividade económica do Algarve é o setor turístico, no qual a indústria hoteleira tem grande expressão e absorve bastante da mão-de-obra. Este mercado tem vindo a crescer cada vez mais e, por isso, o panorama regional é marcado por uma competição bem acentuada. Face à forte concorrência as organizações turísticas enfrentam um grande desafio para alcançar o sucesso e a sobrevivência das mesmas. A solução para este problema não passa somente por oferecer produtos únicos e modernos que acompanhem as tendências internacionais. É fundamental apostar no bem mais preciso das empresas: o capital humano. Os recursos humanos são um investimento fonte de vantagem competitiva e um fator diferenciador. Atualmente, as práticas de Gestão de Recursos Humanos visam o enquadramento dos indivíduos na estratégia empresarial, assim como alinhar os objetivos pessoais aos organizacionais. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar as principais atividades desenvolvidas ao longo do estágio curricular no Hotel Faro. Visa também estudar as variáveis de satisfação laboral, burnout e os conflitos trabalho-família e família-trabalho dos colaboradores desta unidade hoteleira. De um modo geral, os trabalhadores encontram-se satisfeitos e apresentam baixos níveis de burnout e de conflito no trabalho e na família. Os resultados mostraram diferenças significativas entre géneros, estado civil e nas pessoas que trabalham na linha da frente em contacto com o público. O estudo destas componentes deve ser analisado periodicamente pelos gestores de recursos humanos, de modo a promover o bem-estar e qualidade de vida laboral dos trabalhadores. Saliente-se que colaboradores felizes e satisfeitos são meio caminho para a satisfação do cliente

Pectinases e alta pressão : aplicação ao controlo de qualidade dos sumos

Tese de mestrado, Controlo de Qualidade e Toxicologia dos Alimentos, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia, 2013As pectinases são enzimas que degradam substâncias pécticas e, são amplamente utilizadas pelas indústrias de sumos e bebidas para melhor a qualidade do processo e do produto. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a ação conjugada de pectinases e da tecnologia de alta pressão no tratamento de sumos e, aliar a estes dois processos a pasteurização, de forma a obter um sumo clarificado e isento de microrganismos. Foram selecionadas para este estudo as pectinases de Aspergillus aculeatus e Aspergillus niger. A avaliação da atividade destas enzimas foi efetuada recorrendo ao método DNS, que consiste na determinação da concentração de glucose, derivada da degradação da pectina pois, uma unidade de glucose corresponde a uma unidade de ácido galacturónico. As enzimas foram imobilizadas pelo método de inclusão, usando como suporte o quitosano. Tanto a imobilização como o processamento a alta pressão mostraram ser eficazes na proteção destas enzimas a temperaturas elevadas. Contudo, no sumo, a temperatura elevada provocou uma diminuição da atividade das enzimas, impossibilitando a realização da pasteurização em simultâneo com os tratamentos enzimático e a alta pressão. Os melhores resultados no sumo foram obtidos a 45 oC e à pressão de 200 MPa. De ambas as pectinases, a pectinase de Aspergillus aculeatus mostrou ser mais eficaz na clarificação do sumo, apresentando uma atividade superior à pectinase de Aspergillus niger.Pectinases are enzymes that degrade pectic substances and are widely used in juice and fruit beverages to improve the quality of the process and the product. The objective of this study was study the conjugated action of pectinases and high pressure technology on juice treatment, and combine pasteurization with these two processes, in order to obtain a clarified juice and free of microorganisms. We selected for this study pectinases from Aspergillus aculeatus and Aspergilllus niger. The evaluation of the activity of these enzymes was performed using the DNS method, which consists in determining the glucose concentration derived from the degradation of pectin because one unit of glucose corresponds to a unit of galacturonic acid. Enzymes were immobilized by the inclusion method, using the chitosan as a support. Both immobilization as processing high pressure shown be effective in protecting these enzymes at high temperatures. However, on juice, the high temperature caused a decrease in the activity of enzymes, excluding the achievement of pasteurisation simultaneously with enzymatic treatments and the high pressure. The better results at juice, were obtained to 45 oC and 200 MPa of pressure. Of both pectinases, pectinase from Aspergillus aculeatus shown be most effective in clarifying juice, presenting an activity higher than pectinase from Aspergillus niger

Tribological behavior of TiO2 PEEK composite and stainless steel for pediatric crowns

Dental decay still presents a major health problem among children. Its treatment usually requires the use of stainless steel crowns. This study compares the wear behavior of 316 L stainless steel and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite under identical test conditions. The wear tests were conducted in a reciprocating ball-on-plate tribometer (Plint TE67/R) using alumina balls as a counterface and artificial saliva as a lubricant at 37 °C to faithfully mimic oral conditions. The coefficient of friction (COF) and specific wear rate (k) values were determined and SEM/EDS examinations were performed to identify the predominant wear mechanisms. Results showed that PEEK exhibited a significantly lower coefficient of friction (COF = 0.094 ± 0.004) and thus lower wear volume (ΔV = 0.0078 ± 0.0125 mm3) and higher wear resistance, with an average value of specific wear rate of k = 9.07 × 10−6 mm3N−1m−1 when compared to stainless steel (COF = 0.32 ± 0.03, ΔV = 0.0125 ± 0.0029 mm3, k = 1.45 × 10−5 mm3N−1m−1). PEEK was revealed to be a potential material for use in pediatric crowns due to its high wear resistance while overcoming the disadvantages associated with steel at both an aesthetic and biological level.This research was funded by FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia) through projects UIDB/04436/2020, UIDP/04436/2020, and UIDB/00285/2020

Modification of Zirconia implant surfaces by Nd:YAG laser grooves: does it change cell behavior?

The aim of this study was to evaluate gingival fibroblasts and human osteoblasts’ response to textured Nd:YAG laser microgrooves, with different dimensions, on zirconia implant surfaces. A total of 60 zirconia disks (8 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) were produced and divided between four study groups (N = 15): three laser-textured (widths between 125.07 ± 5.29 μm and 45.36 ± 2.37 μm and depth values from 50.54 ± 2.48 μm to 23.01 ± 3.79 μm) and a control group without laser treatment. Human osteoblasts and gingival fibroblasts were cultured on these surfaces for 14 days. FEG-SEM (Field Emission Gun–Scanning Electron Microscope) images showed cellular adhesion at 24 h, with comparable morphology in all samples for both cell types. A similar cell spreading within the grooves and in the space between them was observed. Cell viability increased over time in all study groups; however, no differences were found between them. Additionally, proliferation, ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) activity, collagen type I, osteopontin and interleukin levels were not significantly different between any of the study groups for any of the cell types. Analysis of variance to compare parameters effect did not reveal statistically significant differences when comparing all groups in the different tests performed. The results obtained revealed similar cell behavior based on cell viability and differentiation on different microtopographic laser grooves, compared to a microtopography only established by sandblasting and acid-etching protocol, the reference surface treatment on zirconia dental implants.This work was endorsed by FCT project POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030498—Portugal, by FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020—Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização and ImpHib—Development of advanced Hybrid Implants—NORTE-01-0247-FEDER-034074

Prognostic factors for early relapse in non-metastatic triple negative breast cancer — real world data

BACKGROUND: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has the worst prognosis amongst all subtypes. Studies have shown that the achievement of pathologic complete response in the breast and axilla correlates with improved survival. The aim of this study was to identify clinical or pathological features of real-life TNBC patients with a higher risk of early relapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-centre retrospective analysis of 127 women with TNBC, stage II-III, submitted to neoadjuvant treatment and surgery between January 2016 and 2020. Multivariate Cox regression analysis for disease free survival (DFS) at 2 years was performed and statistically significant variables were computed into a prognostic model for early relapse. RESULTS: After 29 months of median follow-up, 105 patients (82.7%) were alive and, in total, 38 patients (29.9%) experienced recurrence. The 2-year DFS was 73% (95% CI: 21.3–22.7). In multivariate analysis, being submitted to neoadjuvant radiotherapy [HR 2.8 (95% CI: 1.2–6.4), p = 0.017] and not achieving pathologic complete response [HR 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1–1.7), p = 0.011] were associated with higher risk of recurrence. In our prognostic model, the presence of at least one of these variables defined a subgroup of patients with a worse 2-year DFS than those without these features (59% vs. 90%, p < 0.001, respectively).  CONCLUSIONS: In this real-life non-metastatic TNBC cohort, neoadjuvant radiotherapy (performed due to insufficient clinical response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy or significant toxicity) impacted as an independent prognostic factor for relapse along with the absence of pathologic complete response identifying a subgroup of higher risk patients for early relapse that might merit a closer follow-up

Public Art Journal

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

going beyond BASDAI

This work was supported by a Research Grant from the InvestigatorInitiated Studies program of Merck Sharp & Dohme (Grant No. 56078). The sponsor did not interfere with the study question, analysis or interpretation of results. AS is supported by a doctoral grant from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (Foundation for Science and Technology) (SFRH/BD/108246/2015).OBJECTIVES: To compare definitions of high disease activity of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) in selecting patients for treatment with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). METHODS: Patients from Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Register (Reuma.pt) with a clinical diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) were included. Four subgroups (cross-tabulation between ASDAS (≥2.1) and BASDAI (≥4) definitions of high disease activity) were compared regarding baseline characteristics and response to bDMARDs at 3 and 6 months estimated in multivariable regression models. RESULTS: Of the 594 patients included, the majority (82%) had both BASDAI≥4 and ASDAS ≥2.1. The frequency of ASDAS ≥2.1, if BASDAI<4 was much larger than the opposite (ie, ASDAS <2.1, if BASDAI≥4): 62% vs 0.8%. Compared to patients fulfilling both definitions, those with ASDAS ≥2.1 only were more likely to be male (77% vs 51%), human leucocyte antigen B27 positive (79% vs 65%) and have a higher C reactive protein (2.9 (SD 3.5) vs 2.1 (2.9)). Among bDMARD-treated patients (n=359), responses across subgroups were globally overlapping, except for the most 'stringent' outcomes. Patients captured only by ASDAS responded better compared to patients fulfilling both definitions (eg, ASDAS inactive disease at 3 months: 61% vs 25% and at 6 months: 42% vs 25%). CONCLUSION: The ASDAS definition of high disease activity is more inclusive than the BASDAI definition in selecting patients with axSpA for bDMARD treatment. The additionally 'captured' patients respond better and have higher likelihood of predictors thereof. These results support using ASDAS≥2.1 as a criterion for treatment decisions.publishersversionpublishe

Arbustus unedo essence: morphological and genetic characterization of the strawberry tree of Castelo de Paiva

O medronheiro é um arbusto da região mediterrânica que pode ser encontrada por todo o país. Ao contrário do que verifica na região sul do país, no concelho de Castelo de Paiva é atribuída uma reduzida importância económica a esta espécie. Com o intuito de preservar e potenciar a produção desta espécie e contribuir para a dinamização da economia do concelho, procedeu-se à caracterização morfológica e genética de uma amostra da população de medronheiros de Castelo de Paiva. A caracterização morfológica e genética foi realizada para um total de 10 genótipos. Para tal recolheram-se 70 folhas aleatoriamente em cada árvore. Em 40 folhas mediu-se o comprimento, largura, comprimento do pedúnculo, peso fresco, peso seco e determinou-se a área foliar. Dos caracteres morfológicos analisados, aqueles que se revelaram mais úteis na distinção dos vários genótipos foram: comprimento do pedúnculo, peso fresco e peso seco. As restantes 30 folhas foram utilizadas para a caracterização genética. Esta caracterização foi realizada recorrendo a um marcador de DNA, ISSR. Os 5 primeiros exemplaresutilizados na técnica de ISSR demonstraram-se polimórficos. Os resultados da caracterização genética sugerem que a variabilidade genética na população é média a alta.The strawberry tree is a shrub native in the Mediterranean region and it can be found throughout Portugal. Unlike the case in the southern region of the country, in Castelo de Paiva a minor economic importance is given to this species. In order to preserve, to enhance the production of this species and to contribute to the boosting of the economy of the region, we proceeded to the characterization of a small sample population of this fruit tree of Castelo de Paiva in what concerns to its morphology and genetics. The morphological and genetic characterization was performed for a total of 10 genotypes. For this, 70 leaves were randomly collected from each tree. For 40 leaves, it was measured the length, the width, the peduncle length, the wet weight, the dry weight and determined the leaf area. Of the morphological characteristics analyzed, the ones that proved most useful in distinguishing the various genotypes were: the length peduncle, the wet weight and the dry weight. The remaining 30 leaves were used in the genetic characterization. This characterization was performed using a DNA marker, the ISSR. The 5 primers used in the ISSR technique proved to be polymorphic. The results from the genetic characterization suggest that variability in population genetics is medium to high

O papel das crenças sobre o envelhecimento na autoeficácia, bem-estar e autonomia dos idosos

Tese de mestrado, Psicologia (Secção de Psicologia da Educação e da Orientação), Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Psicologia, 2013O modo como se envelhece é uma questão muito atual devido ao aumento da esperança média de vida e dos custos associados a este fenómeno. Os estereótipos, autoestereótipos e autoeficácia são aspetos relevantes para o bem-estar e autonomia dos idosos quando se fala de envelhecimento ativo. Assim, neste trabalho verificou-se o efeito de crenças acerca do envelhecimento (autoestereótipos) no bem-estar e na autonomia de 82 idosos, testando esta relação através da autoeficácia. Foram também questionados 76 cuidadores/familiares próximos acerca dos seus estereótipos sobre o envelhecimento e verificado o impacto destes no bem-estar e autonomia dos idosos, através de relações de moderação. Estes dados foram recolhidos através de questionários. Os resultados revelaram que os autoestereótipos fortalecem a autoeficácia dos idosos e esta fortalece tanto o seu sentimento de bem-estar como de autonomia. Os estereótipos de cuidadores/familiares próximos mostraram também ter um impacto na relação entre autoeficácia e autonomia dos idosos, em particular para os idosos com baixo nível de autoeficácia, ainda que esta relação não tenha sido encontrada para o bem-estar. As crenças positivas que os idosos têm sobre a velhice são fulcrais para o envelhecimento satisfatório, uma vez que se relacionam com a autoeficácia, bem-estar e autonomia. As crenças negativas por parte dos cuidadores poderão levar a um apoio social menos eficaz, especialmente quando os idosos têm uma baixa perceção de autoeficácia. Pelo contrário, as crenças positivas poderão contribuir para a autonomia de idosos com baixa autoeficácia, através de apoio social promotor da autodeterminação dos idosos.Due to the costs associated with the increase of life expectancy, the way people grow old became a current issue. When it comes to active ageing, stereotypes, self-stereotypes and self-efficacy are relevant aspects to the well-being and autonomy of the elderly. Therefore, in this research the effect of the ageing beliefs (self-stereotypes) in the well-being and autonomy was examined in a sample of 82 elderly, through the mediation of self-efficacy. Also 76 caregivers/close relatives were questioned about their stereotypes on ageing and these were analyzed through moderation of the relationship between self-efficacy and well-being/autonomy. The data was collect through questionnaires. The results revealed that the self-stereotypes of the elderly strengthen their self-efficacy, hence, strengthening the sense of well-being and autonomy as well. The stereotypes of the caregivers/close relatives did not reveal any impact in the relationship between self-efficacy and well-being, but they reveled a significant impact in the relationship between self-efficacy and autonomy, particularly for those who have low self-efficacy. The positive beliefs on ageing held by the elderly are vital to successful ageing, once they are associated with self-efficacy, well-being and autonomy. The negative beliefs held by the caregivers/close relatives might lead to ineffective social support, especially when the elderly have a sense of low self-efficacy. Otherwise, the positive beliefs may contribute to the autonomy of the elderly who have low self-efficacy, through social support that promotes the self-determination of the elderly