Critical dialogues: slow readings of English literary texts

The reader will find gathered together in this volume a selection of articles and essays that have been separately published over the past three decades as a result of my teaching practice and research activity. In chronological terms, they span a period from 1985 until May 2008. These texts were chosen because they are considered to be representative of the type of work I usually do in my classes, undoubtedly as a result of my own academic background, based on a deliberate and specific form of approach to literary texts, my own choice of English authors and, lastly, my most recent interest in inter-art studies.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologi

Análise de estabilidade do talude do Salto do Fojo com recurso a métodos determinísticos

Dissertação de Mestrado, Geologia do Ambiente e Sociedade, 20 de Outubro de 2015, Universidade dos Açores.[...]. Com base no trabalho de campo efetuado e na leitura de trabalhos foi definida uma escala estratigráfica geral para o talude do Salto do Fojo baseada na identificação de cinco camadas geológicas principais: A - constituída por material pomítico de queda intercalado com níveis com elevada concentração de líticos; B - constituída por um ignimbrito; C - constituída por uma escoada lávica basáltica; D - constituída por um ignimbrito; e E - composta por material pomítico de queda, com níveis de intercalação entre lapilli e cinzas, caraterísticos das erupções mais recentes do Vulcão das Furnas. A aplicação de métodos de base física no domínio da previsão de movimentos de vertente, nomeadamente através da articulação de modelos geotécnicos, deve ser suportada pelo estudo exaustivo e rigoroso dos parâmetros geotécnicos. Neste trabalho, foi realizada a caracterização geotécnica das cinco camadas geológicas constituintes do Salto do Fojo, cujos resultados foram incorporados na análise de estabilidade clássica, recorrendo a modelos de estabilidade. [...].ABSTRACT: [...]. The conducted fieldwork and reading the works of Guest et. al. (1999) and Moore (1990) allowed to define a general stratigraphic scale for the Salto do Fojo based on the identification of five main geological layers, from bottom to top: A layer consisting of pumice material fall with intercalated with levels with a high concentration of lytic; Layer B consisting of a ignimbrite; C layer consisting of a lava disposed basalt; Layer D, consisting of a ignimbrite; and Layer E, consisting of pumice material fall, with levels of collation between lapilli and ash. The application of basic physics methods in the prediction of landslides, must be supported by comprehensive and rigorous study of the geotechnical parameters. In this work, it was performed the geotechnical characterization of five geological constituents do Salto do Fojo, whose results were incorporated into the classical stability analysis, using stability models. [...]

Equity valuation of Ibersol SGPS, SA

The aim of the present project is to make a reliable valuation of a listed company with the purpose of providing essential information for potential investors and achieving the target price of the company’s shares as of 31st December of 2019. The company chosen was Ibersol SGPS, S.A., that is a multi-brand group operating in the food service sector. The spread of COVID-19, declared by the World Health Organization as a global pandemic in 2020, deeply impacted the world economy and consumers’ habits. Therefore, the pandemic effect is also considered in this project. Between the models chosen to perform the valuation (DFC, Relative Valuation and EVA), the most accurate one is DFC as all the forecasts were produced considering the pandemic impact in the food service sector. At the end of the valuation, the result obtained was 5.80€, which would suggest a sell recommendation as the market reference value at 31 of December of 2019 was 8.00€. However, investors’ decision should also contemplate the speed of largescale vaccination and the good prospects of some sectors where Ibersol operates, such as delivery, take-away and drive services. Moreover, at the date of the end of this project, the company’ share price was around 5.76€, which suggests that the forecasts made in this project are in line with the current situation of Ibersol. Thus, the final recommendation for investors might change to from a Sell to a Hold.O objetivo principal do presente projeto é realizar uma avaliação fidedigna de uma empresa cotada em bolsa com o intuito de fornecer informação essencial a potenciais investidores e de obter o preço de mercado das ações com referência a 31 de dezembro de 2019. A empresa escolhida foi a Ibersol SGPS, S.A., um grupo multimarca que opera no setor da restauração. A propagação do COVID-19, declarada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde como pandemia global em 2020, teve um grande impacto na economia mundial e nos hábitos dos consumidores. Por estas razões, o efeito da pandemia também foi considerado neste projeto. Entre os modelos escolhidos para realizar a avaliação (DCF, Múltiplos e EVA), o mais indicado é o do DCF, uma vez que todas as previsões foram calculadas tendo em conta o impacto da pandemia no setor da restauração. No final da avaliação, o resultado obtido foi 5.80€, o que sugere uma recomendação de venda pois o valor de referência do mercado a 31 de dezembro de 2019 era 8.00€. Contudo, a decisão dos investidores deve também considerar a velocidade da vacinação em massa e as boas perspetivas de alguns setores em que a Ibersol opera, como por exemplo, os serviços de entregas, take-away e drive-through. Adicionalmente, à data do final deste projecto, o valor das ações da empresa rondava os 5.76€, indicando que as previsões efetuadas estão de acordo com a situação atual da Ibersol. Assim, a recomendação final para os investidores poderá ser de manter as ações ao invés de as vender

Ammonite-benthic Foraminifera turnovers across the Lower-Middle Jurassic transition in the Lusitanian Basin (Portugal)

This paper describes and characterises the co-occurrence of ammonite and benthic foraminiferal assemblages across the São Gião outcrop (Central Portugal), a reference section for the Lower-Middle Jurassic boundary in the Lusitanian Basin. The upper Toarcian-lower Aalenian marls and marly-limestones in this section provide a precise and detailed ammonite-based biostratigraphic zonation, with a mixed assemblage of northwest European and Mediterranean faunal elements, associated with benthic foraminifera assemblages with northern hemisphere affinities, both correlatable with the Aalenian GSSP at the Fuentelsaz section (Iberian Cordillera, Spain). A total of 447 well-preserved ammonite specimens and 13.116 foraminifera have been studied; no evidence was detected of any taphonomic processes that could have changed the original assemblages. From a biostratigraphic point of view, the ammonite record has enabled four biostratigraphic units to be recognised (the Mactra and Aalensis subzones of the Aalensis Biozone in the upper Toarcian, and the Opalinum and Comptum subzones of the Opalinum Biozone in the lower Aalenian). With regard to the benthic foraminifera, the taxa identified have enabled the Astacolus dorbignyi Zone and 11 bioevents to be identified, most of which representing local biostratigraphic proxies. However, the increase in the relative abundance of Lenticulina exgaleata Dieni from the upper part of the Opalinum Subzone to the lower part of the Comptum Subzone has a regional value. The constant and continuous ammonite record of northwest European taxa, together with typical Mediterranean taxa – namely Grammoceratinae – throughout the section, the high relative abundance of Miliolina representatives – generally interpreted as foraminifers typical of shallow waters – and the absence of foraminiferal forms typical of cool waters, do not support the inference of cool seawater temperatures attributed to the Early Aalenian, or the global character of the “Comptum cooling event”, at least with reference to the Lusitanian Basin

A communication plan for a portuguese luxury multibrand: Stivali

The emerging of new technologies, the evolution of society and the new digital world’s age, are some of the main recent factors that affect any kind of economic sector. The Luxury sector is now strongly influenced by these, and some changes in the nature of the business are already happening. Moreover, luxury brands are facing some challenges in the adaptation of their strategies to the rigorous customer’s motivations and expectations. Hereupon, the focus will be in developing an innovative and effective Communication Plan proposal for a Portuguese luxury multibrand - Stivali. The main goal of this project is to increase Stivali’s awareness and knowledge, and create long-term relationships with clients. Furthermore, the project had in consideration these new trends in marketing communications, but also concerned in maintaining the high and exclusive status a luxury company requires. The literature review is based on academic articles which embrace overall studies concerning with two main subjects: communications and luxury. An internal and external analysis was conducted, in order to understand better the industry and the company in study. In addition, it was done an investigation close to luxury consumers to have a proper knowledge on how customers interact with luxury brands. Finally, the activities developed throughout the communication plan took into account all the research findings and were carefully suggested to meet Stivali’s main goals.O aparecimento de novas tecnologias, a evolução da sociedade e a nova era do mundo digital, são alguns dos principais e recentes factores, que afetam qualquer tipo de setor económico. O luxo é hoje, fortemente influenciado por estes fatores, e algumas mudanças na natureza do negócio já começam a acontecer. Para além disso, as marcas de luxo enfrentam alguns desafios na adaptação das suas estratégias às exigências dos consumidores, relativamente às suas motivações e expectativas. Posto isto, o foco será no desenvolvimento de uma proposta de um plano de comunicação inovador e eficaz, para uma multimarca de luxo portuguesa – Stivali. O principal objectivo deste projeto é aumentar o conhecimento da Stivali junto dos consumidores, e construir relações duradouras com os mesmos. No entanto, todo o projeto teve em consideração as novas tendências na comunicação, mas também a preocupação em manter o estatuto exclusivo e de alto nivel, exigido pela empresa. A revisão de literatura é baseada em artigos académicos que englobam estudos sobre dois assuntos principais: comunicação e luxo. Foi realizada uma análise interna e externa, com o intuito de compreender melhor a indústria e a empresa em estudo. Seguidamente, foi realizada uma investigação a consumidores de luxo, para adquirir um conhecimento apropriado sobre de que forma os consumidores interagem com as marcas de luxo. Finalmente, as atividades desenvolvidas no plano de comunicação tiveram em conta os resultados da pesquisa e foram cuidadosamente sugeridas a fim de atingir os principais objetivos da Stivali

Educação ambiental: impacto na percepção e mudança de atitudes em relação aos morcegos

Tese de mestrado. Biologia (Ecologia e Gestão Ambiental). Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2010Um dos obstáculos à conservação dos morcegos é a sua má imagem popular, associada a mitos e lendas. A Educação Ambiental é uma forma de fornecer informação acerca dos morcegos e alertar para os perigos que estes atravessam, tentando melhorar a percepção ambiental que a população tem relativamente a estes animais. Pretendeu-se avaliar o impacto que as acções de Educação Ambiental do Centro de Ciência Viva do Alviela e do Clube Bio-Ecológico Amigos da Vida Selvagem têm no público-alvo e qual o seu contributo na melhoria da percepção pública dos morcegos. Foi ainda objecto de estudo a importância do site “Morcegos na WEB”, nomeadamente o seu contributo para a divulgação de informação científica relativa a estes animais. Observou-se que a maioria dos inquiridos neste estudo apresentam atitudes positivas em relação aos morcegos e estão bem informados sobre a biologia destes animais. Este facto pode estar relacionado com o aumento da preocupação do público em geral com a situação crítica em que muitas espécies de animais selvagens se encontram nos dias de hoje. Outro dos motivos para estes resultados poderá ser o facto de uma parte considerável deste trabalho de investigação ter sido realizada no Parque Natural da Serra de Aire e Candeeiros, zona do país com elevada diversidade de morcegos. Apesar de uma forma geral os inquiridos terem demonstrado que estão bem informados acerca dos morcegos e preocupados com o perigo em que estes animais se encontram, é importante continuar a promover acções de educação ambiental, principalmente em anos escolares iniciais, onde se torna mais fácil informar e alterar as mentalidades. Outro dos motivos para a continuidade de acções de divulgação e educação ambiental, está relacionado com a elevada taxa de sucesso destas acções, uma vez que se observou um aumento do conhecimento sobre estes animais e uma melhoria das atitudes após a realização das mesmas.One of the obstacles to the conservation of bats is their negative image among the general population, often influenced with myths and legends. Environmental education is one possible way to provide information about bats and warn the population about the threats that they face, while improving environmental awareness. This thesis intends to evaluate the impacts of the environmental education, provided by Centro de Ciência Viva do Alviela and Clube Bio-Ecológico Amigos da Vida Selvagem to their visitors and to determine how it affects public awareness about bats. In addition, the importance of the web site "Morcegos na Web" and how it contributed for the dissemination of scientific information on these animals, were studied. The majority of survey respondents have positive attitudes towards bats and are knowledgeable about the biology of these animals. This may be related to several factors, including the increased concern of the general public for the situation of many threatened wildlife species. Another contributing factor for these positive results may be the fact that this research has been made in the Parque Natural da Serra de Aire e Candeeiros, which is a region with a high bat diversity. Although in general the respondents have shown to be well informed about bats and concerned about the threats to these animals it is important to continue to promoting environmental education activities, especially in early school years, when it is easier to inform and change attitudes. Another reason to carry on the dissemination activities and environmental education is the high success of these actions, since this study found that they result in an increase in knowledge about these animals and in an improvement in attitudes towards them

Mergers and acquisitions : case study of Portucel and Altri

The Portuguese pulp and paper market has currently two main players which are Altri (on the pulp side) and Portucel (on the paper side), however this is a small market if we compare it with others like the Scandinavian or the North American ones. This makes the global pulp and paper market a very competitive one with companies that are much larger than the ones at study, nonetheless both Altri and Portucel are recognized by their high quality products and brands. Not only that, both these two firms are always aiming at being more competitive and efficient by lowering their costs, and currently they are one of the most operationally efficient companies in the industry. This paper will aim to provide arguments for the merger between Altri and Portucel, the main one analyses the added value that could be created through this merger by consolidating the strengths of these two Portuguese players. In this way, literature in valuation and in M&A will be reviewed and used to give strong arguments to the standalone valuation and the synergies that may occur in from this merger. Altri’s has been found to be undervalued along 2011 with a 13% upside potential, with synergies amounting to EUR 29,73 million. Hence this gives a premium of 25% over Altri’s share price at 31-12-2013, the acquisition is expected to be paid entirely with cash

Equity research - Hornbach Baumarkt AG

Mestrado em FinançasO seguinte trabalho final de mestrado pratica uma avaliação da empresa Hornbach Baumarkt AG, baseada em informação pública disponível até 6 de novembro 2020. Este trabalho segue o formato recomendado pelo CFA Institute. A Hornbach Baumarkt AG foi escolhida devido ao interesse em querer aprender mais sobre o sector DIY e pelo facto de ser a única empresa Alemã cotada. A Hornbach Baumarkt AG é uma das empresas no Top 10 da Europa na Indústria de produtos DIY e Home Improvement. Foi criada em 1993 após uma Oferta Pública Inicial que viu a Hornbach AG ser subdividida na Hornbach Holding AG (Empresa-mãe) e a Hornbach Baumarkt AG, tendo sido a empresa originalmente fundada em 1877 em Landau, na Alemanha, tendo feito a sua primeira Oferta Pública Inicial em 1987. Hoje, a Hornbach Baumarkt AG é uma subsidiária da Hornbach Holding AG. A avaliação foi derivada através de uma análise intrínseca do valor da empresa com base no método de Fluxos de Caixa Atualizado, mais especificamente pela perspetiva dos Fluxos de Caixa para a Empresa. Esta avaliação foi suportada por uma avaliação Relativa (Múltiplos) e por uma avaliação de Atualização de Dividendos. O preço alvo final é 42,31 euros por ação para a Hornbach Baumarkt AG para o final do ano de 2020, que representa um potencial ganho de 11,5% quando comparado com o preço de fecho da Hornbach Baumarkt AG a 6 de novembro de 2020. Esta avaliação segue uma recomendação de MANTER, com um perfil de risco médio.The following project is a valuation of the company Hornbach Baumarkt AG, based on publicly available information until the 6th November 2020. It follows the format recommended by the CFA Institute. Hornbach Baumarkt AG was chosen due to the interest in wanting to explore and learn about the DIY sector and by it being the only publicly traded German company. Hornbach Baumarkt AG is a Top 10 player in the DIY Home Improvement sector in Europe. It was created in 1993 after an IPO that saw Hornbach AG being subdivided in Hornbach Holding AG (Parent Company) and Hornbach Baumarkt AG, having the original company being founded in 1877, in Landau, Germany, but only making their first IPO in 1987. Today, Hornbach Baumarkt AG is a Child company of Hornbach Holding AG. The valuation was derived from an intrinsic valuation, based on a Discounted Cash Flow (DFC) method, more specifically, through a Free Cash Flow to the Firm (FCFF) perspective. This was supported by a Relative (Multiples) Valuation and a Dividend Discount Model (DDM). The final target price is 42,31 euros per share for Hornbach Baumarkt AG (HBM) at YE2020 which represents an upside potential of 11,5% when compared to the closing price of HBM at 6th November, 2020. This valuation follows a HOLD recommendation with a medium risk profile.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Aging and Temperature Effects on the Performance of Sustainable One-Part Geopolymers Developed for Well-Cementing Applications

This study elucidates the effects of aging and temperature over the performance of one-part “just add water” (JAW) granite-based geopolymers for application in well cementing and well abandonment. Additionally, the investigation delves into the fluid-state and early-age solid-state properties of these geopolymers, with a particular emphasis on their performance after aging. The aging process extended up to 56 days for assessing mechanical properties and up to 28 days for evaluating hydraulic sealability through dedicated tests. The obtained results unveil a nonlinear correlation between the designated temperature and pumping duration. Notably, the issue of fluid loss emerged as a significant concern for these geopolymers. The early-age strength development of the mix design containing zinc demonstrates adherence to industry norms by achieving minimal strength requirements within 24 hours of curing. Zinc plays a pivotal role as a strength enhancer during the initial curing stages of geopolymers, both under ambient conditions and at elevated temperatures (70℃). However, upon extended curing at elevated temperatures, zinc’s impact slightly diminishes compared with the unmodified mix design. After around 30 days of curing, a consecutive reaction occurs in both the unmodified and zinc-modified mix designs. Aging leads to a decline in the material’s hydraulic sealability that was initially established during the early stages of curing.publishedVersio