Design de uma marca para um público jovem: o projeto Gamers4Nature

What set of strategies is imperative when designing a brand for a specific target audience, such as a younger generation? Nowadays, information flows at a tremendous speed, making it difficult for brands to stay relevant and in the mind of audiences. This research project aims to determine how to create a brand for the investigation project Gamers4Nature, that prevails in today’s world. Gamers4Nature is a DigiMedia, ID+, and BioLiving project funded by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT). Based on a review of the literature about how different generations behave, it was understood the characteristics of each generation, making the design process start. Along with the collected research and data about brand communities, brand identities, and gamification, it was comprehended the need to involve the target audience in the project. The use of participatory design as a methodology made the design development a shared position between the designers, the members of the team, and the user. The results indicate that the path of interactive strategy made a more precise solution that can help future projects aiming for the same objectives. This investigation resulted in the brand identity of the project based on dynamic brands, the product, Toolkit for game design construction, and a communication strategyQue conjunto de estratégias é imprescindível ao projetar uma marca para um público-alvo específico, como uma geração mais jovem? Atualmente, informação flui a uma velocidade tremenda, dificultando o papel das marcas para afirmação perante o público. Este projeto de investigação tem como objetivo determinar como criar uma marca para o projeto Gamers4Nature, que prevalece no mundo de hoje. Gamers4Nature é um projeto DigiMedia, ID + e BioLiving, financiado pela Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT). Com base na revisão da literatura sobre a lacuna entre gerações, foram entendidas as características de cada geração, iniciando o processo de design. Juntamente com a pesquisa e o levantamento de dados sobre Comunidades de Marcas, Identidades de Marca e Gamification, foi compreendida a necessidade de envolver o público-alvo no projeto. O uso do design participativo como metodologia levou ao desenvolvimento do design através de uma visão comum entre os designers, os membros da equipa de investigação e o utilizador. Os resultados indicam que o recurso a uma estratégia interativa pode levar à criação de uma solução positiva, contribuindo para projetos futuros que visem os mesmos objetivos. Essa investigação resultou na identidade da marca do projeto, baseada em marcas dinâmicas, no produto, Toolkit para Construção de Jogos e, estratégias de comunicaçãoMestrado em Desig

Características sociodemográficas do consumidor : abordagem aos novos serviços nas farmácias

Mestrado em Ciências EmpresariaisHoje, o foco das farmácias não é o da dispensa de medicamentos, mas o da prestação de outros serviços. É através dessa prestação que as farmácias vão conseguir diferenciar-se, sendo vital que conheçam as necessidades dos consumidores, para poderem customizar os serviços a prestar e, deste modo, criar valor. Este trabalho teve por objectivo compreender a percepção do consumidor face aos serviços prestados actualmente pelas farmácias, as necessidades por ele sentidas e, também, estudar a dicotomia das farmácias urbanas versus as farmácias rurais, procedendo para tal a uma caracterização sociodemográfica dos consumidores. Para a recolha da informação procedeu-se à utilização de um questionário divulgado através do facebook e via e-mail. 527 pessoas responderam ao inquérito. Os resultados demonstraram uma elevada satisfação, confiança e lealdade dos consumidores para com a farmácia, e como determinados factores pessoais (sexo, idade, habilitações, localidade) influenciam a decisão do consumidor. O "one size fits all" não se aplica, caminhando-se para uma prestação tailor made com o foco no consumidor, nas suas exigências, expectativas e percepções.Today, the focus of pharmacies should not be any more the dispensing of drugs, but the provision of health services. It is through the provision of health services that pharmacies will be able to differentiate and to develop a "unique selling proposition" and thus to create value. Therefore, it is vital to know the needs of consumers, in order to customize the health services to be provided. This study aims to understand the perception of the consumer compared to the services currently provided by pharmacies, the needs felt for new health services and also the dichotomy of urban versus rural pharmacies. The envisaged outcome is a socio-demographic characterization of consumers. For the collection of information the study used a questionnaire disseminated through Facebook and via email. 527 respondents answered the questionnaire. The results show a high consumer satisfaction with pharmacies, as well as trust and loyalty towards them. Certain personal factors, as sex, age, education and localisation, influence both, the consumer's needs and decision. As a result a "One-size-fits-all" approach for pharmacy services should not be applied. New pharmacy services should be "tailor made" to focus on the consumer's, their needs, demands, expectations and perceptions and to ensure a greater involvement of pharmacies in the health services provision.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A solidão organizada na proximidade

Mestrado em Comunicação MultimédiaConsiderando a crescente implementação das redes sociais online no quotidiano das pessoas, o presente estudo visa compreender quais os usos que os indivíduos fazem das redes sociais online, nas suas relações de proximidade. Assim, o objetivo é perceber se desde que houve conexão com uma qualquer rede social online, os internautas passaram a utilizar a comunicação mediada para estarem em contacto constante com a demais sociedade, descartando, por vezes, a comunicação presencial. Assim, recorrendo a um inquérito por questionário, disponível durante três meses numa plataforma online, o principal intuito desta investigação seria entender se realmente houve alguma diferença nas relações sociais dos integrantes da Web resultante da comunicação online, bem como, perceber se os indivíduos se há indícios de solidão social e emocional nos indivíduos. Depois de analisados os resultados, foram encontradas algumas diferenças significativas relativamente a alterações ocorridas depois da conexão a redes sociais, bem como alguns sinais de solidão social e emocional.Considering the increasing implementation of online social networks in people's everyday lives, this study aims to understand which uses that individuals make of online social networks in their close relationships. The objective is to realize if since there was a connection to any online social network, netizens began using mediated communication to be in constant contact with the other society, dismissing sometimes the face-to-face communication. Thus, using a questionnaire, available for three months in an online platform, the main purpose of this research was to understand whether there was indeed a difference in the social relations of the resulting web members of online communication as well, see if individuals there evidence of social and emotional loneliness in individuals. After analyzing the results, we found some significant differences in the changes after connecting to social networks, as well as some signs of social and emotional loneliness

A pletismografia optoeletrônica é um instrumento válido para medir a capacidade inspiratória?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concurrent validity of the optoelectronic plethysmography (OEP) to measure inspiratory capacity (IC) at rest and during submaximal exercise in healthy subjects. Twelve subjects (6 Male/6 Female; 23.8±1.34 yrs) with normal body mass index and lung function completed the study protocol. Participants were assessed at rest and during a 12-minute submaximal exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer. IC maneuvers were simultaneously recorded by OEP system and by a spirometer at rest and during exercise. The percentage of discrepancy between measurements, linear regression analysis and Bland-Altman method were used for data analysis. The study was approved by the institution ethics committee. It was considered 150 valid IC maneuvers for analysis (44 for resting and 106 for exercise). The percentage of discrepancy between the measurements were -9.6 (8.6%) at rest and -4.6 (5.5%) during exercise. Regression analysis showed good linear associations between methods at rest (r2=0.90; p=0.0002) and during exercise (r2=0.96; p=0.0008). Bland-Altman analysis using data obtained during exercise showed a bias between the two methods of 0.13L. The limits of agreement indicate that the difference between methods can vary from -0.04L to 0.57L. Additionally, data was equally distributed between the upper and lower limits, demonstrating no systematic overestimation or underestimation of the IC by any of the instruments. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the OEP is a valid evaluation system to measure IC of healthy individuals at rest and during submaximal exercise.Este estudio tiene como propósito evaluar la validez de la pletismografía optoelectrónica (OEP) para medir la capacidad inspiratoria (CI) en sujetos saludables tanto en reposo como durante ejercicio submáximo. Participaron de este estudio 12 sujetos (6 hombres y 6 mujeres; 23,8 ± 1,34 años de edad) con índice de masa corporal y función pulmonar normales. Los participantes fueron evaluados en reposo por 7 minutos y durante 12 minutos de ejercicio submáximo en bicicleta estática. Se grabaron simultáneamente por la OEP y por un espirómetro las maniobras de la CI tanto en reposo como durante el ejercicio. Se utilizaron el porcentaje de discrepancia en las mediciones, el análisis de regresión lineal y el método Bland-Altman para análisis de datos del estudio, el que fue aprobado por el comité de ética de la institución. Se consideró 150 maniobras CI para el análisis, las cuales 44 fueron para reposo y 106 para ejercicio. El porcentaje de discrepancia entre las medidas fue del -9,6 (un 8,6%) en reposo y del -4,6 (un 5,5%) durante el ejercicio. El análisis de regresión lineal mostró asociaciones para los métodos en reposo (r2=0,90; p=0,0002) y durante el ejercicio (r2 = 0,96; p = 0,0008). Los datos obtenidos durante el ejercicio utilizándose el análisis Bland-Altman mostraron un sesgo de 0.13L entre los métodos. Los límites de concordancia indicaron que la diferencia entre los métodos puede tener variación desde -0.04L hasta 0.57L. Además, se distribuyeron por igual los datos entre los límites de concordancia, los cuales no mostraron sobreestimación o subestimación sistemática de la CI. En conclusión, este estudio mostró que el OEP es un sistema de evaluación valido para medir la CI de sujetos saludables tanto en reposo como durante ejercicio submáximo.O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a validade concorrente da pletismografia optoeletrônica (POE) para medir a capacidade inspiratória (CI) de indivíduos saudáveis no repouso e durante exercício submáximo. Doze voluntários (6 H/6 M; 23,8±1,34 anos) com índice de massa corporal e prova de função pulmonar normais completaram o protocolo do estudo. Eles foram avaliados no repouso (7 minutos) e durante 12 minutos de exercício submáximo em cicloergômetro. A CI foi mensurada simultaneamente pela POE e por um espirômetro. A porcentagem de discrepância entre as medidas, a análise de regressão linear e o método de Bland-Altman foram utilizados para análise. O estudo foi aprovado pelo comitê de ética em pesquisa da instituição. Foram consideradas 150 manobras de CI válidas para análise (44 para o repouso e 106 para o exercício). A porcentagem de discrepância entre as medidas foi de -9,6 (8,6%) no repouso e -4,6 (5,5%) durante o exercício. A análise de regressão linear mostrou associações entre os dois métodos no repouso (r2=0,90; p=0,0002) e durante o exercício (r2=0,96; p=0,0008). A análise de Bland-Altman realizada com os dados do exercício mostrou viés entre os métodos de 0,13L. Os limites de concordância mostraram que a diferença entre os métodos pode variar de -0,04 L to 0,57 L. Adicionalmente, os dados distribuíram-se igualmente entre os limites de concordância, sem superestimação ou subestimação sistemática da CI. Em conclusão, o estudo demonstrou que a POE é um sistema válido para mensuração da CI de indivíduos saudáveis no repouso e durante o exercício submáximo

PPCPs abatement using TiO2-based catalysts by photocatalytic oxidation and ozonation: the effect of nitrogen and cerium loads on the degradation performance and toxicity impact

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) have been consumed in great extension and most of these are found in water bodies, owing to the inefficiency of conventional wastewater treatments. To face against these recalcitrant contaminants, advanced oxidation processes such as photocatalysis and ozonation have been studied. Moreover, the combination of these technologies can improve the degradation of PPCPs, reducing the ozone consumption and the effluent toxicity with the presence of photocatalysts. In particular, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different N and Ce loads in co-doping TiO2 catalysts on the efficiency of photocatalytic oxidation and photocatalytic ozonation for PPCPs abatement, as well as on the resultant toxicity to aquatic species. Different radiation sources (UVA and solar radiation) were considered for the photocatalytic oxidation. A mixture of 5 PPCPs: paracetamol, sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine, methylparaben and propylparaben was used as a model synthetic effluent. Photocatalysis showed a low efficiency on the PPCPs removal (<20 %), which was not affected by the radiation source. In general, the tested catalysts showed no or low added-value for reducing the toxicity of the synthetic effluent. Concerning photocatalytic ozonation, the lowest N amount (2.5 % w/w) promoted the best results for PPCPs removal, achieving values up to 100 % with significant reduction of ozone dose compared to photolytic ozonation. In general, photocatalytic ozonation showed better ecotoxicological performance than single photocatalysis. Compared to single photolytic ozonation, a benefitial effect was observed for two aquatic species, using a specific catalyst. This catalyst, prepared by doping TiO2 with 2.5 % w/w N and 1.2 % w/w Ce, showed to be the most promisong one, with potential to be used in photocatalytic ozonation. Hence, this work highlights the potential role of N and Ce co-doped TiO2-based catalysts in photocatalytic ozonation for wastewater treatment.publishe

Influence of glucose on Candida parapsilosis virulence factors

Candida parapsilosis is a pathogenic fungus responsible for a high number of oral candidosis, predominantly due to the growth in a biofilm form on indwelling medical devices. One of the major contributions for C. parapsiloisis virulence is its versatility to adapt to a variety of different environmental factors. The development of Candida biofilms has important clinical repercussions because of their resistance to antifungal therapy and the protection against host immune defences. Candida biofilms are characterized by easily glucose adaptation. However, it remains unclear how glucose affect C. parapsilosis biofilms formation and virulence. Thus, this work aimed to study the influence of glucose in biofilm formation ability and matrix composition of C. parapsilosis and in the expression of virulence genes such as BCR1, FKS1 and OLE1. For that a full characterisation of in vitro biofilm formation with different concentrations of glucose (0.2, 2 and 10 %) was examined. Biofilms were analysed by CFUs determination and total biomass quantification. Biofilm matrix was examined in terms of total proteins and carbohydrates. Scanner electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the structure of Candida biofilms. Furthermore, RT-qPCR was performed to examine the expression levels of BCR1, FKS1 and OLE1 genes present in biofilm cells grown in the presence of the different glucose concentrations. The results demonstrated that glucose influences biofilm formation ability, with an increase in total biomass and number of CFUs, with an increase in a glucose; however in a strain dependent manner. Moreover, the increment of glucose causes an increase on the content of proteins and polysaccharides on C. parapsilosis biofilm matrix. Moreover, BCR1, FKS1 and OLE1 gene expression increased with the glucose increment. In addition, SEM images revealed the presence of pseudohyphae for higher levels of glucose (2 and 10 %). So, the results suggested that glucose enhanced pseudohyphae formation by the induced expression of OLE1, which influences biofilm structure. The overexpression of BCR1 and FKS1 confirm the influence of glucose in biofilm formation ability and in the carbohydrate synthesis and secretion (present in the matrix), respectively. Summarizing, C. parapsilosis biofilms presented a great capacity to tolerate and grow in the presence of high levels of glucose that seems to be directly implicated in C. parapsilosis virulence

The construction of the idol in the football phenomenon

This paper objectives to investigate the idol role in the construction of the football phenomenon in Brazil. For that, ex-football players, professional football players and football 5-a-side players were interviewed. The data analysis emphasized four categories: Creation, Diffusion, Idolatry and Roles. To analyze and make inferences from the data, the Enunciation Analysis, one of the Contend Analysis technique was used. The construction of idols was dependent on the appreciation of great achievements and creating bonds. The achievements are dependent on the categories time and space, giving an expiration date to idolatry and providing a cyclic renewal of idols. The stronger the relationship of the triad player-club-fan, the deeper the bonds will be. The achievements are shown in the media and if the bonds are well established, the image of the idol will be exalted and valued, nurturing and motivating the passion of the fans and cultivating the dream of being a football player in the social imaginary.Este artigo objetivou investigar o papel do ídolo na construção do fenômeno futebol no Brasil. Foram entrevistados ex-jogadores de futebol, jogadores profissionais e jogadores de futebol para cegos. O tratamento dos dados destacou quatro categorias: Criação, Difusão, Idolatria e Papéis. Para tal categorização e inferência foi utilizada a Análise de Enunciação, uma das técnicas da Análise de Conteúdo. A construção de ídolos mostrou-se dependente da valorização de grandes feitos e da criação de vínculos. Os feitos são dependentes das categorias tempo e espaço, dando um prazo de validade para a idolatria e propiciando uma cíclica renovação de ídolos. Os vínculos serão maiores quanto maiores forem as relações da tríade jogador-clube-torcedor. Os feitos são mostrados na mídia e se os vínculos estiverem bem estabelecidos, a imagem do ídolo será exaltada e valorizada, alimentando e motivando a paixão dos torcedores e cultivando o sonho de ser jogador de futebol no imaginário social.11

a case report

personBACKGROUND: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive solid tumors. ATC is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages with unresectable disease and palliative care is often indicated. Recently, several patient-tailored therapies for ATC are emerging due to advances in molecular profiling of these tumors. Entrectinib is a potent oral selective inhibitor of neutrotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK), ROS1, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase fusions. The experience regarding ATC and other thyroid carcinomas, particularly in the neoadjuvant setting, is minimal. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 51-year-old female patient presenting with a bulky mass of the left thyroid lobe measuring 100 × 108 × 80 mm that was considered surgically unresectable. While waiting for next-generation sequence (NGS) profiling, lenvatinib was initiated. There was an initial clinical and imagiologic response; however, progression occurred after 12 weeks, and at this time NGS identified an ETV6-NTRK3 fusion and entrectinib was started. After 12 weeks, tumor diameters reduced to a minimum of 68×60×49 mm, and the patient underwent total thyroidectomy plus central lymphadenectomy. Histological diagnosis confirmed an ATC (pT4a R2 N1a). Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) (60 Grays) with weekly paclitaxel (45 mg/m2) was then administered followed by maintenance entrectinib 600 mg daily. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography performed 3 months after completion of RT showed only non-specific uptake in the posterior wall of the hypopharynx and larynx, suggestive of inflammation. CONCLUSION: We report the first case of an ATC with a dramatic response to neoadjuvant therapy with entrectinib, which enabled surgical resection of an ab initio unresectable tumor.publishersversionpublishe