Financial literacy amongst Portuguese students attending higher education on business related courses

Financial markets are global and financial products that are increasingly complex. Therefore, an individual’s financial knowledge is vital for informed decision-making enabling the best personal financial management possible. Given the importance of financial literacy in people’s lives, its determinants have tried to be identified to understand how it influences financial literacy levels, namely among young people. Hence, the goal of this study will be to assess the level of financial literacy of young Portuguese students, addressing the impact of the level of education on the financial literacy of college students. To test this, data from a questionnaire distributed to both Bachelor’s and Master’s students in business related courses at higher education institutions (namely Coimbra Business School and the Economics Faculty of Coimbra University) and through social media (namely Facebook) were analysed. The main findings were that both the level of the degree being studied (whether either a bachelor’s or master’s degree is being studied) and the academic background of the individual’s parents have a positive impact on financial literacy. Furthermore, the level of financial literacy of Portuguese students attending higher education is low, especially in terms of their knowledge of the main financial concepts.Os mercados financeiros são globais e os produtos financeiros são cada vez mais complexos, pelo que o conhecimento financeiro é vital para a tomada de decisões informadas que levem à melhor gestão possível. Dada a importância deste tópico na vida das pessoas, tentou-se identificar os determinantes para perceber como é possível influenciar os níveis de literacia financeira, nomeadamente em jovens. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo será avaliar o impacto do grau académico a frequentar no nível de literacia financeira dos estudantes universitários. Com esta finalidade, os dados de questionários que foram distribuídos a alunos a frequentar licenciaturas e mestrados em áreas relacionadas com ciências empresariais em instituições de ensino superior (nomeadamente Instituto Superior de Contabilidade e Administração de Coimbra e Faculdade de Economia da Universidade de Coimbra) bem como através de redes sociais (nomeadamente o Facebook) foram analisados. As principais conclusões do estudo destacam que o nível de educação frequentado dos indivíduos (Licenciatura ou Mestrado) assim como as habilitações dos pais influenciam positivamente na sua literacia financeira. Adicionalmente observou-se que a literacia financeira dos alunos universitários portugueses é baixa especialmente no que respeita ao conhecimento financeir

FFC NMR relaxometer with improved magnetic field uniformity

Trabalho apresentado na 9th Conference on FFC NMR Relaxometry, July 2015, Aberdeen, UK.N/

DE FANTASMAS A LUGARES ASSOMBRADOS: MURTHER AND WALKING SPIRITS À PENUMBRA DO GÓTICO PÓS-COLONIAL

Possibilitados de se manifestar, os sujeitos pós-coloniais usam diversas estratégias para recontar suas histórias. Como objetivo desse artigo, buscou-se observar como esses sujeitos pós-coloniais se expressam e como se dá a busca por identidade(s), a partir da análise de um romance do gênero gótico, Murther and walking spirits, do canadense Robertson Davies, que apresenta várias facetas do pós-colonialismo, explorando vários pontos de vistas. Bhabha (1994), Rudd (2010), Young (2001), Freud (2003), Sedwick (1986), entre outros, constituem o aporte teórico. As personagens de Davies transitam por diversas eras e espaços, expondo a visão de sujeitos pós-coloniais em um país que ainda hoje se encontra ligado à coroa britânica, ao mesmo tempo que é constantemente sobreposto pelo poderio econômico e cultural dos EUA, encontrando-se no limiar de mundos

A Chromatic Enzymatic Time-Temperature Integrator Device Based on the Degradation of Phenolic Compounds for the Real-Time Prediction of the Quality and Shelf Life of Cherries

The particular characteristics of cherries, such as color, firmness, and palate increase their demand, as does, among other things, their antioxidant properties that benefit human health. However, their high perishability leads to a reduced shelf life and consequently generates undesirable changes in the cherry flow chain. To ensure food quality and safety and prevent food waste, a smart device prototype is proposed. The concepts related to the formulation and design of the enzymatic-type chromatic time-temperature integrator (TTI) device used to monitor the real-time quality of cherries are described. The kinetic parameters for thermal inactivation of cultivar Santina cherries were determined based on the degradation of phenolic compounds that are substrates of the polyphenol oxidase enzyme, whose hydroxylation reaction of a monophenol to o-diphenol leads to the oxidation in o-quinone. The proposed device concept aims to help retailers and consumers decide upon selling and buying according to the remaining shelf life, thus promoting sustainability related to food processes.This research was project S4Agro—Sustainable Solutions for the Agroindustrial Sector, Ref: PoCI-02-0853-FEDER-046425, funded by Portugal 2020, COMPETE 2020 and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and FCTinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Modeling the functional network of primary intercellular Ca2+^{2+} wave propagation in astrocytes and its application to study drug effects

We introduce a simple procedure of multivariate signal analysis to uncover the functional connectivity among cells composing a living tissue and describe how to apply it for extracting insight on the effect of drugs in the tissue. The procedure is based on the covariance matrix of time resolved activity signals. By determining the time-lag that maximizes covariance, one derives the weight of the corresponding connection between cells. Introducing simple constraints, it is possible to conclude whether pairs of cells are functionally connected and in which direction. After testing the method against synthetic data we apply it to study intercellular propagation of Ca$^{2+}$ waves in astrocytes following an external stimulus, with the aim of uncovering the functional cellular connectivity network. Our method proves to be particularly suited for this type of networking signal propagation where signals are pulse-like and have short time-delays, and is shown to be superior to standard methods, namely a multivariate Granger algorithm. Finally, based the statistical analysis of the connection weight distribution, we propose simple measures for assessing the impact of drugs on the functional connectivity between cells.Comment: 14 pages, 12 figure

Physical pendulum model: Fractional differential equation and memory effects

A detailed analysis of pendular motion is presented. Inertial effects, self-oscillation, and memory, together with non-constant moment of inertia, hysteresis, and negative damping are shown to be required for the comprehensive description of the free pendulum oscillatory regime. The effects of very high initial amplitudes, friction in the roller bearing axle, drag, and pendulum geometry are also analyzed and discussed. A model consisting of a fractional differential equation fits and explains high resolution and long-time experimental data gathered from standard action-camera videos.publishersversionpublishe

Study on Site Preparation and Restoration Techniques for Forest Restoration in Mining Tailings of Mariana, Brazil

Ecological restoration in forest ecosystem is a priority in Mariana, Brazil. Thus, we evaluated the effects of passive and active restoration methods through different site preparation techniques by manipulating physical-chemical properties of substrates on tree community coverage in Mariana, Brazil. A total of 48 plots (12 × 12 m each) were established in two areas along the flood plains with accumulation of tailings. The following treatments were established: (1) planting of native tree seedlings with fertilization (PSf) and (2) without fertilization (PS); (3) direct seeding of native trees with fertilization (SDf) and (4) without fertilization (SD); (5) natural regeneration with fertilization (NRf) and (6) without fertilization (NR). Differences in substrate properties and tree community coverage were evaluated between treatments, the substrate properties and tree community coverage relationship, and main effects of substrate fertility and texture on tree community coverage. There were marked differences in substrate and plant coverage between treatments. On average, the highest plant coverage was found in treatment with fertilization, such as NRf (59,5%) and SDf (48%). However, the treatment with seedling planting (PSf and PS) and NR did not show differences (~37%), while the lowest values were observed in SD (23%). There is a strong relationship between substrate fertility and plant community coverage, with significant positive effects. We observed that the passive and active restoration methods can be complementary in the soil and plant community coverage recovery

Um olhar sociológico sobre a praxe académica

A praxe académica é um fenómeno social complexo e multidimensional, com raízes históricas antigas, mas permanentemente reinventado. Dele fazem parte um conjunto de práticas ritualizadas através das quais, anualmente, vários estudantes do ensino superior recebem a maior parte dos novos alunos das suas instituições ou cursos. Ainda que apresentem traços que lhes conferem unidade, permitindo a identificação de um conjunto de características nucleares da praxe, essas práticas são heterogéneas e apresentam variações nos diversos contextos em que ocorrem. Enquanto alguns rituais de praxe enfatizam o poder dos estudantes mais antigos e a submissão e disciplinarização dos recém-chegados, outros apresentam uma importante componente festiva e hedonista. Partindo da ideia de que os rituais, quando consequentes, contribuem para a construção da realidade social, esta comunicação analisará os efeitos duráveis que a praxe, através da sua dupla face acima referida, produz no universo estudantil.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Clinical characteristics and variables associated with COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Luanda, Angola, in the first year of the pandemic

Background: The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa is still unclear. In comparison to Europe and North America, morbidity and death rates are lower. Several factors have been proposed, including geographical variation in virus impact, environmental factors, differences in age distribution, and the impact of infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV infection, and tuberculosis. Objectives: We investigated the clinical characteristics and putative determinants linked with COVID-19 in Angolan patients. Methods: Cross-sectional study undertaken at Military Hospital, Luanda, from March 2020 to March 2021. The survey collected sociodemographic and clinical information. Results: The sample included 1,683 patients aged ≥18 years, 64% men, with a mean age of 46.3 years. SARS-CoV-2 was positive in 39% of the cases with RT-PCR. Patients ≥46 years with a level of education of ≥12 years had a considerably higher likelihood of testing positive. About 58% of positive patients had at least one comorbidity, of which hypertension and Diabetes were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. HIV and pulmonary TB were putative protective factors. About 14% of positive patients died. Most deaths occurred in patients ≥46 years old, with less education and unemployment. Working as a healthcare practitioner was linked to a protective effect. Malignant diseases were the most common comorbidities associated with death. Conclusions: We identified putative factors related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality. HIV and TB were protective and not associated with mortality. Further study with a broader scope should be conducted to explain the main features related to COVID-19 mortality in Angola.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio