Management consulting labs-Galp loyalty learning experience

The purpose of this project was to analyze Galp’s loyalty approach in the Portuguese fuel market given the industry context, namely the entry of hypermarket and the resulting increase in competitiveness. The team performed analyses based on analytical models, qualitative research and internal interviews in order to assess Galp’s potential in the field of loyalty and consumers’ behavior. The final recommendations were based on incremental improvements to the Galp’s existing loyalty tool and an innovative paradigm change of the approach to loyalty

Characterization and development towards electrochemical real-time LAMP detection in an integrated and portable device

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Biomédica (área de especialização em Eletrónica Médica)Nos últimos anos os biossensores eletroquímicos têm sido reportados como uma abordagem promis sora para a deteção de DNA. São atrativos para dispositivos point-of-care pela facilidade de miniaturização, compatibilidade com técnicas de microfabricação e facilidade de instrumentação. Contudo, a integração de uma fase de amplificação com a deteção de sinais continua a ser um desafio. A técnica LAMP (loop mediated isothermal amplification ) surgiu como solução, destacando-se pela sua robustez e sensibilidade. Uma plataforma portátil para deteção eletroquímica de DNA (Mobi-E) foi desenvolvida para incorporar as caraterísticas mencionadas. Neste trabalho foram caraterizados os principais componentes do disposi tivo: potencióstatos ASIC, controlo de temperatura e um chip fluídico que integra elétrodos e estruturas de aquecimento impressas. Seguidamente, efetuou-se uma pesquisa para funcionalização universal desses elétrodos utilizando MD LAMP (mediator displacement LAMP). O desempenho do potencióstato, especificamente a rotina de voltametria de onda quadrada e a leitura quase simultânea dos 6 elétrodos de trabalho de uma câmara, foi provado e comparado com um dispositivo comercial, obtendo-se resultados qualitativamente comparáveis. Foram ainda realizadas otimizações para estabilização do potencial de referência, através da conversão Ag/AgCl por FeCl3, e para precaver dificuldades de medição resultantes da limitada tensão de conformidade do potencióstato (1.8 V). Para tal, aumentou-se a área do elétrodo auxiliar, através da impressão de 8 camadas de Au (4 no elétrodo de trabalho), e efetuou-se, entre medições, o curto-circuito entre o elétrodo auxiliar e o de referência. O sistema de controlo de temperatura provou ser efetivo no aquecimento das câmaras até 65 ºC em 2.5 min e na monitorização assertiva das suas temperaturas. Não foi detetado cross-talk entre câmaras vizinhas, nem a formação severa de bolhas de ar. Como prova de conceito, foram testadas quatro abordagens para MD LAMP e foi identificada uma alternativa promissora (Stem-Loop ) ao standard, com a respetiva mudança relativa de sinal: 0.3 e 177.6. Esta dissertação culmina com a otimização da reação LAMP para uma libertação eficiente do medi ador. Duas promissoras combinações de concentrações de mediador, primer modificado e loop primer foram identificadas: 200 nM, 400 nM, 400 nM e 100 nM, 200 nM, 600 nM, respetivamente, obtendo-se uma relação sinal/ruído de 3.7 e 2.9. Os conhecimentos adquiridos viabilizam o avanço da investigação no sentido da obtenção de um dispositivo capaz de realizar LAMP eletroquímico em tempo real.Electrochemical biosensors have been reported in recent years as a promising approach for DNA detection. The ease of miniaturization, compatibility with microfabrication techniques and simple instru mentation make these sensors attractive for point-of-care (POC) devices. However, integrating an ampli fication stage with signal detection remains a challenge. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has emerged as a robust and highly sensitive isothermal strategy. A novel portable platform for rapid electrochemical DNA detection (Mobi-E device) was developed to incorporate the aforementioned features. Within this work, an extensive characterization of the main components of the Mobi-E device, which comprises ASIC potentiostats, temperature control, and a fluidic chip with integrated inkjet-printed electrodes and heating structures, was performed, followed by a research towards target-independent electrode functionalization employing mediator displacement (MD) LAMP. The operation of the general functionalities of the ASIC potentiostat, specifically the square wave voltammetry (SWV) routine and the quasi-simultaneous read-out of all 6 working electrodes (WEs) of a chamber, was proven and its performance was benchmarked against a commercial device, achieving qualitatively comparable results. Inherent optimizations of the device were performed to stabilize the reference electrode (RE) potential, through Ag/AgCl conversion by FeCl3, and to address the criticality that the 1.8 V compliance voltage of the potentiostat brought to the measurements. For this issue, it is suggested to increase the counter electrode (CE) area by printing 8 Au layers (WE with 4 layers) and to short-circuit the CE and RE between measurements. The temperature control system proved to be effective in heating the chambers to 65 ºC in about 2.5 min and assertively monitoring their temperature. Furthermore, no cross-talk between neighbouring chambers and no severe bubble formation was detected. Four concepts for target-independent MD LAMP were tested as proof-of-concept and a promising alternative (”Stem-Loop universal reporter (UR)”) to the standard approach was identified. The following relative signal change was achieved: 0.3 and 177.6, respectively. This thesis culminates with the optimization of fluorescent LAMP reaction parameters towards an efficient mediator release. Two promising concentration combinations of mediator, modified primer (LB_Medc) and loop primer (LB) were identified: 200 nM, 400 nM, 400 nM and 100 nM, 200 nM, 600 nM, respectively. For these, the signal-to-noise ratio was 3.7 and 2.9. The knowledge acquired in this thesis allows moving forward towards a device able to perform electrochemical real-time LAMP readout

The use of «Peak & Neuronation» digital applications for the inclusion of older adults : a case study at USALBI

Given the physiological and cognitive degeneration associated with aging, it is important to promote initiatives that prevent situations that may increase dementia among the elderly. The objective of the research was to investigate whether the use of Peak & Neuronation digital applications can contribute to the active aging of the elderly, with respect to the cognitive training they provide. The group of 18 students from the Computer Science discipline of the University of Albacetetrense (USALBI), aged 56-80, was involved. The applied methodology was qualitative: the case study; nonparticipating observation; surveys by questionnaire; semistructured interviews. The analysis of the data was collected in 12 practical sessions of utilization of the APPs demonstrated to be an added value and that should be referenced as digital tools within the framework of the cognitive training of the elderly.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Digital technologies – Apps – and the cognitive skills of older adults

Nas últimas décadas, as sociedades têm suportado um grande desafio: o envelhecimento da população. As principais razões podem estar relacionadas com a diminuição da taxa de fecundidade, aumento da esperança média de vida, melhoria nos cuidados de saúde e pela incorporação de hábitos de vida mais saudáveis. Presentemente, a sociedade digital implica que todos os cidadãos sejam dotados de competências digitais. Neste caso, em particular, e dado que a população idosa é referenciada como uma população infoexcluída, é urgente criar condições para que se promova a sua inclusão digital que lhes permitirá uma verdadeira inclusão social, proporcionando assim um melhor envelhecimento ativo. Atendendo à degeneração fisiológica e cognitiva associada ao envelhecimento, é importante que se promovam iniciativas que previnam situações que possam aumentar as demências junto dos idosos. Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma investigação que pretendeu averiguar se a utilização das aplicações digitais (APPs) Peak &Neuronation podem contribuir para o envelhecimento ativo dos idosos, no que diz respeito ao treino cognitivo que as mesmas proporcionam. Foram envolvidos 18 idosos da USALBI (Universidade Sénior Albicastrense), onde se efetuou uma observação não-participante em 12 sessões práticas. Foi também envolvido um especialista em Gerontologia Social e um especialista na área das TIC, através de entrevistas semiestruturadas a fim de averiguar as suas opiniões referentes às aplicações digitais envolvidas no estudo. Após a triangulação dos dados é possível afirmar-se que as opiniões recolhidas foram consensuais relativamente à mais valia das APPs Peak & Neuronation no treino cognitivo, onde se envolveram as valências de memória; linguagem; agilidade mental; raciocínio; velocidade; flexibilidade; coordenação; atenção; foco; concentração; perceção; resolução de problemas; cálculos mentais; emoção e força de vontade. Decorrente da análise dos dados, constatou-se que as APPs podem ser referenciadas como ferramentas digitais no âmbito do treino cognitivo dos idosos— In recent decades, societies have endured a major challenge: the aging of the population. The main reasons may be related to the decline in fertility rates, increased life expectancy, improved healthcare and the incorporation of healthier living habits, providing conditions for active aging. Active aging is a theme addressed by professionals who more directly that are related to the aging process. In this context, it is important to analyze and promote actions with the elderly population for this can be an integral and active part of the digital society, because increasingly the exercise of civic rights and duties to be carried out through digital platforms. At present, the digital society implies that all citizens are equipped with digital skills, in this particular case, given that the elderly population is referred to as computer exclusion population, it is urgent to create conditions to promote their digital inclusion that will enable them to true social inclusion thus providing active aging. Given the physiological and cognitive decline associated with aging is important to promote initiatives to prevent situations that could increase dementia among the elderly. In particular, there are already a number of digital applications (APPs) that aim to stimulation and cognitive training. In this research, we were used APPs in this area (Peak and Neuronation) which involved a sample of 18 seniors who attended USALBI (Universidade Sénior Albicastrense). This Project Workseeks to ascertain whether the use of digital applications (APPs) Peak & Neuronation can contribute to active aging of the elderly, with regard to cognitive training that they provide. In addition to the 18 elderlies, as students of computer course USALBI, where it made a non-participant observation in 12 practice sessions of APPs Peak & Neuronation and applied questionnaire surveys and these old, was also involved one professional of Social Gerontology and an expert in the field of ICT through semi-structuredi nterviews to ascertain their views concerning digital applications involved in thestudy. After the triangulation of data can be said that the views expressed were agreed regarding the added value of the APPs Peak & Neuronation in cognitive training where it involved the memory valences; language; mental agility; reasoning; speed; flexibility; coordination; attention; focus; concentration; perception; troubles hooting; mental calculations; emotion and will power. From the analysis of the data, it was found that the APPs can be referred to as digital tools in the cognitive training of older peopleinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Overcoming Central Nervous System-barriers by the development of hybrid structured systems for nose-to-brain drug delivery using clean technologies

The effective delivery of therapeutics into the brain is challenging since drugs or drug delivery systems (DDS) candidates are not able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), making the development of new drugs alone not enough to ensure progresses in Central Nervous System (CNS) drug therapy. Due to several problems related with other routes of brain drug administration, the interest has increased towards exploring the possibility of intranasal administration. The nose-to-brain transport and the therapeutic viability of this route have been investigated for rapid and effective transport of drugs to CNS, but the development of nasal drug products for brain targeting is still faced with many challenges.(...)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Crowdfunding and religiosity : an understanding of the dynamics of religiosity on social lending in Kiva

This dissertation aims to study the discrepancy between academic research and laboratory studies regarding the relationship between the religiosity level of an individual and its engagement with pro-social activities. This study examined the hypothesis that religiosity, spirituality and/or altruistic values would display a pro-social behaviour on on-line micro-lending. A survey of 3928 individuals from the Crowdfunding platform Kiva.org contributed to the understanding of the relationship between religiosity and pro-social behaviour on on-line platforms. Findings in this setting indicate that non-religious individuals display a higher engagement level with online pro-social activities on Kiva than do religious or spiritual individuals. Discussion focused on the discrepancy between in-group and out-group affiliation within religious individuals (different values), as well as feminine and non-feminine targets. This has clear implications for micro-lending platform owners, consumer behaviour, marketing segmentation and targeting of online users

Can the complex mixture of sediment contaminants cause endocrine disruption on a benthic fish? A case study with Solea senegalensis

Pollution in coastal ecosystems is a serious threat to the biota and human populations there residing. Anthropogenic activities in these ecosystems are the main cause of contamination by endocrine disruption compounds (EDCs), which can interfere with hormonal regulation and cause adverse effects to growth, stress response and reproduction. Although the chemical nature of many EDCs is unknown, it is believed that most are organic contaminants. Under an environmental risk assessment for a contaminated estuary (the Sado, SW Portugal), the present work intended to detect endocrine disruption in a flatsfish, Solea senegalensis Kaup, 1858, and its potential relationship to organic toxicants. Animals were collected from two areas in the estuary with distinct influences (industrial and rural) and from an external reference area. To evaluate endocrine disruption, hepatic vitellogenin (VTG) concentrations in males and gonad histology were analysed. As biomarkers of exposure to organic contaminants, cytochrome P450 (CYP1A) induction and the ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity were determined. The results were contrasted to sediment contamination levels, which are overall considered low, although the area presents a complex mixture of toxicants. Either males or females were found sexually immature and showed no significant evidence of degenerative pathologies. However, hepatic VTG concentrations in males from the industrial area in estuary were superior than those from the Reference, even reaching levels comparable to those in females, which may indicate an oestrogenic effect resulting from the complex contaminant mixture. These individuals also presented higher levels of CYP1A induction and EROD activity, which is consistent with contamination by organic substances. The combination of the results suggest that the exposure of flatfish to an environment contaminated by mixed toxicants, even at low levels, may cause endocrine disruption, therefore affecting populations, which implies the need for further research in identification of potential EDCs, their sources and risks at ecosystem scale.Projecto HERA (PTDC/SAU-ESA/100107/2008

PINK1 : a bridge between mitochondria and Parkinson's disease

© 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).Mitochondria are known as highly dynamic organelles essential for energy production. Intriguingly, in the recent years, mitochondria have revealed the ability to maintain cell homeostasis and ultimately regulate cell fate. This regulation is achieved by evoking mitochondrial quality control pathways that are capable of sensing the overall status of the cellular environment. In a first instance, actions to maintain a robust pool of mitochondria take place; however, if unsuccessful, measures that lead to overall cell death occur. One of the central key players of these mitochondrial quality control pathways is PINK1 (PTEN-induce putative kinase), a mitochondrial targeted kinase. PINK1 is known to interact with several substrates to regulate mitochondrial functions, and not only is responsible for triggering mitochondrial clearance via mitophagy, but also participates in maintenance of mitochondrial functions and homeostasis, under healthy conditions. Moreover, PINK1 has been associated with the familial form of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Growing evidence has strongly linked mitochondrial homeostasis to the central nervous system (CNS), a system that is replenished with high energy demanding long-lasting neuronal cells. Moreover, sporadic cases of PD have also revealed mitochondrial impairments. Thus, one could speculate that mitochondrial homeostasis is the common denominator in these two forms of the disease, and PINK1 may play a central role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. In this review, we will discuss the role of PINK1 in the mitochondrial physiology and scrutinize its role in the cascade of PD pathology.The authors are supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Grant references for FBG SFRH/BD/134316/2017, VAM IF/01693/2014, Funding reference: PTDC/BIA-CEL/31230/2017 by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT); ERC-StG-679168 by European Research Council; and EMBO-IG/3309 by European Molecular Biology Organization.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio