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- How knowledge-based dynamic capabilities relate to firm performance: the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientationPublication . Hernández-Linares, Remedios; López-Fernández, María Concepción; García-Piqueres, Gema; Cunha, Miguel Pina e; Rego, ArménioTo examine how knowledge-based dynamic capabilities relate to firm performance through the mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation, we analyzed data of a sample of 1047 Portuguese and Spanish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of all industry sectors. The results reveal that knowledge-based dynamic capabilities are associated with firm performance and that the relationship is partially mediated by a firm’s entrepreneurial orientation. This mediation could be explained by the fact that an entrepreneurial orientation to identify and utilize new opportunities is integral to knowledge value creation and extraction, and to avoid pervasive rigidities. Our study sheds light on the mechanisms through which knowledge-based dynamic capabilities are associated with firm performance and helps to explain performance differences among firms. In addition, we provide management insight on how firms can deploy their knowledge-based dynamic capabilities and extract value from them to face change and promote their entrepreneurial orientation and performance.
- Allergic inflammation triggers dyslipidemia via IgG signallingPublication . Fernández-Gallego, Nieves; Castillo-González, Raquel; Moreno-Serna, Lucía; García-Cívico, Antonio J.; Sánchez-Martínez, Elisa; López-Sanz, Celia; Fontes, Ana Luiza; Pimentel, Lígia L.; Gradillas, Ana; Obeso, David; Neuhaus, René; Ramírez-Huesca, Marta; Ruiz-Fernández, Ignacio; Nuñez-Borque, Emilio; Carrasco, Yolanda R.; Ibáñez, Borja; Martín, Pilar; Blanco, Carlos; Barbas, Coral; Barber, Domingo; Rodríguez-Alcalá, Luis M.; Villaseñor, Alma; Esteban, Vanesa; Sánchez-Madrid, Francisco; Jiménez-Saiz, RodrigoBackground: Allergic diseases begin early in life and are often chronic, thus creating an inflammatory environment that may precede or exacerbate other pathologies. In this regard, allergy has been associated to metabolic disorders and with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Methods: We used a murine model of allergy and atherosclerosis, different diets and sensitization methods, and cell-depleting strategies to ascertain the contribution of acute and late phase inflammation to dyslipidemia. Untargeted lipidomic analyses were applied to define the lipid fingerprint of allergic inflammation at different phases of allergic pathology. Expression of genes related to lipid metabolism was assessed in liver and adipose tissue at different times post-allergen challenge. Also, changes in serum triglycerides (TGs) were evaluated in a group of 59 patients ≥14 days after the onset of an allergic reaction. Results: We found that allergic inflammation induces a unique lipid signature that is characterized by increased serum TGs and changes in the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in liver and adipose tissue. Alterations in blood TGs following an allergic reaction are independent of T-cell-driven late phase inflammation. On the contrary, the IgG-mediated alternative pathway of anaphylaxis is sufficient to induce a TG increase and a unique lipid profile. Lastly, we demonstrated an increase in serum TGs in 59 patients after undergoing an allergic reaction. Conclusion: Overall, this study reveals that IgG-mediated allergic inflammation regulates lipid metabolism.
- In vitro and in vivo exploitation of cell stress pathways using methanolic extracts of Phlomis stewartii in diabetic rat's modelPublication . Rasheed, Mamoon Ur; Naqvi, Syed Ali Raza; Hassan, Sadaf Ul; Haq, Atta Ul; Janjua, Muhammad Ramazan Saeed Ashraf; Mahmoud, Mohamed H.; Batiha, Gaber El-Saber; Rashid, Haroon; Rahim, Muhammad Abdul; Rocha, João MiguelVarious bioactive constituents present in plants are used to treat metabolic disorders linked to oxidative stress and obesity. Low-grade to chronic inflammation and IR are considered as main causes of obesity, which is strongly correlated with the prevalence and incidence of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). In this study, the biological influence of Phlomis stewartii extracts was evaluated in vitro and in vivo using rat diabetic models. The biological effects included anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-apoptotic, metabolic hormonal via molecular signaling pathways, and antioxidant potential. The extracts from P. stewartii exhibited the strongest DPPH and FRAP potential for LM (38.92 µg/mL) and (45.28 µg/mL) respectively. Moreover, the high absorbance for reducing power was observed in leaves methanol (LM) 1.36 which is greater than flower methanol (FM) 1.12, and whole plant methanol (WPM) 1.21 at a concentration of 500 µg/mL when comparing treated groups to the negative control (NC), and positive control (PC) groups. The results of an Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) study measuring a metabolic hormonal profile that includes Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), insulin, leptin, and glucokinase showed that LM has been greatly recovered. The study examined the gene expression analysis of cell stress pathways, and it found that the PC groups had higher levels of Janus kinase (JAK), Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STATS) pathways through JAK (JAK-2 and STAT-1), G protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2 (GRK-2), Calmodulin 2 (CALM-2), Proteins Inhibitor of Activated STAT 1 (PIAS-1), Forkhead Box 01, 03, 04, (FOXO-1, FOXO-3, FOXO-4), Bcl-2 Associated X-protein (BAX), B-cell Lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), Interleukins (IL-6, IL-1β), and Tumour Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α). On the other hand, downregulation was observed in NC groups and P. stewartii extract-treated groups. The outcome of this study suggests a strong relationship towards ameliorative effects.
- The impact of open innovation on the environmental sustainability practices and international sales intensity nexus: a multicountry studyPublication . Gonçalves, Ricardo; Vlačić, Božidar; González-Loureiro, Miguel; Sousa, RuiAmid growing environmental concerns and increasing customer demand for environmental sustainability practices (ESP), international firms strive to develop ESP and leverage resources across their global networks as key players in global innovation systems. In this context, we investigate whether adopting an open innovation (OI) strategy is a viable solution to meet the demand for ESP and foster internationalization. Specifically, this study examines the potential moderating effect of OI on ESP because both entail the ability to coordinate, orchestrate, and synchronize networks to enhance international sales. Our study encompasses a multicountry sample of 514 internationally operating manufacturers. The findings reveal that simultaneous efforts to adopt OI with suppliers and ESP constrain the positive association between ESP and international sales intensity. We provide theoretical arguments to elucidate this counterintuitive finding, thereby revitalizing the discussion on the role of international firms’ adoption of ESP and sustainable innovation.
- A medida tutelar educativa de internamento : reflexão crítica à tripartição dos regimes de execuçãoPublication . Rocha, Carla Alexandra da Mota Soares; Tavares, Sandra Flávia Correia BatistaA reforma do Direito de Menores em Portugal, representada pela Lei Tutelar Educativa, visa uma abordagem educativa e de acompanhamento, mas que enfrenta atualmente inúmeros desafios práticos. Em concreto, a presente Dissertação tem como ponto de partida o tema da delinquência juvenil e a forma como, face à primeira problemática, intervém o Estado Português através da aplicação das Medidas Tutelares Educativas, em especial, o Internamento, considerada, pela sua natureza, uma medida de ultima ratio, mas que, apesar do propósito educativo da Lei Tutelar Educativa, corre o risco, na sua execução, de apresentar traços punitivos ou pouco personalizados para suprir, eficazmente, as necessidades reveladas por cada jovem. É neste sentido que nos propomos a refletir acerca de uma eventual reconfiguração da referida medida, dando especial enfoque aos regimes de execução aberto e fechado, tendo sempre por ímpeto a ideia-base de que um jovem infrator não é uma «causa-perdida», estando ainda em tempo, pela fase de crescimento em que se encontra, de ser educado para o direito.
- The progressive pilgrim: real and mythical Indian geography in the contemporary retellings of the RāmāyanaPublication . Oliveira, JoãoSeveral English-language adaptations of the Indian epic Rāmāyana have been published since the beginning of the21st century. The epic has been regarded and recreated asa metonym for the Indian nation. Contemporary versionshave often referred to Indian geography and have tried topoetically or literally associate mythic spaces with real ones.In this paper, I use discourse analysis in order to study someof the most influential 21st-century English-language retell-ings of the Rāmāyana. I conclude that these and other ver-sions of the epic describe India as a regionally dividednation which can ultimately be united through nationalgeography, its association with mythology and the contrastbetween the geography of India and that of foreign nations.In this sense, I regard these contemporary versions as a‘literary pilgrimage’through which Indian readers can get toknow the geography of their nation and regard it as sacred.
- Antimicrobial properties of fennel by-product extracts and their potential applications in meat productsPublication . Egidio, Marica; Casalino, Loriana; Biasio, Filomena de; Paolo, Marika di; Gómez-García, Ricardo; Pintado, Manuela; Sardo, Alma; Marrone, RaffaeleBackground: Beef burgers are perishable meat products, and to extend their shelf life, EU Regulation 1129/11 permits the use of certain additives. Objectives: However, given the concerns of health-conscious consumers and the potential toxicity of synthetic substances, this study aimed to explore the use of fennel waste extracts as natural preservatives. Methods: This study characterized the bioactive compounds (phenolic content), the antioxidant activity (ABTS+ and DPPH assay), and the antimicrobial properties (against Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereusi, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) of different fennel waste extracts (LF, liquid fraction; SF, solid fraction and PF, pellet fraction). Additionally, the potential use of the best fennel extract was evaluated for its impact on beef burger shelf life (up to 18 days at 4 ± 1 °C) in terms of microbiological profile, pH, and activity water (aw). Results: The PF extract, which was rich in flavones, hydroxybenzoic, and hydroxycinnamic acids, demonstrated the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Microbiological analyses on beef burgers with PF identified this extract as a potential antimicrobial substance. The aw and pH values did not appear to be affected. Conclusions: In conclusion, fennel extracts could be proposed as natural compounds exploitable in beef burgers to preserve their quality and extend their shelf-life.
- A delinquência juvenil feminina : uma análise feminista do fenómenoPublication . Silva, Camila Gonçalves; Tavares, Sandra Flávia Correia BatistaA presente tese de mestrado tem como objetivo investigar a delinquência juvenil feminina sob uma perspetiva feminista, analisando profundamente este fenómeno social. A delinquência juvenil feminina, apesar do seu impacto significativo na sociedade, é um tema complexo e frequentemente negligenciado nas investigações. Este estudo visa contrariar essa lacuna, analisando as experiências das jovens delinquentes, os fatores que contribuem para o seu comportamento desviante e as respostas, quer do sistema de justiça, quer das políticas públicas a este fenómeno. Com a abordagem feminista, pretende-se compreender como as normas de género, as estruturas de poder e as desigualdades sociais influenciam a delinquência juvenil feminina. Neste sentido, serão exploradas as teorias feministas dos percursos, destacando a importância do contexto de vida das jovens, incluindo experiências de vitimação e traumas, na sua entrada no sistema de justiça criminal. Será, ainda, analisado como as respostas do sistema de justiça e das políticas públicas têm sido moldadas pelas perspetivas feministas, bem como as melhorias necessárias para uma gestão mais eficaz da delinquência juvenil feminina. Assim, este estudo pretende contribuir para uma compreensão mais abrangente e sensível de um fenómeno muitas vezes negligenciado e tentará oferecer contributos valiosos para intervenções políticas e práticas no campo da justiça juvenil.
- Conhecimentos e atitudes dos estudantes de medicina dentária acerca do cancro oralPublication . Andrade, António; Veiga, Nélio; Marques, Tiago; Couto, PatríciaObjetivos: Aferir os conhecimentos e atitudes relativos a lesões potencialmente malignas e ao cancro oral nos estudantes de Medicina Dentária do 4º e 5º ano das Universidades portuguesas, identificando as lacunas existentes. Métodos: Estudo observacional descritivo transversal, aplicado a estudantes de Medicina Dentária do 4º e 5º ano em Portugal. Como instrumento de recolha de dados foi aplicado um questionário em formato online, inserido na plataforma Qualtrics, desenvolvido originalmente por Horowitz (2000) e Dib (2003) e adaptado por Rodrigues (2013), Pinto (2021), Vozzo e Silva (2023). O tratamento estatístico foi realizado com recurso ao software SPSS versão 26.0, utilizando para tal os testes não paramétricos Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis e um valor de significância de 5%. Resultados: Participaram 105 estudantes, dos quais 43,8% (n=46) frequentavam o ´4º ano” e 56,2% (n=59) o “5º ano”. 96,2% (n=101) dos estudantes identificaram apenas parcialmente os fatores de risco, assim como os locais com maior potencial de malignização. 95,2% identificaram parcialmente as lesões potencialmente malignas e 67,6% as características com maior potencial de malignização. 73,3% (n=77), reportaram o carcinoma como o tipo de cancro oral mais comum. 85,7% (n=90) dos inquiridos apontaram “acima dos 40 anos” como a faixa etária mais prevalente. 51,4% (n=54) identificaram o sexo masculino como o género mais afetado. 82,9% incluem a palpação dos nódulos linfáticos e 93,3% a avaliação das mucosas, língua, palato, pavimento a boca e região retromolar no seu exame clínico. Conclusões: É fundamental fazer face às lacunas identificadas neste estudo, reforçando os conhecimentos e práticas dos estudantes, para que consigam diagnosticar e atuar perante o cancro oral.
- Other income in tax treaty practice: the normative profiles used by contracting statesPublication . Nogueira, João Félix PintoThe aim of this contribution is to identify the normative profiles used by contracting states when designing tax treaty provisions aimed at allocating taxing rights to income not dealt with by any other allocation. With this contribution, the author seeks to allow a better understanding of the current treaty practice in what concerns the such provisions. A normative profile is not more than a model or archetype of a treaty provision designed based on an inductive reasoning (based on treaty observation). Each profile expresses a specific tax policy option, leading to a distinctive tax treatment of the (other) income falling within its scope. A normative profile gathers treaty provisions with different wordings insofar as their underlying policy goal and tax consequences are similar. In fact, treaty practice is rich in deviations that do not represent a different policy option (or interpretative outcome). The identification of all these normative profiles, which is performed for the first time in this contribution (at least in what concerns “other income”), also aims at facilitating future research, providing a comprehensive analytical structure that researchers may namely for further statistical analysis on the occurrence of this provisions in treaty practice. It also facilitates the efforts of designing provisions to be included in bilateral and multilateral instruments. To avoid any research bias, the research was based on primary sources (i.e. income tax treaties). Secondary sources (such as doctrinal texts and case law) were only considered once research on research on primary sources was concluded. As in any study of this nature, methodologic options had to be made. Other income provisions were taken into account when included in treaties that were: i) bilateral; ii) in force on 1 August 2023; iii) in English(covering both the original text and amending protocols); iv) made available by the IBFD’s Tax Research Platform From those treaties, we have considered both: i) clauses labelled “other income”; ii) non-labelled clauses or clauses labelled otherwise that followed a wording similar to that used in the “other income” clauses of the models, and; iii) clauses with a similar function. Insofar as the research is based on IBFD’s Tax Research platform, it has the same limitations as such database. Accordingly: i) it only considers a treaty whenever it was included in such database; ii) when the original treaties are not drafted in English, it relies on IBFD’s non-official English translation; iii) does not consider treaties that are neither available in English nor in languages that the author cannot read; iv) does not consider amendments introduced by Protocols that were not inserted in the main body of the provision The treaty version taken into account was the latest one made available (including amendments). This contribution is focused on the other income normative profiles, leaving aside the interaction between the profiles and other treaty provisions (or, more generally, other provisions including in public international law instruments) or domestic law. Due to the catch-all function of the other income provision, any broadening or narrowing of the scope of other treaty provisions may have an impact in the income that must be considered as other income. However, consideration of such interaction would require a comprehensive analysis of the full in-scope treaties which would not be feasible in the framework of this study. For the same reason, the impact of the commentaries on the interpretation is not taken into account. This contribution does not aim at being a repository or list of all treaties that include a certain normative profile. Accordingly, only a reduced number of wordings and, within each wording, of treaties were selected to illustrate each normative profile. However, in some instances (considering the provision's relevance and its limited use in practice), the author made an exhaustive listing of all treaties employing a specific normative profile or wording. That is the case, for instance, of treaties including a main purpose clause or of treaties granting exclusive taxation rights to the source state. Whenever considered relevant to understand the modus operandi of each normative profile, a brief reference to the rationale or policy aim of the provision is included. However, this article does not aim at discussing the underlying policy goals pursued by the different normative profiles.