Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-10-25"
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- Smart factory : The operational and financial impact of implementing integrated manufacturing execution system in a Brazilian defense small medium enterprisePublication . Bisthoven, Théotime Cyprien C. Janssens de; Sales, AugustoThis thesis investigates the operational and financial impacts of implementing an integrated Manufacturing Execution System (MES) in a Brazilian defense Small Medium Enterprise (SME). The study focuses on DefCo, a defense manufacturer, and explores how MES adoption influences production efficiency, quality control, and financial outcomes. Employing a case study approach, the research combines interviews, field visits, and project data spanning seven years, from 2016 to 2023, to compare performance metrics pre- and post-MES implementation. Findings indicate significant improvements in Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE), with Part A and Part B’s OEE increasing to 90% post-MES implementation. The MES enabled realtime production monitoring, automated scheduling, and enhanced quality control, reducing labor costs by 20% and defects by 33%. Financial analysis reveals a 5.2 Return on Investment (ROI), driven by reduced labor hours and improved operational efficiency. Despite initial employee resistance and integration challenges due to security protocols, the MES helped data transparency, accountability, and long-term operational improvements. This research highlights the value of MES in enhancing competitiveness for SMEs in regulated sectors like defense and underscores the importance of strategic planning, training, and strong data governance for successful MES adoption. The findings offer insights into using Industry 4.0 technologies to drive sustainable growth in the global manufacturing landscape.
- Sustainable bioprospecting and circular economy approach: fractionation and identification of bioactive peptides from lusitanian toadfish (halobatrachus didactylus) mucusPublication . Cunha, Marta Fernandez; Coscueta, Ezequiel R.; Brassesco, María Emilia; Almada, Frederico; Gonçalves, David; Pintado, ManuelaBioactive molecules from marine organisms, especially the Halobatrachus didactylus, also known as the Lusitanian toadfish, native to the Portuguese coast, remains largely unexplored. It is important to use sustainable bioprospecting practices to protect both the species and its ecosystem (1). Therefore, by adopting a circular economy approach, we can maximize the sustainable use of marine resources by sampling fish in a non-harmful way (e.g. mucus collection) and returning them to their natural habitat, thus allowing these organisms to thrive in their ecosystems. Fish mucus acts as a natural barrier from the surrounding environment, acting as a first line of defense, for instance, against pathogens (2,3). In this study, we carefully collected H. didactylus mucus using a synthetic sponge to ensure no physical harm to the fish and to minimize stress by reducing handling time. We evaluated the potential bioactivities of the body mucus and characterized its peptide fraction composition. The body mucus of H. didactylus exhibited promising antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial activities (4). The body mucus peptide profile was obtained using size exclusion chromatography, revealing a prominent peak ca. 800 Da. Using LC-MS/MS, we identified several peptide sequences from the mucus peptide fraction and selected five of them based on their predicted bioactivities in silico. We then validated the bioactivities through in vitro assays. Peptides with the amino acid sequences EDNSELGQETPTLR (HdKTLR), DPPNPKNL (HdKNL), PAPPPPPP (HdPPP) and VYPFPGPLPN (HdVLPN) showed antibiofilm potential against P. aeruginosa. HdVLPN and PFPGPLPN (HdLPN) exhibit significant antioxidant activity, while HdPPP demonstrates antihypertensive and antidiabetic activities. In conclusion, this study not only underscores the therapeutic potential of H. didactylus peptides but also serves as a model for sustainable bioprospecting practices that align with circular economy principles.
- Exploring the health benefits of lentil phenolics: antioxidant and immunomodulatory effectsPublication . Geraldo, Rafaela A. F.; Machado, Manuela; Silva, Sara; Costa, Eduardo M.; Pinto, Elisabete; Pintado, Manuela; Neves, Delminda; Vasconcelos, Marta W.Introduction: Lentils are rich in essential nutrients such as protein, fibre, and flavonoids, with a low glycemic index that helps avoid glycemia peaks. Epidemiological data suggest potential benefits against cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Objectives: Identify the lentil variety with the highest phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, and anti-diabetic effects while evaluating its cytotoxicity and immunomodulatory activity. Conclusions: Kermit variety exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities, and the largest quantities of phenolic compounds, making it the best candidate for in vitro analyses. Cooking affected phenolic composition, often reducing (Epi)Catechin and Procyanidin compounds, though Kaempferol derivatives remained prominent across all varieties. No deleterious effect regarding metabolic inhibition was observed in Caco-2 cells when exposed to Kermit phenolic extracts. Regarding the immunomodulatory results: The production of IL-6 and IL-8 significantly decreased with Kermit phenolic extracts. In cells stimulated with IL-1β, the Kermit phenolic extracts showed relevant anti-inflammatory effects, as demonstrated by reductions in the selected cytokines' secretion.
- Substrate pH mediates growth promotion and resilience to water stress of Tilia tomentosa seedlings after Ectomycorrhizal inoculationPublication . Serafim, Cindy; Ramos, Miguel A.; Yilmaz, Tugce; Sousa, Nadine R.; Yu, Kang; Geel, Maarten Van; Ceulemans, Tobias; Saudreau, Marc; Somers, Ben; Améglio, Thierry; Honnay, Olivier; Castro, Paula M. L.Colonization by Ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi is key for the health and performance of plants under different stress scenarios, such as those faced by trees in urban environments. Because urban environments can be lacking EcM fungi, we here assessed the benefits of inoculating Tilia tomentosa seedlings in a pre-transplantation nursery context with the EcM fungi Lactarius deliciosus and Paxillus involutus, using substrates of different pH and facing water-stress. P. involutus had a more evident positive effect in T. tomentosa seedlings and had a good performance in both acidic and alkaline substrate. In acidic substrate the fungus increased the plant height by 0.91-fold, increased the mycorrhization rate by 3.23-fold, expansion rate by 5.03-fold and formation of secondary roots by 0.46-fold, compared to the non-inoculated control. This species also improved the phosphorus content of leaves, which revealed a promotion of nutrient uptake. In alkaline substrate P. involutus increased root dry weight by 3.92-fold and the mycorrhization parameters. In contrast, L. deliciosus only had a positive effect in the improvement of mycorrhization and expansion rates and phosphorus content in the root, effects visible only in alkaline substrate. When exposed to water-stress the increase of proline content was visible in acidic substrate for both fungi, L. deliciosus and P. involutus, and in alkaline substrate for the fungus P. involutus, a response indicative of the enhancement of defenses in stressing scenarios such as water scarcity. We conclude that fungal inoculation improves the vigour and resilience of Tilia seedlings and that it is of utmost importance to select a suitable EcM fungus and to consider the soil pH of the transplanting site. The inoculation approach can be a valuable tool to produce robust seedlings which may have a better performance when transplanted to the challenging urban environment.
- O papel da doutrina social da igreja na formação do discipulado na diocese de Nacala, MoçambiquePublication . Baraja, Crespim Cabral de Benfica; Rodrigues, Luís M. FigueiredoEsta dissertação estuda o papel da Doutrina Social da Igreja (DSI) na formação do discipulado na Diocese de Nacala, Moçambique, destacando a relação entre a dimensão social da evangelização, a DSI e o discipulado maduro. A fé cristã é vista como inseparável das questões sociais, tendo Jesus Cristo como modelo central de amor, compaixão e transformação. A responsabilidade da Igreja é transmitir diligentemente a mensagem do Evangelho e promover a justiça social. A DSI é apresentada como um conjunto de princípios éticos que orientam os cristãos para a construção de uma sociedade mais justa, destacando o bem comum, a solidariedade e a dignidade da pessoa humana. A família é considerada fundamental para a formação moral da sociedade, enquanto a poligamia e a feitiçaria são identificadas como desafios para o discipulado cristão. O texto enfatiza a importância da formação contínua dos cristãos, incorporando os valores da DSI e enfrentando os desafios culturais. Destaca-se a necessidade de atualização do processo de formação, especialmente para abordar novos desafios como a ecologia integral. Por fim, questiona-se se a DSI é amplamente conhecida e aplicada na Diocese de Nacala.
- Compliance desportivo : a relevância dos programas de cumprimento normativo na pessoa coletiva desportivaPublication . Pereira, Ema Roma; Silva, Germano Marques daA criminalidade no Desporto é uma realidade cada vez mais conhecida por todos, urgindo a necessidade de criar e implementar mecanismos que visem prevenir a prática de crimes no universo desportivo. É neste contexto que o criminal compliance ganha crescente relevância, sendo fulcral garantir que as pessoas coletivas desportivas organizam, vigiam e controlam a sua própria atividade, nomeadamente através de programas de cumprimento normativo. A presente dissertação visa, nestes termos, expor a importância transversal do Desporto, contextualizar o instituto do criminal compliance, culminando numa análise à concreta relevância que os programas de cumprimento normativo arrogam para as pessoas coletivas desportivas.
- O indevido recebimento ou oferta de vantagens e o direito desportivoPublication . Deus, Beatriz Alexandra Figueira de; Silva, Germano Marques daA investigação que agora se inicia cumpre analisar o crime de recebimento ou oferta indevidos de vantagem, nos termos do Código Penal e da Lei n.º 14/2024, de 19 de janeiro, procurando comparar ambos. Pela preponderância que assume hoje em dia, o Desporto encontra-se devidamente legislado e regulamentado. E esta preponderância advém da participação de inúmeros agentes desportivos em várias competições desportivas, das mais diversas modalidades. Com esta participação não se procura apenas isso, mas também a ideia de obter alguma vantagem (lucro). E pela lucratividade inerente ao mesmo, surge o conhecido fenómeno de corrupção desportiva (fenómeno atual, mas não recente na nossa sociedade). Deste modo, procuraremos analisar a mais recente alteração no âmbito do setor desportivo – a Lei n.º 14/2024, de 19 de janeiro – em particular, o crime de recebimento ou oferta indevidos de vantagem, sendo esta uma das modalidades do crime de corrupção (no seu sentido lato) que se encontra descrita no ordenamento jurídico desportivo. Contudo, para uma melhor compreensão do tema será de todo o interesse abordar primeiramente a vertente deste tipo legal que se encontra vertida no Código Penal.