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Publications

2015

Odin: A Service for Gamification of Learning Activities

Authors
Paiva, JC; Leal, JP; Queirós, R;

Publication
LANGUAGES, APPLICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGIES, SLATE 2015

Abstract
Existing gamification services have features that preclude their use by e-learning tools. Odin is a gamification service that mimics the API of state-of-the-art services without these limitations. This paper describes Odin, its role in an e-learning system architecture requiring gamification, and details its implementation. The validation of Odin involved the creation of a small e-learning game, integrated in a Learning Management System (LMS) using the Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) specification.

2015

CYP2D6*4 polymorphism: A new marker of response to hormonotherapy in male breast cancer?

Authors
Abreu, MH; Gomes, M; Menezes, F; Afonso, N; Abreu, PH; Medeiros, R; Pereira, D; Lopes, C;

Publication
BREAST

Abstract
Background: Tamoxifen remains the standard hormonotherapy for Male breast cancer patients (MBC). Previous studies, in women, tried to evaluate the impact of CYP2D6 polymorphisms in tamoxifen efficacy with conflicting results. Herein we analyze the relation between CYP2D6*4 polymorphism and survival in MBC patients. Patients and methods: Fifty-three patients, proposed to tamoxifen in adjuvant setting, were enrolled. Clinical information was collected from records and histological revision with additional immunochemistry analysis was done to better characterize the tumors. Comprehensive CYP2D6*4 genotyping from blood or tumor tissue was performed and translated into two predicted metabolic activity groups. Results: Patients included in the two CYP2D6*4 groups did not differ concerning to age, histological characteristics, and primary treatments performed. Median age at diagnosis was 63 years-old and patients were submitted at least to mastectomy and adjuvant hormonotherapy. Recurrence was observed in 7 patients (13.2%) and 13 patients (25.5%) died with a 5-year disease-free survival of 86.2%. The poorer metabolizer group had a high risk for recurrence (p = 0.034) and this outcome effect remains in different subgroups: in tumors larger than 2 cm (p < 0.001), nodal status, N0 vs N+ (p = 0.04) and in advanced stage, stage III (p < 0.001). Poorer metabolizer patients had also a worse overall survival when tumors were larger than 2 cm (p = 0.03). Conclusions: In our series, there was an association between CYP2D6*4 polymorphism and a probability of recurrence, with a consistent effect in risk groups defined by classic prognostic factors. Multicentric studies with larger samples are needed to validate these results.

2015

ADAPTIVE TIME-MESH REFINEMENT IN OPTIMAL CONTROL PROBLEMS WITH STATE CONSTRAINTS

Authors
Paiva, LT; Fontes, FACC;

Publication
DISCRETE AND CONTINUOUS DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS

Abstract
When using direct methods to solve continuous-time nonlinear optimal control problems, regular time meshes having equidistant spacing are most frequently used. However, in some cases, these meshes cannot cope accurately with nonlinear behaviour and increasing uniformly the number of mesh nodes may lead to a more complex problem. We propose an adaptive time-mesh refinement algorithm, considering different levels of refinement and several mesh refinement criteria. Namely, we use information of the adjoint multipliers to decide where to refine further. This technique is here tested to solve two optimal control problems. One involving nonholonomic vehicles with state constraints which is characterized by having strong nonlinearities and by discontinuous controls; the other is also a nonlinear problem of a compartmental SEIR system. The proposed strategy leads to results with higher accuracy and yet with lower overall computational time, when compared to results obtained by meshes having equidistant spacing. We also apply the necessary condition of optimality in the form of the Maximum Principle of Pontryagin to characterize the solution and to validate the numerical results.

2015

28th IEEE International Symposium on Computer-Based Medical Systems, CBMS 2015, Sao Carlos, Brazil, June 22-25, 2015

Authors
Jr., CT; Rodrigues, PP; Kane, B; Azevedo Marques, PMd; Machado Traina, AJ;

Publication
CBMS

Abstract

2015

Commitment-Trust Dynamics in the Internationalization Process: A Case Study of Market Entry in the Brazilian Market

Authors
Moreira, AC; Alves, CB;

Publication
Business Development Opportunities and Market Entry Challenges in Latin America

Abstract
This chapter describes the market entry process of Portuguese small and mediumsized enterprise (SME) into the Brazilian. This chapter explores an under-researched strand in the studies of internationalization of SMEs, namely how trust and commitment leveraged the relationship orientation of the Portuguese SME in entering into the Brazilian market. Through a Case Study the chapter explores the concept of relationship orientation, trust and commitment to analyze how a Portuguese SME managed to turn around a difficult situation transforming its associates in business partners and prevented a process of desinternationalization. © 2016 by IGI Global.

2015

Strategic challenges of the Portuguese automotive industry: In search of an Iberian sourcing strategy

Authors
Moreira, AC; De Carvalho, ACS;

Publication
Handbook of Research on Global Competitive Advantage through Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Abstract
The main objective of this chapter is to define a set of strategic lines, from the public policy point of view, so that Portuguese suppliers of the auto industry can deploy a strategic alignment throughout the supply chain in order to position themselves as potential suppliers of the global sourcing strategy of their Iberian Peninsula clients. The characterization of the auto industry in Portugal and Spain is undertaken, framing the perspective of this industry and proposing the strategic guidelines for the Portuguese auto components industry to supply the Iberian market. The study supports a synergistic strategy between the Portuguese auto components industry and the Spanish automotive industry in order to increase the Portuguese incorporation in downstream activities of the supply chain. Portuguese auto components suppliers should adopt international relational strategies throughout the value chain in order to source their Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) clients and to reinforce their position as global suppliers. The strategy involves the consolidation of the Portuguese automotive cluster as global suppliers through specialization.

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