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This study investigated the possible occurrence of pulmonary disease in beef cattle from 13 municipalities within the State of Mato Grosso (MT), Brazil. The state of MT is a leading player in beef cattle production in Brazil, but with comparatively few data relative to the occurrence of pulmonary disease or ovine gammaherpesvirus 2 (OvGHV2)-related infections in cattle. Pulmonary samples from 44 beef cattle, with ages ranging between 18 and 28 months, were collected during slaughter and processed to determine the patterns of pulmonary lesions. Additionally, duplicate fragments were used in immunohistochemical (IHC) assays designed to detect malignant catarrhal fever (MCFV) antigens and in molecular assays to amplify 10 agents associated with the development of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Interstitial pneumonia (IP) was diagnosed in most of the lungs (98%; 43/44) evaluated from all municipalities. MCFV antigens were detected in 37% (16/43) of the animals with IP. Only four pathogens were amplified by molecular assays within the lungs of cattle with IP: OvGHV2 (23%; 10/43), bovine viral diarrhea virus (12%; 5/43), bovine coronavirus (7%; 3/43), and Mannheimia haemolytica (2%; 1/43). The nucleic acids of bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine alphaherpesvirus 1, bovine parainfluenza virus 3, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasmopsis (Mycoplasma) bovis were not amplified. Singular infections in cattle from municipalities were associated with MCFV (n = 3) and OvGHV2 (n = 2), while OvGHV2 occurred in all dual and triple infections. However, in four animals with IP, none of the disease pathogens identified were detected. Statistically, MCFV antigens were more frequently (p = 0.048) detected in the lungs of female (75%; 12/16) cattle with IP relative to males (25%; 4/16). Additionally, there was a positive correlation (p < 0.001) between the IHC detection of MCFV antigens within the bronchial epithelium and the epithelium of peribronchial glands of cattle with IP. This is the first study to statistically demonstrate that female cattle are at greater risk of developing MCFV-related infections as compared to male animals. The detection of OvGHV2 in singular and multiple infections during this investigation supports earlier studies that associate this pathogen with the development of pulmonary disease in cattle, indicating that OvGHV2 can contribute to the etiology of IP. Additionally, the detection of OvGHV2-induced infections in asymptomatic cattle suggests that all animals were subclinically infected, confirming that subclinically OvGHV2-induced infections may be widespread in ruminants from Brazil. Furthermore, the occurrence of atypical interstitial pneumonia cannot be discarded, particularly in animals with IP but without any associated pathogen. These initial findings suggest the need for a more elaborate investigation to understand the dynamics of pulmonary disease within this state.

Diarrhea is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in piglets during the neonatal period. Porcine neonatal diarrhea is a complex disease often caused by porcine rotavirus (PoRV) worldwide. This report describes the diversity of species and genotypes of PoRV field strains currently circulating in the nursery pens of an unvaccinated pig herd in southern Brazil. In a cross-sectional survey, 12 diarrheic fecal samples were obtained from 1 to 3 weeks of suckling piglets during an outbreak of diarrhea. RT-PCR assays were utilized to investigate the RVA, RVB, RVC, and RVH species. The amplified products were sequenced using the Sanger method. All 12 fecal samples were PoRV-positives. Among them, 11 (91.7%) samples were positive for RVA and 8 (66.7%) for RVC. RVA and RVC were co-detected in 7 (58.3%) samples. RNA from only one PoRV species was detected in five (RVA; n = 4 and RVC; n = 1) samples. Further analysis of VP7 (genotype G), VP4 (genotype P), and VP6 (genotype I) genes showed a diversity of four different genotype combinations for RVA (G3-P [6]-I5, G3-P [13]-I5, G4-P [6]-I5, and G5-P [23]-I5) and two (G1-P [4]-I6 and G6-P [4]-I1) for RVC field strains. This genotype diversity is rare in cross-sectional studies involving just one fecal collection on only one pig farm. Despite the small sample size, these reports highlight the intricate nature of PoRV gene reassortment events in pig herds, which can change the epidemiology of PoRV infections. Monitoring the evolution of PoRV field strains and potential heterologous infections is crucial. This will enhance our understanding of the evolution of PoRV wild-type strains and the epidemiology of PoRV infections.

Neonatal diarrhea remains a significant threat to piglet health, resulting in substantial economic losses worldwide. Among the viral pathogens associated with this condition, rotavirus (RV) has been extensively reported in Brazil; however, lineage-level classification of circulating strains remains limited. This study aimed to characterize G and P genotypes of porcine RV field strains associated with diarrhea in piglets in Southern Brazil. A total of 10 fecal samples were collected by field veterinarian from diarrheic suckling piglets aged 1 to 14 days and analyzed by RT-PCR for the detection of RV species A, B, C, and H. RV species A (RVA) was detected in 90% (9/10) of the samples, while no other RV species were identified. Genotyping based on the VP7 and VP4 genes revealed a single G3P[6] genotype combination in all RVA-positive samples. Nucleotide (nt) and deduced amino acid (aa) sequence analysis revealed high genetic similarity among strains, with values of up to 99.3% for nt and 98.0% for aa of the VP7 gene and 100% for the VP4 gene (nt and aa). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the VP7 sequences clustered with Brazilian G3 strains, forming a distinct group consistent with a novel lineage (putative G3-XII), whereas VP4 sequences supported a new sublineage (putative P[6]-Ig). These findings demonstrate low genetic variability of RVA field strains in this neonatal diarrhea outbreak, suggesting the circulation of a single viral population. They also emphasize the importance of continuous molecular surveillance to gain a deeper understanding of viral evolution and transmission dynamics in swine populations.

Nowadays the challenges in the industry go beyond the ones imposed by the customers. Thus, the focus of a company also involves working with suppliers and employees and taking advantage of each one's abilities. Faced with growing market pressure, creating this circular energy is a task that requires the implementation of methodologies, such as, Lean.Improving communication, standardizing processes and organizing workspaces are actions that allow companies to achieve better results and thus make teamwork more cohesive.This report is the result of an internship at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, which is the company responsible for the production and distribution of drinks such as Coca-Cola, Burn or Fanta. The main objective of the internship was to identify improvements and implement actions in the maintenance department, which resulted in work being directed to improve the relationship with suppliers.Through the literature on supplier relationship managementand the lean methodologyas an aid tool to maximize the potential of each process, it was possible to define an action plan, implement it and conclude its scope and real application in a company.

A presente dissertação foi desenvolvida durante um período de estágio, em contexto industrial, na empresa FicoCables, que é produtora de componentes como cablagens metálicas e sistemas de conforto para a indústria automóvel. Este trabalho foi incorporado no departamento de logística externa.Em termos gerais, a problemática dos transportes urgentes leva às empresas um custo extra e desnecessário de forma a cumprir os seus compromissos comerciais com os seus clientes. Em grande parte dos casos, deve-se ao facto de lacunas no planeamento. Este caso em particular não é exceção, sendo que, este tipo de custos representa cerca de 33% dos custos totais em transportes, revelando ter um grande impacto económico.Assim sendo, este trabalho surge da necessidade de analisar os transportes a cargo da empresa em estudo, tanto os transportes normais como os transportes urgentes, bem como a melhoria do processo de pedido e gestão de transportes.A caracterização dos transportes normais revelou-se uma tarefa importante pois a partir dela foi desenvolvido um modelo de otimização com o objetivo de maximizar os envios realizados pela empresa.O desenvolvimento do protótipo de uma aplicação para a gestão dos transportes tornou-se uma mais valia para a organização pois permitiu ter uma aplicação “ready-to-code” facilitando e tornando mais rápida a sua implementação. Em termos mais específicos, esta aplicação permitirá um maior controlo dos pedidos de transportes efetuados, bem como a redução do tempo necessário para preenchimento dos formulários de pedido de cotação, a condensação dos dados e documentos relativos ao transporte numa única plataforma, um maior rigor dos dados e, ainda, uma maior monitorização dos transportes.Para a análise dos transportes urgentes foram utilizadas algumas das ferramentas de qualidade de forma a determinar as causas-raiz do problema identificado (elevado custo com transportes urgentes). O uso destas ferramentas, nomeadamente, brainstorming, diagrama de Ishikawa e Cinco Porquês, permite um maior envolvimento por parte dos colaboradores das diferentes áreas e, desta forma, é possível a partilha de conhecimentos e, por consequência, uma análise mais fiável das possíveis causas-raiz do problema, bem como, a implementação de ações para as combater. Com a aplicação das ações identificadas, conseguiu-se uma redução dos custos de transportes urgentes em cerca de 68%.

O Building Information Modeling (BIM) é considerado como o mais recente paradigma a adotar no exercício da Arquitetura, Engenharias e Construção (AEC) e Design. Um método de trabalho destacado como a aptidão a ter no futuro do setor mundial, onde todas as suas fases e dimensões validam o espírito de colaboração, partilha de informação, interajuda e otimização. Sendo já aplicado em diversos países como cariz obrigatório na profissão, desde 2016 como os Estados Unidos, Reino Unido e Singapura, a visão mundial a cerca desta ferramenta no ensino é ainda bastante elementar comparativamente com as suas imensas potencialidades, principalmente em Portugal.Ciente de que um profissional adquire conhecimentos e competências fulcrais à profissão numa fase anterior a este estatuto é de interesse geral que as habilitações que se adquirem com a metodologia BIM sejam ensinadas no curso de Arquitetura. Porém tal importância não se verifica, tendo como resultado um curso desajustado das novas necessidades da profissão. Perante o problema apresentado surgiu a motivação para o desenvolvimento de uma dissertação que apostasse numa proposta de um modelo curricular para o curso de Mestrado Integrado em Arquitetura que incorpore o Building Information Modeling.

Infection by SARS-CoV-2 in domestic animals has been related to close contact with humans diagnosed with COVID-19. Objectives: To assess the exposure, infection, and persistence by SARS-CoV-2 of dogs and cats living in the same households of humans that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and to investigate clinical and laboratory alterations associated with animal infection. Animals living with COVID-19 patients were longitudinally followed and had nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal and rectal swabs collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, blood samples were collected for laboratory analysis, and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90) to investigate specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Between May and October 2020, 39 pets (29 dogs and 10 cats) of 21 patients were investigated. Nine dogs (31%) and four cats (40%) from 10 (47.6%) households were infected with or seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. Animals tested positive from 11 to 51 days after the human index COVID-19 case onset of symptoms. Three dogs tested positive twice within 14, 30, and 31 days apart. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies were detected in one dog (3.4%) and two cats (20%). In this study, six out of thirteen animals either infected with or seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 have developed mild but reversible signs of the disease. Using logistic regression analysis, neutering, and sharing bed with the ill owner were associated with pet infection. The presence and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been identified in dogs and cats from households with human COVID-19 cases in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. People with COVID-19 should avoid close contact with their pets during the time of their illness.

Cholesterol is a pivotal lipotoxic molecule that contributes to the progression of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis NASH). Additionally, microcirculatory changes are critical components of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the role of cholesterol as an insult that modulates microcirculatory damage in NAFLD and the underlying mechanisms. The experimental model was established in male C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet for 39 weeks. Between weeks 31–39, 2% cholesterol was added to the HFHC diet in a subgroup of mice. Leukocyte recruitment and hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation in microcirculation were assessed using intravital microscopy. The hepatic microvascular blood flow (HMBF) was measured using laser speckle flowmetry. High cholesterol levels exacerbated hepatomegaly, hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and leukocyte recruitment compared to the HFHC group. In addition, cholesterol decreased the HMBF—cholesterol-induced activation of HSC and increased HIF1A expression in the liver. Furthermore, cholesterol promoted a pro-inflammatory cytokine profile with a Th1-type immune response (IFN-γ/IL-4). These findings suggest cholesterol exacerbates NAFLD progression through microcirculatory dysfunction and HIF1A upregulation through hypoxia and inflammation. This study highlights the importance of cholesterol-induced lipotoxicity, which causes microcirculatory dysfunction associated with NAFLD pathology, thus reinforcing the potential of lipotoxicity and microcirculation as therapeutic targets for NAFLD.

This paper examines how a critical dimension of logo design, namely naturalness, along with logo color, influences brand gender perceptions, and whether brand-design-induced gender perceptions ultimately impact affective reactions to logos. Data were collected from a sample of 260 participants, using a set of 24 unknown, manipulated logos as stimuli. Results suggest that while cultural logo designs effectively convey brand masculinity, organic logo designs enhance femininity perceptions. Using dark blue and light pink logo colors reinforce masculinity and femininity perceptions, respectively. Both logo masculinity and logo femininity have a positive effect on the affective response toward logos. Furthermore, this research analyzed the moderation effect of color on the link between logo design and logo gender perceptions, as well as the moderation effect of consumers’ gender in the link between logo gender perceptions and affect toward the logo. However, none of these moderation effects were supported by the data. This is the first research to empirically test the effect of natural logo designs on brand gender perceptions and, thereby, on affective reactions toward the logo. The findings provide practical guidelines about the design of a gendered logo using the naturalness of logo design and logo color, thereby facilitating gender targeting efforts.

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, representing a significant public health challenge. Respiratory viruses are the primary pathogens responsible for these infections, and their ability to evolve and spread efficiently contributes to their widespread circulation. Here, we examined the epidemiological characteristics of SARI cases reported over one year (February 2023 to February 2024) in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil. Additionally, 4,000 negative specimens for influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2, tested routinely, were evaluated by an expanded PCR respiratory panel (11 pathogens). During the study period, 14,816 SARI cases were reported: 3,396 cases due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, 2,329 to RSV, 1,124 due to influenza (802 influenza A and 322 influenza B), and 7,803 due to undefined etiological agents. Differential diagnostics allowed for identifying at least one respiratory pathogen in 1,741 (43.5%) of the 4,000 SARI cases tested. Human rhinovirus was the most frequently detected virus (in 63.3% of positive cases), followed by metapneumovirus (17.7%), parainfluenza virus (15.9%), adenovirus (13.6%), and bocavirus (11.6%). Our findings highlight the significant role of a diverse range of respiratory viruses in contributing to severe illness and mortality. Additionally, we observed ongoing shifts in the seasonal patterns of these viruses compared to years before the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the dynamic nature of respiratory virus circulation. These results emphasize the need for comprehensive interventions to mitigate the impact of respiratory infections and ensure an adequate public health response.