Browsing by Author "Henriques, Carla"
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- Bank Credit and Trade Credit: The Case of Portuguese SMEs from 2010 to 2019Publication . Pinto, Pedro; Henriques, Carla; Cardoso, Carolina Esteves Oliveira da Silva; Neves, Maria Elisabete DuarteSmall companies face significant difficulties in accessing finance, and the use of bank credit and trade credit are the primary sources of financing, specifically in small countries, with little market liquidity, and focused on the banking system, as is the case of Portugal. The main objective of this article is to identify significant drivers of bank and trade credit, as well as investigate the complementary or substitutive relationship between them, considering that both constitute an essential source of financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The sample comprises 5860 companies, and the analysis was performed using panel data methodology (2010–2019). The results suggest that, during the period in which the financial crisis was most felt in the country (2010–2013), companies intensified their demand for trade credit, and in the following years for bank credit. Our evidence does support the substitution hypothesis between trade and bank credit.
- Brugada Syndrome Diagnosis - Three Approaches to Combining Diagnostic MarkersPublication . Henriques, Carla; Matos, Ana; Santos, LuisBrugada Syndrome (BS) is an inherited cardiopathy that predisposes individuals without structural heart disease to sudden cardiac death. The diagnosis is performed by detecting a typical pattern in the electrocardiogram (ECG), called Type 1 Brugada pattern, but this is not always visible, so the diagnosis is not straight- forward. In this study, we investigated other ECG markers, independent of the typ- ical pattern, which exhibited a good ability to differentiate the carriers and the non-carriers of the genetic mutation responsible for this disease. The combination of these markers through linear models has led to enhancing the ability of each marker to discriminate between the two groups. We found linear combinations of these markers for which the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was greater than 0.9, which suggests an excellent ability to discriminate between the two groups. This study points towards good alternatives for diagnosing BS which may prevent searching for the Type 1 Brugada pattern in an ECG, but these alternatives should be investigated with a larger database in order to produce a good effective predictive model.
- A closer look at Santiago de Compostela's pilgrims through the lens of motivationsPublication . Amaro, Suzanne; Antunes, Angela; Henriques, CarlaThis study aims to identify pilgrims’ motivations to undertake the Camiño de Santiago and examine differences regarding socio demographics and other characteristics. An online questionnaire was used to collect data from pilgrims that had travelled the Camiño de Santiago. A total of 1,140 valid responses was collected from 45 different nationalities. The results indicate that pilgrims are mostly motivated by spiritual aspects, by wanting new experiences and for the nature and sports experience. Interestingly, religious motivations are the least important. The study also found that motivations differ according to several factors such as gender, nationality and the way the pilgrims undertook their journey. The findings of this study offer a better understanding of modern pilgrims, providing useful insights to stakeholders.
- Combined C4d and CD3 immunostaining predicts IgA nephropathy progressionPublication . Faria, Bernardo; Henriques, Carla; Matos, Ana; Daha, M.; Pestana, M.; Seelen, M.A number of molecules have been shown recently to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy(IgAN). Among these, we have selected C4d (complement lectin pathway involvement), CD3 (T cell marker, traducing interstitial inflammation),transglutaminase 2 (TGase-2, involved in tissue fibrosis development) and p-extracelluar-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 (protein kinase intracellular signaling molecule) to perform a panel of immunohistological biomarkers and assess its predictive value for disease progression. Immunohistochemical staining of these biomarkers was performed in paraffin sections from 74 renal biopsy cases with the clinical diagnosis of IgAN. Association between score analysis of these parameters and disease course was assessed through univariate and multivariate analysis, including baseline clinical and histological data. Univariate analysis showed that glomerular C4d,tubulointerstitial TGase2 and CD3 scores were associated with baseline proteinuria and disease progression. Multivariate analysis showed that only baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), C4d and CD3 were associated independently with progressive kidney disease (decline of at least 50% in the eGFR or progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) during the follow-up period). Establishing an accurate prediction model for IgAN progression is still a matter of research in clinical nephrology. The complement system, particularly lectin pathway activation, and T cell activation, have been shown previously to be potential modifiers of the disease course. Here we show that the combination of two histological biomarkers (C4d and CD3) can be a powerful predictor of IgAN progression and a potential useful tool for the clinical approach of this disease.
- Comparing Millennials With Their Predecessors Regarding Online Travel Behaviours: A Logistical Regression Modelling ApproachPublication . Amaro, Suzanne; Henriques, Carla; Duarte, PauloMillennials, also known as Generation Y, are characterized by their use of technology, which is an integral part of their lives. Research has shown that they are different from earlier generations regarding their behaviours and attitudes. This article investigates and compares the behavior of Millennials with those of previous generations using data collected among 1,732 Worldwide Internet users. In order to understand what differentiates Millennials, this study considers several characteristics related with the way travelers use and perceive online resources to exchange information and buy travel products. Logistic Regression was applied to identify which factors independently discriminate between the two groups and the area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, known as AUC, was used to assess the discriminative ability of the model. To select the variables to be considered in the multivariate logistic regression modelling stage, a univariate comparison was conducted. All significant variables were included in the multivariate analysis, significant being measured as having a p-value<0.05. Furthermore, because some non-significant variables may constitute an important contribution in the presence of other variables, all variables with p-value<0.1 were also considered for inclusion in the regression model. Forward step analysis was then used to find the final model, identifying a set of variables that independently contribute to differentiate the two groups. A distribution-free approach which aims to find the best linear combination that maximizes the AUC was also applied. The study found that, when compared with their predecessors, Millennials are more involved with travel social media and have a higher estimation to purchase travel online. Millennials behaviours may be an indication of the way people will behave in the future (Bolton et al., 2013). Therefore, it is crucial that Marketers and retailers better understand this young generation. This study provides useful insights, with indications of which factors matters most to Millennials in the online travel domain.
- Complications of Fluidotherapy in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis - A ContributionPublication . Henriques, Carla; Matos, Ana; Pereira, Jorge; Afonso, CatarinaAggressive fluid therapy is frequently suggested in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. However, there is some controversy about the effect of this therapy with respect to the increase/reduction of clinical complications and the need for surgery. This study is based on records of 109 patients admitted to the Intermediate Surgical Care Unit of Tondela Viseu Hospital Centre, between 2007 and 2012, with diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The study explores the relationship between fluid administration in the first 48 hours and the development of local, late, systemic and other complications. The statistical analysis of the data contributed to the clarification of some open questions in this subject and, therefore, to a greater understanding on the matter in question. For each complication under study, the patients were divided into two groups: complication present or absent. Data were explored and statistical tests were used in order to identify variables that differentiate the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves allowed to relate the amount of fluids at 48 hours with the occurrence of each complication, determining the value of fluids administered up to 48 hours with good sensitivity and specificity. Logistic regression models were used to identify independent risk factors for each complication. There was no significant relationship between fluid therapy at 48 hours with death nor with the occurrence of systemic complications. As opposed, fluid therapy at 48 hours revealed to be associated with local and late complications, presence of infection and need for surgery.
- Complications of fluidotherapy in patients with acute pancreatitis: A contributionPublication . Henriques, Carla; Pereira, Jorge; Matos, Ana; Afonso, CatarinaIntroduction: Aggressive fluid therapy is frequently suggested in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. However, there is some controversy about the effect of this therapy concerning the development of clinical complications and the need for surgery. Objectives: To explore the relationship between fluid administration in the first 48 hours and the development of local or systemic complications, to contribute to clarifying some open questions on this subject. Methods: This study is based on records of 109 patients admitted to the Surgical High Dependency Unit of Tondela Viseu Hospital Centre, between 2007 and 2012, with the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Data were explored, and statistical tests were used to identify variables that differentiate patients with complications. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves allowed to relate the amount of fluids at 48 hours with the occurrence of each complication. Logistic regression models were used to identify independent risk factors for each complication. Results: There was no significant relationship between fluid therapy at 48 hours with death nor with the occurrence of systemic complications. As opposed, fluid therapy at 48 hours revealed to be associated with local and late complications, presence of infection and need for surgery. Conclusion: High levels of fluid therapy in the first 48 hours were associated with the development of complications.
- Computational Science and Its Applications – ICCSA 2014, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Predictive Models for Mutation Carriers in Brugada Syndrome ScreeningPublication . Henriques, Carla; Matos, Ana; Santos, LuisIn this study we consider logistic regression models to predict mutation carriers in family members affected by Brugada Syndrome. This Syndrome is an inherited cardiopathy that predisposes individuals without structural heart disease to sudden cardiac death. We focused on five electrocardiographic markers, which have been explored as good discriminators between carriers and non-carriers of the genetic mutation responsible for this disease. Logistic regression models which combine some of the five markers were investigated. Our objective was to assess the predictive ability of these models through internal validation procedures. We also applied shrinkage methods to improve calibration of the models and future predictive accuracy. Validation of these models, using bootstrapping, point to some superiority of two models, for which fairly good measures of predictive accuracy were obtained. This study provides confidence in these models, which offer greater sensitivity than the usual screening by detecting a characteristic pattern in an electrocardiogram.
- Conflitos Conjugais e a EstatísticaPublication . Henriques, Carla; Duarte, FernandoNesta sessão pretendíamos "jogar" com a Estatística, criando um cenário fictício que possibilitasse a aplicação de algumas técnicas da inferência estatística
- Consumer Buying Tendencies and Knowledge about Bread in PortugalPublication . Guiné, Raquel; Matos, Mariana; Henriques, Carla; Correia, PaulaBread is a pivotal food in many cultures around the world. Besides energy, it provides some nutritional benefits, being an important source of dietary fibres and vitamins. Hence, this research work aimed to understand the purchasing habits and the level of knowledge about bread in the centre of Portugal, as well as in what way those haits might be influenced by sociodemographic variables. The study was conducted by means of a questionnaire, which included sections aimed at getting information about demographic variables, buying habits and knowledge about bread. The sample consisted of 500 respondents and the data was collected by direct interviewing after informed consent. The study was approved for human subjects and was conducted according to all ethical guidelines. The results showed that in most cases the respondents buy bread from specialized shops (pastries and bakeries: 61%). It was also observed that the vast majority of respondents (70%) answered correctly to at least half of the questions aimed to understand their knowledge about bread. Hence, these results indicated that there is a positive degree of knowledge about bread and its benefits among the respondents. Bread has been a basic food for many centuries and some myths about its consumption could have a negative impact on its position on the present diets. Therefore, the results obtained in this work are encouraging and show that bread is regarded as a staple food, with benefits for a healthy diet. Furthermore, the results may also be used to improve the education about the benefits of whole grains as compared to refined grains. The whiter breads, made with refined grains have lead the bread consumption in the past decades, a trend that should be reverted.