Psychological, social and behavioural factors associated with disease/illness activity and adjustment to Lupus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) bears a heavy toll on individuals’ psychological wellbeing and quality of life. Despite vital to the development of effective interventions, systematic and quantifiable knowledge on modifiable factors associated with adult SLE adjustment and disease/illness activity is currently lacking. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to bridge this gap, by examining the effects of modifiable psychological, social, and behavioural factors associated with SLE adjustment and disease/illness activity. Eight databases were searched for quantitative studies, using Boolean combinations of keywords on SLE adjustment, disease/illness activity and psychological, social, or behavioural correlates/predictors. Ninety studies were included in the narrative review, and fifty-four in the meta-analysis. The psychological factors more strongly associated with SLE adjustment and disease/illness activity were illness– and treatment-related illness- and treatment-related beliefs, self-perceptions, resilience-related factors, and perceived stress. Avoiding sedentary behaviour showed a consistent, albeit small association with better outcomes. Social factors were largely under investigated, but better perceived social support showed moderate associations with better outcomes. The meta-analysis findings, which should be considered with caution due to high risk of bias, uncovered several potentially fruitful avenues for future research and highlight potentially relevant targets for psychosocial and behavioural interventions to improve quality of life of individuals with SLE.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Financialisation, indebted workers and labour discipline: Empirical evidence on reduced strike activity in the European Union countries

Workers are being denoted by higher resignation and conformism and lesser claimant behaviour due to their lesser engagement in strikes, which indeliberately accepts the significant deterioration of labour conditions, a loss of labour rights and an increase in labour exploitation all over the world in the last five decades. Our argument to explain this puzzling paradox of worsening labour conditions yet less strike activity emphasises that as a result of their more financially fragile position, indebted workers evidence a more self-disciplined attitude and risk-averse behaviour in their workplaces in order to retain their jobs (and income) and honour their financial obligations, which then constrains their claims for higher wages and better labour conditions through engagement in strikes. This study assesses the influence of worker indebtedness on strike activity by performing a panel data econometric analysis from 1995 to 2022 that is focused on European Union countries. Our results confirm that worker indebtedness negatively impacts strike activity in European Union countries, especially in those with the highest levels of worker indebtedness. Our results corroborate that the growth in worker indebtedness is even one of the main drivers behind the decline of strike activity in the European Union countries since the mid-1990s.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Análise de dinâmicas causais entre drivers de economia circular em PMEs com recurso a Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM)

Nos dias que correm, a economia circular tem vindo a posicionar-se como um meio utilizado pelas empresas para atingir os níveis de sustentabilidade pretendidos. Há cada vez mais empresas a incluir projetos e/ou atividades de economia circular nos seus negócios. A grande maioria destas empresas são pequenas e médias empresas (PMEs), que têm maior flexibilidade e facilidade em adotar este tipo de economia. Porém, muitas destas empresas falham na implementação de economia circular, por não terem know- how suficiente para o fazer. O principal objetivo deste estudo é desenvolver um modelo de apoio à tomada de decisão num contexto complexo de economia circular. O modelo desenvolvido irá permitir às empresas identificar drivers de economia circular, bem como analisar as relações de causalidade que se estabelecem entre esses mesmos drivers. O modelo tem por base a abordagem Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) e combina técnicas de mapeamento cognitivo com Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). A aplicação destas técnicas verificou-se no decurso de duas sessões de grupo com um painel de especialistas em economia circular com cargos de decisão em PMEs. Por fim, o modelo desenvolvido foi consolidado numa sessão de validação com duas colaboradoras da Organização Internacional do Trabalho (OIT), que deixaram ainda algumas recomendações práticas sobre o modelo.Nowadays, circular economy has been positioning itself as a means used by companies to achieve the desired levels of sustainability. More and more companies are including circular economy projects and/or activities in their businesses. Most of these companies are SMEs, which have greater flexibility and ease in adopting this type of economy. However, some of them fail in the implementation of circular economy because they do not have enough know-how on the topic. The main objective of this study is to develop a model to support decision making in a complex circular economy context. The developed model will allow companies to identify circular economy drivers and analyze their cause-and-effect relationships. This model is based on the Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach and combines cognitive mapping and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). The application of these techniques was carried out during two group sessions with a panel of expert in circular economy with decision making positions in SMEs. Finally, the developed model was discussed in a validation session with two decision makers from the International Labor Organization (ILO), who also left some recommendations

Digital twins and data sharing

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow, challenges related to data security and privacy become increasingly prominent. Within this expansive digital environment, personal data sovereignty stands out as a pivotal concern. This dissertation spotlights a specific component within a broader ecosystem aimed at addressing these concerns: the automation and management of a user-owned data system centered around Digital Twins (DT), a crucial step toward reshaping data control and privacy. While the overarching ecosystem leverages various systems, this work zeroes in on the DT platform components. It assumes therefore the existence of a platform where consumers have increased control over the DTs of their smart devices. . The DT platform used leverages the capabilities of Eclipse Ditto to create digital models, while data security is bolstered by the utilization of encryption in transit (SSL/TCP) and at rest using the package ecryptfs-utils. A dedicated pilot study was conducted to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the particular component we have developed. Metrics such as CPU usage, RAM usage, network bandwidth, and response times were examined across different scales of complexity. The findings underscored the component's adaptability and resilience, suggesting potential avenues for enhancing personal data stewardship in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By intertwining the principles of DT and Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), this dissertation underscores the transformative essence of a user-driven data management approach. Even as a component of a more comprehensive DT ecosystem, the significance of the user-centric paradigm in personal data management remains paramount.À medida que a Internet das Coisas continua a crescer, os desafios relacionados com segurança e privacidade dos dados tornam-se mais proeminentes. No ambiente digital, a soberania dos dados pessoais é uma preocupação central. Esta dissertação destaca uma componente específica dentro de um ecossistema mais amplo, abordando essas preocupações: a automatização e a gestão de um sistema de dados de propriedade do utilizador centrado em Digital Twin (DT), um passo crucial para remodelar o controlo e a privacidade dos dados. Embora o ecossistema abranja vários sistemas, este trabalho foca-se nos componentes da plataforma DT onde os consumidores tenham maior controlo sobre os seus dados. A plataforma DT, aproveita os recursos da plataforma Eclipse Ditto para criar modelos digitais, enquanto a segurança dos dados é reforçada pela encriptação in transit e at rest, usando o package ecryptfs-utils. Parte desta investigação foi dedicada à avaliação do desempenho e da eficácia do sistema. Métricas (CPU, RAM, largura de banda da rede e tempo de resposta) foram examinadas em diferentes escalas de complexidade. As conclusões sublinharam a adaptabilidade e resiliência do sistema, sugerindo potenciais caminhos para melhorar a gestão dos dados pessoais no contexto da Quarta Revolução Industrial. Entrelaçando os princípios de DT e da Identidade Auto-Soberana, esta dissertação sublinha a essência revolucionária de uma abordagem de gestão de dados orientada para o utilizador. Apesar dos resultados apresentarem um componente de um ecossistema de DT mais abrangente, a importância do paradigma centrado no utilizador na gestão de dados pessoais continua a ser primordial

Low complexity learning-based lossless event-based compression

Event cameras are a cutting-edge type of visual sensors that capture data by detecting brightness changes at the pixel level asynchronously. These cameras offer numerous benefits over conventional cameras, including high temporal resolution, wide dynamic range, low latency, and lower power consumption. However, the substantial data rates they produce require efficient compression techniques, while also fulfilling other typical application requirements, such as the ability to respond to visual changes in real-time or near real-time. Additionally, many event-based applications demand high accuracy, making lossless coding desirable, as it retains the full detail of the sensor data. Learning-based methods show great potential due to their ability to model the unique characteristics of event data thus allowing to achieve high compression rates. This paper proposes a low-complexity lossless coding solution based on the quadtree representation that outperforms traditional compression algorithms in efficiency and speed, ensuring low computational complexity and minimal delay for real-time applications. Experimental results show that the proposed method delivers better compression ratios, i.e., with fewer bits per event, and lower computational complexity compared to current lossless data compression methods.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

O papel dos corredores verdes para adaptação climática e coesão social: Um estudo dos corredores verdes de Monsanto e Oriental

Diante do aumento da população urbana e dos desafios associados da urbanização e das alterações climáticas, a pressão sobre os ecossistemas tem se intensificado, com impactos ambientais frequentes e severos (IPCC, 2018; EEA, 2021). Isso afeta a biodiversidade, compromete os serviços ecossistémicos, e agrava os riscos de desastres naturais. Esta dissertação busca investigar o papel dos corredores verdes (CV) de Monsanto e Oriental, em Lisboa, e das soluções de base natural (SBN) na preservação da biodiversidade e na adaptabilidade urbana, bem como busca-se compreender a perceção dos usuários sobre esses elementos quanto às funções e os benefícios ambientais e sociais. Para isso, foi utilizada uma metodologia mista composta por uma revisão da literatura, métodos de observações de campo, mapeamento e construção de uma matriz de soluções de base natural presentes nos dois corredores, aplicação de inquéritos "in loco" de questionários com perguntas fechadas e abertas a 101 indivíduos, e análise documental. Foram recolhidas 53 respostas ao questionário, referentes ao Corredor Verde de Monsanto, e 48 referentes ao Corredor Verde Oriental. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e comparações entre os dois corredores, com foco na perceção dos inquiridos em relação às funções e os benefícios ambientais e sociais proporcionados por estes espaços verdes. Os resultados indicam que os inquiridos valorizam esses espaços não apenas como áreas de lazer, mas também, pelos benefícios ambientais, por promoverem a coesão social e contribuírem para o bem-estar e para a qualidade de vida.With the increasing urban population and the associated challenges of urbanization and climate change, pressure on ecosystems has intensified, leading to more frequent and severe environmental impacts. This affects biodiversity, compromises ecosystem services, and exacerbates the risks of natural disasters (IPCC, 2018; EEA, 2021). This dissertation aims to investigate the role of the Monsanto and Oriental green corridors (GC) in Lisbon, and nature-based solutions (NBS) in biodiversity conservation and urban adaptability, as well as to understand users' perceptions of these elements in terms of their environmental and social functions and benefits. A mixed-method approach was employed, including a literature review, field observation, mapping and the construction of a matrix of nature-based solutions present in both corridors, in-person surveys with 101 individuals using closed and open-ended questions, and document analysis. A total of 53 responses were collected for the Monsanto Green Corridor and 48 for the Oriental Green Corridor. Descriptive analyses and comparisons between the two corridors were conducted, focusing on respondents' perceptions of the environmental and social functions and benefits provided by these green spaces. The results indicate that respondents value these spaces not only as recreational areas but also for their environmental benefits, for promoting social cohesion, and for contributing to well-being and quality of life

A experiência do cliente num Hostel em Lisboa: Uma análise baseada nas categorias da Booking.com

The growth of tourism in Portugal has been a challenge for companies in the hospitality industry, however it has also allowed for the growth and emergence of new tourist accommodation. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of specific characteristics on the overall customer experience in order to understand how these characteristics could impact the quality of service and, consequently, customer satisfaction. Considering the hostel industry, this study analyzes the situation of a specific hostel located in Lisbon. The seven key categories analyzed between the first of May 2022 and the first of October 2023 were: "Location", "Staff", "Comfort", "Amenities", "Value for money", "Cleanliness" and “Breakfast”. The data was collected and analyzed from the Booking.com platform, in order to conclude the aspects that most impact the customer experience and satisfaction, both positively and negatively. The results show that all the characteristics have both positive and negative effects on the hostel's overall rating, since they are all quite broad and subjective. Even so, the category with the highest number of negative mentions on the Booking.com page for this Hostel is the facilities category, where almost 50% of the negative comments mention at least one facet associated with this category. On the other hand, the most positive category for the Hostel is the location, with around 54% of positive mentions in the period analyzed.O crescimento do turismo em Portugal tem sido um desafio para as empresas da indústria hoteleira, no entanto, tem permitido o crescimento e desenvolvimento de novas formas de alojamento. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é analisar o impacto de seis caraterísticas específicas na experiência do cliente, de modo a perceber como é que estas podem influenciar a perceção da qualidade do serviço prestado e, consequentemente, a satisfação do cliente. Considerando o ramo dos hostéis, este estudo foca um Hostel em particular, localizado em Lisboa. Desta forma, as seis categorias fundamentais analisadas entre o primeiro dia de maio de 2022 e o primeiro dia de outubro de 2023 foram: “Localização”, “Staff”, “Conforto”, “Comodidades”, “Relação Qualidade-Preço” e “Limpeza”. Os dados foram recolhidos e analisados a partir da plataforma Booking.com, de modo a concluir os aspetos que mais impactam a experiência e satisfação do cliente, positiva e negativamente. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que todas as categorias têm partes positivas e negativas para a cotação geral do Hostel, uma vez que são bastante abrangentes e subjetivas. Ainda assim, pode concluir-se que a categoria analisada com maior número de menções negativas na página da Booking.com relativa a este Hostel é a categoria das comodidades, onde quase 50% da parte negativa dos comentários menciona, pelo menos, uma faceta associada a esta categoria. Por outro lado, a categoria com maior destaque positivo para o Hostel é a localização, com cerca de 54% de menções positivas no período analisado

O que é doce nunca amargou? O impacto de diferentes tipos de açúcar na avaliação sensorial de limonadas

A adoção de hábitos alimentares pouco saudáveis, como o consumo excessivo de açúcar, constitui uma das principais causas para o desenvolvimento de problemas de saúde. A perceção dos consumidores sobre produtos alimentares pode ser influenciada por elementos presentes nas embalagens, como as alegações nutricionais e de saúde. Estudos anteriores sugerem que alegações relacionadas com o tipo de açúcar podem influenciar a perceção de salubridade, teor calórico e o sabor esperado. No entanto, a investigação sobre o impacto dessas alegações ainda é escassa. Este estudo explorou o efeito da presença (vs. ausência) de alegações sobre o tipo de açúcar presente em limonadas, na perceção dos participantes. Para tal, 101 estudantes universitários avaliaram em várias dimensões cinco amostras de limonada adoçadas com mel, stevia, xarope de agave, sacarose, sacarina. Os resultados revelaram que a presença (vs. ausência) da alegação não influenciou a forma como os participantes avaliaram as amostras. O tipo de açúcar influenciou significativamente a avaliação das amostras de limonada, independentemente da presença ou ausência de alegações. Este estudo contribui para a literatura atual, dado ao seu carácter inovador, ao testar o impacto de alegações sobre o tipo de açúcar numa prova real de limonadas.The adoption of unhealthy eating habits, such as excessive sugar consumption, is one of the leading causes of health problems. Consumers' perceptions of food products can be influenced by elements in the packaging, such as nutrition and health claims. Previous studies suggest that claims about the type of sugar can influence perceptions of healthiness, calorie content, and expected taste. However, research on the impact of these claims remains scarce. This study explored the effect of the presence (vs. absence) of claims about the type of sugar in lemonades, as perceived by the participants. To this end, 101 university students evaluated five samples of lemonade sweetened with honey, stevia, agave syrup, sucrose, and saccharin on various dimensions. The results showed that the claim's presence (vs. absence) did not influence how the participants evaluated the samples. The type of sugar significantly influenced the evaluation of the lemonade samples, regardless of the presence or absence of claims. Due to its innovative nature, this study contributes to the current literature by testing the effect of sugar-type claims in an actual lemonade tasting

Divulgação de interesses noutras entidades: Índice de divulgação nas empresas cotadas do PSI20 e IBEX35

De forma a permitir a tomada de decisão dos stakeholders é importante que as empresas divulguem informação necessária nos seus relatórios de contas consolidadas. Nestes relatórios constam várias normas de divulgação a serem respeitadas, nomeadamente a IFRS 12. Esta norma tem como principal objetivo perceber a natureza e os riscos associados aos interesses em subsidiárias, acordos conjuntos, associadas e entidades estruturadas não consolidadas. Através desta dissertação é possível verificar os níveis de divulgação, bem como os seus fatores explicativos, das empresas cotadas nos índices bolsistas “PSI20” e “IBEX35”, em cinco anos de análise (2018 a 2022). O presente estudo foi efetuado através da criação de um modelo de regressão linear múltipla, constituído por uma variável dependente (índice de divulgação), três variáveis de controlo (dimensão, qualidade de auditoria e alavancagem financeira) e cinco variáveis explicativas (localização, rendibilidade, número de membros do conselho de administração, investimentos em empresas associadas e acordos conjuntos e interesses minoritários). Depois de analisado o modelo concluiu-se que a localização, os níveis de rendibilidade, o número de membros do conselho de administração, a dimensão e a alavancagem financeira das empresas não justificam os seus níveis de divulgação e que as únicas variáveis que são explicativas dos níveis de divulgação da amostra são os investimentos em associadas e empreendimentos conjuntos e os interesses minoritários das empresas.In order to enable stakeholders to make decisions, it is important for companies to disclose the necessary information in their consolidated accounts reports. These reports contain various disclosure standards to be complied with, including IFRS 12. The main objective of this standard is to understand the nature and risks associated with interests in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and unconsolidated structured entities. Through this dissertation it is possible to verify the disclosure levels, as well as their explanatory factors, of the companies listed on the “PSI20” and “IBEX35” stock market indices, in five years of analysis (2018 to 2022). This study was carried out by creating a multiple linear regression model consisting of a dependent variable (disclosure index), three control variables (size, audit quality and financial leverage) and five explanatory variables (location, profitability, number of board members, investments in associated companies and joint ventures and minority interests). After analyzing the model, it was concluded that the companies' location, profitability levels, number of board members, size and financial leverage do not explain their disclosure levels and that the only variables that explain the sample's disclosure levels are investments in associates and joint arrangements and the companies' minority interests

UNITA’s post-war parliamentary elite: From a wartime defeat to a nationwide party in Angola

Angola is governed under a presidential system characterised by a weakly institutionalised parliament ruled by the MPLA liberation movement since independence. UNITA, the largest opposition party in parliament, is also a liberation movement and former belligerent in the protracted Angolan civil war. Despite facing an uneven playing field, UNITA has seen its share of parliamentary seats increase in successive post-war elections. This makes it a relevant case study to understand patterns of elite formation and political representation more broadly. This article examines the composition of UNITA parliamentary elites in Angola in post-civil war legislatures, and how UNITA members of parliament (MPs) perceive representation tasks and engage in constituency-focused activities. We do so through a longitudinal study of post-civil war legislatures (from 2008, 2012, 2017 and 2022), drawing on new biographical data and interviews with MPs. We argue that, following the transition from rebel movement to political party, parliament became an arena in which UNITA was able to achieve a nationwide reach by integrating MPs with diverse backgrounds and by engaging with constituents. Additionally, while institutional rules favour national over local representation, MPs seem to invest in and value links with constituents. The study highlights how nationwide recruitment and connections with constituents contribute to elite formation.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio