The impact of COVID-19 on AIRBNB prices

Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Statistics and Information Management, specialization in Risk Analysis and ManagementNowadays, the main part of the population around the world uses online sites to find local homes for vacations or even more long-term stays. One of the most popular sites of short-term rental market is Airbnb. These rental markets have grown rapidly over the last decade which leads to the fast-growth of Airbnb (E. Holm, 2020). “How COVID-19 impacted Airbnb prices in Lisbon?” is the main question of this work. Throughout the study it will be possible to understand the effects of pricing strategies, price positioning and dynamic pricing, more precisely if COVID-19 affected Airbnb in a way that leads to changes in the trends of the prices per night in the various accommodation that Airbnb has in the chosen cities. To answer this question, was constructed a database with data extracted from the website InsideAirbnb. Our findings suggest that Berlin prices comparing to Lisbon have decreased 2.66% during this pandemic

Avaliação do potencial de diferenciação das células da polpa dentária de humanos

TCC(graduação) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Centro de Ciências Biológicas. Biologia.O desenvolvimento dentário ocorre através de interações sequenciais entre o epitélio oral e o mesênquima. O epitélio oral dá origem aos ameloblastos que secretam o esmalte dentário, enquanto à formação da polpa dentária é derivada das células mesenquimais. Acredita-se que o tecido mesenquimal seja originado a partir das células da crista neural (CN). A CN compreende uma população de células altamente pluripotente que possuem propriedades migratórias dando origem a uma grande variedade de tipos celulares. Células tronco com característica da CN vem sendo encontradas em vários tecidos adultos como na polpa dentária humana de dentes permanentes. Devido a capacidade das células derivadas da CN de se diferenciarem em tipos celulares derivados, as células tronco encontradas na polpa dentária podem potencialmente ser utilizadas para fins terapêuticos em diversas áreas médicas. Neste trabalho avaliamos o potencial das células da polpa dentária de originar células com características de células tronco embrionárias e com características de células neuronais através da utilização de diferentes meios de cultivo indutivos. As células da polpa dentária foram obtidas de terceiros molares de indivíduos adultos humanos. As culturas celulares foram mantidas em passagens baixas e altas em meio de cultura padrão (α- MEM acrescido de SFB a 10%) e meios indutivos para fenótipo neural e para células tronco embrionárias. As análises foram realizadas através de imunocitoquímica, marcação por BrdU (proliferação celular) e pela presença de unidades formadoras de colônias (UFCs). A análise de imunocitoquimica foi realizada para marcadores característicos de células indiferenciadas (Nanog, Sox 2 e Oct-4), marcadores celulares para progenitor neural (Nestina e β- tubulina III), para células gliais (P0), células características de CN (p75) e para actina de músculo liso (α-SMA). Nossos resultados demonstraram presença de células positivas para Nanog, Sox 2, Oct-4, Nestina e β- tubulina III em todas as condições analisadas em cerca de 95% das células, sem diferenças significativas entre elas sugerindo a presença de células tronco/progenitoras O marcador α-SMA apresentou redução em passagens baixas e altas quando cultivados no meio de células tronco neurais (CTN). Apesar de não termos encontrado diferenças entre a expressão fenotípicas, observamos diferenças morfológicas celulares entre os diferentes meios. As células mantidas em meio para CTN apresentaram prolongamentos citoplasmáticos maiores quando comparado aos outros meios, e há uma tendência desses prolongamentos aumentarem com as passagens. Observamos ainda diminuição da proliferação celular e de UFCs em passagens altas neste meio. Em conjunto estes dados sugerem um possível processo de diferenciação celular neuronal quando as células são cultivadas por cerca de 10 passagens em CTN.Teeth development occurs through sequential interactions between oral epithelium and mesenchyme. The oral epithelium gives rise to ameloblasts that secrete enamel, whereas dental pulp cells are derived from mesenchyme. It is believed that the mesenchymal tissue is originated from neural crest cells (NC). The NC comprises a population of pluripotent cells with have highly migratory properties, with can give rise to a wide variety of cell types. Stem cells with NC characteristics have been found in various adult tissues such as the human dental pulp of permanent teeth. Due to the ability of NC-derived cells to differentiate in to multiple cells lineages, stem cells found in the dental pulp can potentially be used for therapeutic purposes in various medical fields. In this study we analyzed the potentiality of dental pulp cells to give rise to cells with characteristics of embryonic and neural stem cells through the use of different commercial inductive culture media. Dental pulp cells were obtained from third molars of human’s adult. Cell cultures were maintained at low and high passages either in control medium (α-MEM plus 10% FCS) or inductive medium for neural stem cells (NSC) or embryonic stem cells inductive medium (ESC). Analyses were performed by immunocytochemistry for BrdU labeling and the formation of Colony Forming Units (CFUs). Immunocytochemistry analyses were performed in order to detect the protein levels of Nanog, Sox 2 and Oct-4 (markers characteristic of undifferentiated cells), Nestin and β-tubulin III (neural progenitor cells), P0 (glial cells), p75 (characteristics of CN) and smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Our results showed that the protein expression levels for Nanog, Sox 2, Oct-4, Nestin and β-tubulin III were higher in all samples and they were kept constant among the three different conditions tested. However, morphological differences were observed among groups: cells maintained in NSC medium showed longer cytoplasmatic process when compared to other treatments. Also we observed a tendency to increase these processes when the passages number increase. The analysis of the cells proliferation and CFU also showed a decrease in high passages in medium for NSC. These data together with the morphological differences found suggest the occurrence of a process of cellular differentiation that is for neural cells, and that was caused by the exposure off cell to the inductive medium used. Statistical differences between the control and ESC medium were not found

A first-hand experience for a second-hand product : the success of online luxury resellers

The purpose of this research is to understand how luxury resellers successful create value-added propositions within the online context, posing a challenge to the exclusivity inherent to the luxury reality. We used a qualitative approach to analyse three online second-hand players and drew our conclusions on the Business Model Canvas. The findings of the present research show that the success of luxury online resellers is built on (1) a diversified, personalised and curated luxury assortment, (2) wider customer reach enabled by online, (3) trusted authentication processes, (4) powerful network effect, (5) proprietary technology and in-house skilled staff. These are assets difficult to replicate which raises barriers to entry and are further complemented with offline expansion and partnerships with luxury brands. This research is relevant for both incumbent companies and new entrants alike, as well as luxury companies to better understand the value of the second-hand luxury market.O objetivo da presente tese é compreender como os revendedores de luxo são bem-sucedidos a criar propostas de valor acrescentado no contexto online, colocando um desafio à exclusividade inerente à realidade do luxo. Utilizámos uma abordagem qualitativa para analisar três operadores de segunda mão online e chegámos às conclusões com base no modelo Business Model Canvas. Os resultados da presente pesquisa mostram que o sucesso dos revendedores de luxo online se baseia (1) numa oferta de produtos de luxo variada e personalizada, (2) maior alcance de clientes viabilizado pelo online, (3) processos de autenticação fidedignos, (4) poderoso efeito de rede, (5) tecnologia própria e equipa interna qualificada. Estes ativos são difíceis de reproduzir, o que levanta obstáculos à entrada de concorrentes, e são reforçados com a expansão offline, assim como parcerias com marcas de luxo. Esta pesquisa é relevante tanto para empresas estabelecidas como novas no mercado e também para empresas de luxo, de modo a se compreender melhor o valor do mercado de luxo em segunda mão

Farfetch IPO: how far can it go? How much can it fetch?

The following case describes the dilemma faced by Carmo, an Investment Advisor, a day ahead of Farfetch’s Initial Public Offering. It covers the company’s journey since its foundation in 2007 to its IPO in late September 2018. Over the course of ten years, the company has demonstrated a remarkable growth path as a result of the deep relationships it has built and nurtured, but it is still thriving to become profitable. As Farfetch prepares to go public, Carmo is faced with issues such as the chosen listing location, the company’s dual class structure and the offering valuatio

Comprehensive biomedical applications of low temperature plasmas

This article is made available for unrestricted research re-use and secondary analysis in any form or be any means with acknowledgement of the original source. These permissions are granted for the duration of the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic.The main component of plasma medicine is the use of low-temperature plasma (LTP) as a powerful tool for biomedical applications. LTP generates high reactivity at low temperatures and can be activated with noble gases with molecular mixtures or compressed air. LTP reactive species are quickly produced, and are a remarkably good source of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species including singlet oxygen (O2), ozone (O3), hydroxyl radicals (OH), nitrous oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Its low gas temperature and highly reactive non-equilibrium chemistry make it appropriate for the alteration of inorganic surfaces and delicate biological systems. Treatment of oral biofilm-related infections, treatment of wounds and skin diseases, assistance in cancer treatment, treatment of viruses’ infections (e.g. herpes simplex), and optimization of implants surfaces are included among the extensive plasma medicine applications. Each of these applications will be discussed in this review article.This work was supported by the National Institute of Health/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, NIH/NIDCR – 1R21DE028929-01)

It is represented in the media, so it exists: anxiety in the movies 'Eighth Grade' and 'Silver Linings Playbook'

This paper aims to understand how anxiety disorders are represented in the films Eighth Grade and Silver Linings Playbook. A filmic analysis is conducted, specifically narrative analysis. Additionally, qualitative interviews with qualified informants bring a more robust understanding of anxiety disorders and explanation of the results obtained. The results reveal that the filmmakers choose to represent characters with characteristics that go beyond mental illness, enabling an identification by the viewers. In Eighth Grade, there are characteristics coincident with the symptomatology, such as apathy, restlessness, and irritability, and deviant ones, such as dependence on the Internet, the manifestation of increased maturity, and the revealing of confidence. In Silver Linings Playbook, irritability, mood swings, and refuge in sports are coincident particularities, and the expression of happiness, motivation, and recognition of overcoming are dissonant symptomatology. In both films, there was an attempt by the filmmakers to convey a positive message and a happy ending, condensing the idea of overcoming mental illness. The films, assuming an educational function, provide tools that teach how to deal with anxiety in everyday life.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Actitudes del profesorado de lengua castellana y literatura de 4º curso de Educación Primaria ante los procesos de innovación educativa

It is evident that the educational system needs permanent changes. Pedagogical innovation plays a fundamental role in this process. However, not all teachers are aware of the importance of it when it comes to improving the quality of teaching and properly addressing the needs of the students.In the present TFG we have done further research into the attitudes that the teachers have towards these processes, and also the limitations that prevent these processes from taking place in the classroom. We decided to develop a research proposal in order to identify these attitudes, specifically those of teaching professionals who teach Spanish Language and Literature in the 4th year of Primary Education.After the sharing and analysis of the obtained results, we conclude that the teachers who have fewer years of teaching experience make more ofan effort to use innovative teaching techniques in the classroom. However, those who have been teaching for longer are less likely to use these innovative processes and still use obsolete methods, techniques and resources.Resulta evidente que el sistema educativo necesita cambios que realmente arraiguen en el mismo. La innovación pedagógica desempeña un papel fundamental en este proceso. No obstante, no todos los docentes son conscientes de la importancia de la misma a la hora de mejorar la calidad de la enseñanza y atender correctamente a las necesidades del alumnado.En el presente TFG hemos profundizado acerca de las actitudes que tienen los profesores ante dichos procesos, además de las limitaciones que impiden que se lleven a cabo en las aulas. Es por ello que decidimos elaborar una propuesta de investigación, a través de la cual pudiéramos conocer dichas actitudes, concretamente de aquellos profesionales de la enseñanza que imparten la asignatura de Lengua Castellana y Literatura en 4º curso de Educación Primaria.Tras el análisis y puesta en común delos resultados obtenidos, concluimos que aquellos profesores que cuentan con menos años de experiencia en la docencia se preocupan más por innovar en las aulas. Sin embargo, aquellos que tienen más experiencia están menos familiarizados con este tipo de procesos, y siguen utilizando métodos, técnicas y recursos obsoletos.Universidad de Sevilla. Grado en Pedagogí

The influence of YouTubers on children (8-12 years old): current issues and brands

YouTubers have become a worldwide popularity phenomenon, and the ever-more time spent at home helped further amplify its status and relevance, especially with children. The increasing access to broadband internet, the easy and intuitive way of using it, the full control over what they want to see, the proximity to the public and the capacity to surprise and innovate are some of the motifs that make YouTubers so attractive to the youngsters. Using a qualitative methodology carried out in two sequential data collection phases, first with children and then with Youtubers, the authors aimed to answer the following research question: “How influential are YouTubers in shaping the opinions of 8-12 year-olds on topical issues?” This investigation concluded that children have YouTubers as role models, consider their content a reliable source of information and admit to having changed the way they think because of them. Although Youtubers’ influence diminishes as children grow, this study proved that they tend to adopt the views and perspectives shared by YouTubers. On the other hand, it is also an opportunity for children to learn and be aware of important topics from an early age in a more accessible and interesting way.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

It Is Represented in the Media, So it Exists: Anxiety in the Movies ‘Eighth Grade’ and ‘Silver Linings Playbook’

This paper aims to understand how anxiety disorders are represented in the films Eighth Grade and Silver Linings Playbook. A filmic analysis is conducted, specifically narrative analysis. Additionally, qualitative interviews with qualified informants bring a more robust understanding of anxiety disorders and explanation of the results obtained. The results reveal that the filmmakers choose to represent characters with characteristics that go beyond mental illness, enabling an identification by the viewers. In Eighth Grade, there are characteristics coincident with thesymptomatology, such as apathy, restlessness, and irritability, and deviant ones, such as dependence on the Internet, the manifestation of increased maturity, and the revealing of confidence. In Silver Linings Playbook, irritability, mood swings, and refuge in sports are coincident particularities, and the expression of happiness, motivation, and recognition of overcoming are dissonant symptomatology. In both films, there was an attempt by the filmmakers to convey a positive message and a happy ending, condensing the idea of overcoming mental illness. The films, assuming an educational function, provide tools that teach how to deal with anxiety in everyday life.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio