A model for enterprise knowledge management after COVID-19 crisis

Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Information Management, specialization in Knowledge Management and Business IntelligenceThe Covid-19 crisis has provoked many abrupt changes worldwide, affecting everyday life facets from government decisions to people´s social conducts. In addition, this crisis has forced many enterprises to change their normal approach to organizational workstyle. These changes have brought to the surface permanent issues different organizations must deal with. Crisis Management provides organizations with important tools and methods to deal with the different stages of crisis. However, the management of knowledge as key resource for problem mitigation is yet to be included in Crisis Management initiatives. Consequently, the objective of this work is to provide a solution that brings the areas of Knowledge Management and Crisis Management closer together, in support of enterprise management during the aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis. An initial literature review during this research allows to study the concepts of Crisis Management, Knowledge Management, and the context specific to the Covid-19 crisis. Furthermore, this study develops on Knowledge Management strategy solutions and existing Crisis Management frameworks. Subsequently, the Covid-19 current context and future impact on enterprise management is reviewed. From the study of the areas of investigation, the assumptions leading to the final solution are presented. The artifact of Knowledge Management for post Covid-19 Crisis Management is introduced, in the form of a step-by-step model. Lastly, a case scenario with the model application is presented, as well as further evaluation of the model via interviews with professional experts. Conclusions are withdrawn regarding the model´s utility and applicability for enterprise management

Nitric Oxide Regulates Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus following Seizures

Hippocampal neurogenesis is changed by brain injury. When neuroinflammation accompanies injury, activation of resident microglial cells promotes the release of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species like nitric oxide (NO). In these conditions, NO promotes proliferation of neural stem cells (NSC) in the hippocampus. However, little is known about the role of NO in the survival and differentiation of newborn cells in the injured dentate gyrus. Here we investigated the role of NO following seizures in the regulation of proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival of NSC in the hippocampus using the kainic acid (KA) induced seizuremouse model. We show that NO increased the proliferation of NSC and the number of neuroblasts following seizures but was detrimental to the survival of newborn neurons. NO was also required for the maintenance of long-term neuroinflammation. Taken together, our data show that NO positively contributes to the initial stages of neurogenesis following seizures but compromises survival of newborn neurons.Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal); COMPETE; FEDER [PTDC/SAU-NEU/102612/2008, PTDC/NEU-OSD/0473/2012, PEst-C/SAU/LA0001/2013-2014, PEst-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013-2014]; FCT, Portugal [SFRH/BPD/78901/2011, SFRH/BD/77903/2011

Modular Software Process Simulation Models Through Metamodeling

In this paper we present the main concepts and principles of a multilevel architecture to help in the development of modularized and reusable software process models under the System Dynamics approach. The conceptual ideas of the multilevel architecture have been formalized using UML as a notation. Metamodeling is used to support the process of abstract modules development. The architecture proposed is also based on ISO’s Information Resource Dictionary System. The principles of the architecture and overall guide to develop software process simulation models are described in this work.Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología TIN2004-06689-C03-0

Improving software process maturity through dynamic modeling and simulation

Los modelos de procesos actuales como CMM, SPICE y otros recomiendan la aplicación de control estadístico y de guías de métricas para la definición, implementación y posterior evaluación de diferentes mejoras del proceso. Sin embargo, precisamente en este contexto no se ha considerado lo suficiente el modelado cuantitativo, reconocido en otras áreas como un elemento esencial para la adquisición de conocimiento. En este trabajo se describe la base conceptual y fundamental utilizada para el desarrollo de un marco enfocado a la mejora de procesos software que combina las técnicas de estimación tradicionales con la utilización extensiva de modelos dinámicos de simulación como herramienta para asesorar en el proceso de evolución entre los diferentes niveles de madurez propuestos por el modelo de referencia CMM. Tras la necesaria introducción a los conceptos fundamentales del modelado y simulación del proceso software y la justificación para la creación de dicho marco, se abordan las cuestiones fundamentales para su desarrollo, tales como el enfoque conceptual y su estructura, prestando especial atención al paradigma de desarrollo de los modelos dinámicos de simulación que le dan soporte.Current software process models (CMM, SPICE, etc.) strongly recommend the application of statistical control and measure guides to define, implement and evaluate the effects of different process improvements. However, whilst quantitative modelling has been widely used in other fields, it has not been considered enough in the field of software process improvement. During the last decade software process simulation has been used to address a wide diversity of management problems. Some of these problems are related to strategic management, technology adoption, understanding, training and learning, and risk management, among others. In this work a dynamic integrated framework for software process improvement is presented. This framework combines traditional estimation models with an intensive utilisation of dynamic simulation models of software process. The aim of this framework is to support a qualitative and quantitative assessment for software process improvement and decision making to achieve a higher software development process capability according to the Capability Maturity Model. The concepts underlying this framework have been implemented in a software process improvement tool that has been used in a local software organisation. The results obtained and the lessons learned are also presented in this paper.Comisión Interministerial de Ciencia y Tecnología (CICYT) TIC2001-1143-C03-0

Prediction of low frequency sound fields in buildings near railway lines

The design of new buildings in the vicinity of railway lines must consider protection against noise and vibrations induced by railway traffic. However, the prediction methods available involve heavy numerical models which have frequency limitations. In this paper a prediction method combining finite elements (FEM) with natural mode analysis is presented for use in reinforced concrete buildings with heavy walls. The method considers 2D FEM models of the railway, ground and buildings to identify the transfer function of vibration from the railway to building foundations. Also 3D models of the buildings are considered to identify the transfer functions of vibration from foundations to walls and floors. Finally, as the impedance of heavy walls and floors is much higher than the acoustic impedance of air, the numerically assessed vibration fields of walls and floors are used to calculate sound fields in rooms by means of natural mode analysis. A set of in situ measurements were made in two different situations in order to calibrate the prediction method and also to identify the factors which most affect vibration and sound transmission

A Dynamic Integrated Framework for Software Process Improvement

Current software process models (CMM, SPICE, etc.) strongly recommend the application of statistical control and measure guides to define, implement, and evaluate the effects of different process improvements. However, whilst quantitative modeling has been widely used in other fields, it has not been considered enough in the field of software process improvement. During the last decade software process simulation has been used to address a wide diversity of management problems. Some of these problems are related to strategic management, technology adoption, understanding, training and learning, and risk management, among others. In this work a dynamic integrated framework for software processimprovement ispres ented. Thisframework combinestraditional estimation models with an intensive utilization of dynamic simulation models of the software process. The aim of this framework is to support a qualitative and quantitative assessment for software process improvement and decision making to achieve a higher software development process capability according to the Capability Maturity Model. The conceptsunderlying thisframework have been implemented in a software process improvement tool that has been used in a local software organization. The results obtained and the lessons learned are also presented in this paperCICYT TIC2001-1143-C03-0

Integrating Dynamic Models for CMM-Based Software Process Improvement

During the last decade software process simulation has been used to address a wide diversity of management problems. Some of these problems are related to strategic management, technology adoption, understanding, training and learning, and risk management, among others. In this work a dynamic integrated framework for software process improvement is presented. This framework combines traditional estimation static models with an intensive utilization of dynamic simulation models of the software process. The aim of this framework is to support a qualitative and quantitative assessment for software process improvement and decision making to achieve a higher software development process capability according to the Capability Maturity Model. The paper describes the concepts underlying this framework, its implementation, the dynamic approach followed to systematically develop the dynamic modules, and an example of its potential use and benefits.CICYT TIC2001-1143-C03-0

Energia de decomposição de argilas como critério de formulação de pastas cerâmicas

Mestrado em Tecnologia Cerâmica na Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão do Instituto Politécnico de Viana do CasteloAtendendo à actual crise energética, a sociedade vive numa época de elevada preocupação relativamente à utilização eficaz da energia. As indústrias são responsáveis pelo consumo de uma grande quantidade de energia, o que faz com que sejam constantemente pressionadas para utilizarem este recurso de uma forma racional e eficiente. Na cerâmica, os principais estudos incidem na optimização das operações de secagem e cozedura. O presente trabalho pretende avaliar se a energia de decomposição pode ser considerada como critério de selecção de argilas na formulação de pastas cerâmicas Para tal, determinou-se a energia das reacções, com recurso a análises térmicas diferenciais. Para uma correcta determinação da energia de reacção, foi proposta uma correcção de linha de base, sem recorrer a padrões externos. A linha de base é determinada por regressão polinomial, sendo o polinómio resultante subtraído aos dados experimentais e o cálculo das energias de reacção é efectuado por integração numérica dos picos resultantes (pelo método de Simpson, num software desenvolvido em VBasic no âmbito desta tese). A calibração do equipamento é efectuada com uma referência (Li2SO4) cuja energia de reacção é conhecida. Para avaliar a possível substituição de uma argila por outra com energia de reacção inferior, foram também avaliadas as características físicas (resistência, retracção, cor, absorção de água e plasticidade), químicas (por fluorescência de raios-X) e mineralógicas de cada argila (por difracção de raios-X). O estudo foi efectuado a nove argilas, e em alguns dos casos, a diferença da energia de reacção é superior a 30%.Bearing to mind current energy crisis, society is faced with a high level of concern with regards to the efficient use of energy. Industries are responsible for vast a large amount of energy, therefore being constantly pressurized to use this resource in a rational and efficient manner. In ceramics, the main studies focus mainly on the optimization of the firing processes. This study aims at evaluating whether the energy decomposition can be taken into account as a clay selection criterion in the formulation of ceramic paste. To this end, the energy of the reactions was determined, using differential thermal analysis. For the correct determination of the energy of reaction a correction oh the baseline was proposed mot making use of external standards. The baseline is determined by regression, with the resulting polynomial being subtracted from the experimental data and calculation of the energies of reaction carried out by numerical integration. From the resulting peaks (by Simpson's method, software developed in VBasic within this thesis). Equipment calibration is accomplished with thee with the reference (Li2SO4) whose energy of reaction is known On evaluate the possible substitution of a clay by another with a lower energy reaction, the physical characteristics were also evaluated (resistance, retraction, color, water absorption and plasticity), chemicals (through X-ray fluorescence) and mineralogical of each clay (X-ray diffraction). The study was carried out on nine clays, and in some cases, the difference in energy reaction energy is greater than 30%

Certificação e inovação, orientação para o mercado e performance de inovação na Região de Leiria

A presente dissertação tem como finalidade perceber como a Orientação para o Mercado e a norma NP 4457:2007, afetam a performance de inovação e o comportamento das empresas da região de Leiria. Nesse sentido, com o intuito de perceber melhor esta intenção, desenvolveu-se um questionário baseado na revisão da literatura da temática em estudo, na qual foi aplicado às 250 melhores empresas da região de Leiria e de seguida para conseguir atingir os objetivos desta investigação foi elaborado uma entrevista estruturada direcionada apenas para as duas únicas empresas que implementaram a norma IDI. Da análise dos dados recolhidos, destacam-se como principais conclusões a importância de inovação, a satisfação dos clientes, a imagem e qualidade dos serviços prestados que acabam por influenciar o comportamento do consumidor. No que diz respeito à Orientação para o Mercado, nem todas as dimensões se mostraram significativas, pois os resultados permitem afirmar que apenas a geração de informação de estudo de mercado e disseminação de informação de mercado apresentam uma influência positiva na performance de inovação, a geração de informação das necessidades do cliente e a Orientação para o Mercado de respostas ao mercado apresentam pouca importância. Contudo, o facto de existir interesse por parte da empresa em implementar a norma IDI cria uma conexão com a performance de inovação