Lisboa Digital: Conceção de uma Plataforma Web para Suporte Informativo à Transformação Tecnológica-Digital em Lisboa

“Lisboa Digital” é um projeto académico que explora as práticas de pesquisa, desenho e desenvolvimento de projetos web, enquadradas na área das ciências da comunicação. Uma exploração que se desenrola em torno do tema da transformação digital e da conceção de uma aplicação web enquanto elemento de suporte informativo às partes envolvidas em tal transformação, a partir de uma determinada cidade – exemplificada aqui por Lisboa. Através de uma abordagem iterativa e centrada nos utilizadores, com forte recurso a questionários e testes – de classificação, perceção, comparativos, de usabilidade e acessibilidade – pode observar-se a relevância que estes podem ter na direção das várias partes de um projeto web. Pode observar-se também como os resultados que se podem ir obtendo podem ser incrementalmente mais positivos. A resultante do projeto é um protótipo – um esqueleto visual e sua respetiva tradução para a web, assente numa licença de código aberto. Um resultado com favorável validação ao nível da usabilidade e acessibilidade. É também uma pequena experiência de realidade aumentada, com positiva indicação de interesse.“Digital Lisbon” is an academic project that explores the practices of research, design and development of web projects, framed in the area of communication sciences. An exploration that unfolds around the theme of digital transformation and the conception of a web application as an element of informational support for the stakeholders in such transformation, based on a certain city – here exemplified by Lisbon. Through an iterative and user-centered approach, with strong use of questionnaires and tests – classification, perception, comparatives, usability and accessibility – one can observe the relevance that these can have in the direction of the various parts of a project. It can also be observed how the obtained results can incrementally be more positive. The result is a prototype – a visual skeleton and its translation to the web, based on an open source license. A result with favorable validation in terms of usability and accessibility. It is also a small augmented reality experience with a positive indication of interest

Optimization of Pattern Matching Algorithms for Multi- and Many-Core Platforms

Image and video compression play a major role in the world today, allowing the storage and transmission of large multimedia content volumes. However, the processing of this information requires high computational resources, hence the improvement of the computational performance of these compression algorithms is very important. The Multidimensional Multiscale Parser (MMP) is a pattern-matching-based compression algorithm for multimedia contents, namely images, achieving high compression ratios, maintaining good image quality, Rodrigues et al. [2008]. However, in comparison with other existing algorithms, this algorithm takes some time to execute. Therefore, two parallel implementations for GPUs were proposed by Ribeiro [2016] and Silva [2015] in CUDA and OpenCL-GPU, respectively. In this dissertation, to complement the referred work, we propose two parallel versions that run the MMP algorithm in CPU: one resorting to OpenMP and another that converts the existing OpenCL-GPU into OpenCL-CPU. The proposed solutions are able to improve the computational performance of MMP by 3 and 2:7 , respectively. The High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC/H.265) is the most recent standard for compression of image and video. Its impressive compression performance, makes it a target for many adaptations, particularly for holoscopic image/video processing (or light field). Some of the proposed modifications to encode this new multimedia content are based on geometry-based disparity compensations (SS), developed by Conti et al. [2014], and a Geometric Transformations (GT) module, proposed by Monteiro et al. [2015]. These compression algorithms for holoscopic images based on HEVC present an implementation of specific search for similar micro-images that is more efficient than the one performed by HEVC, but its implementation is considerably slower than HEVC. In order to enable better execution times, we choose to use the OpenCL API as the GPU enabling language in order to increase the module performance. With its most costly setting, we are able to reduce the GT module execution time from 6.9 days to less then 4 hours, effectively attaining a speedup of 45

Sustainability of Portuguese Courts: Citizen Satisfaction and Loyalty as Key Factors

This paper aims to describe the satisfaction and loyalty of citizens towards the sustainability of Portuguese courts. This research was carried out under the Portuguese justice agenda named “Justice + Closer” between the years of 2017, 2018, and 2019. The methodological approach adopted was quantitative. Based on the literature review, a structural model of the relationships between the dimensions that directly and indirectly influence citizen satisfaction and loyalty was adapted from the arbitration centers to the court’s reality. Data collection was carried out during the three years mentioned—in person at the Portuguese Campus of Justice and also through questionnaires applied online. In the course of the three years, 3276 observations were collected. Through structural equation modeling, it was possible to measure positive relations produced between seven established dimensions. The results of this study contribute generally to applied research in the field of justice administration and to the understanding of this topic by those in the academic sector where it has been superficially addressed. Related future investigations might include a comparative study between the satisfaction and loyalty of citizens with (i) the formal adjudication processes and case outcomes of the Portuguese courts and (ii) alternative dispute-resolution processes and case outcome means reached by recognized arbitration and mediation centers, judges of peace, and related ADR services.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Traducir casos recientes de reformas del sistema de justicia en pilares teóricos: el estudio de caso portugués

The theoretical models of public administration do not always accurately represent the reality that shapes the basis of public decisions. The approaches, techniques and instruments chosen often have opposite effects. Public management reforms have become their own policy, which encompasses a group of reform menus based on several theoretical approaches (Pollitt, 2018). The objective of this work is to create a bridge between theoretical foundations and cases of recent reforms in Portuguese justice. For this, we opt for a qualitative methodological approach, using documentary analysis and content analysis as the data analysis technique. Three sets of reforms in the judicial area are presented, summarizing their objectives and their respective frameworks and results. Through the content analysis, it was possible to successfully relate the New Public Management and Governance to the reforms studied in the justice sector.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Sustainability of the Portuguese Prison System: A Criminal Justice System in Masculine Form?

Society has undergone an entire evolution in the field of criminal penalties, as people want to avoid, or ideally to extinguish, crime and consequent victimization. However, the human nature would hardly allow such utopian society to prevail. Hence, as individuals, we do have codes and bylaws that govern our society. The number of male prisoners is considerably higher in comparison to female prisoners. The aim of the present research is to analyze the sex inequality in the Portuguese criminal justice system, as well as to discuss the following questions: (i) Are men suffering from unjustifiable discrimination by the criminal system? Or, (ii) are there any physical and psychological differences between both sexes? A quantitative and qualitative approach was used. A legal framework was created regarding penalty enforcement, followed by a review of the literature approaching themes of criminology, victimization, and sex inequality. To enrich and empirically support this research, the statistics provided by the Directorate-General for Justice Policy of the Ministry of Portuguese Justice are presented, and a descriptive analysis on the evolution of the number of inmates in Portuguese prisons and juveniles detained in educational centers, between 2010 and 2019 was performed. Implications of this study are is discussed to highlight mediation in criminal cases as a neutral future.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The role of the tumour microenvironment in the phenotype of pituitary adenomas

PhD ThesisNon-neoplastic cells in the tumour microenvironment (TME) influence tumoural aggressiveness and oncogenic mechanisms. Little is known about the TME in pituitary adenomas (PAs). This work aimed to characterise the TME of PAs and its effects in tumour aggressiveness and oncogenic mechanisms, focusing on the cytokine network, infiltrating immune cells and PA-associated fibroblasts (TAFs). To study the cytokine secretion of tumour/non-tumoural cells, cytokine bead arrays were performed on culture supernatants. PA-infiltrating immune cells, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and matrix metalloproteinases were assessed by immunohistochemistry. In vitro pituitary tumour–macrophage/TAF interactions were assessed by conditioned medium (CM) of GH3 (pituitary tumour) and RAW264.7 (macrophage) cell lines, as well as primary TAFs, in terms of morphology, migration, invasion and EMT activation. IL-8, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CXCL10, CCL22 and CXCL1 were the main PA-derived cytokines, which facilitate macrophage, neutrophil and T lymphocyte recruitment. More FOXP3+ T cells, lower CD8:CD4 or CD8:FOXP3 ratios and deleterious immune phenotype (CD68hiCD4hiFOXP3hiCD20hi) correlated with tumour proliferation, whereas M2:M1 ratio correlated with microvessel density and area. Invasive PAs had higher TAF-derived IL-6 levels, whereas TAFs from PA with more vessels and increased proliferation secreted more CCL2, both inhibited by pasireotide. GH3 cell-CM increased macrophage chemotaxis, while macrophage-CM/TAF-CM changed morphology, migration, invasion and EMT in GH3 cells. These data support that different TME elements affect PA tumourigenesis and aggressiveness. Data from different in vitro cell models suggest that AIP deficiency may not lead to differential cytokine secretion, and thus unlike to play a crucial role in the cytokine secretory function. The clinical study revealed that AIPmut and MEN1mut PA phenotypes are variable, including highly aggressive but also indolent cases such as prospectively-diagnosed AIPmut PAs, which are less aggressive and associated with more favourable clinical outcomes comparing to clinically-presenting AIPmut PAs, highlighting the benefits of AIP genetic and clinical screenings

Material compósito de granulado de borracha de pneus usados reciclado numa matriz polimérica

A presente invenção apresenta uma solução que incorpora e melhora a adesão entre o granulado de borracha de pneu usado e a matriz polimérica, pela adição de um agente compatibilizador que para além de compatibilizar os materiais, promove a homogeneidade da mistura e consequentemente obtém-se um material com boas propriedades mecânicas e com bom aspecto superficial. A presente invenção consiste na apresentação de novas formulações de materiais que incorporam borracha de pneu usado em matrizes poliméricas termoplásticas utilizando um agente compatibilizador. Desta mistura obtêm-se produtos com composição de borracha de pneu usado com uma matriz polimérica, recorrendo a aditivos para melhorar as propriedades finais do compósito. O custo é primordial para competir com produtos feitos de matérias virgens e como tal, este processo visa reduzir o custo do produto bem como a quantidade relativa da matéria virgem utilizada e o reaproveitamento da borracha reciclada

The Combat against COVID-19 in Portugal: How State Measures and Data Availability Reinforce Some Organizational Values and Contribute to the Sustainability of the National Health System

Countries are facing a pandemic crisis in the context of a new disease from the coronavirus family, referred to as COVID-19. This article aims to present the main facts related to the fight against the pandemic from the perspective of the Portuguese governance, aiming to contribute to the knowledge of crisis management by political leaders as well as the performance of public entities. The present research was conducted through a quantitative approach, using data publicly provided by the Portuguese Directorate General of Health. An explanatory and descriptive study is presented about the current panorama, and yet to be shared good practices of crisis management and the relevance of organizational values in crisis management and crisis coordination are also discussed. Based on the lessons from Portugal, the authors suggest the relevance of organizational values and stakeholders’ coordination as key factors in crisis situations, such as the current one.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Combat against COVID-19 in Portugal, Part II: How Governance Reinforces Some Organizational Values and Contributes to the Sustainability of Crisis Management

The new coronavirus caught governments all over the world completely unaware, which led to a set of different and sometimes not quite articulated responses, leading to some undesirable results. The present investigation is based on three objectives: to assess the conditions “before” and “during” the combat and the expected consequences “after” the outbreak, by having as reference the Portuguese case; to offer a framework of the input factors to crisis management in the pandemic context; and to contribute to the crisis management literature, in the public sector from a perspective of collaborative and multi-level governance. This research is inductive and follows a quantitative approach, with the proposal and testing of a crisis management COVID-19 structural model. The Portuguese case presented in this paper suggests a robust and valid crisis management model. This model may be well translated for other countries with cultural proximity to the Portuguese culture, for instance, Portuguese speaking countries such as Brazil, or geographical proximity to Portugal such as, for instance, Spain. The authors, nevertheless, advise readers to exert some restraint on the extrapolation of the results, as governance systems and traditions can vary a good deal from country to country. Future studies should focus on the importance of coordination as one of the most important areas in crisis management, narrowing the scope of analysis from the broad, macro understanding of the research problem presented on this paper.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

COVID-19 Crisis management and the Portuguese regional governance: Citizens perceptions as evidence

Purpose: By analyse the Portuguese first COVID-19 wave, this study aims to evaluate the Portuguese citizens’ perceptions on pre-COVID-19 measures, government response during COVID-19 and expectations on the impact of COVID-19 on society. Methodology: A quantitative approach is used, and the data was collected through questionnaires applied online. Data collection took place between April 23rd and April 30th, 2020. Based on the theoretical Wave Model and using the crisis management COVID-19 structural equation model for the different Portuguese NUTS II regions, an illustrative comparison between different governance outcomes is presented. Findings: NUTS II do not have the same perceptions on pre-COVID-19 measures, government response during COVID-19 and expectations on the impact of COVID-19 on society. Hypothesis one was statistically confirmed. Practical implications: Empirically, this study aims to identify inconsistencies in Portuguese citizens’ perceptions on crisis management in order to enable future research to address the topic of public management coordination in multiple levels of governance. Originality: The analyse considers the differences in perceptions of citizens from different Portuguese Regions, based on the administrative Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics level II (NUTS II), namely, North, Centre, Lisbon, Alentejo, Algarve, Azores Autonomous Region and Madeira Autonomous Region.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio