Hamming distance and mobility behavior in generalized rock-paper-scissors models

This work reports on two related investigations of stochastic simulations which are widely used to study biodiversity and other related issues. We first deal with the behavior of the Hamming distance under the increase of the number of species and the size of the lattice, and then investigate how the mobility of the species contributes to jeopardize biodiversity. The investigations are based on the standard rules of reproduction, mobility and predation or competition, which are described by specific rules, guided by generalization of the rock-paper-scissors game, valid in the case of three species. The results on the Hamming distance indicate that it engenders universal behavior, independently of the number of species and the size of the square lattice. The results on the mobility confirm the prediction that it may destroy diversity, if it is increased to higher and higher values.Comment: 7 pages, 9 figures. To appear in EP

Patterns of transition to employment: Comparing two generations of workers in Portugal

Our research compares the transitions patterns of two generations of workers, the Xers (those who were born in 1963 – 1980) and the Millennials (those who were born in 1981 – 1996). We interviewed 19 people in Lisbon (Portugal) to find their occupational trajectory since the first entry to the labour market. We found four paths of transitions for Millennials and two paths for Xers. Although the Xers have been affected by reforms of regulation allowing the use of flexible arrangements, they were less likely to be assigned to precarious jobs, while the job precariousness is a regular feature of Millennials’ transition. While some Xers move through temporary contracts, they were unlikely to have unemployment spell. The temporary jobs represented a stepping-stone to permanent job for Xers. The Millennials mostly report unemployment spells in the transition from one temporary contract to another. The findings suggest that the Millennials are at risk of being entrapped in low quality jobs.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Preservation of vernacular schist masonry farm walls

This paper complements the information presented at the CIAV2013 on vernacular build- ings in northern Portugal, and addresses the topic of masonry walls in the rural areas of the northwestern Portuguese coastline. These walls are structural schist masonry constructions, built using ancient tech- niques and locally available resources. The result is a territory built for agricultural exploration, and a landscape imprinted with past social hierarchies and structures. Using the information gathered by the fieldwork study, the paper will present studies on masonry walls with different morphologies, construction materials and building techniques employed. The information presented aims to contribute to enlighten researchers and technicians about these building specificities, to increase the scarce available literature about schist’s potential as construction material, and to enhance the importance of the cultural value of this particular kind of heritage

Stick or Twist – The raise of blockchain applications in marketing management

The adoption of blockchain technology by companies can change the way they interact with stakeholders, redefining communication strategies and other marketing processes. In this study, we investigated the relevance of blockchain applications for marketing management from the perspective of marketing-related professionals. Answers about blockchain technology application in the marketing arena were collected from the social platform Quora. The data were analyzed through text mining and Spearman’s correlation coefficient to assess the degree of association, inherent intensity, and the association significance between the variables payments, supply chain, loyalty programs, digital marketing, credential management, and marketing management, using Quora-specific metrics, namely, upvotes, shares, and views. The results posit blockchain technology as being an asset for marketing, with greater relevance in supply chain and internal management among marketing operations. Professionals will be able to potentially improve internal management systems and marketing campaigns, which will enhance companies’ competitive advantage.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Improving the seismic resistance of cultural heritage buildings

The paper addresses a possible methodology to improve the seismic resistance of cultural heritage buildings (CHB). The ICOMOS recommendations are briefly reviewed and recent research issues are addressed, with a focus on: (a) Behavior of masonry components under cyclic loading (tension, compression and shear); (b) Behavior of stone masonry shear walls under cyclic and dynamic loading; (c) Behavior of dry masonry blocks and structures under dynamic loading; (d) Possibilities of numerical analysis at the laboratory and engineering levels; (e) Monastery of Jerónimos as a case study: An EC funded research project aiming at reducing seismic vulnerability of CHB