Climate Influence on the Olive Oil Production and Price - Implementation of a Dashboard

Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Information Management, specialization in Knowledge Management and Business IntelligenceThe climate is a main changing factor in the production, quality, and prices of agricultural products. Olive oil is not an exception to this reality. With the extreme climate events the Mediterranean Basin was affected by in the previous years, such as severe droughts, heat waves, and heavy rains, olive oil production was critically affected, influencing supply and demand, and causing price volatility. Studying how these climacteric events affect the pricing of olive oil in countries of higher production volume is lacking and is crucial to optimise the pricing strategy of this business. Alongside Pompeian, the biggest olive oil producer in the United States, the main objective of this master thesis is to develop and deliver a dashboard. This dashboard will allow its final user to make conclusions regarding the correlation between temperatures, rainfall, olive oil production, and olive oil prices based on previous years’ historical data, to make the decision-making processes more straightforward for Pompeian professionals. This dashboard was developed according to the Prototype Methodology, respecting Pompeian requirements and Data Visualization (DV) six principles. Once the dashboard development was concluded, its validation was made through an interview with its future end-users, Pompeian selected professionals. The validation of the dashboard was successful, since 90% of the interviewees considered the dashboard delivered its original goal, and it was easy to use and of high usefulness, since it got average ratings of 1,88 regarding difficulty (being 5 the most difficult) and 4,52 regarding usefulness (being 5 the most useful)

Full Paper: Digital Resilience in Critical Infrastructures: A Systematic Literature Review

In times of disruptive events, effective response by organizations, critical systems, and society is paramount. The response process involves pre-event preparation, impact absorption, and system restoration, which together represent the concept of resilience. Critical infrastructures (CI) are essential to the functioning of society and require a high level of resilience to ensure that they can withstand and quickly recover from disruptive events. With the incorporation of Information Systems (IS) into CI, there is a need to study Digital Resilience to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them effectively. In this research, we conducted a Systematic Literature Review on Digital Resilience to understand its scope, and classified articles based on their scope, resilience dimensions, and phases they address, as well as interdependence between systems. We aim to contribute to the scientific understanding of Digital Resilience by analyzing existing gaps and proposing possible future research directions. This study provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art, the types of research conducted, and the resulting artifacts. Additionally, it introduces a new area of focus within the field of resilience: Digital Resilience

An Iterative Deflation Algorithm for Exact CP Tensor Decomposition

International audienceThe Canonical Polyadic (CP) tensor decomposition has become an attractive mathematical tool these last ten years in various fields. Yet, efficient algorithms are still lacking to compute the full CP decomposition, whereas rank-one approximations are rather easy to compute. We propose a new deflation-based iterative algorithm allowing to compute the full CP decomposition, by resorting only to rank-one approximations. An analysis of convergence issues is included, as well as computer experiments. Our theoretical and experimental results show that the algorithm converges almost surely

Does this dog hunt? Testing the performance of the dogs of the dow strategy in the U.S. and in Brazil

This study analyzes the performance of the Dogs of the Dow Jones (DoD) investment strategy in the U.S and in Brazil on an absolute and on a risk adjusted basis. The DoD is a value oriented strategy that calls for investing equal dollar amounts in the highest yielding components of the Dow Jones. Our performance evaluation findings demonstrate that the DoD strategy shows only limited evidence that it can add value as an investment strategy in the U.S stock market. The use of the DoD strategy in Brazil shows virtually no evidence that it can add value as an investment strategy. Our analysis suggests that the dividend yield may not be a good variable to select value stocks in the U.S and in Brazil given existing empirical evidence that value stocks have outperformed growth stocks in these markets.Indisponível

International market linkages and common volatility in emerging markets of Latin America

This paper uses an ARCH framework to study stock market linkages in Latin American markets. We provide evidence that most markets exhibit ARCH effects even when multivariate information sets are incorporated. The correlations between Latin America with the US and developed markets have increased over time for all countries except Argentina. The linkages across Latin American countries also have strengthened. We also find that the volatility transmission between the US and Latin America has increased more recently. In contrast, the volatility transmission among Latin American countries has decreased. Overall our results reveal that Latin American financial markets are becoming more globalized and integrated not only with other countries in the region but also with developed markets.Este artigo emprega o método ARCH para estudar os elos dos mercados de ações da América Latina. Nós oferecemos evidência de que a maioria dos mercados apresentam efeitos ARCH mesmo quando conjuntos de informação multivariados são incorporados. As correlações entre a América Latina e os EUA e os mercados desenvolvidos aumentaram com o tempo para todos os países, menos a Argentina. Os elos entre os mercados latinos também se fortaleceram. Nós também encontramos evidência de que a transmissão de volatilidade entre a América Latina e os EUA aumentou recentemente. Por outro lado, a transmissão de volatilidade entre os mercados latinos diminuiu. De forma geral, nossos resultados revelam que os mercados da América Latina estão mais globalizados e integrados, não somente com os outros países da região, mas também com os mercados desenvolvidos

Estudo do ruído de fase em sistemas óticos coerentes

Mestrado em Engenharia Electrónica e TelecomunicaçõesApesar das condições económicas atuais, é previsto que a taxa de dados nas redes de acesso continue o seu crescimento exponencial nos próximos anos. A deteção coerente é uma solução promissora para os sistemas e redes óticas de próxima geração, devido às diversas vantagens que transporta face aos sistemas de deteção direta atualmente instalados. De facto, este é o método de deteção mais avançado, permitindo a equalização digital das imperfeições da transmissão como a dispersão cromática (CD), dispersão dos modos de polarização (PMD), ruído de fase (PN) e efeitos não lineares. A aceitação da deteção coerente como principal tecnologia para as redes de acesso futuras torna a arquitetura que recorre a multiplexagem em comprimentos de onda muito próximos (UDWDM) um forte candidato para as redes óticas passivas (PON) de próxima geração, a qual consegue fornecer enormes benefícios em termos de flexibilidade, escalabilidade e alcance, a custos reduzidos. No entanto, os recetores coerentes apresentam difiuldades na implementação da sincronização da portadora, a qual é fortemente influenciada pelo PN dos lasers. De modo a desmodular corretamente o sinal de informação, o recetor coerente deve ou recorrer a um oscilador local (LO) analogicamente bloqueado à fase da portadora, ou recuperar a fase da portadora digitalmente após deteção. Um método possível para desmodular sinais óticos coerentes é baseado no uso de phase locked loops (PLLs) para sincronizar a frequência e a fase do LO com o laser do transmissor. No entanto, os recetores óticos baseados em PLLs são difíceis de implementar e requerem larguras de linha dos lasers bastante estritas, especialmente quando são utilizados formatos de modulação avançados. Avanços recentes na tecnologia, particularmente na área do processamento digital de sinal (DSP) de alta velocidade, levou a uma alteração do paradigma dos receptores coerentes, permitindo tratar a sincronização da portadora com técnicas digitais. O objetivo desta dissertação é a pós-compensação digital do PN dos lasers. Alguns algoritmos foram desenvolvidos e testados no simulador ótico OSIP, de modo a realizar a tarefa em questão. Esses algoritmos foram de seguida aplicados a uma rede de acesso UDWDM-PON para determinar qual se apresenta como uma melhor solução, para determinados intervalos de larguras de linha. Foi também avaliada a influência da codificação diferencial no processo de estimação de fase, e em que situações esta deve ser aplicada.Despite current economic conditions, the data rate in access networks is predicted to continue its exponential growth for the next years. Coherent detection is a promising solution for next generation optical systems and networks, due to its several advantages over the already installed direct detection systems. In fact, this is the most advanced reception method, allowing digital equalization of transmission impairments such as chromatic dispersion (CD), polarization mode dispersion (PMD), phase noise (PN) and nonlinear effects. The acceptance of coherent detection as a mainstream technology for future access network makes the ultra dense wavelength division multiplexing (UDWDM) architecture a strong candidate for next generation of passive optical networks (PON), which can deliver maximum benefits in term of flexibility, scalability and reach, at low costs. However, coherent receivers suffer from implementation difficulties of carrier synchronization, which is strongly influenced by laser PN. In order to correctly demodulate the signal, the coherent receiver must either use a local oscillator (LO) analogically locked to the carrier phase, or digitally recover the carrier phase after detection. A possible method for demodulating coherent optical signals is based in the use of a phase locked loop (PLL) to synchronize the frequency and the phase of the local oscillator with the transmitter laser. However, optical receivers based on PLL suffer from implementation difficulties and stringent laser linewidth requirements, especially when scalability to higher-order optical modulation formats is desired. Recent advances in technology, particularly in the field of high-speed digital signal processing (DSP), have led to a change in the paradigm of coherent receivers, allowing to handle carrier synchronization with digital techniques. The aim of this dissertation is digital post compensation of laser PN. Several algorithms were developed and tested in the optical simulator OSIP, in order to perform the task in hands. Such algorithms were then applied to a UDWDM-PON access network, to determine which one represents the best solution, for particular laser beat linewidth intervals. It was also evaluated the influence of differential codification on phase estimation process, and in which cases it should be used

Desenvolvimento de um programa de cálculo automático de estabilidade de taludes pelo método de correia

Tese de mestrado integrado. Engenharia Civil. Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto. 201

Corporate governance, market valuation and dividend policy in Brazil

This study investigates the effects of the corporate governance structure on market valuation and dividend payout of Brazilian companies. The empirical results indicate a high degree of ownership and control concentration. We can also note a significant difference between the voting and total capital owned by the largest shareholders, mainly through the existence of non-voting shares, pyramidal structures, and shareholding agreements. These mechanisms seem to be used by controlling shareholders to keep the firm’s control without having to own 50% of the total capital. The evidence also reveals that there is a relationship between governance structure, market valuation, and dividend policy in Brazil.Indisponível

Avaliação energética da empresa RENOPEL

A presente dissertação insere-se no âmbito da unidade curricular “Dissertação” do 2º ano de Mestrado de Engenharia Eletrotécnica- Sistemas Elétricos de Energia, tendo sido realizada na empresa Renopel que é uma Lavandaria Industrial que se situa na Maia. O objetivo desta dissertação era a realização de uma Avaliação energética (AE) à Renopel que tem elevados consumos de energia, tanto a nível térmico como elétrico e no ano de 2015 consumiu aproximadamente 800 MWh em gás natural e 270 MWh em Energia Elétrica. Numa primeira fase da AE, fez-se uma análise de todo o uso de energia nos dois grandes setores da empresa, que são o setor das peles e o setor dos tapetes. Na realização desta análise, usou-se a faturação energética tanto do Gás Natural e da Energia Elétrica desde janeiro de 2015. Fez-se um levantamento de todos os consumos elétricos nos equipamentos e iluminação por quadro elétrico e depois global. Toda esta informação foi devidamente cuidada para que se possa obter uma fotografia energética correta da Renopel. No futuro pretende-se usar um analisador de energia fixo no quadro geral, para obter mais dados sobre a qualidade da mesma na Renopel. Após esta 1ª análise, iniciou-se a procura de uma série de propostas de melhoria no que diz respeito ao pagamento da energia elétrica e energia térmica e ao consumo elevado desta. Quanto ao pagamento da energia elétrica, fez-se um estudo do mercado liberalizado de comercializadores de energia e as suas ofertas para Baixa Tensão Especial (BTE). Foram analisadas várias empresas, tais como a Gás Natural Fenosa (GNF), Energias de Portugal (EDP), Galp, Iberdrola, Energia Simples (ES) e Ecochoice para ver qual era a comercializadora que oferecia as melhores tarifas de venda da energia elétrica. Após a análise destas 6 propostas, a mais vantajosa foi a da Ecochoice que oferecia tarifas incrivelmente baixas e com o mesmo gasto de energia a Renopel consegue uma poupança de 470 €/mês em relação ao anterior fornecedor, que era a GNF. No que diz respeito ao pagamento da energia térmica, depois de analisar-se alguns fornecedores, optou-se por mudar para a Galp, pois as tarifas do gás natural eram muito mais baixas. O anterior fornecedor era a Gold Energy. Com esta mudança foi possível poupar aproximadamente 700 €/mês para o mesmo consumo. Quanto aos consumos, os objetivos desta auditoria são: Melhorar o sistema de iluminação: solução de fácil execução e já implementada. Consiste na substituição direta das lâmpadas Florescentes por lâmpadas Light Emitting Diode (LED) equivalentes, de acordo com o fornecedor e analisando a luminosidade das mesmas, isso ficou comprovado, com um investimento superior a 3000 € e com um retorno deste em 6 meses; Plano de otimização do túnel de secagem: solução complexa, mas que foi executada com sucesso. O investimento foi de 11000 €, com um retorno deste em aproximadamente 3 anos e melhores condições de trabalho para todos os colaboradores da empresa. Esta solução consiste na implementação de 4 ventiladores de 1,1 kW ligadas em série a funcionar a 75% numa estufa aberta (ar húmido expelido de forma natural), a 3 metros do chão, com o aproveitamento dos condensados que existiam, mas que não estavam a ser utilizados, um conjunto de radiadores de camião que estão à frente dos ventiladores e ligados aos condensados e o uso de 2 painéis de ar quente que estão no telhado. Eliminar o pagamento da energia reativa: solução de fácil execução. Implementação de uma bateria de condensadores junto ao quadro geral pois existe um pagamento de 550 €/mês. Instalou-se uma bateria da Italfarad, PFC7 de 105 kVAr com um custo total 5500€ e com um retorno aproximado deste em 11 meses. Esta consiste num funcionamento automático de 5 módulos em que os 5 somados dão 105 kVAr, sendo a própria bateria a controlar qual os módulos a utilizar para compensar o fator de potência. Assim, com este funcionamento, garantimos uma longevidade maior da bateria de condensadores. Com base nesta AE, conclui-se que a Renopel tem gastos energéticos elevados e que é uma forte dependente da energia. Pode-se afirmar que as propostas apresentadas foram validadas e na sua maior parte exequíveis, eficientes, eficazes e representam vantagens económicas para os responsáveis e melhores condições de trabalho para os colaboradores.This paper falls within the scope of the Master course, present in the 2nd year of master course in electro technical Engineering - Electrical Energy Systems, has been held in RENOPEL a company that operates as industrial laundry which is located in Maia. The aim of this work was to carry out an energy assessment (EA) to RENOPEL that have high energy consumption, both in thermal and electric level and in 2015 it consumed about 800 MWh of natural gas and 270 MWh of electricity. In the first phase of the EA, it was done an analysis of all energy use in two major sectors of the company, which are the sector of the skins and the industry of carpets. In this analysis, it was used energy billing both from Natural Gas and Electricity since January 2015. There was a survey of all power consumption in the equipment’s and electric lighting and then of the global framework. All this information was properly cared in a way so it was possible to get a proper energy photography of the building (RENOPEL). In the future it is intended to use a fixed energy analyzer in the main framework for a deeper study about the energy quality in the RENOPEL. After the 1st analysis, the search was initiated for a number of improvement proposals regarding the payment of the electric and thermal energy as for the high consumption. As for the payment of electricity, was made a study of the liberalized energy market traders and their offers for Special Low Voltage. Several companies were analyzed, such as Gas Natural Fenosa, Energias de Portugal, Galp, Iberdrola, Energia Simples and Ecochoice to see what was the best offering present in the market at that point in time. After a deep analysis of these six proposals, the most advantageous was the Ecochoice offering incredibly low rates for the numbers RENOPEL needed. With this measure Renopel achieves a saving of 470 € per month compared to the previous supplier, which was GNF. With regard to the payment of thermal energy, after looking up some suppliers, the choice ends up to be Galp, as the natural gas rates were much lower. The previous supplier was Gold Energy. With this change was possible to save approximately 700 € per month for the same values of consumption. As for consumption, the objectives of this audit are: Improve the lighting system: easy to implement solution and already implemented. It consists of the direct replacement of fluorescent lamps with equivalent LED lamps, according to the provider and analyzing the brightness of the same to make sure they were suitable, it was proved, with an investment superior of € 3000, the company had this value financially returned during a period of 6 months; Optimization Plan of the drying tunnel: complex solution but that was successfully executed. The investment was € 11,000, with a financial return of this value in about 3 years and better working conditions for all employees of the company. This solution consists in the implementation of 4 fans with a power of 1.1 kW connected in series operating at 75% in a greenhouse (expelled moist air naturally) 3 m from the ground with the use of capacitors that existed but were not be used, a set of truck radiators that are in front of the fans and connected to the capacitors and use of 2 hot air panels located in the roof. Eliminate the payment of reactive power: easy to perform solution. Implementation of a capacitor bank in the company electrical grid, because there is a payment of 550 € per month. It was installed a battery from “Italfarad”, model “PFC7” of 105 kVAr with a total cost of € 5,500 with a financial return of this value in 11 months. This consists of 5- automatic modules that provide 105 kVAr, being the battery itself responsible for controlling the modules to use to compensate the power factor. So with this operation, we guarantee a greater longevity of the capacitor; Based on this AE, it is concluded that RENOPEL have a high energy costs and is strongly energy dependent. It can be said that the proposals have been validated and the most part were feasible, efficient, effective and represented economic advantages for those responsible and better working conditions for all the employees