Impacto da política do "Quantitative Easing" num portfólio de investimento

Esta dissertação pretende analisar o impacto da política de "Quantitative Easing" adotada pelo Banco Central Europeu numa carteira de investimento. Com recurso a duas regressões lineares (uma em que existe o efeito de "Quantitative Easing" e outra não), esta tese irá analisar as variações das "yields" das obrigações soberanas da Alemanha, França, Espanha, Portugal, Itália e Irlanda para as maturidades de 2, 5 e 10 anos.This dissertation analyzes the impact of European Central Bank’s Quantitative Easing policy in an investment portfolio. Using two linear regressions (one that has the effect of Quantitative Easing and the other doesn’t), this thesis will analyze the yields changes on Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Ireland bonds for 2, 5 and 10 years maturities

Caracterização da circulação da atmosfera de Vénus por velocimetria Doppler

Tese de mestrado, Astronomia e Astrofísica, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2009O aspecto mais relevante da circulação geral da atmosfera de Vénus é a sua superrotação no sentido retrógrado. A caracterização completa dos ventos zonais é crucial para compreender esta circulação e os mecanismos que a mantêm. Nesta tese são analisadas observações de Vénus efectuadas com o instrumento UVES (Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph) do VLT (Very Large Telescope) do ESO. Utilizando a técnica de velocimetria Doppler baseada no método de Acelerometria Astronómica Absoluta (AAA) aplicado às riscas de Fraunhofer do espectro solar, com comprimentos de onda entre 300 e 1100 nm, este espectrógrafo de alta resolução permite medir a velocidade da camada superior de nuvens de Vénus com uma grande precisão. A elevada resolução espacial permite caracterizar a variação latitudinal relativa e a variação longitudinal do vento. Os resultados de três noites de observação permitem ainda deduzir a variabilidade da circulação. Foi medida a assimetria hemisférica do vento zonal entre os 0o e 35o Sul, sendo da ordem dos 150_50 m/s entre os 5o e os 15o de latitude Sul, assim como a magnitude dos ventos zonais, entre os 160 e os 272 m/s, nas latitudes 23o, 13o e 2o Sul. Este trabalho complementa de forma independente as observações da missão espacial europeia Venus Express, nomeadamente no que diz respeito ao estudo da super-rotação atmosférica e integra-se no esforço desenvolvido pela comunidade científica na área da planetologia para compreender a dinâmica da atmosfera de Vénus.The most relevant aspect of the general circulation of the atmosphere of Venus is its retrograde super-rotation. A full characterization of the zonal winds is crucial to understand this movement and the mechanisms that maintain it. This thesis analyzes observations of Venus made with the UVES instrument (Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph) at ESO’s VLT (Very Large Telescope). Using the technique of Doppler velocimetry based on the method of Absolute Astronomical Accelerometry (AAA) applied to the Fraunhofer lines from the solar spectrum, with wavelengths between 300 and 1100 nm, this high resolution spectrograph allows to measure the speed of Venus’ clouds top layer with a great precision. The high spatial resolution made possible the characterization of the relative latitudinal variation and the longitudinal variation of the wind, and the results of three nights of observation were used to deduce the variability of the circulation. We measured the hemispheric asymmetry of the zonal wind between 0o and 35º South, around the 150_50 m/s between 5o and 15o South, as well as the magnitude of the zonal winds between 160 and 272 m/s, at latitudes of 23º 13º and 2º South. This work complements the independent observations of the european space mission Venus Express, in particular as regards the study of atmospheric superrotation, and is part of the effort made by the scientific community in the area of planetology to understand the dynamics of the atmosphere of Venus

Hydroponic Lettuce Production and Minimally Processed Lettuce

Lettuce is a leafy vegetable most consumed in Brazil, and is considered the basis for salads and can be grown by hydroponics system. Hydroponics is a viable alternative to be implemented, with benefits for soil conservation and preservation of water sources. This work aimed to study the market of trailers snacks in Pelotas to analyze the economic feasibility of deploying an enterprise for the production of hydroponic lettuce, minimally processed, on a farm located in the city of Pelotas. The trailers were classified as small, medium and large, according to the consumption of lettuce. From market analysis, facilities and greenhouses for hydroponics area for processing of lettuce with flowchart of activities and mass balance were designed. The lettuce is produced from seeding to minimal processing, consisting of packing to delivery the whole lettuces and cut and pack the other portion, which will also be packaged for shipment. For the optimization of space in the greenhouses, a system of trails that allow them to glide over the stands, being compressed, opening corridors through which people ranging transplanting or harvest the lettuces, only where needed was created. The economic and financial analysis was performed using the indicators to establish the viability of the project or not. These indicators are: NPV (Net Present Value), IRR (Internal Rate of Return) and payback. The analysis was performed in a planning horizon of 10 years and considering a TMA (Average Attractiveness ) of 11.6 % pa Three scenarios for implementation of the project, the amount of greenhouses ranging from one to three different percentages of sales and production over time were studied. The project proved to be unfeasible with only a greenhouse, but two or three greenhouses is feasible to be implemented. However, when deployed, the project with two greenhouses in the first year, and three greenhouses in the first two years will profit. The best option would be two or three greenhouses, depending on the amount to be invested and the availability of capital to withstand years without profitability. Technically, the project proved feasible by enabling large area in a small amount of lettuce is produced by hydroponic system, hydroponic lettuce and minimally processed snack bars for an interesting product, as it is practical and hygienic. It is recommended to study whether the project would become more attractive with the production of other crops such as tomato, zucchini, among other hydroponic

Drying Tomatoes in a Small Tray Dryer

Drying tomatoes with high initial moisture content have advantages such as: maintenance of mineral constituents, inhibition of the action of microorganisms, reduction of the cost of transportation, handling, and storage and is an alternative to the problems of waste disposal and pollution. Moreover, dried products, besides the more economical and affordable package, is an option for light and quick meals. Small and low cost tray dryers are hard to find in the Brazilian market. Producing your own dehydrated food is a practice used in many countries for domestic consumption, as a gift, for small-scale enterprises, because some people appreciate handmade products that are related to a healthier product, without additives. The present study aimed to dry tomatoes and evaluates the characteristics such as: loss of final mass, drying time, and cost of drying in a portable low cost tray dryer. The dryer was built in plastic body and trays. Two heating conical resistors with 600 W each, and a 26W-fan were used. Approximately 1.4 kg of tomatoes was used in this test. They were previously sliced, washed, and the endocarp and seeds were removed. The weight loss during the process was obtained ​​by successive weightings of tomatoes in the trays each hour. The final drying was determined when the tomatoes were around 25% of moisture content. The initial moisture content of the tomatoes was determined by oven drying using 10 g of chopped tomatoes, dried at 95°C for 24h. To evaluate the drying cost the yield of dried tomatoes, the losses during the preparation of the fresh tomatoes slices, the drying time, and the rate of product ready for the drying period were determined. The energy cost was R$4,72, plus R$ 0,30 of osmotic solution, additional R$7.80/kg of tomatoes (off season). The final cost was R$ 12,82 (U$S 5.35) to process 1 kg of fresh tomatoes. During the season, one can buy tomatoes at R$ 1,00/kg, which reduces the cost to R$6.02/kg (U$S 2.50). Whereas the process reduces weight by 10.83 times, the pound of dried tomatoes would cost R$65,20 (U$S 27.15) in crop condition. As this portable dryer holds 2 kg of tomatoes by drying, the cost could be reduced to R$3.66/kg (U$S 1.55) considering fresh tomatoes or R$39,60/kg (U$S 16.50) dried tomatoes. The dryer presented the ideal medium parameters for drying fruits (51.6°C and 1.2 m/s) in a drying process of 8 hours. The cost per hour of drying in this experiment, due to be in between tomato crop season was considered high. However, there are conditions to reduce this cost at the harvest time and by increasing the density of tomatoes in the dryer trays

Thermal Analysis of a New Model of a Tobacco Dryer

The tobacco drying greenhouses, in general, are made without any coating that ensures thermal insulation and avoid heat losses, resulting in a large consumption of firewood during the drying of the tobacco. The study aims to develop an economically viable project to the producer, to avoid excessive heat loss through the walls and ceiling of a tobacco dryer, aimed at fuel economy, reduced drying time and reduces costs in process. For the current project, we considered changes of Brazilian theoretical mode, where we developed a thermal insulation system in a dryer, reaching satisfactory results, with a large reduction in energy losses and firewood consumption, resulting in a decrease in the costs of the proceedings in general. Thus, began for the development of an ideal model of a dryer the horizontal type of 25m² of useful area, up to 2.5 tonnes of tobacco, in order to maintain the results before and/or overcome them found a constructive model to mainly benefit the producers. During the research, and analysis on the feasibility of maintaining the rock-wool as insulation materials to be used, considering his thermal and physical properties and cost/benefit as good value, economic calculations of other materials found in the market were realized, to the optimization of construction processes and reduce costs. In the structural design of concrete blocks to form walls, with their empty space filled with insulation were used. The roof was formed by double-cement tiles with rock-wool insulation inside. The furnace/ventilation group proposed was found in the market, for reasons of economic gains and constructive, with the area available for the set, designed according to the dimensions provided by the manufacturer. The main change to the existing dryer and which was taken as a basis for the work is the proposal of a thermal insulation system, linking it to an automation system of lateral openings (flaps), with the provision of temperature controllers and humidity indoors, where they are dried tobacco leaves, making these flaps open and close automatically when the humidity inside the dryer is outside the ideal, promoting greater uniformity of drying and consequent improvement in product quality. This automation means optimizing the service of the small producer, reduced energy costs and reduced fuel consumption. Theoretically, the project was efficient, concluding that with the adoption of a new constructive model with thermal insulation and automation, is viable within the current regional economic reality, with a significant reduction of energy losses and a considerable decrease in spending with firewood used in the process, therefore, with reduced environmental impact

Economical Feasibility of Strawberry Production in a Semi-Hydroponic System and Agroindustry of Jelly on a Small Property

Growing strawberries is a great alternative for family farms, it is possible to obtain a good financial return on a small property. Consumption growth Strawberry "in natura" in recent years, along with a high price increase, further assists in the marketing of the fruit. This study aimed to establish a greenhouse to grow plants behave 18,000 Camarosa, with approximate production of 200 kg of strawberries daily in peak harvest in semi-hydroponic system in a family owned, located in the municipality of Canguçu-RS. The strawberry produced should be packaged for sale "in natura" and received in the form of jelly. Strawberries are classified by their diameter (25mm and 15mm) and defects in three classes: Class A, includes all healthy and greater than 25 mm diameter strawberries; class B, includes all the healthy strawberries and with a diameter between 25 mm and 15 mm and the class C, includes all strawberries with less than 15mm diameter. The strawberries in Classes A and B will be sold as "in natura" and Class C will be used for the production of jam. To perform the economic analysis, initially used the SWOT matrix, which is a tool used to perform environmental analysis, as the basis of management and strategic planning. The financial analysis of the project was carried out through the following indications: NPV (Net Present Value), IRR (Internal Rate of Return) and payback. Through the completion of the procedures for determining the cash flow and economic indicators, it was found through studies of scenarios, keeping the price constant and equal to jam £ 5.50, the minimum price of the strawberry "in natura" is worth $ 6.83. The production of jelly is an alternative to adding value to the product and also provides more time for marketing

Evidence for lack of direct causality between pain and affective disturbances in a rat peripheral neuropathy model

[Epub ahead of print]Chronic pain is frequently accompanied by the manifestation of emotional disturbances and cognitive deficits. While a causality relation between pain and emotional/cognitive disturbances is generally assumed, several observations suggest a temporal dissociation and independent mechanisms. We therefore studied Sprague-Dawley rats that presented a natural resistance to pain manifestation in a neuropathy model (spared nerve injury [SNI]) and compared their performance in a battery of behavioral paradigms-anxiety, depression and fear memory-with animals that presented a pain phenotype. Afterward, we performed an extensive volumetric analysis across prefrontal, orbitofrontal and insular cortical areas. The majority of SNI animals manifested mechanical allodynia (low threshold [LT]), but 13% were similar to Sham controls (high threshold [HT]). Readouts of spontaneous hypersensivity (paw flinches) were also significantly reduced in HT and correlated with allodynia. To increase the specificity of our findings, we segregated the SNI animals in those with left (SNI-L) and right (SNI-R) lesions and the lack of association between pain and behavior still remains. Left-lesioned animals, independent of the LT or HT phenotype, presented increased anxiety-like behaviors and decreased well-being. In contrast, we found that the insular cortex (agranular division) was significantly smaller in HT than in LT. To conclude, pain and emotional disturbances observed following nerve injury are to some extent segregated phenomena. Also, HT and LT SNI presented differences in insular volumes, an area vastly implicated in pain perception, suggesting a supraspinal involvement in the manifestation of these phenotypes.This work has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), through the Competitiveness Factors Operational Programme (COMPETE) and the Northern Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020) under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement (project NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000023). It was also funded by National and International funds, through the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), under the scope of the projects POCI-01-0145- FEDER-007038 and PTDC/NEU-SCC/5301/2014 and by the IASP Early Career Research Grant 2015. Researchers were supported by FCT grant numbers PD/BD/114117/2015 (MRG via Inter-University Doctoral Programme in Ageing and Chronic Disease, PhDOC), SFRH/BD/109111/2015 (AMC via PhD Program in Health Sciences), SFRH/BD/52291/2013 (ME via PhDOC), SFRH/BD/89936/2012 (SB via PhD Program in Health Sciences (Applied)), PDE/BDE/113604/2015 (RM via PhD Program in Health Sciences (Applied)), PDE/BDE/113601/2015 (PSM via PhD Program in Health Sciences (Applied)) and SFRH/BPD/80118/2011 (HA). ARS integrated the Master Programme in Health Sciences of the School of Medicine, University of Minho.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Comparative Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines in Preventing Infections and Disease Progression from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 and BA.2, Portugal

We estimated comparative primary and booster vaccine effectiveness (VE) of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 and BA.2 lineages against infection and disease progression. During April-June 2022, we implemented a case-case and cohort study and classified lineages using whole-genome sequencing or spike gene target failure. For the case-case study, we estimated the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of vaccination using a logistic regression. For the cohort study, we estimated VE against disease progression using a penalized logistic regression. We observed no reduced VE for primary (aOR 1.07 [95% CI 0.93-1.23]) or booster (aOR 0.96 [95% CI 0.84-1.09]) vaccination against BA.5 infection. Among BA.5 case-patients, booster VE against progression to hospitalization was lower than that among BA.2 case-patients (VE 77% [95% CI 49%-90%] vs. VE 93% [95% CI 86%-97%]). Although booster vaccination is less effective against BA.5 than against BA.2, it offers substantial protection against progression from BA.5 infection to severe disease.The acquisition of sequencing equipment and reagents used in this study by the Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge was partially funded by the HERA project (grant no. 2021/PHF/23776) supported by the European Commission through the European Centre for Disease Control, and also partially funded by the GenomePT project (grant no. POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022184), supported by COMPETE 2020–Operational Programme for Competitiveness and Internationalisation, Lisboa Portugal Regional Operational Programme, Algarve Portugal Regional Operational, under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund, and by the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation. Algarve Biomedical Center Laboratory received public funding through the Project ALG-D2-2021-06 Variants Screen in Southern Portugal– Monitoring Variants of Concern in Southern Portugal and the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation national support through the Comprehensive Health Research Center (grant no. UIDP/04923/2020)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Comparative complete scheme and booster effectiveness of COVID‐19 vaccines in preventing SARS‐CoV‐2 infections with SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron (BA.1) and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants: A case–case study based on electronic health records

Background: Information on vaccine effectiveness in a context of novel variants of concern (VOC) emergence is of key importance to inform public health policies. This study aimed to estimate a measure of comparative vaccine effectiveness between Omicron (BA.1) and Delta (B.1.617.2 and sub-lineages) VOC according to vaccination exposure (primary or booster). Methods: We developed a case–case study using data on RT-PCR SARS-CoV2-positive cases notified in Portugal during Weeks 49–51, 2021. To obtain measure of comparative vaccine effectiveness, we compared the odds of vaccination in Omicron cases versus Delta using logistic regression adjusted for age group, sex, region, week of diagnosis, and laboratory of origin. Results: Higher odds of vaccination were observed in cases infected by Omicron VOC compared with Delta VOC cases for both complete primary vaccination (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8 to 2.4) and booster dose (OR = 5.2; 95% CI: 3.1 to 8.8), equivalent to reduction of vaccine effectiveness from 44.7% and 92.8%, observed against infection with Delta, to 6.0% (95% CI: 29.2% to 12.7%) and 62.7% (95% CI: 35.7% to 77.9%), observed against infection with Omicron, for complete primary vaccination and booster dose, respectively. Conclusion: Consistent reduction in vaccine-induced protection against infection with Omicron was observed. Complete primary vaccination may not be protective against SARS-CoV-2 infection in regions where Omicron variant is dominant.Grant no. 2021/PHF/23776; POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022184; Project ALG-D2-2021-06info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Processos de obtenção do extrato do trevo-vermelho enriquecido com isoflavonas e seu uso via oral como anti-inflamatório

Hospital de Clínicas de Porto AlegreUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulFarmáciaAgronomiaMedicinaDepositad