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A pandemia desencadeada pela Covid-19 criou extensos e complexos desafios para o mundo moderno e interconectado em que vivemos atualmente. As cadeias de abastecimento globais, que até ao momento desta crise revelaram um certo grau de resposta e capacidade de resiliência a disrupções, são agora postas à prova. Através da realização de entrevistas a diversas empresas, o presente estudo demonstra que a Covid-19 causou danos substanciais a uma variedade de industrias em todo o mundo, comprometendo todos os nós da cadeia de abastecimentos, desde a obtenção de matérias primas necessárias à produção, até à distribuição dos produtos finais aos consumidores. Deste modo, pode-se verificar que a propagação da disrupção foi tanto no sentido de montante, mas também a jusante da cadeia. Com o objetivo de entender se a crise da Covid-19 está a intensificar as tendências para a desglobalização, o presente estudo procura estabelecer uma relação entre as disrupções na cadeia de abastecimento e os impactos no comércio global. A análise revela uma desaceleração do comércio internacional durante os primeiros meses da doença, principalmente devido ao encerramento das fronteiras entre os países, mas após este período verificou-se que as dinâmicas globais começaram a ser restabelecidas, sugerindo que a pandemia não intensificou as tendências para a desglobalização. The Covid-19 pandemic has created many challenges for the modern and interconnected world we live in. Global supply chains, which until this outbreak, had shown a certain level of responsiveness and reliability in responding to disruptions, were now subject to a great test of their resilience. By carrying out interviews with several different companies, it is shown that Covid-19 has caused substantial harm to a variety of industries worldwide, compromising all nodes of their supply chain, from raw material assurance to the delivery of finished goods to consumers. Consequently, the disruption propagation was both from upstream and downstream of the value chain. With the objective of understanding if this crisis is also intensifying de-globalization trends, the study also focuses on the relationship between supply chain disruptions and the impacts it has on global trade. The analysis pointed to a deacceleration of international trade during the first months of the disease, mainly due to the closure of borders, but after this period, global dynamics started to be reestablished, suggesting that there isn’t an intensification of de-globalization trends.

Fragments: Generative Art in Video Format“Fragments” is a generative art/video piece that illustrates the artist’s expression of the meaning of life. The fragmented color pixels distributed in the container metaphorically represent individuals living in this existing world. As human beings, we might get confused and hesitate to find our destined roles, especially after this COVID-19 uncertainty. However, confronting this drastic catastrophe, like the flying color dots that roam around the space and eventually end up in their spots to make a complete painting, all human beings will ultimately cooperate/care/support each other as commons to evolve into a brand-new balanced society/community. No matter if it’s a famous painting or not, the pixel will find its doomed position of the work to actively live out the very best of its life. All single-color-pixel can also be interpreted as a fragment of one’s life whether it is bitter or sweet, it would ultimately mingle together to achieve a beautiful artwork of life."Fragments" was exhibited as video artwork in the Open Submission section along with other 43 international artists’ pieces under this year’s theme “Community” at PCD@Coimbra by the Department of Informatics Engineering, University of Coimbra Polo 2. PCD@Coimbra aims at being a showcase for what is currently being developed in Portugal, especially in Coimbra, and also a place for stimulating discussion and initiating future collaborations. In this event, PCD@Coimbra includes workshops, exhibitions and talk sessions.Exhibited at PCD@Coimbra, 7-8 December 2022

Os hemicanais formados por conexinas são responsáveis por mediar vias de sinalização entre o meio intracelular e extracelular, pois permitem a passagem de moléculas pequenas e iões. Já foi descrita uma relação entre a atividade irregular dos hemicanais e algumas doenças como isquémia, neuroinflamação e resposta inflamatória sistémica. Mediante um cenário patológico, os hemicanais encontram-se abertos e libertam adenosina trifosfato para o exterior, induzindo imensamente a resposta inflamatória. Assim, é de relevante importância o estudo e procura de novos inibidores seletivos a hemicanais de conexinas de modo a modular e controlar a doença. Uma vez que a atividade irregular dos hemicanais de conexina 43 já foi relacionada com doenças inflamatórias, estudou-se o efeito de fármacos utilizados no tratamento da doença COVID-19 (azitromicina, cloroquina, dexametasona, favipiravir, hidroxicloroquina, lopinavir, lopinavir em combinação com ritonavir (numa razão de 1:4), remdesivir, ribavirina e ritonavir) sobre a atividade e expressão dos hemicanais de conexina 43. Para investigar os efeitos dos fármacos, células com sobre-expressão de conexina 43 foram expostas a diferentes concentrações dos mesmos. A análise a nível funcional foi executada pela medição dos níveis de ATP libertados no meio extracelular e a nível da tradução recorreu-se à técnica de immunoblot. Outro objetivo deste estudo foi otimizar um ensaio que possa ser utilizado para testar potenciais inibidores de hemicanais formados por conexina 32. Para tal, recorreu-se a células HEK T293 que sobre-expressam conexina 32. No estudo com hemicanais de conexina 43, concluiu-se que nenhum dos fármacos afetou a expressão da proteína conexina 43, nem inibiu a atividade dos hemicanais. Relativamente à da construção de um modelo in vitro robusto de para avaliação de inibidores da atividade de conexinas 32, conclui-se que a densidade celular a ser utilizada em futuros ensaios é de 37500 cells/cm2. Connexin hemichannels mediate signaling networks by allowing the exchange of molecules and ions between intracellular and extracellular environments. The abnormal activity of these channels is related to a plethora of diseases, such as ischemia, neuroinflammation, and systemic inflammatory response. In a pathological scenario, hemichannels are open and release adenosine triphosphate, thereby inducing a myriad of inflammatory responses. For this reason, selective inhibition of connexin hemichannels, to halt or modulate disease, is of great interest. Once conexin 43 hemichanels activity has been linked with inflammatory diseases, in this study, drugs formerly proposed for COVID-19 treatment (azithromycin, chloroquine, dexamethasone, favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, lopinavir in combination with ritonavir (4:1 ratio), remdesivir, ribavirin, and ritonavir) were screened for their effect on connexin 43 hemichannel activity and expression. Connexin 43-transfected cells were exposed to different concentrations of the drugs and their effect at a functional level was assessed by measuring extracellular adenosine triphosphate release. At a translational level, immunoblot analysis was used to study alterations of the proteins’ expression levels. In parallel, an optimization of an assay to test potential connexin 32 inhibitors on human embryonic kidney T293 cells overexpressing connexin 32 occured. Regarding connexin 43 hemichanel assay, none of the drugs tested influenced connexin 43 protein expression or inhibited hemichannels activity. Considering the first steps for a more robust in vitro model to test connexin 32 inhibitors, it was concluded that experiments should be conducted at a cell density of 37500 cells/cm2. Trabalho Final de Mestrado Integrado, Ciências Farmacêuticas, 2022, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Farmácia. Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

O Covid 19 causou estragos na indústria cinematográfica através de restrições de distanciamento social e medidas de confinamento. Os cinemas são um fluxo de receitas vital para os estúdios cinematográficos e, consequentemente, a queda nas vendas de bilheteira obrigou os estúdios a tomar medidas. Ao mesmo tempo, o volume de streaming atingiu níveis máximos. Com perdas crescentes em mente, alguns estúdios cinematográficos optaram, portanto, por lançar os seus filmes digitalmente através de Premium Video on Demand (PVOD). Uma análise explicativa e oito entrevistas a especialistas foram utilizadas para investigar a questão de o que motiva os consumidores a fazer streaming de um filme em estreia em vez de irem ao cinema. Os resultados do Value-based Adoption Model mostram que as vantagens do PVOD superam ligeiramente as desvantagens. Para os clientes, a conveniência é quase duas vezes mais importante do que o gozo. Os riscos percebidos são o impacto mais forte, e a facilidade de utilização o impacto mais fraco na composição do valor. Além disso, os Nativos Digitais têm o mais alto nível de conveniência e de riscos percebidos ao decidir pelo PVOD, enquanto os Baby Boomers experienciam o maior gozo, mas também efeitos muito negativos da facilidade de utilização. Há interesse no PVOD para todos os géneros de filmes, excepto de terror. Além disso, os fãs de filmes não mostram preferência por filmes de animação e as famílias não estão interessadas no PVOD da ficção científica. Covid 19 has wreaked havoc on the film industry through social distancing restrictions and lockdown measures. Cinemas are a vital revenue stream for film studios and consequentially, slumping box-office sales have forced studios to take action. At the same time, the streaming volume has reached peak levels. With mounting losses in mind, some film studios have therefore opted to release their films digitally via Premium Video-on-Demand (PVOD). An explanatory analysis and eight expert interviews were used to investigate the question of what motivates consumers to stream a film premiere instead of going to the cinema. The results of the Value-based Adoption Model show that the advantages of PVOD slightly outweigh the disadvantages. For customers, convenience is almost twice as important as enjoyment. Perceived risks are the strongest and ease of use the weakest impact on the value composition. Moreover, Digital Natives have the highest level of convenience and perceived risks when deciding for PVOD, while Baby Boomers experience the most enjoyment but also very negative effects from ease of use. There is interest in PVOD for all genres except horror movies. Movie fans additionally show no preference for animated and families are furthermore not interested in sci-fi PVOD.

Este estudo examina o impacto potencial da Robotic Process Automation nas empresas de entregas de mercearias a pedido. A Robotic Process Automation é uma tecnologia que executa declarações if-then-else a fim de automatizar tarefas simples e repetitivas que são normalmente realizadas por seres humanos. As empresas de entregas de mercearias a pedido surgiram principalmente durante a pandemia de Covid-19 e oferecem aos seus clientes a entrega de mercearias às suas casas dentro de 10 a 30 minutos. Inicialmente concentrando-se no crescimento e expansão extremos, o seu foco está agora a mudar mais para a rentabilidade. Através de uma pesquisa qualitativa baseada em 9 entrevistas com especialistas da RPA e da Mercearia a Pedido, bem como dados secundários sob a forma de artigos académicos e relatórios, este estudo pretende responder se a RPA pode ajudar estas empresas. Este estudo revela que o nível de digitalização dentro destas empresas de Mercearia a Pedido é relativamente baixo e por isso a RPA em geral pode ter um impacto positivo. Isto é verdade entre diferentes KPIs e em diferentes unidades de negócio de uma empresa de Entrega de Mercearia a Pedido. No entanto, o estudo também mostra que as opiniões entre os dois grupos de peritos diferem muito, tanto em termos do impacto nos KPIs como do impacto nas diferentes unidades de negócio. Além disso, existem vários aspectos das empresas de Entrega de Mercearia a Pedido e os seus processos actuais que podem complicar a implementação da RPA. This study examines the potential impact of Robotic Process Automation on On-Demand Grocery Delivery companies. Robotic Process Automation is a technology that performs if-then-else statements in order automate simple and repetitive tasks that are usually done by humans. On-Demand Grocery delivery companies mainly emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic and offer their customers the delivery of groceries to their homes within 10 to 30 minutes. Initially focusing on extreme growth and expansion their focus is now switching more towards profitability. Through a qualitative research based on 9 interviews with both RPA and On-Demand Grocery experts, as well as secondary data in form of academic articles and reports, this study aims to answer if RPA can help these companies. This study reveals that the level of digitization within these On-Demand Grocery Delivery companies is relatively low and therefore RPA in general can have a positive impact. This is true among different KPIs and in different business units of a On-Demand Grocery Delivery company. Nonetheless, the study also shows that the opinions between the two expert groups differ widely, both in terms of the impact on the KPIs as well as the impact on the different business units. Also, there are several aspects of On-Demand Grocery Delivery companies and their current processes that might complicate the implementation of RPA.

Esta Dissertação visa efectuar uma análise comparativa dos impactos das decisões de Política Monetária tomadas pelo B.C.E. no Mercado de Dívida Soberana na Zona Euro, no período decorrente entre a Crise da Dívida Soberana e a Crise provocada pela pandemia Covid-19. A presente Dissertação utiliza um Modelo de Regressão Multilinear, e como teste de robustez, é utilizado um modelo de Regressão de dados em painel. Utilizam-se dados mensais de 2010T1 a 2021T4 relativamente às taxas de juro de obrigações soberanas a dez anos da Zona Euro, bem como variáveis representativas de Política Monetária, 3M-Euribor e variáveis de controlo macroeconómico, que são retirados da plataforma Refinitive Eikon Datastream e E.C.B. - Statistical Data Warehouse. As conclusões desta Dissertação demonstram que as decisões de Política Monetária tomadas pelo E.C.B. foram eficazes e impactaram diretamente o Mercados de Dívida Soberana da Zona Euro. Além disso, os testes de robustez realizados nos países GIIPS e não-GIIPS corroboram os resultados do modelo base, revelando a robustez e estabilidade geral dos resultados da Dissertação. As conclusões deste estudo contribuem significativamente, nomeadamente para decisores políticos e correspondentes governos, no sentido de melhor compreender os impactos da Política Monetária do B.C.E. nos Mercados de Dívida Soberana da Zona Euro em momentos de crise e de maior volatilidade de mercado. This Dissertation undertakes a comparative analysis of the impacts of the Monetary Policy decisions taken by the E.C.B. on the Eurozone Sovereign Debt Market between the Sovereign Debt Crisis and the Covid-19 Crisis. The current Dissertation employs a baseline model, an O.L.S. Multilinear Regression model, and, as a Robustness test, a Fixed Effects Regression model is also used. Monthly data from 2010Q1 to 2021Q4 on Eurozone Ten-Year Sovereign Bond Yields as well as Monetary Policy proxy variables, 3M-Euribor, and Macroeconomic control variables, where the data is retrieved from Refinitive Eikon Datastream and E.C.B. - Statistical Data Warehouse. The findings of this Dissertation demonstrate that Monetary Policy actions pursued by the E.C.B. were effective and directly impacted the European Sovereign Debt Markets. Additionally, the robustness tests performed on GIIPS and non-GIIPS countries corroborate the baseline findings, highlighting the overall robustness and stability of the present Dissertation’s findings. This Dissertation findings give significant input, namely to policymakers and governments, to better understand the E.C.B.’s Monetary Policy impacts on the Eurozone Sovereign Debt Markets in moments of crises and greater market volatility.

Esta pesquisa estudou os temas Geração Z, Covid-19, Trabalho Remoto, Flexibilidade, Nomadismo Digital, Controle e Vigilância e Perspetivas Corporativas no Nomadismo Digital. Com isso, teve como objetivo validar a solução desenvolvida para solucionar os problemas de retenção que as empresas enfrentam com um número cada vez maior de nômades digitais. Dados primários e secundários foram usados para responder às questões da dissertação. Este estudo é o próximo passo para uma melhor compreensão da relação entre corporações e um complemento aos estudos de dissertação de meus companheiros de equipe, Sören Syrbe e Madelyn Thompson. Dados secundários sobre nômadas digitais foram analisados empiricamente e contribuíram para identificar o mercado primário para nossa ideia. A análise qualitativa temática foi realizada para os dados primários coletados de 13 representantes principalmente de empresas de Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicação (TIC), como Amazon, IBM, Samsung, Microsoft, Salesforce, etc. O estudo identificou a indústria de TIC dos EUA como mercado primário por meio da análise de dados secundários. A análise qualitativa revelou as estratégias que a amostra de empresas de TIC usa e os resultados desejados dessas estratégias. Os resultados sobre estratégias e resultados estão de acordo com a literatura, indicando a potencial relevância da solução projetada. O feedback recebido dos entrevistados é prometedor no potencial da Junto com 46% dos profissionais dispostos a implementar essa solução em suas organizações. This research studied the topics of Generation Z, Covid-19, Remote Work, Flexibility, Digital Nomadism, Control and Surveillance, and Corporate Outlook on Digital Nomadism. By doing so, it aimed to validate the solution developed to solve the retention issues companies face with an incrementally growing number of digital nomads. Primary and secondary data have been used to answer the dissertation questions. This study is the next step toward a better comprehension of the relationship between corporations and a complement to the dissertation studies of my teammates, Sören Syrbe and Madelyn Thompson. Secondary data on digital nomads have been empirically analyzed and contributed to identifying the primary market for our idea. Thematic qualitative analysis has been carried out for the primary data collected from 13 mostly Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) firms’ representatives such as Amazon, IBM, Samsung, Microsoft, Salesforce, etc. The study identified the ICT industry of the USA as a primary market through the analysis of secondary data. Qualitative analysis revealed the strategies the sample of ICT companies use and the desired outcomes from those strategies. Findings about strategies and outcomes have been compliant with literature, indicating the potential relevancy of the solution designed. The feedback received from respondents promises hope for the potential of Junto with 46% of professionals being willing to implement this solution in their organizations.

Goddess: AR Interactive ScultureGoddess is a AR sculpture that expresses the urgent need for hope no matter if it is for a physical or digital world, especially after this tragic COVID-19. Goddess usually metaphors a warm, comfortable, encouraging icon in all cultures that represents the power of a Mother. When it comes to “Faith”, there is no specific deal wherever you physically/digitally locate. The Faith/Hope can be the portal transcending the physical and virtual world and even all religions which is what the Goddess symbolizes here.“Goddess” was part of the MakeUsVisible x denkFEmale event which took place in Munich, Germany for a month. The main theme behind the MakeUsVisible x denkFEmale, is to uplift women, female-identifying and non-binary voices through art and technology to provide people of all genders a seat at the table. Goddess was located at Königsplatz which seems to imply the main theme of uplifting diverse genders.Exhibited at MakeUsVisible x denkFEmale (Munich), October 2022

Infectious disease outbreaks can have a disruptive impact on public health and societal processes. As decision making in the context of epidemic mitigation is hard, reinforcement learning provides a methodology to automatically learn prevention strategies in combination with complex epidemic models. Current research focuses on optimizing policies with respect to a single objective, such as the pathogen's attack rate. However, as the mitigation of epidemics involves distinct, and possibly conflicting, criteria (i.a., prevalence, mortality, morbidity, cost), a multi-objective decision approach is warranted to learn balanced policies. To lift this decision-making process to real-world epidemic models, we apply deep multi-objective reinforcement learning and build upon a state-of-the-art algorithm, Pareto Conditioned Networks (PCN), to learn a set of solutions that approximates the Pareto front of the decision problem. We consider the first wave of the Belgian COVID-19 epidemic, which was mitigated by a lockdown,and study different deconfinement strategies, aiming to minimize both COVID-19 cases (i.e., infections and hospitalizations) and the societal burden that is induced by the applied mitigation measures. We contribute a multi-objective Markov decision process that encapsulates the stochastic compartment model that was used to inform policy makers during the COVID-19 epidemic. We evaluate the solution set that PCN returns, and observe that it correctly learns to reduce the social burden whenever the hospitalization rates are sufficiently low. In this work, we thus demonstrate that multi-objective reinforcement learning is attainable in complex epidemiological models and provides essential insights to balance complex mitigation policies.

Rationale: Critically ill patients have an improved outcome when adequate nutrition therapy guided by indirect calorimetry(IC) is provided. However, several issues like ignorance and technical problems but also workload hamper adequate provision of this cardinal care bundle. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged care systems all around the world and especially the ICU’s with an important workload for all medical and paramedical staff. We prospectively inquired how this would impact nutrition therapy. .