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On central bank digital currencies: what can we learn from the recent experience of the Bahamas
No full textThis study employs the Synthetic Control Method to investigate the impact of the Central Bank
Digital Currency introduction in The Bahamas on bank deposit rates. Contrary to theoretical
expectations, the results show a decrease in deposit rates compared to the synthetic control.
The low adoption rate of the CBDC in its early stages and the rigidity of deposit rates likely
contributed to this finding. The study highlights the importance of further study to understand
the composition of private banks’ funding and change in deposit volume post-intervention and
demonstrates how the methodology could be applied in future research
Perceptions and preferences of vegan and cruelty-free makeup in Portugal - the impact of communication, social media and labels along the concepts of vegan and cruelty-free
No full textLike other industries, the cosmetic industry is experiencing a shift towards more ethical
products, like vegan and cruelty-free makeup. The goal of this research is to determine how
Portuguese consumers perceive vegan and cruelty-free makeup brands in the market and what
product attributes are crucial. This research explores how demographic factors impact consumer
purchase intention. In order to do so perceptual mapping and conjoint analysis were employed.
Vegan and cruelty-free makeup brands were found to not be perceived as such, suggesting that
brands must increase consumer awareness. Besides, price was revealed to be the most important
attribute when choosing makeup
Bacteryaqua: a revolutionary method to harness and desalinate water. the market, the funding and the exit strategy
No full textThe individual part of this thesis indicates that BacteryAqua will initially target the Spanish and
Portuguese market and follows a local funding strategy with the final goal of getting acquired by
the company Acciona as an exit strategy
Becoming muié - business model canvas
No full textThe present Work Project aims to deliver an overview of Muié’s journey, a lingerie start-up for
women who had breast cancer. Resorting to the Lean Startup framework, an analysis is
conducted on the problematic to be tackled, on the development of the Business Model Canvas,
as well as on the learnings resultant from each cycle. To validate the concept, quantitative and
qualitative research was performed, including a questionnaire and interviews with patients,
health professionals, and breast cancer-related associations. To conclude, the reader is expected
to comprehend the effect of breast cancer on women’s self-esteem and sexuality
The electric effect: analyzing the influence of battery electric vehicles on the value chain of German car manufacturers in Europe - a qualitative study on the transformation of after-sales
No full textThis research examines the impact of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the value chain of
German original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in Europe. It explores the three stages of
procurement, production, and after-sales, analyzing how the dynamics influence these stages
using a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews with industry experts. The
results indicate that each stage requires a responsive approach to the new dynamics. It offers
strategic recommendations to support German OEMs in managing the complexity of BEV
integration and possible future research
Focus on Enveloped Virus-based Targets
No full text"The bioprocessing of enveloped viral vectors and extracellular vesicles (EVs) has made significant advances in recent years, driven by their growing applications in gene therapy, vaccine development, and regenerative medicine. These biological entities, which include viral vectors such as lentiviruses, retroviruses, and oncolytic viruses, as well as therapeutic EVs, are essential for delivering genetic material and modulating intercellular communication. Their increasing relevance is reflected in the expanding number of clinical trials and therapeutic products leveraging these platforms. For instance, lentiviral vectors (LVs) have become critical tools in gene therapies targeting monogenic disorders and cell-based therapies, while extracellular vesicles are being explored for their potential in drug delivery and immune modulation. (...)
The Role of Contractual Clauses in Upholding Human Rights in Global Supply Chains: recent legal developments and future perspectives
No full textContractual clauses have always, and will continue to, play an important role in any commercial relationship. Contracts will guide how the relationship will function, who does what, where, when, etc. Currently, contracts, especially ones that deal with global supply chains, play an essential role in risk management, considering the international scope of their application as well as the intricate realities they deal with. In this context, the fight for
the protection of the human rights of workers, local communities, and all other relevant stakeholders has not been easy – mostly because a company’s responsibility to protect human rights has, so far, stemmed from non-binding international instruments such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. But this has steadily been changing in recent years, with new national supply chain laws being approved in several States and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive having just been approved within the EU. This means that the role of contracts needs to be re-evaluated. This thesis focuses on obtaining clarity regarding all of the recent legal developments occurring with supply chain laws and as to how companies can use contractual clauses to their advantage, both when it
comes to risk management within their supply chains (considering contracts are the main risk management tool at their disposal), as well as when it comes to complying with current and future legal obligations towards human rights due diligence. Contracts can play several roles within this context, and not everyone is in agreement as to what exactly that role should be. Some consider it a simple piece of a much bigger puzzle in upholding human rights, and other consider it to be the main element necessary in making that possible – we
aim to explore as many opinions as possible in search of the answer of what role contracts can ultimately play in the defence of human rights within the supply chains where they operate.As cláusulas contratuais sempre desempenharam, e vão continuar a desempenhar, um papel fulcral em qualquer tipo de relação comercial. Os contratos orientam o funcionamento da relação, quem vai fazer o quê, onde, quando, etc. Atualmente, os contratos, em especial aqueles que se referem a cadeias de valor globais, desempenham um papel essencial na gestão do risco, tendo em especial atenção o âmbito internacional da sua aplicação e as realidades complexas com que lidam. Neste contexto, a luta pela proteção dos direitos
humanos dos trabalhadores, das comunidades locais e de todas as partes interessadas e afetadas não tem sido fácil – sobretudo porque a responsabilidade de uma empresa na proteção dos direitos humanos tem, até agora, decorrido de instrumentos internacionais não vinculativos, como os Princípios Orientadores de Empresas e Direitos Humanos das Nações Unidas e as Orientações da OCDE para Empresas Multinacionais. Mas isto tem vindo a mudar nos últimos anos, com a aprovação de novas leis nacionais sobre cadeias de
valor em vários Estados e com a aprovação da Diretiva relativa ao Dever de Diligência das Empresas em matéria de Sustentabilidade aprovada pela UE. Isto significa que o papel dos contratos tem de ser reavaliado. Esta dissertação centra o seu foco na obtenção de clareza em relação a todos estes desenvolvimentos legais recentes e na forma como as empresas podem utilizar as cláusulas contratuais em seu benefício, tanto no que diz respeito à gestão do risco nas suas cadeias de valor (considerando que os contratos são a principal ferramenta de gestão de risco ao seu dispor), como no que diz respeito ao cumprimentos das obrigações
legais atuais e futuras em relação à diligência devida em matéria de direitos humanos. Os contratos podem desempenhar vários papéis neste contexto, e nem todos estão de acordo sobre qual deve ser esse papel. Alguns consideram-no uma simples peça de um puzzle muito maior na defesa dos direitos humanos, outros consideram-no o elemento principal necessário para que isso seja possível – pretendo explorar o maior número de opiniões possível na procura da resposta sobre qual o papel que os contratos podem, em última
análise, desempenhar na defesa dos direitos humanos nas cadeias de valor em que operam
Supported accommodations for people with mental disorders in Portugal: the influence of user characteristics, care provision and contextual factors on the quality of care
No full textABSTRACT: Background: Serious mental disorders (SMDs) are mental disorders that cause severe functional impairment. SMDs affect up to 6.8% of the global population, and frequently impact social relationships, education, employment, and independent living. In particular, people with SMD have a higher risk of homelessness and housing instability, which is usually associated with a worse prognosis. Psychiatric rehabilitation aims at helping people to restore their ability to live independently and better integrate into the community. Supported accommodations (SAs) provide psychiatric rehabilitation and housing, mainly targeting users with SMDs. These services have been implemented worldwide and are associated with significant costs. Despite this, little research has been conducted on them. This thesis aimed to characterise the provision of care in SAs for people with SMD in Portugal and investigate how residents’ and service characteristics, and contextual factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic are associated with the current care provision. Methods: We conducted an observational study of residents and professionals of 43 SAs in Portugal. For quantitative assessments, all residents in SAs with up to 10 residents were invited to participate, while in each SA with over 10 residents a randomised sample of 10 residents was obtained. Residents completed questionnaires regarding their care pathways and quality of life; additional sociodemographic and clinical data was provided by the SAs. Professionals of all SAs were also invited to participate and complete an online questionnaire on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the manager of each SA completed an online questionnaire about the quality of care provided by SAs. Fifteen months later, the same managers provided information on which residents had been discharged and where to. Data was complemented by qualitative information obtained by conducting semi-structured interviews with a purposeful sample of 11 residents and 11 professionals with management roles. This work was complemented by secondary analysis of data from a study conducted in 2016 by the Lisbon Institute of Global Mental Health on the SAs residents’ views on provided care . Results: vi Residents of SAs tend to have long-term mental health disorders, housing instability, economic fragility, and lack of social support. They tend to have a history of high use of mental health services and treatment non-adherence. Almost half have previously attended psychosocial rehabilitation services, which mostly consists of another SA. The median entry age at the current SA was 50 years and the length of stay was 4.5-5 years. The main reasons for referral to SAs included a lack of housing and support. In general, residents expected SAs to help them gain autonomy and improve mental health, but most were ambivalent about discharge. Professionals recognised many would always need a very structured support, and that, for those being discharged, outreach support would be necessary. Residents generally reported a high quality of life, which tended to be superior in less supported SAs, and were satisfied with the care provided by SAs. However, only a minority felt involved in treatment. Quality of care tended to be lower in maximum support SA and hospital-based SAs. Feeling safe, having privacy, feeling involved in care, and having good resident-professional relationships were positively associated with residents’ quality of life. At follow-up, less than 10% were discharged to more independent living. Having a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or having been in a minimum to moderate support SA was positively associated with discharge to more independent living, while age was negatively associated. Common barriers to discharge include economic and housing constraints, lack of social support, inadequate/inexistent outreach support, and residents wanting to remain in the SAs. SAs were generally unprepared for the COVID-19 pandemic and some had to close or move to hospital grounds. Most residents did not report any significant impact of the pandemic on their mental health, but professionals noted weight gain, inactivity, autonomy loss, and cognition impairment in some residents. The organisational changes, staff shortages, and the fear of the pandemic, led many professionals to feel burned out and exhausted. New technologies, clear communication, shared decision making, official recommendations, team cohesion, open-air spaces, and staff hiring were issues that helped during the pandemic. Conclusions: This research contributed to a better understanding of the current situation of SAs. Residents spend long periods at these services and discharges to more independent living are quite low. Several factors seem to underlie this situation. These are multifactorial and include the characteristics of service users; family/other social support; care provided in SAs; investment in and organisation of mental health care; public policies; contextual factors; and stigma. Even though these factors operate at vii different levels of influence, they are interdependent. Therefore, actions at all these different levels are necessary in order to improve the current situation of SAs
Influência da injeção de soda cáustica na carga à unidade de Visbreaker
No full textA implementação da legislação IMO2020 reduziu o teor de enxofre permitido no fuelóleo para 0,5 %(m/m), o que obrigou a Refinaria de Sines a modificar a dieta de crudes. Após esta alteração, registou-se uma mudança no comportamento da unidade de Visbreaker (VB), cuja alimentação é o resíduo de vácuo (RVII) proveniente da Destilação de vácuo 2. Os ciclos de operação do VB passaram de uma média de 8 meses para cerca de 3,5 meses, devido à necessidade de descoqueficação das serpentinas do forno da unidade. Esta dissertação teve como objetivo analisar a influência da injeção de soda cáustica (NaOH), utilizada no início do processo de refinação, na instabilidade operacional do VB e no aumento da formação de coque.
A metodologia consistiu na realização de ensaios laboratoriais de Flash Assay, comparando amostras de resíduo de vácuo, obtidas neste equipamento, antes e depois da adição de NaOH, bem como na análise de dados operacionais desde 2017 até 2024. Verificou-se que os crudes processados após 2020 são mais pesados, com uma redução de 15% nas frações leves e um aumento de 10% no resíduo de vácuo, que se reflete numa carga mais pesada. A análise dos dessalinizadores revelou que a variabilidade na concentração de sais aumentou no período pós IMO, resultando numa injeção média de NaOH de 14,5 ppm, ultrapassando assim o limite desejável de 8 ppm, com valores a atingir os 35 ppm. Como consequência, o teor de sódio no RVII aumentou, ultrapassando o limite recomendado de 30 ppm.
A análise da temperatura das serpentinas do forno do VB (VB-H1) demonstrou um aumento após 2020, com a temperatura final de ciclo a subir de 500ºC para valores superiores a 635ºC, indicando a instabilidade operacional e uma maior severidade no processo, aumentando a coqueficação. A pressão no soaker foi ajustada de 9 bar para 5 bar, de forma a mitigar a coqueficação nas serpentinas, com o impacto negativo de haver uma menor conversão do RVII em produtos leves.
Os resultados sugerem que a coqueficação acelerada das serpentinas do VB não é causada exclusivamente pela injeção de NaOH, mas sim por um conjunto de variáveis que incluem a alteração do mix de crudes, uma maior variabilidade na eficiência do processo de dessalinização e o aumento da temperatura nas serpentinas. Para mitigar este problema, é sugerido uma otimização na compatibilidade dos crudes processados, melhorias na eficiência dos dessalinizadores e a avaliação de estratégias para reduzir a deposição de coque, como a utilização de revestimentos nas serpentinas e o ajuste do caudal de alimentação à unidade.The implementation of IMO2020 legislation reduced the maximum sulphur content allowed in fuel oil to 0.5 %(m/m), which forced the Sines Refinery to change its processed crude diet. Following this change, there was a significant change in the behaviour of the Visbreaker unit (VB), whose feed is vacuum residue (RVII) from Vacuum Distillation 2. The VB's operating cycles went from an average of 8 months to around 3.5 months, due to the need to remove the coils from the unit's furnace. The aim of this dissertation was to analyse the possible influence of the injection of caustic soda (NaOH), used at the start of the refining process, on the operational instability of the VB and the increase in coke formation.
The methodology consisted of carrying out Flash Assay laboratory tests, comparing vacuum residue samples obtained in this equipment before and after the addition of NaOH, as well as analysing operational data from 2017 to 2024. It was found that the crude processed after 2020 is heavier, with a 15 per cent reduction in the light fractions and a 10 per cent increase in the vacuum residue, which is reflected in a heavier load on the VB. Analysis of the desalters revealed that the variability in salt concentration increased in the post-IMO period, resulting in an average NaOH injection of 14.5 ppm, thus exceeding the desirable limit of 8 ppm, with maximum values reaching 35 ppm. As a consequence, the sodium content in the RVII increased, exceeding the recommended limit of 30 ppm.
Analysing the temperature of the coils in the VB furnace (VB-H1) showed an exponential increase after 2020, with the final cycle temperature rising from 500ºC to over 635ºC, indicating operational instability and greater severity in the process, increasing coking. The pressure in the soaker was adjusted from 9 bar to 5 bar in order to mitigate coking in the coils, with the negative impact of lower conversion of RVII into lighter products with greater economic value.
The results suggest that the accelerated coking of the VB coils is not caused exclusively by the injection of NaOH, but by a number of variables including a change in the crude mix, greater variability in the efficiency of the desalination process and an increase in the temperature of the coils. To mitigate this problem, we suggest optimising the compatibility of the crudes processed, improving the efficiency of the desalters and evaluating strategies to reduce coke deposition, such as using coatings on the coils and adjusting the flow rate fed to the unit
Appointing ChatGPT as our right-hand man: An exploration of use outcomes through the lens of IT Identity
No full textDissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Information Management, specialization in Information Systems ManagementChatGPT use is on the rise, however research on its impact on users is still limited. This study
explores how individuals develop ChatGPT identities, using the IT identity framework, and
consequent outcomes derived from it. A survey was conducted with 312 valid respondents
from ChatGPT users to determine the suitability of the IT identity framework in explaining
identity development around this technology. Findings suggest that engaging with ChatGPT
fosters IT identity development, with adequate opportunities and support acting as a
significant moderator in shaping user behavior. Individual performance and social well-being
were found to be influenced by user behaviors upon ChatGPT identity creation. By integrating
the IT identity framework with a component of outcomes, this research offers valuable
insights and significant contributions towards research on AI assistants and identity,
contributing to the growing body of literature on these technologies