Institutional Repository Universidade Portucalense
Not a member yet
6170 research outputs found
Sort by
Anticipating tutoring demands based on students’ difficulties in Online Learning
No full textAnticipating the tutoring needs in online learning is essential to provide adequate support to students. Feedback and even silence are valuable clues to reveal the level of engagement. Approaches based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) can process this information and alleviate the workload of human tutors. In this study, Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques were used to assess the performance of classifying students’ difficulties in an Educational Social Network. Difficulties were classified into categories such as “personal”, “technical”, and “others”. The model's performance allows you to anticipate and direct tutoring
Ethical and Legal considerations in Clinical Trial Design [Poster]
No full textThe ethical and legal framework for clinical trials in the European Union ensures research aligns with moral obligations and regulatory standards. Key trial types, such as Randomized Controlled Trials, Adaptive Trials, and Pragmatic Trials, each present unique challenges.
The EU Clinical Trials Regulation harmonizes research across member states, emphasizing participant safety, informed consent, and transparency. These regulations, along with the European Medicine's Agency Good Clinical Practice guidelines and the WMA Declaration of Helsinki , shape ethical trial design.
RCTs must maintain equipoise , ensuring genuine uncertainty about treatment superiority. Ethical concerns arise when placebo use may deny effective treatment, impacting participant welfare. Adaptive trials offer flexibility but challenge informed consent, as protocols may change based on interim data. Pragmatic Trials, conducted in real-world settings, provide valuable insights but raise concerns about maintaining ethical rigour.
The EU’s centralized approval process via the Clinical Trials Information System streamlines multi-country trials. In contrast, the USA relies on a decentralized system overseen by Institutional Review Boards.
Cases like Grimes v. Kennedy Krieger Institute in the USA and Olainfarm AS v. Latvia in the EU are examples of how courts interpret and enforce these regulations, reflecting the practical application and evolving interpretation of legal standards. Understanding this distinction is essential for comprehending how regulations are not static but are continually shaped by judicial decisions
Sustainability practices in family businesses: role of gender and impact on financial performance
No full textFamily businesses wield significant influence across key macroeconomic indicators,
such as wealth generation, job creation, and societal cohesion, constituting 80 percent
of global enterprises. Their pivotal role in contributing to 70-90 percent of the annual
global Gross Domestic Product underscores their significance to the world economy.
However, with heightened societal awareness regarding social and environmental
responsibility, family businesses face mounting pressure to adapt to sustainable
practices. This thesis delves into the critical intersection of sustainability, gender
dynamics, and financial performance within family businesses.
Initially, through a systematic literature review, this study comprehensively examines the
impact of gender dynamics on sustainable practices and evaluates how these practices
influence financial performance. The articles included were sourced from the ISI Web of
Science database up to November 20th, 2022. Subsequently, employing game theory
and experimental economics, the thesis empirically tests the roles of communication, risk
aversion, and gender in shaping strategic decisions regarding sustainability practices.
The experiment was conducted on May 2023. Game theory provides insights into
strategic decision-making processes. Additionally, experimental economics, a method
gaining traction in family business research, further validates theoretical predictions
through observed behaviour.
In its final phase, the thesis explores the relationship between sustainable practices and
financial performance, with a focus on the moderating effects of family ownership and
gender. Utilising the Generalized Method of Moments System (GMM system), the study
analyses data from the period 2012-2020, providing empirical insights into the dynamics
at play and shedding light on optimal strategies for achieving sustainability while
maintaining financial viability.
Our study reveals that communication significantly influences decision-making regarding
sustainability, fostering innovation and strengthening familial bonds. While our findings
indicate that risk aversion does not affect sustainability decision-making, the interaction
between gender and communication emerges as a significant factor, with women in key
decision-making roles demonstrating a greater inclination towards sustainability
initiatives when effective communication is present. This emphasises the importance of
diverse communication methods for long-term success. Moreover, family businesses
committed to sustainability tend to persist in this choice over time, reflecting their greater
strategic persistence compared to their non-family counterparts. Ultimately, sustainable
family businesses demonstrate a notably positive impact on financial performance
resulting from the adoption of sustainable practices, surpassing that of non-family
businesses.
This thesis offers significant practical and theoretical contributions at the nexus of
sustainability, gender, financial performance, and family businesses. It integrates novel
methodologies such as game theory and experimental economics into sustainability
decision-making processes, enhancing our understanding of strategic interactions.
Furthermore, it emphasises the role of communication dynamics and gender
considerations, providing nuanced insights into decision-making processes within family
enterprises.
In terms of future research, gender dynamics should be further explored, specifically in
connection with (i) succession decision-making; (ii) determinants of business success
and successful decision-making; (iii) empowerment; (iv) institutional support; (v)
governance issues; and (vi) other strategic decision-making aspects related to
innovation and entrepreneurship. We recommend broadening the application of game
theory and experimental economics to examine more complex scenarios, such as
cooperative behaviours among family members and other stakeholders. This approach
can reveal optimal strategies for achieving sustainable outcomes and highlight critical
factors. Additionally, future research on the role of gender in family businesses should
investigate its impact beyond financial performance, utilising sustainable performance
measures.As empresas familiares exercem uma influência significativa em indicadores
macroeconómicos-chave, como criação de riqueza, emprego e coesão social,
representando 80 por cento das empresas globais. A sua contribuição em 70-90 por
cento do Produto Interno Bruto global anual sublinha a sua importância para a economia
mundial. Porém, com a crescente consciencialização sobre a responsabilidade social e
ambiental, as empresas familiares enfrentam uma pressão crescente para se adaptarem
a práticas sustentáveis. Esta tese explora a intersecção crítica entre sustentabilidade,
dinâmicas de género e desempenho financeiro no contexto das empresas familiares.
Inicialmente, através de uma revisão sistemática de literatura, este estudo examina de
forma abrangente o impacto das dinâmicas de género nas práticas sustentáveis e avalia
como estas práticas influenciam o desempenho financeiro. Os artigos incluídos foram
obtidos da base de dados ISI Web of Science até 20 de Novembro de 2022.
Posteriormente, utilizando a teoria dos jogos e a economia experimental, a tese testa
empiricamente os papéis da comunicação, da aversão ao risco e do género na tomada
de decisões estratégicas em relação às práticas de sustentabilidade. A experiência foi
conduzida em Maio de 2023. A teoria dos jogos fornece insights sobre os processos de
tomada de decisão estratégica. Adicionalmente, a economia experimental, uma
metodologia em ascensão na investigação sobre empresas familiares, reforça ainda
mais a validação das previsões teóricas através do comportamento observado.
Na sua fase final, a tese explora a relação entre práticas sustentáveis e desempenho
financeiro, com foco nos efeitos moderadores da propriedade familiar e do género.
Utilizando o Método dos Momentos Generalizados, o estudo analisa dados do período
de 2012-2020, fornecendo insights empíricos sobre as dinâmicas em questão e
iluminando estratégias ótimas para alcançar a sustentabilidade mantendo a viabilidade
financeira.
O nosso estudo revela que a comunicação exerce uma influência significativa na tomada
de decisões relacionadas com a sustentabilidade, fomentando a inovação e reforçando
os laços familiares. Os resultados também indicam que a aversão ao risco não afeta a
tomada de decisões em matéria de sustentabilidade. Importantemente, a interação entre
género e comunicação emerge como um fator significativo, implicando que as mulheres
em papéis-chave de tomada de decisão demonstram uma maior predisposição para
adotar iniciativas sustentáveis quando uma comunicação eficaz está presente. Esta
descoberta sublinha a importância de métodos de comunicação diversificados para o
sucesso a longo prazo. Adicionalmente, as empresas familiares comprometidas com a
sustentabilidade tendem a manter esta opção ao longo do tempo, refletindo a sua maior
persistência estratégica em comparação com os seus pares não familiares. Por último,
as empresas familiares sustentáveis demonstram um impacto notavelmente positivo no
desempenho financeiro decorrente da adoção de práticas sustentáveis, ultrapassando
o das empresas não familiares.
Esta tese oferece importantes contribuições práticas e teóricas no cruzamento da
sustentabilidade, género, desempenho financeiro e empresas familiares. Integra novas
metodologias como a teoria dos jogos e a economia experimental nos processos de
tomada de decisão referentes à sustentabilidade, melhorando a nossa compreensão
sobre interações estratégicas. Ademais, enfatiza o papel da comunicação e das
dinâmicas de género, proporcionando insights detalhados sobre os processos de
tomada de decisão no seio das empresas familiares.
Em termos de pesquisas futuras, a dinâmica de género deve ser explorada mais
profundamente, especialmente em conexão com: (i) tomada de decisão sobre
sucessão; (ii) determinantes do sucesso empresarial e tomada de decisão eficaz; (iii)
empoderamento; (iv) apoio institucional; (v) questões de governança; e (vi) outros
aspetos estratégicos da tomada de decisão relacionados com inovação e
empreendedorismo. Recomendamos ampliar a aplicação da teoria dos jogos e da
economia experimental para examinar cenários mais complexos, como
comportamentos cooperativos entre membros da família e outros stakeholders. Esta
abordagem pode revelar estratégias ótimas para alcançar resultados sustentáveis e
destacar fatores críticos. Além disso, as pesquisas futuras sobre o papel do género nas
empresas familiares devem investigar o seu impacto para além do desempenho
financeiro, utilizando medidas sustentáveis de desempenho
Smart Tourism and Sustainable Development
Get PDFSmart tourism and sustainable development are two crucial concepts that, when integrated, can contribute to the well-being of destinations, communities and the environment. Smart tourism involves the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve various aspects of the tourism industry, from the visitor experience to the operational efficiency of companies.
Meanwhile, sustainable development addresses promoting economic growth without compromising the capacity of future generations while guaranteeing environmental protection, social equity and cultural preservation. Integrating smart tourism with sustainable development aims to leverage technology to improve tourist experiences, ensuring that the economic benefits are sustainable, inclusive and respectful of the environment and local cultures. This integration is essential to create a tourism industry that contributes positively to both the destination and its communities in the long term.
Therefore, this Special Edition aims to collect contributions that analyze, discuss, and value these interconnected themes, whether from the perspective of the tourist experience, the management of tourist destinations, equipment and infrastructure, or the perspective of organizations and management processes
The synchrony/asynchrony effect on eyewitness memory performance
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the synchrony/asynhrony effect on eyewitness memory. Forty-four participants (24 evening-types and 20 morning-types) performed, individually, two online sessions: one in the morning and another in the evening. In each session, each participant visualized two videos (crime and neutral scenes), answered questions related to the videos and completed additional questionnaires. In general, the participants’ memory was better in the synchrony when compared to the asynchrony moment. In the crime videos, participants recalled more central details and in the neutral videos more peripherical details. The pattern of results remains similar when controlled by stress, anxiety, and depression
Differentiation between normal cognition and subjective cognitive decline in older adults using discrepancy scores derived from neuropsychological tests
Get PDFSeveral studies have reported subtle differences in cognition between individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) compared to those with normal cognition. This study aimed to (i) identify these differences using discrepancy scores (e.g., categorial–phonemic verbal fluency performance) derived from neuropsychological tests in three cognitive domains (memory: Wechsler’s Word List and Digits; executive functions: Stroop and verbal fluency; and language: BNT and ECCO_Senior) and (ii) determine which discrepancy scores are significant for classification. Seventy-five older adults were included: 32 who were labeled SCD+ (age 71.50 ± 5.29), meeting Jessen et al.’s criteria, and 43 in the normal cognition group (SCD−; age 69.81 ± 4.62). Both groups completed a protocol including screening and the specified neuropsychological tests. No differences were found between the groups in their age, education, episodic memory, global cognitive state, or mood. Significant differences between the groups were observed regarding the discrepancy scores derived from BNT (naming) and ECCO_Senior (sentence comprehension). These scores accurately classified participants (71.6%), with ECCO_Senior having a primary role. ROC curves indicated a poor-to-fair model quality or diagnostic accuracy (AUC_BNT = 0.690; AUC_ECCO = 0.722). In conclusion, discrepancy scores in the language domain are important for distinguishing between individuals with SCD and normal cognition, complementing previous findings in this domain. However, given their relatively poor diagnostic accuracy, they should be used with caution as part of a more detailed neuro-psychological assessment
Artigo 994.º: Requerimento [anotação]
No full textSegundo o n.º 1 do art.º 1773.º, do CC, na redação introduzida pela Lei n.º 61/2008, de 31 de outubro, que alterou significativamente o sistema de divórcio em Portugal, o divórcio tem duas modalidades: pode ser por mútuo consentimento ou sem consentimento de um dos cônjuges. [...
Implementing Lean management tools for process improvement: A case study in the manufacturing industry
Get PDFTendo em conta o papel fundamental da melhoria contínua no contexto organizacional, é necessária uma grande atenção por parte dos gestores para que as medidas de melhoria implementadas estejam de acordo com as expectativas do mercado. Ao longo das últimas décadas, a gestão Lean tem demonstrado a sua capacidade de identificar, melhorar e reduzir atividades sem valor acrescentado, com base em ferramentas de gestão Lean, como o mapeamento do fluxo de valor, o fluxo de uma peça, o 5-S e várias outras ferramentas. Considerando a constatação de que as organizações que implementaram as ferramentas Lean têm vindo a afirmar-se, em diversas áreas de atividade, esta investigação pretende confirmar as melhorias baseadas nas ferramentas Lean numa organização transformadora portuguesa. Objetivos: Caracterizar o percurso efetuado pelos gestores para identificar as ferramentas lean a implementar, de modo a descrever o processo de implementação. Para além disso, as poupanças obtidas com as implementações podem ser um ponto de referência para outras organizações implementarem ferramentas de gestão lean. Metodologia: Para aprofundar o conhecimento foi selecionado um estudo qualitativo, nomeadamente um Estudo de Caso realizado na organização transformadora portuguesa. Resultados: Com as ferramentas de gestão lean implementadas, foram conseguidas várias melhorias no chão de fábrica, relacionadas com um layout mais eficiente, redução de etapas de manuseamento, bem como ajustes e reduções de inventário. Conclusão: Esta investigação confirma que as ferramentas de gestão lean são replicáveis em indústrias de transformação, independentemente da sua atividade. A principal preocupação está relacionada com a identificação dos processos, movimentos de materiais e etapas de manuseamento que não criam valor. Após a identificação destas atividades de valor acrescentado, o processo de implementação deve ser orientado e monitorizado. As ferramentas de gestão Leam são competentes para criar valor independentemente do sector de atividade
Patterns of sexuality, adjustment to aging and satisfaction with life: A cluster analysis of adults across the lifespan
Get PDFSexual satisfaction, adjustment to aging, and satisfaction with life are relevant dimensions of overall well-being across the life cycle. Through cluster analysis procedures, this study aims to describe the specific profile of adjustment to aging, sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with life of adults across the life span. This cross-sectional study involved a community-based sample of 619 Portuguese individuals, aged between 18 and 92 years old (M = 47.53 SD = 18.34) evaluated using a two-step cluster analysis. Fours clusters emerged. The most adjusted participants were mostly of a younger age, women and had a high education. The least adjusted participants globally presented low education, poor perceived health, and poor engagement in leisure activities. Well-being focused participants were mostly women of older age, with high education and spirituality. Finally, moderately satisfied participants were mostly men of older age, had a lower education, and presented poor reported health. Complementary comparative analysis among the identified subgroups was performed. The most adjusted participants had the highest perceived overall sexual well-being, sexual attractiveness, sexual openness and communication, and sexual satisfaction. These data characterize the profile of this population and can be used as the basis for developing efficient strategies aimed a combining adjustment to aging, satisfaction with life and sexual satisfaction for tailored interventions to the specific needs of populations across the lifespan
Impact of uncertainty on energy hub optimization based on energy resources distribution and demand Response [comunicação oral]
No full textPaper em fase de indexação e disponibilização na platoforma IEEExplore.In recent years, significant efforts have been made worldwide, including research projects and political resolutions, to support the incorporation of renewable energy sources into power systems to help sustainable energy goals. Moreover, to build cleaner and sustainable energy systems, it is necessary to develop integrated systems, known as multi-energy systems (MES), where multiple electricity production facilities optimally communicate with each other in different layers, creating an energy hub. This work seeks to develop an energy hub model to help energy system operators make better decisions in scenarios of high uncertainty. In this model, the information-gap decision theory (IGDT) is applied to measure risk. The considered uncertainties in this study include the price of natural gas and electricity. A ‘time-of-use’ code is also considered the change of a percentage of the load from peak hours to valley hours, minimizing the operating costs. The results demonstrate that risk management tools, such as an IGDT-risk-averse model and the introduction of demand response programs, are fundamental tools for assessing the impact of uncertainty on energy hubs. Indeed, the tool allows the operator to maintain an acceptable level of uncertainty and robustness of the system while ensuring that the system is reliable and has acceptable
operating costs