Abstract

Abstract
In this paper it is presented a Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) mobile robot programming approach, to be applied in a robotics educational context. The motivation to apply this approach is the fact that students can program the robots without access to the robot hardware, but still maintain some important closed loop control critical features, such as a realistic lag time and the possibility for a larger number of students to program at the same time. Therefore, the developed software is applied to the real hardware without any change. The HIL approach was applied to provide a simulation close to reality, once the processing occurs in the real robot processor and the actuation and sensorization inside the simulation, adding to the advantage to test the firmware avoiding damage in the physical robot.

Abstract
Organizations aim to achieve operational efficiency capable of responding to high market competitiveness. The implementation of automation systems in organizational processes is a key factor in improving operational efficiency. This paper intends to contribute for a better understanding of the adoption of automation systems in organizations and analyze their impact on employee performance, considering the conditions under which they were implemented. The methodology for this study was qualitative research, in which semi-structured exploratory interviews conducted with employees from the Accounts Receivable department of automotive sector companies were carried out. The main goal was to understand their perception of the use of automation systems in their work tasks. The results of this research led to the conclusion that automation systems, even when underutilized, are beneficial in reducing repetitive and manual tasks. Nevertheless, the way in which they are implemented has a direct impact on the motivation of employees to use them.

Abstract
Energy and materials are increasingly important in industrialized countries, and they impact the economy, sustainability, and people's future. The purpose of this work was to study the relationship between energy and the circular economy using methods such as Pearson's correlation and a principal component analysis. Thus, 12 strong correlations were found, with 5 of them between the following relevant variables from two different subjects: the correlations of the raw material consumption, the domestic material consumption, and the material import dependency with the final energy consumption in transport (0.81, 0.92, and 0.81); the correlation of the circular material use rate with the final energy consumption in households (0.70); and the correlation of the material import dependency with the final energy consumption in industry (0.89). The time series forecast was only conclusive for the waste generated, showing that it will increase in the next 10 years.

Abstract
This paper describes a study developed to analyse the interest in investing in Li-ion batteries to perform price arbitrage in the power system of Portugal. In this context, it was developed a methodology to identify the most suitable hours for charging and discharging the energy, and the new market prices were estimated for these hours. It was concluded that at current investment costs in this storage technology, and current market prices, this investment would not be viable in the lifetime of the batteries despite the recent rise of electricity market prices and also the larger price spread. This spread is now larger given the depression of prices at sunny hours that is getting typical in the Iberian electricity market.

Abstract
This research aims to analyze the positioning theory and discourse within Sao Paulo's Place Branding from 2014 to 2019, investigating the symbolic representations employed by the Sao Paulo Tourism Bureau to emphasize its branding endeavors. The methodology employed a framework based on Semprini's [10] Project/Manifestation approach and Discourse Analysis. The impetus behind this study arises from the substantial investments made by cities to craft comprehensive disclosure strategies and establish place branding for their respective regions. We observed aspects of Communication and DigitalMarketing in the three promotional videos produced by SPTuris in 2014, 2017, and 2019, which underwent meticulous analysis. Our findings unveiled a consistent thematic discourse despite shifts in political administration. The 2014 video accentuated multiculturalism and cosmopolitanism, while the 2017 edition highlighted experiential marketing, business, consumption, and cosmopolitan elements. Remarkably, the 2019 presentation featured images emphasizing receptivity. Themes such as Culture, Arts, and Gastronomy were recurrent across all videos. The scrutinized discourse reaffirms Sao Paulo's capital as a trendsetter within Brazil.