Making Transport Safer: V2V-Based Automated Emergency Braking System

An important goal in the field of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) is to provide driving aids aimed at preventing accidents and reducing the number of traffic victims. The commonest traffic accidents in urban areas are due to sudden braking that demands a very fast response on the part of drivers. Attempts to solve this problem have motivated many ITS advances including the detection of the intention of surrounding cars using lasers, radars or cameras. However, this might not be enough to increase safety when there is a danger of collision. Vehicle to vehicle communications are needed to ensure that the other intentions of cars are also available. The article describes the development of a controller to perform an emergency stop via an electro-hydraulic braking system employed on dry asphalt. An original V2V communication scheme based on WiFi cards has been used for broadcasting positioning information to other vehicles. The reliability of the scheme has been theoretically analyzed to estimate its performance when the number of vehicles involved is much higher. This controller has been incorporated into the AUTOPIA program control for automatic cars. The system has been implemented in Citroën C3 Pluriel, and various tests were performed to evaluate its operation

Identification of the class of initial data for the insensitizing control of the heat equation

This paper is devoted to analyze the class of initial data that can be insensitized for the heat equation. This issue has been extensively addressed in the literature both in the case of complete and approximate insensitization (see[19] and[1], respectively). But in the context of pure insensitization there are very few results identifying the class of initial data that can be insensitized. This is a delicate issue which is related to the fact that insensitization turns out to be equivalent to suitable observability estimates for a coupled system of heat equations, one being forward and the other one backward in time. The existing Carleman inequalities techniques can be applied but they only give interior information of the solutions, which hardly allows identifying the initial data because of the strong irreversibility of the equations involved in the system, one of them being an obstruction at the initial time t = 0 and the other one at the final one t = T. In this article we consider different geometric configurations in which the subdomains to be insensitized and the one in which the external control acts play a key role. We show that, under rather restrictive geometric restrictions, initial data in a class that can be characterized in terms of a summability condition of their Fourier coefficients with suitable weights, can be insensitized. But, the main result of the paper, which might seem surprising, shows that this fails to be true in general, so that even the first eigenfunction of the system can not be insensitized. This result is similar to those obtained in the context of the null controllability of the heat equation in unbounded domains in[14] where it is shown that smooth and compactly supported initial data may not be controlled. Our proofs combine the existing observability results for heat equations obtained by means of Carleman inequalities, energy and gaussian estimates and Fourier expansions

Jerónimo Martins Distribuição : are mature export markets addressable?

The main goal of this research is to uncover the main challenges of the export business, mainly in the perspective of small-country companies, like the Portuguese, and potential resolutions, in order to excel the development of external markets, namely mature and / or non-affinity ones. Mainly through the insights of the major exporters in the Portuguese food industry and associated government entities, the main conclusion of the study is that likely, previous strategies deployed in emerging / affinity markets will not suffice. Because in mature markets competing in price is tough and because the Portuguese national brand still means little abroad, the study concludes that companies need to find new sources of competitive advantage: from product differentiation and targeted portfolio adaptations to intangibles like hospitality and strong international brands. In order to conquer these, companies should acknowledge the required investments of this activity, to build own knowledge on those markets and their consumers, in building proximity bridges with those markets, and in re-adjusting the organization to the new business objectives. Having this in mind, the definition of priority markets and resilience in the application of the delineated strategy is of outmost importance. Lastly, the study concludes that strategic partnerships, own-nation collaborative strategies or even private-label production are all viable solutions to face the limited financial resources, usually characteristic of companies with origin in countries with small internal markets.O principal objectivo deste estudo é explorar quais os principais desafios enfrentados, no negócio da exportação, por empresas originárias de países com mercados internos reduzidos, como as Portuguesas, assim como pensar possíveis soluções para o desenvolvimento de mercados externos, nomeadamente mercados maduros e / ou mercados com menor afinidade. Maioritariamente através de insights das maiores empresas Portuguesas exportadoras no sector alimentar, e de entidades governamentais associadas, a principal conclusão deste estudo é que as estratégias desenvolvidas para mercados emergentes / de afinidade não serão suficientes. Porque nos mercados maduros concorrer em preço é difícil, e porque a marca Portugal ainda significa pouco para o resto do mundo, o estudo conclui que as empresas necessitam de encontrar novas fontes de vantagem competitiva: desde a diferenciação e desenvolvimento de um portfólio adaptado aos mercados alvo, à promoção de factores intangíveis como a hospitalidade e o desenvolvimento de marcas internacionais fortes. Para isto, as empresas devem reconhecer o investimento necessário à actividade, para desenvolver conhecimento próprio dos mercados e dos seus consumidores e criar pontes de proximidade com os mesmos e em ajustar a estrutura organizacional aos novos objectivos do negócio. Assim sendo, a definição de mercados prioritários e a resiliência na aplicação da estratégia internacional são cruciais ao sucesso. Por último, o estudo conclui que parcerias estratégicas, associativismo ou mesmo a produção para marcas de distribuidor são estratégias viáveis para fazer face à escassez de recursos financeiros, característica de empresas com origem em países com mercados internos reduzidos

Use of social media: empirical comparison between Europe And Middle East

Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Information Management, specialization in Marketing IntelligenceSocial media as an amazing active and fast-moving domain, is playing an important role shaping our lives. The purpose of this research is to understand the drivers of social media use in the West and Arab world. Societies are incessantly changing through social media, which is helping spreading the creation, modification and discussion of multiple contents. Yet, different cultures might present dissimilar behaviours towards this vehicle of communication for diverse reasons such as, among others, their access to technology and contents, or cultural influence. Studies about social media use combining two cultures are scarce conducing us to an undiscovered research field to explore. We developed the contents of knowledge on social media use by proposing an innovative comparison between Europe and Middle East, which integrates Venkatesh´s extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2). An online questionnaire was created to collect data from users within both cultures. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the outcome. The results revealed a significant disparity on what triggers social media behaviour in those two different regions. At the time that performance expectancy influences on the European side, the effort expectancy was found to be the most predominant trigger into use of social media in the Middle East, by affecting behaviour intention. The results underline the importance of social media nowadays and enriches the knowledge of the subject into different cultures. The present study contributes with new insights into factors that might be determinant regarding acceptance and use behaviour and continues on the discussion on why and how people engage in social media, independently on nation or culture

Quebramar : navigating through unchartered seas : designing a development strategy in Brazil

International expansion has become a way to ensure companies’ growth, particularly within the fashion industry. Its competitive nature and its importance in conveying status, style and personal expression allied to the convergence of international fashion trends explain this urge for companies to tap the international arena. Quebramar is a recognized lifestyle fashion brand that has forged a fruitful legacy in the Portuguese market for clothes with a nautical casual look. However, after a restructure of ownership embodied in a strategic alliance with Lanidor Group, Quebramar believes that the time for building a global brand has come. Despite being present in some foreign markets, its overseas’ operations have no expression. Quebramar intends to address this situation by tapping fast growing markets with an increasing purchasing power that can be seduced by an unknown foreign brand. The present case study provides an overview of Quebramar along with a brief summary of the Brazilian retail landscape with a special focus on the apparel retail industry. Therefore, this dissertation proposes to assess not only the inherent motivations behind Quebramar’s internationalization decision to expand to Brazil but also its viability. Consequently, to identify possible drawbacks, trends and opportunities, a strategic analysis of the Brazilian market was conducted. Moreover, the main purpose of this thesis is to define and identify the best positioning approach in the foreign country, with a special emphasis on the adaptation of certain elements of its marketing mix strategy.A expansão internacional tem-se constituído como um meio para assegurar o crescimento das empresas, particularmente no sector da moda. A necessidade de esta indústria estar presente na arena internacional é explicada não apenas pela sua natureza competitiva e convergência de tendências mas, também, pela importância do seu papel enquanto veículo de comunicação de estatuto, estilo e expressão pessoal. A Quebramar é uma marca de "lifestyle" que criou um sólido legado no mercado português de vestuário casual. Contudo, só após uma reestruturação da sua estrutura acionista, que se traduziu numa parceria com o Grupo Lanidor, é que a Quebramar considera ter chegado o momento de construir uma marca global. Apesar de possuir operações em mercados estrangeiros, estas não têm tido expressão. Pretendendo alterar esta situação, a Quebramar tenciona estar presente em mercados de rápido crescimento, que possuam um crescente poder de compra e que estejam preparados para se deixar seduzir por uma marca estrangeira desconhecida. Este caso pretende fornecer uma perspectiva geral sobre a Quebramar, bem como um breve resumo do panorama do mercado brasileiro do retalho, com especial ênfase na indústria de vestuário. Consequentemente, esta dissertação propõe expor, não apenas as motivações inerentes à decisão de internacionalização para o Brasil mas, também, a sua exequibilidade. Deste modo, para identificar possíveis inconvenientes, tendências e oportunidades, foi realizada uma análise estratégica ao mercado. Mais ainda, esta dissertação propõe-se a definir o melhor posicionamento para a marca no Brasil, com um especial enfoque na adaptação de determinados elementos da estratégia de marketing mix

Identification of atmospheric pollutants control mechanisms during co-combustion of coal and non-toxic wastes

Doctoral dissertation for Ph.D. degree in Sustainable Chemistr

HOGEWEY : bringing life to those who have forgotten

Dementia is one of the major sources of social and economic burden that societies face nowadays. For that reason, the World Health Organization and the Alzhemeir’s Disease International have been focusing their efforts on raising awareness to this cause. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go, particularly in developing regions. The present dissertation reviews the existing literature on this topic and, in a form of a case study, analyses a success case in the dementia care market. The case study intends to introduce the reader to Hogewey, a Dutch healthcare institution designed to resemble a typical Dutch neighbourhood. Hogewey’s only purpose is to provide high quality care for its dementia patients, by offering them a safe, comfortable and human space to live. After introducing Hogewey’s case, some teaching notes are proposed in order to guide an in-class discussion. Next, the main findings are condensed in the conclusion: Hogewey’s critical success factors are described and a summarized SWOT analysis is presented as some key elements to replicate Hogewey in Portugal. Finally, the limitations of this dissertation are identified and some future research is suggested.A demência é uma das maiores fontes de peso social e económico que, actualmente, as sociedades enfrentam. Por esse motivo, a Organização Mundial de Saúde e a Associação Internacional da Doença de Alzheimer têm focado os seus esforços na sensibilização para esta causa. Ainda assim, existe um longo caminho pela frente, particularmente nas regiões em desenvolvimento. A presente dissertação examina a literatura já existente sobre este tema e, através de um “case study”, analisa um caso de sucesso no mercado dos cuidados de demência. O mesmo pretende apresentar o leitor a Hogewey, uma instituição de saúde holandesa projectada para se assemelhar a um típico bairro holandês. O único objectivo de Hogewey é providenciar cuidados de elevada qualidade para os seus pacientes que sofram de demência, oferecendo-lhes um espaço seguro, confortável e humano onde possam viver. Após a apresentação do caso de Hogewey, são propostas algumas notas para guiar a discussão do caso em aula. Seguidamente, as principais conclusões são resumidas na conclusão: os factores de sucesso de Hogewey são descritos e uma análise SWOT é apresentada, tal como alguns elementos essenciais para a replicação de Hogewey em Portugal. Finalmente as limitações da dissertação são identificadas e é sugerida futura pesqui

Sales model: a preliminary approach and methodology

This work project aims at supporting managers in explaining and predicting sales of specificproducts based on a devised methodology. Product sales time series were analysed andprocessed in order to select the best model type: explanatory models (through ordinary leastsquares method), univariate models (Box Jenkins methodology) or dynamic models mixing upthe two previous approaches. An automatic procedure to put the methodology in practice wasimplemented using Python, due to the huge amount of product sales to be modelled. Theprocess was tested using data from more than 1500 products from Beiersdorf Lisbon. For thesake of confidentiality, the names of the products were modified. The most accurate models aredescribed and analyzed

Production of cynaropicrin extracts from Cynara cardunculus leaves and its use for development of wound dressing films

Natural compounds derived from plants are presently an alternative for the discovery of new effective drugs, from which new products may be developed, potentially overcoming the current limitations of synthetic compounds for use in pharma and biomedical applications. This thesis concerns the design and production of cynaropicrin enriched extracts from leaves of Cynara cardunculus, and their application in a chitosan matrix as wound dressing for antiinflammatory drug delivery. The design and production of cynaropicrin enriched extracts was performed considering the use of environmentally friendly extraction methodologies and biocompatible solvents. Selection of solvent and the extraction methodology took into consideration their effect upon cynaropicrin extraction yield, as well as energy expenditure and other operating costs. Among conventional and nonconventional extraction methodologies, ultrasound assisted extraction combined with ethanol presented the best results regarding the cynaropicrin extraction yield (55.00 mg/g Dry Weight) and energy expenditure (0.027 kWh/gcynaropicrin). Applied for the first time for cynaropicrin extraction from C. cardunculus leaves, ultrasound assisted extraction was firstly optimized regarding the pulse effect on cynaropicrin extraction yield. Comparatively to continuous mode, pulse mode (duty cycle of 25%) presented a reduction on energy consumption/gcynaropicrin, as well as a better temperature control being selected and further optimized with a response surface methodology, using the Box-Behnken design model. The results obtained confirm the applicability of the response surface methodology for optimization of cynaropicrin extraction by pulsed ultrasound assisted extraction, from C. cardunculus. Aiming the increase of the extract biological potential, fractionation of the optimized extract was performed by membrane processes. A Duramem® 200 membrane was selected for the retention of cynaropicrin while low molecular weight compounds, such as glucose and fructose, were removed by diananofiltration (after 5 diavolumes). As a result of the diananofiltration process, a global removal of 93.0% of glucose and 95.6% of fructose was obtained. An increase of the extract biological potential was achieved, when tested with a Bj5-ta human normal fibroblast cell line. The integrated process for production of cynaropicrin enriched extracts was economically assessed, leading to a pay-back period of 4.58 years, achieved for a production of 520 kg/ of extract. Incorporation of the cynaropicrin enriched extract in chitosan films, was performed by the solvent evaporation method, with different concentrations of the extract. It was shown that the extract has a negative effect on the film tensile strength and on the fluid absorption capacity being these two effects strongly influenced by the amount of extract loaded in the chitosan films. With no cytotoxic effect on Bj5-ta cell line observed, for films with an extract concentration lower to 5%, a positive effect on skin inflammation was achieved. An 86% reduction on IL-6 cytokine levels production after exposure to chitosan with 5% extract, by indirect contact, was obtained being this effect positively correlated to the cynaropicrin content in the extract loaded into the chitosan films. xii This work shows that cynaropicrin enriched extracts from C. cardunculus leaves, can be produced in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way, aiming the possibility to be scaled up for industrial applications. Besides that, its potential use as chronic skin wound dressing, allied to chitosan, is a promising approach overcoming the application of synthetic drugs, and/or potentiate their application spectrum on what regards to anti-inflammatory action