Models and Practices in the Motor Vehicle Industry – contrasting cases from the Portuguese experience

This paper presents and discusses two case studies in the Portuguese motor vehicle industry – Salvador Caetano’s Ovar Industrial Division (SCOID), a ‘Brownfield site’ with minority Toyota ownership; and Autoeuropa, a ‘Greenfield site’ wholly owned by Volkswagen. Basically, it considers the scope for the meaningful application of ‘Japanese’ organisational methods in these contexts, focusing on the human factor – i.e. as close as possible to the actors on the shop floor. After providing some insights into the Portuguese automotive industry, it profiles both SCOID and Autoeuropa and assesses each of their methods of work, within this balance of commitment between global and local. The main findings reveal the lag that can exist between theoretical models (namely those following a geographical criteria) and the actual practice carried out by manufacturers when tested outside their point of geographical origin.Motor vehicle industry, Lean Production, hybridisation, work organisation, case studies, Toyota , Volkswagen , Portugal

Assembling Toyota in Portugal

A lot has been written over the last decade with regard to Toyota and the productive model associated to it (toyota-ism). And more specifically concerning the "(…) best-seller that changed the... sociological world" (Castillo, 1998: 31). But the case of Salvador Caetano’s Ovar Industrial Division (OID), that assembles Toyota light commercial vehicles in Portugal, allows us to put forward a sub-hypothesis that fits into the analysis schema proposed in the First GERPISA International Program – "In short, GERPISA members considered that the plurality of models was much a plausible hypothesis deserving testing as that of the diffusion of a unique model (…)" (Boyer, Freyssenet, 2001: 42). So we add: and within Toyota itself, is it not true that different productive models co-exist – especially when delocalised – depending, amongst other factors, on the degree of Toyota participation – in terms of capital and technology transfer – in the local company (strong or weak) and on the markets to be reached (internal or external)? If so, what work system can we expect to find in a plant that presents such peculiar characteristics as this one?automotive industry; organization of work; Japan; Portugal

Static and dynamic properties of vortices in anisotropic magnetic disks

We investigate the effect of the magnetic anisotropy ($K_z$) on the static and dynamic properties of magnetic vortices in small disks. Our micromagnetic calculations reveal that for a range of $K_z$ there is an enlargement of the vortex core. We analyze the influence of $K_z$ on the dynamics of the vortex core magnetization reversal under the excitation of a pulsed field. The presence of $K_z$, which leads to better resolved vortex structures, allows us to discuss in more details the role played by the in-plane and perpendicular components of the gyrotropic field during the vortex-antivortex nucleation and annihilation.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Information Society, Work and the Generation of New Forms of Social Exclusion (SOWING): National Report (Portugal)

The choice over the Portuguese case studies was based on the sample constructed for the application of the firm questionnaires, during the second year of the SOWING project, 1999. This sample was fulfilled of firms among several activity sectors: textile, manufacturing, electronics, transports and software industry, based on NACE – codes (2 – digit level). Thus, we agreed to include in a new database the remaining questionnaires and construct a sample with 113 observations. Concerning the organisational change we make a distinction of three categories of change. First we analyse changes taking place at the inter-firm level (outsourcing, subcontracting, geographic relocation), followed by changes at the organisational level (deconcentration/decentralisation, reduction of hierarchical levels, introduction of cost and profit centres). The third kind of changes analysed will be those taking place at the workplace level (job enlargement/enrichment, changing character of work, work load). The Portuguese studied companies presents a relative uniform pattern considering the variables social competencies, practical knowledge, responsibility and specialized professional qualifications.industry; information technologies; qualification; organisation; work

Innovations and new approaches regarding the detection of measurable residual disease in lymphomas - a systematic review

Introdução: Os linfomas são doenças neoplásicas que surgem a partir de células do tecido linfático e podem afetar qualquer órgão do corpo. Estas neoplasias consistem em células B e células T malignas. Os linfomas de células B são histologicamente classificados em linfoma de Hodgkin (HL) e linfoma não-Hodgkin (NHL). O linfoma de Hodgkin clássico (cHL) é o subtipo mais frequente de HL, composto por células Reed-Sternberg. Os linfomas não-Hodgkin consistem em linfoma difuso de grandes células B, o mais comum, linfoma folicular e linfoma do manto. O tratamento consiste em quimioterapia, radioterapia, imunoterapia ou uma combinação. A presença de doença residual mensurável (MRD) é determinada pela existência de células clonais previamente ao aparecimento de sinais e sintomas. PET/CT é comummente usado na avaliação da resposta ao tratamento e na identificação de recorrência, no entanto, a sua utilização na vigilância de recaída não demonstra melhoria do outcome. Objetivos: Este artigo aborda as limitações das atuais técnicas de monitorização de MRD e a necessidade de métodos mais sensíveis. Fonte de informação: pesquisa sistemática na PUBMED e MEDLINE, usando a seguinte query: "lymphoma + minimal residual disease + liquid biopsy". Critérios: estudos que envolvam adultos diagnosticados com cHL, DLBCL, FL e MCL, cujo MRD foi avaliado utilizando técnicas baseadas na biópsia líquida. Resultados: A aplicação de circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA), new-generation sequencing e droplet-digital PCR são discutidos como potenciais alternativas para a determinação de MRD. Limitações: os artigos incluídos são maioritariamente observacionais e as características dos doentes envolvidos nos estudos variam, dentro da análise à mesma técnica. Implicações futuras: Estes métodos foram estudados de forma extensiva pelo seu potencial em detetar precocemente doença recorrente e abre a possibilidade de iniciar atempadamente um novo regime de tratamento ou permite a modificação da estratégia terapêutica.Background: lymphomas are neoplastic diseases arising from cells of the lymphatic tissue and can affect almost any organ in the body. They can arise from B or T cells. B lymphomas are histologically subclassified into Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is the most frequent subtype of HL, composed of Reed-Steinberg cells. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of NHL, followed by follicular lymphoma (FL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The treatment options for these lymphomas include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination. The existence of lymphoma clonal cells prior to clinical presentation is known as measurable residual disease (MRD). PET/CT is commonly used to evaluate treatment response and identify disease recurrence, but its use during disease surveillance has not led to improved outcomes. Objectives: this article emphasizes the limitations of current MRD monitoring techniques and the need for newer, more sensitive methods. Data sources: systematic search in PUBMED and MEDLINE databases, using the following query: "lymphoma + minimal residual disease + liquid biopsy" Study criteria: cHL, DLBCL, FL, and MCL adult patients whose MRD was assessed using novel liquid biopsy-based methodologies. Results: the use of circulating-tumor DNA, next-generation sequencing, and digital-droplet PCR are considered as potential alternatives for MRD assessment. Limitations: the articles that were included in the analysis are mainly observational studies, and patient characteristic differ between studies, within the same technique. Implications of key findings: these methods have been extensively researched for their potential to detect early disease relapse and open the possibility to start proactive salvage therapy or effectively change treatment strategy

New models of production in automotive industry: some questions

Taking into account the global trends towards vertical de-integration and functional integration, the WorTiS project is expected to be able to determine to what extent the Portuguese automobile industry is experiencing far-reaching changes as far as innovative (post-fordist) work systems are concerned. One of the objectives is to reach wider conclusions regarding the sector under analysis within a new multi-disciplinary approach, in connection with other research networks (namely, GERPISA and IMVP-MIT). It will recover relevant information in automobile companies located in Portugal (like, Toyota, Citröen, FIAT, Renault, Ford, VW, UMM), in order to understand how concrete practices have being developed in time, and update the scientific knowledge with the development of new case studies (Mitsubishi, AutoEuropa, Opel-GM, and other sub-contracting firms). is intended to present a new fieldwork methodology in order to analyse the variety, and contradictory character, of changes in work practices. The analysis would focus on the cases of automotive firms that operated, and are still operating, in Portugal. The effectiveness of such a tool will last far beyond the project itself.automotive industry; working systems; sociology; production models

Grapevine response to cold - study of starch metabolism in woody tissues

Dissertação de mestrado Biologia Molecular, Biotecnologia e Bioempreendedorismo em PlantasGrapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most important agronomical species in the world, but in the context of the ongoing climate changes, extreme temperatures, high light intensities and water deficit are becoming important threats in many important viticultural areas worldwide. Among these, stress caused by cold has been shown to influence its productivity, metabolism and gene expression, which prompted us to study some molecular mechanisms involved in grapevine response to low temperature. In this regard, cv. Vinhão canes were harvested and incubated at 4 ºC for 7, 14 and 30 days to unravel physiological changes, identify and characterize key genes involved in response to cold. Results showed that starch levels steadily decreased during the incubation period at 4 ºC, and that the expression of the amylolytic gene VvAMY2 increased along time, while the expression of VvBAM5 decreased. Furthermore, HPLC analysis showed an increase in sucrose, fructose and glucose during the incubation at 4 ºC. Additional expression studies of key-genes involved in sugar metabolism showed that the steady-state transcript levels of VvpGT2 and VvSWEET2b transporters as well as VvSusy and VvSPS enzymes increased along time, while the expression of the transporters VvTMT1 and VvSUC27 was downregulated. The VvpGT2 gene was selected for further studies regarding organ specific expression and function. VvpGT2 steady-state transcript levels were high in mature berries and flowers. Following heterologous expression in a mutant yeast (EBY.VW4000) lacking monosaccharide transporters, no VvpGT2 transport activity of fructose, glucose and sucrose could be detected. Raffinose and stachyose levels in the grapevine canes were quantified by HPLC because the metabolism of raffinose has been linked to cold response. Results showed a steadily increase of raffinose levels along incubation at 4 ºC and transcriptional studies also revealed a noticeable increase of the steady-state levels of the galactinol synthase genes VvGolS1 and VvGOLS3 raffinose synthase VvRafS5.A videira (Vitis vinifera L.) é uma das espécies agrícolas mais importantes ao nível global, contudo temperaturas extremas, altas intensidades de luminosas e a secura constituem ameaças importantes em muitas regiões vitivinícolas ao nível mundial, no contexto das alterações climáticas em curso. Em particular, o stresse causado pelo frio afeta a sua produtividade, metabolismo e expressão genética, o que nos motivou a estudar alguns mecanismos moleculares de resposta da planta a temperaturas reduzidas. Varas atempadas de videira da variedade Vinhão foram colhidas e incubadas a 4 ºC durante 7, 14 e 30 dias para se estudar as modificações fisiológicas e identificar e caracterizar genes-chave envolvidos na resposta ao frio. Os níveis de amido quantificados nas varas de videira diminuíram durante o tempo de incubação e, em paralelo, observou-se um aumento da expressão do gene VvAMY2 que codifica uma enzima amilolítica. Contudo, os níveis de transcritos do gene VvBAM5 diminuíram. Estudos de HPLC mostraram que ocorreu um aumento de sacarose, frutose e glucose em resposta ao frio. Estudo da expressão de genes-chave envolvidos no metabolismo dos açúcares mostraram um aumento dos níveis de transcritos dos transportadores VvpGT2 e VvSWEET2b e das enzimas VvSusy e VvSPS, no entanto os níveis de transcritos dos transportadores VvTMT1 e VvSUC27 diminuíram. Quando se estudou o perfil de expressão do gene VvpGT2 em diversos órgãos observou-se que os níveis de transcritos são mais elevados em bagos maduros e flores. Estudos de expressão heteróloga do gene VvpGT2 numa levedura mutante. Estudos de expressão heteróloga do gene VvpGT2 numa levedura mutante (EBY.VW4000) incapaz de transportar açúcares, mostraram que a proteína VvpGT2 é incapaz de transportar glucose, frutose e sacarose. No presente trabalho foram ainda avaliados por HPLC os níveis de rafinose e de estaquiose nas varas de videira uma vez que tem sido observado que o metabolismo dos oligossacarídeos da família da rafinose está envolvido na resposta das plantas ao frio.Com efeito, durante a incubação a 4 ºC observou-se um aumento de rafinose durante o período de incubação a 4 ºC bem como dos níveis de transcritos das enzimas galactinol sintetase, VvGolS1 e VvGolS3 ,e da rafinose sintetase, VvRafS5

Experimental validation of a bearing wear model using the directional response of the rotor-bearing system

The present work gives continuity in the analysis of the wear influence on cylindrical hydrodynamic bearings by presenting an experimental validation of the wear model previously proposed by the authors. This validation is carried on using the frequency response of the rotor-bearings system in directional coordinates. For this purpose, a test rig was assembled in order to evaluate the behavior of the rotating system when supported by hydrodynamic bearings with different wear patterns. The experimental measurements are used to validate the wear model, comparing the anisotropy influence on the experimental and numerical responses. The simulated directional frequency responses showed a good agreement with the experimental ones, demonstrating the potential of the proposed wear model in satisfactorily represent its influence on the rotor-bearings system response in the frequency range where the numerical model was validated884CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESPNão temNão temNão te

The Wittgensteinan perspective and ethnomathematics: an analysis of language games and the rules governing their uses in certain work activities

This work, adopting a Wittgensteinian perspective, aims to analyze the language games that involve mathematical concepts present in certain work activities, as well as the rules of use of such concepts, comparing them with the existing rules in School Mathematics. The studies analyzed used Ethnomathematics as a research method to understand the generation, organization and dissemination of mathematical knowledge in certain professions, in particular carpenters, fishermen, farmers and artisans. In considering the language games present in the mathematical practices existing in these professions, it is possible to show that in some games rules are presented that have strong family similarities to the games that make up the School Mathematics when they need a written mathematics, however, the expression of language games orally assume different meanings for terms present in both grammars. In addition, it presents examples of the use of mathematical knowledge without the formalism and rigor present in the language games of School Mathematics. It is a way of doing mathematics generated by another grammar that uses other rules, in this case estimation and rounding, a type of rationality distinct from that which constitutes School Mathematics, but which is effective in that form of use

RNP evaluation of alternative implementations for dynamic circuits

This presentation describes the experience of RNP in evaluatingalternatives for dynamic circuit provisioning in a hybrid packet-circuit architecture,for future experimental deployment in RNP´s production IPÊ network in 2011