A Labeled Graph Kernel for Relationship Extraction

In this paper, we propose an approach for Relationship Extraction (RE) based on labeled graph kernels. The kernel we propose is a particularization of a random walk kernel that exploits two properties previously studied in the RE literature: (i) the words between the candidate entities or connecting them in a syntactic representation are particularly likely to carry information regarding the relationship; and (ii) combining information from distinct sources in a kernel may help the RE system make better decisions. We performed experiments on a dataset of protein-protein interactions and the results show that our approach obtains effectiveness values that are comparable with the state-of-the art kernel methods. Moreover, our approach is able to outperform the state-of-the-art kernels when combined with other kernel methods

Perception of portuguese companies on logistics in China

Mestrado em Ciências EmpresariaisA China ocupa uma posição de destaque na economia mundial. O setor logístico é um dos principais eixos de competitividade para a evolução do abastecimento de um mercado de consumo. Além disso, um bom desempenho logístico é quintessencial na atividade de uma empresa, podendo até ser uma fonte de vantagem competitiva; no reverso da medalha, um mau desempenho nesta área de atuação pode levar a insatisfação por parte de clientes e ao desperdício de oportunidades de negócio. Na sua pesquisa de 2006, Ilhéu apontou o sistema logístico e de distribuição chineses como um dos problemas das empresas portuguesas ao estabelecerem-se na China, entre outros. Uma revisão de literatura que cobre o que é a logística, qual a evolução do sistema logístico chinês, e qual o impacto logístico do e-commerce na China foi apresentada. A partir disso, foi apresentado um modelo de análise que permite avaliar a perceção das empresas portuguesas sobre a logística na China, com base em três dimensões: "disponibilidade de serviços de valor-acrescentado em Fornecedores de Serviços Logísticos (FSLs)", "eficiência de FSLs", e a "adequação dos FSLs ao e-commerce". Os resultados obtidos oferecem duas <conclusões principais: que as empresas portuguesas têm a perceção de que os serviços de valor acrescentado disponíveis na China são adequados para distribuir os seus produtos e que os FSLs são adequados para distribuir os seus produtos no mercado chinês de comércio eletrónico; no entanto, eles não consideram que os FSLs disponíveis para distribuir os seus produtos no mercado chinês são eficientes.China occupies a relevant position in the world economy. The logistics sector is one of the main competitiveness axes for a consumer market's supply evolution. Moreover, good logistic performance is quintessential in a company's activity, and may even be a source of competitive advantage; on the other hand, a poor performance in this area may lead to customer dissatisfaction and to the waste of business opportunities. In her 2006 research, Ilhéu signalled the Chinese logistics and distribution system as one of the several issues faced by Portuguese companies when seeking to operate in the Chinese market. A literature review covering what logistics is, how the Chinese logistics system has evolved, and the logistical impact of e-commerce in China is presented. Drawing from this, an analysis model that allows for the assessment of the perception of Portuguese companies on logistics in China was presented, based on three dimensions: "availability of value-added services in LSPs", "efficiency of LSPs", and "LSPs adequacy to e-commerce". The results obtained offer two main conclusions: that Portuguese companies have the perception that the value-added services available in China are adequate to distributing their products there and that the LSPs are adequate for distributing their products on the Chinese e-commerce market, even though they do not consider that the LSPs available for distributing their products in the Chinese market are efficient.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Is the logistics sector in China still a constraint to supplying its domestic market?

China is a market ripe with opportunities for those who dare challenge its vastness; its alluring promise of an outstanding growth possibility thanks to its immense and growing internal market presents itself to companies as a place of both enormous challenges but also of potentially great rewards. The logistics sector is considered to be one essential vector of competitiveness for the development of consumer market supply. Logistics plays a tremendously important role in a company’s activity. Poor logistics can lead to lost opportunities and unsatisfied customers, among other things, while having a good logistics system in place might work as a source of competitive advantage. Ilhéu (2006) research concluded that the Chinese logistics and distribution system was one of the myriad problems Portuguese companies encountered when trying to establish a presence in China; poor infrastructure and a generalized lack of value-added services in Chinese logistics companies were some of the widespread problems faced. The highly fragmented nature of the current Chinese market, high road tolls or uneven taxes between provinces, all contribute to the maintenance of an inefficient system that imposes a disproportionately high cost of logistics in the country. A new era for logistics is being ushered in by China since competitiveness and e-commerce requires the modernization of infrastructures as a global mindset management. Some research questions then arise: are Chinese logistics still a burden to the efficiency of Chinese domestic market? How has the Chinese logistical sector progressed in the last eleven years? Is the lack of value-added services still perceived by foreign companies as a constraint to entering the Chinese market?info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Smart system for control and monitoring of swimming pools

Internet of Things emerged as one of the biggest promises of evolutional technologies, being increasingly identified as a dependency of the quotidian life. It is based on the connection of many devices that aims to simplify daily activities providing monitorization activities, remote control or the development of smart environments that aims to reduce the need of human intervention. Taking into consideration that the incorrect use of fresh water in daily activities is nowadays a big concern as well as the need to keep track of water quality in order to inform the user about potential risk situations, this dissertation proposes the appliance of IoT concept with a new scheme for monitoring and control of swimming pools quality through a low-cost system based on wireless sensor and actuator networks, which can reduce the requirements of human in the swimming pool maintenance. The main purpose of this system is to provide resources savings for the final user in financial and natural resources, contributing to a more sustainable environment. An Android mobile application was developed, providing users to monitor and remotely control swimming pool’s parameters in real time, providing an easier data analysis and the definition of thresholds to each parameter in order to notify the user when the imposed limits are exceeded. The remote control of some devices is possible to do in two modes: manually or automatically. The developed solution presents a system designed and implemented with a simple architecture and high efficiency level, with practical demonstrations of the obtained results.A Internet das Coisas surgiu como uma das maiores promessas tecnológicas, sendo cada vez mais identificada como um fator de dependência no quotidiano. Esta baseia-se na conexão de dispositivos capazes de proporcionar atividades de monitorização, controlo remoto ou desenvolvimento de ambientes inteligentes que visam reduzir a necessidade da intervenção humana. Tendo em conta o uso incorreto de recursos como a água em atividades do dia-a-dia, cada vez mais existe uma grande preocupação e necessidade de acompanhar a qualidade da água para manter os seus utilizadores informados sobre possíveis situações de risco. Esta dissertação propõe a aplicação do conceito da Internet das Coisas com um novo esquema para monitorização e controlo da qualidade das piscinas, através de um sistema de baixo custo baseado numa rede sem fios de sensores e atuadores, reduzindo a requisição de recursos humanos na manutenção de piscinas. O principal objetivo deste sistema é proporcionar a poupança de recursos económicos e naturais aos seus utilizadores, contribuindo para um ambiente mais sustentável. Foi desenvolvida uma aplicação Android, que possibilita a monitorização e controlo remoto de dados recolhidos das piscinas em tempo real, fornecendo uma análise de dados e a definição de limites para cada um dos parâmetros, de modo a notificar o utilizador quando os limites definidos forem excedidos. O controlo de alguns dispositivos é possível através de dois modos: manualmente e automaticamente. A solução desenvolvida apresenta um sistema desenhado e implementado com uma arquitetura simples um alto nível de eficiência, com demonstrações práticas e resultados obtidos

Parameter extraction, modelling and circuit design for electrolyte-gated transistors on paper

Flexible and paper electronics have been getting a lot of attention in the last years. Not only from the scientific community, but also from the end consumer. This ultimately converges in efforts pushing towards the discovery of new and better materials for the TFT technology. With this fast development of new devices, compact models for circuit simulation based on older FETs become obsolete. The availability of fast and accurate models is an essential part of going from single, proof-of-concept devices, to fully operational circuits. In this work, done in the Department of Engineering of the University of Cambridge, the electrical characterization and parameter extraction of state-of-the-art electrolytegated transistors (EGT) on paper substrate, fabricated at UNINOVA/I3N, led to the development of a compact model capable of describing the behaviour of the devices. A detailed overview of the model is provided throughout this work, from the characterization of the device, to simple circuit simulations using a dozen of devices. This, together with the provided Verilog-A code for CAD software implementation, will allow both new and experienced users in circuit design to simulate simple circuits with these EGTs or any other TFT device with similar behaviour with simple tweaks on the model

Produção de extratos bioativos a partir de resíduos de Quercus cerris por extração supercrítica com solventes verdes

Esta dissertação teve como objetivo estudar a produção e caracterização de extratos ricos em compostos bioativos (nomeadamente fridelina) a partir de cortiça de Quercus cerris. Realizaram-se extrações Soxhlet e extrações sólido-líquido (SLE) em descontínuo com metanol, etanol, diclorometano e éter de petróleo, assim como extração supercrítica (SFE) com dióxido de carbono modificado (por adição de etanol). Os extratos produzidos foram caracterizados por FTIR-ATR e GC-MS e o método de escalonamento multidimensional (MDS) foi aplicado para comparação dos mesmos. Realizou-se uma otimização experimental de SFE, usando um desenho fatorial de experiências do tipo Box-Behnken e a metodologia de superfícies de resposta. O rendimento total de extração (Total) máximo foi obtido para o ensaio Soxhlet com metanol (Total = 13.8 wt.%) e o rendimento mínimo foi obtido para extração sólido-líquido em descontínuo com éter de petróleo (Total = 0.35 wt.%). Registou-se uma variabilidade significativa dos valores de Total, marcada pelos rendimentos superiores para extração com solventes polares, nomeadamente metanol e etanol. No caso da extração supercrítica, Total variou de 1.2 wt.% no ensaio SFE3 (50 ℃, 2.5 wt.% EtOH, 5 g min−1) até 1.7 wt.% no ensaio SFE4 (60 ℃, 2.5 wt.% EtOH, 8 g min−1). Em termos de concentração em fridelina (Friedelin), os resultados oscilaram entre 41.3 wt. % (Soxhlet com diclorometano) e 5.4 wt. % (SLE em descontínuo com éter de petróleo). Os melhores resultados em termos de Friedelin foram os que envolveram solventes pouco polares/apolares. Os ensaios SFE atingiram resultados de Friedelin melhores do que a maioria dos ensaios de extração Soxhlet e sólido-líquido em descontínuo, o que confirma a interessante seletividade do processo para a fridelina. A análise MDS destacou a maior proximidade química entre os extratos alcoólicos e a biomassa, e entre os extratos de solventes apolares ou pouco polares e a fridelina pura. Para a otimização experimental de SFE da cortiça Q. cerris, as condições que maximizam Total (2.2 wt.%) e F,nF (3.3 para t = 8.0 h) são valores máximos de (60 ℃), teor de etanol (5 wt.%) e de caudal de CO2 (11 g min−1). De registar os valores de seletividade superior a 1.0 no espaço experimental estudado, o que confirma que a fridelina é removida seletivamente por SFE. No caso de Friedelin, o valor máximo (38.2 wt.%) foi obtido para a combinação de baixa temperatura (40 ℃), ausência de cossolvente (0 wt.% EtOH) e menor caudal (5 g min−1). Em definitivo, as condições ótimas dependerão de qual o principal objetivo da extração: um extrato rico numa maior diversidade de compostos (maior Total) ou em compostos alvo como a fridelina (maior Friedelin). No geral, este trabalho fornece argumentos importantes para a produção de extratos ricos em fridelina a partir da cortiça de Quercus cerris, através da tecnologia SFE no âmbito do conceito de biorrefinariaThe present work studied the production and characterization of extracts rich in bioactive compounds (namely friedelin) from Quercus cerris cork. Soxhlet and batch solid-liquid extraction (SLE) with methanol, ethanol, dichloromethane and petroleum ether were carried out, as well as supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using modified carbon dioxide (by addition of ethanol). The produced extracts were characterized by FTIR-ATR and GC-MS, and multidimensional scaling (MDS) was applied to compare them. The optimization of SFE was performed using Box-Behnken design of experiments and response surface methodology. The maximum total extraction yield (Total) was attained for the Soxhlet extraction with methanol (Total = 13.8 wt.%) and the minimum was attained in batch SLE with petroleum ether (Total = 0.35 wt.%). A significant variability of Total values was evident, marked by the higher yields obtained with polar solvents, namely methanol and ethanol. For the supercritical fluid extractions, Total ranged from 1.2 wt.% for run SFE3 (50 ℃, 2.5 wt.% EtOH, 5 g min−1) to 1.7 wt.% for run SFE4 (60 ℃, 2.5 wt.% EtOH, 8 g min−1). For friedelin concentration (Friedelin), the results ranged from 41.3 wt.% (Soxhlet with dichloromethane) to 5.4 wt.% (batch SLE with methanol). The best performing assays on Friedelin were those involving weakly polar/non-polar solvents. The SFE assays provided Friedelin results better than most Soxhlet and batch SLE experiments, which confirms the interesting selectivity to friedelin (F,nF). MDS analysis highlighted the chemical proximity between the alcoholic extracts and the biomass, and between the weakly or non-polar solvent extracts and pure friedelin. For the experimental optimization of SFE of Q. cerris cork, the conditions that maximize Total (2.2 wt.%) and F,nF (3.3 at t = 8.0 h) were the maximum values of (60 ℃), ethanol content (5 wt.%) and CO2 flow rate (11 g min−1). In fact, the selectivity values were higher than 1.0 anywhere within the studied experimental space, which shows that friedelin can be removed selectively over all the other compounds by SFE. For friedelin concentration, the maximum (Friedelin= 38.2 wt.%) was attained for the combination of a lower temperature (40 ℃), no cosolvent (0 wt.% EtOH) and lower CO2 flow rate (5 g min−1). The optimal conditions depend on what is the main goal of extraction: an extract enriched in a higher diversity of compounds (higher Total) or in a target compound like friedelin (higher Friedelin). On the whole, this work provides strong arguments towards the production of friedelin enriched extracts from Quercus cerris cork through SFE technology, under the biorefinery conceptMestrado em Engenharia Químic

The economic valuation of noise reduction projects: a cost-benefit analysis approach

The main purpose of this Work Project consists in performing a practical Cost-Benefit Analysis from a social perspective of two noise reduction projects in industrial sites that aim at complying with the existing regulation. By doing so, one may expect a more comprehensive view of the benefits and costs of both projects, as well as relevant insight to the way noise exposure regulation must be optimally defined in Portugal and within the EU area

Can co-creation narrow the sustainability gap?

The growing concern about environmental issues has led to widespread attention from consumers toward sustainability and sustainable products. However, sales of sustainable products still represent a fraction of overall consumer demand. Such discrepancy between attitude (concern) and behavior (purchase) is what scholars have identified as the sustainability gap. Market research has led decision-makers to believe that consumers would purchase sustainable products, only to see sales fall far below expectations. Co-creation has been argued as an innovation strategy that instills trust in new products due to transparency and openness toward its operations. This research shows that the effect that co creation has on trust in the development of new sustainable products supports the reduction of consumers’ sustainability gap, increasing the purchase intention. The research was conducted using a scenario-based experimental methodology. The study followed a 2 x 1 (Co-creation vs non-co-creation; sustainability claim) between-subject design. Findings show that the increase in purchase intention of sustainable co-created products is mediated by consumer trust. Results also show that the effect of co-creation on consumer trust in sustainable marketing claims is moderated by the consumers’ general concern with sustainable issues, such that for consumers with low or no concern, co-creation is a more trustworthy and honest strategy. Finally, research also demonstrates that loyalty serves as a mediator for the beneficial effect of trust on purchase intention, and that tolerance for higher pricing for sustainable products mediates the favorable effect of loyalty on purchase intention. Theoretical and practical implications will be discussed.A crescente preocupação com questões ambientais tem suscitado atenção por parte dos consumidores relativamente a produtos sustentáveis. Contudo, as vendas de produtos sustentáveis ainda representam uma fração da procura. Tal discrepância entre atitude (preocupação) e comportamento (compra) é o que académicos identificaram como o fosso de sustentabilidade. Estudos de mercado têm levado empresas a acreditar que os consumidores comprariam produtos sustentáveis, apenas para as vendas ficarem aquém das expectativas. A cocriação é considerada como uma estratégia de inovação que incute confiança em novos produtos devido à transparência e abertura das suas operações. Esta pesquisa mostra que o efeito que a cocriação tem na confiança em novos produtos sustentáveis ajuda a reduzir o fosso de sustentabilidade dos consumidores, aumentando a intenção de compra. A investigação foi realizada utilizando uma metodologia experimental baseada em cenários. O estudo seguiu uma conceção 2 x 1 (cocriado vs não-cocriado; reivindicação de sustentabilidade) entre sujeitos. Os resultados mostram que o aumento da intenção de compra de produtos cocriados sustentáveis é mediado pela confiança. Também demonstram que o efeito da cocriação na confiança em marketing sustentável é moderado pela preocupação dos consumidores com questões sustentáveis, de tal forma que para consumidores com pouca preocupação, a cocriação é uma estratégia mais honesta. Finalmente, a investigação demonstra que o efeito positivo da confiança na intenção de compra é mediado pela lealdade, e que o efeito positivo da lealdade na intenção de compra é mediado pela tolerância de preços de produtos sustentáveis. As implicações teóricas e práticas serão discutidas

A survey on competitive intelligence practices for strategic decisions

Doutoramento em GestãoThis thesis aims to measure the frequency use of competitive intelligence as a support tool to the strategic decision-making in Portuguese organizations. Likewise, the thesis aims to measure the satisfaction level of the decision-maker when making decisions based on competitive intelligence. Based on an extensive literature review, some hypotheses appear to support a survey addressing competitive intelligence issues. Considering a convenient sample, the conclusions drawn about the use and satisfaction level based on competitive intelligence are as expected, as what lies beneath strategic decisions is also answered.Esta tese tem o objectivo de medir a frequência do uso de competitive intelligence como ferramenta de suporte à tomada de decisão estratégica nas empresas Portuguesas. De igual modo, tem o objectivo de medir o grau de satisfação dos decisores quando tomam decisões baseadas em competitive intelligence. Com base numa extensa revisão de literatura, surgem algumas hipóteses que suportam um inquérito sobre competitive intelligence. Considerando uma amostra de conveniência, as conclusões tiradas são as esperadas, e obtém-se a resposta para o que está por detrás da decisão estratégica.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Preliminary study of the acoustic behavior concerning an innovative prototype for indoor modular partitioning

This paper presents a preliminary acoustic study concerning the development of the first prototype of a patented removable module for interior partitioning. It is a prefabricated, vertical element for division of interior spaces that does not require the use of gutters or technical support. A set of such modules, linearly disposed, will create a division, allowing the personalization of any indoor area, including open office spaces, rooms, among others. The main characteristic that distinguishes this element from the existing solutions available on the market is that its mobility relies exclusively on a set of integrated bearings at the base of each module. Through an incorporated elevation system, the user can lower the module, move it to the desired position and re-elevate it until pressed against the ledge of the ceiling, making it stable. In this sense, and taking into account its acoustic behavior, several tests were made in the LNEC acoustics lab. Airborne sound insulation tests for different typologies of the prototype were conducted, according to the applicable standards EN ISO 354:2003, EN ISO 717-1:2013 and EN ISO 10140-2:2010. Some important conclusions and analysis of the prototype viability were extracted