5,132 research outputs found
Desenvolvimento de recursos de design em pequenas empresas da indústria automóvel : uma abordagem metodológica
ABSTRACT: This paper reflects part of a broader investigation on the
development of methodologies to identify, value and manage design
capabilities in order to create a sustainable competitive advantage. With
the automotive industry and smaller supplier Portuguese companies as
background, this paper explores the resource-based view theory (RBV)
and the dynamic capabilities theory as a theoretical construct for a
further development of research tools.
In the automotive industry, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers)
continue to control the overall design of the vehicle, as part of the ability
to manage the offer portfolio and brand communication. However, the
industry have been moving towards an increasing participation of smaller
suppliers in product development processes, pushed towards capabilities’
development as a requirement to continue competitive in the OEM’s
suppliers network.
The role of design and design management capabilities have been
explored as strategic resources or core competencies. However, Design is
not typically found in smaller supplier firms as resource (as opposed to
Design studios in larger companies) but found as a process in resourcecapability
combinations, establishing the need for a new research
approach. Therefore, the RBV is a tool to value the design process as a
sustained competitive advantage. The RBV conceptualizes a framework
to determine or identify the strategic resources available or needed
within a company. At these lenses, the basis for a sustainable competitive
advantage lies in the application of the bundle of valuable resources
identified and at the firm's disposal and the combinations with its
capabilitiesEste artigo reflete parte de uma investigação mais ampla sobre
o desenvolvimento de metodologias para identificar, valorizar e gerir os
recursos de design, com o objetivo de criar uma vantagem competitiva
sustentável. Com a indústria automóvel e as pequenas empresas
portuguesas fornecedoras como pano de fundo, este artigo explora a
teoria da Resource Based View (RBV) e a teoria das Dynamic
Capabili_es (DCT) como um construto teórico para o desenvolvimento de
ferramentas de investigação.
Na indústria automóvel, os OEM (fabricantes de equipamentos originais)
continuam a controlar o design geral do veículo, como parte da
capacidade de gestão do seu portfólio assim como a comunicação de
marca. No entanto, o setor tem seguido um caminho para uma
participação crescente de fornecedores menores nos processos de
desenvolvimento de produto, impulsionados para o desenvolvimento de
capacidades como requisito de competitividade na rede de fornecedores
dos OEM.
O papel dos recursos do design e da gestão do design foram já explorados
como recurso estratégicos ou competências fundamentais. No entanto, o
Design não é normalmente encontrado em empresas de menor dimensão
como recurso (em oposição aos estúdios de Design em empresas
maiores), mas sim como um processo de combinações de diferentes
capacidades e recursos, estabelecendo a necessidade de uma nova
abordagem de pesquisa. Portanto, a RBV é uma ferramenta que visa a
valorização do processo de design como uma vantagem competitiva
sustentada. A RBV concetualiza uma estrutura para determinar ou
identificar os recursos estratégicos disponíveis ou necessários dentro de
uma empresa. Deste ponto de vista, a base para uma vantagem
competitiva sustentável está na aplicação do conjunto de recursos
valiosos identificados e à disposição da empresa em forma de
combinações das suas diferentes capacidades e recursos.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Holistic analysis of the effectiveness of a software engineering teaching approach
To provide the best training in software engineering, several approaches and strategies are carried out. Some of them are more theoretical, learned through books and manuals, while others have a practical focus and often done in collaboration with companies. In this paper, we share an approach based on a balanced mix to foster the assimilation of knowledge, the approximation with what is done in software companies and student motivation. Two questionnaires were also carried out, one involving students, who had successfully completed the subject in past academic years (some had already graduated, and others are still students), and other questionnaire involving companies, in the field of software development, which employ students from our school. The analysis of the perspectives of the different stakeholders allows an overall and holistic) view, and a general understanding, of the effectiveness of the software engineering teaching approach. We analyse the results of the questionnaires and share some of the experiences and lessons learned.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
The elderly and the digital inclusion: A brief reference to the initiatives of the European union and Portugal
Background: The world and Europe, in particular, are aging very fast, and in the same vein, digitization is moving very quickly into citizens’ routines. Given the fact that the elderly are the largest group of citizens who are info-excluded, this reality is worrying because it will quickly make them socially excluded. This article briefly presents the main initiatives of the European Union and Portugal to promote greater and faster digital inclusion of the elderly people. In the final section, there is a critical reflection on technology acceptance Model, the concept of universal design and usability in order to propose clues and strategies that can and/or may facilitate the use and access of technologies and digital resources by the elderly.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
A relevância da metáfora visual para a memorização de um logótipo
ABSTRACT : We investigate visual metaphor (visual symbolism) in
logotypes, its perception and its effect on memory. Henceforth, a visual
standard experiment was developed for that effect. This model can be
adapted to other logotypes (fig.4 and fig.6). Our research aims to
evaluate the value of the perception of visual metaphor within a logo and
its mnemonic consequence on the observer.
In general metaphor, or symbolism, is an action, person, place, word or
object that represents another to give a different meaning. On our study
we evaluate visual metaphors, therefore metaphors that are perceived
through visual representation, such as is the case in logos, symbols, logo
marks, marks and all derivative paraphernalia of nomenclatures
associated to any kind of Visual Identity; be it Visual Corporate Identity or
Visual non-Corporate Identity such as services, products and persons.
Many designers incorporate universality to symbols in the conception of
“logos”. For example: Linden Leader (1994) for FedEx incorporates an
arrow, symbolizing to move switily and directly. It is the designer’s
exertion and experience that will complement symbolism into a new
graphic form, until then unknown. We evaluate the condition of adding a
universal graphic form to a graphic creation and its communicative
reach.A nossa investigação centra-se na metáfora visual que um
logótipo pode conter, e a consequência do encontro dessa metáfora visual
na memorização de um logótipo. Um teste modelo foi desenvolvido para
esse efeito. Este modelo pode ser adaptado a outros logótipos (fig.4 e
fig.6)
Em termos gerais uma metáfora, ou símbolo, é uma ação, pessoa, lugar,
palavra ou objeto que representa outro para lhe atribuir um significado
diferente. No nosso estudo, analisamos metáforas visuais, portanto
metáforas codificadas através da representação visual, nomeadamente
em logótipos, símbolos, logo-marcas, marcas e/ou toda a parafernália de
nomenclatura associada a qualquer tipo de identidade visual; seja
identidade visual corporativa ou identidade visual não corporativa, como
por exemplo em serviços, produtos e pessoas.
Muitos designers incorporam símbolos universais na concepção de
logótipos. Linden Leader em 1994 para o logótipo da FedEx incorporou
uma seta, que simboliza o movimento rápido e direto. É o esforço e a
experiência do designer que complementarão este simbolismo numa nova
marca gráfica, até então desconhecida. Avaliaremos a condição de
adicionar uma metáfora visual a um logótipo e o resultado do seu alcance
comunicativo na memorização do mesmo.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire
The main objective of this study was the validation of the Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire (EVS II), using a confirmatory factorial analysis of the measurement model, with veteran athletes. A total of 348 veteran Portuguese athletes of both genders, aged between 30 and 60 years (M = 41.64, SD = 9.83), of whom 200 were males and 148 were females, from several sports. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis demonstrate the adequacy of the adapted version of the EVS II, as the factorial structure (6 factors/24 items) has acceptable validity indexes: χ2 = 305.925, p = 0.000, df = 120.017, χ2/df = 2.549, NFI (Normed Fit Index) = 0.909, TLI (Tucker Lewis Index) = 0.918, CFI (Comparative Fit Index) = 0.944, GFI (Goodness of Fit Index) = 0.944, AGFI (Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index) = 0.909, SRMR (Standardized Root Mean Square Residual) = 0.048, RMSEA (Root Mean Square of Approximation) = 0.060, allowing evaluation of the dimensions of balanced diet, respect for mealtime, tobacco and alcohol consumption, other drugs consumption and resting habits. The adaptation to sport of the Portuguese version of EVS II can be used with reasonable confidence in the evaluation of healthy lifestyles in the context of sportinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Fertilisation with compost: effects on soil phosphorus sorption and on phosphorus availability in acid soils.
Phosphate mineral fertilisers are manufactured from non-renewable resources.Soil fertilisation with composts is considered a good source of reuse nutrients such as phosphorus (P). The aim of this work was to evaluate the
effect of compost fertilisation on soil P sorption and consequently on P availability. It was done an incubation experiment followed by a sorption experiment in a low-P acid soil fertilised with compost (CP) or single superphosphate (SSP). The P application rates were: 0, 6.5, 13, 26 and 52 (kg∙P∙ha−1). In CP treatments, the rates 26 and 52 kg∙P∙ha−1 were achieved by adding SSP to CP since it was not allowed to incorporate into soil more than 170 kg∙N∙ha−1 from organic amendments. Although SSP has a higher proportion of easily available P than CP (86% vs 50%), the results showed that after 140 days of soil incubation, the available P was higher in CP treatments compared with SSP at the same rate of P application. The sorption experiment showed that after incubation of the fertilised soils, the P sorption maximum had lower values in treatments with CP in combination with SSP compared with only SSP fertilisation and the bonding energy had a deeper decrease in
the same treatments. Also, the Standard Phosphate Requirement decreased in the CP in combination with SSP treatments. The reduction of soil P sorption capacity after compost addition to soil highlights the need of reducing P fertilisation rates to achieve similar levels of available P compared with only SSP fertilisation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
A methodological approach to evaluate elderly-robot interactions
The relevance in the study of interaction between elderly and robots may depend on the choice of activities that robots can be developed to perform and the assessment of their impact and importance for older people. This research requires coordinated research between computer engineers and specialists in the humanities and social sciences. Being a recent research area, it is particularly relevant to carefully select the behavioural variables to be analyzed, the methodology adopted and the instruments that allow for a rigorous evaluation. Based on these assumptions, the present study aims to develop Innovative Initiatives for the Promotion of Active Aging in the EUROACE Region. The authors propose an appropriate methodology and instruments to evaluate the impact of the human-robot interaction in the promotion of a more active aging in a group of elderly in a nursing home. The analyzed variables focus on the involvement of the elderly in the activities, their capacity for initiative and to establish social interactions, indicators of well-being and a proactive attitude. The methodology of the study is mixed (qualitative and quantitative), organized as an exploratory case study. Data collection is based on naturalistic observation but variables are quantitatively assessed in a pre/post-test design. The research design identified the narratives of the elderly and the staff of the institution regarding the needs and interests of each elderly person, classified the participants according to the levels of prevailing social interactions, involvement and initiative in activities, considered important variables for an active ageing and, in this sense, demonstrated its adequacy to be used to evaluate the results of the intervention using social assistive robots.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Preliminary characterization of a Moroccan honey with a predominance of Bupleurum spinosum pollen
Honey with Bupleurum spinosum (zandaz) as a main pollen source has not been the subject of previous detailed study. Therefore, twelve Moroccan samples of this honey were subjected to melissopalynological, physicochemical and microbiological quality characterization, as well as antioxidant activity assessment. From a quality point of view, almost all samples were within the limits established by Codex Alimentarius, and/or the European legislation. All samples presented predominance of B. spinosum pollen (more than 48%). Relatively high levels of trehalose (1.3-4.0 g/100 g) and melezitose (1.5-2.8 g/100 g) were detected. Those sugars, not common in monofloral honeys, could be used as an important factor to discriminate zandaz honey. Flavonoid content correlated positively with the honey color, melanoidin and polyphenol content, and negatively with the IC50 values of scavenging ABTS (2,2' - azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) free radicals, while proline amount correlated negatively with IC50 values of nitric oxide scavenging activity and chelating power. This correlation supports the use of anti-oxidant activities as important variables for PCA (principal component analysis). Both components explained 70% from the given data, and showed certain homogeneity upon analyzed samples independent of the region, suggesting the importance of B. spinosum nectar in the resulting honey characteristics.Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia for Research Center [UID/BIM/04773/2013 CBMR 1334, UID/AGR/00239/2013, UID/BIA/04050/2013 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007569)]; ERDF through the COMPETE - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalizacao (POCI
Rumo aos desafios da economia circular : ferramentas de apoio a uma nova estratégia na prática de design
ABSTRACT : The circular economy is a new strategic concept to meet
society's needs in a more efficient and sustainable manner based in
decoupling the economic growth and welfare from the increase in the
consumption of natural resources. It implies the transition from the
traditional linear model to a more innovative and circular approach in the
development of the economy by designing new products, new services,
and new systems, supported, in most cases, by the re-thinking and
creation of new business models.
Designers and product developers have an important and crucial role to
achieve a successful and wide implementation of the concept which has
to be accepted and applied in practice by businesses along the whole
value chain and meet the current and future needs of consumers and the
society.
Currently, several methods, principles, practices, tools, training initiatives,
and many resources are being developed globally as a result of the wide
exploitation of the concept, but there is still a large gap between what is
available to companies and designers, and what is applied in practice on
product and service development.
This paper reflects part of the PhD research project under development
by the authors which is based on the promotion of the design practice
within Circular Economy. It explores the results of the review of circularity
tools available that can be used by design professionals
to systematize and guide their development process. The analysis will
support the development of a toolkit and guidelines oriented for the
practical implementation of the circular economy in the development of
innovative and efficient products and services. (Camocho, Ferreira, &
Vicente, 2018).A economia circular é um novo conceito estratégico que visa
responder às necessidades da sociedade de uma forma mais eficiente e
sustentável que se baseia na dissociação entre crescimento económico e
bem-estar do aumento do consumo de recursos naturais. Esta transição,
do modelo linear tradicional para uma abordagem mais inovadora e
circular no desenvolvimento da economia implica o desenvolvimento de
novos produtos, novos serviços e novos sistemas, apoiados, na maioria dos
casos, no repensar e na criação de novos modelos de negócio.
Os designers e os responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento de produtos têm um
papel importante e crucial para alcançar uma implementação ampla e
bem-sucedida do conceito. Este deve ser aceite e aplicado na prática
pelas empresas ao longo de toda a cadeia de valor atendendo às
necessidades atuais e futuras dos consumidores e da sociedade.
Atualmente, vários métodos, princípios, práticas, ferramentas, iniciativas
de formação e outros recursos têm sido desenvolvidos globalmente como
resultado da ampla exploração do conceito, no entanto, ainda existe uma
grande lacuna entre o que está disponível para empresas e designers e o
que é aplicado na prática no desenvolvimento de produtos e serviços.
Este artigo reflete parte do projeto de investigação de doutoramento em
desenvolvimento pelos autores, o qual se baseia na promoção da prática
de design no âmbito da Economia Circular. Explora os resultados da
revisão de ferramentas de circularidade disponíveis que podem ser
aplicadas pelos profissionais de design na sistematização e orientação do
processo de desenvolvimento. Esta análise irá apoiar o desenvolvimento
de um conjunto de ferramentas e orientações para a implementação
prática da economia circular no desenvolvimento de produtos e serviços
mais inovadores e mais eficientes. (Camocho, Ferreira & Vicente, 2018).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Postural patterns in the first year of life: contributions of maternal physical activity in the pregnancy period
BACKGROUND: The study objective was intended to verify whether the practice of maternal physical activity during the pregnancy period could be assumed as a contribution to the acquisition of postural patterns in the child during its first year of life.
METHODS: A transversal and descriptive study was carried where we recorded the developments observed in a sample of 80 Portuguese children, according to the habits and type of physical activity of the mothers. Statistical descriptive and inferential test were performed.
RESULTS: The results were clearly positive in terms of temporal gains of neck tonic control, and also in the acquisition of an erect position.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite the average values are not statistical significant we have observed indicators that the maternal physical activity during pregnancy apparently is a factor that can favor the child’s motor development during their first year of life, particularly in the acquisition of postural patterns.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
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