Abstract
In the last decades, traffic microsimulation platforms have a growing complexity allowing a detailed description of vehicle traffic dynamics in a second-by-second basis. However, to project spatially their outputs, some precautions must be followed. Therefore, we analyze some variables used in the microscopic traffic models which have a high impact on further applications, especially when a spatial projection is required. To assess these objectives, a microsimulation framework which includes traffic and emission models was defined to characterize traffic flows and to evaluate vehicular emissions. This general methodology was then applied in a European medium sized city using two scenarios: (i) considering a Lagrangian approach and (ii) using an Eulerian approach of the simulation road traffic platform. The Lagrangian approach shows that if we have long links (some hundred meters, e.g. >500 m), we lose the spatial detail on emissions. On the other hand, using the Eulerian approach to define very small links (some few meters, e.g. <30 m), a significant statistic representation of traffic dynamics, in that link, was not obtained, particularly in areas with low traffic flow. The latter situation can occur because the vehicle speed can be high enough that did not allow recording any information in that link, even considering a high time resolution analysis (second-by-second). Thus, a non-linear trend of the error is identified when such data are analyzed geographically. Accordingly, depending on the use of those microsimulation tools, we identify some best practices related with the traffic model design that must be followed to minimize those errors.

Abstract
Midblock pedestrian crossing areas between closely spaced roundabouts can affect traffic operations and may result in a trade-off between capacity, environment, and safety benefits. Even though research has been conducted on the impacts of traffic performance on pedestrian crosswalks located at isolated roundabouts, few studies have focused on how pedestrian crosswalks between closely adjacent roundabouts affect traffic operations. A microsimulation approach was used to examine the integrated effect of a pedestrian crosswalk on traffic delay, carbon dioxide emissions, and relative speed between vehicles and pedestrians at different locations between closely spaced two-lane roundabouts. The main purpose of the study was to develop a simulation platform of traffic (VISSIM), emissions (vehicle-specific power), and safety (surrogate safety assessment model) to optimize such variables. The fast nondominated sorting genetic algorithm NSGA-II was mobilized to identify an optimized set of pedestrian crosswalk locations for the roundabout exit section along the midblock segment. One acceptable solution that provided a good balance between traffic performance, emissions, and pedestrian safety benefits was locating the crosswalks at 15, 20, and 30 m from the exit section. Even at low pedestrian demand, crosswalk effectiveness (as determined by capacity and environment) gradually decreased near the circulatory ring delimitation (<10 m). Findings suggest that crosswalks in the midblock segment (55 to 60 m from the exit section) also must be considered, especially under high traffic demand.

Abstract
The present invention is directed to manufacturing, wherein each component of the outsourced process and system can be remotely controlled in decentralized manufacturing process, integrating resources and stakeholders in a global chain, that utilizes ubiquitous computing systems virtual and networked enterprises concepts, for anywhere-anytime control. Experiment involved 68 subjects, Serbian students that have used the interface for remote collaborative control to control CNC machine located in Portugal. Usability evaluation measures of the distributed remote user controlled manufacturing system, such as percentage of task completed, its accuracy and time to complete task, are measured on two types of "client" user interface ("Wall" and "Window"), in two modes of presentation (desktop and video beam), working individually or in small collaborative group consisted of two persons, results were statistically tested. Percentage of task completed is equal for both types of interfaces, while accuracy of task is significantly better for "Wall" interface. Time of task execution is longer for individuals when desktop is used comparing to video beam. There exist significant differences when work is conducted in groups via video beam and time is longer when desktop is used. Also, work time is longer with "Wall" interface. When working in group, work time is shorter than the time when working individually, whereby the working time on desktop is longer than on the video beam. Also, the time is longer when working individually using video beam, using "Wall" interface on desktop, and "Window" interface on video beam. These results show that group work consumes less time in most working options, giving the best results when working in collaborative small group on "Wall" interface via video beam. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Abstract
In this paper, smart objects embedded production and quality management functions are proposed, to promote accurately support decision-making processes, from the shop floor level up to higher decision-making levels. The proposed functions contribute for different kind of problems solving in production and quality management, such as production planning and control, scheduling, factory supervision, real-time data acquisition and processing, and real-time decision making. The web access at different middleware devices and tools, at different decision levels, along with the use of integrated algorithms and tools, embedded in smart objects, promotes conditions for better decision-making for optimized use of knowledge and resources in production systems. The relevance of the proposed smart objects embedded production and quality management functions has been validated positively in a manufacturing company.

Abstract
This paper presents a framework for simulator development for fixed horizon, rolling horizon and real time management models for their modelling and evaluation in ubiquitous production networks under conditions of dynamic environments for economic and environmental sustainability.

Abstract
In this paper, we present Social Network-based Education (SNE) and Learning Factory (LF) as emergent forms of education and training, including their application for the field of Quality Management. This novel learning method has some features of education 3.0 paradigm since participants have freedom to choose what, how and when to learn, as well with whom they coloborate. The actors, students and teachers, form a network, in which the network structure, communication, learning process and behavior exibit features of a social network. The training program content consists of a set of assignments (tasks) that are launched and realized in a crowdsourcing manner. The SNE and LF methodology was applied at the University of Minho in the Integrated Master on Industrial Engineering and Management course for different curricular units, including Quality Management. Within the concepts refered above, the set of assignments implemented for education and training for the field of Quality Management is also presented.