2016
Authors
Borrego, C; Amorim, JH; Tchepel, O; Dias, D; Rafael, S; Sa, E; Pimentel, C; Fontes, T; Fernandes, P; Pereira, SR; Bandeira, JM; Coelho, MC;
Publication
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
The atmospheric dispersion of NOx and PM10 was simulated with a second generation Gaussian model over a medium-size south-European city. Microscopic traffic models calibrated with GPS data were used to derive typical driving cycles for each road link, while instantaneous emissions were estimated applying a combined Vehicle Specific Power/Co-operative Programme for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-range Transmission of Air Pollutants in Europe (VSP/EMEP) methodology. Site-specific background concentrations were estimated using time series analysis and a low-pass filter applied to local observations. Air quality modelling results are compared against measurements at two locations for a 1 week period. 78% of the results are within a factor of two of the observations for 1-h average concentrations, increasing to 94% for daily averages. Correlation significantly improves when background is added, with an average of 0.89 for the 24 h record. The results highlight the potential of detailed traffic and instantaneous exhaust emissions estimates, together with filtered urban background, to provide accurate input data to Gaussian models applied at the urban scale.
2016
Authors
Leal, JP; Correia, H; Paiva, JC;
Publication
SLATE
Abstract
The corner stone of a language development environment is an editor. For programming languages, several code editors are readily available to be integrated in Web applications. However, only few editors exist for diagrammatic languages. Eshu is an extensible diagram editor, embeddable in Web applications that require diagram interaction, such as modeling tools or e-learning environments. Eshu is a JavaScript library with an API that supports its integration with other components, including importing/exporting diagrams in JSON. Eshu was already integrated in a pedagogical environment with automated diagram assessment, configured for extended entityrelationship diagrams, that served as basis for an usability evaluation.
2016
Authors
dos Reis, JGM; Amorim, P; Cabral, JAS;
Publication
IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology
Abstract
The United States, Brazil, and Argentina are responsible for 83% of world’s soybean production. Together, they respond to more than 80% of soybean grains and soybean meal exported and for more than 60% of soybean oil exportation. This paper studies the soybean trade of these three major exporters with the top ten commercial partners of each one in order to examine the main factors that influence this relationship. We follow a network analysis approach to evaluate the level of interdependence between exporters and importers. Our research studies the three main soybean products: grain, meal, and oil. The findings seem to indicate that countries prefer importing soybean grains to process inside their borders due to commodity prices and logistics costs.
2016
Authors
Costa, AP; Faria, BM; Reis, LP;
Publication
RISTI - Revista Iberica de Sistemas e Tecnologias de Informacao
Abstract
2016
Authors
Brito, PQ; Rambocas, M;
Publication
JOURNAL OF SERVICES MARKETING
Abstract
Purpose - This study aims to investigate the reliability of a mystery client (MC) as a service evaluation technique taking into consideration personal differences of the MC agents. Design/methodology/approach - The ratings from 144 MCs from 355 evaluations of computer and electronic stores were cross analyzed with eight psychographic and demographic profile variables. Findings - MCs who were highly involved in the product category were more critical of service responsiveness with respect to product demonstrations and listening to customer requirements. On the other hand, MCs with stronger faith in intuition were more inclined to rate services higher on empathy with respect to employees making a conscientious effort to understand customers' needs. Practical implications - Depending on the service marketing goals, managers learn to define which aspects of MC profile they should consider or avoid during the recruitment as well as becoming more critical when they analyze the evaluation reports to avoid an interpretation bias. Originality/value - The usefulness of the MC tool relies on its reliability and credibility as a marketing research technique. It was identified that the MC personality traits are more likely associated with marketing service evaluation variability.
2016
Authors
Leite, M; Baptista, AJ; Ribeiro, AMR;
Publication
International Journal of Product Development
Abstract
The aim of this research paper is to formulate a road map for implementation of lean techniques within SMEs product development (PD) teams, identifying barriers to change and explaining possible drivers for successful implementation. The research methodology necessary to develop the road map - the IPID cycle - is a combination of different approaches. It combines a literature review, an initial quantitative study with questionnaires, informal interviews and direct observation of companies' practices of five different manufacturing companies organised in a consortium. Like any other case study methodology, it suffers from generalisation issues, but we expect that the proposed road map is applicable whenever managers need to introduce changes inside their PD teams. Also, we found that a consortium arrangement can be highly positive to the implementation of the proposed road map. Finally, we found that the application of the road map to SMEs PD teams is somewhat different from big companies' implementations and discuss the observed particularities of these findings. Copyright © 2016 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
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