2016
Autores
Coelho, F; Pereira, J; Vilaça, R; Oliveira, R;
Publicação
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 6TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CLOUD COMPUTING AND SERVICES SCIENCE, VOL 1 (CLOSER)
Abstract
Window functions are a sub-class of analytical operators that allow data to be handled in a derived view of a given relation, while taking into account their neighboring tuples. We propose a technique that can be used in the parallel execution of this operator when data is naturally partitioned. The proposed method benefits the cases where the required partitioning is not the natural partitioning employed. Preliminary evaluation shows that we are able to limit data transfer among parallel workers to 14% of the registered transfer when using a naive approach.
2016
Autores
Madeira, A; Barbosa, LS; Hennicker, R; Martins, MA;
Publicação
THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF COMPUTING - ICTAC 2016
Abstract
This paper introduces a logic to support the specification and development of reactive systems on various levels of abstraction, from property specifications, concerning e.g. safety and liveness requirements, to constructive specifications representing concrete processes. This is achieved by combining binders of hybrid logic with regular modalities of dynamic logics in the same formalism, which we call D-down arrow-logic. The semantics of our logic focuses on effective processes and is therefore given in terms of reachable transition systems with initial states. The second part of the paper resorts to this logic to frame stepwise development of reactive systems within the software development methodology proposed by Sannella and Tarlecki. In particular, we instantiate the generic concepts of constructor and abstractor implementations by using standard operators on reactive components, like relabelling and parallel composition, as constructors, and bisimulation for abstraction. We also study vertical composition of implementations which relies on the preservation of bisimularity by the constructions on labeleld transition systems.
2016
Autores
Machado L.; Klein A.Z.; Freitas A.; Schlemmer E.; Pedron C.D.;
Publicação
International Journal of Information and Communication Technology Education
Abstract
In this research, the authors present a framework for developing Intercultural Competence (IC) and use Tridimensional Digital Virtual Worlds (3DVW) as environments for developing Intercultural Competence. They developed an artifact, via Design Research, constituted by an educational method using the 3DVW Second Life® as the place for a virtual exchange program between 92 Brazilian and Portuguese master students. The results of the authors' study indicate that the 3DVW can be used for the development of IC because it allows rich experiential and relational/conversational learning opportunities, especially due to the affordances of immersion/sense of presence, social interaction, content production and knowledge sharing.
2016
Autores
El Mashaleh, MS; Horta, IM;
Publicação
JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT IN ENGINEERING
Abstract
In several countries, it is a common practice for construction owners to require contractors to submit several types of surety bonds shifting the risk of contractors default to sureties. The process of evaluating contractors' applications for bonding is complicated and time-consuming. Surety underwriters are faced with the challenge of considering tens of objective and subjective criteria to make the bonding recommendation. These criteria include a contractor's financial strength, past performance, and other related aspects. Literature review revealed that there is little guidance to surety underwriters in this regard. As a result, the purpose of this paper is to equip surety underwriters with a decision making model for evaluating contractors' applications for bonding. The proposed model is based on data envelopment analysis (DEA). The DEA is a robust nonparametric linear programming approach that is widely used for benchmarking, performance measurement, and decision making. The proposed DEA model guides surety underwriters throughout the decision making process. The model offers surety underwriters the flexibility to accommodate any number of variables in the evaluation process. The proposed model is deployed based on a database that includes 49 contractors. The validity and applicability of the proposed model are scored positively by industry practitioners in terms of methodology used, evaluation criteria, ease of use, performance results, and overall usefulness compared to existing methods. (C) 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.
2016
Autores
Branco M.C.; Delgado C.;
Publicação
CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance
Abstract
This descriptive study explores the state of CSR education and research in Portugal. It aims to depict the state of CSR in Portugal, in particular in what concerns the nature and the extent of education and research on CSR being undertaken in Portugal. The methodology used includes analysis of relevant literature and of business schools’ websites, and a survey by questionnaire among students at the business school at which the authors of this chapter teach and research. In terms of CSR practices, there is still some focus on social issues, given the state of development of the Portuguese economy. There are signs of CSR having reached a reasonable level of maturity. Although CSR education and research seem to be reasonably well developed in the leading business schools, the same is not the case with other schools. Research on CSR is concentrated in the schools in which CSR education is more developed.
2016
Autores
Moutinho, J; Freitas, D; Araújo, RE;
Publicação
U.Porto Journal of Engineering
Abstract
This paper presents a new approach to an audio-based indoor localization system. By using audio signals emitted by a public address sound system, mobile devices may globally localize themselves in an indoor environment where global navigation satellite systems are not viable or reliable. The use of data hiding techniques such as spread spectrum coding or echo hiding has allowed to convey information to a receiver avoiding people’s perception of the added audio content. Results demonstrate a relatively quite good localization with centimetre accuracy and precision and successful data transmission using barely perceptible audio signals.
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