Abstract
The use of biomass as energy source becomes considered again as a possibility, after a period in which practically felt in disuse, especially in industrial environments. Nowadays it is again an important alternative, mainly due to the increasing prices of fossil fuels, especially oil and natural gas, as well as by the growing environmental and sustainability concerns, since the biomass fuel is considered neutral in terms of CO2 emissions. The use of biomass as solid fuel poses several logistic difficulties that do not allow their straightforward dissemination in all industrial units, which intend to change its fuel source. In this paper, a case study of integration of renewable energy sources provides results obtained based on an experimental setup using biomass technology, posing a major advantage for the Portuguese textile industry, in particular the dyeing textile industry, over the traditional use of fossil fuels.

Abstract

Abstract
The present-day revival of Augmented reality (AR) technology has led to its vast expansion in various applications. In marketing, the hunt for more inventive and intriguing approaches for immersive consumer experiences has endorsed the implementation of AR in multiple brand advertising campaigns, specifically for improved product display. The engaging potential of this technology is established in the fusion between computer-generated data and the physical world as seen by the user, where 3D registration and real time interaction are inseparable parts of this system. Alternatively, impressions from user experiences serve as a principal instrument in the evaluation process of the effectiveness of interactive systems. In order to get deeper insight into consumers' reflections from a real-time AR shopping experience, we present a demo platform for the purchase of sneakers, focusing on users' behavior and more precisely on their perceptions, emotions, personal preferences before, during and after use of the platform. To fully evaluate and compare consumer experiences with the main AR platform, two other shopping systems were designed: a marker-based and a static one. Consecutively, we aim at defining a system of metrics for measuring shopping experiences with AR, as well as at establishing a ground base for subsequent marketing research in the field. Motivated by the large application of the technology and aiming at understanding the impact of AR on consumer psychology, the application will assist in exploring the antecedents of consumer purchase intentions.

Abstract
Neste trabalho procedeu-se ao desenho e implantação de um dispositivo biomédico, com capacidade de realizar a separação das células sanguíneas da camada de plasma. Numa primeira fase do trabalho realizou-se o desenho e fabricação do dispositivo, através da técnica de litografia suave. A segunda fase consistiu no estudo do escoamento sanguíneo com o objetivo de analisar o efeito das constrições na variação da espessura camada de plasma. Concluímos que a constrição proporciona um aumento da espessura da camada de plasma e à medida que se aumenta o hematócrito a camada de plasma tende a diminuir.

Abstract

Abstract
In the present paper we analyzed the behavior of firms in the construction and manufacturing sectors, located in the region of Vale do Sousa, in the north of Portugal. From the literature, even revising some disagreements, it is possible to conclude that planning is crucial for firms' survival and growth. Co-operation is another aspect that the literature presents as an important factor for firms sustainability. It also plays a major role in competition, since firms are adopting coo-petition strategies. By studying a sample of 251 firms, it was possible to realize, that the majority started their business without a formal planning, and they keep going without using it. In cooperation aspects, there is a lack of cooperation. It was possible to verify, that existing cooperation has some evidence but at a vertical level. These vertical relations were also identified in stakeholder's involvement.