Integração energética da unidade 2100 da Fábrica de Óleos Base da Refinaria de Matosinhos

Até 2020, a Europa terá de reduzir 20% das suas emissões de gases com efeito de estufa, 20% da produção de energia terá de ser proveniente de fontes renováveis e a eficiência energética deverá aumentar 20%. Estas são as metas apresentadas pela União Europeia, que ficaram conhecidas por 20/20/20 [1]. A Refinaria de Matosinhosé um complexo industrial que opera no sector da refinação e que apresenta preocupações ao nível da eficiência energética e dos aspectos ambientais subjacentes. No âmbito da racionalização energética das refinarias, a Galp Energia tem vindo a implementar um conjunto de medidas, adoptando as melhores tecnologias disponíveis com o objectivo de diminuir os consumos de energia, promover a eficiência energética e reduzir as emissões de dióxido de carbono. Para ir de encontro a estas medidas foi elaborado um estudo comparativo que permitiu à empresa definir as medidas consideradas prioritárias. Uma solução encontrada visa a execução de projectos que não requerem investimento e que têm acções imediatas, tais como o aumento da eficiência energética das fornalhas [1]. Este trabalho realizado na Galp Energia S.A. teve como objectivo principal a optimização energética da Unidade de Desalfatação do Propano da Fábrica de Óleos Base. Esta optimização baseou-se no aproveitamento energético da corrente de fundo da coluna de rectificação T2003C com uma potência calorífica de 2,79 Gcal/h. Após levantamento de todas as variáveis do processo relativas a esta unidade, especialmente a potência calorífica das correntes envolvidas chegou-se á conclusão que a fornalha H2101 poderá ser substituída por dois permutadores, reduzindo desta forma os consumos energéticos. Pois a corrente de fundo da coluna T2003 com uma potência calorífica 2,79 Gcal/h poderá permutar calor com a corrente da mistura asfalto com propano, fazendo com que esta atinja temperatura superior à obtida com a fornalha em funcionamento. A análise económica ao consumo e respectivo custo do fuelóleo na fornalha para o período de um ano foi realizada, sendo o seu custo de combustível de 611.396,00 €. O valor da aquisição dos permutadores é 86.355,97€, sendo rentável a alteração proposta neste projecto.

Integration of e-learning systems with repositories of learning objects

This paper describes a communication model to integrate repositories of programming problems with other e-Learning software components. The motivation for this work comes from the EduJudge project that aims to connect an existing repository of programming problems to learning management systems. When trying to use the existing repositories of learning objects we realized that they are mainly specialized search engines and lack features for integration with other e-Learning systems. With this model we intend to clarify the main features of a programming problem repository, in order to enable the design and development of software components that use it. The two main points of this model are the definition of programming problems as learning objects and the definition of the core functions exposed by the repository. In both cases, this model follows the existing specifications of the IMS standard and proposes extensions to deal with the special requirements of automatic evaluation and grading of programming exercises. In the definition of programming problems as learning objects we introduced a new schema for meta-data. This schema is used to represent meta-data related to automatic evaluation that cannot be conveniently represented using the standard: the type of automatic evaluation; the requirements of the evaluation engine; or the roles of different assets - tests cases, program solutions, etc. In the definition of the core functions we used two different web services flavours - SOAP and REST - and described each function as an operation for each type of interface. We describe also the data types of the arguments of each operation. These data types consist mainly on learning objects and their identifications, but include also usage reports and queries using XQuery.

Integration of repositories in Moodle

Current Learning Management Systems focus on the management of students, keeping track of their progress across all types of training activities. This type of systems lacks integration with other e-Learning systems. For instance, learning objects stored in a centralized repository are unavailable throughout an organization for potential reuse. In this paper we present the interoperability features of crimsonHex - a service oriented repository of learning objects - highlighting the use of XML languages. Its nteroperability features are compliant with the existing standards and we propose extensions to the IMS interoperability recommendation, adding new functions, formalizing an XML message interchange and providing also a REST interface. To validate the proposed extensions and its implementation in crimsonHex we designed two repository plugins for Moodle 2.0, the first of which is already implemented and is expected to be included in the next release of this popular learning management system.

Using the learning tools interoperability framework for LMS integration in service oriented architectures

The LMS plays an indisputable role in the majority of the eLearning environments. This eLearning system type is often used for presenting, solving and grading simple exercises. However, exercises from complex domains, such as computer programming, require heterogeneous systems such as evaluation engines, learning objects repositories and exercise resolution environments. The coordination of networks of such disparate systems is rather complex. This work presents a standard approach for the coordination of a network of eLearning systems supporting the resolution of exercises. The proposed approach use a pivot component embedded in the LMS with two roles: provide an exercise resolution environment and coordinate the communication between the LMS and other systems exposing their functions as web services. The integration of the pivot component with the LMS relies on the Learning Tools Interoperability. The validation of this approach is made through the integration of the component with LMSs from two vendors.

Integration of e-portfolios in learning management systems

The LMS plays a decisive role in most eLearning environments. Although they integrate many useful tools for managing eLearning activities, they must also be effectively integrated with other specialized systems typically found in an educational environment such as Repositories of Learning Objects or ePortfolio Systems. Both types of systems evolved separately but in recent years the trend is to combine them, allowing the LMS to benefit from using the ePortfolio assessment features. This paper details the most common strategies for integrating an ePortfolio system into an LMS: the data, the API and the tool integration strategies. It presents a comparative study of strategies based on the technical skills, degree of coupling, security features, batch integration, development effort, status and standardization. This study is validated through the integration of two of the most representative systems on each category - respectively Mahara and Moodle.

The European Project Semester at ISEP: Learning to Learn Engineering

The European Project Semester at ISEP (EPS@ISEP) is a one semester project-based learning programme addressed to engineering students from diverse scientific backgrounds and nationalities. The students, organized in multicultural teams, are challenged to solve real world multidisciplinary problems, accounting for 30 ECTU. The EPS package, although focused on project development (20 ECTU), includes a series of complementary seminars aimed at fostering soft, project-related and engineering transversal skills (10 ECTU). This paper presents the study plan, resources, operation and results of the EPS@ISEP that was created in 2011 to apply the best engineering education practices and promote the internationalization of ISEP. The results show that the EPS@ISEP students acquire during one semester the scientific, technical and soft competences necessary to propose, design and implement a solution for a multidisciplinary problem.

A política agrícola comum (PAC) e o comércio internacional - estudo econométrico do efeito da PAC sobre as exportações agrícolas portuguesas para a União Europeia (1975-2012)

Dissertação apresentada ao Instituto Superior de Contabilidade e Administração do Porto para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Empreendedorismo e Internacionalização Orientadora: Professora Doutora Maria Clara Ribeiro Coorientadora: Mestre Maria Luísa Verdelho Alves

The European Project Semester at ISEP: the challenge of educating global engineers

Current engineering education challenges require approaches that promote scientific, technical, design and complementary skills while fostering autonomy, innovation and responsibility. The European Project Semester (EPS) at Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP) (EPS@ISEP) is a one semester project-based learning programme (30 European Credit Transfer Units (ECTU)) for engineering students from diverse scientific backgrounds and nationalities that intends to address these goals. The students, organised in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, are challenged to solve real multidisciplinary problems during one semester. The EPS package, although on project development (20 ECTU), includes a series of complementary seminars aimed at fostering soft, project-related and engineering transversal skills (10 ECTU). Hence, the students enrolled in this programme improve their transversal skills and learn, together and with the team of supervisors, subjects distinct from their core training. This paper presents the structure, implementation and results of the EPS@ISEP that was created in 2011 to apply the best engineering practices and promote internationalisation and engineering education innovation at ISEP.

Convergence to the European Energy Policy in European countries: case studies and comparison

Purpose – Our paper aims at analyzing how different European countries cope with the European Energy Policy, which proposes a set of measures (free energy market, smart meters, energy certificates) to improve energy utilization and management in Europe. Design/methodology/approach – The paper first reports the general vision, regulations and goals set up by Europe to implement the European Energy Policy. Later on, it performs an analysis of how some European countries are coping with the goals, with financial, legal, economical and regulatory measures. Finally, the paper draws a comparison between the countries to present a view on how Europe is responding to the emerging energy emergency of the modern world. Findings – Our analysis on different use cases (countries) showed that European countries are converging to a common energy policy, even though some countries appear to be later than others In particular, Southern European countries were slowed down by the world financial and economical crisis. Still, it appears that contingency plans were put into action, and Europe as a whole is proceeding steadily towards the common vision. Research limitations/implications – European countries are applying yet more cuts to financing green technologies, and it is not possible to predict clearly how each country will evolve its support to the European energy policy. Practical implications – Different countries applied the concepts and measures in different ways. The implementation of the European energy policy has to cope with the resulting plethora of regulations, and a company proposing enhancement regarding energy management still has to possess robust knowledge of the single country, before being able to export experience and know-how between European countries. Originality/Value – Even though a few surveys on energy measures in Europe are already part of the state-of-the-art, organic analysis diagonal to the different topics of the European Energy Policy is missing. Moreover, this paper highlights how European countries are converging on a common view, and provides some details on the differences between the countries, thus facilitating parties interesting into cross-country export of experience and technology for energy management.

Lean and quality management integration: improvement program implementation in a service company

Lean Thinking is an important pillar in the success of any program of continuous improvement process. Its tools are useful means in the analysis, control and organization of important data for correct decision making in organizations. This project had as main objective the design of a program of quality improvement in Eurico Ferreira, S.A., based on the evaluation of customer satisfaction and the implementation of 5S. Subsequently, we have selected which business area of the company to address. After the selection, there was an initial diagnostic procedure, identifying the various points of improvement to which some tools of Lean Thinking have been applied, in particular Value Stream Mapping and 5S methodology. With the first, we were able to map the current state of the process in which all stakeholders were represented as well as the flow of materials and information throughout the process. The 5S methodology allowed to act on the wastage, identifying and implementing various process improvements.

Personal learning environments: integration of Web 2.0 applications and content management systems

This paper presents an ongoing project that implements a platform for creating personal learning environments controlled by students, integrating Web 2.0 applications and content management systems, enabling the safe use of content created in Web 2.0 applications, allowing its publication in the infrastructure controlled by the HEI. Using this platform, students can develop their personal learning environment (PLE) integrated with the Learning Management System (LMS) of the HEI, enabling the management of their learning and, simultaneously, creating their e-portfolio with digital content developed for Course Units (CU). All this can be maintained after the student completes his academic studies, since the platform will remain accessible to students even after they leave the HEI and lose access to its infrastructure. The platform will enable the safe use of content created in Web 2.0 applications, allowing its protected publication in the infrastructure controlled by HEI, thus contributing to the adaptation of the L&T paradigm to the Bologna process.

Estudo da importância do transporte ferroviário de mercadorias no Eixo Leixões- Salamanca

A evolução dos transportes de mercadorias, em Portugal e na União Europeia, assume uma enorme repercussão na economia global, de modo que a combinação dos vários modos de transporte, com vista à obtenção de ganhos ao nível da eficiência, adquire extrema importância. Os programas europeus de apoio aos transportes, enquadrados na rede transeuropeia de transportes e plataformas logísticas, também contribuem para a otimização do transporte de mercadorias. A importância do transporte ferroviário de mercadorias no eixo Leixões- Salamanca, nomeadamente para as empresas exportadoras e importadoras da região norte e centro, que utilizam meios alternativos ao ferroviário, constitui o principal objetivo desta dissertação. A revisão bibliográfica inclui uma abordagem aos transportes de mercadorias em geral e de forma mais aprofundada aos modos ferroviário e rodoviário na península ibérica, passando pela logística, bem como pela integração de modos: intermodalidade e multimodalidade na rede europeia de transportes e ainda a referência aos portos secos e às plataformas logísticas. Isto permite caraterizar as diferentes empresas operadoras do setor dos transportes de mercadorias e os produtos transacionados, assim como enumerar vantagens e/ou desvantagens do meio de transporte ferroviário face a outros meios, mais concretamente no eixo alvo deste estudo. A metodologia utilizada consiste na análise de informação proveniente de fontes secundárias havendo lugar a uma referência mais detalhada sobre as plataformas logísticas de Leixões e Salamanca, o eixo E-80, o corredor ferroviário nº4 e os programas europeus promotores da eficiência no transporte ferroviário de mercadorias: Marathon, Ferremed e Marco Polo. Para a recolha de informação primária o instrumento adotado foi a entrevista semiestruturada, efetuada a dois representantes da empresa CP-Carga e a um representante da empresa KLog, ambas as empresas ligadas ao setor dos transportes e logística. A análise e tratamento de toda a informação recolhida possibilitam, desde logo, evidenciar as potencialidades do eixo Leixões-Salamanca no que se refere ao transporte ferroviário de mercadorias, delinear recomendações para a sua otimização, bem como efetuar uma análise SWOT. As considerações finais revelam que é imperativo adotar medidas, de forma integrada, para que o seu efeito na potenciação do transporte ferroviário de mercadorias, não só no eixo Leixões-Salamanca, mas também a nível europeu, se afirme como uma verdadeira alternativa a outros modos, particularmente ao domínio rodoviário.

Reabilitação energética de edifícios

A reabilitação é uma intervenção que confere ao edifício uma qualidade superior à que possuía aquando da sua construção. Desta forma, e com a entrada em vigor em final de 2013 da nova legislação referente à certificação energética dos edifícios, surge novamente o interesse na temática de reabilitar energeticamente o parque habitacional. Esta nova legislação aparece na sequencia das novas exigências da Comissão Europeia e do Parlamento Europeu face às alterações climáticas e consequentemente, em relação à eficiência energética. A reabilitação energética de edifícios, visa principalmente a melhoria das condições de conforto térmico, a redução dos consumos energéticos com aquecimento, arrefecimento e as águas quentes sanitárias. Tais melhorias são alcançáveis com intervenções que se foquem na envolvente dos edifícios, com a aplicação de sistemas de alta eficiência para o aquecimento, arrefecimento, iluminação e águas quentes sanitárias e com a integração de fontes de energias renováveis. Assim é possível alcançar edifícios com necessidades nulas ou quase nulas de energia, tal como exigem as metas impostas a nível europeu.

Topics regarding access to european information institutions: European Union so close and yet so far

From the 1990s, the Parliament, the Council and the European Commission adopted a new approach to disclosure of their working papers. Legal instruments to regulate and allow a fairly broad access to internal working documents of these institutions were created. European institutions also exploited the potential of Information and Communication Technologies, developing new instruments to register the documents produced and make them accessible to the public. The commitment to transparency sought to shows a more credible European government, and reduces the democratic deficit. However, the data analysis regarding access to EU institutions documents shows that general public is still far from direct contact with European bodies.

The need for information literacy skills among users of European Union information

The aim of this paper is the assessment of information literacy skills related to European topics, among a group of 234 users of 55 European Documentation Centres (EDCs), from 21 European Union Member- States. We will present the results of a survey European information. So we will analyse the answers given by the users of the EDCs relating to aspects like the best sources to access trustworthy and impartial Europe information. The factors determining access to information on the EU and the frequency of this access will equally be analysed. The reasons the users gave for the ease or difficulty in accessing European information are also included and pondered on. Parallel to this, we will evaluate the aspects most valued by the users of this kind of information. Our findings on the use of European information available on the Internet, especially the knowledge and making use of databases will be presented. Based on this analysis the paper will demonstrate the need to develop information literacy competencies to identify, use and access European information. Doing so, some potential components of information literacy skills adapted to European information will be introduced.