Children’s Indoor Exposures to (Ultra)Fine Particles in an Urban Area: Comparison Between School and Home Environments

Due to their detrimental effects on human health, scientific interest in ultrafine particles (UFP), has been increasing but available information is far from comprehensive. Children, who represent one of the most susceptible subpopulation, spend the majority of time in schools and homes. Thus, the aim of this study is to (1) assess indoor levels of particle number concentrations (PNC) in ultrafine and fine (20–1000 nm) range at school and home environments and (2) compare indoor respective dose rates for 3- to 5-yr-old children. Indoor particle number concentrations in range of 20–1000 nm were consecutively measured during 56 d at two preschools (S1 and S2) and three homes (H1–H3) situated in Porto, Portugal. At both preschools different indoor microenvironments, such as classrooms and canteens, were evaluated. The results showed that total mean indoor PNC as determined for all indoor microenvironments were significantly higher at S1 than S2. At homes, indoor levels of PNC with means ranging between 1.09 × 104 and 1.24 × 104 particles/cm3 were 10–70% lower than total indoor means of preschools (1.32 × 104 to 1.84 × 104 particles/cm3). Nevertheless, estimated dose rates of particles were 1.3- to 2.1-fold higher at homes than preschools, mainly due to longer period of time spent at home. Daily activity patterns of 3- to 5-yr-old children significantly influenced overall dose rates of particles. Therefore, future studies focusing on health effects of airborne pollutants always need to account for children’s exposures in different microenvironments such as homes, schools, and transportation modes in order to obtain an accurate representation of children overall exposure.

A Quantitative Model for Decomposing & Assessing the Value for the Customer

The research presented in this paper proposes a novel quantitative model for decomposing and assessing the Value for the Customer. The proposed approach builds on the different dimensions of the Value Network analysis proposed by Verna Allee having as background the concept of Value for the Customer proposed by Woodall. In this context, the Value for the Customer is modelled as a relationship established between the exchanged deliverables and a combination of tangible and intangible assets projected into their endogenous or exogenous dimensions. The Value Network Analysis of the deliverables exchange enables an in-depth understanding of this frontier and the implicit modelling of co-creation scenarios. The proposed Conceptual Model for Decomposing Value for the Customer combines several concepts: from the marketing area we have the concept of Value for the Customer; from the area of intellectual capital the concept of Value Network Analysis; from the collaborative networks area we have the perspective of the enterprise life cycle and the endogenous and exogenous perspectives; at last, the proposed model is supported by a mathematical formal description that stems from the area of Multi-Criteria Decision Making. The whole concept is illustrated in the context of a case study of an enterprise in the footwear industry (Pontechem). The merits of this approach seem evident from the contact with Pontechem as it provides a structured approach for the enterprises to assess the adequacy of their value proposition to the client/customer needs and how these relate to their endogenous and/or exogenous tangible or intangible assets. The proposed model, as a tool, may therefore be a useful instrument in supporting the commercialisation of new products and/or services.

O papel das organizações no crescimento, desenvolvimento e inovação do empreendedorismo em CaboVerde

A sociedade cabo-verdiana defronta-se hoje com diversos desafios à sua capacidade de assegurar um crescimento sustentável e garantir o bem-estar da população. Neste sentido, o empreendedorismo desempenha um papel crucial para o desenvolvimento do país que vem contribuindo ao longo dos anos com o aumento de inúmeros postos de trabalho. A opção pela realização de um Estágio Curricular, em detrimento das opções de realização de Dissertação ou Projeto, deveu-se ao facto de considerar esta opção como uma oportunidade de colocar em prática tudo o que aprendeu ao longo destes anos e por considerar ser um complemento importante à minha Formação Académica. O Estágio desenrolou-se na Empresa BIC – Business Incubation Center, e teve uma duração de 600 horas (aproximadamente 3 meses). A Empresa labora essencialmente na área do Empreendedorismo através de Elaboração de Planos de Negócios e Capacidade de Gestão. O objetivo deste relatório passa por transmitir uma ideia da forma como se vive o empreendedorismo em Cabo Verde e reportar o importante papel que diversas instituições têm vindo a ter na implementação do empreendedorismo em parcerias com universidades através da transformação de ideias em negócios de sucesso. Os principais resultados obtidos deste processo de estágio, estão relacionados com o contacto diário com empreendedores de várias áreas de negócio e estar sempre rodeado de pessoas qualificadas levando a que o estagiário tenha adquirido muitas competências, maturidade, experiência e responsabilidade.