Green Cork. Um caso de responsabilidade social e sustentabilidade

Neste caso de estudo apresentam-se as acções de Responsabilidade Social e Sustentabilidade das organizações envolvidas no Programa GREEN CORK, assim como alguns aspectos relacionados com marketing verde. O GREEN CORK é um Programa de Reciclagem de rolhas de cortiça que permite o financiamento de parte do Programa “CRIAR BOSQUES, CONSERVAR A BIODIVERSIDADE”, que utilizará exclusivamente árvores que constituem a nossa floresta autóctone. “ROLHAS POR QUERCUS” é a mensagem do Programa GREEN CORK.

When Corporate Governance crosses the firm borders: family firms in local productive systems

The family involvement in firms is observable is most economies around the world, although there are significant differences among these countries, not only regarding its predominance in these economies, but also in what refers to the levels of involvement of the family in business. This research aims at understanding the family-based firms’ management when compared to non family based, with particular regards to the forms of corporate governance. This analysis is based on case studies and on secondary data found in the literature to support the findings from the empirical research. The data was collected via face to face in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs from the furniture and the events organisation industries (where the family is predominantly present in the furniture but not on the events organisation industry) and with industry and regional business associations. The case studies used in this research allowed the comparison between the Portuguese firms when the family plays an important role in business and those in which the family is absent. It has been found that there are important differences in businesses in countries/industries/local productive systems in which the family is seen as a dominant institution in the society (where businesses are based on strong ties; there is a harmonious relationship between the family members; and the family is accepted locally and dominates the firm organization) and on situations in which the family plays a more marginal role in the society. In fact, the family brings special characteristics to the business, in terms of management, corporate governance, inter and intra firm relationships and succession. Our findings confirm other empirical studies’ results found in the literature. Thus, this article provides a discussion on the factors that play a role in the form of corporate governance structure in family firms highlighting the pros and cons of organising the firm around the family.

Os modelos de governance nas nonprofit organizations de actuação local: uma revisão de literatura

O crescimento do sector não lucrativo, por força da criação de novas organizações sem fins lucrativos, tem-se acentuado nos últimos anos tentando dar resposta ao serviço público que a comunidade exige e que o Estado não tem sabido dar resposta. O sector não lucrativo, ou terceiro sector, realiza funções sociais ou culturais relevantes para a sociedade sem o objectivo de produzir lucros. Em Portugal não existem, para este sector, padrões específicos para os modelos de gestão nem tipologias de informação a utilizar pelos seus stakeholders e, por isso, utilizam-se os mesmos moldes do sector empresarial, cumprindo assim a real consistência do isomorfismo mimético. Existe claramente uma diferença entre os objectivos da informação financeira e não financeira nas organizações lucrativas e nas não lucrativas, e essa destrinça tem a ver directamente com os tipos de destinatários e utilizadores da informação. A abordagem às práticas de corporate governance é uma incontornável realidade no mundo organizacional actual face ao crescente aumento das preocupações das organizações enquanto agentes económicos, sociais e políticos. A sociedade exige às organizações não lucrativas transparência e accountability da informação financeira e não financeira (Carvalho & Blanco, 2007a)) e por isso a adopção de práticas de governance pode trazer benefícios na solução de alguns problemas de gestão. Esta investigação pretende, assim, fazer uma revisão de literatura sobre os modelos de governance, numa abordagem à gestão das organizações sem fins lucrativos de âmbito local, contribuindo assim para a possível definição de um modelo de governance próprio para o sector não lucrativo português.

Corporate governance nas empresas familiares em contexto de sistemas produtivos locais

O envolvimento de famílias em empresas é observável nas economias de todo o mundo, apesar das diferenças evidentes entre países diferentes, não só no que diz respeito à sua predominância nas economia, mas também ao tipo de envolvimento que se pode observar. Esta investigação visa compreender a gestão das empresas familiares quando comparados com os das empresas não familiares, nomeadamente em termos de corporate governance. A análise é baseada em dados secundários de estudos de caso recolhidos da literatura e em dados primários obtidos para se perceber qual o impacto que a organização empresarial familiar tem na relações intra e inter-empresas. Estes estudos de caso possibilitam a oportunidade de comparar as empresas familiares em Portugal, por um lado, e nas economia Anglo-saxónicas, por outro. Este estudo demonstrou que há diferenças importantes no mundo dos negócios em países em que a família é uma instituição muito dominante na sociedade (onde o negócio é baseado em laços fortes, existe uma relação harmoniosa entre os membros da família, e a família é aceite localmente e domina a organização da empresa) e nos países onde a família desempenha um papel mais marginal n sociedade e economia. Os resultados obtidos dos dados primários confirmam a teoria e outros estudos empíricos investigados. Assim, este artigo mostra quais os factores determinantes na estrutura de corporate governance nas empresas familiares sublinhando as vantagens e desvantagens destas em comparação com empresas não familiares

Análise e melhoria de processo de pintura e vulcanização na Continental

A indústria automóvel é um dos setores mais exigentes do mercado global, por este motivo empresas como a Continental Mabor S.A, líderes de mercado, necessitam estar na linha da frente no que toca a programas de melhoria contínua e de uma gestão orientada para um crescimento rentável e sustentado. Nesta perspetiva, este estudo de dissertação tem como objetivo encontrar uma solução para a gestão de stock e FiFo (First in First out) de pneus em verde na supracitada empresa, situada em Lousado, Vila Nova de Famalicão. Este projeto de dissertação iniciou-se com uma análise e diagnóstico do processo produtivo do pneu, entre a Construção e a Vulcanização. Nesta análise, foi possível identificar vários problemas, sendo o mais crítico associado à logística interna de transporte do pneu “em curso”, de fabrico entre as fases do mesmo, Construção e Vulcanização. Devido a condicionantes estruturais e de organização, a logística interna de transporte entre estes dois sectores enfrenta estrangulamentos nos fluxos, a falta de espaço para acomodar o material em curso, problemas organizacionais de controlo e monitorização do processo produtivo, dificuldades de regulação do fluxo e localização dos carros de transporte dos pneus em verde. Face aos problemas detetados ao longo do estudo, foram analisadas várias soluções para a resolução ou minimização dos mesmos. Entre as soluções propostas salientam-se: o alargamento do sistema de transporte por tapetes rolantes GTC (Green Tire Conveying) a todos os módulos de construção. Esta solução diminui o fluxo de carros para a área da construção, descongestionando a zona próxima do sistema de carregamento automático GTAL (Green Tire Automatic Loading) na vulcanização. A implementação dum sistema Wi-Fi RFID, que permite identificar e localizar artigos em curso utilizando etiquetas inteligentes numa rede wireless, conseguindo melhorar a programação de produção e o respetivo sequenciamento. Sabendo também que a Continental se encontra numa fase de expansão, designada Projeto Route 17/20, as soluções propostas tomaram em consideração essa nova realidade futura. Assim, foram estudados e propostos novos layouts para esse atual processo. Nestes novos layouts, procurou-se uma reorganização dos processos de fabrico, bem como um redimensionamento dos espaços de parqueamento de carros de pneus verdes adequado aos volumes produtivos. De igual forma, adequou-se os espaços físicos à possível implementação de um sistema de FiFo de pneus em verde na planta fabril, quando concluída a expansão. Este trabalho de dissertação apresenta como vantagens diretas da sua implementação: gerar a menor perturbação no atual método de trabalho seguido na empresa; previsivelmente aumentar a eficiência do processo produtivo; potenciar o crescimento tecnológico programado pela empresa; e oferecer uma boa relação custo/benefício no investimento necessário. Como apreciação final, pode-se concluir que este estudo foi finalizado com sucesso, visto que as soluções propostas foram apreciadas positivamente pela Administração da Continental Mabor S.A. e estão correntemente a ser avaliadas pelo grupo.

Ecotoxicity tests using the green algae chlorella vulgaris — a useful tool in hazardous effluents management

The treatment efficiency of laboratory wastewaters was evaluated and ecotoxicity tests with Chlorella vulgaris were performed on them to assess the safety of their environmental discharge. For chemical oxygen demand wastewaters, chromium (VI), mercury (II) and silver were efficiently removedby chemical treatments.Areduction of ecotoxicitywas achieved; nevertheless, an EC50 (effective concentration that causes a 50% inhibition in the algae growth) of 1.5% (v/v) indicated still high level of ecotoxicity. For chloride determination wastewaters, an efficient reduction of chromium and silver was achieved after treatment. Regarding the reduction of ecotoxicity observed, EC50 increased from 0.059% to 0.5%, only a 0.02% concentration in the aquatic environment would guarantee no effects. Wastewaters containing phenanthroline/iron (II) complex were treated by chemical oxidation. Treatmentwas satisfactory concerning chemical parameters, although an increase in ecotoxicitywas observed (EC50 reduced from 0.31% to 0.21%). The wastes from the kinetic study of persulphate and iodide reaction were treated with sodium bisulphite until colour was removed. Although they did not reveal significant ecotoxicity, only over 1% of the untreated waste produced observable effects over algae. Therefore, ecotoxicity tests could be considered a useful tool not only in laboratory effluents treatment, as shown, but also in hazardous wastewaters management.

Green production of zero-valent iron nanoparticles using tree leaf extracts

The interest in zero-valent iron nanoparticles has been increasing significantly since the development of a green production method in which extracts from natural products or wastes are used. However, this field of application is yet poorly studied and lacks knowledge that allows the full understanding of the production and application processes. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the viability of the utilization of several tree leaves to produce extracts which are capable of reducing iron(III) in aqueous solution to form nZVIs. The quality of the extracts was evaluated concerning their antioxidant capacity. The results show that: i) dried leaves produce extracts with higher antioxidant capacities than non-dried leaves, ii) the most favorable extraction conditions (temperature, contact time, and volume:mass ratio) were identified for each leaf, iii) with the aim of developing a green, but also low-cost,method waterwas chosen as solvent, iv) the extracts can be classified in three categories according to their antioxidant capacity (expressed as Fe(II) concentration): >40 mmol L−1; 20–40 mmol L−1; and 2–10 mmol L−1; with oak, pomegranate and green tea leaves producing the richest extracts, and v) TEManalysis proves that nZVIs (d=10–20 nm) can be produced using the tree leaf extracts.

Application of green zero-valent iron nanoparticles to the remediation of soils contaminated with ibuprofen

Zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVIs) are often used in environmental remediation. Their high surface area that is associated with their high reactivity makes them an excellent agent capable of transforming/degrading contaminants in soils and waters. Due to the recent development of green methods for the production of nZVIs, the use of this material became even more attractive. However, the knowledge of its capacity to degrade distinct types of contaminants is still scarce. The present work describes the study of the application of green nZVIs to the remediation of soils contaminated with a common anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen. The main objectives of this work were to produce nZVIs using extracts of grape marc, black tea and vine leaves, to verify the degradation of ibuprofen in aqueous solutions by the nZVIs, to study the remediation process of a sandy soil contaminated with ibuprofen using the nZVIs, and to compare the experiments with other common chemical oxidants. The produced nZVIs had nanometric sizes and were able to degrade ibuprofen (54 to 66% of the initial amount) in aqueous solutions. Similar remediation efficiencies were obtained in sandy soils. In this case the remediation could be enhanced (achieving degradation efficiencies above 95%) through the complementation of the process with a catalyzed nZVI Fenton-like reaction. These results indicate that this remediation technology represents a good alternative to traditional and more aggressive technologies.

Fractional dynamics of genetic algorithms using hexagonal space tessellation

The paper formulates a genetic algorithm that evolves two types of objects in a plane. The fitness function promotes a relationship between the objects that is optimal when some kind of interface between them occurs. Furthermore, the algorithm adopts an hexagonal tessellation of the two-dimensional space for promoting an efficient method of the neighbour modelling. The genetic algorithm produces special patterns with resemblances to those revealed in percolation phenomena or in the symbiosis found in lichens. Besides the analysis of the spacial layout, a modelling of the time evolution is performed by adopting a distance measure and the modelling in the Fourier domain in the perspective of fractional calculus. The results reveal a consistent, and easy to interpret, set of model parameters for distinct operating conditions.

A preliminary idea for an 8-competitive, log2 DMAX + log2 log2 1/U asymptotic-space, interface generation algorithm for two-level hierarchical scheduling of constrained-deadline sporadic tasks on a uniprocessor

Consider a single processor and a software system. The software system comprises components and interfaces where each component has an associated interface and each component comprises a set of constrained-deadline sporadic tasks. A scheduling algorithm (called global scheduler) determines at each instant which component is active. The active component uses another scheduling algorithm (called local scheduler) to determine which task is selected for execution on the processor. The interface of a component makes certain information about a component visible to other components; the interfaces of all components are used for schedulability analysis. We address the problem of generating an interface for a component based on the tasks inside the component. We desire to (i) incur only a small loss in schedulability analysis due to the interface and (ii) ensure that the amount of space (counted in bits) of the interface is small; this is because such an interface hides as much details of the component as possible. We present an algorithm for generating such an interface.

A complex protocol layer as a linux user-space process

With the current complexity of communication protocols, implementing its layers totally in the kernel of the operating system is too cumbersome, and it does not allow use of the capabilities only available in user space processes. However, building protocols as user space processes must not impair the responsiveness of the communication. Therefore, in this paper we present a layer of a communication protocol, which, due to its complexity, was implemented in a user space process. Lower layers of the protocol are, for responsiveness issues, implemented in the kernel. This protocol was developed to support large-scale power-line communication (PLC) with timing requirements.

Space-time monitoring of prescribed burnt soils performance – an effective tool for forest management

Among the most important measures to prevent wild forest fires is the use of prescribed and controlled burning actions in order to reduce the availability of fuel mass. However, the impact of these activities on soil physical and chemical properties varies according to the type of both soil and vegetation and is not fully understood. Therefore, soil monitoring campaigns are often used to measure these impacts. In this paper we have successfully used three statistical data treatments - the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test followed by the ANOVA and the Kruskall-Wallis tests – to investigate the variability among the soil pH, soil moisture, soil organic matter and soil iron variables for different monitoring times and sampling procedures.

Optimization of River Water Quality Surveys by Multivariate Analysis of Physicochemical, Bacteriological and Ecotoxicological Data

This study aims to optimize the water quality monitoring of a polluted watercourse (Leça River, Portugal) through the principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). These statistical methodologies were applied to physicochemical, bacteriological and ecotoxicological data (with the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri and the green alga Chlorella vulgaris) obtained with the analysis of water samples monthly collected at seven monitoring sites and during five campaigns (February, May, June, August, and September 2006). The results of some variables were assigned to water quality classes according to national guidelines. Chemical and bacteriological quality data led to classify Leça River water quality as “bad” or “very bad”. PCA and CA identified monitoring sites with similar pollution pattern, giving to site 1 (located in the upstream stretch of the river) a distinct feature from all other sampling sites downstream. Ecotoxicity results corroborated this classification thus revealing differences in space and time. The present study includes not only physical, chemical and bacteriological but also ecotoxicological parameters, which broadens new perspectives in river water characterization. Moreover, the application of PCA and CA is very useful to optimize water quality monitoring networks, defining the minimum number of sites and their location. Thus, these tools can support appropriate management decisions.

Prédios inteligentes. Green buildings

Este artigo apresenta alguns dos benefícios e a aplicabilidade da automação predial e residencial, cuja denominação atual e Domótica. Esta tecnologia permite a integração dos serviços e tecnologias, aplicados a residências, escritórios, flats, apartamentos e casas com o propósito de automatizá-los buscando sempre como resultado principal um maior conforto, economia de energia eletrica, redução no consumo de recursos hídricos, segurança dos usuários e um gerenciamento mais centralizado e efetivo, integrando todas as soluções de automação. Serão apresentadas as varias classes de aplicação para a criação dos chamados “prédios inteligentes”, assim como as diversas tecnologias desenvolvidas para esta finalidade

A Green Approach for Selfish Misbehavior Detection in 802.11-Based Wireless Networks

IEEE 802.11 is one of the most well-established and widely used standard for wireless LAN. Its Medium Access control (MAC) layer assumes that the devices adhere to the standard’s rules and timers to assure fair access and sharing of the medium. However, wireless cards driver flexibility and configurability make it possible for selfish misbehaving nodes to take advantages over the other well-behaving nodes. The existence of selfish nodes degrades the QoS for the other devices in the network and may increase their energy consumption. In this paper we propose a green solution for selfish misbehavior detection in IEEE 802.11-based wireless networks. The proposed scheme works in two phases: Global phase which detects whether the network contains selfish nodes or not, and Local phase which identifies which node or nodes within the network are selfish. Usually, the network must be frequently examined for selfish nodes during its operation since any node may act selfishly. Our solution is green in the sense that it saves the network resources as it avoids wasting the nodes energy by examining all the individual nodes of being selfish when it is not necessary. The proposed detection algorithm is evaluated using extensive OPNET simulations. The results show that the Global network metric clearly indicates the existence of a selfish node while the Local nodes metric successfully identified the selfish node(s). We also provide mathematical analysis for the selfish misbehaving and derived formulas for the successful channel access probability.