A regulatory framework for short-term stochastic maintenance outage scheduling in smart grids

The current regulatory framework for maintenance outage scheduling in distribution systems needs revision to face the challenges of future smart grids. In the smart grid context, generation units and the system operator perform new roles with different objectives, and an efficient coordination between them becomes necessary. In this paper, the distribution system operator (DSO) of a microgrid receives the proposals for shortterm (ST) planned outages from the generation and transmission side, and has to decide the final outage plans, which is mandatory for the members to follow. The framework is based on a coordination procedure between the DSO and other market players. This paper undertakes the challenge of optimization problem in a smart grid where the operator faces with uncertainty. The results show the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed regulatory framework in the modified IEEE 34- bus test system.

Differences in Mismatch Negativity (MMN) response to Pure-tone and Speech sounds in normal subjects: an additional explanation

The relation of automatic auditory discrimination, measured with MMN, with the type of stimuli has not been well established in the literature, despite its importance as an electrophysiological measure of central sound representation. In this study, MMN response was elicited by pure-tone and speech binaurally passive auditory oddball paradigm in a group of 8 normal young adult subjects at the same intensity level (75 dB SPL). The frequency difference in pure-tone oddball was 100 Hz (standard = 1 000 Hz; deviant = 1 100 Hz; same duration = 100 ms), in speech oddball (standard /ba/; deviant /pa/; same duration = 175 ms) the Portuguese phonemes are both plosive bi-labial in order to maintain a narrow frequency band. Differences were found across electrode location between speech and pure-tone stimuli. Larger MMN amplitude, duration and higher latency to speech were verified compared to pure-tone in Cz and Fz as well as significance differences in latency and amplitude between mastoids. Results suggest that speech may be processed differently than non-speech; also it may occur in a later stage due to overlapping processes since more neural resources are required to speech processing.

Differences of absorptive capacity between firms within a cluster

Firms located within a cluster have access to tacit, complex and specific local knowledge which allow them to develop competitive advantage. However, firms have no equal ability to access and to apply that knowledge, meaning that not all have a similar knowledge absorptive capacity. Using a sample of the largest Portuguese firms within a footwear cluster, this paper examine whether there are significant differences in firm’s absorptive capacity and whether such differences within a cluster are related to firms’ specific characteristics. The results suggest that absorptive capacity is significantly associated with the firms’ characteristics, namely size, export intensity and position within the cluster.

O Plano geral de contabilidade angolano e o sistema de normalização contabilística de Portugal: uma análise comparada

Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada ao Instituto de Contabilidade e Administração do Porto para a obtenção do grau de Mestre em Contabilidade e Finanças, sob orientação da Professora Doutora Ana Maria Alves Bandeira

The role of cultural mega events in the enhancement of city’s image attributes: differences between engaged and attendee participants

In a time of fierce competition between regions, an image serve as a basis to develop a strong sense of community, which fosters trust and cooperation that can be mobilized for regional growth. A positive image and reputation could be used in the promotional activities of the region benefiting all the stakeholders as a whole. Mega cultural events are frequently used to attract tourists and investments to a region, but also to enhance the city’s image. This study adopts a marketing/communication perspective of city’s image, and intends to explain how the image of the city is perceived by their residents. Specifically, we intend to compare the perceptions of residents that effectively participated in the Guimarães European Capital of Culture (ECOC) 2012 (engaged residents), and the residents that only assisted to the event (attendees). Several significant findings are reported and their implications for event managers and public policy administrators presented, along with the limitations of the study

Persistent organic pollutant levels in human visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue in obese individuals - Depot differences and dysmetabolism implications

Background: The role of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with endocrine disrupting activity in the aetiology of obesity and other metabolic dysfunctions has been recently highlighted. Adipose tissue (AT) is a common site of POPs accumulation where they can induce adverse effects on human health. Objectives: To evaluate the presence of POPs in human visceral (vAT) and subcutaneous (scAT) adipose tissue in a sample of Portuguese obese patients that underwent bariatric surgery, and assess their putative association with metabolic disruption preoperatively, as well as with subsequent body mass index (BMI) reduction. Methods: AT samples (n=189) from obese patients (BMI ≥35) were collected and the levels of 13 POPs were determined by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection (GC-ECD). Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected at the time of surgery. BMI variation was evaluated after 12 months and adipocyte size was measured in AT samples. Results: Our data confirm that POPs are pervasive in this obese population (96.3% of detection on both tissues), their abundance increasing with age (RS=0.310, p<0.01) and duration of obesity (RS=0.170, p<0.05). We observed a difference in AT depot POPs storage capability, with higher levels of ΣPOPs in vAT (213.9±204.2 compared to 155.1±147.4 ng/g of fat, p<0.001), extremely relevant when evaluating their metabolic impact. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between POP levels and the presence of metabolic syndrome components, namely dysglycaemia and hypertension, and more importantly with cardiovascular risk (RS=0.277, p<0.01), with relevance for vAT (RS=0.315, p<0.01). Finally, we observed an interesting relation of higher POP levels with lower weight loss in older patients. Conclusion: Our sample of obese subjects allowed us to highlight the importance of POPs stored in AT on the development of metabolic dysfunction in a context of obesity, shifting the focus to their metabolic effects and not only for their recognition as environmental obesogens.

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.

Audiologists’ preferences for patient-centredness: a cross-sectional questionnaire study of cross-cultural differences and similarities among professionals in Portugal, India and Iran

Objective Patient-centredness has become an important aspect of health service delivery; however, there are a limited number of studies that focus on this concept in the domain of hearing healthcare. The objective of this study was to examine and compare audiologists’ preferences for patient-centredness in Portugal, India and Iran. Design The study used a cross-sectional survey design with audiologists recruited from three different countries. Participants A total of 191 fully-completed responses were included in the analysis (55 from Portugal, 78 from India and 58 from Iran). Main outcome measure The Patient–Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS). Results PPOS mean scores suggest that audiologists have a preference for patient-centredness (ie, mean of 3.6 in a 5-point scale). However, marked differences were observed between specific PPOS items suggesting these preferences vary across clinical situations. A significant level of difference (p<0.001) was found between audiologists’ preferences for patient-centredness in three countries. Audiologists in Portugal had a greater preference for patient-centredness when compared to audiologists in India and Iran, although no significant differences were found in terms of age and duration of experience among these sample populations. Conclusions There are differences and similarities in audiologists’ preferences for patient-centredness among countries. These findings may have implications for the training of professionals and also for clinical practice in terms of optimising hearing healthcare across countries.

Avaliação do desempenho energético de uma pequena fracção de serviços existente tendo por base as metodologias regulamentares do RSECE e do RECS

A dependência energética das grandes economias mundiais, alertaram o mundo para a necessidade de mudar o comportamento relativo ao consumo de energia. O sector dos edifícios representa 40% dos consumos globais de energia na União Europeia, já no panorama nacional, o sector dos edifícios representa 28% dos consumos globais da energia, constituindo uma parte significativa no consumo global de energia, sendo portanto, essencial avaliar o desempenho energético dos edifícios, no sentido de promover a sua eficiência energética e beneficiar do grande potencial de economia de energia. Portugal à luz das linhas de orientação da União Europeia com o objectivo de instigar o aumento da eficiência energética nos edifícios, lançou o programa nacional para a eficiência energética nos Edifícios (P3E). Posteriormente, da transposição da Directiva 2002/91/CE para a ordem jurídica nacional surgiu o SCE, o RCCTE e o RSECE. Já em 2013, com a necessidade de transpor para a ordem da jurídica nacional a Directiva n.º 2010/31/EU, surge o Decreto-Lei n.º 118/2013, reunindo num só diploma o SCE, o REH e o RECS, promovendo uma revisão da legislação nacional, garantindo e promovendo a melhoria do desempenho energético dos edifícios. Através da presente dissertação, pretende-se avaliar o desempenho energético de uma pequena fracção de serviços existente tendo por base a metodologia regulamentar revogada do RSECE e a vigente metodologia regulamentar do RECS. Após apresentação dos dois regulamentos e da identificação das principais diferenças entre as duas metodologias regulamentares, procedeu-se ao enquadramento da fracção em estudo no âmbito de aplicação do RSECE e do RECS. Segundo os dois regulamentos a fracção não está sujeita a requisitos mínimos de qualidade térmica, nem a quaisquer requisitos energéticos e de eficiência dos sistemas técnicos, ao tratar-se de uma pequena fracção de serviços existente. Recorrendo ao software DesignBuilder, gerou-se o modelo da fracção em estudo, que através da simulação dinâmica multizona permitiu obter os consumos de energia anuais e a sua desagregação por utilização final. A partir dos consumos energia, determinaram-se os indicadores de eficiência energética de acordo com as duas metodologias, permitindo deste modo, proceder à classificação energética da fracção em estudo. De acordo com o RSECE a fracção em estudo obteve a classificação D, já segundo o RECS alcançou a classe C. Para aumentar a eficiência energética da fracção e consequentemente diminuir o consumo energético, foi proposto proceder à substituição das lâmpadas existentes por lâmpadas tubulares de tecnologia LED e à substituição do sistema de ventilação mecânico por um sistema de ventilação dimensionado para os novos valores de caudal de ar novo regulamentares. Com a implementação destas duas medidas a fracção em estudo melhoraria a sua classificação energética, exigindo um investimento baixo e apresentando um período de retorno de 1 ano e 5 meses. Segundo o RSECE passaria para a classe B, e aplicando a metodologia regulamentar do RECS alcançaria a classe B-.

Gender differences in internet usage habits: a case study in higher education

The usage of information and communication technologies has been growing among students and teachers. In order to improve the use of the Internet as a tool to support teaching and learning it is necessary to understand the Internet usage habits of students. Thus, a study was conducted with 1397 students from five schools of the Polytechnic of Porto. The data was collected through an online questionnaire abd was analized by age range, gender and scientific field. In this paper,gender differences are analyzed and presented in 3 dimensions: type of Internet usage, communication tools and the role of the Internet tools in education.

Differences in internet and LMS usage: a case study in higher education

The Internet plays an important role in higher education institutions where Learning Management Systems (LMS) occupies a main role in the eLearning realm. In this chapter we aim to characterize the Internet and LMS usage patterns and their role in the largest Portuguese Polytechnic Institute. The usage patterns were analyzed in two components: characterization of Internet usage and the role of Internet and LMS in education. Using a quantitative approach, the data analysis describes the differences between gender, age and scientific fields. The carried qualitative analysis allows a better understanding of students’ both motivations, opinions and suggestions of improvement. The outcome of this work is the presentation of the Portuguese students’ profile regarding Internet and LMS usage patterns. We expect that these results can be used to select the most suitable digital pedagogical processes and tools to be adopted regarding the learning process and most adequate LMS’s policies.

Os diferentes tipos de resultados nas cooperativas numa perspetiva jurídica e contabilística

As cooperativas assumem um papel fundamental na economia social portuguesa, o que justifica a necessidade de um conhecimento mais aprofundado destas entidades tanto a nível jurídico como a nível contabilístico. O principal objetivo deste estudo consiste em identificar os vários tipos de resultados nas cooperativas, compreender e caraterizar o tratamento jurídico e contabilístico dos mesmos e aferir se o normativo contabilístico em vigor permite evidenciar as especificidades daqueles. Assim, utilizando uma metodologia qualitativa, com recurso à análise de conteúdo, realizou-se um estudo de caso múltiplo. Antes, porém, procedeu-se à revisão de literatura, seletiva e seminal, sobre o estado da arte dos resultados das cooperativas em Portugal. Foram identificados três tipos de resultados, os resultados cooperativos, os resultados extracooperativos e os resultados extraordinários. O estudo mostra que o tratamento jurídico e contabilístico dos resultados cooperativos não está devidamente adequado à realidade das mesmas, por duas razões: em primeiro lugar, não são claramente identificáveis na legislação em vigor os diferentes tipos de resultados; e, em segundo lugar, constata-se que os resultados nas cooperativas têm o mesmo tratamento contabilístico que os resultados das sociedades comerciais, apesar das diferenças substanciais entre as duas formas jurídicas. Concluiu-se, então que a alteração do enquadramento contabilístico aplicável às cooperativas é pertinente e necessária no sentido de impor uma contabilização separada dos resultados cooperativos e dos resultados extracooperativos e extraordinários. Esta contabilização separada é essencial, por razões fiscais mas sobretudo para que as demonstrações financeiras apresentem a imagem verdadeira e apropriada do desempenho das cooperativas. Conclui-se, de igual modo, que existe no ordenamento português um normativo contabilístico aplicável às entidades do setor não lucrativo que seria adequado para evidenciar as especificidades das cooperativas em matéria dos resultados, dado que o modelo das demonstrações dele constante permitiria o desdobramento dos resultados por atividades.