Clustering of Territorial Areas: A Multicriteria Districting problem

The success of regional development policies depends on the homogeneity of the territorial units. This paper aims to propose a framework for obtaining homogenous territorial clusters based on a Pareto frontier considering multiple criteria related to territories��� endogenous resources, economic profile and socio-cultural features. This framework is developed in two phases. First, the criteria correlated with development at the territorial unit level are determined through statistical and econometric methods. Then, a multi-criteria approach is developed to allocate each territorial unit (parishes) to a territorial agglomerate, according to the Pareto frontier established.

SISTEMA DE INFORMACI��N GEOGR��FICA PARA LA GESTI��N DE RECURSOS H��DRICOS

Este art��culo describe la puesta en funcionamiento de una herramienta de informaci��n geogr��fica para la gesti��n y planificaci��n de recursos h��dricos de Catalu��a desarrollada mediante plataformas OpenSource. Esta herramienta ha de permitir responder a sucesos extremos como la sequ��a, facilitando de manera intuitiva y r��pida elementos de�� evaluaci��n y toma de decisiones. Este Sistema de Informaci��n Geogr��fica (SIG) de gesti��n de los recursos h��dricos se ha�� desarrollado para obtener resultados a medida del cliente. Su interfaz ��gil y sencilla, su capacidad multiusuario, su alto�� rendimiento y escalabilidad y la ausencia de costes de licencia hacen que, con una inversi��n limitada, se obtenga una amortizaci��n muy r��pida. Cabe destacar la automatizaci��n de procesos sistem��ticos, geoprocesos y an��lisis multicriterio definidos por el cliente, que le permiten ahorrar tiempo y recursos, as�� como aumentar la productividad.Palabras clave: Sistema de Informaci��n Geogr��fica (SIG), acceso abierto, gesti��n, agua, automatizaci��nAbstractThis article describes the implementation of a geographical information tool developed on an OpenSource platform for the management and planning of water resources in Catalonia. This Geographic Information System (GIS) is designed to deliver fast and intuitive evaluation and decision making criteria in response to extreme events, such as drought. Its strong customization, user friendliness, multiuser capability, performance and scalability, together with its license-free condition, allow for an extremely fast return on investment. The embedded automation of user-defined systemic processes, geo-processes and multi-criteria analyses provide significant time and resource savings and productivity Key Words: Geographic Information System (GIS), Open Source, water supply management, automation

Development of methodologies supporting the sustainable and safe integration of offshore conventional and renewable energy production

Against a backdrop of rapidly increasing worldwide population and growing energy demand, the development of renewable energy technologies has become of primary importance in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is often technically and economically infeasible to transport discontinuous renewable electricity for long distances to the shore. Another shortcoming of non-programmable renewable power is its integration into the onshore grid without affecting the dispatching process. On the other hand, the offshore oil & gas industry is striving to reduce overall carbon footprint from onsite power generators and limiting large expenses associated to carrying electricity from remote offshore facilities. Furthermore, the increased complexity and expansion towards challenging areas of offshore hydrocarbons operations call for higher attention to safety and environmental protection issues from major accident hazards. Innovative hybrid energy systems, as Power-to-Gas (P2G), Power-to-Liquid (P2L) and Gas-to-Power (G2P) options, implemented at offshore locations, would offer the opportunity to overcome challenges of both renewable and oil & gas sectors. This study aims at the development of systematic methodologies based on proper sustainability and safety performance indicators supporting the choice of P2G, P2L and G2P hybrid energy options for offshore green projects in early design phases. An in-depth analysis of the different offshore hybrid strategies was performed. The literature reviews on existing methods proposing metrics to assess sustainability of hybrid energy systems, inherent safety of process routes in conceptual design stage and environmental protection of installations from oil and chemical accidental spills were carried out. To fill the gaps, a suite of specific decision-making methodologies was developed, based on representative multi-criteria indicators addressing technical, economic, environmental and societal aspects of alternative options. A set of five case-studies was defined, covering different offshore scenarios of concern, to provide an assessment of the effectiveness and value of the developed tools.

Bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities of 18 non-traditional tropical fruits from Brazil

The bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities of polyphenolic extracts of 18 fresh and dry native non-traditional fruits from Brazil were determined using ABTS, DDPH, FRAP and beta-carotene bleaching methods. The study provides an adaptation of these methods, along with an evaluation of the compounds related to antioxidant potential. The results show promising perspectives for the exploitation of non-traditional tropical fruit species with considerable levels of nutrients and antioxidant capacity. Although evaluation methods and results reported have not yet been sufficiently standardised, making comparisons difficult, our data add valuable information to current knowledge of the nutritional properties of tropical fruits, such as the considerable antioxidant capacity found for acerola - Malpighia emarginata and camu-camu - Myrciaria dubia (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) and for puca-preto - Mouriri pusa (all methods). (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Concepts and tools for comprehensive sustainability assessments for tourism destinations: a comparative review

This paper reviews a wide range of tools for comprehensive sustainability assessments at whole tourism destinations, covering socio-cultural, economic and environmental issues. It considers their strengths, weaknesses and site specific applicability. It is intended to facilitate their selection (and combination where necessary). Tools covered include Sustainability Indicators, Environmental Impact Assessment, Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Audits, Ecological Footprints, Multi-Criteria Analysis and Adaptive Environmental Assessment. Guidelines for evaluating their suitability for specific sites and situations are given as well as examples of their use.

Dan��ar em Portugu��s : a interdisciplinaridade entre as disciplinas Express��o Criativa e Portugu��s na Escola de Dan��a Ana Lu��sa Mendon��a no ano letivo de 2013/2014

Relat��rio Final de Est��gio apresentado �� Escola Superior de Dan��a, com vista �� obten����o do grau de Mestre em Ensino de Dan��a.

Ill-defined causes of death in Brazil: a redistribution method based on the investigation of such causes

OBJECTIVE To propose a method of redistributing ill-defined causes of death (IDCD) based on the investigation of such causes.METHODS In 2010, an evaluation of the results of investigating the causes of death classified as IDCD in accordance with chapter 18 of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) by the Mortality Information System was performed. The redistribution coefficients were calculated according to the proportional distribution of ill-defined causes reclassified after investigation in any chapter of the ICD-10, except for chapter 18, and used to redistribute the ill-defined causes not investigated and remaining by sex and age. The IDCD redistribution coefficient was compared with two usual methods of redistribution: a) Total redistribution coefficient, based on the proportional distribution of all the defined causes originally notified and b) Non-external redistribution coefficient, similar to the previous, but excluding external causes.RESULTS Of the 97,314 deaths by ill-defined causes reported in 2010, 30.3% were investigated, and 65.5% of those were reclassified as defined causes after the investigation. Endocrine diseases, mental disorders, and maternal causes had a higher representation among the reclassified ill-defined causes, contrary to infectious diseases, neoplasms, and genitourinary diseases, with higher proportions among the defined causes reported. External causes represented 9.3% of the ill-defined causes reclassified. The correction of mortality rates by the total redistribution coefficient and non-external redistribution coefficient increased the magnitude of the rates by a relatively similar factor for most causes, contrary to the IDCD redistribution coefficient that corrected the different causes of death with differentiated weights.CONCLUSIONS The proportional distribution of causes among the ill-defined causes reclassified after investigation was not similar to the original distribution of defined causes. Therefore, the redistribution of the remaining ill-defined causes based on the investigation allows for more appropriate estimates of the mortality risk due to specific causes.

Sele����o de ferramenta para avalia����o do desempenho ambiental de produtos: estudo de caso na ind��stria autom��vel

Trabalho Final de Mestrado para obten����o do grau de Mestre em Engenharia Qu��mica e Biol��gica

Group decision making for selection of an information system in a business context

The main objective of this work is to report on the development of a multi-criteria methodology to support the assessment and selection of an Information System (IS) framework in a business context. The objective is to select a technological partner that provides the engine to be the basis for the development of a customized application for shrinkage reduction on the supply chains management. Furthermore, the proposed methodology di ers from most of the ones previously proposed in the sense that 1) it provides the decision makers with a set of pre-defined criteria along with their description and suggestions on how to measure them and 2)it uses a continuous scale with two reference levels and thus no normalization of the valuations is required. The methodology here proposed is has been designed to be easy to understand and use, without a specific support of a decision making analyst.

MCDA applied to performance appraisal of short-haul truck drivers: a case study in a portuguese trucking company

Performance appraisal increasingly assumes a more important role in any organizational environment. In the trucking industry, drivers are the company's image and for this reason it is important to develop and increase their performance and commitment to the company's goals. This paper aims to create a performance appraisal model for trucking drivers, based on a multi-criteria decision aid methodology. The PROMETHEE and MMASSI methodologies were adapted using the criteria used for performance appraisal by the trucking company studied. The appraisal involved all the truck drivers, their supervisors and the company's Managing Director. The final output is a ranking of the drivers, based on their performance, for each one of the scenarios used. The results are to be used as a decision-making tool to allocate drivers to the domestic haul service.

Mapping the quality of life experience in Alfama: a case study in Lisbon, Portugal.

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geospatial Technologies.

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.

Desenvolvimento de uma framework de argumenta����o Para apoio �� tomada de decis��o ub��qua

Os Sistemas de Apoio �� Tomada de Decis��o em Grupo (SADG) surgiram com o objetivo de apoiar um conjunto de decisores no processo de tomada de decis��o. Uma das abordagens mais comuns na literatura para a implementa����o dos SADG �� a utiliza����o de Sistemas Multi-Agente (SMA). Os SMA permitem refletir com maior transpar��ncia o contexto real, tanto na representa����o que cada agente faz do decisor que representa como no formato de comunica����o utilizado. Com o crescimento das organiza����es, atualmente vive-se uma viragem no conceito de tomada de decis��o. Cada vez mais, devido a quest��es como: o estilo de vida, os mercados globais e o tipo de tecnologias dispon��veis, faz sentido falar de decis��o ub��qua. Isto significa que o decisor dever�� poder utilizar o sistema a partir de qualquer local, a qualquer altura e atrav��s dos mais variados tipos de dispositivos eletr��nicos tais como tablets, smartphones, etc. Neste trabalho �� proposto um novo modelo de argumenta����o, adaptado ao contexto da tomada de decis��o ub��qua para ser utilizado por um SMA na resolu����o de problemas multi-crit��rio. �� assumido que cada agente poder�� utilizar um estilo de comportamento que afeta o modo como esse agente interage com outros agentes em situa����es de conflito. Sendo assim, pretende-se estudar o impacto da utiliza����o de estilos de comportamento ao longo do processo da tomada de decis��o e perceber se os agentes modelados com estilos de comportamento conseguem atingir o consenso mais facilmente quando comparados com agentes que n��o apresentam nenhum estilo de comportamento. Pretende-se ainda estudar se o n��mero de argumentos trocados entre os agentes �� proporcional ao n��vel de consenso final ap��s o processo de tomada de decis��o. De forma a poder estudar as hip��teses de investiga����o desenvolveu-se um prot��tipo de um SADG, utilizando um SMA. Desenvolveu-se ainda uma framework de argumenta����o que foi adaptada ao prot��tipo desenvolvido. Os resultados obtidos permitiram validar as hip��teses definidas neste trabalho tendo-se conclu��do que os agentes modelados com estilos de comportamento conseguem na maioria das vezes atingir um consenso mais facilmente comparado com agentes que n��o apresentam nenhum estilo de comportamento e que o n��mero de argumentos trocados entre os agentes durante o processo de tomada de decis��o n��o �� proporcional ao n��vel de consenso final.

A study on reducing digital piracy: an analytical network process approach with benefits, opportunities, costs and risks analysis

Disserta����o para obten����o do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia e Gest��o Industrial

The implementation of an Enterprise Geographical Information System to support Cadastre and Expropriation activities.

The processes of mobilization of land for infrastructures of public and private domain are developed according to proper legal frameworks and systematically confronted with the impoverished national situation as regards the cadastral identification and regularization, which leads to big inefficiencies, sometimes with very negative impact to the overall effectiveness. This project report describes Ferbritas Cadastre Information System (FBSIC) project and tools, which in conjunction with other applications, allow managing the entire life-cycle of Land Acquisition and Cadastre, including support to field activities with the integration of information collected in the field, the development of multi-criteria analysis information, monitoring all information in the exploration stage, and the automated generation of outputs. The benefits are evident at the level of operational efficiency, including tools that enable process integration and standardization of procedures, facilitate analysis and quality control and maximize performance in the acquisition, maintenance and management of registration information and expropriation (expropriation projects). Therefore, the implemented system achieves levels of robustness, comprehensiveness, openness, scalability and reliability suitable for a structural platform. The resultant solution, FBSIC, is a fit-for-purpose cadastre information system rooted in the field of railway infrastructures. FBSIC integrating nature of allows: to accomplish present needs and scale to meet future services; to collect, maintain, manage and share all information in one common platform, and transform it into knowledge; to relate with other platforms; to increase accuracy and productivity of business processes related with land property management.