Scalable and efficient data processing in networked control systems

Network control systems (NCSs) are spatially distributed systems in which the communication between sensors, actuators and controllers occurs through a shared band-limited digital communication network. However, the use of a shared communication network, in contrast to using several dedicated independent connections, introduces new challenges which are even more acute in large scale and dense networked control systems. In this paper we investigate a recently introduced technique of gathering information from a dense sensor network to be used in networked control applications. Obtaining efficiently an approximate interpolation of the sensed data is exploited as offering a good tradeoff between accuracy in the measurement of the input signals and the delay to the actuation. These are important aspects to take into account for the quality of control. We introduce a variation to the state-of-the-art algorithms which we prove to perform relatively better because it takes into account the changes over time of the input signal within the process of obtaining an approximate interpolation.

Using a prioritized MAC protocol to execute the database operation join in networked embedded computer systems

Database query languages on relations (for example SQL) make it possible to join two relations. This operation is very common in desktop/server database systems but unfortunately query processing systems in networked embedded computer systems currently do not support this operation; specifically, the query processing systems TAG, TinyDB, Cougar do not support this. We show how a prioritized medium access control (MAC) protocol can be used to efficiently execute the database operation join for networked embedded computer systems where all computer nodes are in a single broadcast domain.

Personalisation of Networked Video

Following targeted advertising and product placement, TV and online media needs more personalised methods of engaging viewers by integrating advertising and informational messages into playout content, whether real-time broadcast or on-demand. Future advertising solutions need adaptivity to individuals or on-line groups to respond to the commercial requirements of clients and agencies.

Personalised placement in networked video

Personalised video can be achieved by inserting objects into a video play-out according to the viewer's profile. Content which has been authored and produced for general broadcast can take on additional commercial service features when personalised either for individual viewers or for groups of viewers participating in entertainment, training, gaming or informational activities. Although several scenarios and use-cases can be envisaged, we are focussed on the application of personalised product placement. Targeted advertising and product placement are currently garnering intense interest in the commercial networked media industries. Personalisation of product placement is a relevant and timely service for next generation online marketing and advertising and for many other revenue generating interactive services. This paper discusses the acquisition and insertion of media objects into a TV video play-out stream where the objects are determined by the profile of the viewer. The technology is based on MPEG-4 standards using object based video and MPEG-7 for metadata. No proprietary technology or protocol is proposed. To trade the objects into the video play-out, a Software-as-a-Service brokerage platform based on intelligent agent technology is adopted. Agencies, libraries and service providers are represented in a commercial negotiation to facilitate the contractual selection and usage of objects to be inserted into the video play-out.

O E-commerce e a internacionalização. O caso Bilua e-commerce

Relatório de Estágio apresentado ao Instituto de Contabilidade e Administração do Porto para a obtenção do grau de Mestre em Marketing Digital, sob orientação do Mestre Especialista António Silva Vieira

Politics, Commerce, and Colonization in Angola at the Turn of the Eighteenth Century

Dissertação apresentada para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em História Moderna e dos Descobrimentos

E-commerce for Unilver food solutions

NSBE - UNL

Empirically testing the dimensions of consumer trust in e-commerce

In the fields of marketing and general management, many are the contributions of literature relating trust and e‐commerce. Trust is perceived as an issue that concerns the consumers’ intention to purchase. As so, in this research, a path model is empirically tested in order to develop solutions for Internet vendors on how to deal with consumers and increase their trust. The path model measures how the dimensions of trust, named as competence, integrity and benevolence positively influence the overall trust of the consumers and at the same time how the sources of trust – consumer characteristics, firm characteristics, website infrastructure and interactions influence those dimensions. The data used to test the model was collected in Portugal, through 365 valid cases. Findings revealed that consumers, which have high level of overall trust, are more likely to intent to purchase online.

Comportamento do consumidor brasileiro no e-commerce

Este é um estudo sobre o perfil do e-consumidor brasileiro. Através de um enquadramento do ecommerce no Brasil e de uma pesquisa qualitativa, o trabalho busca identificar quem é este consumidor, o que ele compra, porque ele compra online, como coleta as informações necessárias para escolher um produto ou serviço, quais são os fatores determinantes da compra e quais os locais escolhidos.

E-loyalty in e-commerce: A study at GIRISSIMA.COM

Few studies have been conducted on causal antecedents for electronic loyalty regarding the online fashion industry. In Portugal there is no systematic empirical research in this area. This study aims to examine e-satisfaction and e-trust that potentially impact eloyalty. It also examines the impact of price, website design and selection of brands. A research study was performed at GIRISSIMA.COM and survey responses were 77. The findings show that e-satisfaction is the main driver of e-loyalty. E-trust, website design and price affect positively e-loyalty. Additionally, selection of brands was proved to impact e-loyalty through e-satisfaction and e-trust.

Definition, implementation and management of m.commerce apps and services

This report aims to analyse the Definition, Implementation and Management of Vodafone Portugal’s Apps and Services, so that possible ways of improvement can be suggested. To do so, Vodafone’s strategy regarding the development/ implementation of specific Apps and Services, as well as the strategy of its competitors are going to be analysed. This analysis is going to be complemented with insights from some key-persons of Vodafone’s Consumer Business Unit team in Portugal. Findings suggest that Vodafone is ahead of its competitors when it comes to developing the most innovative Apps and Services, but there is always room for improvements, especially when it comes to communication.

The Beglocal framework applied to B2C E-commerce

This case-study examined the use of the BeGloCal Framework applied to B2C E-commerce, for a fast moving consumer goods European manufacturing firm. It explains how the framework supported the team within the company to identify the right local market as to where to start the project, the problem for the company was to find the most appealing area to invest resources. By going through all the steps of the framework the findings led the company to London (Kensington and Chelsea). It shows how managers should act when they have to find a trade-off between standardization and adaptation.

A importância do profissional de relações públicas no e-commerce em Portugal

Relatório de estágio de mestrado em Ciências da Comunicação (área de especialização em Publicidade e Relações Públicas)

Histoire des plantes de la Guiane Françoise : rangées suivant la méthode sexuelle, avec plusieurs mémoires sur différens objects intéressans, relatifs à la culture & au commerce de la Guiane Françoise, & une notice des plantes de l'Isle-de-France ... /

v.1

Histoire des plantes de la Guiane Françoise : rangées suivant la méthode sexuelle, avec plusieurs mémoires sur différens objects intéressans, relatifs à la culture & au commerce de la Guiane Françoise, & une notice des plantes de l'Isle-de-France ... /

v.2