Application of geographic information system and modelling in health impact assessment for urban road mobility in Vietnam

Transport is an essential sector in modern societies. It connects economic sectors and industries. Next to its contribution to economic development and social interconnection, it also causes adverse impacts on the environment and results in health hazards. Transport is a major source of ground air pollution, especially in urban areas, and therefore contributing to the health problems, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, and physical injuries. This thesis presents the results of a health risk assessment that quantifies the mortality and the diseases associated with particulate matter pollution resulting from urban road transport in Hai Phong City, Vietnam. The focus is on the integration of modelling and GIS approaches in the exposure analysis to increase the accuracy of the assessment and to produce timely and consistent assessment results. The modelling was done to estimate traffic conditions and concentrations of particulate matters based on geo-references data. A simplified health risk assessment was also done for Ha Noi based on monitoring data that allows a comparison of the results between the two cases. The results of the case studies show that health risk assessment based on modelling data can provide a much more detail results and allows assessing health impacts of different mobility development options at micro level. The use of modeling and GIS as a common platform for the integration of different assessments (environmental, health, socio-economic, etc.) provides various strengths, especially in capitalising on the available data stored in different units and forms and allows handling large amount of data. The use of models and GIS in a health risk assessment, from a decision making point of view, can reduce the processing/waiting time while providing a view at different scales: from micro scale (sections of a city) to a macro scale. It also helps visualising the links between air quality and health outcomes which is useful discussing different development options. However, a number of improvements can be made to further advance the integration. An improved integration programme of the data will facilitate the application of integrated models in policy-making. Data on mobility survey, environmental monitoring and measuring must be standardised and legalised. Various traffic models, together with emission and dispersion models, should be tested and more attention should be given to their uncertainty and sensitivity

Creation of a web application for smart park system and parking prediction study for system integration

In the last few years, we have observed an exponential increasing of the information systems, and parking information is one more example of them. The needs of obtaining reliable and updated information of parking slots availability are very important in the goal of traffic reduction. Also parking slot prediction is a new topic that has already started to be applied. San Francisco in America and Santander in Spain are examples of such projects carried out to obtain this kind of information. The aim of this thesis is the study and evaluation of methodologies for parking slot prediction and the integration in a web application, where all kind of users will be able to know the current parking status and also future status according to parking model predictions. The source of the data is ancillary in this work but it needs to be understood anyway to understand the parking behaviour. Actually, there are many modelling techniques used for this purpose such as time series analysis, decision trees, neural networks and clustering. In this work, the author explains the best techniques at this work, analyzes the result and points out the advantages and disadvantages of each one. The model will learn the periodic and seasonal patterns of the parking status behaviour, and with this knowledge it can predict future status values given a date. The data used comes from the Smart Park Ontinyent and it is about parking occupancy status together with timestamps and it is stored in a database. After data acquisition, data analysis and pre-processing was needed for model implementations. The first test done was with the boosting ensemble classifier, employed over a set of decision trees, created with C5.0 algorithm from a set of training samples, to assign a prediction value to each object. In addition to the predictions, this work has got measurements error that indicates the reliability of the outcome predictions being correct. The second test was done using the function fitting seasonal exponential smoothing tbats model. Finally as the last test, it has been tried a model that is actually a combination of the previous two models, just to see the result of this combination. The results were quite good for all of them, having error averages of 6.2, 6.6 and 5.4 in vacancies predictions for the three models respectively. This means from a parking of 47 places a 10% average error in parking slot predictions. This result could be even better with longer data available. In order to make this kind of information visible and reachable from everyone having a device with internet connection, a web application was made for this purpose. Beside the data displaying, this application also offers different functions to improve the task of searching for parking. The new functions, apart from parking prediction, were: - Park distances from user location. It provides all the distances to user current location to the different parks in the city. - Geocoding. The service for matching a literal description or an address to a concrete location. - Geolocation. The service for positioning the user. - Parking list panel. This is not a service neither a function, is just a better visualization and better handling of the information.

Bioremediation and CO2 scavenging using molybdenum-containing enzymes

Carbon dioxide valorization, will not only help to relieve the greenhouse effect but might also allow us to transform it in value-added chemicals that will help overcoming the energy crisis. To accomplish this goal, more research that focus on sequestering CO2 and endeavors through a carbon-neutral or carbon-negative strategy is needed in order to handle with the dwindling fossil fuel supplies and their environmental impact. Formate dehydrogenases are a promising means of turning CO2 into a biofuel that will allow for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and for a significant change to the economic paramount. The main objective of this work was to assess whether a NAD+-independent molybdenum-containing formate dehydrogenase is able to catalyze the reduction of CO2 to formate. To achieve this, a molybdenum-containing formate dehydrogenase was isolated from the sulfate reducing bacteria Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 27774. Growth conditions were found that allowed for a greater cellular mass recovery and formate dehydrogenase expression. After growth trials, kinetic assays for formate oxidation and CO2 reduction were performed and kinetic parameters determined. For the formate oxidation reaction, a KM of 49 μM and a turnover constant of 146 s-1 were determined. These kinetic parameters are in agreement with those determined by Mota, et al. (2011). Finally, we found that this molybdenum-containing enzyme was able to catalyze the reduction of CO2 to formate with a turnover constant of 4.6 s-1 and a KM of 13 μM. For the first time a NAD+-independent molybdenum-containing formate dehydrogenase was found to catalyze CO2 reduction, allowing its use as a biocatalyst in energetically efficient CO2 fixation processes that can be directed towards bioremediation or as an alternative and renewable energy source. Characterizing these enzymes may lead to the development of more efficient synthetic catalysts, make them readily available and more suited for practical applications.

Seat in China

Currently, China has the biggest automobile industry in the world. China’s economic situation helped the automobile market, as the internal demand of passenger cars increased substantially in the last years. Chinese automobile industry’s astonishing expansion over the past years has attracted many foreign automobile groups. SEAT decided to enter the Chinese market, following its expansion strategy to enter new markets. The purpose of this study is to analyse and understand the strategic entry of SEAT in the Chinese market, hence the choice of an explanatory case study (Yin, 2003). This study extends this analysis by examining the chines automobile market, more specifically the demand, the market segmentation and the intensity of competition, reviewing the SEAT company history, their competitive positioning and resources. I conclude that, although the Chinese market has growing potential, SEAT has failed to achieve its initial objective. The company has not been able to create a brand awareness in the Chinese market, unlike other foreign brands that have managed to accomplish that. This occurred, mostly, because of the high prices in comparison to its competitors due to additional import cost, such as import duties, transportation and distribution.

How can Impresa increase the traffic of expresso website?

This report aims at describing the project developed in the Customer Relationship Management Field Lab, under a partnership established between Nova SBE and the group IMPRESA. The major goal was to elaborate on possible initiatives to increase the traffic on the website of Expresso, which were supported by evidences found through structured interviews and the company’s internal data. As the main findings are the increasing role of mobile devices and social media on the news’ consumption habits. These encourage an integrated improvement of the overall digital offer of Expresso, in a perspective of brand and audience development that should be a goal for the whole company.

Sharp's alliances in China

This report presents a case study to be used in courses of negotiation in masters and executive programs. The case studies the topics of the coalitions´ formation and stability from a negotiation analysis perspective, linking it to value creation. Moreover, it illustrates the problem of western companies investing in the Chinese market. The methodology utilized was the construction of a negotiation case, inspired by a real negotiation in the Consumer Electronics industry. Its purpose is to illustrate the value creation problems in coalitions. It is concluded that by maximizing value creation, negotiating parties are more likely to obtain stable coalitions

Temperature and atmospheric pressure may be considered as predictors for the occurrence of bacillary dysentery in Guangzhou, Southern China

Introduction The control of bacillary dysentery (BD) remains a big challenge for China. Methods Negative binomial multivariable regression was used to study relationships between meteorological variables and the occurrence of BD during the period of 2006-2012. Results Each 1°C rise of temperature corresponded to an increase of 3.60% (95%CI, 3.03% to 4.18%) in the monthly number of BD cases, whereas a 1 hPa rise in atmospheric pressure corresponded to a decrease in the number of BD cases by 2.85% (95%CI = 3.34% to 2.37% decrease). Conclusions Temperature and atmospheric pressure may be considered as predictors for the occurrence of BD in Guangzhou.

Prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus: implications for cancer screening and vaccination in Henan province, China

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: To provide information for cervical cancer screening and vaccination in Henan province, China, the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) was analyzed. METHODS: The HPV genotypes were detected using gene array and flow-through hybridization. RESULTS: Overall, 38.1% (1,536/4,033) of the women were human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid (HPV DNA) positive. The prevalence of high-risk HPV types was 32.4%. HPV 16 was the most prevalent genotype (8.9%), followed by HPV 52 (5.8%) and HPV 58 (4.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The data support close surveillance of women for cervical cancer screening, and HPV prophylactic vaccines including HPV16, HPV 52, and HPV 58 might offer greater protection in this area.

O Golfo da Guiné e a segurança energética dos EUA e da China

O objetivo deste estudo centra-se na análise e na comparação do contributo do petróleo do golfo da Guiné para a segurança energética dos EUA e da China no período 1990-2000, tendo presente a afirmação recente da região africana num quadro de escassez da matéria-prima. Foram elaborados três case studies visando caracterizar as potencialidades e riscos associados à região produtora e analisar o crescente envolvimento dos EUA e da China, através da implementação de políticas públicas conducentes à obtenção dos resultados visados e mediante o reforço da exposição da vertente empresarial. Os resultados obtidos traduziram-se no reforço do abastecimento dos EUA, mantendo uma posição ímpar perante o maior fornecedor regional, a Nigéria, enquanto a China assumiu posição de crescente relevância na região e sedimentou uma relação de grande preponderância face ao outro grande produtor, Angola. A existência de nexos de causalidade entre níveis de segurança energética e o recurso a instrumentos de políticas públicas é um domínio complexo, sendo de referir que o recurso ao economic statecraft pelos EUA, não afigura hipótese fundamentada enquanto fator explicativo das performances alcançadas por este país na região.

The effect of energy and traffic light labeling on parents purchasing decisions of cereals for their children

Objective: Nutritional labeling systems are considered a tool to fight obesity since they aim to contribute for more informed food choices as well as assist consumers to make healthier nutrition options and in this manner, contribute to a decrease in the obesity rate. This study intends to analyze the effect of different types of labeling systems on parents’ purchasing decisions for their children on a specific product: breakfast cereals. More precisely, how labels affect parents’ perception of healthiness regarding cereals and if the nutritional information has an effect on intended purchases for their children. Participants and methods: We conducted a study with 135 Portuguese parents of children aged 4 to12 years. Parents answered a questionnaire with one of three hypothetical cereals menus. Menus only differed in their nutritional labeling technique: no labels (control group), reference intake labels or traffic light labels. In addition, we conducted 20 face-to-face interviews to a different group of parents in order to perform a recall task. Findings: This paper provides no evidence to suggest that energy labeling or traffic light labeling systems alone were successful in helping parents making healthy purchases of cereals for their children. Therefore, there is the need to promote supplementary policies to encourage the consumption of healthier food and help fight obesity.

The implications of mandatory low-cost fuel provision

This work studies fuel retail firms’ strategic behavior in a two-dimensional product differentiation framework. Following the mandatory provision of “low-cost” fuel we consider that capacity constraints force firms to eliminate of one the previously offered qualities. Firms play a two-stage game choosing fuel qualities from three possibilities (low-cost, medium quality and high quality fuel) and then prices having exogenous opposite locations. In the highest level of consumers’ heterogeneity, a subgame perfect Nash equilibrium exists in which firms both choose minimum quality differentiation. Consumers’ are worse off if no differentiation occurs in medium and high qualities. The effect over prices from the mandatory “low-cost” fuel law is ambiguous.

A arte têxtil bordada na China: panorâmica de uma tradição milenar

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Fundação Millennium bcp, Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda

O Elvis de Macau. Relatos de uma distopia na China

A explosão de Macau nos últimos dez anos deve-se a um conjunto de factores, que este texto procura descrever, propondo uma necessária reflexão. Depois da liberalização do jogo em 2001/2002, o Sands Macau inaugura, em 2004, como o primeiro casino da nova vaga. Em 2005, Macau é Património Mundial da Humanidade pela UNESCO. O Cotai é inicialmente um projecto da administração portuguesa como uma nova cidade para 150 000 habitantes. O Cotai Strip nasce de uma epifania de Sheldon Adelson, chairman da Las Vegas Sands Corporation, em 2003. Em 2007, o Venetian inaugura como “flagship” do Cotai Strip e, em 2011, o Galaxy amplia a dimensão delirante da arquitectura do jogo. No pós-Portugal, a condição de Macau como espaço híbrido, colonizado, transitório, aumenta exponencialmente enquanto “Região Administrativa Especial” da República Popular da China. Macau é hoje uma distopia suave, corporizada nos casinos; uma vida subterrânea que se expressa no skyline.

A comunicação intercultural ao nível da intervenção pedagógica no ensino do português como língua estrangeira a alunos chineses na China

A globalização aproxima os povos: o mundo chinês e o mundo português nunca tiveram uma relação tão estreita como a atual. Apesar de os portugueses terem ido os primeiros ocidentais a entrar na China com a chegada de Jorge Álvares a uma ilha chinesa, em 1513, e os últimos ocidentais a deixar o governo de um território chinês, com a transferência da administração portuguesa de Macau para a China a 20 de dezembro de 1999, nunca haviam sido registados, nos últimos séculos, grandes contatos ou intercâmbios comerciais e culturais entre a China e Portugal e entre o mundo chinês e o mundo lusófono, em comparação com os contatos entre o mundo chinês e outros mundos ocidentais: como o inglês, o francês, o alemão e o espanhol. Os objetivos gerais desta investigação são três: 1 - Reconhecer o papel do desenvolvimento da competência omunicativa intercultural no contexto do ensino-aprendizagem do português como LE na China. 2 - Promover o desenvolvimento da competência comunicativa intercultural dos alunos chineses no processo de aprendizagem da língua portuguesa na China. 3 - Analisar os métodos pedagógicos e de integração curricular para apoiar e desenvolver um ensino mais eficaz do português como LE na China. O desenvolvimento do nosso trabalho articula-se em duas áreas científicas: Ciências da Linguagem e Ciências da Educação. A abordagem metodológica utilizada é o estudo de caso, com recolha de dados primários realizada através de questionários, entrevistas e observação participante em profundidade, que permitiu a confirmação e/ou refutação das hipóteses levantadas, privilegiando a metodologia qualitativa. Os resultados permitem estabelecer uma relação significativa, do ponto de vista pedagógico, entre a comunicação intercultural na educação e as práticas pedagógicas desenvolvidas no ensino do português como língua estrangeira na China. Contudo e de acordo com a nossa pesquisa, o maior problema que impede as práticas pedagógicas para desenvolver as competências comunicativas no ensino, é a falta de materiais didáticos com estrutura para elaborar um programa de atividades coerentes e complementares nas aulas.

Fuel switching

The present Master dissertation is a project whose main objective is to identify value creation opportunities through fuel switching in the Portuguese industry, services, agriculture and fishing sectors. Fuel switching opportunities are characterized by type of fuel transition, type of technology transition, economy subsectors prone to have fuel switching and value created through fuel shift. Results suggest tomato concentrate, dairy, beer manufacturing and sugar refining subsectors is where prevalence of fuel oil steam boilers is high, for such cases conversion to natural gas steam boilers should result in operations having a ratio of NPV over CAPEX larger than ten and a payback period just under one year. Results further suggest food, beverages, textile, chemicals and wood subsectors currently operate between ten and twenty cogeneration Diesel engines that can be either modified to operate with natural gas or replaced by new natural gas cogeneration systems. Financial modeling indicates that both options have great value creation potential. The current analysis aims to be used by natural gas suppliers and energy project promoters to identify new potential deals as well as by heavy energy consumers to mitigate their energy related costs.