Cookies Policy
The website need some cookies and similar means to function. If you permit us, we will use those means to collect data on your visits for aggregated statistics to improve our service. Find out More
Accept Reject
  • Menu
Publications

Publications by CEGI

2024

Impacts of Brazilian Green Coffee Production and Its Logistical Corridors on the International Coffee Market

Authors
Correia, PFD; dos Reis, JGM; Amorim, PS; Costa, JSD; da Silva, MT;

Publication
LOGISTICS-BASEL

Abstract
Background: The coffee industry is one of the most important world supply chains, with an estimated consumption of two billion cups daily, making it the most consumed beverage worldwide. Coffee beans are primarily grown in tropical countries, with Brazil accounting for almost 50% of the production. The objective of this study is to examine the Brazilian trade between 2018 and 2022, focusing on state producers, logistical corridors, and importer countries. Methods: The methodology approach revolves around a quantitative method using Social Network Analysis measures. Results: The results reveal a massive concentration in local production (99.5%-Minas Gerais), port movements (99.9%-Santos, Itaguai, and Rio de Janeiro), and country buyers (80.9%-the United States, United Kingdon, and Japan). Conclusions: The study concludes that the Brazilian green coffee supply chain relies on a fragile and overloaded logistical network. Due to that, this study indicates that the stakeholders and decision-makers involved must consider this high concentration of production in some areas and companies. They must also address the bottlenecks in logistical corridors and the fierce competition involved in acquiring and processing Brazilian coffee production because these factors can drastically affect the revenue of the companies operating in this sector.

2024

Performance evaluation and benchmarking to inform dispatching rules for hydropower plants

Authors
Barbosa, F; Casacio, L; Bacalhau, ET; Leitao, A; Guimaraes, L;

Publication
UTILITIES POLICY

Abstract
Hydropower currently generates more than all other renewable energies combined. Considering the challenges of climate change and the transition to green energy, it is expected to remain the world's largest source of renewable electricity generation. This paper proposes a tool for performance evaluation and benchmarking of hydropower generation to inform dispatching. Through them, strengths and weaknesses of asset operations can be set, identifying areas with the best performance, gathering insights from their strategies and best practices, and comprehending factors that lead to variations in performance levels. The results allow for optimising energy resource use by indicating the dispatching rules with maximum power production and minimum wearand-tear impact. This framework allows the formulation of practical guidelines for dispatching policies. The proposed methodology is applied to analyse two real-world case studies: the Vogelgr & uuml;n run of river hydropower plant (France) and the Frades 2 pump-storage powerplant (Portugal).

2024

Gamification in Mobile Ticketing Systems: A Review

Authors
Ferreira, MC; Gouveia, D; Dias, TG;

Publication
INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES, VOL 4, WORLDCIST 2023

Abstract
This review is an analysis of the literature on public transport and mobile ticketing systems and their gamification. The review is divided into three main topics: (i) Behavioral Change in relation to Public Transport, (ii) Gamification, and (iii) Gamification in Public Transport and Mobile Ticketing. This study shows the diversity of the theme of gamification applied to the transport sector and demonstrates its potential to attract and retain more customers for more sustainable means of transport.

2024

Analyzing Quality of Service and Defining Marketing Strategies for Public Transport: The Case of Metropolitan Area of Porto

Authors
Ferreira, MC; Peralo, G; Dias, TG; Tavares, JMRS;

Publication
INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES, VOL 4, WORLDCIST 2023

Abstract
The aim of this work is to determine, based on a market research, the level of passenger satisfaction with public transport services, in order to support better marketing decisions. This survey involves dimensions such as the level of satisfaction with timetables and frequency, vehicle conditions, driver attitudes and behavior, fares and information made available to passengers. The study was applied to the case of public transport in the Porto Metropolitan Area, Portugal, and aims to help define recommendations to improve the quality of service and define more effective marketing strategies.

2024

Configurations and features of demand responsive transports

Authors
Dauer A.; Dias T.G.; de Sousa J.P.; de Athayde Prata B.;

Publication
Transportation Research Procedia

Abstract
The concept of Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) has been around for more than 40 years and is a promising mobility alternative when traditional public transport proves inadequate in terms of its effectiveness or efficiency, as is the case of low-density areas. DRT systems have a wide range of operational configurations, being highly adaptable to different contexts and environments. Therefore, the design of a DRT mobility solution can become a quite complex and challenging problem. To assist in the design of DRTs, this paper aims to present a comprehensive classification of DRT features and to identify some common design choices in different operational scenarios. The proposed classification is based on a review of reports from available literature and previous European DRT projects. In addition, an analysis of the most usual configurations for different purposes and scenarios is presented. In this research, the operational, demand, and administrative characteristics of DRTs are addressed. Demand aspects encompass features that directly influence trip demand, such as service areas, target passengers, and hours of operation. Operational features include characteristics that will affect daily operations as the type of stops, frequency of the operation, booking methodology, vehicle route, pick-up and drop-off locations, and the vehicle type used. Administrative characteristics address the relationship between consumers and the system, such as the purpose of the system, fares, visual identification of stops, and booking methods. Regarding the usual design choices, our survey shows that rural DRTs are primarily oriented to serve populations in need in low-density areas and to complement existing PT gaps, while urban DRTs are mainly viewed as a mobility alternative to fill existing PT gaps. Defining design patterns for peri-urban and multi-area DRTs presents challenges due to their transitional nature, thus combining attributes of both rural and urban systems.

2024

Citizen engagement with sustainable energy solutions- understanding the influence of perceived value on engagement behaviors

Authors
Banica, B; Patrício, L; Miguéis, V;

Publication
ENERGY POLICY

Abstract
Citizen engagement with Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) is considered essential for the current energy transition, since decarbonization requires individuals to shift from passive consumers to citizens actively involved with the energy system. However, citizen engagement research has remained peripheral and scattered, particularly in what regards the drivers of engagement behaviors. To address this challenge, this study examines how different forms of perceived value of SES (utilitarian, social, and environmental) influence different types of citizen engagement behaviors (information seeking, proactive managing, sharing feedback, helping other users, and advocating). To this end, we developed a quantitative study in the context of a H2020 EU project, with a sample of 456 citizens from the city of Alkmaar (the Netherlands). Our findings show that the utilitarian value of SES has a significant effect on all the engagement behaviors, except for sharing feedback. Social value has a significant influence on the more socially related engagement behaviors, such as sharing feedback, helping other users, and advocating. Finally, environmental value has an indirect effect on information seeking, proactive managing, and advocating, but only when mediated through awareness of consequences. The implications of this study should allow SES providers to design more relevant offerings and policymakers to develop better citizen engagement strategies.

  • 5
  • 170