Francisco Ferreira
Universidade Nova de Lisboa
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Featured researches published by Francisco Ferreira.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment | 2000
Francisco Ferreira; Hugo Tente; Pedro Torres; Sérgio Cardoso; José Manuel Palma-Oliveira
The environmental decision-making process is related with the interpretation of data both in spatial and temporal dimensions. This paper presents a methodology that integrates the time-space framework of air quality data to infer the temporal pattern and spatial variability that could be interpreted for environmental decision purposes. Variograms that accommodate time and space lags were used for the analysis and proved to be effective. Its environmental meaning, in particular its relationship with traffic patterns is discussed. Data from air quality monitoring stations located in the central part of Lisbon were used in this study. It describes a strategy to identify the type of vehicles responsible for certain pollutant levels, particularly for nitrogen oxides, and discusses the application of new air quality European legislation to the city of Lisbon, Portugal.
International Journal of Environment and Pollution | 2009
Abel Martins; Mário Cerqueira; Francisco Ferreira; C. Borrego; Jorge Humberto Amorim
This paper presents an air quality study in an urban traffic hot-spot in Lisbon, Portugal, by comparing the atmospheric pollutant concentrations obtained by a numerical model with measured values. Results indicate that the mean variation of particle and gaseous concentrations followed the traffic flow rate, evidencing the occurrence of PM10 concentrations greater than the respective air quality limit. SO2 and CO results fulfil the national legislation. The performed simulations showed that current methodologies for PM10 dispersion modelling allow to obtain acceptable results on air quality assessment within complex urban areas.
Climate Policy | 2013
Patrícia Fortes; Sofia Simoes; Júlia Seixas; Denise Van Regemorter; Francisco Ferreira
Bottom-up and top-down models are used to support climate policies, to identify the options required to meet GHG abatement targets and to evaluate their economic impact. Some studies have shown that the GHG mitigation options provided by economic top-down and technological bottom-up models tend to vary. One reason for this is that these models tend to use different baseline scenarios. The bottom-up TIMES_PT and the top-down computable general equilibrium GEM-E3_PT models are examined using a common baseline scenario to calibrate them, and the extend of their different mitigation options and its relevant to domestic policy making are assessed. Three low-carbon scenarios for Portugal until 2050 are generated, each with different GHG reduction targets. Both models suggest close mitigation options and locate the largest mitigation potential to energy supply. However, the models suggest different mitigation options for the end-use sectors: GEM-E3_PT focuses more on energy efficiency, while TIMES_PT relies on decrease carbon intensity due to a shift to electricity. Although a common baseline scenario cannot be ignored, the models’ inherent characteristics are the main factor for the different outcomes, thereby highlighting different mitigation options. Policy relevance The relevance of modelling tools used to support the design of domestic climate policies is assessed by evaluating the mitigation options suggested by a bottom-up and a top-down model. The different outcomes of each model are significant for climate policy design since each suggest different mitigation options like end-use energy efficiency and the promotion of low-carbon technologies. Policy makers should carefully select the modelling tool used to support their policies. The specific modelling structures of each model make them more appropriate to address certain policy questions than others. Using both modelling approaches for policy support can therefore bring added value and result in more robust climate policy design. Although the results are specific for Portugal, the insights provided by the analysis of both models can be extended to, and used in the climate policy decisions of, other countries.
International Journal of Environment and Pollution | 2009
J. Neto; Francisco Ferreira; Pedro Torres; F. Boavida
Ozone and particulate matter levels in Southern European countries are particularly high, exceeding the established limit values, and the information and alert thresholds (in the case of ozone). Therefore, it is relevant to develop a good prediction methodology for the concentrations of these pollutants. Statistical models based on Multiple Regression (MR) analysis and classification and regression trees analysis were developed successfully. The models were applied in forecasting the average daily concentrations for particulate matter and average maximum hourly ozone levels, for next day, for the group of existing air quality monitoring stations in the Metropolitan Area of North Lisbon in Portugal.
Archive | 1998
Francisco Ferreira; Júlia Seixas; Carla Nunes; J. P. Silva
The environmental decision-making process is preceded by data analysis, which is conditioned by a specific temporal and spatial scale. This paper aims to present a methodology that integrates the time-space framework of air quality data to infer the temporal pattern and spatial variability that could be interpreted for environmental decision purposes. Variograms that accommodate time and space lags were used for the analysis and proved to be effective. Temporal and spatial trends were found for data collected on an hourly and daily basis and its environmental meaning is discussed. Visualization of spatial patches of air pollution in Lisbon during a working day is performed through the use of an image processing technique, named morphing.
International Journal of Environment and Pollution | 2009
Joana Monjardino; Francisco Ferreira; Sandra Mesquita; Ana Teresa Perez; Dilia Jardim
According to the Council Decision 97/101/EC on Exchange of Information, stations should be classified in relation to the type of area where they are located and according to the type of dominant emission sources influencing the air pollutant concentrations at the station. A detailed methodology was developed for the validation of the classification of Portuguese air quality monitoring stations, through objective criteria to assure a harmonised interpretation of the definitions, from region to region. In relation to the criteria for area types, best results were found for the population density within a 1 km radius in the surroundings of each station. In relation to dominant emission sources, recommended criteria are pointed out based upon several pollutants concentrations.
Artificial Intelligence Review | 2007
J. Monjardino; S. Mesquita; Hugo Tente; Francisco Ferreira; P. Gomes; N. Franco
Tropospheric ozone is a pollutant of major concern in Portugal and in Europe, especially during summer and spring time. In Portugal, several studies and the analysis of air quality data series highlighted high ozone (O3) levels inland. A study was carried out to assess the rural background stations representativeness area for O3. Monitoring campaigns were performed in the summer of 2005 within five Portuguese air quality management zones where critical levels are usually reached. O3 passive samplers (148 diffusive tubes, one-week exposure) as well as a mobile monitoring station were used. In relation to spatial O3 patterns, the studied air quality stations appear to be representative of the majority of their zones. Regarding the temporal representativeness, a trend was found for higher hourly O3 correlations between sites located both on a coastal territory axis and on an inland territory axis. Thus, it seems that similar geographical, topographical and meteorological conditions are a more significant factor to define the stations area of representativeness, rather then the proximity between locations.
Archive | 1997
Júlia Seixas; Francisco Ferreira; Carla Nunes; João Pedro Silva
The environmental decision-making process is preceded by data analysis, which is conditioned by a specific temporal and spatial scale. Air quality management decisions are different from a regional to local and very local spatial frame, and from hourly or daily patterns, according to the different types of air pollution sources, different meteorological conditions and different pollutant characteristics. This paper aims to present a methodology that integrates the time-space framework of air quality data to infer the temporal pattern and spatial variability that could be interpreted for environmental decision purposes. Variograms that accommodate time and space lags were used for the analysis and proved to be effective. Temporal and spatial trends were found for data collected on an hourly and daily basis and its environmental meaning is discussed. Visualization of spatial patches of air pollution in Lisbon during a working day is performed through the use of an image processing technique, named morphing. Scientific visualization has becoming a very powerful approach to explore and understand data, mainly, spatio-temporal data.
Archive | 2018
K. S. Getvoldsen; Talib E. Butt; C. House; Francisco Ferreira
The sustainable development philosophy can be regarded as the most multi- and interdisciplinary field. On the other hand, climate change, which is relatively a new field, has yet been evolving as another significantly multi- and interdisciplinary field. Both, the sustainable development and climate change have many factors in common ranging from socio-economic to the environment. However, commonality between the two has so far been studied insufficiently. This paper is to advance knowledge in this direction, specifically considering the Climate Change Act 2008 of the UK that legally binds the country to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). By employing the UK housing sector as a case study, it is demonstrated via numerical calculations that even partly insulating the existing UK housing stock, legal targets of the Act can almost be met for that sector. Links are also drawn between climate change and sustainable development and that how addressing climate change can directly and indirectly help meeting the national sustainability agenda.
International Journal of Environment and Pollution | 2009
Pedro Torres; Francisco Ferreira; Vitor F. Gois
A methodology to estimate road transportation emissions was developed with the main objective of improving emission estimates for those pollutants that are most dependent on the vehicle class and abatement technology. Emissions were estimated with a detailed level of disaggregation allowing the evaluation of measures aiming key source groups rather than road traffic in general. Those measures include reduction of speed limits, changes in fleet age or engine capacity, introduction of new technologies, among others. The methodology is coherent with the National Emission Inventory in terms of assumptions, activity data and emission factors.