2024
Authors
Qbilat, M; Netto, A; Paredes, H; Mota, T; de Carvalho, F; Mendonça, J; Nitti, V;
Publication
2024 IEEE 12TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SERIOUS GAMES AND APPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH, SEGAH 2024
Abstract
This paper presents a usability evaluation of a companion application for managing older adults' physical activity sessions in an immersive multiuser virtual environment. The companion application was designed to facilitate the trainer ' s role and enhance the overall user experience in the virtual multiuser environment. Four trainers were recruited to participate in the study, they performed two tasks to prepare and manage training sessions with older adults using the companion application. Researchers used an open-ended questionnaire to interview the participants. The results revealed a high satisfaction and appreciation for the application features used to prepare and manage the training sessions. Participants found the application useful and intuitive, and they also recommended a list of future desirable features related to the application ' s feedback and help mechanisms, as well as its content. In addition to the necessity to provide mobile and tablet versions of the application. A few usability problems were detected related to information presentation and navigation. The future design of the companion application will consider all the detected usability problems and desired features.
2024
Authors
Santos, R; Baeza, R; Filipe, VM; Renna, F; Paredes, H; Pedrosa, J;
Publication
2024 IEEE 22nd Mediterranean Electrotechnical Conference, MELECON 2024
Abstract
Coronary artery calcium is a good indicator of coronary artery disease and can be used for cardiovascular risk stratification. Over the years, different deep learning approaches have been proposed to automatically segment coronary calcifications in computed tomography scans and measure their extent through calcium scores. However, most methodologies have focused on using 2D architectures which neglect most of the information present in those scans. In this work, we use a 3D convolutional neural network capable of leveraging the 3D nature of computed tomography scans and including more context in the segmentation process. In addition, the selected network is lightweight, which means that we can have 3D convolutions while having low memory requirements.Our results show that the predictions of the model, trained on the COCA dataset, are close to the ground truth for the majority of the patients in the test set obtaining a Dice score of 0.90±0.16 and a Cohen's linearly weighted kappa of 0.88 in Agatston score risk categorization. In conclusion, our approach shows promise in the tasks of segmenting coronary artery calcifications and predicting calcium scores with the objectives of optimizing clinical workflow and performing cardiovascular risk stratification. © 2024 IEEE.
2024
Authors
Paulino, D; Netto, AT; Brito, WA; Paredes, H;
Publication
Abstract
2024
Authors
Bria, MMS; Goncalves, R; Martins, J; Serodio, C; Branco, F;
Publication
GOOD PRACTICES AND NEW PERSPECTIVES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES, VOL 3, WORLDCIST 2024
Abstract
The dowry payment system is used in the cultural context and tradition of certain financial transactions related to marriages and engagement. However, disputes, fraud, and financial gaps in exploitation occur in these systems, which affect user confidence. This study uses an exploratory approach to identify the main weaknesses of current traditional dowry payment systems and analyses the benefits that blockchain technology and smart contracts can provide. The proposed data security framework combines blockchain security features such as decentralisation, cryptography, and automatic verification through smart contracts to ensure the integrity and reliability of dowry payment transactions. In this study, we adopt the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology to propose producing and developing artefacts that support solving problems in the existing dowry payment system more efficiently. We will disseminate new ideas or concepts developed to indigenous communities in Timor-Leste using the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) frameworks to ensure that the technological framework developed can be used safely and efficiently.
2024
Authors
Soares, RP; Goncalves, R; Briga-Sa, A; Martins, J; Branco, F;
Publication
GOOD PRACTICES AND NEW PERSPECTIVES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES, VOL 3, WORLDCIST 2024
Abstract
Education is vital in fostering economic growth and societal development, particularly in developing countries like Timor-Leste. As technology has revolutionised education in the digital transformation era, the concept of a smart university, driven by advanced technologies and data analytics, has gained prominence globally. Timor-Leste, amid its progress in institutional structures and public infrastructure, is also exploring integrating smart technologies in higher education. This underscores a commitment of The East Timor National Education Strategic Plan (NESP) 2011-2030 to meet national and international standards, positioning the country at the forefront of educational innovation. This study aims to assess the feasibility of implementing a Smart University in Timor-Leste to evaluate the readiness of the country to embrace digital technologies and integrate them into higher education practices. The research employs a Design Science Research methodology where qualitative and quantitative data are gathered through interviews, surveys, and document analysis. Design artefacts, including system architecture and an evaluation framework, are developed to comprehensively understand the technological and informatics aspects of implementing a Smart University in Timor-Leste. The findings will contribute to decision-making and inform the implementation plan, offering valuable insights into stakeholders' perspectives and perceptions, and will support the advancement of the educational landscape in Timor Leste by integrating smart technologies and innovative practices in higher education.
2024
Authors
Beck, D; Morgado, L; O'Shea, P;
Publication
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES
Abstract
The educational metaverse promises fulfilling ambitions of immersive learning, leveraging technology-based presence alongside narrative and/or challenge-based deep mental absorption. Most reviews of immersive learning research were outcomes-focused, few considered the educational practices and strategies. These are necessary to provide theoretical and pedagogical frameworks to situate outcomes within a context where technology is in concert with educational approaches. We sought a broader perspective of the practices and strategies used in immersive learning environments, and conducted a mapping survey of reviews, identifying 47 studies. Extracted accounts of educational practices and strategies under thematic analysis yielded 45 strategies and 21 practices, visualized as a network clustered by conceptual proximity. Resulting clusters Active context, Collaboration, Engagement and Scaffolding, Presence, and Real and virtual multimedia learning expose the richness of practices and strategies within the field. The visualization maps the field, supporting decision-making when combining practices and strategies for using the metaverse in education, highlights which practices and strategies are supported by the literature, and the presence and absence of diversity within clusters.
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