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Publications

2026

Optimizing Mobile IAB Deployment and Scheduling in Obstruction-Prone 6G Seaport Networks

Authors
Correia, PF; Coelho, A; Ricardo, M;

Publication
IEEE ACCESS

Abstract
Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) technology in cellular networks operating in the 3.x GHz band combines access and backhaul functionalities within a wireless framework, reducing dependence on fiber-based solutions and enabling cost-efficient, flexible network expansion. Deploying a mobile IAB (MIAB) in obstruction-prone environments, such as seaports, offers on-demand capacity and resilience but poses unique challenges due to severe shadowing from dense physical obstacles. This paper presents a three-dimensional, obstacle-aware model for optimal MIAB placement and scheduler selection in networks comprising user equipments (UEs) and fixed IABs (FIABs). We evaluate user and backhaul association patterns under different scheduling strategies, including Round-Robin (RR) and Weighted Round-Robin (WRR), ensuring that both MIABs and FIABs meet UE application-layer capacity demands without exceeding backhaul limits. A genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimizer is employed to explore deployment configurations under varying FIAB densities, number of UEs, and obstacles. Results show that MIAB assistance yields the greatest benefits in sparse FIAB networks and low-UE scenarios, with capacity gains reaching up to 350%. MIAB delivers the greatest added value in the presence of obstacles. In contrast, dense FIAB deployments exhibit diminishing returns from MIAB integration. Across most of the evaluated conditions, WRR outperforms RR by enabling fairer and more adaptive resource blocks (RBs) allocation. These findings provide practical guidance for targeted MIAB deployment strategies that balance infrastructure investment, environmental constraints, and scheduling policies.

2026

Interactive In-App Guidance for Healthcare Software Onboarding: A Systematic Review and Mixed-Methods Survey (Preprint)

Authors
Lopes, V; S. Mamede, H; Santos, A;

Publication

Abstract
BACKGROUND

Healthcare organizations increasingly rely on complex digital systems, but software onboarding often depends on manuals and classroom-based training that do not fit well with fast-paced clinical workflows. Interactive in-app guidance may better support learning during real work, although healthcare-specific evidence is still limited.

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize evidence on effective onboarding mechanisms for healthcare software and to explore how interactive in-app guidance compares with traditional onboarding in terms of perceived learning support, cognitive burden, and adoption-related outcomes.

METHODS

The study used a sequential design with two components: (1) a systematic literature review following Kitchenham’s procedures; and (2) a mixed-methods survey administered via Qualtrics to healthcare professionals (n = 44), complemented by a small screened subsample of IT professionals with healthcare DAP implementation experience (n = 5). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis to explain and contextualize the observed patterns.

RESULTS

The findings from both the literature review and the survey showed a consistent pattern: workflow-embedded onboarding approaches, including hands-on practice, stepwise contextual guidance, and searchable in-app support, were perceived to reduce learning friction and cognitive effort while improving confidence. Among healthcare respondents, 61% reported greater willingness to use the software after onboarding. Continued use was mainly associated with remembering how to use features, interface usability, workflow efficiency, and perceived impact on patient care. IT respondents highlighted implementation constraints related to integration, analytics, and compliance, but also perceived reductions in support burden.

CONCLUSIONS

Interactive, context-sensitive onboarding appears to be a practical strategy to support healthcare software adoption, especially because it aligns learning with real workflows. The findings support the use of workflow-embedded guidance to improve usability in context and user confidence during onboarding, while also indicating the need for stronger healthcare-specific, outcome-based evaluations of DAP-enabled approaches.

2026

Virtual production education in film curricula: Scope, methods, and pedagogies - A systematic multivocal review

Authors
Silveira, RA; Mamede, HS; Santos, A;

Publication
CONVERGENCE-THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH INTO NEW MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract
Virtual production (VP) is becoming central to film and television education, with universities offering degree programs, minors, tracks, electives, and short-term credentials. This review of 115 English-language sources, including 55 curricula from 49 higher education institutions (HEI), shows VP as a socially uneven, tool-weighted formation clustered in well-resourced Anglophone systems. Curricula overwhelmingly foreground real-time workflows, engine-driven pipelines, and stage operations over story development, audio design, and game-adjacent or interactive practices. The core tools include the Unreal Engine, motion-capture systems, and LED volumes, framed as prestige infrastructure rather than collective capacity. Programs emphasize employability, production-style blocks, and 'learning by doing real jobs', supporting industry transition but compressing experimentation, critique, and cross-cultural perspectives. Competency stacks map robust technical cores but reveal structural gaps in leadership, narrative, sound, and AI/ML literacy. The findings argue that evaluating VP education requires analyzing how programmes distribute technological and symbolic capital, organize human-machine networks, and produce learning spaces. Future research should model VP curricula as sociotechnical networks, measure AI integration maturity, test transferability, track longitudinal outcomes, map non-English ecosystems, and formalize stage pedagogy frameworks.

2026

GANs vs. Diffusion Models for Virtual Staining with the HER2match Dataset

Authors
Klöckner, P; Teixeira, J; Montezuma, D; Cardoso, JS; Horlings, HM; Oliveira, SP;

Publication
DEEP GENERATIVE MODELS, DGM4MICCAI 2025

Abstract
Virtual staining is a promising technique that uses deep generative models to recreate histological stains, providing a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional tissue chemical staining. Specifically for H&E-HER2 staining transfer, despite a rising trend in publications, the lack of sufficient public datasets has hindered progress in the topic. Additionally, it is currently unclear which model frameworks perform best for this particular task. In this paper, we introduce the HER2match dataset, the first publicly available dataset with the same breast cancer tissue sections stained with both H&E and HER2. Furthermore, we compare the performance of several Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Diffusion Models (DMs), and implement a novel Brownian Bridge Diffusion Model for H&E-HER2 translation. Our findings indicate that, overall, GANs perform better than DMs, with only the BBDM achieving comparable results. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of data alignment, as all models trained on HER2match produced vastly improved visuals compared to the widely used consecutive-slide BCI dataset. This research provides a new high-quality dataset, improving both model training and evaluation. In addition, our comparison of frameworks offers valuable guidance for researchers working on the topic.

2026

3D printing Lift-Off? The use of additive manufacturing in spacecraft components

Authors
Dalmarco, G; Mendes, RADR; Simo, AC; Avila, AMS;

Publication
ACTA ASTRONAUTICA

Abstract
Additive Manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a transformative production technology which enables complex geometries, part consolidation, and lightweight structures. Across multiple industries, AM is recognized as a strategic enabler of digital manufacturing and design optimisation. In the space sector, where mass reduction, structural performance, and functional integration are critical, AM presents significant potential. Yet its adoption remains limited. This study analyses the factors influencing AM adoption by European space organizations using an integrated Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory. A qualitative multi-case design was adopted, combining 24 interviews with industry suppliers, research organizations, and the European Space Agency, complemented by documentary analysis. Findings indicate that adoption is primarily driven by perceived relative advantage (design freedom and associated performance gains), organisational innovativeness and agency support mechanisms, while limited organisational readiness (skills and experience), agency-driven certification pressure and low visibility of flight-qualified demonstrators remain major barriers. Adoption cost plays a dual role: potential savings through mass reduction and part consolidation are offset by substantial qualification, testing and compliance efforts. Overall, the results highlight persistent misalignments between technological potential, organisational capabilities and institutional requirements that constrain the transition from prototypes to flight-qualified parts, pointing to the central role of institutional actors in qualification/standardisation and the need for firms to strengthen design-for-AM capabilities.

2026

Swarm Robotics: Definitions, Core Features and Algorithms

Authors
Gameiro, TdC; Soares, SP; Viegas, CX; Ferreira, NMF; Valente, A;

Publication

Abstract
Swarm robotics enables groups of autonomous agents to coordinate and perform tasks beyond the capabilities of individual robots. This state-of-the-art review focuses on the defining features, principles, and algorithms of swarm robotic systems, with an emphasis on recent advances. It examined classical and modern bio-inspired coordination strategies, decentralized control algorithms and hybrid approaches, highlighting their strengths, limitations and applicability to real-world deployments. Key challenges, such as scalability, robustness, adaptability and the gap between simulation and hardware implementation are analyzed.

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