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

2025

Towards a Framework for Service Quality Improvement in Startup Companies

Authors
Feversani, DP; de Castro, MV; Marcos, E; Teixeira, JG;

Publication
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 58TH HAWAII INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SYSTEM SCIENCES

Abstract
Startups are vital to the economy and the digital future and are creators of around 50% of new jobs. Some studies indicate that around 90% of startups fail in their first months, mainly because they focus on launching products or services without adequate market validation. In addition, they have little or no experience in organisational management and lack the resources to apply quality models, which hinders their ability to face the challenges of a highly volatile and competitive environment. Therefore, this paper proposes the LightStartup framework, focused on startups in the service sector. LightStartup provides a lightweight, consistent and formalised process model, a process assessment model and a maturity model based on the ISO/IEC 33000 standard. LightStartup accompanies companies in transitioning from an informal management style to a formal and long-lasting management system, covering the management of services, people, customers and organisational governance.

2025

Context-aware Rate Adaptation for Predictive Flying Networks using Contextual Bandits

Authors
Queirós, R; Kaneko, M; Fontes, H; Campos, R;

Publication
CoRR

Abstract

2025

Using nuclear observations to improve climate research and GHG emission estimates - The NuClim project

Authors
Barbosa, S; Chambers, S; Pawlak, W; Fortuniak, K; Paatero, J; Röttger, A; Röttger, S; Chen, X; Melintescu, AM; Martin, D; Kikaj, D; Wenger, A; Stanley, K; Ramos, JB; Hatakka, J; Anttila, T; Aaltonen, H; Dias, N; Silva, ME; Castro, JA; Lappalainen, K; Azevedo, E; Kulmala, M;

Publication
EPJ Nuclear Sciences and Technologies

Abstract
Project NuClim (Nuclear observations to improve Climate research and GHG emission estimates) aims to use high-quality measurements of atmospheric radon activity concentration and ambient radioactivity to advance climate science and improve radiation protection and nuclear surveillance capabilities. It is supported by new metrological capabilities developed in the EMPIR project 19ENV01 traceRadon. This work reviews the scientific objectives of project NuClim in terms of both climate science and radiological protection, and provides an overview of the NuClim field campaign and the various nuclear measurements being implemented within the scope of the project. © S. Barbosa et al., Published by EDP Sciences, 2025.

2025

PneumoNet: Artificial Intelligence Assistance for Pneumonia Detection on X-Rays

Authors
Antunes, C; Rodrigues, JMF; Cunha, A;

Publication
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL

Abstract
Pneumonia is a respiratory condition caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It manifests with symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, fever, breathing difficulties, and fatigue. Early and accurate detection is crucial for effective treatment, yet traditional diagnostic methods often fall short in reliability and speed. Chest X-rays have become widely used for detecting pneumonia; however, current approaches still struggle with achieving high accuracy and interpretability, leaving room for improvement. PneumoNet, an artificial intelligence assistant for X-ray pneumonia detection, is proposed in this work. The framework comprises (a) a new deep learning-based classification model for the detection of pneumonia, which expands on the AlexNet backbone for feature extraction in X-ray images and a new head in its final layers that is tailored for (X-ray) pneumonia classification. (b) GPT-Neo, a large language model, which is used to integrate the results and produce medical reports. The classification model is trained and evaluated on three publicly available datasets to ensure robustness and generalisability. Using multiple datasets mitigates biases from single-source data, addresses variations in patient demographics, and allows for meaningful performance comparisons with prior research. PneumoNet classifier achieves accuracy rates between 96.70% and 98.70% in those datasets.

2025

Application of Reinforcement Learning for EVs Charging Management in Low-Voltage Grids: A Case of Voltage Regulation

Authors
Fattaheian Dehkordi, S; Sampaio, G; Lehtonen, M;

Publication
2025 IEEE International Conference on Environment and Electrical Engineering and 2025 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Europe (EEEIC / I&CPS Europe)

Abstract
The rapid proliferation of uncontrolled resources poses significant voltage regulation challenges in low-voltage (LV) distribution grids. In this condition, conventional charging strategies, often based on fixed or static schedules, may lead to adverse voltage deviations under unpredictable load conditions and variable renewable generation. To address these challenges, this paper studies a hybrid deep reinforcement learning (DRL) framework based on a Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) policy network enriched by a Graph Convolution Variation (GCV) feature extractor to improve voltage regulation issues in LV grids. In addition to ensuring that electric vehicles (EVs) achieve their required state-of-charge (SoC), the framework dynamically adjusts charging rates in real time to maintain LV-grid voltage within acceptable limits. Extensive simulation results, including detailed analysis and comparisons with the static charging method, demonstrate significant improvements in voltage regulation, and enhanced overall grid performance. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of controlling EVs' charging controls in an intelligent manner to address the voltage regulation issue in low-voltage grids. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

2025

Modeling technology-enabled customer experience in running events: a service design approach

Authors
Kallitsari, Z; Theodorakis, ND; Teixeira, JG; Anastasiadou, K; Lianopoulos, Y; Tsigilis, N;

Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVENT AND FESTIVAL MANAGEMENT

Abstract
Purpose This study aims to explore how technology-enabled services influence the overall experience of participants in running events by applying a structured service design methodology. Specifically, it examined how recreational runners engage with technology-enabled services throughout the customer journey of a running event, and how the application of the MINDS method contributes to enhancing the runners' experience. Design/methodology/approach Thirty-nine running event participants were interviewed to explore their experiences. The interviews took place in Greece in 2023, across various mass-participation events from marathons to 5K city races. Using the Management and INteraction Design for Service (MINDS) method, qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Findings The study identified how recreational runners interact with technology-enabled services across the pre-, during-, and post-event stages. Using the MINDS method, participants' experiences were mapped to reveal emotional touchpoints, service gaps, and opportunities to enhance the event experience. These findings were translated into service design proposals through the MINDS method, resulting in visual outputs that illustrate how technology-enabled services could be better integrated across the event journey. Originality/value This study is among the first to examine running event experiences from the participants' perspective using a service design methodology. It also contributes to the advancement of the MINDS by introducing customer journey and emotional journey extensions, offering richer insights into how participant experiences can be optimized across the event lifecycle.

  • 20
  • 4390