2026
Authors
Pinto, G; Zolfagharnasab, MH; Teixeira, LF; Cruz, H; Cardoso, MJ; Cardoso, JS;
Publication
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND IMAGING FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT CHALLENGES IN BREAST CARE, DEEP-BREATH 2025
Abstract
3D models are crucial in predicting aesthetic outcomes in breast reconstruction, supporting personalized surgical planning, and improving patient communication. In response to this necessity, this is the first application of Radiance Fields to 3D breast reconstruction. Building on this, the work compares six SoTA 3D reconstruction models. It introduces a novel variant tailored to medical contexts: Depth-Splatfacto, designed to improve denoising and geometric consistency through pseudo-depth supervision. Additionally, we extended model training to grayscale, which enhances robustness under grayscale-only input constraints. Experiments on a breast cancer patient dataset demonstrate that Splatfacto consistently outperforms others, delivering the highest reconstruction quality (PSNR 27.11, SSIM 0.942) and the fastest training times (x1.3 faster at 200k iterations). At the same time, the depth-enhanced variant offers an efficient and stable alternative with minimal fidelity loss. The grayscale train improves speed by x1.6 with a PSNR drop of 0.70. Depth-Splatfacto further improves robustness, reducing PSNR variance by 10% and making images less blurry across test cases. These results establish a foundation for future clinical applications, supporting personalized surgical planning and improved patient-doctor communication.
2026
Authors
Martins, ASM; Valente, JMS; Schaller, JE;
Publication
INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS IN OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
Abstract
This paper considers the single machine total weighted tardiness problem. A thorough computational evaluation of new and existing dispatching rules is performed. We considered several existing heuristics and proposed new backward rules. These procedures are analyzed together for the first time and coded in the same programming language. We also created a new and much larger dataset, which allows a more detailed comparison and provides a useful benchmark for future work.We first conducted preliminary tests to determine appropriate parameter values and to choose between three versions of the new rules. These tests showed a need to use instance characteristics to make better choices. We then analyzed the heuristics and identified the non-dominated procedures, considering solution quality and computational time. One of the new backward rules is non-dominated, achieving the best solution quality. The non-dominated set allows decision-makers to choose a procedure depending on problem size and available time.
2026
Authors
Mendonça, W; Leite, M; Romeiro, O; Carvalho, F; Bonifácio, R; Monteiro, E; Pinto, G; Accioly, P; Saraiva, J;
Publication
Abstract
2026
Authors
Abdellatif, AA; Silva, S; Baltazar, E; Oliveira, B; Qiu, S; Bocus, MJ; Eder, K; Piechocki, RJ; Almeida, NT; Fontes, H;
Publication
IEEE Open J. Commun. Soc.
Abstract
2026
Authors
Belo, JFH; Soares, A; Andrade, L; Almeida, R; Oliveira, G; Araujo, J; Duarte, C; Gutfleisch, O; Skokov, K; Beckmann, B; Pfeuffer, L; Zeitler, U; Dilmieva, E;
Publication
Abstract
First-order magnetostructural transitions underpin the functionality of many magnetocaloric materials and form the basis of emerging solid-state cooling technologies. However, their time-driven response remains underexplored, despite containing intrinsic kinetic information essential for understanding and further optimizing the transformation dynamics. Here, we developed a unique experimental setup to perform simultaneous measurements of magnetization, strain, and temperature change in the benchmark Heusler-alloy Ni–Mn–In under magnetic fields up to 30 T at sweep rates of 10 T/min. By implementing a kinetic measurement protocol, we access both the field-driven and time-driven evolutions of magnetic and structural order parameters along the forward and reverse transition directions. While magnetization rapidly stabilizes after field halting, the probed strain response continues to evolve over extended timescales, indicating distinct relaxation behavior of the measured properties. Quantitative analysis using an extended Avrami–Hay model reveals a secondary diffusive contribution that is required to describe this slow strain evolution. This long-term kinetic dominance of strain also coincides with the substantial structural entropy change characteristic of the Ni–Mn–X family, relating the primary entropy contributor to the strain’s extended response. These results provide a general framework for probing coupled order parameters in first-order multifunctional materials, offering insights for the development of efficient caloric devices.
2026
Authors
Freitas, F; Zimmermann, R; Freires, G; Couto, F; Fontes, C; Soares, AL; Dalmarco, G; Rhodes, D; Gomes, J;
Publication
HYBRID HUMAN-AI COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS, PRO-VE 2025, PT I
Abstract
The integration of AI in supply chains offers opportunities to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and decision-making. However, effective implementation requires attention to both technical and socio-technical aspects. This study examines AI maturity in the pulp and paper sector using the SC-STAI profiling tool, assessing AI integration across technical, social, human, and organizational domains. Based on nine case studies from Brazil and Portugal, the research identifies key areas for improvement and highlights uneven AI adoption. Findings show that performance and resilience are most impacted, while job role adoption remains the lowest. The study emphasizes the importance of Socio-Technical AI Maturity Models in guiding responsible AI adoption and improving socio-technical alignment in supply chains, contributing to a better understanding of AI readiness in traditional industries and demonstrating the SC-STAI tool's applicability for strategic AI planning.
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