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Publications

2025

Dynamic Eco-Efficiency Assessment System for Industry: An Evolving Fuzzy Multi-layer Stream Mapping

Authors
Salles, R; Mendes, J; Baptista, AJ; Moura, P;

Publication
2025 IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FUZZY SYSTEMS, FUZZ

Abstract
The evaluation of industrial process efficiency is essential for resource optimization, enabling the identification of bottlenecks, waste, and improvement opportunities while promoting the rational use of resources and enhancing the sustainability of operations. The Multi-layer Stream Mapping (MSM) method is a tool for assessing the efficiency of complex production processes, which identifies the efficiencies and inefficiencies based on reference values. However, its limitation lies in using reference values that often fail to reflect process evolution or distinct operational regimes. This work proposes a new dynamic ecoefficiency assessment methodology, the Evolving Fuzzy Multilayer Stream Mapping System (eFuMSM), based on MSM and an evolving fuzzy system, to provide dynamic reference values, allowing more accurate eco-efficiency assessments considering the process evolution and different regions of operation. The proposed eFuMSM was applied to the primary clarifier of a wastewater treatment plant, evaluating efficiency in removing total suspended solids. Results revealed that systems previously undervalued under the traditional MSM demonstrated improved efficiency when assessed using the eFuMSM system, aligning more accurately with their operational regimes.

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

An Assessment of the Sensory Function in the Maxillofacial Region: A Dual-Case Pilot Study

Authors
Aguiar, JM; da Silva, JM; Fonseca, C; Marinho, J;

Publication
SENSORS

Abstract
Trigeminal somatosensory-evoked potentials (TSEPs) provide valuable insight into neural responses to oral stimuli. This study investigates TSEP recording methods and their impact on interpreting results in clinical settings to improve the development process of neurostimulation-based therapies. The experiments and results presented here aim at identifying appropriate stimulation characteristics to design an active dental prosthesis capable of contributing to restoring the lost neurosensitive connection between the teeth and the brain. Two methods of TSEP acquisition, traditional and occluded, were used, each conducted by a different volunteer. Traditional TSEP acquisition involves stimulation at different sites with varying parameters to achieve a control base. In contrast, occluded TSEPs examine responses acquired under low- and high-force bite conditions to assess the influence of periodontal mechanoreceptors and muscle activation on measurements. Traditional TSEPs demonstrated methodological feasibility with satisfactory results despite a limited subject pool. However, occluded TSEPs presented challenges in interpreting results, with responses deviating from expected norms, particularly under high force conditions, due to the simultaneous occurrence of stimulation and dental occlusion. While traditional TSEPs highlight methodological feasibility, the occluded approach highlights complexities in outcome interpretation and urges caution in clinical application. Previously unreported results were achieved, which underscores the importance of conducting further research with larger sample sizes and refined protocols in order to strengthen the reliability and validity of TSEP assessments.

2025

Efficient Instance Selection in Tree-Based Models for Data Streams Classification

Authors
Paim, AM; Gama, J; Veloso, B; Enembreck, F; Ribeiro, RP;

Publication
40TH ANNUAL ACM SYMPOSIUM ON APPLIED COMPUTING

Abstract
The learning from continuous data streams is a relevant area within machine learning, focusing on the creation and updating of predictive models in real time as new data becomes available for training and prediction. Among the most widely used methods for this type of task, Hoeffding Trees are highly valued for their simplicity and robustness across a variety of applications and are considered the primary choice for generating decision trees in data stream contexts. However, Hoeffding Trees tend to continuously expand as new data is incorporated, resulting in increased processing time and memory consumption, often without providing significant gains in accuracy. In this study, we propose an instance selection scheme that combines different strategies to regularize Hoeffding Trees and their variants, mitigating excessive growth without compromising model accuracy. The method selects misclassified instances and a fraction of correctly classified instances during the training phase. After extensive experimental evaluation, the instance selection scheme demonstrates superior predictive performance compared to the original models (without selection), for both real and synthetic datasets for data streams, using a reduced subset of examples. Additionally, the method achieves relevant improvements in processing time, model complexity, and memory consumption, highlighting the effectiveness of the proposed instance selection scheme.

2025

Critical success factors in remote project teams

Authors
Leite, MT; Duarte, N;

Publication
TEAM PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Abstract
PurposeThis paper aims to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) for managing remote project teams (RPT) within project environments. In other words, it focuses on identifying the crucial elements for the success of projects executed by RPT.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory mixed-method was used combining a case study approach with the application of surveys. Document analysis and direct observation were also applied. The analyzed company is a well-known project-based company acting in the coffee industry and is justified due to its multilocation and multicultural perspectives.FindingsThrough an initial literature review, 93 CSFs were identified and then organized into 7 categories. The subsequent phase involved the relevance evaluation of the identified CSFs through surveys conducted in an international company. The first results analysis identified 20 CSFs. A deeper analysis identified the most relevant factors for each category (Project Managers, 33 factors; Team Leaders, 15; and Team Members, 29). Combining these results, 11 CSFs were identified.Originality/valueWith the trend of remote work that is being kept after the pandemic, this study contributes to identify the most relevant issues that must be taken into account in managing remote teams. By identifying those issues, or CSFs, managers and team members might focus on the most relevant factors.

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