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Publications

2025

Optimizing crowd evacuation: evaluation of strategies for safety and efficiency

Authors
Oliveira, S;

Publication
Journal of Reliable Intelligent Environments

Abstract
Predicting and controlling crowd dynamics in emergencies is one of the main objectives of simulated emergency exercises. However, during emergency exercises, there is often a lack of sense of danger by the actors involved and concerns about exposing real people to potentially dangerous environments. These problems impose limitations in running an emergency drill, harming the collection of valuable information for posterior analysis and decision-making. This work aims to mitigate these problems by using Agent Based Modelling (ABM) simulator to deepen the comprehension of human actions when exposed to a sudden variation in extensive crowded environmental conditions and how evacuation strategies affect evacuation performance. To assess the impact of the evacuation strategy employed, we propose a modified informed leader-flowing approach and compare it with common evacuation strategies in a simulated environment, replicating stadium benches with narrow corridors leading to different exit points. The objective is to determine the impact of each set of configurations and evacuation strategies and compare them against other established ones. Our experiments determined that agents following the crowd generally lead to a higher number of victims due to the rise of herding phenomena near the exits, which was significantly reduced when agents were guided towards the exit via knowing the exit beforehand or following leader agent with real-time information regarding exit location and exit current state, proving that relevant and controlled information in combination with Follow Leader strategies can be crucial in an emergency evacuation scenario with limited evacuation exit capabi and distribution. © The Author(s) 2024.

2025

Multiplatform Ecosystem for Visualizing Ocean Dynamic Formations with Virtual Choreographies: Oil Spill Case

Authors
Lacet, D; Cassola, F; Valle, A; Oliveira, M; Morgado, L;

Publication
2025 IEEE CONFERENCE ON VIRTUAL REALITY AND 3D USER INTERFACES ABSTRACTS AND WORKSHOPS, VRW

Abstract
This paper presents a solution for visualizing oil spills at sea by combining satellite data with virtual choreographies. The system enables dynamic, interactive visualization of oil slicks, reflecting their shape, movement, and interaction with environmental factors like currents and wind. High resolution geospatial data supports a multiplatform experience with aerial and underwater perspectives. This approach promotes independence, interoperability, and multiplatform compatibility in environmental disaster monitoring. The results validate virtual choreographies as effective tools for immersive exploration and analysis, offering structured data narratives beyond passive visualization especially valuable for mixed reality applications.

2025

A Case Study on Big Data Course Design and Implementation

Authors
Butkiene, R; Gudoniene, D; Vaiciukynas, E; Ceponiene, L; Rocio, VJR; Dickel, J; Virkus, S;

Publication
INFORMATION AND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES, ICIST 2024

Abstract
Innovative educational technologies, the integration of Massive Open Online Courses methodology (MOOC), Challenge-Based Learning (CBL), and Virtual Assistant methodologies in Big Data course represent a dynamic evolution in pedagogical approaches. MOOCs offer scalable access to high-quality educational content, enabling learners to engage with Big Data concepts flexibly. CBL fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills by immersing students in real-world scenarios relevant to Big Data analysis. Virtual Assistant methodologies leverage artificial intelligence to provide personalized learning experiences, enhancing student support and interactivity. This integrated approach not only cultivates a comprehensive understanding of Big Data but also prepares learners for the demands of a data-driven world. The authors are discussing the methodology and the effectiveness of the implemented course.

2025

Designing a Multi-Narrative Gamified Learning Experience

Authors
Bauer, Y; Leal, JP; Queirós, R; Swacha, J; Paiva, J;

Publication
6TH INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER PROGRAMMING EDUCATION CONFERENCE, ICPEC 2025

Abstract
The combination of storytelling and gamification in educational settings has emerged as a method to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Through an overarching narrative, course content can be connected while providing context for gamified exercises, creating a motivating and competitive learning experience. However, a narrative that resonates with one student may not interest others. The presented solution to this problem is to offer multiple narratives for students to choose from. This enables the students to engage with the material in ways that align with their interests and motivations. Yet, managing multiple narratives presents several challenges. Each narrative must cover all syllabus topics equally, and every exercise must be available across all narratives while maintaining consistent difficulty levels and learning objectives. This paper presents a systematic approach for creating gamified courses with multiple narratives. The methodology includes the development of a base course template and its narrative variations, along with transformation processes to generate exercises in the FGPE Ecosystem, namely AuthorKit and FGPE PLE. The final output is a single Moodle MBZ file that can be imported into Moodle, a widely adopted learning management system.

2025

Applying Large Language Models to Software Development: Enhancing Requirements, Design and Code

Authors
Santos, G; Silveira, C; Santos, V; Santos, A; Mamede, H;

Publication
NEW TRENDS IN DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, TECH ETHICS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, DITTET 2025

Abstract
This paper explores the potential of Large Language Models (LLM) to optimize various stages of the software development lifecycle, including requirements elicitation, architecture design, diagram creation, and implementation. The study is grounded in a real-world case, where development time and result quality are compared with and without LLM assistance. This research underscores the possibility of applying prompt patterns in LLM to support and enhance software development activities, focusing on a B2C digital commerce platform centered on fashion retail, designated LUNA. The methodology adopted is Design Science, which follows a practical and iterative approach. Requirements, design suggestions, and code samples are analyzed before and after the application of language models. The results indicate substantial advantages in the development process, such as improved task efficiency, faster identification of requirement gaps, and enhanced code readability. Nevertheless, challenges were observed in interpreting complex business logic. Future work should explore the integration of LLM with domain-specific ontologies and business rule engines to improve contextual accuracy in code and model generation. Additionally, refining prompt engineering strategies and combining LLM with interactive development environments could further enhance code quality, traceability, and explainability.

2025

EVSOAR: Security Orchestration, Automation and Response via EV Charging Stations

Authors
Freitas, T; Silva, E; Yasmin, R; Shoker, A; Correia, ME; Martins, R; Esteves Verissimo, P;

Publication
2025 IEEE 101ST VEHICULAR TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE, VTC2025-SPRING

Abstract
Vehicle cybersecurity has emerged as a critical concern, driven by innovation in the automotive industry, e.g., autonomous, electric, or connected vehicles. Current efforts to address these challenges are constrained by the limited computational resources of vehicles and the reliance on connected infrastructures. This motivated the foundation of Vehicle Security Operations Centers (VSOCs) that extend IT-based Security Operations Centers (SOCs) to cover the entire automotive ecosystem, both the in-vehicle and off-vehicle scopes. Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) tools are considered key for implementing an effective cybersecurity solution. However, existing state-of-the-art solutions depend on infrastructure networks such as 4G, 5G, and WiFi, which often face scalability and congestion issues. To address these limitations, we propose a novel SOAR architecture EVSOAR that leverages the EV charging stations for connectivity and computing to enhance vehicle cybersecurity. Our EV-speci.c SOAR architecture enables real-time analysis and automated responses to cybersecurity threats closer to the EV, reducing cellular latency, bandwidth, and interference limitations. Our experimental results demonstrate a signi.cant improvement in latency, stability, and scalability through the infrastructure and the capacity to deploy computationally intensive applications that are otherwise infeasible within the resource constraints of individual vehicles.

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