2026
Authors
Patatas, B; Duarte, C; Pereira, LS;
Publication
Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems - Proceedings
Abstract
Despite growing commitments to inclusive education, higher education institutions struggle with digital accessibility. Accessibility problems often remain invisible to educators during content creation and difficult for institutions to monitor and manage at scale. We present a Moodle-integrated accessibility system that connects real-time evaluation of PDF materials at upload time with an institutional dashboard that aggregates accessibility metrics across courses and departments. By doing so, the system aims to link everyday teaching practices with higher-level monitoring and decision-making. To understand how educators and coordinators engage with this integrated approach, we conducted a formative user study. Results indicate that while visual feedback and aggregated metrics increase accessibility awareness, a critical tension remains: compliance-oriented technical language hinders educators from translating detection into remediation. These findings suggest that detection and monitoring, while necessary, are not sufficient on their own. Effective accessibility infrastructures must also support meaningful, actionable engagement with accessibility in everyday teaching practice. © 2026 Copyright held by the owner/author(s).
2026
Authors
Carvalho, C; Santos, R; Marques, M; de Sousa, JP;
Publication
Transportation Research Procedia
Abstract
Container terminals are of pivotal importance to global trade, as they act as a bridge between maritime and land transport. However, inefficiencies in operations, such as long waiting times and high emissions, continue to challenge the industry. Current practices, including first-come-first-served (FCFS) berth allocation, often result in ships arriving too early and idling at anchorage, leading to increased fuel consumption and negative environmental impacts. Just-in-Time (JIT) strategies have been identified as a potentially effective approach to address these issues by aligning ship arrivals with berth availability, thus optimising speed and reducing emissions. In this work, we present a simulation-based decision-support tool to evaluate JIT strategies in container terminal operations. By analysing scenarios involving speed optimisation and resource investments, the tool provides insights into key performance metrics, including waiting times, emissions, and resource utilisation. A case study designed around a large Portuguese seaport was used to validate the approach, with significant reductions in emissions and operational inefficiencies. These findings highlight the potential of JIT operations to enhance sustainability and efficiency in the maritime sector. Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier B.V.
2026
Authors
Dalmarco, G; Inês, A; Resende, CD; Zimmermann, R;
Publication
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
Circular startups (CSUs) play a crucial role in the circular transition by developing circular business models (CBMs) that minimise resource use and narrow material and energy loops. However, empirical research on how CBMs shape growth strategies and how ecosystems enable or constrain scaling remains limited. This study aims to fill this gap by analysing the growth strategy of CSUs, addressing their circularity, business model and scalability strategies. It analysed 44 CSUs operating in packaging and plastics, textiles and food, water and nutrients value chains, using a qualitative multiple-case design. Results show that CSUs predominantly adopt Commercial and ecosystem scalability strategies, linking replication and geographical expansion with access to partners, resources and markets, and implementing platform- or waste-based CBMs. The study expands existing frameworks by conceptualising Ecosystem Strategy as a core scalability approach and clarifying its mechanisms, offering guidance for entrepreneurs and policymakers seeking to foster circular transformation.
2026
Authors
André Thiago Netto; Dennis Paulino; Rafael Ris-Ala; Joana Ferreira de Raposo; Diogo Guimarães; Pedro Mendes; Artur Rocha; Hugo Paredes;
Publication
Proceedings of the 2026 ACM Interactive Health Conference
Abstract
2026
Authors
Simoes, E; Simoes, AC; Rodrigues, JC; Lourenço, P;
Publication
ADVANCES IN PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. CYBER-PHYSICAL-HUMAN PRODUCTION SYSTEMS: HUMAN-AI COLLABORATION AND BEYOND, APMS 2025, PT I
Abstract
Companies are increasingly adopting technologies such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to reduce costs and improve productivity. RPA is deployed in areas like accounting, payroll, and finance to automate business processes. While RPA does not necessarily result in unemployment, it has notable effects on employees and company governance. This study explores the impact of RPA implementation on employees and company governance, using a qualitative methodology based on thirteen semi-structured interviews with RPA experts from four multinational companies. The results indicate that the impacts of RPA vary depending on the automation strategy adopted (task-oriented or process-oriented). In task-oriented strategies, citizen developers often play a central role, contributing to rapid implementation. In contrast, process-oriented strategies tend to rely on professional developers and require more structured governance. The findings also point out that RPA influences not only task execution but also employee upskilling, job role redefinition, and the evolution of governance models. The study proposes an integrated framework linking automation strategy, governance, upskilling, and employee adaptation, offering both practical insights and theoretical contributions to digital transformation research and for managing risks and enhancing workforce capabilities. It also advances academic understanding by linking real-world RPA implementations to organisational and technological impacts.
2026
Authors
Ris-Ala, R; Gonçalves, G; Lopes, L; Dantas, T; Paulino, D; Netto, T; Guimarães, D; Teixeira, O; Rocha, A; Vivacqua, AS; Paredes, H;
Publication
2026 29th International Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design (CSCWD)
Abstract
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