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Publicações

Publicações por CEGI

2024

Configurations and features of demand responsive transports

Autores
Dauer A.; Dias T.G.; de Sousa J.P.; de Athayde Prata B.;

Publicação
Transportation Research Procedia

Abstract
The concept of Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) has been around for more than 40 years and is a promising mobility alternative when traditional public transport proves inadequate in terms of its effectiveness or efficiency, as is the case of low-density areas. DRT systems have a wide range of operational configurations, being highly adaptable to different contexts and environments. Therefore, the design of a DRT mobility solution can become a quite complex and challenging problem. To assist in the design of DRTs, this paper aims to present a comprehensive classification of DRT features and to identify some common design choices in different operational scenarios. The proposed classification is based on a review of reports from available literature and previous European DRT projects. In addition, an analysis of the most usual configurations for different purposes and scenarios is presented. In this research, the operational, demand, and administrative characteristics of DRTs are addressed. Demand aspects encompass features that directly influence trip demand, such as service areas, target passengers, and hours of operation. Operational features include characteristics that will affect daily operations as the type of stops, frequency of the operation, booking methodology, vehicle route, pick-up and drop-off locations, and the vehicle type used. Administrative characteristics address the relationship between consumers and the system, such as the purpose of the system, fares, visual identification of stops, and booking methods. Regarding the usual design choices, our survey shows that rural DRTs are primarily oriented to serve populations in need in low-density areas and to complement existing PT gaps, while urban DRTs are mainly viewed as a mobility alternative to fill existing PT gaps. Defining design patterns for peri-urban and multi-area DRTs presents challenges due to their transitional nature, thus combining attributes of both rural and urban systems.

2024

Machine learning and cointegration for structural health monitoring of a model under environmental effects

Autores
Rodrigues, M; Miguéis, VL; Felix, C; Rodrigues, C;

Publicação
EXPERT SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS

Abstract
Data-driven models have been recognized as powerful tools to support Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). This paper contributes to the literature by exploring two data-driven approaches to detect damage through changes in a set of variables that assess the condition of the structure, and accommodates the challenge that may arise due to the influence of environmental and operational variabilities. This influence is reflected in the response of the structure and can reduce the probability of detecting damage in a structure or increase the probability of signaling false positives. This paper conducts a comparative study between a machine learning detection approach (supported by linear regression, random forest, support vector machine, and neural networks) and a cointegration approach, with the aim of detecting damage as early as possible. This study also contributes to the literature by evaluating the merits of the damage detection methods using real data collected from a small-scale structure. The structure is analyzed in a reference state and a perturbed state in which damage is emulated. The results show that both approaches are able to detect damage within the first 24 h, without ever signaling false positives. The cointegration based approach can notably detect damage after 10 h and 15 minutes, while the machine learning approach takes 20 h 30 m to detect damage.

2024

Citizen engagement with sustainable energy solutions- understanding the influence of perceived value on engagement behaviors

Autores
Banica, B; Patrício, L; Miguéis, V;

Publicação
ENERGY POLICY

Abstract
Citizen engagement with Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) is considered essential for the current energy transition, since decarbonization requires individuals to shift from passive consumers to citizens actively involved with the energy system. However, citizen engagement research has remained peripheral and scattered, particularly in what regards the drivers of engagement behaviors. To address this challenge, this study examines how different forms of perceived value of SES (utilitarian, social, and environmental) influence different types of citizen engagement behaviors (information seeking, proactive managing, sharing feedback, helping other users, and advocating). To this end, we developed a quantitative study in the context of a H2020 EU project, with a sample of 456 citizens from the city of Alkmaar (the Netherlands). Our findings show that the utilitarian value of SES has a significant effect on all the engagement behaviors, except for sharing feedback. Social value has a significant influence on the more socially related engagement behaviors, such as sharing feedback, helping other users, and advocating. Finally, environmental value has an indirect effect on information seeking, proactive managing, and advocating, but only when mediated through awareness of consequences. The implications of this study should allow SES providers to design more relevant offerings and policymakers to develop better citizen engagement strategies.

2024

Machine learning models for short-term demand forecasting in food catering services: A solution to reduce food waste

Autores
Rodrigues, M; Miguéis, V; Freitas, S; Machado, T;

Publicação
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION

Abstract
Food waste is responsible for severe environmental, social, and economic issues and therefore it is imperative to prevent or at least minimize its generation. The main cause of food waste is poor demand forecasting and so it is essential to improve the accuracy of the tools tasked with these forecasts. The present work proposes four models meant to help food catering services predict food demand accurately and thus avoid overproducing or underproducing. Each model is based on a different machine learning technique. Two baseline models are also proposed to mimic how food catering services estimate future demand and to infer the added value of employing machine learning in this context. To verify the impact of the proposed models, they were tested on data from the three different canteens chosen as case studies. The results show that the models based on the random forest algorithm and the long short-term memory neural network produced the best forecasts, which would lead to a 14% to 52% reduction in the number of wasted meals. Furthermore, by basing their decisions on these forecasts, the food catering services would be able to reduce unmet demand by 3% to 16% when compared with the forecasts of the baseline models. Thus, employing machine learning to forecast future demand can be very beneficial to food catering services. These forecasts can increase the service level of food services and reduce food waste, mitigating its environmental, social, and economic consequences.

2024

Students' complex trajectories: exploring degree change and time to degree

Autores
Pêgo, JP; Miguéis, VL; Soeiro, A;

Publicação
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract
The complex trajectories of higher education students are deviations from the regular path due to delays in completing a degree, dropping out, taking breaks, or changing programmes. In this study, we investigated degree changing as a cause of complex student trajectories. We characterised cohorts of students who graduated with a complex trajectory and identified the characteristics that influenced the time to graduation. To support this predictive task, we employed machine learning techniques such as neural networks, support vector machines, and random forests. In addition, we used interpretable techniques such as decision trees to derive managerial insights that could prove useful to decision-makers. We validated the proposed methodology taking the University of Porto (Portugal) as case study. The results show that the time to degree (TTD) of students with and without complex trajectories was different. Moreover, the proposed models effectively predicted TTD, outperforming two benchmark models. The random forest model proved to be the best predictor. Finally, this study shows that the factors that best predict TTD are the median TTD and the admission regime of the programme of destination of transfer students, followed by the admission average of the previous programme. By identifying students who take longer to complete their studies, targeted interventions such as counselling and tutoring can be promoted, potentially improving completion rates and educational outcomes without having to use as many resources.

2024

Development of the Dietary Pattern Sustainability Index (DIPASI): A novel multidimensional approach for assessing the sustainability of an individual's diet

Autores
Bôto, JM; Neto, B; Miguéis, V; Rocha, A;

Publicação
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION

Abstract
The adoption of sustainable dietary patterns that consider simultaneously nutritional well-being and reduced environmental impact is of paramount importance. This paper introduces the Dietary Pattern Sustainability Index (DIPASI), as a method to assess the sustainability of dietary patterns by covering the environmental, nutritional, and economic dimensions in a single score. Environmental indicators include carbon footprint, water footprint, and land use, the nutritional quality is evaluated through the Nutritional Rich Diet 9.3 score, and the economic aspects are considered using diet cost. DIPASI measures the deviation (in %) of an individual's diet in relation to a reference diet. The case study utilized dietary data from the Portuguese National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF 2015-2016), which included 2999 adults aged 18 to 64. The Portuguese dietary patterns (covering 1492 food products consumed), were compared against the reference Mediterranean diet. Results indicated that the Portuguese dietary pattern had a higher environmental impact (CF: 4.32 kg CO2eq/day, WF: 3162.88 L/day, LU: 7.03 m(2)/day), a lower nutritional quality (NRD9.3: 334), and a higher cost (6.65 euros/day) when compared to the Mediterranean diet (CF: 3.30 kg CO2eq/day, WF: 2758.84 L/day, LU: 3.67 m(2)/day, NRD9.3: 668, cost: 5.71 euros/day). DIPASI reveals that only 4% of the sample's population does not deviate or presents a positive deviation (> - 0.5%) from the Mediterranean diet, indicating that the majority of Portuguese individuals have lower sustainability performance. For the environmental sub-score, this percentage was 21.3%, for the nutritional sub-score was 10.9%, and for the economic sub-score was 34.2%. This study provides a robust framework for assessing dietary sustainability on a global scale. The comprehensive methodology offers an essential foundation for understanding and addressing challenges in promoting sustainable and healthy dietary choices worldwide.

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