Abstract
This paper focuses on the comprehensive assessment of regional performance in attaining the 2030 Strategic Framework for Education and Training (ET2030) established by the European Union. To this end, we propose a composite indicator framework based on robust Benefit-of-the-doubt models empirically validated through an extensive analysis of data spanning 32 countries and 101 NUTS-I level regions for 2019. We integrate contextual variables into a robust conditional model to ensure an equitable evaluation among regions grappling with distinct circumstances. Specifically, the unemployment rate and the percentage of the population holding national citizenship are considered. Moreover, the research identifies best practices from high-performing regions that can serve as benchmarks for underperforming areas. Analyzing regional-level data is crucial for understanding disparities between European regions and within countries.

Abstract
Our team previously introduced an innovative concept for an "invisible" Electrocardiography (ECG) system, incorporating electrodes and sensors into a toilet seat design to enable signal acquisition from the thighs. Building upon that work, we now present a novel dataset featuring real-world, single-lead ECG signals captured at the thighs, offering a valuable resource for advancing research on thigh-based ECG for cardiovascular disease assessment. To our knowledge, this is the first dataset of its kind. The tOLIet dataset comprises 149 ECG recordings collected from 86 individuals (50 females, 36 males) with an average age of 31.73 ± 13.11 years, a mean weight of 66.89 ± 10.70 kg, and an average height of 166.82 ± 6.07 cm. Participants were recruited through direct contact with the Principal Investigator at Centro Hospitalar Universitario de Lisboa Central (CHULC) and via clinical consultations conducted at the same institution. Each recording includes four differential signals acquired from electrode pairs embedded in the toilet seat, with reference signals obtained from a standard 12-lead hospital ECG system.

Abstract
The present work proposes a two-stage optimization approach for flexibility services provided by battery energy storage systems (BESS) in distribution networks with photovoltaic (PV) generation and electric vehicles (EV). The considered flexibility services include reserve allocation and voltage regulation to support network operation. The first stage optimizes the day-ahead (DA) scheduling of distributed BESS to minimize overall costs, including energy, BESS usage, and reserve, while accounting for stochastic variations in load, PV generation, and EV penetration. The second stage simulates the real-time (RT) operation of the electrical distribution network, evaluating system behavior under different scenarios based on DA decisions. A coordinated control strategy is applied, integrating DA scheduling with network voltage levels. Deviations between BESS outputs in DA and RT stages are fed back into a new DA run to adjust outputs and reduce costs. Results on a medium-voltage distribution system with 157 nodes (based on a reduced version of the EPRI CKT5 feeder) demonstrate that the proposed scenario-based model provides feasible solutions under uncertainty, with BESS playing a key role while strictly adhering to planned operational modes from DA to RT, as typically enforced in energy market participation.

Abstract
With the advent of Information and Communication Technologies in recent decades, organizations face several challenges today. Adopting Digital Transformation (DT) offers numerous opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to improve their efficiency and operations, reaching new markets, shareholders, and customers. However, there are potential risks associated with this process. With Digital Transformation (DT), the radius of connectivity and interconnection between devices and systems increases in Mozambique and worldwide, creating more significant space cyberattacks. As Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) connect to the digital world and move forward with adopting innovative digital technologies, they become more vulnerable to digital security risks. Hence, managing digital security risks effectively is crucial to realizing the benefits of Digital Transformation (DT). This position paper proposes to present the research work that will culminate in the proposal to develop a framework that fits Mozambican Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through a Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, which can help to assist Mozambican Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Digital Transformation (DT) process. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.

Abstract
Seaport cranes operate continuously and consume large amounts of energy while aiming to minimise containerships’ berthing time. Although previous studies have contributed to addressing the crane scheduling problem, most have focused exclusively on loading time, often overlooking the aspect of energy consumption. Furthermore, crane activity is typically modelled in a simplified manner—commonly assuming a fixed cycle duration or constant energy usage when handling a container—without accounting for the impact of variable container masses. In this study, an energy-aware quay crane scheduling formulation for container terminals is proposed, highlighting the importance of integrating an energy model into the scheduling problem. The optimisation problem is formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model. The objective is to minimise total energy costs by reordering the sequence in which containers are handled, while respecting precedence constraints defined by the ship’s stowage plan. Two solution methods—a MILP approach solved using CPLEX and a genetic algorithm (GA)—are compared. The results indicate that, for larger containerships, the genetic algorithm provides a more efficient solution method. Moreover, incorporating detailed energy consumption models for electric cranes may significantly reduce energy costs during containership handling operations. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.

Abstract
This project was developed to improve the cost estimation process of new products within the Product Development Department of a furniture manufacturer. This work involved developing a methodology using Machine Learning (ML) models trained on products' existing data to predict the cost of new innovative ones based on similarities and given data. The ML models used were Linear Regression (LR), Light Gradient-Boosting Machine (LGBM), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The proposed methodology considers the estimation of the total cost of producing a product, which encompasses both material and operational costs. Throughout this project, several analyses were developed to identify and evaluate different independent variables that could explain the behaviour of these two cost components. The suitability of the different variables was studied by applying several ML models, and a set of functions that return an estimate of the cost as a function of these predictor variables was obtained. The proposed approach, which incorporates ML models into more complex variables to predict, resulted in a 19.29% reduction in estimation error.