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Publications

Publications by LIAAD

2025

Barrett's paradox of cooperation in the case of quasi-linear utilities

Authors
Accinelli, E; Afsar, A; Martins, F; Martins, J; Oliveira, BMPM; Oviedo, J; Pinto, AA; Quintas, L;

Publication
MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE APPLIED SCIENCES

Abstract
This paper fits in the theory of international agreements by studying the success of stable coalitions of agents seeking the preservation of a public good. Extending Baliga and Maskin, we consider a model of N homogeneous agents with quasi-linear utilities of the form u(j) (r(j); r) = r(alpha) - r(j), where r is the aggregate contribution and the exponent alpha is the elasticity of the gross utility. When the value of the elasticity alpha increases in its natural range (0, 1), we prove the following five main results in the formation of stable coalitions: (i) the gap of cooperation, characterized as the ratio of the welfare of the grand coalition to the welfare of the competitive singleton coalition grows to infinity, which we interpret as a measure of the urge or need to save the public good; (ii) the size of stable coalitions increases from 1 up to N; (iii) the ratio of the welfare of stable coalitions to the welfare of the competitive singleton coalition grows to infinity; (iv) the ratio of the welfare of stable coalitions to the welfare of the grand coalition decreases (a lot), up to when the number of members of the stable coalition is approximately N/e and after that it increases (a lot); and (v) the growth of stable coalitions occurs with a much greater loss of the coalition members when compared with free-riders. Result (v) has two major drawbacks: (a) A priori, it is difficult to convince agents to be members of the stable coalition and (b) together with results (i) and (iv), it explains and leads to the pessimistic Barrett's paradox of cooperation, even in a case not much considered in the literature: The ratio of the welfare of the stable coalitions against the welfare of the grand coalition is small, even in the extreme case where there are few (or a single) free-riders and the gap of cooperation is large. Optimistically, result (iii) shows that stable coalitions do much better than the competitive singleton coalition. Furthermore, result (ii) proves that the paradox of cooperation is resolved for larger values of.. so that the grand coalition is stabilized.

2025

The Application of Machine Learning and Deep Learning with a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for Pedestrian Modeling: A Systematic Literature Review (1999-2023)

Authors
Reyes-Norambuena, P; Pinto, AA; Martínez, J; Yazdi, AK; Tan, Y;

Publication
SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract
Among transportation researchers, pedestrian issues are highly significant, and various solutions have been proposed to address these challenges. These approaches include Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and machine learning (ML) techniques, often categorized into two primary types. While previous studies have addressed diverse methods and transportation issues, this research integrates pedestrian modeling with MCDA and ML approaches. This paper examines how MCDA and ML can be combined to enhance decision-making in pedestrian dynamics. Drawing on a review of 1574 papers published from 1999 to 2023, this study identifies prevalent themes and methodologies in MCDA, ML, and pedestrian modeling. The MCDA methods are categorized into weighting and ranking techniques, with an emphasis on their application to complex transportation challenges involving both qualitative and quantitative criteria. The findings suggest that hybrid MCDA algorithms can effectively evaluate ML performance, addressing the limitations of traditional methods. By synthesizing the insights from the existing literature, this review outlines key methodologies and provides a roadmap for future research in integrating MCDA and ML in pedestrian dynamics. This research aims to deepen the understanding of how informed decision-making can enhance urban environments and improve pedestrian safety.

2025

Clustering and Classification of Compositional Data Using Distributions Defined on the Hypersphere

Authors
Figueiredo, A;

Publication
Springer Proceedings in Mathematics and Statistics

Abstract
We propose an approach to cluster and classify compositional data. We transform the compositional data into directional data using the square root transformation. To cluster the compositional data, we apply the identification of a mixture of Watson distributions on the hypersphere and to classify the compositional data into predefined groups, we apply Bayes rules based on the Watson distribution to the directional data. We then compare our clustering results with those obtained in hierarchical clustering and in the K-means clustering using the log-ratio transformations of the data and compare our classification results with those obtained in linear discriminant analysis using log-ratio transformations of the data. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.

2025

Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Exercise in Hypoxia and Low-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet in Managing Hypertension in Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Novel Intervention Approach

Authors
Kindlovits, R; Sousa, AC; Viana, JL; Milheiro, J; Oliveira, BMPM; Marques, F; Santos, A; Teixeira, VH;

Publication
NUTRIENTS

Abstract
Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition marked by hyperglycemia, which can affect metabolic, vascular, and hematological parameters. A low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet has been shown to improve glycemic control and blood pressure regulation. Exercise in hypoxia (EH) enhances insulin sensitivity, erythropoiesis, and angiogenesis. The combination of LCHF and EH may offer a promising strategy for managing T2DM and hypertension (HTN), although evidence remains limited. This study aimed to assess the effects of an eight-week normobaric EH intervention at 3000 m simulated altitude combined with an LCHF diet on hematological and lipid profiles, inflammation, and blood pressure in older patients with T2DM and HTN. Methods: Forty-two diabetic patients with HTN were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) control group (control diet + exercise in normoxia), (2) EH group (control diet + EH), and (3) intervention group (EH+LCHF) Baseline and eight-week measurements included systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure (SBP, DBP, MAP), hematological and lipid profiles, and inflammation biomarkers. Results: Blood pressure decreased after the intervention (p < 0.001), with no significant differences between groups (SBP: p = 0.151; DBP: p = 0.124; MAP: p = 0.18). No differences were observed in lipid profile or C-reactive protein levels (p > 0.05). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) increased in the EH group (p = 0.027), while it decreased in the EH+LCHF group (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Adding hypoxia or restricting carbohydrates did not provide additional benefits on blood pressure in T2DM patients with HTN. Further elucidation of the mechanisms underlying hematological adaptations is imperative.

2025

Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Exercise in Hypoxia and Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet in Managing Hypertension in Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Novel Intervention Approach

Authors
Kindlovits, R; Sousa, AC; Viana, JL; Milheiro, J; Oliveira, BMPM; Marques, F; Santos, A; Teixeira, VH;

Publication

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which could alter metabolic, vascular and hematological parameters. A low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (LCHF) diet benefits glycemic and blood pressure control. In turn, exercise in hypoxia (EH) is known to improve insulin sensitivity, erythropoiesis and angiogenesis. LCHF combined with EH seem to be a potential therapeutic strategy for T2DM and hypertension (HTN), but evidence is still scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of eight weeks of EH combined with a LCHF on hematological and lipid profiles, inflammation and blood pressure in older patients with T2DM and coexistent HTN. Diabetic patients with HTN (n=42) were randomly assigned to a (1) control group: control diet (high-carbohydrate and low-fat diet) + exercise in normoxia; (2) EH group: control diet + EH; (3) intervention group: LCHF + EH. Baseline and eight-week measurements included systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure (SBP, DBP, MAP, respectively), and hematological and lipid profiles and inflammation biomarkers. Blood pressure decreased after interventions (p&amp;lt;0.001), with no differences among groups (SBP: p=0.151; DBP: p=0.124 and MAP: p=0.18). There were no differences in lipid profile and C-reactive protein (p&amp;gt;0.05). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) increased in the EH group (p=0.027), while MCH concentration decreased in the EH+LCHF group (p=0.046). In conclusion, there is no additional benefit in adding hypoxia to exercise or restricting carbohydrates, on blood pressure in patients with T2DM and coexisting HTN. Further elucidation of the mechanisms underlying hematological adaptations is imperative. Trial registration number: NCT05094505.

2025

Prioritisation of Studies In Sustainable Urban Mobility Via Fuzzy-Topsis: A Methodological Approach For Systematic Reviews

Authors
Arianna Teixeira Pereira; Janielle Da Silva Lago; Yvelyne Bianca Iunes Santos; Bruno Miguel Delindro Veloso; Norma Ely Santos Beltrão;

Publication
Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental

Abstract
Objective: This study investigates the applicability of systematic methods in the identification and evaluation of studies on sustainable urban mobility, providing subsidies to guide managers and policymakers in the development of efficient and environmentally responsible public policies.   Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) associated with the Fuzzy-TOPSIS method, a multi-criteria model capable of evaluating and prioritizing studies considering the imprecision inherent in decision-making processes. The PICO technique was used to define the analysis criteria, and the PRISMA protocol ensured the transparency and replicability of the results. Six criteria were established in the qualitative analyses for treatment in the Fuzzy-TOPSIS method.   Results and Discussion: The proposed approach proved effective in selecting the most relevant studies. The discussion points to the need to integrate Fuzzy-TOPSIS with complementary methods, such as DEMATEL and Social Network Analysis (SNA), in order to improve the modeling of causal relationships and strengthen the reliability of prioritization.   Research Implications: The results offer important insights for urban planning and the formulation of public policies, contributing to energy efficiency, reducing GHG emissions and improving the quality of public transport.   Originality/Value: The innovation of this study lies in the combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches to the analysis of sustainable mobility, providing a robust benchmark that can positively influence practices and strategies in urban management.

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