2024
Authors
Gharahbagh, AA; Hajihashemi, V; Ferreira, MC; Machado, JJM; Tavares, JMRS;
Publication
MULTIMEDIA TOOLS AND APPLICATIONS
Abstract
Since digital media has become increasingly popular, video processing has expanded in recent years. Video processing systems require high levels of processing, which is one of the challenges in this field. Various approaches, such as hardware upgrades, algorithmic optimizations, and removing unnecessary information, have been suggested to solve this problem. This study proposes a video saliency map based method that identifies the critical parts of the video and improves the system's overall performance. Using an image registration algorithm, the proposed method first removes the camera's motion. Subsequently, each video frame's color, edge, and gradient information are used to obtain a spatial saliency map. Combining spatial saliency with motion information derived from optical flow and color-based segmentation can produce a saliency map containing both motion and spatial data. A nonlinear function is suggested to properly combine the temporal and spatial saliency maps, which was optimized using a multi-objective genetic algorithm. The proposed saliency map method was added as a preprocessing step in several Human Action Recognition (HAR) systems based on deep learning, and its performance was evaluated. Furthermore, the proposed method was compared with similar methods based on saliency maps, and the superiority of the proposed method was confirmed. The results show that the proposed method can improve HAR efficiency by up to 6.5% relative to HAR methods with no preprocessing step and 3.9% compared to the HAR method containing a temporal saliency map.
2024
Authors
Veloso, M; Ferreira, MC; Tavares, JMRS;
Publication
INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES, VOL 4, WORLDCIST 2023
Abstract
In the health sector, the implementation of qualitative data research is very important to improve overall services. However, the use of these methods remains relatively unexplored when compared to quantitative analyses. This article describes the qualitative data analysis process that is based on the description, analysis and interpretation of data. It also describes a practical case study and the use of NVivo software to assist in the development of a theory-based qualitative analysis process. This article intends to be a step forward in the use of qualitatively based methodologies in future research in the health sector.
2024
Authors
Martins, D; Fernandes, C; Campos, MJ; Ferreira, MC;
Publication
International Journal of Information, Diversity and Inclusion
Abstract
Societies throughout today’s global village are increasingly aware of the social injustices that minorities face, and immigrants are no exception. Combined with the lack of adaptation resources and the prejudice of non-migrant residents, immigrants may feel powerless in foreign places as they try to find comfort and security in new and unfamiliar environments. It is increasingly urgent to address immigrant issues, considering the crucial role of enhancing diversity, combating prejudice, and raising awareness of minority experiences. This systematic literature review investigates the innovative use of gamification in exploring and addressing the experiences and issues immigrants face. The review follows the PRISMA statement guidelines and checklist. Scopus, CINAHL, and Medline databases were searched, resulting in 17 relevant articles that were carefully analyzed. This research highlights the diverse applications of gamification in studying immigrant experiences via role-playing, interactive storytelling, and empathy-building simulations. This work explores the potential of gamified interventions in addressing pressing issues immigrants face and assesses their effectiveness in fostering empathy and intercultural communication. It also identifies gaps in the existing information sciences literature and proposes directions for future research. In conclusion, this review sheds light on the emerging field of gamification in immigration studies and games studies in the information sciences, providing valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working with immigrant communities worldwide. © 2024 Master of Library Science Program, East Carolina University. All rights reserved.
2024
Authors
Gharahbagh, AA; Hajihashemi, V; Ferreira, MC; Machado, JJM; Tavares, JMRS;
Publication
GOOD PRACTICES AND NEW PERSPECTIVES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES, VOL 6, WORLDCIST 2024
Abstract
With the increasing popularity of social media platforms like Instagram, there is a growing need for effective methods to detect and analyze abnormal actions in user-generated content. Deep learning is part of a broader family of machine learning methods based on artificial neural networks with representation learning that can learn complex patterns. This article proposes a novel deep learning approach for detecting abnormal actions in social media clips, focusing on behavioural change analysis. The approach uses a combination of Deep Learning and textural, statistical, and edge features for semantic action detection in video clips. The local gradient of video frames, time difference, and Sobel and Canny edge detectors are among the operators used in the proposed method. The method was evaluated on a large dataset of Instagram and Telegram clips and demonstrated its effectiveness in detecting abnormal actions with about 86% of accuracy. The results demonstrate the applicability of deep learning-based systems in detecting abnormal actions in social media clips.
2024
Authors
Hajihashemi, V; Gharahbagh, AA; Ferreira, MC; Machado, JJM; Tavares, JMRS;
Publication
GOOD PRACTICES AND NEW PERSPECTIVES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES, VOL 6, WORLDCIST 2024
Abstract
In recent years, social media platforms have become an essential source of information. Therefore, with their increasing popularity, there is a growing need for effective methods for detecting and analyzing their content in real time. Deep learning is a machine learning technique that teaches computers to understand complex patterns. Deep learning techniques are promising for analyzing acoustic signals from social media posts. In this article, a novel deep learning approach is proposed for socially contextualized event detection based on acoustic signals. The approach integrates the power of deep learning and meaningful features such as Mel frequency cepstral coefficients. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, it was applied to a real dataset collected from social protests in Iran. The results show that the proposed system can find a protester's clip with an accuracy of approximately 82.57%. Thus, the proposed approach has the potential to significantly improve the accuracy of systems for filtering social media posts.
2024
Authors
Ferreira, MC; Veloso, M; Tavares, JMRS;
Publication
DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS XIV: HUMAN-CENTRIC GROUP DECISION, NEGOTIATION AND DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR SOCIETAL TRANSITIONS, ICDSST 2024
Abstract
Recent advancements in digital technology have significantly impacted healthcare, with the rise of chatbots as a promising avenue for healthcare services. These chatbots aim to provide prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services, thereby reducing the workload on medical professionals. Despite this trend, limited research has explored the variables influencing user experiences in the design of healthcare chatbots. While the impact of visual representation within chatbot systems is recognized, existing studies have primarily focused on efficiency and accuracy, neglecting graphical interfaces and non-verbal visual communication tools. This research aims to delve into user experience aspects of symptom checker chatbots, including identity design, interface layout, and visual communication mechanisms. Data was collected through a comprehensive questionnaire involving three distinct chatbots (Healthily, Mediktor and Adele - a self-developed solution) and underwent meticulous analysis, yielding valuable insights to aid the decision process when designing effective chatbots for symptom checking.
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