2026
Authors
Pinheiro, I; Moura, P; Rodrigues, L; Pacheco, AP; Teixeira, JG; Valente, LG; Cunha, M; Neves Dos Santos, FN;
Publication
Agricultural Systems
Abstract
In 2023, global kiwifruit production reached over 4.4 million tonnes, highlighting the crop's significant economic importance. However, achieving high yields depends on adequate pollination. In Actinidia species, pollen is transferred by insects from male to female flowers on separate plants. Natural pollination faces increasing challenges due to the decline in pollinator populations and climate variability, driving the adoption of assisted pollination methods. This study examines the Portuguese kiwifruit sector, one of the world's top 12 producers, using a novel mixed-methods approach that integrates both qualitative and quantitative analyses to assess the feasibility of robotic pollination. The qualitative study identifies the benefits and challenges of current methods and explores how robotic pollination could address these challenges. The quantitative analysis explores the cost-effectiveness and practicality of implementing robotic pollination as a product and service. Findings indicate that most farmers use handheld pollination devices but face pollen wastage and application timing challenges. Economic analysis establishes a break-even point of €685 per hectare for an annual single application, with a first robotic pollination of €17 146 becoming cost-effective for orchards of at least 3.5 hectares and a second robotic solution of €34 293 becoming cost-effective for orchards up to 7 hectares. A robotic pollination service priced at €685 per hectare per application presents a low-risk and a viable alternative for growers. This study provides robust economic insights supporting the adoption of robotic pollination technologies. This study is crucial to make informed decisions to enhance kiwifruit production's productivity and sustainability through precise robotic-assisted pollination. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
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
Ferreira, MC; da Silva, JFL; Abrantes, D; Hora, J; Felício, S; Galvao, T; Coimbra, M;
Publication
TRANSPORT TRANSITIONS: ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE MOBILITY - VOL 1
Abstract
-This study focuses on providing meaningful information to vulnerable road users (VRUs) to support their objectives and perceptions while navigating urban spaces, employing a novel route planning concept. Through three focus group sessions, a comprehensive survey was conducted to identify the needs and concerns of VRUs, leading to the development of an integrated and collaborative mobile application for active mobility. The application encompasses route calculation, prioritizing safety, comfort, civic participation, and empathy. The solution aims to bridge citizen users and city managers, facilitating alerts, historical information on safety and comfort, and collaborative problem-solving and sharing of urban attractions. A prototype of the concept was developed and extensively tested by potential users, and subjective evaluation and feedback demonstrated the usefulness and added value of the integrated and collaborative approach. This study highlights the proposed solution relevance and differentiation from official alerts, user experiences, and civic participation, positioning it as a comprehensive solution for active mobility.
2026
Authors
Mergoni, A; Camanho, A; Soncin, M; Agasisti, T; De Witte, K;
Publication
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
Abstract
This paper investigates the relationship between school principals' managerial practices and two key mensions of school performance: students' cognitive outcomes and school climate. School performance assessed using a classical Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) framework, complemented by both unconditional robust and conditional robust models to evaluate the influence of managerial practices on school efficiency. We introduce a methodological innovation that allows for a nuanced analysis of how contextual variables-specifically, principals' managerial practices-affect performance, both individually and through their interactions. The analysis is based on 2019 INVALSI data from a nationally representative sample of 8th grade students in Italian schools. The findings show that principals' practices, as well as the ways in which these practices interact, play a significant role in shaping school efficiency, particularly by promoting a positive supportive school climate.
2026
Authors
Silva, R; Camelo, R; Pinto, C; Campos, MJ; Ferreira, MC; Fernandes, CS;
Publication
Journal of Research in Nursing
Abstract
2026
Authors
Hajihashemi, V; Campos Ferreira, M; Machado, JJM; Tavares, JMRS;
Publication
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems - Proceedings of 20th Iberian Conference on Information Systems and Technologies (CISTI 2025)
Abstract
The access to the final selection minute is only available to applicants.
Please check the confirmation e-mail of your application to obtain the access code.