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Publications

Publications by CRIIS

2024

Advanced methodologies for the diagnosis of agronomic processes based on systems biology for precision agriculture

Authors
Renan Tosin;

Publication

Abstract

2024

Textual Patterns and Virality in X: An Analysis of Engagement in Telenovela Posts

Authors
Ferreira, W; Lima, J;

Publication
U.Porto Journal of Engineering

Abstract
X, previously known as Twitter, boasts 556 million active users and is widely used by businesses to engage with their audiences. In our study, we focused on TV Globo's telenovela "Terra e Paixão" broadcast in 2023, to analyze the impact of textual patterns on post virality using natural language processing techniques. Techniques like sentiment analysis, Part-Of-Speech Tagging, reinforcement scoring, TF-IDF, semantic similarity, and cosine similarity were utilized to identify attributes that contribute to a post's success, aiming to enhance marketing strategies. We employed language models like BERT, RoBERTa, and e5 in our analysis. Our findings indicate that while various metrics affect post engagement, the challenge remains complex. Textual characteristics, although essential, do not fully explain a publication's popularity, underscoring the need for a multifaceted approach to understanding social media dynamics. © 2024, Universidade do Porto - Faculdade de Engenharia. All rights reserved.

2024

Advancing the understanding of pupil size variation in occupational safety and health: A systematic review and evaluation of open-source methodologies

Authors
Ferreira, F; Ferreira, S; Mateus, C; Barbosa-Rocha, N; Coelho, L; Rodrigues, MA;

Publication
SAFETY SCIENCE

Abstract
Pupil size can be used as an important biomarker for occupational risks. In recent years, there has been an increase in the development of open-source tools dedicated to obtaining and measuring pupil diameter. However, it remains undetermined determined whether these tools are suitable for use in occupational settings. This study explores the significance of pupil size variation as a biomarker for occupational risks and evaluates existing opensource methods for potential use in both research and occupational settings, with the goal of to prevent occupational accidents and improve the health and performance of workers. To this end, a two-phase systematic literature review was conducted in the Web of Science TM, ScienceDirect (R), and Scopus (R) databases. For the relevance of monitoring pupil size variation in occupational settings, 15 articles were included. The articles were divided into three groups: mental workload, occupational stress, and mental fatigue. In most cases, pupil dilation increased with workload enhancement and with higher levels of stress. Regarding fatigue, it was noted that an increase in this condition corresponded with a decrease in pupil size. With respect to the open-source methodologies, 16 articles were identified, which were categorized into two groups: algorithms and software. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) 1 have exhibited superior performance among the various algorithmic approaches studied. Building on this insight, and considering the evaluations of software options, MEYE emerges as the premier open-source system for deployment in occupational settings due to its compatibility with a standard computer webcam. This feature positions MEYE as a particularly practical tool for workers in stable environments, like those of developers and administrators.

2024

Plantar pressure thresholds as a strategy to prevent diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review

Authors
Castro Martins, P; Marques, A; Coelho, L; Vaz, M; Costa, JT;

Publication
HELIYON

Abstract
Background: The development of ulcers in the plantar region of the diabetic foot originates mainly from sites subjected to high pressure. The monitoring of these events using maximum allowable pressure thresholds is a fundamental procedure in the prevention of ulceration and its recurrence. Objective: The aim of this review was to identify data in the literature that reveal an objective threshold of plantar pressure in the diabetic foot, where pressure is classified as promoting ulceration. The aim is not to determine the best and only pressure threshold for ulceration, but rather to clarify the threshold values most used in clinical practice and research, also considering the devices used and possible applications for offloading plantar pressure. Design: A systematic review. Methods: The search was performed in three electronic databases, by the PRISMA methodology, for studies that used a pressure threshold to minimize the risk of ulceration in the diabetic foot. The selected studies were subjected to eligibility criteria. Results: Twenty-six studies were included in this review. Seven thresholds were identified, five of which are intended for the inside of the shoe: a threshold of average peak pressure of 200 kPa; 25 % and 40-80 % reduction from initial baseline pressure; 32-35 mm Hg for a capillary perfusion pressure; and a matrix of thresholds based on patient risk, shoe size and foot region. Two other thresholds are intended for the barefoot, 450 and 750 kPa. The threshold of 200 kPa of pressure inside the shoe is the most agreed upon among the studies. Regarding the prevention of ulceration and its recurrence, the efficacy of the proposed threshold matrix and the threshold of reducing baseline pressure by 40-80 % has not yet been evaluated, and the evidence for the remaining thresholds still needs further studies. Conclusions: Some heterogeneity was found in the studies, especially regarding the measurement systems used, the number of regions of interest and the number of steps to be considered for the threshold. Even so, this review reveals the way forward to obtain a threshold indicative of an effective steppingstone in the prevention of diabetic foot ulcer.

2024

In-shoe plantar pressure measurement technologies for the diabetic foot: A systematic review

Authors
Castro Martins, P; Marques, A; Coelho, L; Vaz, M; Baptista, JS;

Publication
HELIYON

Abstract
Introduction: Loss of cutaneous protective sensation and high plantar pressures increase the risk for diabetic foot patients. Trauma and ulceration are imminent threats, making assessment and monitoring essential. This systematic review aims to identify systems and technologies for measuring in -shoe plantar pressures, focusing on the at -risk diabetic foot population. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across four electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Oxford Journals) using PRISMA methodology, covering articles published in English from 1979 to 2024. Only studies addressing systems or sensors exclusively measuring plantar pressures inside the shoe were included. Results: A total of 87 studies using commercially available devices and 45 articles proposing new systems or sensors were reviewed. The prevailing market offerings consist mainly of instrumented insoles. Emerging technologies under development often feature configurations with four, six or eight resistive sensors strategically placed within removable insoles. Despite some variability due to the inherent heterogeneity of human gait, these devices assess plantar pressure, although they present significant differences between them in measurement results. Individuals with diabetic foot conditions appears exhibit elevated plantar pressures, with reported peak pressures reaching approximately 1000 kPa. The results also showed significant differences between the diabetic and non -diabetic groups. Conclusion: Instrumented insoles, particularly those incorporating resistive sensor technology, dominate the field. Systems employing eight sensors at critical locations represent a pragmatic approach, although market options extend to systems with up to 960 sensors. Differences between devices can be a critical factor in measurement and highlights the importance of individualized patient assessment using consistent measurement devices.

2024

A New Equipment for Automatic Calibration of the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament

Authors
Castro-Martins, P; Pinto-Coelho, L;

Publication
FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION AND INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING: ESTABLISHING BRIDGES FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS, FAIM 2023, VOL 1

Abstract
Diabetic foot is a complication that carries a considerable risk in diabetic patients. The consequent loss of protective sensitivity in the lower limbs requires an early diagnosis due to the imminent possibility of ulceration or amputation of the affected limb. To assess the loss of protective sensitivity, the 10 gf Semmes-Weinstein (SW) monofilament is the most used first-line procedure. However, the used device is most often non-calibrated and its feedback can lead to decision errors. In this paper we present an equipment that is able to automatically conduct a metrological verification and evaluation of the 10 gf SW monofilament in the assessment of the loss of protective sensitivity. Additionally, the proposed equipment is able to simulate the practicioner's procedure, or can be used for training purposes, providing force-feedback information. After calibration, displacement vs. buckling force contours were plotted for three distinct monofilaments, confirming then ability of the equipment to provide fast, detailed and precise information.

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