2024
Authors
Serôdio, C; Mestre, P; Cabral, J; Gomes, M; Branco, F;
Publication
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
Abstract
In the context of Industry 4.0, this paper explores the vital role of advanced technologies, including Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), in enhancing data valorization and management within industries. These technologies are integral to addressing the challenges of producing highly customized products in mass, necessitating the complete digitization and integration of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) for flexible and automated manufacturing processes. The paper emphasizes the importance of interoperability through Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA), Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS), and Resource-as-a-Service (RaaS) to achieve seamless integration across systems, which is critical for the Industry 4.0 vision of a fully interconnected, autonomous industry. Furthermore, it discusses the evolution towards Supply Chain 4.0, highlighting the need for Transportation Management Systems (TMS) enhanced by GPS and real-time data for efficient logistics. A guideline for implementing CPS within Industry 4.0 environments is provided, focusing on a case study of real-time data acquisition from logistics vehicles using CPS devices. The study proposes a CPS architecture and a generic platform for asset tracking to address integration challenges efficiently and facilitate the easy incorporation of new components and applications. Preliminary tests indicate the platform's real-time performance is satisfactory, with negligible delay under test conditions, showcasing its potential for logistics applications and beyond.
2024
Authors
Sequeira, R; Reis, A; Alves, P; Branco, F;
Publication
INFORMATION
Abstract
Higher education institutions (HEIs) make decisions in several domains, namely strategic and internal management, without using systematized data that support these decisions, which may jeopardize the success of their actions or even their efficiency. Thus, HEIs must define and monitor strategies and policies essential for decision making in their various areas and levels, in which business intelligence (BI) plays a leading role. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) aimed at identifying and analyzing primary studies that propose a roadmap for the implementation of a BI system in HEIs. The objectives of the SLR are to identify and characterize (i) the strategic objectives that underlie decision making, activities, processes, and information in HEIs; (ii) the BI systems used in HEIs; (iii) the methods and techniques applied in the design of a BI architecture in HEIs. The results showed that there is space for developing research in this area since it was possible to identify several studies on the use of BI in HEIs, although a roadmap for its implementation was not identified, making it necessary to define a roadmap for the implementation of BI systems that can serve as a reference for HEIs.
2024
Authors
Borges, DS; Oliveira, M; Teixeira, MM; Branco, F;
Publication
ENVIRONMENTS
Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable and environment-friendly energy sources resulted in extensive research in the field of renewable energy. Biomass, derived from organic materials such as agricultural waste, forestry products, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge, holds great potential as a renewable energy resource that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offer sustainable solutions for energy production. This study focused on diverse biomass materials, including sludge from WWTPs, forest biomass, swine waste, cork powder, and biochar. Chemical and physicochemical characterizations were performed to understand their energy potential, highlighting their elemental composition, proximate analysis, and calorific values. Results showed that different biomasses have varying energy content, with biochar and cork powder emerging as high-energy materials with net heating values of 32.56 MJ/kg and 25.73 MJ/kg, respectively. WWTP sludge also demonstrated considerable potential with net heating values of around 14.87 MJ/kg to 17.44 MJ/kg. The relationships between biomass compositions and their heating values were explored, indicating the significance of low nitrogen and sulphur content and favourable carbon, hydrogen, and moisture balances for energy production. Additionally, this study looked into the possibility of mixing different biomasses to optimize their use and overcome limitations like high ash and moisture contents. Mixtures, such as 75% Santo Emiliao WWTP Sludge + 25% Biochar, showed impressive net heating values of approximately 21.032 MJ/kg and demonstrated reduced emissions during combustion. The study's findings contribute to renewable energy research, offering insights into efficient and sustainable energy production processes and emphasizing the environmental benefits of biomass energy sources with low nitrogen and sulphur content.
2024
Authors
Pavão, J; Bastardo, R; Carreira, D; Rocha, NP;
Publication
RISTI - Revista Iberica de Sistemas e Tecnologias de Informacao
Abstract
Cyber-resilience is a relatively recent concept that, in essence, adds risk management to the cybersecurity concept and extends the scope of its action to processes and people, in addition to the technological component. It aims to ensure that organizations, systems, and especially critical infrastructures of our society function properly regardless of their dependence on cybernetic resources that may be affected by adverse events. Considering that the ongoing digital transition increases the exposure of such infrastructures to physical and cyberspace threats, this article reports on an exploratory study supported by bibliographical research, which aimed to analyze recent scientific publications to determine the relevance of cyber-resilience in the context of national security and defense. Although the number of publications focused on cyber-resilience is still relatively reduced when compared to the number of publications related to cybersecurity, there is a growing interest in exploring cyber-resilience in areas such as international relations, internal security, and national defense, which are fundamental pillars of the security and defense of States. © 2024, Associacao Iberica de Sistemas e Tecnologias de Informacao. All rights reserved.
2024
Authors
Pavão, J; Bastardo, R; Rocha, NP;
Publication
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Abstract
The scoping review reported by this paper aimed to analyze and synthesize state-of-the-art studies focused on the application of machine learning methods to enhance the cyber resilience of cyber-physical systems. An electronic search was conducted, and 24 studies were included in this review after the selection process. The most representative application domains were computer networks and power systems, while in terms of cyber resilience functions, risk identification, risk mitigation or protection, and detection of anomalous situations were the most implemented functions. Moreover, the results of this scoping review show that the interest in the topic of cyber resilience and machine learning is quite recent, which justifies the heterogeneity of the included studies in terms of machine learning methods and datasets being used for the experimental validations, as well as in terms of outcomes being measured. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.
2024
Authors
Pavão, J; Bastardo, R; da Rocha, NP;
Publication
ICT4AWE
Abstract
This article aimed to analyse state-of-the-art empirical evidence of randomized controlled trials designed to assess preventive cognitive training interventions based on virtual reality for older adults without cognitive impairment, by identifying virtual reality setups and tasks, clinical outcomes and respective measurement instruments, and positive effects on outcome parameters. A systematic electronic search was performed, and six randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review. In terms of results, the included studies pointed to significant positive impact of virtual reality-based cognitive training interventions on global cognition, memory, attention, information processing speed, walking variability, balance, muscle strength, and falls. However, further research is required to evaluate the adequacy of the virtual reality setups and tasks, to study the impact of the interventions’ duration and intensity, to understand how to tailor the interventions to the characteristics and needs of the individuals, and to compare face-to-face to remote interventions.
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