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Publications

2018

Empathic mediators for distance learning courses

Authors
Cláudio, Ana Paula; Carmo, Maria Beatriz; Silva, João Balsa da; Alves, Catarina Bilé; Costa, Ricardo; Marcos, Adérito; Carvalho, Elizabeth; Rocio, Vitor; Morgado, Leonel; Morgado, Lina; Varghese, Anila Ann; Seixas, Sónia; Barros, Daniela Melaré Vieira; Rodrigues, Ricardo; Martinho, Carlos;

Publication
Proceedings ICGI - 2018. International Conference on Graphics and Interaction

Abstract
Online distance learning introduces several challenges, such as the dependence of online tools, the asynchronous communication between teachers and students, and the lack of synchronous social engagement level that inclassroom teaching can leverage. The existence of an online tutor 24 hours/day would be an interesting asset to potentially work as an additional learning support tool. The Virtual Tutoring project aims at the development of solutions involving anthropomorphic 3D avatars that work as both virtual online tutors in the Moodle e-learning platform as well as coaches in a mobile application that interact empathically with the students by predicting their emotional state and selecting appropriate emotion regulation strategies. This paper presents the current status of the project, preliminary evaluations with students, and future developments.

2018

An integrated framework for multi-criteria optimization of thin concrete shells at early design stages

Authors
Gomes, C; Parente, M; Azenha, M; Lino, JC;

Publication
ADVANCED ENGINEERING INFORMATICS

Abstract
Thin shells are crucially dependent on their shape in order to obtain proper structural performance. In this context, the optimal shape will guarantee performance and safety requirements, while minimizing the use of materials, as well as construction/maintenance costs. Thin shell design is a team-based, multidisciplinary, and iterative process, which requires a high level of interaction between the various parties involved, especially between the Architecture and Engineering teams. As a result of technological development, novel concepts and tools become available to support this process. On the one hand, concepts like Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) show the potential to have a high impact on multidisciplinary environments such as the one in question, supporting the early decision-making process with the availability of as much information as possible. On the other hand, optimization techniques and tools should be highlighted, as they fit the needs and requirements of both the shell shape definition process and the IPD concept. These can be used not only to support advanced design stages, but also to facilitate the initial formulation of shape during the early interactions between architect and structural engineer from an IPD point of view. This paper proposes a methodology aimed at enhancing the interactive and iterative process associated with the early stages of thin shell design, supported by an integrated framework. The latter is based on several tools, namely Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, and Robot Structural Analysis. In order to achieve full integration of the support tools, a custom devised module was developed, so as to allow interoperability between Grasshopper and Robot Structural Analysis. The system resorts to various technologies targeted at improving the shell shape definition process, such as formfinding techniques, parametric and generative models, as well as shape optimization techniques that leverage on multi criteria evolutionary algorithms. The proposed framework is implemented in a set of fictitious scenarios, in which the best thin reinforced concrete shell structures are sought according to given design requirements. Results stemming from this implementation emphasize its interoperability, flexibility, and capability to promote interaction between the elements of the design team, ultimately outputting a set of diverse and creative shell shapes, and thus supporting the pre-design process.

2018

Incorporating innovative ICT in child-oriented marketing - A retail sector case study

Authors
Fernandes, J; Martins, J; Teixeira, MS; Branco, F; Gonçalves, R; Au Yong Oliveira, M; Moreira, F;

Publication
Proceedings of the European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, ECIE

Abstract
The retail sector, although being primarily traditional is deconstructing and modernizing itself in order to keep up with the technological and digital enhancements. The Portuguese panorama is remarkably structured upon child-oriented marketing initiatives with the involvement of technological platforms, gamification and enrolment components. The scrutiny of existing applications of innovative ICTs focused on children's marketing will serve as the basis for a new business campaign aimed at children and supported by digital marketing and innovative technological features that might trigger a future campaign's success. In addition, we conducted a small survey to parents and subsequent potential campaign customers to understand the indulgence of a children's marketing action and a triumphant social media advertisement. The in-store retail system has a huge competitor in the online configuration, in some product categories in conjunction with the privilege of buying anywhere and anytime. In what concerns child-oriented marketing, there is an understanding that actions need to focus on aspects such as interactivity, multimedia and personalized content, where the survey displayed a 99% approval in the creation and necessity of child-oriented marketing campaigns to retailers, and a 54% acclamation of a promotional social media action. This reveals that the online channel is a valid channel, and the in-store retailers, even still being preponderant, need to rethink the inclusion of an Omni-channel solution to solve the in-store versus online shopping retail system. Additionally, is recommended the creation of child-oriented actions to convert customer loyalty from a younger age and influence family consumption.

2018

Aggregation of Distributed Energy Resources Under the Concept of Multienergy Players in Local Energy Systems

Authors
Yazdani Damavandi, M; Neyestani, N; Chicco, G; Shafie Khah, M; Catalao, J;

Publication
2018 IEEE POWER & ENERGY SOCIETY GENERAL MEETING (PESGM)

Abstract

2018

A New Method for the Anterior Mitral Leaflet Segmentation in Echocardiography Videos using the Virtual M-mode Space

Authors
Sultan, MS; Martins, N; Costa, E; Veiga, D; Ferreira, MJ; Silva Mattos, Sd; Coimbra, MT;

Publication
40th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2018, Honolulu, HI, USA, July 18-21, 2018

Abstract

2018

Bringing Design Science Research to Service Design

Authors
Teixeira, JG; Patrício, L; Tuunanen, T;

Publication
Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing

Abstract
Service design is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to create new and innovative services. To accomplish this goal, service design resorts to contributions from other disciplines such as service management, marketing, information systems and interaction design. However, service design lacks dedicated methods and models that integrate the contributions from these disciplines. Design science research (DSR) offers a solid methodology to develop such artifacts and is already starting to be used in service research. To show how DSR can support service design, this article presents two new service design methods that have been developed using DSR and examines the process followed for developing them. Building on these methods, the article discusses how DSR can leverage service design characteristics of multidisciplinarity, human-centeredness and creativity, to develop further knowledge contributions for service design. Finally, the challenges posed by using DSR in service design and service research are also discussed, as well as ways to address those challenges. © 2018, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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