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Publications

2027

Standing on a common ground: a comparison of static stability approaches for pallet loading

Authors
Mazur, PG; Gamer, FC; Ramos, AG; Schoder, D;

Publication
INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS IN OPERATIONAL RESEARCH

Abstract
At the practical level, the static stability constraint is one of the most important constraints in practical pallet loading problems, such as air cargo palletizing. Approaches to modeling static stability, which range from base support and mechanical equilibrium calculations to physical simulation, differ in workflow, focus, and assumptions, so choosing the right static stability approach has a substantial impact on the quality of the solution and, ultimately, on loading security. To date, little research has investigated the structural differences between approaches. The aim of this paper is to integrate knowledge and shed light on the applicability of the different approaches for the practical scenario of air cargo palletizing. We tackle this problem through (1) a reformulation and extension of static stability toward loading stability, (2) a conceptual analysis of current approaches, and (3) benchmarking that employs an independent multibody simulation on multiple heterogeneous datasets. Our results show that all approaches are prone to structure errors and vary significantly in their premises and information usage. Further, full base support is revealed to be the most restrictive approach by far, while physical simulation achieves the greatest accuracy. Given the trade-off between accuracy and runtime, the mechanical equilibrium approach is a good choice, while partial base support performs best for lower support values.

2027

Can We Typify Health Information Seekers? Identification of Personas Among Laypeople

Authors
Dias, M; Teixeira Lopes, C;

Publication
Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing

Abstract
The digitalization of healthcare and the widespread use of personal health technologies generate large volumes of health data, yet individuals still struggle to manage and understand their information. This paper explores the development of personas that represent typical personal health information-seeking behaviors, motivations, and needs to support the user-centered design of personal health knowledge management systems. We adopted a mixed-method approach, conducting and analyzing an online survey that collected data on personal health information needs, purposes of access, and access-related challenges, along with using affinity diagramming to group participants by key characteristics identified through data analysis. This approach derived three personas: clinical navigator, health tracker, and care planner. These personas provide a basis for designing user-centered systems that enable individuals to access, organize, and use their personal health information. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2027.

2026

Grapevine Canopy Volume Estimation from UAV Photogrammetric Point Clouds at Different Flight Heights

Authors
Ferreira, L; Marques, P; Peres, E; Morais, R; Sousa, JJ; Pádua, L;

Publication
REMOTE SENSING

Abstract
Highlights What are the main findings? Envelope methods (convex hull and alpha shape) are generally more sensitive to point density loss than voxel-based grids, which maintain a relative stability, although they were not always the closest to field-based volume estimations. Methods parameters (alpha and voxel size) influence accuracy and should be adapted to point cloud density, canopy structure, and growth stage. What are the implications of the main findings? UAV photogrammetry provides dense, low-cost 3D canopy data suitable for vineyard monitoring at the row or plant level. Multi-temporal 3D measurements can support vineyard management and integration with decision support systems.Highlights What are the main findings? Envelope methods (convex hull and alpha shape) are generally more sensitive to point density loss than voxel-based grids, which maintain a relative stability, although they were not always the closest to field-based volume estimations. Methods parameters (alpha and voxel size) influence accuracy and should be adapted to point cloud density, canopy structure, and growth stage. What are the implications of the main findings? UAV photogrammetry provides dense, low-cost 3D canopy data suitable for vineyard monitoring at the row or plant level. Multi-temporal 3D measurements can support vineyard management and integration with decision support systems.Abstract Vegetation volume is a useful indicator for assessing canopy structure and supporting vineyard management tasks such as foliar applications and canopy management. The photogrammetric processing of imagery acquired using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) enables the generation of dense point clouds suitable for estimating canopy volume, although point cloud quality depends on spatial resolution, which is influenced by flight height. This study evaluates the effect of three flight heights (30 m, 60 m, and 100 m) on grapevine canopy volume estimation using convex hull, alpha shape, and voxel-based models. UAV-based RGB imagery and field measurements were collected during three periods at different phenological stages in an experimental vineyard. The strongest agreement with field-measured volume occurred at 30 m, where point density was highest. Envelope-based methods showed reduced performance at higher flight heights, while voxel-based grids remained more stable when voxel size was adapted to point density. Estimator behavior also varied with canopy architecture and development. The results indicate appropriate parameter choices for different flight heights and confirm that UAV-based RGB imagery can provide reliable grapevine canopy volume estimates.

2026

Optimizing Transit Connectivity: A Synchronization Model Applied to Porto Campanha

Authors
Alves, R; Hora, J; Galvao, T;

Publication
TRANSPORT TRANSITIONS: ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE MOBILITY, TRA CONFERENCE 2024, VOL 5

Abstract
In the context of transport networks, synchronization techniques refer to a set of optimization approaches whose output is the timetables of different lines obtained through the minimization of transfer waiting time and vehicle bunching. Accordingly, synchronization techniques can improve the overall quality of transfers in transport systems by making them smoother for passengers. The synchronization of transport lines at strategic locations improves the system's overall connectivity and integration and, ultimately, its attractiveness to passengers. This work aimed to synchronize strategic transport lines connecting Porto to other cities, having Porto as the only focal point. The morning peak hours were selected as the analysis period. A synchronization model already proposed in the literature was adapted and applied to this case study. The results include the comparison between the real and synchronized timetables and the sensitivity analysis of the solutions obtained by changing headway and time window parameters.

2026

Modeling technology-enabled customer experience in running events: a service design approach

Authors
Kallitsari, Z; Theodorakis, ND; Teixeira, JG; Anastasiadou, K; Lianopoulos, Y; Tsigilis, N;

Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVENT AND FESTIVAL MANAGEMENT

Abstract
Purpose This study aims to explore how technology-enabled services influence the overall experience of participants in running events by applying a structured service design methodology. Specifically, it examined how recreational runners engage with technology-enabled services throughout the customer journey of a running event, and how the application of the MINDS method contributes to enhancing the runners' experience. Design/methodology/approach Thirty-nine running event participants were interviewed to explore their experiences. The interviews took place in Greece in 2023, across various mass-participation events from marathons to 5K city races. Using the Management and INteraction Design for Service (MINDS) method, qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Findings The study identified how recreational runners interact with technology-enabled services across the pre-, during-, and post-event stages. Using the MINDS method, participants' experiences were mapped to reveal emotional touchpoints, service gaps, and opportunities to enhance the event experience. These findings were translated into service design proposals through the MINDS method, resulting in visual outputs that illustrate how technology-enabled services could be better integrated across the event journey. Originality/value This study is among the first to examine running event experiences from the participants' perspective using a service design methodology. It also contributes to the advancement of the MINDS by introducing customer journey and emotional journey extensions, offering richer insights into how participant experiences can be optimized across the event lifecycle.

2026

From cognitive to circular: A Digital Twin systematic review

Authors
de Souza, JF; Mendonça, FM; Baptista, AJ; Soares, AL; Gomes, J Jr;

Publication
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL INFORMATION INTEGRATION

Abstract
This paper aims to clarify the characteristics of Digital Twins (DTs) in their most advanced conceptual development, Cognitive Digital Twins (CDTs), and analyze their support for the implementation of the Circular Economy (CE). A systematic literature review was conducted using a specially developed five-dimensional analytical framework to characterize DT proposals and their potential for CE based on an established framework for circularity strategies. The study indicates that cognitive and hybrid DT approaches tend to cover high levels of interoperability, data flow, system levels, and cognitive processes. However, CDT use in CE demands harmonizing different strategies to cover the complete product lifecycle, which recent research on DTs has not fully addressed. This study is the first to systematically review cognitive digital twins and their relation to circularity, offering an analytical framework that can be expanded for future research in various application areas of Industry 5.0.

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