2023
Authors
Costa, DS; Mamede, HS;
Publication
HELIYON
Abstract
Organizations are more frequently turning towards robotic process automation (RPA) as a solu-tion for employees to focus on higher complexity and more valuable tasks while delegating routine, monotonous and rule-based tasks to their digital colleagues. These software robots can handle various rule-based, digital, repetitive tasks. However, currently available process identi-fication methods must be qualified to select suitable automation processes accurately. Wrong process selection and failed attempts are often the origin of process automation's bad reputation within organizations and often result in the avoidance of this technology. As a result, in this research, a method for selecting processes for automation combining two multi-criteria decision -making techniques, 'Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), will be proposed, demonstrated, and evaluated. This study follows the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) and applies the proposed method for selecting processes for automation to a real-life scenario. The result will be a method to support the proper selection of business processes for automation, increasing the success of implementing RPA tools in an organization.
2023
Authors
Pires, A; Chaminé, HI;
Publication
Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation
Abstract
This essay addresses the importance of geotechnics and marine georesources in developing technologies. The study proposes a coastal and marine geoengineering approach that focuses on five domains (5G’s): georesources, geology, geotechnics, geomechanics and geotechnologies. These domains are considered in several engineering projects related to coastal, hydraulic, marine, and maritime applications. The reality of a world in rapid, continuous evolution has put into perspective a multidisciplinary approach combining different practices and coastal strategies. That is the main driving force that should be considered when dealing with geoengineering projects in general. Moreover, geological resources and the potential exploitation of mineral and rock raw materials boost innovative techniques and upscaling geo-robotic systems. Finally, the essay unravels new trends in challenging and extreme environments and natural hazards, highlighting emerging fields such as deep-sea mining, geo-exploration, offshore, coastal, harbour and marine geotechnics. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
2023
Authors
da Silva, PM; Mendes, JP; Coelho, LCC; de Almeida, JMMM;
Publication
CHEMOSENSORS
Abstract
Reinforced concrete structures are prevalent in infrastructure and are of significant economic and social importance to humanity. However, they are prone to decay from cement paste carbonation. pH sensors have been developed to monitor cement paste carbonation, but their adoption by the industry remains limited. This work introduces two new methods for monitoring cement paste carbonation in real time that have been validated through the accelerated carbonation of cement paste samples. Both configurations depart from traditional pH monitoring. In the first configuration, the carbonation depth of a cement paste sample is measured using two CO2 optical fiber sensors. One sensor is positioned on the surface of the sample, while the other is embedded in the middle. As the carbonation depth progresses and reaches the embedded CO2 sensor, the combined response of the sensors changes. In the second configuration, a multimode fiber is embedded within the paste, and its carbonation is monitored by observing the increase in reflected light intensity (1.6-18%) resulting from the formation of CaCO3. Its applicability in naturally occurring carbonation is tested at concentrations of 3.2% CO2, and the influence of water is positively evaluated; thus, this setup is suitable for real-world testing and applications.
2023
Authors
Araujo, L; Matos, T; Cabral, J; Martins, M;
Publication
OCEANS 2023 - LIMERICK
Abstract
Oceans all over the world are an important way of sustainability in the lives of many people and have a high impact on the economy of most of the coastal countries. With the growth of underwater activity provided by the development of autonomous and remotely controlled vehicles and with the appearance of new underwater sensors, there is also a need to develop and design more robust underwater wireless networks to provide better and faster communications among the devices connected to the network. Nowadays several technologies provide wireless underwater communications. In this work, we address acoustic technology and the implementation of an acoustic communication system which applies a version of frequency modulation. The main goal of this work is to study the 4-FSK modulation technique and verify the efficiency of the communication system according to variables such as communication distance and baud rate. This implementation uses FPGA systems and Xilinx Vitis Model Composer software and MATLAB Simulink software for simulation. The developed communication system was tested in a controlled environment at two stages: aquarium and pool. The tests were carried out transmitting at 3 different baud rates (40, 100 and 200 kbps) in a distance of 100 cm in the aquarium and 5 meters in the pool.
2023
Authors
Domingues, JM; Filipe, V; Luz, F; Carita, A;
Publication
Proceedings of the International Conferences on Interfaces and Human Computer Interaction 2023, IHCI 2023; Computer Graphics, Visualization, Computer Vision and Image Processing 2023, CGVCVIP 2023; and Game and Entertainment Technologies 2023, GET 2023
Abstract
The challenge is a fundamental aspect of almost every gameplay, and immersion is one of the most widely recognized concepts in the video game industry. Since this is currently a work in progress, this study aims to preliminary research how player's perceived level of challenge affects narrative immersion during gameplay in the role-playing game (RPG) genre. This study will outline the procedures that will be undertaken, including the utilization of the Challenge Originating from Recent Gameplay Interaction Scale (CORGIS) instrument and a questionnaire to measure player immersion. These instruments will enable the assessment of the impact of the perceived challenge on narrative immersion in each use case. © 2023 Proceedings of the International Conferences on Interfaces and Human Computer Interaction 2023, IHCI 2023; Computer Graphics, Visualization, Computer Vision and Image Processing 2023, CGVCVIP 2023; and Game and Entertainment Technologies 2023, GET 2023. All rights reserved.
2023
Authors
Pato, ML; Duque, AS;
Publication
OPEN AGRICULTURE
Abstract
The protection of agri-food regional products is taking on growing importance in a market dominated by global companies and brands, often with no personality. Thirty years ago, the European Union (EU) agricultural product quality policy introduced the protection of geographical indications (GIs) for agricultural products and foodstuffs, with the aim of highlighting the quality of products resulting from a specific origin, therefore helping their communication and positioning in the market. This is important in countries with a considerable percentage of rural regions, as is the case of Portugal. Bearing this in mind, the purpose of this study is to see what are the drivers of the spatial distribution of traditional products (protected geographical indications, protected designations of origin, and traditional speciality guaranteed) in Portugal. For this purpose, the distribution of traditional products by regions and categories in Portugal will be presented. Also, Portugal's position will be analysed and compared to the other EU countries, regarding the number of traditional products. Results show that Portugal is the country with the fourth biggest number of traditional certified products in EU territory. In the national territory, the Northern Region of Portugal has the biggest percentage of protected products, followed by Alentejo and the Centre Region of Portugal. Also, in Portugal, looking at the type of products, from a list of ten different categories of GIs, the ranking is dominated by (1) fresh meat, (2) meat products (cooked, salted, or smoked), and (3) cheese and milk-based products. If we consider that many of the aforementioned products are produced in less favoured regions, these results constitute an opportunity for their sustainable development. This benefits not only the producers, but also consumers who increasingly seek authentic and more natural products.
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