2026
Authors
Teixeira, B; Pinto, T; Catarino, P; Vasco, P; Reis, A; Barroso, J;
Publication
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Abstract
Efficient battery management in electric vehicles plays a key role in the transition to more sustainable and energy efficient mobility. This article presents a proposal for a modular framework to optimise charging and energy consumption based on solar radiation prediction. The solution integrates three main components: climate prediction models, battery behaviour simulation, and optimisation algorithms for decision making. This approach aims to dynamically adapt charging strategies to maximise vehicle autonomy and reduce energy waste. The modularity of the framework allows it to be applied to different vehicle types and operating contexts, ensuring flexibility and scalability. In addition, preliminary studies on solar radiation forecasting have already been carried out, providing a basis for future development of the system. The implementation of this approach represents an important step towards more efficient energy management in electric vehicles, contributing to the reduction of environmental impact and the promotion of sustainable electric mobility. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
2026
Authors
Gomes, G; Ribeiro, E; Pilarski, L; Pinto, T; Reis, A; Barroso, J;
Publication
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Abstract
The design and development of consumer products require an interdisciplinary approach, often constrained by time-consuming prototyping and manual decision-making processes. As product complexity increases and market demands evolve, the need for automation and intelligent collaboration becomes evident. This paper presents a case study on the design and virtual validation of a premium pen using a multi-agent system, leveraging the integration of large language models (LLMs) and software agents. This combination enables a rational representation of human expertise and interactions, streamlining the design process while enhancing adaptability. Using CrewAI, agents were configured with specialized tasks, collaborating to optimize design, select sustainable materials, and establish quality standards. The agents generated a markdown report and a 3D simulation using Blender and Python, ensuring efficient coordination for an ergonomic, sustainable, high-quality pen. By modeling the rational behavior of human experts, the system demonstrated how LLMs and multi-agent coordination can reduce decision overhead and improve collaboration. The results show that multi-agent systems streamline product development by reducing decision overhead, improving task delegation, and enhancing collaboration. The final design met strict virtual quality standards and aligned with market preferences. This study demonstrates the role of multi-agent systems and LLM integration in Industry 4.0, supporting digital prototyping and virtual simulations to replace traditional physical prototyping. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.
2026
Authors
Saadatmand, M; Khan, A; Marin, B; Paiva, ACR; Van Asch, N; Moran, G; Cammaerts, F; Snoeck, M; Mendes, A;
Publication
PRODUCT-FOCUSED SOFTWARE PROCESS IMPROVEMENT. INDUSTRY, DOCTORAL-SYMPOSIUM, TUTORIAL, AND WORKSHOP PAPERS, PROFES 2025
Abstract
The evolving landscape of software development demands that software testers continuously adapt to new tools, practices, and acquire new skills. This study investigates software testing competency needs in industry, identifies knowledge gaps in current testing education, and highlights competencies and gaps not addressed in academic literature. This is done by conducting two focus group sessions and interviews with professionals across diverse domains, including railway industry, healthcare, and software consulting and performing a curated small-scale scoping review. The study instrument, co-designed by members of the ENACTEST project consortium, was developed collaboratively and refined through multiple iterations to ensure comprehensive coverage of industry needs and educational gaps. In particular, by performing a thematic qualitative analysis, we report our findings and observations regarding: professional training methods, challenges in offering training in industry, different ways of evaluating the quality of training, identified knowledge gaps with respect to academic education and industry needs, future needs and trends in testing education, and knowledge transfer methods within companies. Finally, the scoping review results confirm knowledge gaps in areas such as AI testing, security testing and soft skills.
2026
Authors
Fasolino, AR; MarIn, B; Vos, TEJ; Mendes, A; Paiva, ACR; Cammaerts, F; Snoeck, M; Saadatmand, M; Tramontana, P;
Publication
ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTING EDUCATION
Abstract
Context. Software testing is a critical aspect of the software development lifecycle, yet it remains underrepresented in academic curricula. Despite advances in pedagogical practices and increased attention from the academic community, challenges persist in effectively teaching software testing. Understanding these challenges from the teachers' perspective is crucial to aligning education with industry needs. Objective. To analyze the characteristics, practices, tools, and challenges of software testing courses in higher education, from the perspective of educators, and to assess the integration of recent pedagogical approaches in software testing education. Method. A structured survey consisting of 52 questions was distributed to 143 software testing educators across Western European universities, resulting in 49 valid responses. The survey explored topics taught, course organization, teaching practices, tools and materials used, gamification approaches, and teacher satisfaction. Results. The survey revealed significant variability in course content, structure, and teaching methods. Most dedicated software testing courses are offered at the master's level and are elective, whereas testing is introduced earlier in less specialized (NST) courses. There is low adoption of formal guidelines (e.g., ACM, SWEBOK), limited integration of non-functional testing types, and a high diversity in textbooks and tools used. While modern practices like Test-Driven Development and automated assessment are increasingly adopted, gamification and active learning approaches remain underutilized. Teachers expressed a need for improved and more consistent teaching materials. Conclusion. The study highlights a mismatch between academic practices and industry expectations in software testing education. Greater integration of standardized curricula, broader adoption of modern teaching tools, and increased support for teachers through high-quality, adaptable teaching materials are needed to enhance the effectiveness of software testing education.
2026
Authors
Pimentel, L; Bernardo, MD; Rocha, T;
Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION
Abstract
Recent technological advancements have increased computer crime, requiring public authorities to implement structured mitigation strategies. While initiatives exist to improve digital literacy on device security, they must also address the complexities of computer crime. Using Design Science Research, this study investigated the applicability of chatbots to raise awareness of computer crime in a public administration setting. A systematic literature review highlighted the issue's relevance and identified knowledge gaps. A scoping review gathered concepts, methodologies, technologies, architectures, and tools for developing and evaluating an effective chatbot. The design and development phase included a detailed proposal for a sophisticated chatbot architecture. During the demonstration and evaluation phases, the utility of the chatbot was tested in the domain of conversational flow efficiency and usability. The study's primary results and contributions are to assess the chatbot's effectiveness in raising awareness of computer crime on public websites. Future work should focus on implementing the chatbot in the actual context of public administration, proposing a network of specialized conversational assistants, and improving public service interoperability to enhance computer crime awareness.
2026
Authors
Teixeira, AR; Lopes, CT;
Publication
EMERGING TRENDS IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES, WORLDCIST 2025, VOL 1
Abstract
This study examines the role of online health communities in Brazil dedicated to cannabis treatments for chronic diseases as platforms for evidence-based activism. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative analysis with computational techniques, including Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) topic modeling, to analyze six online groups from WhatsApp and Facebook. Key themes emerging from the analysis include treatment per pathology, treatment effects, access barriers, peer support, and advocacy efforts. The findings reveal how these communities act as epistemic networks, where patients and caregivers co-produce knowledge by sharing personal experiences and engaging in dialogue with healthcare professionals. This study highlights how online health communities transform experience sharing into structured evidence, enabling collective action to address barriers such as limited access to cannabis-based treatments. It underscores the potential of digital platforms to empower patients, foster collaboration with healthcare professionals, and influence health governance.
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