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Publications

Publications by Fernando Luís Almeida

2023

Entrepreneurial learning among different industries: a case study research of four sectors in the UK

Authors
Wasim, J; Almeida, F; Cujba, G;

Publication
International Journal of Learning and Change

Abstract
Entrepreneurial activity has been an element of economic and social enhancement. However, managing a startup is a difficult and risky activity that strongly depends on the entrepreneur's characteristics and skills. While much attention has been given recently to entrepreneurial learning, less has been studied about the learning dynamics in different industries. This study aims to understand and explore types of learning in different industries and find their similarities and differences. For this purpose, an exploratory comparative case study composed of four cases has been considered. Findings reveal that the main types of entrepreneurial learning are similar in all the industries analysed and are linked to social and experiential learning. The main dissimilarities are related to searching for customer information, employees' feedback, and solving issues. Lastly, some entrepreneurs reflect on the actions or decisions taken, while others do not reflect as much as they would like to. © 2023 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

2023

Prospects of Cybersecurity in Smart Cities

Authors
Almeida, F;

Publication
FUTURE INTERNET

Abstract
The complex and interconnected infrastructure of smart cities offers several opportunities for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities and carry out cyberattacks that can have serious consequences for the functioning of cities' critical infrastructures. This study aims to address this phenomenon and characterize the dimensions of security risks in smart cities and present mitigation proposals to address these risks. The study adopts a qualitative methodology through the identification of 62 European research projects in the field of cybersecurity in smart cities, which are underway during the period from 2022 to 2027. Compared to previous studies, this work provides a comprehensive view of security risks from the perspective of multiple universities, research centers, and companies participating in European projects. The findings of this study offer relevant scientific contributions by identifying 7 dimensions and 31 sub-dimensions of cybersecurity risks in smart cities and proposing 24 mitigation strategies to face these security challenges. Furthermore, this study explores emerging cybersecurity issues to which smart cities are exposed by the increasing proliferation of new technologies and standards.

2020

Modeling and Estimating the COVID-19 Incidence and Fatality in Europe

Authors
Almeida, F;

Publication
Journal of Health Sciences and Surveillance System

Abstract
Background: The estimation of the real number of COVID-19 infected people is one of the concerns of the governments around the world. In this sense, this study seeks to assess the incidence and fatality of COVID-19 in Europe considering the expected number of the infected cases. Methods: A quantitative exploratory study was performed on the top 10 countries most affected by COVID-19 by 9th June in Europe. Furthermore, this study presents three propagation estimation models of the COVID-19 that help us to understand the real incidence of the pandemic in each country. Each model is briefly explained and applied. Results: The findings revealed a great heterogeneity of COVID-19 cases and deaths among the countries. The indicator of the number of deaths reveals the greatest disparity between other countries with the United Kingdom, recording about 6 or 7 times more deaths than Russia or Germany. Infection fatality rate (IFR) tends to be a more reliable indicator when analyzing data because it is less dependent on the number of tests performed. Conclusion: Several estimation models can be used to determine the incidence of COVID-19. However, their results in European countries are still quite asymmetrical although they are more reliable than just looking at the perspective of the number of cases or deaths recorded. The infection fatality rate (IFR) emerges as a more accurate indicator by estimating the expected number of registered cases, which includes asymptomatic cases and patients with mild symptoms that are not known and reported by health authorities. © 2020 The authors.

2025

A platform sandbox for the assessment of municipal sustainable development goals

Authors
Ferreira, F; Briga, P; Teixeira, SR; Almeida, F;

Publication
JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Abstract
PurposeThis study aims to present an innovative sandbox platform that implements a decision support system (DSS) to assess the sustainable development goals (SDGs) addressed at the municipal level. It intends to determine the relative importance of each SDG in municipalities and explore the synergies that can be discovered among them. Design/methodology/approachParticipatory action research is used to develop a DSS and an algorithm designated as discrete heavy fuzzy was also developed, which extends the Apriori algorithm to include discrete quantitative assessments of the level of SDG compliance by each project. A scenario consisting of three municipalities in Portugal (i.e. Porto, Loule and Castelo de Vide) was chosen to demonstrate the implementation of the sandbox platform and to interpret the observed results. FindingsThe results reveal significant differences in the typology of SDGs addressed by each municipality. It was found that municipal sustainable projects are strongly influenced by the contextual factors of each municipality. Porto has projects that address the first five SDGs. Loule appears projects that promote innovation, the fight against climate change and the development of sustainable cities. Castelo de Vida has initiatives related to innovation and infrastructure and decent work and economic growth. Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides knowledge about the relative importance of the SDGs in Portuguese municipalities and explores the synergies among them. The proposed sandbox platform fills the gaps of the ODSlocal Webtool by proposing a dynamic and interactive approach for the exploration of quantitative indicators regarding the implementation status of the SDGs established in the 2030 Agenda. Originality/valueThis study provides knowledge about the relative importance of the SDGs and the various synergies that exist between them considering the Portuguese municipalities. The sandbox platform presented and developed within this study allows filling the gaps of the ODSlocal Webtool that gathers essentially qualitative information about each project and offers a dynamic and interactive exploration with quantitative indicators of the implementation status of the SDGs established in the 2030 Agenda.

2012

Using Agile Practice for Student Software Projects

Authors
Almeida, F;

Publication
Journal of Education and Vocational Research

Abstract
Agile methodology as a relatively new approach to software engineering is becoming more popular in both industry and academia. Learning agile software development methodologies will unquestionably increase the capabilities and competences of our students as entry-level software engineers. However, how agile methods and techniques should be taught at the undergraduate level in additional to traditional approaches is still being debated. This study was conducted on a studentprogramming project, with sample size of 23 students from the Informatics Engineering course. The Scrum methodology was adopted and 28 user stories and 4 sprints were created. The results indicate a significant impact on students’ skill improvement and let them to have the first contact with real projects and clients. Besides that, the students agree that the adoption of the Scrum methodology helped them to improve the participation and collaboration. However, some issues were also detected in terms of communication and tasks planning. Therefore, we proposed some polities that could help and boost the software development process inside a classroom.

2010

Adoption issues of multi-agent systems in manufacturing industry

Authors
Almeida, FL; Terra, BM; Dias, PA; Goncalves, GM;

Publication
Proceedings - 5th International Multi-Conference on Computing in the Global Information Technology, ICCGI 2010

Abstract
This paper looks at the adoption challenges of multiagent systems as an implementation of the intelligent manufacturing concept, which intends to offer a system characterized by its flexibility, reconfigurability, autonomy, reliability and learning capabilities. It describes the concept of multi-agent systems, its generic architecture and some relevant industrial implementations. Additionally, it analyzes the main multi-agent challenges looking for its benefits in the manufacturing industry, but also exposing its limitations and barriers for a widely industry adoption. © 2010 IEEE.

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