Abstract
This paper proposes an innovative framework based on optimisation techniques that can support decision-making in water services. The proposed models estimate a Best-Practice frontier recurring to a ‘Benefit-of-the-Doubt’ formulation that enables benchmarking performance across decision-making units. We propose an innovative estimation of a pseudo-Malmquist index to compare the performance of groups. The framework’s relevance is illustrated using data of the Brazilian water and sanitation regulator, collected at the municipality level for the year 2019. The groups compared correspond to three Brazilian macro-regions. The results obtained show that the Southeast exhibits the best overall performance. The Northeast has a few municipalities with the best practices at a national level, but this macro-region has significant heterogeneity in performance levels. The South has a more homogeneous performance, but the best-performing municipalities in this macro-region are still far from Brazil’s best practices. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract
Hereditary amyloidosis associated with transthyretin (ATTRv), is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by length-dependent symmetric polyneuropathy that has gait impairment as one of its consequences. The gait pattern of V30M ATTRv amyloidosis patients has been described as similar to that of diabetic neuropathy, associated with steppage, but has never been quantitatively characterized. In this study we aim to characterize the gait pattern of patients with V30M ATTRv amyloidosis, thus providing information for a better understanding and potential for supporting diagnosis and disease progression evaluation. We present a case series in which we conducted two gait analyses, 18 months apart, of five V30M ATTRv amyloidosis patients using a 12-camera, marker based, optical system as well as six force platforms. Linear kinematics, ground reaction forces, and angular kinematics results are analyzed for all patients. All patients, except one, showed a delayed toe-off in the second assessment, as well as excessive pelvic rotation, hip extension and external transverse rotation and knee flexion (in stance and swing phases), along with reduced vertical and mediolateral ground reaction forces. The described gait anomalies are not clinically quantified; thus, gait analysis may contribute to the assessment of possible disease progression along with the clinical evaluation.

Abstract
This paper explores robust unconditional and conditional nonparametric approaches to support performance evaluation in problematic samples. Real-world assessments often face critical problems regarding available data, as samples may be relatively small, with high variability in the magnitude of the observed indicators and contextual conditions. This paper explores the possibility of mitigating the impact of potential outlier observations and variability in small samples using a robust nonparametric approach. This approach has the advantage of avoiding unnecessary loss of relevant information, retaining all the decision-making units of the original sample. We devote particular attention to identifying peers and targets in the robust nonparametric approach to guide improvements for underperforming units. The results are compared with a traditional deterministic approach to highlight the proposed method's benefits for problematic samples. This framework's applicability in internal benchmarking studies is illustrated with a case study within the wastewater treatment industry in Portugal.

Abstract
This work presents preliminary results of the ? -shaped sensor mounted on support designed by additive manufacturing (AM). This sensor is proposed and experimentally demonstrated to measure the radial variation of cylindrical structures. The sensor presents an easy fabrication. The support was developed to work using the principle of leverage. The sensing head is curled between two points so that the dimension associated with the macro bend is changed when there is a radial variation. The results indicate that the proposed sensor structure can monitor radial variation in applications such as pipelines and trees.

Abstract
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way chatbots are created and used. The recent boom of artificial intelligence development is creating a whole new generation of intelligent approaches that enable a more efficient and effective design of chatbots. On the other hand, the increasing need and interest from the industry in artificial intelligence based solutions, is guaranteeing the necessary investment and applicational know-how that is pushing such solutions to a new dimension. Some relevant examples are e-commerce, health or education, which is the main focus of this work. This paper studies and analyses the impact that artificial intelligence models and solutions is having on the design and development of chatbots, when compared to the previously used approaches. Some of the most relevant current and future challenges in this domain are highlighted, which include language learning, sentiment interpretation, integration with other services, or data security and privacy issues.

Abstract
Purpose - The World State of Quality (WSQ) Project aims to evaluate, analyse, rank and categorise countries according to their performance in quality as a multidimensional concept. The Project involves the computation of an overall score for each country, obtained as a weighted average of ranking positions of 16 metrics, with weights determined by a panel of experts. Methodology-This work proposes an alternative strategy for that procedure, using a Benefit-of-the-Doubt (BoD) Composite Indicator approach under the framework of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). This strategy avoids the need of using subjective weights and normalising data by rank positions, using a more objective procedure to obtain the countries’ ranking. A new overall score of the World State of Quality is proposed, which allows the categorisation of countries’ performance. The novel insights resulting from the use of this methodology are discussed, including the identification of strengths and weaknesses of the various countries, and the peers that can be used for facilitating continuous improvements policies. Findings - The results show that the BoD approach and the original method used by the WSQ Project present comparable results. Countries’ strengths and weaknesses and their suitable peers and targets for benchmarking are presented with illustrative examples. Originality/value – A novel frontier approach for countries’ benchmarking regarding their performance in quality is proposed, incorporating new insights into the current method. © 2022 Universidade do Minho. All rights reserved.