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Publications

2024

A configurational perspective for the generalisation of healthcare innovations: The case of a new screening programme

Authors
Rodrigues, JC; Barros, AC; Claro, J;

Publication
TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE

Abstract
This paper analyses the process of generalisation of an innovative government-led public practice in the healthcare sector. The scaling and embedding involved in this generalisation process are assumed to be dependent on the multiple implementation processes (consecutive or simultaneous) that lead to a routine use of the innovation in different adopters. This paper, therefore, proposes the use of a configurational theory approach to conceptualise each implementation of the innovation during the generalisation process and shed light on the generalisation's scaling and embedding efforts. It suggests a set of recommendations and practices for generalisation managers, most notably: i) they should regard generalisations as organic processes where their main role is to create space for experimentation, learning and negotiation, and ii) they should adopt different modes of governance to identify adequate mechanisms and strategies and guide their actions. This configurational perspective allows them to monitor and manage the evolution of implementations, informs the valuable learning processes that take place in a generalisation and has been found to be a useful tool to support the crucial collaboration among the actors involved in a generalisation.

2024

Integrating Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) into Open 5G Core

Authors
Xavier, R; Silva, RS; Ribeiro, M; Moreira, W; Freitas, L; Oliveira, A Jr;

Publication
TELECOM

Abstract
Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) represents the central concept that enables the creation of new applications and services that bring the benefits of edge computing to networks and users. By implementing applications and services at the edge, close to users and their devices, it becomes possible to take advantage of extremely low latency, substantial bandwidth, and optimized resource usage. However, enabling this approach requires careful integration between the MEC framework and the open 5G core. This work is dedicated to designing a new service that extends the functionality of the Multi-Access Traffic Steering (MTS) API, acting as a strategic bridge between the realms of MEC and the 5G core. To accomplish this objective, we utilize free5GC (open-source project for 5G core) as our 5G core, deployed on the Kubernetes cluster. The proposed service is validated using this framework, involving scenarios of high user density. To conclude whether the discussed solution is valid, KPIs of 5G MEC applications described in the scientific community were sought to use as a comparison parameter. The results indicate that the service effectively addresses the described issues while demonstrating its feasibility in various use cases such as e-Health, Paramedic Support, Smart Home, and Smart Farms.

2024

Improving Stability of Reduced Inertia Transmission Systems

Authors
Pereira, MI; Moreira, C;

Publication
2024 IEEE 22ND MEDITERRANEAN ELECTROTECHNICAL CONFERENCE, MELECON 2024

Abstract
The progressive replacement of thermal power plants by converter-interfaced generation, such as wind and solar power plants, reduces the synchronous component available in the system. Additionally, as converter-interfaced renewable energy sources do not directly provide inertia to the power grid, electric power systems are facing a notorious inertia reduction. When facing disturbances affecting the balance between the generation and demand, reduced inertia systems exhibit higher and faster frequency deviations and dynamics. This can result in the disconnection of generation units as well as load shedding, provoking cascading effects that can compel severe power outages. This work examines the impacts of the progressive integration of converter-interfaced renewable energy sources in the frequency stability, considering critical disturbances involving short-circuits in different locations. To simulate the dynamic behaviour of a network containing high shares of renewable energy generation, the IEEE 39-bus system is used while resorting to the PSS/E simulation package. After obtaining a scenario with reduced synchronous generation, the network's stability is assessed in face of key frequency indicators (frequency nadir and Rate of Change of Frequency, RoCoF). Regarding the critical disturbances applied in a low inertia scenario, different control solutions for the mitigation of frequency stability problems are tested and their performance is assessed comparatively. This involves the investigation of the performance of the active power-frequency control in the renewable energy sources, of synchronous condensers, or fast active power-frequency regulation services from stationary energy storage. Moreover, the influence of the location and apparent power of synchronous condensers (SCs) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) on the frequency indicators is evaluated.

2024

Mobile Robot Prototypes with Different Locomotion Configurations

Authors
Garganta, G; Lima, J; Costa, G;

Publication
Lecture Notes in Educational Technology

Abstract
In the last few decades, the area of robotics has evolved immensely, creating new and improved robot mobility solutions for industrial, scientific, medical, and several other purposes. Among these solutions is the car-like robot, using wheels to move. However, there are many different options within this solution, different types of wheels and configurations on the robot that each offer key advantages for a variety of objectives. Choosing a wheel configuration for robot vehicles is extremely important for the robot’s mobility, and its purpose must be considered while studying all the options. Starting on an existing prototype with a differential configuration, other configurations were implemented to study their differences, their strong and weak points, and the trajectories they allow the robot to make. This analysis will make the choice of configuration for each scenario clearer. This paper presents three types of robot configurations and compares them according to requirements using real prototype robots that are shared with the community for many purposes, such as education, among others. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.

2024

Dbd Plasma-Treated Polyester Fabric Coated with Doped Pedot:Pss for Thermoregulation

Authors
Magalhães, C; Ribeiro, AI; Rodrigues, R; Meireles, Â; Alves, A; Rocha, J; de Lima, FP; Martins, M; Mitu, B; Satulu, V; Dinescu, G; Padrão, J; Zille, A;

Publication

Abstract

2024

Inventory Strategies for Optimizing Resiliency and Sustainability in Pharmaceutical Supply Chains – A Simulation-Optimization Approach

Authors
Marques C.M.; Silva A.C.; de Sousa J.P.;

Publication
Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

Abstract
In this work a hybrid simulation-optimization approach is presented to support decision-making towards improved resiliency and sustainability in pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC) operations. In a first step, a simulation model is used to assess the PSC performance under a set of disruptive scenarios to select the best inventory-based strategy for enhanced resiliency. Disruptions addressed in this work are mainly related to unpredicted medium-term production stoppages due to unexpected high-impact events such as accidents in production and transportation, or natural disasters. In a second step, a multi-objective mixed integer linear programming (MO-MILP) model is developed to optimize the selected inventory-based strategy regarding the economic, social, and environmental dimensions. In particular, the social and environmental aspects are introduced by anticipating the expected waste generation of close to expire medicines, redirecting them into a donation scheme. The proposed approach is applied to a representative PSC, with preliminary results showing the relevance of this tool for decision-makers to assess the trade-offs associated to the economic and social dimensions, as well as their impacts on waste generation.

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