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Publications

2024

Precision Fertilization: A critical review analysis on sensing technologies for nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium quantification

Authors
Silva, FM; Queiros, C; Pereira, M; Pinho, T; Barroso, T; Magalhaes, S; Boaventura, J; Santos, F; Cunha, M; Martins, RC;

Publication
COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS IN AGRICULTURE

Abstract
Fertilization is paramount for agriculture productivity and food security. Plant nutrition pre-established recipes and nutrient uptake are rarely managed by changing the fertilizer composition at the different stages of the plant life cycle. Herein we perform a literature review analysis - since the year 2000 and onwards - of the state-of-the-art capabilities of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium (NPK) sensors for liquid fertilizers ( e.g. , hydroponics). From the initial search hits of 1660 results, only 53 publications had relevant information for this topic; from these, only 9 had NPK quantitative information. Qualitative analysis was performed by determining the number of publications for each nutrient, according to sample complexity and existing single, multiplexed or hybrid technologies. Quantitative assessment was performed by extracting the bias and linearity, the limit of detection and concentration ranges of sensor operation, framed into the context of the sensor technology development stage and sample compositional complexity. The most common technologies are colorimetry, ionselective electrodes, optrodes, chemosensors, and optical spectroscopy. The most abundant technologies are for nitrate quantification, from which ion-selective electrodes are the most widely used technology, and sensors for phosphate quantification are the less developed. Most are at low technological levels of development, not dealing with the complexity of agriculture samples due to matrix effects and interference. Measuring the fertilizer composition, nutrient uptake, the state of the chemical network, and controlling the release of nutrients using new functional materials, is one of the most important challenges ahead for the existence of precision fertilization. Intelligent sensing and smart materials are today the most successful strategy for dealing with matrix effects and interferences, being led by ion-selective electrodes and spectroscopy technologies.

2024

Digital Twin em cidades inteligentes no Brasil: revisão integrativa da literatura - Digital twin in smart cities in Brazil: an integrative literature review

Authors
Mendonça, TC; Soares, AL; Cavalcanti, VOdM; Varvakis, G;

Publication
AtoZ: novas práticas em informação e conhecimento

Abstract
Introdução/objetivo: O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a literatura acadêmica atual sobre smart cities (cidades inteligentes) no Brasil com evidências de aplicação da tecnologia Digital Twin (gêmeo digital) ou Digital Shadow (sombra digital). Método: A Revisão Integrativa da Literatura foi utilizada como instrumento de pesquisa, analisando nos artigos: a) objetivo; b) método de pesquisa; c) objeto de estudo (local); d) aplicação da Digital Twin ou Digital Shadow; e) Resultado e conclusões. Resultados: Portfólio com 25 artigos sobre o tema e a análise qualitativa quanto ao objetivo, método, local de estudo, tecnologia Digital Twin, Digital Shadow e resultados. Estudos com elementos da Digital Shadow são percebidos timidamente em dois casos de cidades inteligentes no Brasil. Conclusão: As tecnologias inteligentes das cidades devem ser centradas nos interesses dos usuários para não perder a sua humanidade. Cabe acrescentar que as necessidades das pessoas mudam e, com isso, as tecnologias inteligentes devem ter visão de futuro, com vistas a antecipar as necessidades das gerações futuras. A tecnologia Digital Twin é um modelo que pode contribuir neste sentido, monitorando e provendo a leitura de cenários futuros de cidades inteligentes.

2024

The Bi-O edge sensor: from theory to practice

Authors
Vérinaud, C; Héritier, CT; Kasper, M; Haffert, S; Snik, F; Doelman, D; Carlotti, A; Engler, B; Le Louarn, M; Correia, C; Tallon, M;

Publication
ADAPTIVE OPTICS SYSTEMS IX

Abstract
Resolution and sensitivity of the wavefront sensor (WFS) are key requirements for eXtreme Adaptive Optics (XAO) applications. We present a new class of WFSs, the Bi-Orthogonal Foucault-knife-edge (Bi-O edge), that is directly inspired by the Foucault knife-edge test. The idea consists of using a beam-splitter producing two foci, each of which is sensed by an edge with an orthogonal direction to the other. We describe two implementation concepts. The first one, the tip-tilt modulated sharp Bi-O-edge, can be seen as a mild evolution of the Pyramid. The second one uses a smooth, gradual amplitude mask over a 'grey' zone on the edge (grey Bi-O edge). We analyze the increased gain in sensitivity and the super-resolution capability, we compare these properties to the Pyramid sensor and produce end-to-end simulations. An important advantage of the grey Bi-O edge is the static modulation which is well adapted for fast XAO systems. The grey edge consists of a rectangular zone on the edge of the same size as the modulation circle. We will discuss the manufacturability of loss-less grey Foucault-knife edges, and we develop a polarization-based technique for the Bi-O edge prototype for the ESO GHOST test bench.

2024

Anonymised Phone Call Dataset for Anomaly Detection

Authors
Veloso, B; Martins, C; Espanha, R; Silva, PR; Azevedo, R; Gama, J;

Publication

Abstract

2024

The impact of virtual reality and biological sex on the promotion of tourist destinations: effects on destination image, place attachment, and behavioural intention

Authors
Melo, M; Gonçalves, G; Jorge, F; Losada, N; Barbosa, L; Teixeira, MS; Bessa, M;

Publication
JOURNAL OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM TECHNOLOGY

Abstract
Purpose - This paper aims to generate knowledge of the impact of different virtual reality (VR) set-ups in tourism promotion regarding destination image, place attachment and behavioural intention.Design/methodology/approach - The paper presents a comparative study of the impact of different visualisation technologies (video, immersive VR and multisensory immersive VR) to promote tourism destinations. The study's dependent variables are destination image, place attachment and behaviour intention.Findings - Results show that VR content impacts these variables. Multisensory immersive VR is the preferred content type for destination promotion. It is also evidenced that female participants scored each variable higher than male participants. Males reported higher scores on the video set-up for destination image and place attachment. Behavioural intention reported higher values in the video when compared to immersive VR in both sexes.Practical implications - This paper concludes that there is a preference towards multisensory set-ups, which suggests that incorporating audiovisual and sensory elements can significantly enhance the effectiveness of VR experiences in attracting and engaging potential tourists.Originality/value - The paper contributes to the scarce body of knowledge regarding the impact of different VR factors on tourism promotion, including the multisensory VR component.

2024

On Quantum Natural Policy Gradients

Authors
Sequeira, A; Santos, LP; Barbosa, LS;

Publication
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON QUANTUM ENGINEERING

Abstract
This article delves into the role of the quantum Fisher information matrix (FIM) in enhancing the performance of parameterized quantum circuit (PQC)-based reinforcement learning agents. While previous studies have highlighted the effectiveness of PQC-based policies preconditioned with the quantum FIM in contextual bandits, its impact in broader reinforcement learning contexts, such as Markov decision processes, is less clear. Through a detailed analysis of L & ouml;wner inequalities between quantum and classical FIMs, this study uncovers the nuanced distinctions and implications of using each type of FIM. Our results indicate that a PQC-based agent using the quantum FIM without additional insights typically incurs a larger approximation error and does not guarantee improved performance compared to the classical FIM. Empirical evaluations in classic control benchmarks suggest even though quantum FIM preconditioning outperforms standard gradient ascent, in general, it is not superior to classical FIM preconditioning.

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