2025
Authors
Ribeiro, JEF; Silva, JG; Aguiar, A;
Publication
IEEE ACCESS
Abstract
The development of safety-critical systems is heavily governed by domain-specific standards. In the aerospace industry, the DO-178C-Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification-serves as the primary certification standard used by agencies such as the FAA and EASA to review and approve software-based systems. Although DO-178C aims to ensure system safety while providing evidence for certification, it does not prescribe a specific software development process, allowing flexibility for traditional Waterfall, Agile, or hybrid methods with appropriate adaptations for the aerospace context. This study proposes Scrum4DO178C, an Agile process based on Scrum, to meet the demanding requirements of aerospace software, including safety, robustness, reliability, and integrity. Scrum4DO178C introduces novel process enhancements specifically tailored to meet these criticality needs, while aligning with the standard. Unlike previous proposals that lack detail, this research presents a comprehensive, validated process applied in a real-world industry project at the highest criticality level (Level A - Catastrophic), offering insights beyond theoretical scenarios. The findings demonstrated that the Scrum4DO178C process improves project performance, allows frequent and manageable requirement changes, reduces Verification & Validation (V&V) effort, and increases efficiency while maintaining full compliance with DO-178C. The study also identifies areas for further improvement and suggests exploring the process in additional case studies, both within the aerospace industry and other domains with similarly stringent safety-critical requirements. Finally, it confirms that appropriate automation, namely for documentation production, is a central element to further improve the process.
2025
Authors
Frias, J; Romariz, M; Ferreira, R; Pereira, T; Oliveira, HP; Santinha, J; Pinto, D; Gouveia, P; Silva, LB; Costa, C;
Publication
UNIVERSAL ACCESS IN HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION, UAHCI 2025, PT I
Abstract
Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction relies on the precise identification of perforator vessels supplying blood to transferred tissue. Traditional manual mapping from preoperative imaging is timeconsuming and subjective. To address this, AVA, a semi-automated perforator detection algorithm, was developed to analyze angiography images. AVA follows a three-step process: automated anatomical segmentation, manual annotation of perforators, and segmentation of perforator courses. This approach enhances accuracy, reduces subjectivity, and accelerates the mapping process while generating quantitative reports for surgical planning. To streamline integration into clinical workflows, AVA has been embedded into PACScenter, a medical imaging platform, leveraging DICOM encapsulation for seamless data exchange within a Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA). This integration allows surgeons to interactively annotate perforators, adjust parameters iteratively, and visualize detailed anatomical structures. AVA-PACScenter integration eliminates workflow disruptions by providing real-time perforator analysis within the surgical environment, ultimately improving preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance. Currently undergoing clinical feasibility testing, this integration aims to enhance DIEP flap reconstruction efficiency by reducing manual inputs, improving mapping precision, and facilitating long-term report storage within Dicoogle. By automating perforator analysis, AVA represents a significant advancement toward data-driven, patient-centered surgical planning.
2025
Authors
Lima, D; Sampaio, G;
Publication
SMC
Abstract
The topology of low-voltage (LV) distribution grids is often partially known or inaccurately documented by grid operators, including line and cable characteristics, hindering the effective integration and management of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). This paper presents a data-driven method to reconstruct LV grid topologies using only voltage measurements from customers' smart meters. The approach relies on an adapted genetic algorithm (GA) that iteratively explores candidate configurations, guided by a score function that evaluates both the physical plausibility of estimated line impedances and their consistency with noisy voltage data, which is progressively corrected throughout the process, i.e., the method also filters out errors affecting the initial measurements. The method requires no prior information on grid connectivity and demonstrates robustness to measurement noise, making it well suited for real-world deployment. © 2025 IEEE.
2025
Authors
Almeida, F; Sousa, C;
Publication
Digit.
Abstract
This study addresses a gap in the literature by explicitly linking responsive web design frameworks to concrete cybersecurity vulnerabilities, moving beyond traditional discussions of usability and device compatibility to incorporate security-by-design principles in contemporary frontend development. The research adopts a qualitative comparative approach and considers five widely used responsive design frameworks: Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS, Foundation, Pure CSS, and Skeleton. These frameworks were selected based on criteria such as maturity, adoption, and architectural diversity. Three research questions guide the analysis: the identification of cybersecurity risks associated with responsive design frameworks, the extent to which these risks vary across frameworks, and the mitigation strategies required to address them. The findings confirm that most critical vulnerabilities originate outside the frontend layer, reinforcing the separation between presentation and backend logic. However, the results demonstrate that frameworks significantly influence the security risk profile, particularly regarding cross-site scripting, dependency management, and configuration practices. Modern utility-first frameworks shift security concerns toward the build pipeline and toolchain, while minimalistic and abandoned frameworks introduce risks related to obsolescence and unpatched “forever-day” vulnerabilities. The study concludes that frontend security depends less on framework choice alone and more on governance, continuous maintenance, and the systematic adoption of secure development and DevSecOps practices. © 2026 by the authors.
2025
Authors
Pacheco, FD; Pinto, F; Maravalhas Silva, J; Ferreira, M; Cruz, A;
Publication
Oceans Conference Record (IEEE)
Abstract
Wireless communication over the ocean surface is challenged by the absence of infrastructure, dynamic propagation conditions, variations in node position and orientation, and signal degradation from reflections, scattering, and absorption. To evaluate the feasibility of long-range, low-power communication in such environments, field trials were conducted using LoRa's Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation with E22-900T22S modules operating at 868 MHz. Tests were performed over nearshore ocean water using omnidirectional antennas. One antenna was mounted on a buoy close to the surface, and the other on a movable station, while varying transmission power, bit rate, and distance. Performance was assessed through signal quality, Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), and throughput measurements, with results indicating that a log-distance Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) model, with fitted parameters showing high correlation, can describe the observed behavior across configurations. LoRa achieved up to 1.7 km range with over 60% PDR at 10 dBm and 2.4kbs-1, demonstrating its potential for ocean-surface communication and aiding in optimal configuration for maritime applications. © 2025 Marine Technology Society.
2025
Authors
Ferreira, TD; Monteiro, C; Gonçalves, C; Frazao, O; Silva, NA;
Publication
29TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON OPTICAL FIBER SENSORS
Abstract
Polarization-based fiber sensors rely on the dynamics of the Stokes vector at the output of the optical fiber to probe stimuli that induce polarization variations. However, these sensors often suffer from limitations in sensitivity, precision, and reproducibility. In this work, we address these challenges by incorporating concepts from the Mueller matrix formalism to enhance the capabilities of such sensors. Specifically, we measure the Mueller matrix in the polarization basis that describes how the polarization evolves inside the optical fiber. Leveraging this formalism, we configure the system as a precise sensor to detect deformations along the fiber. By utilizing the Fisher Information framework, we significantly improve accuracy and resolution, enabling the detection of subtle perturbations with greater precision. This study introduces a novel approach for precise polarization control and advanced fiber-based sensing applications.
The access to the final selection minute is only available to applicants.
Please check the confirmation e-mail of your application to obtain the access code.