2024
Authors
Loureiro, G; Dias, A; Almeida, J; Martins, A; Hong, SP; Silva, E;
Publication
REMOTE SENSING
Abstract
The deep seabed is composed of heterogeneous ecosystems, containing diverse habitats for marine life. Consequently, understanding the geological and ecological characteristics of the seabed's features is a key step for many applications. The majority of approaches commonly use optical and acoustic sensors to address these tasks; however, each sensor has limitations associated with the underwater environment. This paper presents a survey of the main techniques and trends related to seabed characterization, highlighting approaches in three tasks: classification, detection, and segmentation. The bibliography is categorized into four approaches: statistics-based, classical machine learning, deep learning, and object-based image analysis. The differences between the techniques are presented, and the main challenges for deep sea research and potential directions of study are outlined.
2024
Authors
Zimmermann, R; Soares, A; Roca, JB;
Publication
INDUSTRIAL MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Abstract
Managing supply chain (SC) relationships to deal with challenges posed by contemporary social and business environments is a difficult task that can be facilitated with the use of digital technologies. The growing complexity of supply chains, characterized by over-dependencies on geographically dispersed partners across different regions, increases risks related to managing these relationships and highlights the importance of collaboration and balancing the power dynamics between SC partners. Previous studies have shown that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can be considered the weakest link in terms of digitization and balance of power. This article aims to analyse how buyer-seller power relations moderate the relationship between the adoption of digital technologies in supply chain management (SCM) processes and innovation performance in the context of SMEs. Data were collected from manufacturing SMEs operating in Portugal. The results support the assumption that the use of digital technologies in processes related to SCM has a positive effect on SMEs innovation performance. The results also suggest that non-mediated power and reward-mediated positively moderate the relationship between the adoption of digital technologies and innovation performance, while the impact of coercive-mediated power was not confirmed. The article contributes to theory and practice by advancing the literature and guiding managers in the challenging task of carrying out digital transformation initiatives, considering their relationship with the power dynamics in the complex context of SMEs.
2024
Authors
Sousa, N; Alén, E; Losada, N; Melo, M;
Publication
TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT-CROATIA
Abstract
Purpose - This study investigates the barriers to the adoption of Virtual Reality (VR) in the tourism industry. Although VR has great potential to enhance the tourist experience, the adoption of this technology is still limited in the tourism sector. Building on the fundamental principles of the Technology -Organization -Environment (TOE) theory and its contribution to perceptions of technology adoption, this study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the specific barriers to VR adoption by tourism enterprises. Methodology - To achieve this objective, interviews were conducted with managers of tourism companies, and the data was analysed using qualitative methodology through MAXQDA 20 software. Conclusions - The results reveal that the main barriers identified by managers mainly include lack of knowledge about VR, particularly in the tourism sector. The perceived lack of usefulness, limited experience with the technology, and reluctance to invest in technological equipment also emerge as barriers to VR adoption. Originality of research - This study can help companies in the tourism sector to develop more effective strategies to overcome these barriers, thereby improving the tourist experience and increasing their competitiveness in the market using VR equipment.
2024
Authors
Eddin, AN; Bono, J; Aparício, DO; Ferreira, H; Pinto Ribeiro, PM; Bizarro, P;
Publication
Trans. Mach. Learn. Res.
Abstract
Continuous-time dynamic graphs (CTDGs) are essential for modeling interconnected, evolving systems. Traditional methods for extracting knowledge from these graphs often depend on feature engineering or deep learning. Feature engineering is limited by the manual and time-intensive nature of crafting features, while deep learning approaches suffer from high inference latency, making them impractical for real-time applications. This paper introduces Deep-Graph-Sprints (DGS), a novel deep learning architecture designed for efficient representation learning on CTDGs with low-latency inference requirements. We benchmark DGS against state-of-the-art (SOTA) feature engineering and graph neural network methods using five diverse datasets. The results indicate that DGS achieves competitive performance while inference speed improves between 4x and 12x compared to other deep learning approaches on our benchmark datasets. Our method effectively bridges the gap between deep representation learning and low-latency application requirements for CTDGs.
2024
Authors
Ferreira, RP; Pinto, H; Lima, J; Costa, P;
Publication
Lecture Notes in Educational Technology
Abstract
Autonomous vehicles and robotic manipulators are two examples of mechanically distinct systems. Whether these areas are indoors or outside, the environment in which such vehicles will be employed will play a crucial role in how their locomotion systems develop. The speed and stability of wheeled traditional mobility on ordinary flooring are superior. Leg traction is an efficient method for navigating uneven floors, but it takes more time and uses more energy. The foundation of the hybrid configuration is the creation of a leg that enables the interchange and fusion of the two previously described locomotion methods. One advantage of the hybrid arrangement is that the robot may now be deployed in a wider variety of environments. The goal of this paper is to showcase the creation of a leg for a hybrid locomotive robot. The leg can be printed and constructed at a reasonably low-cost thanks to the design of the numerous 3D modules, which will be made accessible later. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.
2024
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.
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