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Publications

2026

Virtual production education in film curricula: Scope, methods, and pedagogies - A systematic multivocal review

Authors
Silveira, RA; Mamede, HS; Santos, A;

Publication
CONVERGENCE-THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH INTO NEW MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract
Virtual production (VP) is becoming central to film and television education, with universities offering degree programs, minors, tracks, electives, and short-term credentials. This review of 115 English-language sources, including 55 curricula from 49 higher education institutions (HEI), shows VP as a socially uneven, tool-weighted formation clustered in well-resourced Anglophone systems. Curricula overwhelmingly foreground real-time workflows, engine-driven pipelines, and stage operations over story development, audio design, and game-adjacent or interactive practices. The core tools include the Unreal Engine, motion-capture systems, and LED volumes, framed as prestige infrastructure rather than collective capacity. Programs emphasize employability, production-style blocks, and 'learning by doing real jobs', supporting industry transition but compressing experimentation, critique, and cross-cultural perspectives. Competency stacks map robust technical cores but reveal structural gaps in leadership, narrative, sound, and AI/ML literacy. The findings argue that evaluating VP education requires analyzing how programmes distribute technological and symbolic capital, organize human-machine networks, and produce learning spaces. Future research should model VP curricula as sociotechnical networks, measure AI integration maturity, test transferability, track longitudinal outcomes, map non-English ecosystems, and formalize stage pedagogy frameworks.

2026

Cybersecurity Maturity Assessment of the Northern Portugal: A NIST CSF-Aligned Baseline of SMEs and Public Bodies

Authors
Silva, R; Pinto, A; Amorim, I; Praça, I;

Publication
ICISSP (1)

Abstract

2026

GANs vs. Diffusion Models for Virtual Staining with the HER2match Dataset

Authors
Klöckner, P; Teixeira, J; Montezuma, D; Cardoso, JS; Horlings, HM; Oliveira, SP;

Publication
DEEP GENERATIVE MODELS, DGM4MICCAI 2025

Abstract
Virtual staining is a promising technique that uses deep generative models to recreate histological stains, providing a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional tissue chemical staining. Specifically for H&E-HER2 staining transfer, despite a rising trend in publications, the lack of sufficient public datasets has hindered progress in the topic. Additionally, it is currently unclear which model frameworks perform best for this particular task. In this paper, we introduce the HER2match dataset, the first publicly available dataset with the same breast cancer tissue sections stained with both H&E and HER2. Furthermore, we compare the performance of several Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Diffusion Models (DMs), and implement a novel Brownian Bridge Diffusion Model for H&E-HER2 translation. Our findings indicate that, overall, GANs perform better than DMs, with only the BBDM achieving comparable results. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of data alignment, as all models trained on HER2match produced vastly improved visuals compared to the widely used consecutive-slide BCI dataset. This research provides a new high-quality dataset, improving both model training and evaluation. In addition, our comparison of frameworks offers valuable guidance for researchers working on the topic.

2026

3D printing Lift-Off? The use of additive manufacturing in spacecraft components

Authors
Dalmarco, G; Mendes, RADR; Simo, AC; Avila, AMS;

Publication
ACTA ASTRONAUTICA

Abstract
Additive Manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a transformative production technology which enables complex geometries, part consolidation, and lightweight structures. Across multiple industries, AM is recognized as a strategic enabler of digital manufacturing and design optimisation. In the space sector, where mass reduction, structural performance, and functional integration are critical, AM presents significant potential. Yet its adoption remains limited. This study analyses the factors influencing AM adoption by European space organizations using an integrated Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory. A qualitative multi-case design was adopted, combining 24 interviews with industry suppliers, research organizations, and the European Space Agency, complemented by documentary analysis. Findings indicate that adoption is primarily driven by perceived relative advantage (design freedom and associated performance gains), organisational innovativeness and agency support mechanisms, while limited organisational readiness (skills and experience), agency-driven certification pressure and low visibility of flight-qualified demonstrators remain major barriers. Adoption cost plays a dual role: potential savings through mass reduction and part consolidation are offset by substantial qualification, testing and compliance efforts. Overall, the results highlight persistent misalignments between technological potential, organisational capabilities and institutional requirements that constrain the transition from prototypes to flight-qualified parts, pointing to the central role of institutional actors in qualification/standardisation and the need for firms to strengthen design-for-AM capabilities.

2026

Swarm Robotics: Definitions, Core Features and Algorithms

Authors
Gameiro, TdC; Soares, SP; Viegas, CX; Ferreira, NMF; Valente, A;

Publication

Abstract
Swarm robotics enables groups of autonomous agents to coordinate and perform tasks beyond the capabilities of individual robots. This state-of-the-art review focuses on the defining features, principles, and algorithms of swarm robotic systems, with an emphasis on recent advances. It examined classical and modern bio-inspired coordination strategies, decentralized control algorithms and hybrid approaches, highlighting their strengths, limitations and applicability to real-world deployments. Key challenges, such as scalability, robustness, adaptability and the gap between simulation and hardware implementation are analyzed.

2026

Modeling and Optimizing Dynamic Coalitions in Energy Markets Using Game Theory

Authors
Ribeiro D.; Baptista J.; Pinto T.; Cerveira A.; Soares T.;

Publication
International Conference on Artificial Intelligence Computer Data Sciences and Applications Acdsa 2026

Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive review of how game theory can be applied to model and optimize dynamic coalitions in contemporary energy markets. With the increasing decentralization of energy systems driven by technologies such as solar photovoltaics, home energy storage, and electric vehicles, consumers have begun to play a more active and influential role in the market. In this new context, where cooperative and collective decision-making is gaining importance, game theory emerges as a valuable tool for analyzing and structuring these interactions. The primary objective of this work is to systematically review existing models, assess their methodological strengths and limitations, and identify open research gaps that hinder their applicability to real-world settings. By synthesizing the current state-of-the-art, this study aims to highlight pathways toward the development of more realistic and effective models that capture the dynamic and interdependent behaviors of energy consumers and the coalitions they form. Ultimately, this review seeks to provide an updated overview of this growing field, serving both as a basis for future research and as a foundation for the design of solutions that promote fairer, more efficient, and more participatory energy markets, especially for small-scale consumers, who now have greater voice and power of choice.

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