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Publications

2025

Implementation of an Internet of Things Architecture to Monitor Indoor Air Quality: A Case Study During Sleep Periods

Authors
Mota, A; Serôdio, C; Briga-Sá, A; Valente, A;

Publication
SENSORS

Abstract
Most human time is spent indoors, and due to the pandemic, monitoring indoor air quality (IAQ) has become more crucial. In this study, an IoT (Internet of Things) architecture is implemented to monitor IAQ parameters, including CO2 and particulate matter (PM). An ESP32-C6-based device is developed to measure sensor data and send them, using the MQTT protocol, to a remote InfluxDBv2 database instance, where the data are stored and visualized. The Python 3.11 scripting programming language is used to automate Flux queries to the database, allowing a more in-depth data interpretation. The implemented system allows to analyze two measured scenarios during sleep: one with the door slightly open and one with the door closed. Results indicate that sleeping with the door slightly open causes CO2 levels to ascend slowly and maintain lower concentrations compared to sleeping with the door closed, where CO2 levels ascend faster and the maximum recommended values are exceeded. This demonstrates the benefits of ventilation in maintaining IAQ. The developed system can be used for sensing in different environments, such as schools or offices, so an IAQ assessment can be made. Based on the generated data, predictive models can be designed to support decisions on intelligent natural ventilation systems, achieving an optimized, efficient, and ubiquitous solution to moderate the IAQ.

2025

Design of a Novel Five-Level Stacked Dual-Output Converter for EV Application

Authors
Dwivedi, D; Hussein, A; Chinmaya, KA;

Publication
IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected Topics in Industrial Electronics

Abstract

2025

Function-Oriented Programming Attacks on ARM Cortex-M Processors

Authors
Cirne, A; Sousa, PR; Antunes, L; Resende, JS;

Publication
IEEE ACCESS

Abstract
In recent years, code-reuse attacks have been used to exploit software vulnerabilities and gain control of numerous software programs and embedded devices. Several measures have been put in place to prevent this type of attack, such as Control-Flow Integrity (CFI) systems, and some of these systems have already been integrated into hardware. Nevertheless, Function-Oriented Programming (FOP) attacks, a form of code-reuse that chains functions to carry out malicious actions, continue to persist. In this work, we present the first analysis of the implications and feasibility of FOP attacks on microcontrollers, focusing on ARM Cortex-M processors that support PACBTI, that is, a hardware feature designed for CFI system implementation. During this process, we identified multiple dispatch gadgets in two common Real-time Operating System (RTOS). Since these gadgets reside within core OS functionalities, they are inherently included in a broad range of embedded operating systems. Furthermore, we also present CortexMFopper - a tool specially built to identify FOP gadgets in embedded devices and to raise awareness of this technique.

2025

Growing Mushrooms on Coffee Grounds - An EPS@ISEP 2024 Project

Authors
Stapel, N; Lupu, R; Kötting, N; Heller, M; Sorribas, V; Boulay, H; Duarte, J; Malheiro, B; Ribeiro, C; Justo, J; Silva, F; Ferreira, P; Guedes, P;

Publication
Lecture Notes in Educational Technology

Abstract
CoffeeMush is an innovative and sustainable project developed as part of the European Project Semester (EPS) at ISEP in 2024. This student project aims to tackle waste management environmental problems by turning coffee waste into mushrooms, a valuable food source. CoffeeMush consists of a smart device providing optimal conditions for mushroom cultivation, complemented by a user-friendly Android application for remote monitoring and control. The design was guided by ethical, sustainability, market and technical considerations. The paper describes the theoretical background of the project, the technical design, and the prototype development and testing. The results show the feasibility of CoffeeMush as a practical and environmentally friendly solution for urban mushroom cultivation, and its impact on sustainable food production and waste reduction. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.

2025

Application of a Genetic Algorithm for Optimising the Location of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Authors
Pinto, J; Mejia, MA; Macedo, LH; Filipe, V; Pinto, T;

Publication
PROGRESS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, EPIA 2024, PT III

Abstract
The number of electric vehicles has been increasing significantly due to various factors, such as the higher prices of fossil fuels, concerns about the increasing pollution, and the resulting incentive to use energy from renewable sources. There are currently a few charging facilities, which are still quite scattered, and several are still experimental, requiring appropriate planning of this infrastructure in order to support the growing number of electric vehicles adequately. Thus, optimising the location of charging stations becomes a critical issue, which can be achieved through the application of mathematical models and data analysis tools. An example is genetic algorithms, which have demonstrated their versatility in solving complex optimisation problems, especially those involving multiple variables. This work presents a proposal for a more comprehensive genetic algorithm model that encompasses all variables from the perspectives of all entities involved. Its experimentation was conducted using real data, with the aim of finding the best combination of locations, minimising the total number of stations and maximising the coverage of the area under study. Thus, it is essential to carefully consider user preferences, accessibility, energy demand, and existing electrical infrastructure to ensure an effective and sustainable installation. The findings highlight the crucial role of these computing tools in addressing complex problems from various viewpoints, leading to solutions that cater to the needs of all parties involved. While not necessarily perfect, these solutions represent a balanced compromise across multiple dimensions of the problem.

2025

Implementation of a chatbot in a unified communication channel

Authors
Almeida, F;

Publication
J. Syst. Inf. Technol.

Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to propose an architecture and presents the implementation of a unified chatbot that faces the challenges of heterogeneous communication channels. This approach enables the interaction with the chatbot to be carried out over multiple communication media on a single platform. Design/methodology/approach: The chatbot was embedded in a unified communications framework. Furthermore, it has been developed and tested using the information and communications technology (ICT)Core platform. Three test scenarios have been considered in the context of a digital marketing company, which include the use of multiple channels such as text, audio and e-mail. Usability and empirical tests were performed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Findings: The results indicate that the proposed model improves the completion rate and enables the chatbot to interact with the customer by capturing information over multiple channels. The findings also reveal that digital marketing organizations can use a unified chatbot in their marketing campaigns, which contributes to improving the quality of customer interaction, message personalization and continuous learning throughout the process. Originality/value: While the use of a chatbot is a relatively common practice among companies, its integration into unified communications networks is an emerging topic. Proposals for integration into a unified communication channel have mainly focused on access to the same account and conversations from multiple devices or access platforms. This approach, while useful, does not allow for the integration of information from multiple sources. Alternatively, an integrated architecture is suggested in which a chatbot obtains knowledge from multiple sources and uses it to increase the quality of communication with the customer. © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited.

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