Cookies Policy
The website need some cookies and similar means to function. If you permit us, we will use those means to collect data on your visits for aggregated statistics to improve our service. Find out More
Accept Reject
  • Menu
Publications

2024

Lean implementation in product development processes: a framework proposal

Authors
Ferreira, LMDF; Moreira, AC; Silva, P;

Publication
PRODUCTION PLANNING & CONTROL

Abstract
The implementation of lean principles in product development (PD) activities has been receiving increased attention lately. However, it is not clear how the application of these principles to PD activities enhances their effectiveness. Moreover, the implementation of lean principles is more difficult to achieve in PD activities than in the shop-floor context. The objective of this paper is to develop and implement a framework applying lean principles to the PD process. To that end, an action research project was conducted in the R&D department of an industrial company. This article presents and describes a six-step framework, its challenges, and main results. The implementation of the framework led to gains in the efficiency of the product development process through a 20% decrease in waste. Improvement measures such as standardisation, clear identification of roles, prioritisation of activities and improved efficiency of meetings were the main drivers for the gains in efficiency. Overall, three main contributions should be highlighted: the role a knowledgeable lean project leader can play; employee training focused on the implementation of lean-based product development activities; and team building and communication.

2024

Harnessing the Distributed Computing Paradigm for Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Authors
Silva, NA;

Publication
BIG DATA AND COGNITIVE COMPUTING

Abstract
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy allows fast and versatile elemental analysis, standing as a promising technique for a wide range of applications both at the research and industry levels. Yet, its high operation speed comes with a high throughput of data, which introduces some challenges at the level of the data processing domain, mainly due to the large computational load and data volume. In this work, we analyze and discuss opportunities of distributed computing paradigms and resources to address some of these challenges, covering most of the procedures usually employed in typical applications. We infer the possible impact of such computing resources by presenting some metrics of simple processing prototypes running in state-of-the-art computing facilities. Our results allow us to conclude that, while underexplored so far, these computing resources may allow for the development of tools for timely research and analysis in demanding applications and introduce novel solutions toward a more agile working environment.

2024

Development of a new opto-electrochemical cell for sensing applications

Authors
Mendes, JP; Coelho, LCC; Ribeiro, JA;

Publication
2024 IEEE SENSORS APPLICATIONS SYMPOSIUM, SAS 2024

Abstract
New systems with innovative design to perform measurements combining electrochemistry and surface plasmon resonance (ESPR) are currently a need to overcome the limitations of existent market solutions and expand the research possibilities of this technology. The main goal of this work was to develop a new cell to increase ESPR practical applications in several fields. To do so, a homemade SPR cell, fabricated by 3D-printing technology, was adapted for this purpose by incorporating the conventional 3-electrodes to perform the electrochemical experiments. The developed cell was fully compatible with commercial SPR substrates. After optimization of the homemade ESPR setup to perform the combined electrochemical and SPR measurements, two main applications were explored in this work. The first was the use of ESPR technology as straightforward tool to simultaneously investigate the electrical and optical properties of conducing/nonconducting polymers electrosynthetized on the SPR platforms. The conducting polymer poly(thionine) was used in this work for proof-of- concept. The second application envisaged the use of ESPR approach for simple electrodeposition of materials with enhanced plasmonic properties for sensitivity enhancement of SPR biosensors. For validation of the concept, graphene oxide (GO) was electrochemically reduced on gold substrates aiming to evaluate the plasmonic properties of graphene-modified sensing surfaces.

2024

Smart Supermarket Cart – An EPS@ISEP 2023 Project

Authors
Orós, M; Robu, M; van Klaveren, H; Gajda, D; Van Dyck, J; Krings, T; Duarte, J; Malheiro, B; Ribeiro, C; Justo, J; Silva, F; Ferreira, P; Guedes, P;

Publication
Lecture Notes in Educational Technology

Abstract
The technological revolution experienced over the last two decades, together with changes in shopping behaviour, has led supermarkets to consider smart shopping trolleys. Recently, several companies have tested and implemented smart services and devices, such as smart shopping carts with scanners, automatic payment methods, or self-payment locations, to maximise supermarket profits by reducing staff and improving the customer experience. In the spring of 2023, a team of six students enrolled in the European Project Semester at Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP) proposed FESmarket, an innovative smart shopping cart solution. The user-centred design focused on making the shopping interaction and experience more efficient, comfortable, and satisfactory. Form (balancing aesthetics with innovation), function (selecting functionalities based on the most disruptive technologies), market (fulfilling the identified needs), sustainability (minimising the use of resources), and ethics (respecting human values) are the pillars of the project. FESmarket proposes a smart shopping trolley equipped a built-in touch screen for real-time information on products and their location, cameras for product identification, an audio assistance system, a refrigeration chamber, and a mobile app interface for the customer. Finally, a proof-of-concept prototype was assembled and tested to validate the viability of the designed solution. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.

2024

Risk of Eating Disorders and Social Desirability among Higher Education Students: Comparison of Nutrition Students with Other Courses

Authors
Fernandes, S; Costa, C; Nakamura, IS; Poínhos, R; Oliveira, BMPM;

Publication
HEALTHCARE

Abstract
The transition to college is a period of higher risk of the development of eating disorders, with nutrition/dietetics students representing a group of particular vulnerability. Hence, it is interesting to assess eating disorders, taking into consideration potential sources of bias, including social desirability. Our aims were to compare the risk of eating disorders between students of nutrition/dietetics and those attending other courses and to study potential social desirability biases. A total of 799 higher education students (81.7% females) aged 18 to 27 years old completed a questionnaire assessing the risk of eating disorders (EAT-26) and social desirability (composite version of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale). The proportion of students with a high risk of eating disorders was higher among females (14.5% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.044). Nutrition/dietetics students did not differ from those attending other courses regarding the risk of eating disorders. The social desirability bias when assessing the risk of eating disorders was overall low (EAT-26 total score: r = -0.080, p = 0.024). Social desirability correlated negatively with the Diet (r = -0.129, p < 0.001) and Bulimia and food preoccupation subscales (r = -0.180, p < 0.001) and positively with Oral self-control (r = 0.139, p < 0.001).

2024

Biosensing in Interactive Art: A User-Centered Taxonomy

Authors
Aly, L; Penha, R; Bernardes, G;

Publication
Encyclopedia of Computer Graphics and Games

Abstract
[No abstract available]

  • 279
  • 4387