2024
Authors
Fontes, DBMM; Homayouni, SM; Fernandes, JC;
Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
Abstract
This work extends the energy-efficient job shop scheduling problem with transport resources by considering speed adjustable resources of two types, namely: the machines where the jobs are processed on and the vehicles that transport the jobs around the shop-floor. Therefore, the problem being considered involves determining, simultaneously, the processing speed of each production operation, the sequence of the production operations for each machine, the allocation of the transport tasks to vehicles, the travelling speed of each task for the empty and for the loaded legs, and the sequence of the transport tasks for each vehicle. Among the possible solutions, we are interested in those providing trade-offs between makespan and total energy consumption (Pareto solutions). To that end, we develop and solve a bi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model. In addition, due to problem complexity we also propose a multi-objective biased random key genetic algorithm that simultaneously evolves several populations. The computational experiments performed have show it to be effective and efficient, even in the presence of larger problem instances. Finally, we provide extensive time and energy trade-off analysis (Pareto front) to infer the advantages of considering speed adjustable machines and speed adjustable vehicles and provide general insights for the managers dealing with such a complex problem.
2024
Authors
Cadete, T; Pinto, VH; Lima, J; Gonçalves, G; Costa, P;
Publication
2024 7TH IBERIAN ROBOTICS CONFERENCE, ROBOT 2024
Abstract
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) have significantly transformed task management in factories, warehouses, and urban environments. These robots enhance operational efficiency, reduce labor costs, and automate various tasks. However, navigating dynamic environments with moving obstacles, such as human workers, vehicles, and machinery, remains challenging. Traditional navigation systems, which rely on static maps and predefined routes, struggle to adapt to these dynamic settings. This research addresses these limitations by developing a dynamic navigation system that improves AMR performance in industrial and urban scenarios. The system enhances the A* algorithm to account for the current positions and predicted trajectories of moving obstacles, allowing the AMR to navigate safely and efficiently. Advanced sensor technologies, such as LiDAR and stereo cameras, are utilized for real-time environmental perception. The system integrates trajectory prediction and an Artificial Potential Field (APF) method for emergency collision avoidance. The solution is implemented using the Gazebo simulator and the Robot Operating System (ROS2), ensuring real-time operation and adaptive path planning. This research aims to significantly improve AMR safety, efficiency, and adaptability in dynamic environments.
2024
Authors
Barbosa, B; Saura, JR; Bennett, D;
Publication
JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Abstract
The development and use of digital marketing strategies by entrepreneurs is a key element of success for innovative projects. Moreover, effective execution of marketing intervention in what is referred to as the digital customer journey is essential to achieving business success. Under this paradigm, the present study aims to identify the use of digital marketing activities by entrepreneurs in their projects at each phase of the customer journey. The research bridges a gap in in the existing literature, first by a systematic review of literature using the statistical approach known as Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) under the homogeneity analysis of variance using alternating least squares (HOMALS) framework programmed in the R language. Based on the results of this analysis, 13 digital marketing techniques are identified along with their use across the five phases of the digital customer journey that are linked to technology transfer and adoption: awareness, engagement, conversion, loyalty, and advocacy. Furthermore, different applications of digital marketing techniques by entrepreneurs are discussed, and new applications for each phase are proposed. The results reveal that entrepreneurs lack knowledge about the customer journey, the use of the awareness phase, and the knowledge of Big Data tools to boost innovation. Finally, the main digital marketing strategies are appropriately classified for each phase of the customer journey, and 16 questions for future research in this research area are proposed.
2024
Authors
Padua, L; Castro, JP; Castro, J; Sousa, JJ; Castro, M;
Publication
DRONES
Abstract
Climate change has intensified the need for robust fire prevention strategies. Sustainable forest fuel management is crucial in mitigating the occurrence and rapid spread of forest fires. This study assessed the impact of vegetation clearing and/or grazing over a three-year period in the herbaceous and shrub parts of a Mediterranean oak forest. Using high-resolution multispectral data from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), four flight surveys were conducted from 2019 (pre- and post-clearing) to 2021. These data were used to evaluate different scenarios: combined vegetation clearing and grazing, the individual application of each method, and a control scenario that was neither cleared nor purposely grazed. The UAV data allowed for the detailed monitoring of vegetation dynamics, enabling the classification into arboreal, shrubs, herbaceous, and soil categories. Grazing pressure was estimated through GPS collars on the sheep flock. Additionally, a good correlation (r = 0.91) was observed between UAV-derived vegetation volume estimates and field measurements. These practices proved to be efficient in fuel management, with cleared and grazed areas showing a lower vegetation regrowth, followed by areas only subjected to vegetation clearing. On the other hand, areas not subjected to any of these treatments presented rapid vegetation growth.
2024
Authors
de Azambuja, RX; Morais, AJ; Filipe, V;
Publication
Hum. Centric Intell. Syst.
Abstract
Several approaches have been proposed to obtain successful models to solve complex next-item recommendation problem in non-prohibitive computational time, such as by using heuristics, designing architectures, and applying information filtering techniques. In the current technological scenario of artificial intelligence, sequential recommender systems have been gaining attention and they are a highly demanding research area, especially using deep learning in their development. Our research focuses on an efficient and practical model for managing sequential session-based recommendations of specific products for users using the wine and movie domains as case studies. Through an innovative recommender model called X-Model4Rec – eXtensible Model for Recommendation, we explore the user's dynamic taste profile using architectures with transformer and multi-head attention mechanisms to solve the next-item recommendation problem. The performance of the proposed model is compared to that of classical and baseline recommender models on two real-world datasets of wines and movies, and the results are better for most of the evaluation metrics.
2024
Authors
Trovão, H; Mamede, HS; Trigo, P; Santos, V;
Publication
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Abstract
Human resources play a crucial role in the success of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and in today’s competitive recruitment landscape, leveraging technology can be instrumental in enhancing these processes. Organizations and HR departments increasingly adopt artificial intelligence solutions to streamline recruitment and selection procedures. By doing so, SMEs can improve operational efficiency while enabling human resource (HR) specialists to focus on crucial tasks, enhancing candidate experience throughout the recruitment process. However, adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in recruitment remains limited among SMEs. We can attribute this to various factors, including a need for more capacity among SME managers to evaluate and leverage AI’s potential and concerns related to costs and risks associated with its implementation. Given that SMEs constitute 90% of businesses and contribute over 50% of global employment, it is crucial to address this issue and research ways to enhance recruitment processes specifically tailored for SMEs. Our research aims to explore the benefits, challenges, and necessary organizational resources for SMEs to adopt AI effectively in recruitment processes. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.
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