2021
Autores
Branco, F; Goncalves, R; Moreira, F; Au Yong Oliveira, M; Martins, J;
Publicação
EXPERT SYSTEMS
Abstract
As information systems and technologies grow in usage in the agri-food industry, the same has happened to the relevance of Information Systems (IS) that allow for a parallel control, monitoring and management of the organizations' activities and business processes. As the literature proves, the benefits of implementing adequate and interoperable IS are very numerous and tend to represent a significant determinant regarding the organizations' overall success. Despite this, to the best of our knowledge there currently is no IS architecture designed to serve the specificities of the agri-food industry. With this study a novel information systems architecture for the agri-food sector is proposed. The artefact is composed by 12 integrated main components and a set of subcomponents aimed at supporting all the monitoring, control and management activities. In order to validate the proposed architecture a case study was implemented at a mushroom production organization. This allowed us to perceive the ability of our artefact to serve as the basis for the development of IS that address all of the organization's business and environmental needs.
2021
Autores
Plácido, B; Proença, S; Moreira, D; Boução, L; Branco, F; Au Yong Oliveira, M;
Publicação
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing
Abstract
This exploratory study aims to shed light on the e-commerce phenomenon and the impact of the pandemic COVID-19, namely in a period of social distancing and isolation. We study two prominent examples, via secondary data: Japan and the USA. We then analyze digital consumption behaviors and patterns in Portugal. For this, a questionnaire was created - using Google Forms - where both quantitative and qualitative perspectives were gathered. The research sample was a convenience sample, popular in business research, and it included 185 responses from Portuguese citizens. Through a cautious analysis of the primary data obtained, it was possible to compare the consumption levels in an ante- and post-COVID-19 context; what type of products are the most pursued; by whom they are most sought after; what are the most used platforms; and, additionally, the satisfaction levels regarding the use of these platforms. No statistically significant association (chi-square statistic) was found between gender or age and the preference for physical versus online stores. The data also uncovers that there is still a general preference for a more secure, traditional way of life in Portugal due to the fact that people still reveal some insecurities and fears regarding shopping through the Internet and a preference to buy in physical stores, which clearly leads people, in general, to buy online not so regularly as in other countries. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
2024
Autores
Sequeira, R; Reis, A; Branco, F; Alves, P;
Publicação
2024 IEEE 18TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON APPLICATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES, AICT 2024
Abstract
This article addresses the implementation of Business Intelligence (BI) systems in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), focusing on developing an appropriate data architecture that meets the specificities and requirements of this sector. With the rapid advance of information technologies, HEIs face the growing challenge of managing a considerable volume of data, making it essential to implement BI systems that support informed and efficient decision-making. Using the Design Science Research methodology, this study proposes a BI architecture model that aligns technologies with HEIs' academic and administrative needs and facilitates their integration and ongoing maintenance. The model is designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing adaptations as institutional needs evolve. The article describes the architecture development process, from initial planning to implementation, and discusses how this framework can significantly improve data management and the quality of decision-making processes in educational institutions. The research offers practical and theoretical insights for academics and managers seeking to optimize the use of BI in educational contexts.
2026
Autores
, R; Reis, A; Branco, FA; Alves, P;
Publicação
Communications in Computer and Information Science
Abstract
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) face significant challenges in managing and integrating diverse Information System (ISs) that support academic, administrative, and strategic operations. As digital transformation advances, the need for seamless interoperability and data-driven governance becomes increasingly crucial. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the ISs Ecosystem (ISE) in HEIs, emphasizing the importance of system integration, Business Intelligence (BI) solutions, and Decision Support Systems (DSS) in fostering efficient, data-driven decision-making. By examining a real-world case study of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), this research validates the role of BI in transforming fragmented information landscapes into cohesive digital environments. The findings demonstrate that successful BI adoption requires well-defined governance structures, seamless data flow, and alignment with institutional objectives. Additionally, the study underscores the strategic impact of interoperability, highlighting how institutions can enhance institutional intelligence, streamline decision-making processes, and improve operational efficiency through an integrated BI ecosystem. The insights contribute to ongoing discussions on digital transformation in higher education, offering a scalable framework for HEIs seeking to transition from isolated systems to an interoperable and intelligent data ecosystem. The paper also explores emerging trends such as AI-driven analytics and predictive modelling, outlining potential pathways for HEIs to further optimize their decision-support infrastructures. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
2025
Autores
Sousa, A; Branco, F; Reis, A; Reis, MJCS;
Publicação
INFORMATION
Abstract
The rapid adoption of green mobility solutions-such as electric-vehicle sharing and intelligent transportation systems-has accelerated the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, introducing complex security and performance challenges. While conceptual Identity and Access Management (IAM) frameworks exist, few are empirically validated for the scale, heterogeneity, and real-time demands of modern mobility ecosystems. This work presents a data-backed, container-native reference architecture for secure and resilient Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) in green mobility environments. The framework integrates Keycloak within a Kubernetes-orchestrated infrastructure and applies Zero Trust and defense-in-depth principles. Effectiveness is demonstrated through rigorous benchmarking across latency, throughput, memory footprint, and automated fault recovery. Compared to a monolithic baseline, the proposed architecture achieves over 300% higher throughput, 90% faster startup times, and 75% lower idle memory usage while enabling full service restoration in under one minute. This work establishes a validated deployment blueprint for IAM in IoT-driven transportation systems, offering a practical foundation for a secure and scalable mobility infrastructure.
2025
Autores
Santos, P; Abreu, R; Reis, MJCS; Serôdio, C; Branco, F;
Publicação
SENSORS
Abstract
Cyber threat intelligence (CTI) has become critical in enhancing cybersecurity measures across various sectors. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current literature on the effectiveness of CTI strategies in mitigating cyber attacks, identify the most effective tools and methodologies for threat detection and prevention, and highlight the limitations of current approaches. An extensive search of academic databases was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, including 43 relevant studies. This number reflects a rigorous selection process based on defined inclusion, exclusion, and quality criteria and is consistent with the scope of similar systematic reviews in the field of cyber threat intelligence. This review concludes that while CTI significantly improves the ability to predict and prevent cyber threats, challenges such as data standardization, privacy concerns, and trust between organizations persist. It also underscores the necessity of continuously improving CTI practices by leveraging the integration of advanced technologies and creating enhanced collaboration frameworks. These advancements are essential for developing a robust and adaptive cybersecurity posture capable of responding to an evolving threat landscape, ultimately contributing to a more secure digital environment for all sectors. Overall, the review provides practical reflections on the current state of CTI and suggests future research directions to strengthen and improve CTI's effectiveness.
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