2023
Autores
Serôdio, C; Cunha, J; Candela, G; Rodriguez, S; Sousa, XR; Branco, F;
Publicação
FUTURE INTERNET
Abstract
The emergence of the sixth generation of cellular systems (6G) signals a transformative era and ecosystem for mobile communications, driven by demands from technologies like the internet of everything (IoE), V2X communications, and factory automation. To support this connectivity, mission-critical applications are emerging with challenging network requirements. The primary goals of 6G include providing sophisticated and high-quality services, extremely reliable and further-enhanced mobile broadband (feMBB), low-latency communication (ERLLC), long-distance and high-mobility communications (LDHMC), ultra-massive machine-type communications (umMTC), extremely low-power communications (ELPC), holographic communications, and quality of experience (QoE), grounded in incorporating massive broad-bandwidth machine-type (mBBMT), mobile broad-bandwidth and low-latency (MBBLL), and massive low-latency machine-type (mLLMT) communications. In attaining its objectives, 6G faces challenges that demand inventive solutions, incorporating AI, softwarization, cloudification, virtualization, and slicing features. Technologies like network function virtualization (NFV), network slicing, and software-defined networking (SDN) play pivotal roles in this integration, which facilitates efficient resource utilization, responsive service provisioning, expanded coverage, enhanced network reliability, increased capacity, densification, heightened availability, safety, security, and reduced energy consumption. It presents innovative network infrastructure concepts, such as resource-as-a-service (RaaS) and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), featuring management and service orchestration mechanisms. This includes nomadic networks, AI-aware networking strategies, and dynamic management of diverse network resources. This paper provides an in-depth survey of the wireless evolution leading to 6G networks, addressing future issues and challenges associated with 6G technology to support V2X environments considering presenting +challenges in architecture, spectrum, air interface, reliability, availability, density, flexibility, mobility, and security.
2023
Autores
Russo, N; Mamede, HS; Reis, L; Martins, J; Branco, F;
Publicação
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
Abstract
In a competitive business landscape heavily reliant on information and communication technology, organisations must be prepared to address disruptions in their business operations. Business continuity management involves effective planning for the swift reestablishment of business processes in the short term. However, there are still obstacles to implementing business continuity plans, which can be justified by various factors. The purpose of this study is to present the perspectives and future research paths based on a systematic literature review from the peer-reviewed literature published from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2021. This systematic literature review adheres to the guidelines established by evidence-based software engineering and leverages the Parsifal online tool. The primary research results identify and establish connections between the common components and activities of business continuity management as defined in international standards and frameworks to identify gaps in the existing knowledge. These findings will contribute to the development of a framework that provides a practical approach applicable to organisations of all sizes, taking into account each aspect of business continuity management, with a particular emphasis on information and communication technology systems. This paper's contribution lies in offering insights from a systematic literature review regarding the strategic principles for designing and implementing a business continuity plan, along with a comprehensive overview of related research. Furthermore, it presents a path forward to guide future research efforts aimed at addressing the gaps in the literature concerning continuity planning.
2023
Autores
Branco, F; Gonçalves, C; Gonçalves, R; Moreira, F; Au Yong Oliveira, M; Martins, J;
Publicação
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Abstract
The thermal SPA sector is currently experiencing a stable growth trend, which according to the World Tourism Organization (WTO) is expected to continue over the upcoming years. In Portugal, the sector has a very significant profile, with the existence of almost a hundred SPAs and thermal SPAs that generate a business volume (direct and indirect) of over 30 M€ per year. Although the beginning of the process of digital transformation of the sector is already visible, there is no holistic view of the sector which means that the currently existing information systems (IS) do not present a useful response to the needs faced by the sector. Therefore, an architecture proposal was conceived and described for an IS that provides a useful, efficient, and agile response to the needs of the entire thermalism sector and its stakeholders. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
2023
Autores
Martins, J; Branco, F; Mamede, H;
Publicação
INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS
Abstract
Low-code tools are a trend in software development for business solutions due to their agility and ease of use. There are a certain number of vendors with such solutions. Still, in most Western countries, there is a clear need for the existence of greater quantities of certified and experienced professionals to work with those tools. This means that companies with more resources can attract and maintain those professionals, whilst other smaller organizations must rely on an endless search for this scarce resource. We will present and validate a model designed to transform ChatGPT into a low-code developer, addressing the demand for a more skilled human resource solution. This innovative tool underwent rigorous validation via a focus group study, engaging a panel of highly experienced experts. Their invaluable insights and feedback on the proposed model were systematically gathered and meticulously analysed.
2023
Autores
Cota, D; Martins, J; Mamede, H; Branco, F;
Publicação
Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity
Abstract
2025
Autores
Caiado, F; Fonseca, J; Silva, J; Neves, S; Moreira, A; Gonçalves, R; Martins, J; Branco, F; Au Yong Oliveira, M;
Publicação
EXPERT SYSTEMS
Abstract
The growing use of technology and social media has resulted in the emergence of digital influencers, a new profession capable of changing the mentalities and behaviours of those who follow them. This study arises to better understand the potential impact digital influencers might have on the Portuguese population's purchase behaviour and patterns, and for this purpose, seven hypotheses were formulated. An online questionnaire was conducted to respond to these theoretical assumptions and collected data from 175 respondents. A total of 129 valid answers were considered. It was possible to conclude that purchase intention does not necessarily translate into a purchase action. It was also concluded that the relationship between social network use and the purchase of products/services recommended by influencers is only statistically significant for Instagram. Furthermore, the individuals' generation is not statistically significant / linked with purchasing a product/service recommended by influencers. Yet further, a small percentage of respondents have also identified themselves as impulsive shoppers and perceived Instagram as their favourite social network. With the results of this study, it is also possible to state that the influencer's opinion was classified as the last factor considered in the purchase decision process. Additionally, there is a weak negative association between purchasing a product/service recommended by influencers with sponsorship disclosure and remunerated partnership, which decreases credibility and discourages purchasing, in Portugal, a feminine culture which dislikes materialism.
The access to the final selection minute is only available to applicants.
Please check the confirmation e-mail of your application to obtain the access code.