Abstract
Covid-19 is a serious disease caused by the Sars-CoV-2 virus that has been first reported in China at late 2019 and has rapidly spread around the world. As the virus affects mostly the lungs, chest X-rays are one of the safest and most accessible ways of diagnosing the infection. In this paper, we propose the use of an approach for detecting Covid-19 in chest X-ray images through the extraction and classification of local and global percolation-based features. The method was applied in two datasets: one containing 2,002 segmented samples split into two classes (Covid-19 and Healthy); and another containing 1,125 non-segmented samples split into three classes (Covid-19, Healthy and Pneumonia). The 48 obtained percolation features were given as input to six different classifiers and then AUC and accuracy values were evaluated. We employed the 10-fold cross-validation method and evaluated the lesion sub-types with binary and multiclass classification using the Hermite Polynomial classifier, which had never been employed in this context. This classifier provided the best overall results when compared to other five machine learning algorithms. These results based in the association of percolation features and Hermite polynomial can contribute to the detection of the lesions by supporting specialists in clinical practices.

Abstract
It is well known that the performance of Machine Learning techniques, notably when applied to Computer Vision (CV), depends heavily on the amount and quality of the training data set. However, large data sets lead to time-consuming training loops and, in many situations, are difficult or even impossible to create. Therefore, there is a need for solutions to reduce their size while ensuring good levels of performance, i.e., solutions that obtain the best tradeoff between the amount/quality of training data and the model's performance. This paper proposes a dataset reduction approach for training data used in Deep Learning methods in Facial Recognition (FR) problems. We focus on maximizing the variability of representations for each subject (person) in the training data, thus favoring quality instead of size. The main research questions are: 1) Which facial features better discriminate different identities? 2) Will it be possible to significantly reduce the training time without compromising performance? 3) Should we favor quality over quantity for very large datasets in FR? This analysis uses a pipeline to discriminate a set of features suitable for capturing the diversity and a cluster-based sampling to select the best images for each training subject, i.e., person. Results were obtained using VGGFace2 and Labeled Faces in the Wild (for benchmarking) and show that, with the proposed approach, a data reduction is possible while ensuring similar levels of accuracy.

Abstract
The concept of Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) has been around for more than 40 years and is a promising mobility alternative when traditional public transport proves inadequate in terms of its effectiveness or efficiency, as is the case of low-density areas. DRT systems have a wide range of operational configurations, being highly adaptable to different contexts and environments. Therefore, the design of a DRT mobility solution can become a quite complex and challenging problem. To assist in the design of DRTs, this paper aims to present a comprehensive classification of DRT features and to identify some common design choices in different operational scenarios. The proposed classification is based on a review of reports from available literature and previous European DRT projects. In addition, an analysis of the most usual configurations for different purposes and scenarios is presented. In this research, the operational, demand, and administrative characteristics of DRTs are addressed. Demand aspects encompass features that directly influence trip demand, such as service areas, target passengers, and hours of operation. Operational features include characteristics that will affect daily operations as the type of stops, frequency of the operation, booking methodology, vehicle route, pick-up and drop-off locations, and the vehicle type used. Administrative characteristics address the relationship between consumers and the system, such as the purpose of the system, fares, visual identification of stops, and booking methods. Regarding the usual design choices, our survey shows that rural DRTs are primarily oriented to serve populations in need in low-density areas and to complement existing PT gaps, while urban DRTs are mainly viewed as a mobility alternative to fill existing PT gaps. Defining design patterns for peri-urban and multi-area DRTs presents challenges due to their transitional nature, thus combining attributes of both rural and urban systems.

Abstract
The use of model checking tools allows for the formal verification of properties over models of systems, improving their robustness. However, these tools are challenging to use, and their results require much work of interpretation to communicate to stakeholders. To address this issue, the IVY Workbench offers a plethora of options to make the process of creating and understanding the models, properties and results of the verification process more accessible, with a particular focus on interactive computing systems. Despite this, there is still a significant requirement of expertise to use the tool. To solve this, an approach to provide structured natural language explanations for the results of model checking-based tools is being developed, to be later incorporated into the IVY Workbench. This paper presents the current state of the approach's development, stating its objective and what results can already be achieved.

Abstract
Nowadays the concept of digitalization and Industry 4.0 is more and more important, and organizations must improve and adapt their processes and systems in order to keep up to date with the latest paradigm. In this context, there are multiple developed Maturity Models (MMs) to help companies on the processes of evaluating their digital maturity and defining a roadmap to achieve their full potential. However, this is a subject in constant evolution and most of the available MMs don't fill all the needs that a company might have in its transformation process. Thus, European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) arose to support companies on the process of responding to digital challenges and becoming more competitive. Supported by the European Commission and the Digital Transformation Accelerator, they use tools to measure the digital maturity progress of their customers. This paper analyzes several MMs publicly available and compares them to the guidelines provided to the EDIH.

Abstract
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) screening relies on accurate positioning in the ventrodorsal hip extended (VDHE) view, as even mild pelvic rotation can affect CHD scoring and impact breeding decisions. This study aimed to assess the association between pelvic rotation and asymmetry in obturator foramina areas (AOFAs) and to develop a computer vision model for automated AOFA measurement. In the first part, 203 radiographs were analyzed to examine the relationship between pelvic rotation, assessed through asymmetry in iliac wing and obturator foramina widths (AOFWs), and AOFAs. A significant association was found between pelvic rotation and AOFA, with AOFW showing a stronger correlation (R-2 = 0.92, p < 0.01). AOFW rotation values were categorized into minimal (n = 71), moderate (n = 41), marked (n = 37), and extreme (n = 54) groups, corresponding to mean AOFA +/- standard deviation values of 33.28 +/- 27.25, 54.73 +/- 27.98, 85.85 +/- 41.31, and 160.68 +/- 64.20 mm(2), respectively. ANOVA and post hoc testing confirmed significant differences in AOFA across these groups (p < 0.01). In part two, the dataset was expanded to 312 images to develop the automated AOFA model, with 80% allocated for training, 10% for validation, and 10% for testing. On the 32 test images, the model achieved high segmentation accuracy (Dice score = 0.96; Intersection over Union = 0.93), closely aligning with examiner measurements. Paired t-tests indicated no significant differences between the examiner and model's outputs (p > 0.05), though the Bland-Altman analysis identified occasional discrepancies. The model demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.99) with a standard error of 17.18 mm(2). A threshold of 50.46 mm(2) enabled effective differentiation between acceptable and excessive pelvic rotation. With additional training data, further improvements in precision are expected, enhancing the model's clinical utility.