Abstract

Abstract
In recent years, companies have faced increasing pressure from globalization, requiring them to adapt not only to survive but also to thrive in a highly competitive environment. This adaptation has been facilitated by the efficient integration of technology, achieved through digital processes and collaboration tools. Digital transformation has emerged as a critical element for maintaining competitiveness as economies become increasingly digital. To succeed in this ever-evolving environment, companies must balance leveraging existing strengths with seeking new organizational agility. Integrating advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Web Technologies into education and professional training is a strategic response to the challenges posed by the current digital landscape. AI, with its adaptability and automation capabilities, offers benefits such as increased efficiency, personalized learning, and streamlined administrative processes. Continuous evaluation of teaching and learning, along with data extraction and predictive analysis, enhances e-learning quality and informs organizational decisions. This research aims to investigate how advanced technologies can predict and adapt organizational training needs to improve competency development and overall effectiveness. The research adopts a Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, focusing on the development and implementation of an AI-based framework for personalized training recommendations. Expected outcomes include integrating AI-driven predictive models with existing Human Resources Management Systems to identify and address training needs, fostering employee skill development, organizational agility, and competitiveness in a rapidly changing market. Additionally, addressing this issue promotes a more inclusive and empowering work environment, enabling employees to thrive in an increasingly digital world. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Abstract
Background: Virtual Reality (VR) is making education more engaging and accessible, especially for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), promoting inclusion and the development of STEM skills in innovative ways. The literature still reveals a significant gap in terms of appropriate educational resources adapted to the specific needs of these students, resulting in difficulties in their inclusion. With the growing need for inclusive approaches in education, it is essential to find solutions to support these students. The aim of this study is to validate the data collection methodology that will enable the development of Virtual Learning Environments with STEM content for students with ASD. Methods: The Design Science Research (DSR) methodology was used to develop a VR artefact for students with ASD. In addition, the Delphi method was applied in the expert involvement phase, which will contribute to the validation of the artefact's specific requirements. Both will allow for an inclusive and distinctive approach to the development of an artefact, with the aim of offering an innovative educational experience, meeting the varied needs and learning styles of students with ASD, optimising the effectiveness of the proposed VLE. Results: The results show a strong acceptance among experts, highlighting the potential positive impact of this approach, although there are aspects to be improved to ensure a more comprehensive and effective approach. Conclusions: This study highlights the successful validation of an innovative virtual reality programme for students with ASD, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the strong contribution to the advancement of inclusive education.

Abstract
The number of electric vehicles has been increasing significantly due to various factors, such as the higher prices of fossil fuels, concerns about the increasing pollution, and the resulting incentive to use energy from renewable sources. There are currently a few charging facilities, which are still quite scattered, and several are still experimental, requiring appropriate planning of this infrastructure in order to support the growing number of electric vehicles adequately. Thus, optimising the location of charging stations becomes a critical issue, which can be achieved through the application of mathematical models and data analysis tools. An example is genetic algorithms, which have demonstrated their versatility in solving complex optimisation problems, especially those involving multiple variables. This work presents a proposal for a more comprehensive genetic algorithm model that encompasses all variables from the perspectives of all entities involved. Its experimentation was conducted using real data, with the aim of finding the best combination of locations, minimising the total number of stations and maximising the coverage of the area under study. Thus, it is essential to carefully consider user preferences, accessibility, energy demand, and existing electrical infrastructure to ensure an effective and sustainable installation. The findings highlight the crucial role of these computing tools in addressing complex problems from various viewpoints, leading to solutions that cater to the needs of all parties involved. While not necessarily perfect, these solutions represent a balanced compromise across multiple dimensions of the problem.

Abstract
The growing demand for high-quality components in various industries, particularly in the automotive sector, requires advanced and reliable inspection methods to maintain competitive standards and support innovation. Manual quality inspection tasks are often inefficient and prone to errors due to their repetitive nature and subjectivity, which can lead to attention lapses and operator fatigue. The inspection of reflective aluminum parts presents additional challenges, as uncontrolled reflections and glare can obscure defects and reduce the reliability of conventional vision-based methods. Addressing these challenges requires optimized illumination strategies and robust image processing techniques to enhance defect visibility. This work presents the development of an automated optical inspection system for reflective parts, focusing on components made of high-pressure diecast aluminum used in the automotive industry. The reflective nature of these parts introduces challenges for defect detection, requiring optimized illumination and imaging methods. The system applies deep learning algorithms and uses dome light to achieve uniform illumination, enabling the detection of small defects on reflective surfaces. A collaborative robotic manipulator equipped with a gripper handles the parts during inspection, ensuring precise positioning and repeatability, which improves both the efficiency and effectiveness of the inspection process. A flow execution-based software platform integrates all system components, enabling seamless operation. The system was evaluated with Schmidt Light Metal Group using three custom datasets to detect surface porosities and inner wall defects post-machining. For surface porosity detection, YOLOv8-Mosaic, trained with cropped images to reduce background noise, achieved a recall value of 84.71% and was selected for implementation. Additionally, an endoscopic camera was used in a preliminary study to detect defects within the inner walls of holes. The industrial trials produced promising results, demonstrating the feasibility of implementing a vision-based automated inspection system in various industries. The system improves inspection accuracy and efficiency while reducing material waste and operator fatigue.

Abstract
Gastric cancer, ranking as the sixth most prevalent cancer globally and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, follows a sequential progression known as Correa's cascade, spanning from chronic gastritis to eventual malignancy. Although endoscopy exams using NarrowBand Imaging are recommended by internationally accepted guidelines for diagnostic Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia, the lack of endoscopists with the skill to assess the NBI image patterns and the disagreement between endoscopists when assessing the same image, have made the use of biopsies the gold standard still used today. This proposal doctoral thesis seeks to address the challenge of developing a Computer-Aided Diagnosis solution for GIM detection in NBI endoscopy exams, aligning with the established guidelines, the Management of Epithelial Precancerous Conditions and Lesions in the Stomach. Our approach will involve a dataset creation that follows the standardized approach for histopathological classification of gastrointestinal biopsies, the Sydney System recommended by MAPS II guidelines, and annotation by gastroenterology experts. Deep learning models, including Convolutional Neural Networks, will be trained and evaluated, aiming to establish an internationally accepted AI-driven alternative to biopsies for GIM detection, promising expedited diagnosis, and cost reduction.