FE - Artigos de Revistas Internacionais com Arbitragem Científica

URI permanente para esta coleção:https://hdl.handle.net/10437/10765

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Comparing Freshman and doctoral engineering students in design : mapping with a descriptive framework
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2017-11-02) Carmona Marques, P.; FE - Faculty of Engineering
This paper reports the results of a study of engineering students’ approaches to an open-ended design problem. To carry out this, sketches and interviews were collected from 9 freshmen (first year) and 10 doctoral engineering students, when they designed solutions for orange squeezers. Sketches and interviews were analysed and mapped with a descriptive ‘ideation framework’ (IF) of the design process, to document and compare their design creativity (Carmona Marques, P., A. Silva, E. Henriques, and C. Magee. 2014. “A Descriptive Framework of the Design Process from a Dual Cognitive Engineering Perspective.” International Journal of Design Creativity and Innovation 2 (3): 142–164). The results show that the designers worked in a manner largely consistent with the IF for generalisation and specialisation loops. Also, doctoral students produced more alternative solutions during the ideation process. In addition, compared to freshman, doctoral used the generalisation loop of the IF, working at higher levels of abstraction. The iterative nature of design is highlighted during this study–a potential contribution to decrease the gap between both groups in engineering education.
Improvement of aglycone content in soy isoflavones extract by free and immobilized β-Glucosidase and their effects in lipid accumulation
(Springer, 2020-11-01) Angelotti, Joelise A.F.; Dias, Fernanda F.G.; Sato, Hélia H.; Fernandes, Pedro; Nakajima, Vânia M.; Macedo, Juliana; FE - Faculty of Engineering
Soybean is one of the most important commodities in the world, being applied in feed crops and food, pharmaceutical industries in different ways. Soy is rich in isoflavones that in aglycone forms have exhibited significant anti-obesity and anti-lipogenic effects. Obesity is a global problem as several diseases have been related to this worldwide epidemic. The aim of this work was to verify the effect of free and immobilized β-glucosidase, testing Lentikats, and sol–gel as carriers. Moreover, we wanted to examine if the different types of hydrolysis would generate extracts with distinct biological activity concerning lipid accumulation, PPAR-α regulation, and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 concentrations using in vitro assays. Our results show that all formulations of β-glucosidase could hydrolyze soy isoflavones. Thus, after 24 h of incubation, daidzein content increased 2.6-, 10.8-, and 12.2-fold; and genistein content increased 11.7, 11.4, and 11.4 times with the use of free enzyme, Lentikats®, and sol–gel immobilized enzyme, respectively. Moreover, both methodologies for enzyme immobilization led to promising forms of biocatalysts for application in the production of soy extracts rich in isoflavones aglycones, which are expected to bring about health benefits. A mild lipogenic effect was observed for some concentrations of extracts, as well as a slight inhibition in PPAR-α expression, although no significant differences were noticeable in the cytokines TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6 as compared with the control.
Impact of artificial intelligence research on politics of the European Union member states : The case study of Portugal
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2020-08) Reis, João; Santo, Paula; Melão, Nuno; FE - Faculty of Engineering
Currently, artificial intelligence (AI) is at the center of academic and public debate. However, its implications on politics remain little understood. To understand the impact of the AI phenomenon on politics of the European Union (EU), we have carried out qualitative multimethod research by performing a systematic literature review and a case study. The first method was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), in order to report the state-of-the-art in the existing literature and explore the most relevant research areas. The second method contained contributions from experts in data science and AI of the Portuguese scientific community. The results showed that solutions such as intelligent decision support systems are improving the political decision-making process and impacting the Portuguese society at local, regional, and national levels. We also found that practitioners and scientists are currently shifting their interests from environmental and biological sciences to healthcare services, which is bringing new challenges in terms of protecting patient/citizen data and growing concerns about handling of critical information. Future research may focus on comparative studies with other EU States to obtain a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the AI phenomenon.
Uavnoma : a UAV-NOMA Network Model under non-ideal conditions
(Ubiquity Press, 2022-10-19) Lima, Brena; Fachada, Nuno; Dinis, Rui; Costa, Daniel B.; Beko, Marko; COPELABS - Cognitive and People-centric Computing
Uavnoma is a set of Python functions and a front-end script for modeling, studying, and analyzing the communication system composed by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and two ground users. We assume that the UAV acts as an aerial base station to serve the users according to non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) principles. For more practical insights, residual hardware impairments (RHI) and imperfect successive interference cancellation (ipSIC) are considered. More specifically, uavnoma allows the modelers to study and visualize the system performance in terms of achievable rate and outage probability. Additionally, the package produces figures and tables showcasing results from the specified performance metrics. KEYWORDS: Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA); Non-ideal conditions; Numerical simulation; Performance analysis; Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
A descriptive framework of the design process from a dual cognitive-engineering perspective
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2014) Marques, Pedro D.B.Carmona; Silva, Arlindo José P.F.; Henriques, Elsa M.P.; Magee, Christopher L.; FE - Faculty of Engineering
This article proposes a new descriptive framework, which we label as the “ideation framework” (IF), of the design process from a dual cognitive-engineering perspective, partly based on existing frameworks from both fields and previous work by the author. The framework is for the ideation or front-end phase of the product development process, representing the interface between cognitive psychology and engineering design. Three domains – inspiration, decomposition, and integration – and three spaces – problem-space, idea-space, and concept-space – are the elements of the framework. The iterative flow of the engineering design process passes through the three domains in a semi-controlled way, through a sequence of specialization and generalization process loops in and between the spaces. An empirical descriptive examination of the ideation process is performed using designers with limited design experience. The designers were faced with a design problem that they had to solve in a limited period of time. Their designs were analyzed, and a post-exercise interview was done to uncover each of the participants’ design process. The empirical work indicates these designers worked in a manner largely consistent with the IF.
Mycobacterium vaccae adaptation to disinfectants and hand sanitisers, and evaluation of cross-tolerance with antimicrobials
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2020-09) de Carvalho, Carla C.C.R.; Teixeira, Raquel; Fernandes, Pedro; FE - Faculty of Engineering
Mycobacterium vaccae is being considered as an adjuvant to antituberculosis therapy, tested for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, and as an anti-depressive agent. This bacterium is ubiquitous in the environment and the widespread use of disinfectants and sanitisers may lead to its adaptation to these compounds. In the present study, M. vaccae cells adapted to these compounds mainly by making adjustments in their lipid composition and net surface charge. The modifications in the lipid composition led to changes in membrane permeability which resulted in increased tolerance towards levofloxacin, thioridazine, and omeprazole.
Retail system scenario modeling using fuzzy cognitive maps
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2022) Petukhova, Alina; Fachada, Nuno; FE - Faculty of Engineering
A retail business is a network of similar-format grocery stores with a sole proprietor and a well-established logistical infrastructure. The retail business is a stable market, with low growth, limited customer revenues, and intense competition. On the system level, the retail industry is a dynamic system that is challenging to represent due to uncertainty, nonlinearity, and imprecision. Due to the heterogeneous character of retail systems, direct scenario modeling is arduous. In this article, we propose a framework for retail system scenario planning that allows managers to analyze the effect of different quantitative and qualitative factors using fuzzy cognitive maps. Previously published fuzzy retail models were extended by adding external factors and combining expert knowledge with domain research results. We determined the most suitable composition of fuzzy operators for the retail system, highlighted the system’s most influential concepts, and how the system responds to changes in external factors. The proposed framework aims to support senior management in conducting flexible long-term planning of a company’s strategic development, and reach its desired business goals. Keywords: retail; complex systems; fuzzy cognitive maps; scenario planning
Where are smart cities heading? A meta-review and guidelines for future research
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2022-08) Reis, João; Marques, Pedro Alexandre; Marques, Pedro Carmona; RCM2+ - Research Centre in Asset Management and System Engineering
(1) Background: Smart cities have been gaining attention in the community, both among researchers and professionals. Although this field of study is gaining some maturity, no academic manuscript yet offers a unique holistic view of the phenomenon. In fact, the existing systematic reviews make it possible to gather solid and relevant knowledge, but still dispersed; (2) Method: through a meta-review it was possible to provide a set of data, which allows the dissemination of the main theoretical and managerial contributions to enthusiasts and critics of the area; (3) Results: this research identified the most relevant topics for smart cities, namely, smart city dimensions, digital transformation, sustainability and resilience. In addition, this research emphasizes that the natural sciences have dominated scientific production, with greater attention being paid to megacities of developed nations. Recent empirical research also suggests that it is crucial to overcome key cybersecurity and privacy challenges in smart cities; (4) Conclusions: research on smart cities can be performed as multidisciplinary studies of small and medium-sized cities in developed or underdeveloped countries. Furthermore, future research should highlight the role played by cybersecurity in the development of smart cities and analyze the impact of smart city development on the link between the city and its stakeholders.
Economic disposal quantity of leftovers kept in storage : a Monte Carlo simulation method
(Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2019) Assis, R.; Marques, Pedro Carmona; Santos, J. Oliveira; Vidal, R.; FE - Faculty of Engineering
This article describes how to reach an item's threshold, or in other words, the limit time for it to be retrieved from stock and sold for a different use, as well as the remaining foreseen period for this situation to occur. Once a minimum length, or weight, is reached, left quantities are more difficult to sell, as demand often exceeds the remaining parts or leftovers. The number of unfulfilled orders increases, as time goes by, until it becomes further cost effective to dispose the leftover and sell it for a lower price and alternative use. A Monte Carlo simulation model was built in order to consider the randomness of future transactions and quantifying consequences providing this way a simple and effective decision-making framework.
Computational programming as a tool in the teaching of electromagnetism in engineering courses : Improving the notion of field
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2019) Nogueira, João; Alves, Ricardo Gaio; Marques, Pedro Carmona; FE - Faculty of Engineering; CeiED - Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Education and Development
In this study we have attempted, firstly, to describe programming protocols developed for the teaching of an Electromagnetism course in the university degrees of Electrical Engineering and Energy Engineering, and secondly, to evaluate students’ satisfaction with the simulation practices through MATLAB®programming. The main objective of the protocols is to allow students to model and visualize the electric field and magnetic field (both static) and understand the approximation that is made when considering certain distributions of electric charges and electric currents. To evaluate the usefulness of this computational methodology, eighteen students from the two engineering degrees answered a questionnaire with seven questions related to the Electromagnetism course and to the benefits of using computer programming. Their answers are measured by a Likert scale. From the analysis of the results, we can conclude, in a general way, that the use of this methodology has positive effects in the learning of Electromagnetism in these two degrees.
Capacitação social – comunidades em território de risco
(2018-04) Santos, Isabel Abreu dos; Vasconcelos, Lia Maldonado Teles de; Pires, Iva; Faculdade de Engenharia
Vivemos numa sociedade em que os cidadãos enfrentam uma multiplicidade de riscos, de diversas naturezas e níveis de complexidade, e na qual a elevada ocorrência de acidentes afeta a estrutura social das comunidades, a saúde humana e o ambiente natural e edificado. Há uma crescente consciencialização da necessidade de dar resposta a estas situações. O principal desafio da investigação é o de verificar se a prática de exercícios à escala real, envolvendo autoridades, decisores, academia e as pessoas, permite uma melhor preparação para as ações individuais e coletivas de prevenção e atuação face à ocorrência de um desastre. A metodologia aplicada baseou-se na análise de estudos de caso, com observação e participação de quatro exercícios LIVEX, simulacros realizados à escala real, entre 2012 e 2015, numa comunidade portuguesa, localizada em território de risco. Os exercícios referiram-se a um cenário de risco tecnológico (acidente industrial) e três cenários de risco natural (sismo). A análise de resultados do estudo, permitiu testar a participação das populações, a utilização de equipamentos, e as relações institucionais de resposta à emergência (nomeadamente as comunicações). Possibilitou ainda inferir que a forma mais eficiente de aprender é pela experiência, no individual ou no coletivo. As conclusões permitem afirmar que a prática de realização de exercícios LIVEX contribuem para a construção de conhecimento, geração de confiança nas instituições e profissionais, na comunicação de ciência, levando ao empoderando das pessoas para tomarem as decisões mais acertadas em face de situações limite em que a sua vida e dos seus familiares se pode encontrar em perigo. Setúbal, pela prática continuada de modelos de participação ativa em exercícios à escala real, pode vir a constituir uma comunidade de prática, um exemplo tipo a ser replicado por outras comunidades.
Unity Snappable Meshes
(Elsevier B.V., 2022-08-01) Fachada, Nuno; Silva, Rafael Castro e; Andrade, Diogo de; Códices, Nélio; FE - Faculty of Engineering
The Snappable Meshes algorithm procedurally generates 3D maps for computer games by iteratively selecting and linking pre-built map pieces via designer-specified connectors. In this paper we present an implementation of this algorithm in the Unity game engine, describing its architecture and discussing core implementational solutions. A number of examples illustrate the potential of the algorithm and the capabilities of the software. We assess the application’s impact on past and ongoing research, and how it can be improved to support future research questions. Keywords: Procedural content generation (PCG) ; Computer games ; Layout ; Designer-centric methods ;3D maps ; Unity game engine
Building sustainable creativity : a conceptual framework
(European Center of Sustainable Development, 2016) Marques, Pedro Carmona; FE - Faculty of Engineering; RCM2+ - Research Centre in Asset Management and System Engineering
Climate change, limited energy resources and population growth raise questions about sustainability and decisions for future generations. There is a need to contribute to a more sustainable world. This can be achieved with the use of creativity in, for example, product lifecycle management. Built on the literature about creativity and sustainability, a conceptual framework of sustainable creativity is proposed on the integration of the fields. The proposed framework is an attempt to the creation of sustainable concepts and includes the domains of “decomposition” and “integration” where the problem-, idea-, and concept-space are built on. Feedback loops are analysed and discussed as an important part of any radical/incremental product/service development within lifecycle management activities.
O contributo da igualdade de género para as operações na Guarda Nacional Republicana
(Associacao Iberica de Sistemas e Tecnologias de Informacao, 2023-10) Malheiro, Luís Carlos Rodrigues; Bessa, Fernando José da Conceição; Reis, João Carlos Gonçalves Dos; Saraiva, Luís Eduardo; Faculdade de Engenharia
O presente estudo foi conduzido com o foco de: analisar o contributo da igualdade de género para o sucesso das operações na Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR). Baseado em um raciocino indutivo, com uma estratégia predominantemente qualitativa e um desenho de estudo de caso, foi recolhida informação com recurso a entrevistas semiestruturadas junto de dez decisores com experiência na área das operações da GNR. Após recolha e tratamento da informação primária, tendo por base o método comparado, foi possível confirmar, em outras realidades/latitudes, algumas tendências que emergiram na revisão da literatura. O caminho desenvolvido permite avançar que: (1) a perspetiva de género ainda não é incorporada no planeamento das operações da GNR; (2) o processo de integração das mulheres ainda não está concluído sendo necessário recrutar mais mulheres; (3) existem decisores ligados às operações da GNR que concordam com limitações às tarefas/missões operacionais a realizar por/pelas mulheres; (4) a principal limitação identificada sobre a inclusão de mulheres nas operações está ligada à logística e; (5) era importante ter mais mulheres para otimizar as operações da GNR, sobretudo para missões e tarefas como revistas a mulheres e o projeto Investigação e Apoio a Vítimas Específicas.
Microfluidic bioreactors for enzymatic synthesis in packed-bed reactors—Multi-step reactions and upscaling
(Elsevier B.V., 2020-11-10) Brás, Eduardo J.S.; Domingues, Cristiana; Chu, Virginia; Fernandes, Pedro; Conde, João Pedro; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
Enzymatic synthesis of biochemical commodities is of upmost importance as it represents a greener alternative to traditional chemical synthesis and provides easier downstream processing strategies compared to fermentation-based processes. A microfluidic system used to optimize the enzymatic production of both levodopa (L-DOPA) and dopamine in both single-step and multistep-reaction sequences with yield of approximately 30 % for L-DOPA production and 70 % for dopamine production is presented. The system for L-DOPA production was then up-scaled (780-fold increase) to a milliliter scale system by maintaining similar mass transport properties resulting in the same yield, space-time yield and biocatalyst yield as its microscale counterpart. The results obtained for yield and biocatalyst yield (351.7 mgL-DOPA mg−1Tyr h−1) were similar to what is reported in the literature for similar systems, however the space-time yield (0.806 mgL-DOPA L−1 h−1) was smaller. This work demonstrates a microfluidic bioreactor that can be used for complex optimizations that can be performed rapidly while reducing the consumption of reagents by immobilizing the catalyst on a carrier which can then be used in a packed-bed reactor, thus extending the enzyme life span.
Integrating Product-Service Systems with New Business Models Definition for Manufacturing Industries
(IGI Global Publishing, 2014) Marques, Pedro C.; Cunha, Pedro F.; FE - Faculty of Engineering; RCM2+ - Research Centre in Asset Management and System Engineering
Nowadays, manufacturing companies are pressured to be competitive and innovative. Particularly this concerns the delivery of value to their customers. The assessment of the overall value chain, designed and implemented for a specific product and/or service, should be sustained by new business models (NBM), thus contributing to higher levels of customer satisfaction. Integrated product-services are assuming importance, allowing manufacturing companies to achieve longer and stable relationships with their customers. This requires, among other, organizational changes and novel methodologies for product-service development. In fact, an effective integration allows product-service innovation, which being exploited, contributes significantly to businesses' competitiveness and sustainability. In this paper, a "roadmap" for NBM definition and implementation is presented, along with a new methodology for Product-Service Systems (PSS) development. Two case studies are used to test both the roadmap and the PSS methodology. As such, this work is expected to contribute to a clear understanding of NBM and their integration in a methodology for PSS.
A model for fostering creativity in the product development process
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2021-02) Marques, Pedro Carmona; Faculdade de Engenharia
The present paper illustrates a pilot experiment in which a new model for fostering creativity in the product development process is tested with novice engineers. After introducing creativity in the field of product development, the current author presents the new standard. The theoretical background that embodies the new model is presented, based on relevant literature. Making use of the new model, a methodology for testing it, using novice engineers is then proposed. It relies on the comparison between novices that were trained in the model in comparison to other novices that were not trained in the model. Higher results for creativity achieved by novice engineers that have employed the model show the advantages of its application during product development activities
Enlarged PLIN5-uncoated lipid droplets in inner regions of skeletal muscle type II fibers associate with type 2 diabetes
(Elsevier GmbH, 2022-04) Fachada, Vasco; Rahkila, Paavo; Fachada, Nuno; Turpeinen, Tuomas; Kujala, Urho M.; Kainulainen, Heikki; COPELABS - Cognitive and People-centric Computing
Skeletal muscle physiology remains of paramount importance in understanding insulin resistance. Due to its high lipid turnover rates, regulation of intramyocellular lipid droplets (LDs) is a key factor. Perilipin 5 (PLIN5) is one of the most critical agents in such regulation, being often referred as a protector against lipotoxicity and consequent skeletal muscle insulin resistance. We examined area fraction, size, subcellular localization and PLIN5 association of LDs in two fiber types of type 2 diabetic (T2D), obese (OB) and healthy (HC) individuals by means of fluorescence microscopy and image analysis. We found that T2D type II fibers have a significant sub-population of large and internalized LDs, uncoated by PLIN5. Based on this novel result, additional hypotheses for the pathophysiology of skeletal muscle insulin resistance are formulated, together with future research directions.
Digital transformation : a meta-review and guidelines for future research
(Elsevier Ltd., 2023-01) Reis, João; Melão, Nuno; RCM2+ - Research Centre in Asset Management and System Engineering
The emergence of digital transformation has changed the business landscape for the foreseeable future. As scholars advance their understanding and digital transformation begins to gain maturity, it becomes necessary to develop a synthesis to create solid foundations. To do so, significant steps need to be taken to critically, rigorously, and transparently examine the existing literature. Therefore, this article uses a meta-review with the support of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Protocol. As a result, we identified six dimensions and seventeen categories related to digital transformation. The organizational, technological, and social dimensions are still pivotal in digital transformation, while two new dimensions (sustainability and smart cities) still need to be explored in the existing literature. The need to deepen knowledge in digital transformation and refine the dimensions found is of paramount importance, as it involves some complexity due to organizational dynamics and the development of new technologies. It was also possible to identify opportunities, challenges, and future directions.
Analyzing the attractiveness of Businesses to receive Investments for a creative and innovative transition to a circular economy: the case of the textile and fashion industry
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2023-04-13) Silva, Wesley Douglas Oliveira; Fontana, Marcele Elisa; Almeida, Bianca; Marques, Pedro Carmona; Vidal, Raphaela; FE - Faculty of Engineering
Excessive and often compulsive consumption has given the textile–fashion industry the reputation of being one of the industries causing the most pollution in today’s world. For this reason, there is a necessity for a transition from a linear to a circular approach in the textile–fashion industry. However, this is not an easy task, especially when considering the investments that must be made to put a circular economy structure into practice. In this sense, the transition to a circular economy in the textile–fashion industry presents a unique opportunity for businesses to attract investments to support this transition by leveraging creativity and innovation to reduce waste, minimize resource consumption, and increase the longevity of products and materials. Therefore, this study sets out to develop a multicriteria decision support model to measure the attractiveness of businesses to receive investments that aim at aiding the transition to the circular economy. The model uses the “play card” from Simos’ procedure and the Normalize software that provide a comprehensive, consistent, and transparent approach to decision making, which can help investors to evaluate the attractiveness of investment opportunities and identify businesses that have the potential for long-term success in the circular economy. Hence, catalyzing and obstructing factors of the circular economy discussed in the literature were selected to underpin the analysis model and to draw up robust investment recommendations to the investors. In addition to the scientific contributions of the model, indications are also provided to the private sector, public policy makers, and society on how sustainability can be driven by the circular economy.

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