Showing papers by "University of Minho published in 2023"

Legal and policy relevance of EU mobility partnerships in Morocco and Cape Verde: the role of epistemic communities

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to better understand the role played by epistemic communities in the legal and policy relevance of Mobility Partnerships for third countries. I argue that the influence of epistemic communities on the legal and policy developments of a third country varies according to the context in which they operate. Epistemic communities benefitting from a certain authority over third countries or a certain form of ‘prestige’ will be more likely to be influential. However, third country’s agency should not be neglected as we can see that the most effective epistemic communities operate where the third country is willing to listen and respond to a specific need for support. The paper shows that we can only comprehend the role of epistemic communities in the relevance of Mobility Partnerships, if we take seriously the interests of third countries and understand the context in which Mobility Partnerships are being negotiated and implemented.

Government support versus international knowledge: Investigating innovations from emerging-market small and medium enterprises

Abstract: We compare how non-financial government support, versus knowledge gained through exporting, supports innovation in Vietnamese small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Analysis of panel data of 1,018 SMEs shows that government support for staff training and technological development quality increases the likelihood of product and process innovation. Resource slack mediates the relationship between these non-financial government support measures and innovation, thus pointing to the importance of underutilized resources to enable the use of external sources of knowledge. Therefore, these policy measures are more efficient for emerging-market SMEs that can incorporate them. The negative moderation effect of exporting in the relationship between non-financial government support and process innovation suggests that policy-makers should limit the use of non-financial support when they design exporting policies for emerging-market SMEs.

Sustained Release of Human Adipose Tissue Stem Cell Secretome from Star‐Shaped Poly(ethylene glycol) Glycosaminoglycan Hydrogels Promotes Motor Improvements after Complete Transection in Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model

Abstract: Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been shown to assist regenerative processes after spinal cord injury (SCI) through their secretome, which promotes several regenerative mechanisms, such as inducing axonal growth, reducing inflammation, promoting cell survival, and vascular remodeling, thus ultimately leading to functional recovery. However, while systemic delivery (e.g., i.v. [intravenous]) may cause off-target effects in different organs, the local administration has low efficiency due to fast clearance by body fluids. Herein, a delivery system for human ASCs secretome based on a hydrogel formed of star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) (starPEG) and the glycosaminoglycan heparin (Hep) that is suitable to continuously release pro-regenerative signaling mediators such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glial-cell neurotrophic factor, and beta-nerve growth factor over 10 days, is reported. The released secretome is shown to induce differentiation of human neural progenitor cells and neurite outgrowth in organotypic spinal cord slices. In a complete transection SCI rat model, the secretome-loaded hydrogel significantly improves motor function by reducing the percentage of ameboid microglia and systemically elevates levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Delivery of ASC-derived secretome from starPEG-Hep hydrogels may therefore offer unprecedented options for regenerative therapy of SCI.

Paving the way forward: <i>Escherichia coli</i> bacteriophages in a One Health approach

Abstract: Escherichia coli is one of the most notorious pathogens for its ability to adapt, colonize, and proliferate in different habitats through a multitude of acquired virulence factors. Its presence affects the food-processing industry and causes food poisoning, being also a major economic burden for the food, agriculture, and health sectors. Bacteriophages are emerging as an appealing strategy to mitigate bacterial pathogens, including specific E. coli pathovars, without exerting a deleterious effect on humans and animals. This review globally analyzes the applied research on E. coli phages for veterinary, food, and human use. It starts by describing the pathogenic E. coli pathotypes and their relevance in human and animal context. The idea that phages can be used as a One Health approach to control and interrupt the transmission routes of pathogenic E. coli is sustained through an exhaustive revision of the recent literature. The emerging phage formulations, genetic engineering and encapsulation technologies are also discussed as a means of improving phage-based control strategies, with a particular focus on E. coli pathogens.

Ferroelectricity Induced by Oxygen Vacancies in Rhombohedral <scp> ZrO ₂ </scp> Thin Films

Abstract: Rhombohedral phase HfxZr1-xO2 (HZO, x from 0 to 1) films are promising for achieving robust ferroelectric polarization without the need for an initial wake-up pre-cycling, as is normally the case for the more commonly studied orthorhombic phase. However, a large spontaneous polarization observed in rhombohedral films is not fully understood, and there are also large discrepancies between experimental and theoretical predictions. In this work, in rhombohedral ZrO2 thin films, we show that oxygen vacancies are not only a key factor for stabilizing the phase, but they are also a source of ferroelectric polarization in the films. This is shown experimentally through the investigation of the structural properties, chemical composition and the ferroelectric properties of the films before and after an annealing at moderate temperature (400 °C) in an oxygen environment to reduce the VO concentration compared. The experimental work is supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations which show that the rhombohedral phase is the most stable one in highly oxygen defective ZrO2 films. The DFT calculations also show that VO contribute to the ferroelectric polarization. Our findings reveal the importance of VO for stabilizing rhombohedral ZrO2 thin films with superior ferroelectric properties.

Optimization of a structural lightweight fiber-reinforced concrete for best performance under impact loading

Abstract: Compared to normal concrete, lightweight fiber-reinforced concrete (LFRC) offers several advantages, such as a high tensile strength-to-weight ratio and high energy dissipation under impact loading. However, LFRC has a lower compressive strength and modulus of elasticity than normal concrete; finding the appropriate mix design is also essential for structural engineering. This study aims to determine the best mix proportion of LFRC by evaluating the mechanical characteristics and energy dissipation capacity under impact loading. For this purpose, an experimental study is performed to optimize the mix proportion using three types of lightweight aggregates (Leca, expanded perlite, and expanded polystyrene). Moreover, the effects of two different steel and polyvinyl alcohol fibers on LFRC properties are investigated to improve the fracture energy and tensile strength. In both phases, two Drop Weight impact and Modified Charpy impact tests are utilized in addition to the quasi-static tests (compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural tests). A quality function is proposed to achieve the best mix proportion of lightweight concrete. The results demonstrate that the mixture containing 50% expanded perlite replacement with normal weight aggregates, 20% Slag as partial replacement of cement, 0.25% PVA fiber, and 0.25% steel fiber has the best performance in the mechanical properties and energy dissipation capacity as a structural lightweight fiber reinforced concrete.

A Matheuristic Approach to the Integration of Three-Dimensional Bin Packing Problem and Vehicle Routing Problem with Simultaneous Delivery and Pickup

Abstract: This work presents a hybrid approach to solve a distribution problem of a Portuguese company in the automotive industry. The objective is to determine the minimum cost for daily distribution operations, such as collecting and delivering goods to multiple suppliers. Additional constraints are explicitly considered, such as time windows and loading constraints due to the limited capacity of the fleet in terms of weight and volume. An exhaustive review of the state of the art was conducted, presenting different typology schemes from the literature for the pickup and delivery problems in the distribution field. Two mathematical models were integrated within a matheuristic approach. One model reflects the combination of the Vehicle Routing Problem with Simultaneous Delivery and Pickup with the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows. The second one aims to pack all the items to be delivered onto the pallets, reflecting a three-dimensional single bin size Bin Packing Problem. Both formulations proposed—a commodity-flow model and a formulation of the Three-Dimensional Packing Problem must be solved within the matheuristic. All the approaches were tested using real instances from data provided by the company. Additional computational experiments using benchmark instances were also performed.

Deep learning-based approaches for human motion decoding in smart walkers for rehabilitation

Abstract: Gait disabilities are among the most frequent impairments worldwide. Their treatment increasingly relies on rehabilitation therapies, in which smart walkers are being introduced to empower the user’s recovery state and autonomy, while reducing the clinicians effort. For that, these should be able to decode human motion and needs, as early as possible. Current walkers decode motion intention using information gathered from wearable or embedded sensors, namely inertial units, force sensors, hall sensors, and lasers, whose main limitations imply an expensive solution or hinder the perception of human movement. Smart walkers commonly lack an advanced and seamless human–robot interaction, which intuitively and promptly understands human motions. A contactless approach is proposed in this work, addressing human motion decoding as an early action recognition/detection problematic, using RGB-D cameras. We studied different deep learning-based algorithms, organised in three different approaches, to process lower body RGB-D video sequences, recorded from an embedded camera of a smart walker, and classify them into 4 classes (stop, walk, turn right/left). A custom dataset involving 15 healthy participants walking with the walker device was acquired and prepared, resulting in 28800 balanced RGB-D frames, to train and evaluate the deep learning networks. The best results were attained by a convolutional neural network with a channel-wise attention mechanism, reaching accuracy values of 99.61% and above 93%, for offline early detection/recognition and trial simulations, respectively. Following the hypothesis that human lower body features encode prominent information, fostering a more robust prediction towards real-time applications, the algorithm focus was also quantitatively evaluated using Dice metric, leading to values slightly higher than 30%. Promising results were attained for early action detection as a human motion decoding strategy, with enhancements in the focus of the proposed architectures.

How the 5G Network Will Boost the Concept of Smart Tourism in Portugal: A Literature Review

Abstract: When the discussion on sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication networks begins in Portugal, the implementation of 5G on the ground is taking its first steps. Portugal is one of the European Union (EU) countries that is most behind in the implementation of this technology, although the European Commission considers its implementation essential for the strategy of digitizing Europe. The question that this research work intends to address is to what extent this technology can start a smart era, which in turn, provides a better experience for tourists visiting Portugal. It is known that the tourism sector in Portugal is fundamental as an economic activity, as well as for generating more wealth and creating more jobs. Thus, this work aims to cross these growing trends in our country and in the world, with the new paradigm that the implementation of 5G in Portugal is. For this, using the Scopus database, a search was carried out in the most recent scientific literature on these topics, since they are very current trends. The results are discussed in the light of the literature and future work is identified with a view to enhancing tourism, smart tourism, and smart destinations, a set of measures that can boost these concepts will also be presented.

Standardized models for cracking due to restraint of imposed strains—The state of the art

Abstract: Crack control throughout the service life of a structure has always been a challenging task for engineers and asset owners, particularly those who are involved with the design and construction of structures with increased durability requirements, such as liquid retaining structures, nuclear containment buildings or structures in direct contact with ground, but also other externally restrained structures. For these reasons, several standardized methods exist throughout the global engineering community which encompass differences between them. This work is a state-of-the-art review of the methods for crack width control due to imposed strains recommended by different regulatory documents from Europe, USA, Australia and Japan, and provide a reasonable degree of guidance with respect to the assumptions, possibilities and restrictions of each method. This work resonates with the scope of the RILEM TC 287-CCS: Early age and long-term crack width analysis in RC structures.

Quality Control in Remanufacturing: Distinguishing Features and Techniques

Abstract: Considering the existing amount of work on quality control in manufacturing companies, this work analyses its applicability to remanufacturing systems. After reviewing different quality control methods, we describe the distinguishing features of remanufacturing compared to manufacturing systems, such as increased variability of key remanufacturing inputs; the definition of customer requirements was done by a third party; customer requirements may be obsolete; and key product/process characteristics may need to be updated. Then, we conclude that existing quality planning and control techniques can be transferred to the remanufacturing domain. It ends by suggesting ways to assess the resulting quality control based on quality costs and identifies future research directions.

Geochemistry and mineralogy of auriferous tailings deposits and their potential for reuse in Nova Lima Region, Brazil

Abstract: Since the mid-nineteenth century, gold ores, mainly hosted in sulfides, have been processed at metallurgical plants located in Nova Lima, Brazil. The generated wastes have been accumulated over the years in tailings dams or in piles. These materials represent wasted from old circuits, as well as from plants still in production. In this study, geochemical, mineralogical, 3D modelling, and metallurgical analyses wastes were carried out to evaluate potential reuse of these wastes. The performed characterization detected residues of very fine grain size containing sulfides and oxides. The wastes show high grades of Au hosted in different minerals. In addition to Au, samples contain S, Fe, Zn, Pb, Sc, Si, and As. The 3D modelling for spatial definition of Au was performed using ordinary kriging with dimensional variograms. The results indicated the occurrence of Au enrichment zones and allowed to reveal the most attractive tailing deposits in terms of Au content. Metallurgical tests showed recovery of 70% of Au and suggested other potential reuse of the wastes, such as aggregates for the civil construction sector and recovery of other metals. The present work highlights the importance of an integrative characterization within the scope of the circular economy and the value of tailings in the production chain of the mineral sector.

China, Portugal and the Atlantic: The Shifting Geopolitics

Abstract: In a context in which energy resources are scarce on the planet, the Atlantic emerges as a space of growing competition not only in terms of food (fisheries), but also energy security. Portugal, which has one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the world (and may even double its maritime platform) faces nowadays new challenges in a space of increasing importance at the geopolitical and strategic level. Based on this context, this chapter intends to study Portuguese maritime priorities within the Atlantic, with a special focus on the challenges and opportunities generated by the growing Chinese presence in the Atlantic.

A Difficult Transition: Portuguese State Finances Between Later Medieval and Early Modern Times, c. 1415–1530

Abstract: Following the framework set up by the Bonney-Ormrod model, this chapter offers a political economy of early modern Portugal, i.e., how the Crown built a new fiscal ethos under the challenges of a key period to a new enthroned dynasty: the Avis household. This becomes evident when we analyze a specific context of an “organic institutional development,” which portrays the debate on the state of finances from the military advances in Ceuta, in 1415 to the effective colonization of Brazil, in 1530. These hundred and fifteen years were decisive in redefining the purpose of state finances. Moreover, this period is key to understanding a tendency to value chivalric activity and a more intense military action as part of a strategy of expanding the domains and a broader cultural and political affirmation strategy as a “new center of power and diffusion of cultural trends.” Based on a combination of fiscal sources with parliamentary debates and royal chronicles, what we will see is that this policy was two-folded: it was conceived to establish a new status quo of permanent war and expand its economic domain by reinforcing and expanding landlordships. Besides, it took advantage of an ongoing fiscal dynamic, boosted by commercial activity and warfare, built to provide political sustainability to the new group in power, and institutionalizing of a redistributive income policy within the group of the king’s favorites.

A Step Towards Obtaining an Innovative Smartbath for Shower in Bed of Disabled and Elder’s People

Abstract: Every project that obtained good results in the research needs to continue its development and start the process go-to-market. In the specific case related in this paper, the Smartbath, a shower system takes a new step towards its technological evolution becoming an intelligent shower system that promotes better features that the previous system was not fulfilling. Therefore, during the research it was defined that it is essential to make the system more portable and easier to use. In the context that will be used, this technology whereas, it represents an important contribution to the quality of life of caregivers. Considering an increase in the share of the elderly population and the related problems arising in daily care, this project intends to be beneficial and contemporarily. The bathing system is according to the needs of users who need to have really effective and technological systems, with a safety dynamic use with the water temperature to guarantee a quality bath and systems of checking heart rate and body temperature. In this sense, the development of technology moves to a new phase of product design, thinking about solving real problems with real products following a design project methodology.

Organizações políticas internacionais: os desafios da cooperação internacional: Breve estudo sobre dez organizações internacionais

Abstract: As organizações internacionais (OI) são atores centrais do sistema internacional, pois são fóruns onde as ideias se desenvolvem e adquirem legitimidade e se transformam em decisões que têm impacto na sociedade internacional. As organizações internacionais são um fórum de diálogo entre os seus membros e permitem o encontro de soluções para problemas que lhes são comuns e que afetam a comunidade. De resto, a expansão das suas tarefas reflete a sua capacidade de influência. Contudo, as OI ressentem-se de algumas deficiências: a sua autoridade pode ser ténue e descentralizada; a ausência de uma cultura comum robusta e a impossibilidade de impor decisões ou medidas coercivas. Este livro centra-se nas mais importantes e representativas organizações políticas internacionais. Apresenta um breve estudo sobre as Nações Unidas, o Conselho da Europa (CoE), a NATO, a Organização sobre a Segurança e Cooperação na Europa (OSCE), a Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (CPLP), a União Africana (UA), a Organização dos Estados Americanos (OEA), a Liga Árabe, a Associação de Nações do Sudeste Asiático (ASEAN) e a Organização de Cooperação de Xangai. As organizações são analisadas tendo em conta a sua génese histórica, o contexto da sua criação, a sua estrutura orgânica e as suas principais áreas de atuação.

Addressing cell size selection in geodiversity quantitative assessment procedures

Abstract: Within geodiversity assessment methods, the grid system is the most used approach to calculate a geodiversity index. Chosen for its simplicity and adjustment aptitude, it implies a fundamental and determinant decision, namely the selection of the cell size. This should comply with the inherent properties of the input datasets, being as well a function of the main goals of the analysis. This problematic has been studied by several authors, either by discussing and presenting analytical procedures, or by testing the effect of distinct cell sizes on their (modelling) analysis.Being a key issue within geodiversity assessment methodologies, in this work an empirical methodology is presented to select the most appropriate cell size to assess the geodiversity of Portugal mainland. A direct quantitative method based on geodiversity indices was applied, using richness, and Simpsons&#8217; and Shannon&#8217;s diversity and equity indices to geology (1:1000 000) and geomorphology (1:500 000) datasets of mainland Portugal, in a hexagonal analytical grid, through eight cell dimensions (1km, 2km, 5km, 10km, 15km, 20km, 25km and 30km). Several descriptive statistical parameters were analysed along the eight cell dimensions, for each map, with particular emphasis for dispersion statistical measures, namely quartile coefficient of dispersion, coefficient of variation, and skewness coefficient, range, Min, Max and IQR. The effect of cell size on the final maps of lithological and geomorphological diversity was also analysed, using the conventional representation of five classes (very high, high, medium, low and very low) based on the Jenks classification, by evaluating the area occupied per each class along the distinct cell sizes. The results from the analysis indicate that skewness coefficient, quartile coefficient of dispersion and coefficient of variation could be used as indicators of optimal cell size. All the performed analysis indicated the 5-10km dimension as the optimal cell size for the diversity and richness analysis, also considering the differences between both datasets, namely distinct scale, distinct polygon distribution area, distinct number of total features (categories). In general, the evenness and diversity indices seem to be more appropriated to be used as cell size indicators when applying statistic parameters, while richness seems to provide more clear results while using final maps and correspondent graphics that synthetize the area distribution per class. The empirical procedure here presented seems to be applicable to all type of scales and datasets.

The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Wellbeing in the Municipality of Porto—An Analysis Based on Remote Sensing

Abstract: Climate Change and Global Warming are affecting the environment and consequently people’s lives and property due to an increase in the frequency and magnitude of extreme phenomena. This is particularly problematic in cities and is becoming an eco-environmental issue and a public health concern. In addition to global and regional warming there are the increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves and, in cities, a surplus heat input produced by the Urban Heat Island Effect (UHI). Land Surface Temperature (LST) is widely used to assess and analyse the UHI based on remote sensing procedures. This chapter uses the coastal municipality of Porto, located in the northwest of mainland Portugal, as a case study to evaluate the relationship between the spatial variation of the LST in summer and the main influencing factors in several dimensions. Nine scenes from Landsat 8–OLI [band 10 (10.60–11.19 μm)] were acquired between 2013 and 2018, with a maximum cloud cover of 10.0% and distributed along the four seasons of the year. The processed scenes were obtained directly from the Global Estimate of LST in the LANDSAT repository, and from the emissivity based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The gaps produced by the clouds were filled using a 9 × 9 matrix moving average. Non-advective synoptic situations were predominant, considering that they usually reduce the intensity and magnitude of the UHI and homogenize the Air Temperature (AT). The meteorological data regarding the days of scene acquisition (namely, air temperature, wind speed and atmospheric pressure) resulted from the analysis of IPMA’s (Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere) data. In a first stage, different factors were combined using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) based on expert’s opinion. The main goal of this research is to identify the potential impact on the health of the most vulnerable groups, in a context of climate change by applying the risk hazard-exposure-vulnerability method (designated as Heat Risk Index—HRI). Based on this methodological proposal, it is possible to identify areas where urban growth has resulted in greater UHI intensity and risk increase. In these areas there is also an increase in the amount of available energy that will be radiated into the atmosphere, and which will be transferred by convection as sensible heat, thus becoming responsible for air heating. In view of the thermal stress problems caused during heatwaves, in dense or consolidated urban areas, it is not possible to make major changes regarding morphology and the inclusion of large green areas. It is necessary to consider measures capable of mitigating potential health problems arising from the effects of climate change. It should be noted that the Portuguese city of Porto presents the greatest climatic risk at European level. This is happens mainly for two reasons: (i) extreme weather events will be increasingly frequent and intense, as climate projections indicate; and (ii) adaptation is not yet on the political agenda. The adaptation of urban areas to climate change scenarios should start as soon as possible, prioritizing solutions based on a systemic perspective. Local urban decisions have global consequences.

Seismic Vulnerability and Risk Assessment of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area

Abstract: This chapter presents an index-based seismic vulnerability assessment methodology, based on the GNDT level II approach, to be used in the seismic risk assessment of the residential building stock in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. The buildings’ physical vulnerability and exposure were defined using data from the 2011 national population and housing Census. The seismic vulnerability assessment methodology was then applied to the 292,978 reinforced concrete and 152,916 unreinforced masonry buildings within the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. A GIS tool was afterwards used to combine the vulnerability results and the seismic hazard data, allowing identifying and analyzing the areas of higher vulnerability and risk, as a way to improve the ability of stakeholders to devise efficient resilience improvement and disaster mitigation plans.

Open-Source EMM-ARM Implementation for Mortars Based on Single-Board Computer

Abstract: The EMM-ARM (Elastic Modulus Measurement through Ambient Response Method) allows the continuous monitoring of the elastic modulus of cementitious materials from early ages. The idea is to subject a beam, made of the specimen in its mould, to an excitation and monitor its response via an accelerometer. The excitation can either rely on naturally occurring vibrations, or on a controlled excitation system creating a signal with the necessary characteristics. The resonant frequency of the tested beam can be assessed with modal identification techniques, whereas the E-modulus of the tested material can be directly calculated with the dynamic equations of motion of the system. The original implementation of EMM-ARM uses specialized devices for the acquisition and excitation systems, which results in a relatively high price, as well as limited options for customization. The software used is based on proprietary systems (LabView), which further brings limitations on sharing for other institutions to use. On the other hand, one should bear into account that cyber-physical systems have shown significant evolutions in the last decade. Open-source platforms are increasingly popular and low-cost single-board computers are becoming widespread (e.g. Raspberry Pi). Electronic components have evolved parallel to these platforms, offering decent performances for low prices nowadays. The work hereby presented took inspiration from these cyber-physical systems to develop an open-source and cost-effective system able to conduct EMM-ARM tests independently from any other computing device. The system will be integrally presented as well as results obtained in comparison with the original implementation of the system.

Quantum kinetic theory of Jeans instability in non-minimal matter-curvature coupling gravity

Abstract: Abstract We present a quantum treatment of the Jeans gravitational instability in the Newtonian limit of the non-minimal matter-curvature coupling gravity model. By relying on Wigner functions, allowing for the representation of quantum states in a classical phase space, we formulate a quantum kinetic treatment of this problem, generalizing the classical kinetic approach (Gomes in Eur Phys J C 80:633, 2020). This allows us to study the interplay between non-minimal matter-curvature coupling effects, quantum effects, and kinetic (finite-temperature) effects, on the Jeans criterion. We study in detail special cases of the model (general relativity, f ( R ) theories, pure non-minimal coupling, etc.) and confront the model with the observed stability of Bok globules.

Redefinition of the Layout and the Impact on the Reduction of Wastes: A Case Study in a Metalworking Industry

Abstract: This study reports a work carried out in a production process of a metallurgical company in the automotive industry. The main objective is to demonstrate that through the reorganization of the layout is possible to significantly reduce the associated wastes. This is an aspect frequently disregarded by companies due to the difficulties associated with the movement of heavy machines, which is a situation identified in the case under study. The dimensions of the space, the machines, and the work areas, as well as the respective restrictions, are factors to be considered in the construction of a logical and organized layout. Initially, the group faced an inadequate dispersion of the machines on the factory floor, causing high distances traveled by the operators in the transportation of the materials. High numbers of intersections resulted in defects as parts were often exchanged in different processing phases. Thus, the idea was to bring together all workstations. However, since the deburring/washing workstation is shared with other productive processes the change could only take place in the workstations that precede this. With the changed layout, such intersections were reduced, as well as the distances traveled by the operators and, consequently, the associated costs. Wastes such as defects and transportation have been reduced with the changes made, which allows the flow of material to be continuous and effective. Hence, with the reduction of 606.51 m covered by workers per day, the company obtains a sales increase of 830.76 € per month.

A BERT-Powered Writing Assistant for Academic Purposes in European Portuguese

Abstract: In this paper, we will present the process of developing a resource that we consider to be useful for both native and non-native college students in the process of writing Portuguese academic texts: a BERT-powered Writing Assistant for academic purposes in European Portuguese. The Writing Assistant includes two main components: a phrase bank, that will be created using open scientific data in the form of scientific papers found in repositories, and a search engine, that uses BERT models for semantic searches. To create the phrase bank we will loosely follow the methodology developed by John Morley, creator of the Academic Phrasebank of the University of Manchester. The phrase bank will be based on 40 scientific papers taken from the repository of University of Minho. The corpus will be initially annotated, using some of the categories proposed by Morley, then the categories will be revised to better represent the reality of Portuguese academic discourse. The annotated phrases will then be simplified and stripped of any particular academic content. This phrase bank will “feed” the search engine. The search engine works with BERT machine learning models that allow us to make semantic searches. Students would just have to write a word, expression or sentence in the search bar to find equivalent or similar expressions on our phrasebank, even if the user has little to no knowledge of the vocabulary used in academic discourse, because Bert models are able to infer semantic context and find relevant results.