Ciências e Tecnologia | Comunicações em congressos, conferências, seminários/Communications in congresses, conferences, seminars
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
- Professional training for effective adoption of Generative AI in the corporate world: bridging the gapPublication . Guedes, Fernando; Rocio, Vitor; Martins, PauloThis position paper emphasizes the critical role of professional training in facilitating the effective adoption of Generative AI (GenAI) in the corporate world. GenAI, with its ability to create new content from existing data, holds immense potential for transforming business processes, enhancing decision-making, and driving innovation. However, the adoption of GenAI faces significant challenges, including a shortage of skilled professionals, high implementation costs, data privacy concerns, and the complexity of integrating these technologies into existing systems. To address these challenges, this paper highlights the importance of comprehensive education and training programs tailored to equip employees with the necessary skills and knowledge. Such programs should focus on developing technical competencies and understanding the operational implications of GenAI. By analyzing current literature and case studies, this paper identifies key strategies for effective training and outlines best practices for integrating GenAI into corporate environments. The findings underscore the need for a strategic approach to training that aligns with the evolving demands of AI-driven innovation. This includes continuous learning and development initiatives, the promotion of a culture of innovation, and the implementation of responsible AI practices. By investing in professional training, organizations can bridge the skills gap, mitigate risks, and fully leverage the transformative potential of GenAI technologies, ultimately gaining a competitive edge in the market. Through this comprehensive exploration, the paper advocates for the integration of robust training frameworks that support the sustainable adoption of GenAI, ensuring that businesses are well-prepared to navigate the complexities and opportunities of the digital age.
- Enhancing digital libraries through NLP and recommender systems: current trends and future prospects with large language modelsPublication . Cardoso, Heike da Silva; Rocio, VitorIn an era characterized by rapid proliferation of scientific publications and overwhelming volumes of digital content, researchers, students, and faculty members face significant challenges in identifying literature relevant to their academic pursuits. This saturation of information has heightened the need for advanced Recommender Systems within university libraries, tailored specifically for navigating and discovering scientific literature. This paper proposes leveraging insights from librarians’ direct interactions with users to adapt existing Recommender Systems, augmented with NLP and LLMs, to better serve the specific needs of academic researchers. It should streamline the research process by delivering precise, relevant, and personalized literature recommendations, centered on a curated database of bibliographic information.
- Exploring the effects of crustacean fishing on cold-water coral and gorgonian ecosystems: conservation strategies for Carbon sequestrationPublication . Seixas, Sónia; Parrinha, Joaquim; Gomes, PedroCrustacean fishing has significant impacts on cold-water coral and gorgonian communities. These coldwater corals include Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs) such as Dendrophyllia ramea and D. cornigera. Our observations indicate that fishing gear used to capture crustaceans like lobster, brown crab, and European crab along the western coast of Portugal is frequently abandoned or anchored in rocky areas. When these traps are brought aboard, they often retrieve cold-water corals and gorgonians attached to them. Sometimes, only small branches are collected, while entire structures may come to the surface on other occasions. Fishermen tend to break the corals into smaller pieces to avoid damaging their gear. These organisms play a crucial role in carbon fixation, yet they face significant destruction. The only effective way to mitigate this destruction is through educational initiatives aimed at fishermen, encouraging the return of salvaged corals and gorgonians to the sea whenever possible. Furthermore, any corals that cannot be returned should be taken ashore for proper restoration and rehabilitation, followed by subsequent reintroduction into their natural habitat. Implementing such measures is essential for minimising the impact on carbon sequestration dynamics and safeguarding the region's overall biodiversity.
- Sistema de Classificação de Sinalética Gestual em competições de karatéPublication . Violante, Sónia Correia; Filipe, Vítor; Morais, A. Jorge; Rocha, Álvaro; Peñalvo, Francisco; Gonçalves, Ramiro; Garcia Holgado, Alicia; Moreira, FernandoEm contexto de Kumite (combate de Karate) propõe-se investigar um modelo de classificação da sinalética gestual do árbitro para atribuição de pontos, com recurso a Visão Computacional e técnicas de Aprendizagem Profunda. Foram realizadas três abordagens, todas tendo como base o recurso a modelos de Redes Neuronais Convolucionais (Convolutional Neural Network – CNN): Classificação de imagens com recurso a uma CNN; Deteção da pose humana com o modelo MoveNet; e a deteção e classificação de gestos com o modelo YOLOv5, via RoboFlow. A última abordagem obteve melhores resultados, com 100% de precisão para todas as classes, pelo que se testou a sua aplicação para a deteção e classificação dos gestos em vídeo.
- Potential for trophic transfer of microplastics in the smallspotted catshark’s food web: insights from Portuguese coastal ecosystemsPublication . Pica, Rodrigo; Fernandes, João; Seixas, Sónia; Martins, Marta; Greife, Anna; Müller, Carolin; Heel, LenaMicroplastics (MPs) are increasingly prevalent pollutants in marine environments, raising concerns about their potential to transfer across trophic levels. However, the extent and significance of such transfer remain uncertain. This study aimed to (i) characterise MPs in the digestive tracts (GITs) of three ecologically connected species — the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), pouting (Trisopterus luscus), and Henslow’s swimming crab (Polybius henslowii); and (ii) assess the potential for trophic transfer, as S. canicula is a known predator of the other two species. Thirty individuals from each species were collected by bottom-trawling off Figueira da Foz, Portugal. GITs were digested using 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH), filtered, and analysed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A total of 88 MPs were identified, primarily in S. canicula (0.89 ± 1.19 MP.ind-1) and P. henslowii (0.54 ± 0.74 MP.ind-1). No MPs were found in T. luscus, possibly due to its juvenile stage or short retention time. Frequencies of occurrence were 57% for S. canicula and 43% for P. henslowii, representing the first record of MPs in the latter. The predominant MP types were fragments (51%) and fibres (47%), mainly green (32%), black (20%), and transparent (16%), with polyvinyl acetate (32%) and polyethene terephthalate (27%) identified as the main polymers. Significant differences in MP colour and polymer composition between species suggest distinct exposure routes. Although the presence of MPs in a known prey species of S. canicula suggests potential trophic transfer, further research is needed to confirm bioaccumulation. These findings provide a valuable baseline for understanding plastic pollution in coastal ecosystems and highlight the need for ongoing investigation into MP dynamics within marine food webs.
- Large language model for querying databases in PortuguesePublication . Figueiredo, Lourenço; Pinheiro, Paulo; Cavique, Luís; Marques, NunoThis study introduces a system that helps non-expert users find information easily without knowing database languages or asking technicians for help. A specific domain is explored, focusing on a subscription-based sports facility, which serves as an open-source version of a real case study. Utilizing the star schema, the available data in the database is structured to provide accessibility through Portuguese Natural Language queries. Using a Large Language Model (LLM), SQL queries are generated based on the question and the provided star schema. We created a dataset with 115 highly challenging questions drawn from real-world usage scenarios to validate the correctness of the system. Challenges found during testing, like attribute value interpretation, out-of-scope questions, and temporal interval adequacy issues, highlight the insufficiency of the star schema alone in providing the needed context for generating accurate SQL queries by the LLM. Addressing these challenges through enhanced contextual information shows significant improvement in query correctness, with validation results increasing from 57.76% to 88.79%. This study shows the potential and limitations of LLMs in generating SQL queries from Portuguese Natural Language queries.
- Data science maturity model: from raw data to pearl’s causality hierarchyPublication . Cavique, Luís; Pinheiro, Paulo; Mendes, Armando B.Data maturity models are an important and current topic since they allow organizations to plan their medium and long-term goals. However, most maturity models do not follow what is done in digital technologies regarding experimentation. Data Science appears in the literature related to Business Intelligence (BI) and Business Analytics (BA). This work presents a new data science maturity model that combines previous ones with the emerging Business Experimentation (BE) and causality concepts. In this work, each level is identified with a specific function. For each level, the techniques are introduced and associated with meaningful wh-questions.We demonstrate the maturity model by presenting two case studies.
- Inhomogenous amrketing mix diffusionPublication . Pinto, Luís G.; Cavique, Luís; Gomes, Orlando; Santos, Jorge M. A.In this article we extend the Marketing Mix Diffusion (MMD) model to inhomogenous networks (i.e. complex networks of arbitrary topology). The (Homogenous) MMD model is an innovation diffusion model, similar to the Bass model, which includes four decision variables (the 4Ps of Marketing: Product, Price, Place, Promotion). We introduce the Inhomogenous MMD (IMMD) model and we conduct two separate experiments: one based on simulation and another one relying on empirical evidence. The simulation study compares the behavior of the IMMD model with the classic Bass diffusion model. Results suggest that the classic Bass model is able to represent the IMMD curves quite well in most cases. The IMMD is more general and capable of representing extreme scenarios. The empirical study focuses on the geographic diffusion of mobile broadband technology in Japan, combining adoption data with a spatial network of municipalities. The in-sample performance of the model is comparable to the existing methods, which suggests a good explanatory power of the IMMD model.
- Considering traditional practices a study on the fishing and production of dried Sparisoma cretense in the Azores IslandsPublication . Brás, Márcia; Fraga, Ana; Seixas, SóniaThe practice of producing dried Sparisoma cretense (parrotfish), known locally as Veja seca, serves as a significant aspect of the maritime tradition in the Azores Islands. This study presents an interdisciplinary comprehensive analysis of the fishing and production techniques involved in Veja seca across the archipelago, while also characterizing the individuals engaged in this practice. Through structured surveys conducted on all nine islands (one hundred), this research meticulously documents the geographical distribution of Veja seca production and identifies the diverse fishing methods utilized, including shore fishing, boat fishing, and spearfishing, along with the optimal conditions for catch (bait, season, tide). Furthermore, it provides a detailed examination of the salting and drying processes, highlighting traditional methods of preservation and storage. By uncovering the sociocultural significance of Veja seca within Azorean communities this study elucidates its role in preserving local customs and sustaining cultural identity within coastal communities, which we believe to be an important contribute to be considered in local management process and fisheries management advice.
- Enhancing recruitment with LLMs and chatbotsPublication . Novais, Liliana; Rocio, Vitor; Morais, A. JorgeTraditional approaches in the competitive recruitment landscape frequently encounter difficulties in effectively identifying exceptional applicants, resulting in delays, increased expenses, and biases. This study proposes the utilisation of contemporary technologies such as Large Language Models (LLMs) and chatbots to automate the process of resume screening, thereby diminishing prejudices and enhancing communication between recruiters and candidates. Algorithms based on LLM can greatly transform the process of screening by improving both its speed and accuracy. By integrating chatbots, it becomes possible to have personalised interactions with candidates and streamline the process of scheduling interviews. This strategy accelerates the hiring process while maintaining principles of justice and ethics. Its objective is to improve algorithms and procedures to meet changing requirements and enhance the competitive advantage of talent acquisition within organisations.