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- The integration of immigrant women farmers in Portugal: Reconnecting with nature through agriculturePublication . Delplancq, Véronique; Costa, Cristina Amaro da; Araújo, Pedro; Costa Lopes, Ana Maria; Fidalgo, Susana; Figueiredo, Diogo; Pereira, José Manuel de Almeida; European Journal of Sustainable Development ResearchMigrants play a vital role in revitalizing rural regions, contributing to demographic renewal, economic diversification, and cultural enrichment. Their involvement is particularly significant in sectors such as agriculture, where labour shortages and aging populations pose ongoing challenges. By bringing new skills, perspectives, and initiatives, migrants help sustain local economies and foster innovation. This study explores the experiences of five foreign women who have relocated to the Centre of Portugal, establishing new lives centred on agriculture and aims to understand the motivations behind migration, lifestyles, and the dynamics of integration. Through in-depth interviews and photographic and video documentation, the study highlights the women’s pursuit of a more sustainable, nature-connected existence, emphasizes the significance of the welcoming process and underlines the role of agriculture as a pathway to improved quality of life and social integration. It was clear that the integration process requires social inclusion, access to services, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Keywords: foreign women farmers, region of Viseu, integration, sustainability, eco-friendly
- Food Waste Behaviour: A Cross-country StudyPublication . Ribeiro, P. R.; Anjos, Ofélia; Gonçalves Oliveira Valente da Cruz-Lopes, Luísa Paula; de Pinho Ferreira Guiné, RaquelFood choices are influenced by personal, cultural, and religious factors influence food choices. Within the EATMOT project, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 11919 voluntary adult participants residing in 16 countries to investigate how people relate to food waste, their attitudes, and how these vary across socio-demographic groups. The questionnaire was translated into local languages, and non-probabilistic methods selected the sample. Descriptive statistics tools were used to at the 5% significance level. The decision tree method (Classification and Regression Trees) identified the best predictors, which split the samples into clusters. Statistically significant differences were found between groups for all socio-demographic variables related to avoiding food waste when cooking at home. Similar differences emerged for choosing local foods and preferring restaurants that promote strategies to minimize food waste. The tree classification analysis revealed that, for all three items studied, the variable country, characterized by different cultures, was the most important discriminating factor. This work highlighted that people from different countries and socio-demographic groups as defined by established cut-offs for each characteristic.
- Development of a Polymer Filament Extruder: Recycling 3D Printer WastePublication . Guimarães, André; Messias, Samuel; Lopes, João; Salgueiro, José; Gaspar, DanielThis article presents the development of a polymer filament extruder to recycle waste from 3D printing. As additive manufacturing grows within Industry 4.0, managing thermoplastic waste like PLA, ABS, and PET has become a key challenge. The proposed modular system includes a shredder, an extrusion unit, and a winding module to produce high-quality filaments with precise dimensions (1.75 ± 0.03 mm), ensuring compatibility with 3D printers. Aligned with circular economy principles, the system promotes material reuse and reduces environmental impact. Results confirm its technical and environmental feasibility, with potential for large-scale use. Future improvements may include recycling other polymers and using smart sensors and algorithms to optimize the process.
- A Hybrid Strategy for Oven Optimization in Aerospace Manufacturing: Lean Principles and Mathematical ModellingPublication . Pereira, M. Teresa; Pereira, Marisa G.; Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Silva, Francisco G.; Guimarães, AndréAdopting the Lean philosophy is essential for reducing costs and increasing productivity in industrial environments, where equipment efficiency plays a pivotal role. This study focuses on optimizing the use of an oven, a critical equipment, in the aircraft parts manufacturing process, in a company producing composite components for aerospace applications. A mathematical model based on the classic two-dimensional knapsack problem was developed to address inefficiencies in space utilization and workflow inconsistencies. The model was implemented to determine the optimal parts’ allocation, maximizing oven occupancy while ensuring efficient workflows. The study introduces a hybrid strategy that combines a structured allocation system with vertical shelving units to streamline part storage and improve the kiln-loading process. Extensive experiments validated the model’s performance, demonstrating its ability to support Lean principles by enhancing productivity and reducing costs in the aeronautical industry. This work underscores the importance of mathematical modelling for optimizing manufacturing processes and meeting the increasing demands of modern production environments.
- Optimization of Metal Sheet Cutting Processes Using Integer Linear Programming: Reducing Waste and Enhancing Production EfficiencyPublication . Pereira, Marisa G.; Pereira, M. Teresa; Fernandes, Miguel A.; Silva, Francisco G.; Guimarães, André; Ferreira, Fernanda A.This paper presents an optimization approach for metal sheet cutting processes using Integer Linear Programming (ILP). It addresses the critical challenges of material waste and inefficiencies inherent in traditional manual cutting methods. The primary objective was to develop and implement an ILP-based model to automate and optimize cutting plans, thereby minimizing material waste and enhancing production efficiency. The proposed model extends existing optimization frameworks by incorporating constraints and decision variables tailored to the Two-Dimensional Strip Packing Problem (2D-SPP). Implemented in Python with libraries such as PuLP for mathematical modeling and Matplotlib for result visualization, the model was validated using real-world datasets. Results demonstrated substantial improvements, achieving material utilization rates of up to 87.94%. These findings underscore the effectiveness of ILP in addressing complex industrial challenges, offering a systematic approach to waste reduction and workflow optimization. The paper concludes by evaluating the model’s practical implications and its potential scalability for broader industrial applications.
- The Synergy Between Lean Philosophy and Value Engineering for New Product DevelopmentPublication . Guimarães, André; Estácio Marques Mendes Gaspar, Daniel Augusto; Reis, Pedro; Cardoso, A. J. M.rganizations worldwide consistently strive to eliminate waste through approaches like Lean and adopting core functions through concepts such as Value Engineering (VE). Several sources affirm that integrating VE with Lean can enhance, streamline, and amplify efforts to implement Lean principles within an organization. Conversely, Lean can improve the effectiveness of VE initiatives. Based on a comprehensive literature review utilizing a natural language processing algorithm, this study focuses on understanding the intersection between these concepts. The review identified eight main sub-topics across three key areas: Lean Healthcare and Performance, Customer Value Improvement, and Process and Product Optimization. The practical implications of integrating Lean and VE in product development include faster time-to-market, enhanced manufacturability, and improved product quality while reducing start-up issues and development costs. This integration fosters a more collaborative environment, aligning teams with customer needs and expectations. The unique contribution of this study lies in demonstrating how Lean and VE, when applied together, form a holistic and robust framework that optimizes efficiency and ensures superior functionality and cost-effectiveness throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Overview of the use of data assets in the context of Portuguese companies: Comparison between Micro, SMEs and large companiesPublication . Guimarães, André; Enrique, Daisy; Reis, Pedro; Cardoso, Antonio J. MarquesIn the digital age, data has become a crucial asset for businesses, serving as a valuable resource for production and decision-making. Effective data management is essential for enhancing companies’ competitiveness and operational efficiency. While big data holds the potential to drive innovation, particularly for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), many companies struggle to leverage this digital capability effectively. This article examines the nuances of data management practices in Portugal, highlighting the differences between micro, small, medium, and large companies. To achieve this, data were collected from 390 Portuguese companies, and a Kruskal–Wallis Test was conducted to determine if significant differences exist in data utilization across company sizes. The results indicate substantial disparities in the use of data for developing new services and in the application of technologies for Data Storage Security, Security for Data Exchange with Partners, and Cloud Computing Security among micro, small, medium, and large companies. These findings underscore the importance of tailored strategies to improve data management practices and enhance the digital capabilities of companies of all sizes.
- Enhancing Third-Party Logistics Efficiency: A Digital Approach to Transport CostingPublication . Pereira, M. Teresa; Gabriel, Nuno Miguel; Pereira, Marisa G.; Ramos, Filipe R.; Guimarães, AndréOver time, organizations and their supply chains have adapted to constant global change by increasingly adopting digital technologies for optimization, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage. These technologies, which are part of digital transformation, automate manual and repetitive processes, optimize operations and reduce human error. In this project, a decision support model was developed using Python to optimize the current manual costing processes involving 62 Excel spreadsheets and related calculations to achieve efficiency in the transportation processes of Company X, a third party logistics provider. The model was evaluated for accuracy, monetary savings, and time efficiency compared to the manual process. The Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was chosen to structure this work. The project produced positive results, with three scenarios (pessimistic, realistic and optimistic) showing annual monetary savings of over €6,000 and time efficiency of over 86%. Despite minor limitations, the project successfully applied digital transformation to transport optimization and demonstrated significant time and monetary benefits to the organization.
- Chocolates with dried fruit and spices: development and physical and sensory characterizationPublication . de Pinho Ferreira Guiné, Raquel; Ferrão, Ana Cristina; Florença, Sofia de Guiné e; A.
- Bovine Colostrum as a Nutraceutical: Developments in Processes and Products for Therapeutic and Dietary ApplicationsPublication . Mehra, R.; de Pinho Ferreira Guiné, Raquel; Buttar, H. S.; Kumar, S.