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- Unified Data Governance in Heterogeneous Database Environments: An API-Driven Architecture for Multi-Platform Policy EnforcementPublication . Abbasi, Maryam; ANTUNES VAZ, PAULO JOAQUIM; Silva, José; Cardoso, Filipe; Sá, Filipe; Martins, Pedro; Cardoso, Filipe; Sá, Filipe; Martins, PedroModern organizations increasingly rely on heterogeneous database environments that combine relational, document-oriented, and key-value storage systems to optimize performance for diverse application requirements. However, this technological diversity creates significant challenges for implementing consistent data governance policies, regulatory compliance, and access control across disparate systems. Traditional governance approaches that operate within individual database silos fail to provide unified policy enforcement and create compliance gaps that expose organizations to regulatory and operational risks. This paper presents a novel API-driven architecture that enables unified data governance across heterogeneous database environments without requiring database-specific modifications or vendor lock-in. The proposed framework implements a centralized governance layer that coordinates policy enforcement across PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Amazon DynamoDB systems through RESTful API interfaces. Key architectural components include differentiated access control through hierarchical API key management, automated compliance workflows for regulatory requirements such as GDPR, real-time audit trail generation, and comprehensive data quality monitoring with automated improvement mechanisms. Comprehensive experimental evaluation demonstrates the framework’s effectiveness across multiple operational dimensions. The system achieved 95.2% accuracy in access control enforcement across different data classification levels, while automated GDPR compliance workflows demonstrated 98.6% success rates with average processing times of 2.9 h. Performance evaluation reveals acceptable overhead characteristics with linear scaling patterns for PostgreSQL operations (R2 = 0.89), consistent sub-20ms response times for MongoDB logging operations, and sustained throughput rates ranging from 38.9 to 142.7 requests per second across the integrated system. Data quality improvements ranged from 16.1% to 34.3% across accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness dimensions over a 12-week monitoring period, with accuracy improving by 17.8 percentage points, completeness by 13.2 percentage points, consistency by 19.7 percentage points, and timeliness by 24.5 percentage points. The duplicate detection system achieved 94.6% precision and 95.6% recall across various duplicate types, including cross-database redundancy identification. The results demonstrate that API-driven governance architectures can effectively address the persistent challenges of policy fragmentation in multi-database environments while maintaining operational performance and enabling measurable improvements in data quality and regulatory compliance. The framework provides a practical migration path for organizations seeking to implement comprehensive governance capabilities without replacing existing database infrastructure investments.
- Validating the Use of Smart Glasses in Industrial Quality Control: A Case StudyPublication . Silva, José; Coelho, Pedro; Saraiva, Luzia; Martins, Pedro; López-Rivero, AlfonsoEffective quality control is crucial in industrial manufacturing for influencing efficiency, product dependability, and customer contentment. In the constantly changing landscape of industrial production, conventional inspection methods may fall short, prompting the need for inventive approaches to enhance precision and productivity. In this study, we investigate the application of smart glasses for real-time quality inspection during assembly processes. Our key innovation involves combining smart glasses’ video feed with a server-based image recognition system, utilizing the advanced YOLOv8 model for accurate object detection. This integration seamlessly merges mixed reality (MR) with cutting-edge computer vision algorithms, offering immediate visual feedback and significantly enhancing defect detection in terms of both speed and accuracy. Carried out in a controlled environment, our research provides a thorough evaluation of the system’s functionality and identifies potential improvements. The findings highlight that MR significantly elevates the efficiency and reliability of traditional inspection methods. The synergy of MR and computer vision opens doors for future advancements in industrial quality control, paving the way for more streamlined and dependable manufacturing ecosystems.
- An integrated and interoperable AutomationML-based platform for the robotic process of metal additive manufacturingPublication . Babcinschi, Mihail; Freire, Bernardo; Ferreira, Lucía; Señaris, Baltasar; Vidal, Felix; Vaz, Paulo; Neto, PedroIncreasingly, industry is looking to better integrate their industrial processes and related data. Interoperability is key since the organizations need to share data between them, between departments and the different stages of a given technological process. The problem is that many times there are no standard data formats for data exchange between heterogeneous engineering tools. In this paper we present an integrated and interoperable AutomationML-based platform for the robotic process of metal additive manufacturing (MAM). Data such as the MAM robot targets and process parameters are shared and edited along the different sub-stages of the process, from Computer-Aided Design (CAD), to path planning, to multiphysics simulation, to robot simulation and production. The AutomationML neutral data format allows the implementation of optimization loops connecting different sub-stages, for example the multi-physics simulation and the path planning. A practical use case using the Direct Energy Deposition (DED) process is presented and discussed. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed AutomationML-based solution.
- Revisiting Database Indexing for Parallel and Accelerated Computing: A Comprehensive Study and Novel ApproachesPublication . Abbasi, Maryam; Bernardo, Marco V.; ANTUNES VAZ, PAULO JOAQUIM; Silva, José; Martins, PedroWhile the importance of indexing strategies for optimizing query performance in database systems is widely acknowledged, the impact of rapidly evolving hardware architectures on indexing techniques has been an underexplored area. As modern computing systems increasingly leverage parallel processing capabilities, multi-core CPUs, and specialized hardware accelerators, traditional indexing approaches may not fully capitalize on these advancements. This comprehensive experimental study investigates the effects of hardware-conscious indexing strategies tailored for contemporary and emerging hardware platforms. Through rigorous experimentation on a real-world database environment using the industry-standard TPC-H benchmark, this research evaluates the performance implications of indexing techniques specifically designed to exploit parallelism, vectorization, and hardware-accelerated operations. By examining approaches such as cache-conscious B-Tree variants, SIMD-optimized hash indexes, and GPU-accelerated spatial indexing, the study provides valuable insights into the potential performance gains and trade-offs associated with these hardware-aware indexing methods. The findings reveal that hardware-conscious indexing strategies can significantly outperform their traditional counterparts, particularly in data-intensive workloads and large-scale database deployments. Our experiments show improvements ranging from 32.4% to 48.6% in query execution time, depending on the specific technique and hardware configuration. However, the study also highlights the complexity of implementing and tuning these techniques, as they often require intricate code optimizations and a deep understanding of the underlying hardware architecture. Additionally, this research explores the potential of machine learning-based indexing approaches, including reinforcement learning for index selection and neural network-based index advisors. While these techniques show promise, with performance improvements of up to 48.6% in certain scenarios, their effectiveness varies across different query types and data distributions. By offering a comprehensive analysis and practical recommendations, this research contributes to the ongoing pursuit of database performance optimization in the era of heterogeneous computing. The findings inform database administrators, developers, and system architects on effective indexing practices tailored for modern hardware, while also paving the way for future research into adaptive indexing techniques that can dynamically leverage hardware capabilities based on workload characteristics and resource availability.
- Optimizing Database Performance in Complex Event Processing through Indexing StrategiesPublication . Abbasi, Maryam; Bernardo, Marco V.; ANTUNES VAZ, PAULO JOAQUIM; Silva, José; Martins, PedroComplex event processing (CEP) systems have gained significant importance in various domains, such as finance, logistics, and security, where the real-time analysis of event streams is crucial. However, as the volume and complexity of event data continue to grow, optimizing the performance of CEP systems becomes a critical challenge. This paper investigates the impact of indexing strategies on the performance of databases handling complex event processing. We propose a novel indexing technique, called Hierarchical Temporal Indexing (HTI), specifically designed for the efficient processing of complex event queries. HTI leverages the temporal nature of event data and employs a multi-level indexing approach to optimize query execution. By combining temporal indexing with spatial- and attribute-based indexing, HTI aims to accelerate the retrieval and processing of relevant events, thereby improving overall query performance. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of HTI by implementing complex event queries on various CEP systems with different indexing strategies. We conduct a comprehensive performance analysis, measuring the query execution times and resource utilization (CPU, memory, etc.), and analyzing the execution plans and query optimization techniques employed by each system. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed HTI indexing strategy outperforms traditional indexing approaches, particularly for complex event queries involving temporal constraints and multi-dimensional event attributes. We provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each indexing strategy, identifying the factors that influence performance, such as data volume, query complexity, and event characteristics. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of our findings for the design and optimization of CEP systems, offering recommendations for indexing strategy selection based on the specific requirements and workload characteristics. Finally, we outline the potential limitations of our study and suggest future research directions in this domain.
- Impact of Cyberbullying on Academic Performance and Psychosocial Well-Being of Italian StudentsPublication . Ragusa, Antonio; Núñez-Rodríguez, Sandra; ANTUNES VAZ, PAULO JOAQUIM; Silva, José; Caliciotti, Virginia; González-Bernal, Jerónimo J.; López-Rivero, Alfonso J.; Petrillo, Ema; Gatto, Manuela; Obregón-Cuesta, Ana Isabel; González-Santos, JosefaCyberbullying is a growing problem in the Italian educational sector, with a prevalence of 17%. This study analyzes its impact on the psychosocial well-being and academic performance of Italian adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 502 students from six schools in different Italian regions, using the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (ECIPQ) to assess cyberbullying, in addition to collecting data on satisfaction, friends, and academic performance. Chi-square and ANOVA analyses were conducted to identify significant associations between the variables. Results: The analyses showed significant associations between cyberbullying and gender and in psychosocial well-being, with significant differences in personal satisfaction and body satisfaction. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in academic performance or in the ability to make new friends, although victims showed a significantly lower ability to make new friends compared to those who were neither victims nor aggressors. Conclusions: Cyberbullying has a significant impact on students’ psychosocial well-being, especially on personal satisfaction and school happiness, making it essential to implement interventions that promote safe school environments to mitigate these negative effects.
- A Case Study of a Solar Oven’s Efficiency: An Experimental ApproachPublication . Silva, José; Serrano, Luís; Martins, Pedro; Ferreira, Hugo; ANTUNES VAZ, PAULO JOAQUIM; Guerra, EmanuelThis research presents the design, construction, and experimental evaluation of a novel box-type solar oven optimized for enhanced thermal efficiency and heat retention, developed to address the challenges of sustainable cooking in temperate climates. The solar oven, measuring 120 cm × 60 cm × 45 cm, incorporates strategically designed rock wool insulation and 5 kg of steel plates as thermal mass, along with a double-glazed glass cover tilted at an experimentally optimized angle of 15° relative to the horizontal plane. Extensive experimental testing was conducted in Viseu, Portugal (40° N latitude) under varying meteorological conditions, including solar irradiance levels ranging from 400 to 900 W/m2 and wind speeds of up to 3 m/s. The results demonstrated that the oven consistently achieved internal temperatures exceeding 160 °C, with a peak temperature of 180 °C, maintaining cooking capability even during periods of intermittent cloud cover. Quantitative analysis showed that the thermal efficiency of the oven reached a peak of 38%, representing a 25–30% improvement over conventional designs. The incorporation of thermal mass reduced temperature fluctuations by up to 40%, and the enhanced insulation reduced conductive heat loss by approximately 30%. Cooking tests validated the oven’s practical effectiveness, with the successful preparation of various foods including rice (90 min), cake (120 min), vegetables (60 min), and bread (110 min). This study provides comprehensive performance data under different meteorological conditions, including detailed temperature profiles, heating rates, and thermal efficiency measurements. By addressing key limitations of prior models, particularly the challenge of temperature stability during variable solar conditions, the proposed solar oven offers a cost-effective, efficient solution that can be adapted for use in diverse climates and regions, with particular relevance to areas seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional cooking methods.
- Aplicação da metodologia DMAIC em uma empresa produtora de componentes de borrachaPublication . Almeida, Ricardo; ANTUNES VAZ, PAULO JOAQUIM; Gomes da Silva, Rosa Maria; AlmeidaIntrodução: Nas últimas décadas, foram feitos grandes desenvolvimentos na indústria. As empresas aprimoraram-se para fazer o produto final com mais qualidade e com grande redução de custos. As metodologias Lean foram implementadas em todos os tipos de indústrias e negócios, rompendo com o tipo de produção que se praticava na época, que se baseava em grandes volumes e pouco flexíveis. As metodologias Lean começaram quando os funcionários e engenheiros da Toyota começaram a desenvolver procedimentos e ferramentas para permitir a produção lean, com desperdício zero e sistemas de produção altamente flexíveis. Objetivo:A reorganização do layout do departamento de manutenção, assim como, a melhoria do processo de gestão das spare partse a criação de fluxos para a reparação de equipamentos e ferramentas. Métodos: A ferramenta utilizada foi o DMAIC, esta subdivide o processo de resolução de problemas em cinco etapas, tais como: Definir, Medir, Analisar, Melhorar, Controlar. Resultados: Com a aplicação desta ferramenta foi possível uma redução do número de deslocações e da distância percorrida, (que por sua vez, permitiu também a diminuição do tempo necessário para a sua realização) deste modo o tempo necessário para a sua realização também diminuiu. As spare parts estão mais organizadas, cada bancada de trabalho possui as peças de substituição de maior consumo. A pontuação obtida nas auditorias 5’S também apresentaram um aumento face aos resultados obtidos antes da intervenção. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a causa raiz e as soluções definidas impactaram positivamente a eliminação da causa e problema iniciais.
- Effects of Lean Tools and Industry 4.0 technology on productivity: An empirical studyPublication . Guimarães, André; Oliveira, Eduardo e; Oliveira, Marisa; Pereira, TeresaPurpose: In the 4th Industrial Revolution era, companies are increasingly adopting strategies to maximize the potential of Industry 4.0 technologies. Many organizations integrate established Lean and Six Sigma tools to support the effective deployment of these innovations. Although existing literature explores the interplay between Industry 4.0 and Lean methodologies, there is limited focus on their direct impact on productivity. This study bridges that gap by analyzing how Industry 4.0 technologies and Lean and Six Sigma practices influence overall productivity, emphasizing two dimensions: operational efficiency, achieved through process optimization and waste reduction, and financial performance, centered on profitability and economic sustainability. Methodology: The investigation is conducted through an empirical study involving surveys of industrial companies in a central region of Portugal. The analysis of the research results includes the application of statistical tests, such as exploratory factor analysis, and the use of structural equation modeling techniques for confirmatory analysis. Findings: The results indicate that Industry 4.0 immediately impacts productivity. On the other hand, the influence of Lean and Six Sigma tools on productivity may not be immediate. Still, when analyzed over a more extensive time, their impact becomes more significant. Originality/value: This paper contributes significantly by presenting an empirical study that examines the impact of Lean tools and Industry 4.0 technologies on productivity. While the existing literature mainly consists of literature reviews or empirical analyses linking Lean tools and Industry 4.0, this study uniquely addresses the connection between these two concepts and productivity through an empirical study. Additionally, the findings emphasize that the influence of both Lean tools and Industry 4.0 on productivity is contingent on the duration since their implementation.
- Effect of Laser Parameters on Through-Thickness Local Hardness of Polypropylene PlatesPublication . Guimarães, André; Gomes, Daniel; Vieira, André; Oliveira, Serafim M.Laser technology is widely regarded as a highly effective method for welding thermoplastic polymers due to its precision, cleanliness, and versatility. This study investigates the effects of laser power and scanning speed on the through-thickness hardness of polypropylene plates, analyzing the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and hardness variations along the depth of the weld bead. Using the Trumpf Trudisk 6602 laser source, multiple polypropylene passes were made with different power levels (200 W and 300 W) and scanning speeds (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mm/s). The results indicate a direct correlation between laser power and scanning speed in the final width and depth of the weld bead. Furthermore, results indicate that higher scanning speeds and lower power promote a more uniform distribution of hardness across the thickness. This study contributes to understanding laser-assisted welding processes in polymeric materials, providing information on the influence of different laser parameters on weld quality and resulting material properties.