ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems through the Lens of Organizational Culture

Both managers and scholars have convictions about the organizational approaches that best support organizational performance of the respective organizations and its Quality Management Systems. After a literature review of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems (including the changes introduced by the 2015 edition), Organizational Culture theories are addressed and input from a CEO��s focus group was gathered. The importance of organizational culture for the success of Quality Management Systems and the achievement of the organizational desired results is highlighted. The article advances a proposal to analyze ISO 9001 International Standard through the lens of organizational culture theories identifying a stronger open systems approach (influence of the environment, dynamic perspective, need for survival) of the 2015 ISO 9001 edition when compared with the 2008 one. This provides additional knowledge both to scholars and practitioners for a better understanding of the culture issues that can maximize ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems 2015 edition contributions to organizational enduring success.

Run-time Monitoring Architecture for RealTime Systems

Presented at INForum - Simp��sio de Inform��tica (INFORUM 2015). 7 to 8, Sep, 2015. Portugal.

Parallel Software framework for time-critical many-core systems

The recent technological advancements and market trends are causing an interesting phenomenon towards the convergence of High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Embedded Computing (EC) domains. On one side, new kinds of HPC applications are being required by markets needing huge amounts of information to be processed within a bounded amount of time. On the other side, EC systems are increasingly concerned with providing higher performance in real-time, challenging the performance capabilities of current architectures. The advent of next-generation many-core embedded platforms has the chance of intercepting this converging need for predictable high-performance, allowing HPC and EC applications to be executed on efficient and powerful heterogeneous architectures integrating general-purpose processors with many-core computing fabrics. To this end, it is of paramount importance to develop new techniques for exploiting the massively parallel computation capabilities of such platforms in a predictable way. P-SOCRATES will tackle this important challenge by merging leading research groups from the HPC and EC communities. The time-criticality and parallelisation challenges common to both areas will be addressed by proposing an integrated framework for executing workload-intensive applications with real-time requirements on top of next-generation commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) platforms based on many-core accelerated architectures. The project will investigate new HPC techniques that fulfil real-time requirements. The main sources of indeterminism will be identified, proposing efficient mapping and scheduling algorithms, along with the associated timing and schedulability analysis, to guarantee the real-time and performance requirements of the applications.

Embedded Multi-Core systems for Mixed Criticality applications in dynamic and changeable real-time environments

EMC2 finds solutions for dynamic adaptability in open systems. It provides handling of mixed criticality multicore applications in r eal-time conditions, withscalability and utmost flexibility, full-scale deployment and management of integrated tool chains, through the entire lifecycle.

Multi-agent simulation of competitive electricity markets: Autonomous systems cooperation for European market modeling

The electricity market restructuring, and its worldwide evolution into regional and even continental scales, along with the increasing necessity for an adequate integration of renewable energy sources, is resulting in a rising complexity in power systems operation. Several power system simulators have been developed in recent years with the purpose of helping operators, regulators, and involved players to understand and deal with this complex and constantly changing environment. The main contribution of this paper is given by the integration of several electricity market and power system models, respecting to the reality of different countries. This integration is done through the development of an upper ontology which integrates the essential concepts necessary to interpret all the available information. The continuous development of Multi-Agent System for Competitive Electricity Markets platform provides the means for the exemplification of the usefulness of this ontology. A case study using the proposed multi-agent platform is presented, considering a scenario based on real data that simulates the European Electricity Market environment, and comparing its performance using different market mechanisms. The main goal is to demonstrate the advantages that the integration of various market models and simulation platforms have for the study of the electricity markets��� evolution.

Tuning metadata for better movie content-based recommendation systems

The increasing number of television channels, on-demand services and online content, is expected to contribute to a better quality of experience for a costumer of such a service. However, the lack of efficient methods for finding the right content, adapted to personal interests, may lead to a progressive loss of clients. In such a scenario, recommendation systems are seen as a tool that can fill this gap and contribute to the loyalty of users. Multimedia content, namely films and television programmes are usually described using a set of metadata elements that include the title, a genre, the date of production, and the list of directors and actors. This paper provides a deep study on how the use of different metadata elements can contribute to increase the quality of the recommendations suggested. The analysis is conducted using Netflix and Movielens datasets and aspects such as the granularity of the descriptions, the accuracy metric used and the sparsity of the data are taken into account. Comparisons with collaborative approaches are also presented.

Testing Nelder-Mead Based Repulsion Algorithms for Multiple Roots of Nonlinear Systems via a Two-Level Factorial Design of Experiments

This paper addresses the challenging task of computing multiple roots of a system of nonlinear equations. A repulsion algorithm that invokes the Nelder-Mead (N-M) local search method and uses a penalty-type merit function based on the error function, known as 'erf', is presented. In the N-M algorithm context, different strategies are proposed to enhance the quality of the solutions and improve the overall efficiency. The main goal of this paper is to use a two-level factorial design of experiments to analyze the statistical significance of the observed differences in selected performance criteria produced when testing different strategies in the N-M based repulsion algorithm. The main goal of this paper is to use a two-level factorial design of experiments to analyze the statistical significance of the observed differences in selected performance criteria produced when testing different strategies in the N-M based repulsion algorithm.

Matrix fractional systems

This paper addresses the matrix representation of dynamical systems in the perspective of fractional calculus. Fractional elements and fractional systems are interpreted under the light of the classical Cole���Cole, Davidson���Cole, and Havriliak���Negami heuristic models. Numerical simulations for an electrical circuit enlighten the results for matrix based models and high fractional orders. The conclusions clarify the distinction between fractional elements and fractional systems.

Visualizing control systems performance: A fractional perspective

This article presents a novel method for visualizing the control systems behavior. The proposed scheme uses the tools of fractional calculus and computes the signals propagating within the system structure as a time/frequency-space wave. Linear and nonlinear closed-loop control systems are analyzed, for both the time and frequency responses, under the action of a reference step input signal. Several nonlinearities, namely, Coulomb friction and backlash, are also tested. The numerical experiments demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed methodology as a visualization tool and motivate its extension for other systems and classes of nonlinearities.

An automatic voice pleasantness classification system based on prosodic and acoustic patterns of voice preference

In the last few years the number of systems and devices that use voice based interaction has grown significantly. For a continued use of these systems the interface must be reliable and pleasant in order to provide an optimal user experience. However there are currently very few studies that try to evaluate how good is a voice when the application is a speech based interface. In this paper we present a new automatic voice pleasantness classification system based on prosodic and acoustic patterns of voice preference. Our study is based on a multi-language database composed by female voices. In the objective performance evaluation the system achieved a 7.3% error rate.

Adaptive filtering for high quality HMM based speech synthesis

In this work an adaptive filtering scheme based on a dual Discrete Kalman Filtering (DKF) is proposed for Hidden Markov Model (HMM) based speech synthesis quality enhancement. The objective is to improve signal smoothness across HMMs and their related states and to reduce artifacts due to acoustic model's limitations. Both speech and artifacts are modelled by an autoregressive structure which provides an underlying time frame dependency and improves time-frequency resolution. Themodel parameters are arranged to obtain a combined state-space model and are also used to calculate instantaneous power spectral density estimates. The quality enhancement is performed by a dual discrete Kalman filter that simultaneously gives estimates for the models and the signals. The system's performance has been evaluated using mean opinion score tests and the proposed technique has led to improved results.

Interpretative research in information systems: two qualitative research design projects

In a scientific research project is important to define the underlying philosophical orientation of the project, because this will influence the choices made in respect of scientific methods used, as well as the way they will be applied. It is crucial, therefore, that the philosophy and research design strategy are consistent with each other. These questions become even more relevant in qualitative research. Historically, the interpretive research philosophy is more associated to the scientific areas of social sciences and humanities where the subjectivity inherent to human intervention is more explicitly defined. Information systems field are, primarily, trapped in computer science field, though it also integrates issues related with management and organizations field. This shift from a purely technological guidance for the consideration of the problems of management and organizations has fostered the rise of research projects according to the interpretive philosophy and using qualitative methods. This paper explores the importance of alignment between the epistemological orientation and research design strategy, in qualitative research projects. As a result, it is presented two PhD projects, with different research design strategies, that are being developed in the technology and information systems field, in the light of the interpretive paradigm.

Development of advanced human robot interaction systems

O trabalho aqui apresentado �� a Disserta����o da minha Tese do curso de Mestrado em Engenharia Eletrot��cnica e de Computadores do ISEP, realizada em parceria com o INESC TEC. O trabalho consiste no desenvolvimento de um sistema avan��ado de intera����o entre homem-rob��, usando ferramentas de software livres e de dom��nio p��blico e hardware pouco dispendioso e facilmente acess��vel. Pretende-se que o sistema desenvolvido possa ser adotado por pequenas ou micro empresas, da�� a restri����o monet��ria. Este tipo de empresas tem, por norma, uma capacidade de investimento pequena, e ficam impossibilitadas de aceder a este tipo de sistemas automatizados se estes forem caros. No entanto, o rob�� continua a ser um componente fundamental, sendo dispendioso. Os trabalhos realizados pelos sistemas rob��ticos podem por um lado, ser repetitivos sem necessidade de grandes ajustes; por outro lado, o trabalho a realizar pode ser bastante diverso, sendo necess��rios bastantes ajustes com (possivelmente) programa����o do rob��. As empresas podem n��o ter dispon��vel m��o-de-obra qualificada para realiza����o da programa����o do rob��. Pretende-se ent��o um sistema de ���ensino��� que seja simples e r��pido. Este trabalho pretende satisfazer as necessidades de um sistema de intera����o homem-rob�� intuitivo mesmo para operadores que n��o estejam familiarizados com a rob��tica. Para simplificar a transfer��ncia de informa����o da tarefa a desempenhar pelo sistema rob��tico �� usado um sistema de infravermelhos para delinear a opera����o a desempenhar, neste caso concreto uma opera����o de soldadura. O operador usa um apontador com marcadores, a posi����o destes marcadores �� detetada usando duas c��maras para permitir o posicionamento tridimensional no espa��o. As c��maras possuem filtros infravermelhos para separar o espectro de luz. Para o controlo do sistema e interface com o rob�� �� usado um computador de baixos recursos computacionais e energ��ticos, e tamb��m de baixo custo. O sistema desenvolvido �� portanto computacionalmente leve para poder ser executado neste computador.

Scalable Intelligence for Scheduling Systems

A personaliza����o �� um aspeto chave de uma intera����o homem-computador efetiva. Numa era em que existe uma abund��ncia de informa����o e tantas pessoas a interagir com ela, de muitas maneiras, a capacidade de se ajustar aos seus utilizadores �� crucial para qualquer sistema moderno. A cria����o de sistemas adapt��veis �� um dom��nio bastante complexo que necessita de m��todos muito espec��ficos para ter sucesso. No entanto, nos dias de hoje ainda n��o existe um modelo ou arquitetura padr��o para usar nos sistemas adaptativos modernos. A principal motiva����o desta tese �� a proposta de uma arquitetura para modela����o do utilizador que seja capaz de incorporar diferentes m��dulos necess��rios para criar um sistema com intelig��ncia escal��vel com t��cnicas de modela����o. Os m��dulos cooperam de forma a analisar os utilizadores e caracterizar o seu comportamento, usando essa informa����o para fornecer uma experi��ncia de sistema customizada que ir�� aumentar n��o s�� a usabilidade do sistema mas tamb��m a produtividade e conhecimento do utilizador. A arquitetura proposta �� constitu��da por tr��s componentes: uma unidade de informa����o do utilizador, uma estrutura matem��tica capaz de classificar os utilizadores e a t��cnica a usar quando se adapta o conte��do. A unidade de informa����o do utilizador �� respons��vel por conhecer os v��rios tipos de indiv��duos que podem usar o sistema, por capturar cada detalhe de intera����es relevantes entre si e os seus utilizadores e tamb��m cont��m a base de dados que guarda essa informa����o. A estrutura matem��tica �� o classificador de utilizadores, e tem como tarefa a sua an��lise e classifica����o num de tr��s perfis: iniciado, interm��dio ou avan��ado. Tanto as redes de Bayes como as neuronais s��o utilizadas, e uma explica����o de como as preparar e treinar para lidar com a informa����o do utilizador �� apresentada. Com o perfil do utilizador definido torna-se necess��ria uma t��cnica para adaptar o conte��do do sistema. Nesta proposta, uma abordagem de iniciativa mista �� apresentada tendo como base a liberdade de tanto o utilizador como o sistema controlarem a comunica����o entre si. A arquitetura proposta foi desenvolvida como parte integrante do projeto ADSyS - um sistema de escalonamento din��mico - utilizado para resolver problemas de escalonamento sujeitos a eventos din��micos. Possui uma complexidade elevada mesmo para utilizadores frequentes, da�� a necessidade de adaptar o seu conte��do de forma a aumentar a sua usabilidade. Com o objetivo de avaliar as contribui����es deste trabalho, um estudo computacional acerca do reconhecimento dos utilizadores foi desenvolvido, tendo por base duas sess��es de avalia����o de usabilidade com grupos de utilizadores distintos. Foi poss��vel concluir acerca dos benef��cios na utiliza����o de t��cnicas de modela����o do utilizador com a arquitetura proposta.

Middleware for Large-scale Distributed Systems

Nos ��ltimos anos o aumento exponencial da utiliza����o de dispositivos m��veis e servi��os disponibilizados na ���Cloud��� levou a que a forma como os sistemas s��o desenhados e implementados mudasse, numa perspectiva de tentar alcan��ar requisitos que at�� ent��o n��o eram essenciais. Analisando esta evolu����o, com o enorme aumento dos dispositivos m��veis, como os ���smartphones��� e ���tablets��� fez com que o desenho e implementa����o de sistemas distribuidos fossem ainda mais importantes nesta ��rea, na tentativa de promover sistemas e aplica����es que fossem mais flex��veis, robutos, escal��veis e acima de tudo interoper��veis. A menor capacidade de processamento ou armazenamento destes dispositivos tornou essencial o aparecimento e crescimento de tecnologias que prometem solucionar muitos dos problemas identificados. O aparecimento do conceito de Middleware visa solucionar estas lacunas nos sistemas distribuidos mais evolu��dos, promovendo uma solu����o a n��vel de organiza����o e desenho da arquitetura dos sistemas, ao memo tempo que fornece comunica����es extremamente r��pidas, seguras e de confian��a. Uma arquitetura baseada em Middleware visa dotar os sistemas de um canal de comunica����o que fornece uma forte interoperabilidade, escalabilidade, e seguran��a na troca de mensagens, entre outras vantagens. Nesta tese v��rios tipos e exemplos de sistemas distribu��dos e s��o descritos e analisados, assim como uma descri����o em detalhe de tr��s protocolos (XMPP, AMQP e DDS) de comunica����o, sendo dois deles (XMPP e AMQP) utilzados em projecto reais que ser��o descritos ao longo desta tese. O principal objetivo da escrita desta tese �� demonstrar o estudo e o levantamento do estado da arte relativamente ao conceito de Middleware aplicado a sistemas distribu��dos de larga escala, provando que a utiliza����o de um Middleware pode facilitar e agilizar o desenho e desenvolvimento de um sistema distribu��do e traz enormes vantagens num futuro pr��ximo.