Polytechnic Institute of Porto

This study clusters solar inverters and wind turbines to help Enlitia’s clients optimize resource allocation and operational strategies by identifying similar assets based on historical power production, meteorological data, and power curve characteristics. The project employs Data Mining techniques following the CRISP-DM methodology, emphasizing data cleaning to handle null values, duplicates, and outliers. For wind turbines, outliers are managed using power curves, while for solar inverters, I-V curves are utilized. Clustering begins after data cleaning, using algorithms from classical, ensemble, and time series clustering categories. Principal Component Analysis is applied to reduce computational costs while preserving significant data variation. Classical clustering involves five hierarchical, two partitional, one soft, one model-based, and two density-based algorithms, evaluated using four distinct indices. The top three classical algorithms proceed to ensemble clustering, combining the three algorithms via weighted major voting. Lastly, two time series clustering algorithms are applied to pre-processed datasets. Evaluation of segmentations indicates that time is a significant factor in data variation. Time series clustering consistently produces the best segmentations for both solar and wind datasets.

Decoupling in sustainability reporting raises concerns about the credibility of sustainability disclosures. This study conducts a bibliometric review of 74 articles from 44 journals indexed in the Web of Science up to 2023, tracking key trends. The findings reveal two phases in research: an erratic growth from 2012 to 2017, followed by a surge from 2018 to 2023, with almost half of the publications in the last two years. Regulatory frameworks, particularly Directive 2014/95/EU, have notably influenced decoupling practises. Researchers use different proxies to measure decoupling, diverse theoretical lenses and empirical approaches, with China emerging as the most studied country. This study identifies five main research streams: characterisation, drivers, mitigating factors, impacts, and alternative views. Complementary analysis of recent publications confirms this trend, with the largest number of articles being published in 2024. The study contributes to the debate on the implications of decoupling for corporate transparency and accountability.

With the global population on the rise and a declining agricultural labor force, the realm of robotics research in agriculture, such as robotic manipulators, has assumed heightened significance. This article undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the latest advancements in controllers tailored for robotic manipulators. The investigation encompasses an examination of six distinct controller paradigms, complemented by the presentation of three exemplars for each category. These paradigms encompass: (i) adaptive control, (ii) sliding mode control, (iii) model predictive control, (iv) robust control, (v) fuzzy logic control and (vi) neural network control. The article further introduces and presents comparative tables for each controller category. These controllers excel in tracking trajectories and efficiently reaching reference points with rapid convergence. The key point of divergence among these controllers resides in their inherent complexity.

Background: Problematic social media (SM) use is a growing concern, particularly among adolescents who are drawn to these platforms for social interactions important to their age group. SM dependence is characterized by excessive, uncontrolled usage that impairs personal, social, and professional aspects. Despite the ongoing debate over recognizing SM addiction as a distinct diagnostic category, the impact of social feedback, particularly through the "like" button, on brain activity remains under scrutiny. Objective: This systematic review aims to study the neural correlates of online social feedback, focusing on the effects of the "like" feedback on brain activity using fMRI and EEG. Methods: The review followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA). Results: The review included 11 studies with 504 participants, identifying key brain structures such as the amygdala, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), and ventral striatum involved in reward processing. Positive feedback ("likes") activates areas like the nucleus accumbens (NACC), vmPFC, and amygdala, with NACC correlating with increased SM use intensity. Negative feedback activates the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) and left medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Behavioral data indicates that positive feedback influences subsequent social interactions. Conclusions: The review highlights disparities in the literature regarding the neural response to social feedback, emphasizing the need for further research to clarify the roles of sex, personality traits, and the person giving feedback. Overall, understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of SM engagement is essential for developing effective interventions to prevent or address the negative effects of excessive SM use.

The worldwide microplastic pollution in waters requires efficient removal techniques, yet actual wastewater treatment methods are limited. Here we review the use of microalgae for microplastic removal, with focus on microplastics in aquatic systems and wastewaters, legislation and regulations, common removal techniques, and microalgae for microplastic removal. We describe the mechanisms involved in microalgae-microplastics aggregation. We also present the criteria for selecting adequate microalgae for microplastics removal from wastewater.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) play a pivotal role in transforming societies towards a more sustainable future. Through the creation and dissemination of knowledge, research, education and outreach, HEIs lead the way in advancing sustainable development. This study thus investigates the influence of environmental knowledge on the formation of environmental attitudes and the manifestation of pro-environmental behaviors in relation to the surrounding ecosystem. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was conducted to assess a causal chain from environmental knowledge to pro-environmental behaviors with a representative sample of 3321 respondents from the Polytechnic of Porto (North of Portugal). The findings indicate that environmental knowledge exerts a positive influence on both environmental attitudes and pro-environmental behaviors. Likewise, environmental attitudes positively influence pro-environmental behaviors. We also conclude that besides environmental knowledge has a significant direct effect on pro-environmental behaviors, it is also a key variable whose significant effect is partially mediated by environmental attitudes. This empirical evidence thus suggests that more attention should be given to HEIs, due to their significant potential to educate and equip forthcoming decision-makers within society, fostering a more vigilant stance towards environmental preservation, and calling for a mission reorientation of HEIs.

In a global world, the social practices in which we are involved interact with different cultures and purposes. In the context of the initial teacher training, we aimed to develop an educational practice in first grade with the purpose of promoting the development of the student from the knowledge of the other. In this sense, the educational practice was based on a STEAM approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts/Humanities, and Mathematics) that allowed to observe (Cape Verde and its culture), reflect (the stories, the fashion), act (create fashion with new patterns that express the Cape Verdean culture), and intervene (simulation of model change and the possibility of selling new patterns). It involved a second-grade class in Portugal and a first- grade class in Cape Verde (35 children from 6 to 7 years old). This is a case study, qualitative in nature, which valued participant observation for the collection of information. The data were treated according to Bardin (Análise de conteúdo. Edições 70, 1977). The discussion of results shows the benefits of the project “Connected Reading and Entrepreneurship” in the development of alterity and the construction of STEAM learning scenarios in formative processes of social innovation. It is intended to contribute to the discussion of an open school that learns with the other to foster the development of personal, social, and emotional capacities in the student and, in this way, promote the articulation between theory and practice considering changes in social reality.

Purpose To assess health status and functional capacity in adults with post-COVID-19 condition. Methods Observational, retrospective cross-sectional study. Outpatients from the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of the Hospital Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal, were included. A convenient sample included 54 participants aged over 18 years old (52.4 ± 15.5 years, 61% female), with diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection at least 12 weeks before the study, persistent or new-onset symptomatology consistent with post-COVID-19 condition. Clinical assessment included the collection of symptoms (COVID-19 Questionnaire and Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea scale), lung function (spirometry), functional capacity (1-minute-sit-to-stand test and the 6-minute walk test), and emotional status (Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Scale). Results A total of 46.3% of participants reported fatigue, 29.6% dry cough, 24.1% dyspnea, 24.1% myalgia, 22.2% weakness, and 20.4% memory loss. On functional capacity, 1-minute-sit-to-stand (20.1 ± 5.7) and 6-minute walk test (483.0 ± 110.3) performances were lower than the predicted values ( P < .001). Conclusions Adults with post-COVID condition in this study demonstrated evidence of reduced health status and functional capacity. These findings highlight the potential long-term effects of COVID-19.

An in-depth understanding of the business dynamics of a given sector enables key stakeholders to define appropriate strategies for its development, promotion and consolidation. This study aims to analyse the Portuguese tourism and hospitality sector, characterising the companies and their business dynamics between 2011 and 2022. It uses a Related-Samples Friedman‘s Two-Way Analysis of Variance by Ranks to identify any statistically significant differences between the subsegments of Hotels and Restaurants, Recreational and Cultural Activities, and Transports and Logistics using specific competitiveness indicators. The results show significant differences between the subsegments in some indicators. The sector is resilient and plays a key role in recovering from highly impactful challenges. Micro and small companies employ thousands of people and make hotels and restaurants a key subsegment of activity for the sector. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the tourism sector, providing valuable information to industry players and researchers.

A growing number of predicting corporate failure models has emerged since 60s. Economic and social consequences of business failure can be dramatic, thus it is not surprise that the issue has been of growing interest in academic research as well as in business context. The main purpose of this study is to compare the predictive ability of five developed models based on three statistical techniques (Discriminant Analysis, Logit and Probit) and two models based on Artificial Intelligence (Neural Networks and Rough Sets). The five models were employed to a dataset of 420 non-bankrupt firms and 125 bankrupt firms belonging to the textile and clothing industry, over the period 2003-09. Results show that all the models performed well, with an overall correct classification level higher than 90%, and a type II error always less than 2%. The type I error increases as we move away from the year prior to failure. Our models contribute to the discussion of corporate financial distress causes. Moreover it can be used to assist decisions of creditors, investors and auditors. Additionally, this research can be of great contribution to devisers of national economic policies that aim to reduce industrial unemployment.

Many professionals are confronted in their practice with clients who show post-traumatic symptoms (PTS). “Trauma-informed practice” helps professionals recognize, understand, and appropriately respond to the effects of trauma. This work presents the “Trauma-Informed Practice for Workers in Public Service Settings” – TIPS (Erasmus+). The project sought to: (1) increase awareness among professionals about the occurrence of PTS; (2) equip them with skills to identify PTS and reduce barriers related to discrimination; (3) improve the care and support provided; and (4) reflect on innovative pedagogical strategies. This was a distance learning experience aimed at professionals from various sectors, namely education. The project is based on training through new digital spaces and learning tools, combined with strategies of storytelling and teaching practices based on narrativization. The project includes the following final outputs (1) guidelines; (2) a catalog; (3) a resource pack; (4) an interactive e-platform; and (5) a mobile application. The diverse learning opportunities and formats aims to promote new and improved learning strategies, respecting personal preferences and diversity of learning styles, thus ensuring new paths to the “old” objective of effective learning.

The microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein-1 transports and positions various organelles, but the molecular basis of this functional diversity is not fully understood. Cargo adaptors of the Hook protein family recruit dynein to early endosomes (EE) in fungi and human cells by forming the FTS–Hook–FHIP (FHF) complex. By contrast, the C. elegans Hook homolog ZYG-12 recruits dynein to the nuclear envelope (NE) in the meiotic gonad and mitotic early embryo by forming a Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex. Here, we demonstrate that ZYG-12 recruits dynein to EE in epithelia. We identify and functionally characterize the homologs of FTS (UBC-19) and FHIP (FHIP-1) that constitute the C. elegans FHF complex, validate the predicted FHIP-1–RAB-5 binding interface in vivo, and show that ZYG-12 forms FHF via a conserved segment that precedes, and is distinct from, its C-terminal NE targeting domain. Finally, we show that C-terminal ZYG-12 splice isoforms differ in their ability to target to the NE and EE. We conclude that the C. elegans Hook adaptor evolved to recruit dynein to two distinct organelles, and that cargo specificity of ZYG-12 is regulated by alternative splicing.

Honey can benefit from non‐thermal processing techniques such as high‐pressure processing (HPP) to improve its quality and bioactivity. This study investigated the impact of HPP (600 MPa for 5, 10 and 15 min) on honey's quality, including the levels of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC) and phenolic profile. HPP treatment did not significantly affect HMF or TPC levels but led to selective changes in the phenolic profile. Despite a reduction in certain phenolic compounds content, HPP for 5 and 15 min caused a significant increase the antioxidant activity (DPPH) of honey from the mean value of 41.8% to value of 45.4 and 49.6%, respectively. On the other hand, HPP for 10 min did not change the antioxidant activity of tested honey. A 27.5% reduction in equatorial diameter of pollen grains was observed after HPP combined with temperature at 75°C, suggesting improved release of bioactive compounds. The content of specific phenolic compounds, including caffeic acid, p‐coumaric acid, sinapic acid, naringin, kaempferol, and the TPC, significantly affected the DPPH activity. The increment in the antioxidant activity of HPP honey may be attributed to selective changes in the content of certain phenolic compounds and improved their extraction from pollen grains.

β-parvalbumin (β-PV) is the primary fish allergen responsible for most allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to fish. To ensure food safety, a sandwich-based magnetic immunoassay was developed using maleimide-functionalized magnetic beads (NH-MBs). Specific anti-β-PV antibodies were immobilized on these MBs, and a screen-printed carbon electrode was employed as the electrochemical transducer. A linear concentration range from 10 to 1000 ng/mL, a limit of detection of 1.8 ng/mL, and a limit of quantification of 7.1 ng/mL were achieved. Nineteen commercial food samples were analyzed to assess the potential of the sensor for routine use in food quality control. Important factors such as protein source and food processing (e.g., boiling, grilling, and frying) and preservation (e.g., in oil, and vacuum) were evaluated. The validated results confer the usefulness of the assay for food quality control.

In 1940, the Monument to the Discoveries was erected in the Belém area of Lisbon. It was an ephemeral structure, an integral part of the Portuguese World Exhibition. It represented a stylised caravel with Prince Henry the Navigator at the prow, considered the greatest patron of the voyages by sea, undertaken by the Portuguese from the fifteenth century onwards. The sculpture did not just celebrate the Infante, who led a procession of navigators, cartographers, warriors, colonisers, evangelisers and chroniclers, regarded to be the heroes of the Discoveries. The ephemeral structure stood by the Tagus River until 1943, when it was removed from the site. However, in 1959, there was a decision to rebuild it, this time with durable materials. Throughout this period, the monument was a symbol of the Estado Novo dictatorship (1933–1974), presenting an ideologically and politically conditioned nationalist interpretation of part of Portugal’s historical past. In 1985, with an already consolidated democracy, brought about by the revolution of April 1974, the monument’s interior was renovated, and the Cultural Centre of Discoveries inaugurated, now being one of the most visited monuments in the country. In these times of post-coloniality, it has come under great popular scrutiny, becoming a contested heritage site, with some even advocating its destruction, because it symbolises a colonial and oppressive past and represents a historical and collective memory that is only partially told in the public space. This essay focuses on the history of this sculptural and architectural ensemble, seeking to show how it forms part of a heritage of memory, which can and should have various readings, and how it continues to contribute to the construction of Portuguese national identity.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of poverty on child well-being and family functioning among low-income families. Specifically, it explored the role of parental stress, family dynamics, and contextual strain on children’s behavioral and emotional outcomes. Using a sample of families receiving welfare support, the research sought to assess the impact of conditional cash transfer programs and the involvement of Child Protective Services on child development and family well-being. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 99 children aged 8–12 from low-income, welfare-assisted families recruited from the Porto Metropolitan Area. Parental stress, parenting attitudes, family functioning, and child outcomes were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Families with and without Child Protective Services involvement were compared, and a cumulative index of contextual strain was developed to measure the multidimensional impact of stressors on child outcomes. Results: The results revealed that 53% of children exhibited clinical or borderline internalizing behaviors, 47% showed externalizing behaviors, and 39% experienced low psychological well-being. High levels of parental stress, low parenting competence, and significant contextual strain were associated with poorer child outcomes. Families involved with Child Protective Services showed no significant differences in parent or family characteristics, but children from these families exhibited fewer behavioral problems. Conclusions: The study highlights the pervasive impact of poverty and contextual strain on child development, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive interventions. Family functioning and parental stress are critical factors influencing child well-being, pointing to the importance of addressing these areas through targeted welfare and support programs to reduce the intergenerational transmission of poverty and improve child outcomes.

The commodity market is a key element of the global economy. It is influenced by the political and economic situation of the major participants on the supply and demand side, as exemplified by the geopolitical and economic situation related to the conflict in Ukraine. Another aspect of this influence is the close relationship between commodity markets and financial markets. Both factors contribute to the possibility of the commodity market becoming subject to contagion, resulting in the transfer of supply and demand shocks and volatility. The aim of this article is to identify the commodities that are the source of contagion (volatility) during the transmission of shocks and the increase of systematic risk in selected periods. Combining traditional network theory with vector autoregression (VAR) model, we aim to estimate systemic linkages as a measure of systemic risk and the contagion process underlying it. We used time series of commodity returns from the Refinitiv Eikon database to observe the relationships between commodities during crisis periods, starting from 2006. The results suggest that the commodities with the largest increase in volatility transmission compared to the pre-crisis period acted as a transmission gate for market shocks.

Background: The World Health Organization estimates that currently available vaccines prevent 2 to 3 million deaths worldwide each year. Preventing infectious diseases is an important public health priority to ensure healthy ageing and improve quality of life. This study’s aim is to identify the best strategies to increase vaccination coverage in the elderly. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out, including a bibliographic search in the PubMed and Scopus databases. Studies in older people (60 years or older) on any type of intervention aimed at increasing vaccination coverage were included. The effect of the intervention was measured using the odds ratio (OR). Results: After applying the selection criteria, 20 studies were identified: 17 on influenza vaccines and 3 on other vaccines. Educational strategies obtained an OR = 1.63 (95% CI: 1.22–2.19, I2 = 0.59). Medical counselling obtained an OR = 3.13 (95% CI: 0.60–16.37, I2 = 0.95). Writing strategies obtained an OR = 1.14 (95% CI: 0.99–1.32, I2 = 0.93). Few studies reported the effect of free vaccination. Conclusions: The educational strategies proved to be more effective than the others in this study. Free vaccination and age may have important roles. Further studies are needed as research in this area remains limited.