Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco
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AI-powered prompt engineering for education 4.0: Transforming digital resources into engaging learning experiences
No full textThe integration of Artificial Intelligence into educational environments is reshaping the way digital resources support teaching and learning, which reinforces the need to understand how prompting strategies can enhance engagement, autonomy, and personalisation. This study examines the pedagogical role of prompt engineering in the transformation of static digital materials into adaptive and interactive learning experiences aligned with the principles of Education 4.0. A systematic literature review was conducted between 2023 and 2025 following the PRISMA protocol, comprising a sample of 166 studies retrieved from the ACM Digital Library and Scopus databases. The search strategy employed the keywords “artificial intelligence” OR “intelligent tutoring systems” AND “e-learning” OR “digital education” AND “personalised learning” OR “academic performance” OR “student engagement” OR “motivation” OR “ethical issues” OR “student autonomy” OR “limitations of AI”. The analysis identified consistent improvements in academic performance, motivation, and student engagement, although persistent limitations remain related to technical integration, ethical risks, and limited pedagogical alignment. Building on these findings, the article proposes a structured prompt engineering methodology that integrates interdependent components including role definition, audience specification, feedback style, contextual framing, guided reasoning, operational rules, and output format. A practical illustration shows that embedding prompts into digital learning resources, exemplified through PDF-based exercises, enables AI agents to support personalised and adaptive study sessions. The study concludes that systematic prompt design can reposition educational resources as intelligent, transparent, and pedagogically rigorous systems for knowledge construction.N/
A practical approach to industrial digitalization through data acquisition and systems integration for predictive maintenance
No full textThe authors would like to thank the industrial unit "The Navigator Company – Navigator Tissue Ródão S.A", for the opportunity and support provided during the implementation of the proposed solution on its shop floor.The digital transformation of industrial environments requires the ability to collect, process, and integrate data from production systems in real time. However, many manufacturing facilities operate with legacy equipment that is perfectly functional and operational but lacks native connectivity or standardized interfaces for data acquisition. This paper presentes an approach to enable industrial digitalization through the implementation of a network architecture at the Operational Technology (OT) level that facilitates the collection of structured data from legacy and modern machines. The proposed solution ensures integration between production systems and supervisory platforms, supporting real-time monitoring through SCADA systems and providing relevant information for predictive maintenance strategies. The proposal is based on the implementation of a standardized and secure communication infrastructure between the shop floor and higher-level Information Technology (IT) systems, aligning with the principles of Industry 4.0. The solution has been implemented in a real industrial scenario, is fully operational and the results demonstrate significant benefits of integrating heterogeneous industrial assets into a unified data ecosystem, improving process insight, operational efficiency and supporting maintenance
decision-making
Evaluation of the level of contamination in sediments from watercourses of the Caveira Mining System (Grândola)
No full textEste trabalho é parte do Projeto “GeoMatRe – Avaliação de alternativas de remediação de massas de água afetadas por drenagem de mina, através da utilização de geomateriais”, financiado pela Fundação “La Caixa”, no âmbito do Programa Promove – Regiões Fronteiriças: La Caixa/FCT – Projeto nº PV20-0006. Os autores também agradecem o apoio do ICT, através do contrato com a FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) - Projeto FCT—UIDB/04674/2020.O presente trabalho, inserido no Projeto GeoMatRe, visa o levantamento das condições mais atualizadas no que toca aos parâmetros físico-químicos numa mina de drenagem ácida. Uma situação crítica que ocorre na área mineira de Caveira, em Grândola, Portugal, abandonada desde a década de 60 do século passado. O objetivo passa por analisar as condições de contaminação de Elementos Potencialmente Tóxicos (EPT) nos sedimentos que ocorrem quer em fases móveis e dissolvidas na água intersticial dos sedimentos, quer em fases mais imóveis. Neste trabalho é realizada uma caracterização geral da área do sistema mineiro, verificando-se um nível de contaminação da área, através da análise do Índice de Geoacumulação (IGEO) e do Fator de Enriquecimento (FE), onde os elementos Cu, Pb, Zn, As e Hg demonstram ser os principais EPT’s na região, apresentando valores, em alguns dos casos, milhares de vezes acima dos estipulados pelas normas nacionais.Abstract: The following work is inserted in the GeoMatRe Project, in which the conditions of the most updated physical and chemical parameters of an Acid Mine Drainage are analysed. This study shows that the mining area of Caveira, in Grândola, Portugal, which was abandoned since the 60’s, presents a critical situation of contamination, with high levels of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) present in the whole mining area and its surroundings. It is intended, within the scope of the project, and through geochemical analysis, to observe the conditions of contamination by PTE in native sediments from the mine tailing, which occur either in mobile phases, dissolved in the interstitial water of the sediments, or in more immobile phases. With that in mind, preparation of methodologies for geochemical studies were carried out, namely Fusion for further analysis of the element’s total forms, and Partial Digestion with Aqua Regia, for quantification of the most easily extractable forms, which represent the most contaminating fraction. Ultimately, Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to analyse and quantify the previously prepared samples. It is herein presented a general characterization of the mining system, through analysis and understanding of the Geo-accumulation Index (IGEO) and the Enrichment Factor (EF), tools that improve the visualization of the previously obtained data on the ICP-OES, demonstrating the content and chemical nature of the contaminating elements (As, Cu, Zn, PB and Hg) as main PTE’s in the region, presenting values, in some cases, thousands of times higher than those stipulated by Nacional standards.N/
Os efeitos agudos do exercício no estado de humor de idosas
No full textDissertação apresentado à Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Atividade Física.Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar o impacto agudo de duas sessões de exercício físico (caminhada e aula de grupo) e da visualização de televisão nos estados de humor positivo e negativo em mulheres idosas. A investigação é realizada com 12 idosas, não institucionalizadas, com uma média de idades de 79,1 anos. Os resultados mostraram reduções significativas na tenção, na depressão, na hostilidade e na confusão, além de aumentos significativos no vigor após a sessão de caminhada e a aula de grupo. A sessão de repouso, foi a única que apresentou reduções significativas no fator de fadiga. Concluiu-se que atividades físicas e sociais têm um impacto positivo no bem-estar emocional de idosas, reforçando a importância de intervenções que promovam o envelhecimento ativo, com benefícios para a saúde mental e para a qualidade de vida.Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare different sessions (walking, group classes and rest) and to assess the mood of elderly women before and after each session using the POMS (Profile of Mood States) questionnaire. The research was carried out with 12 non-institutionalized elderly women with an average age of 79.1 years. The results showed significant reductions in tension, depression, hostility and confusion, as well as significant increases in vigor after the walking session and the group class. The rest session was the only one to show significant reductions in the fatigue factor. It was concluded that physical and social activities have a positive impact on the emotional well-being of elderly women, reinforcing the importance of interventions that promote active ageing, with benefits for mental health and quality of life
The influence of structured physical activity on vaccination response from adults to older individuals: a systematic review on the Immunoinflammatory crosstalk of COVID-19
No full textBackground: Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, understanding factors that influence vaccine efficacy is crucial, particularly in older adults. Regular physical exercise and/or structured physical activity (SPA) has emerged as a potential modulator of immune responses, enhancing vaccine effectiveness. This systematic review aims to consolidate current evidence on the impact of SPA/exercise on both immune and inflammatory responses to COVID-19 vaccination in adults and older individuals.
Methods: Most relevant studies were extracted from indexed databases using health subject terms in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Studies that examined the impact of regular exercise or SPA on inflammatory and/or immunological responses in relation to COVID-19 immunization were selected. In particular, all chosen studies included individuals who received vaccinations either prior to or following the exercise regimen or SPA, and the main goal was to evaluate these effects on immunological and/or inflammatory reactions induced by vaccination.
Results: Among the 7 studies included (n = 1149), the effects of regular exercise or PA on vaccine-induced imune responses while concurrently assessing inflammatory markers were examined. The findings suggest that moderate to high-intensity structured physical activity (50–70% of maximum heart rate for aerobic exercise and 60–80% of 1RM for resistance training), performed 3–5 times per week, was able to enhance immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination, particularly by mitigating chronic low-grade inflammation. Acute exercise can transiently boost immunity, whilst engagement in moderate SPA over a period of six months may contribute to sustained improvements in imune function, especially in older adults. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to variability in study design, sample characteristics, and potential confounding factors.
Conclusion: Regular exercise and SPA play a significant role in improving immune/inflammatory responses to COVID-19 vaccination. Older adults, in particular, may benefit from regular SPA and exercise as a strategy to counteract immunosenescence and optimize vaccine efficacy. However, further research is needed to better refine exerciseprotocols and determine long-term benefits in different populations.N/
Combining DDMRP and CONWIP: A simulation study of the pool-sequencing rule
No full textTwo essential tasks in production planning and control are the generation and the release of orders to the shop floor. In this study order, generation is based on the Demand Driven Materials Requirement Planning system, while order release is based on the CONstant Work-in-Process system. Although the two systems alone have been extensively studied, their combination has received much less attention. In this paper, we address the problem of sequencing replenishment orders generated by the Demand Driven Materials Requirement Planning system to be released by the CONstant Work-in-Process system. Four pool-sequencing rules have been considered. Two of these are used by Demand Driven Materials Requirement Planning for establishing priorities for order planning and order execution. The other two are the First-Come-First-Served rule and a virtual due date rule. Results of a simulation study show that the rules proposed in the Demand Driven Materials Requirement Planning literature for planning and for execution are not the best options for pool-sequencing, particularly for restricted levels of workload allowed on the shop floor
Preserve or visit? The role of electric mobility in the balance between tourism and conservation in protected areas
No full textThis article contributes to the debate on sustainable electric mobility as a beneficial element for tourism activities in protected areas. While the topic of sustainable mobility is not new, the recent advancement of electromobility has reignited research interest, predominantly in urban contexts but with promising potential for application in natural spaces. Our objective is to determine the potential for electric mobility to intervene in protected areas, generating benefits for tourism. To this end, we conducted a literature review and compared its findings with a case study of a natural reserve in Portugal. The investigative procedure involved analysing the virtues and conflicts identified in the literature regarding tourism mobility in natural areas, followed by an examination of how these factors manifest in the specific context of the Serra da Malcata Natural Reserve during the development of an INTERREG project. Although comprehensive project indicators are not yet fully available, we conclude that there is a tangible possibility to overcome existing conflicts and maximize identified virtues through electric mobility. This could have a significant impact not only on tourism activities but also on the socioeconomic development of the territories hosting these protected areas.MOVELETUR: Sustainable tourism and electric mobility in natural parks - EP INTERREG V A España-Portugal (POCTEP) Programm
O canto como ferramenta de ensino da trompa
No full textDissertação apresentado à Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Ensino de Música.O presente relatório insere-se no âmbito do Mestrado em Ensino de Música, realizado na Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco e compreende duas partes distintas. A primeira parte é constituída pela apresentação, descrição, análise e reflexão da prática de ensino supervisionada, que decorreu durante o ano letivo de 2023/24 no Conservatório Regional Silva Marques.
A segunda parte descreve o projeto de investigação intitulado “O Canto como Ferramenta de Ensino da Trompa”. O projeto teve como objetivo principal compreender as variadas aplicações do canto no ensino da trompa, sensibilizando alunos e professores para a sua importância.
Numa primeira fase, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica, na qual se obtiveram informações sobre a respiração e produção de som, tanto no canto como na trompa, e foi feita a sua comparação. De seguida, foi feita a pesquisa sobre as variadas aplicações e benefícios do canto no ensino da trompa. Posteriormente, realizou-se um inquérito a professores de trompa em Portugal, através do qual foi possível recolher informações acerca da incidência da utilização do canto como ferramenta pedagógica no ensino da trompa, dos conhecimentos e técnicas de aplicação do canto como ferramenta pedagógica, bem como a opinião dos professores acerca da sua importância para o desenvolvimento musical dos alunos.Abstract: This report is part of the Master's Degree in Music Education, conducted at Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas of the Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco, and is divided into two distinct sections. The first section consists of the presentation, description, analysis, and reflection of the supervised teaching practice that took place during the 2023/24 academic year at Conservatório Regional Silva Marques.
The second section describes the research project titled “O Canto como Ferramenta de Ensino da Trompa”. The main objective of the project was to understand the various applications of singing in horn instruction, raising awareness among students and teachers of its importance.
Initially, a literature review was conducted, gathering information on breathing and sound production, both in singing and the horn, followed by a comparison of the two. Subsequently, research was carried out on the various applications and benefits of singing in horn teaching. Later, a survey was conducted among horn teachers in Portugal, which allowed for the collection of information on the frequency of using singing as a pedagogical tool in horn instruction, teachers’ knowledge and techniques for applying singing as a pedagogical tool, and the teachers' views on its importance for students’ musical development
Estudo de caso
No full textTrabalho de Projeto apresentado à Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Intervenção Social Escolar.O presente trabalho enquadra-se no plano curricular do Mestrado em Intervenção Social Escolar da Escola Superior de Educação de Castelo Branco e trata de uma investigação sobre o processo de integração e desempenho escolar de alunos filhos de imigrantes PALOP de origem africana a frequentar o ensino básico (primeiro, segundo e terceiro ciclos) em Portugal.
A educação e o direito a uma educação de qualidade, em que todos somos chamados, de forma mais direta ou indireta a contribuir, são essenciais para uma sociedade mais justa e mais coesa. É, por isso, muito importante conhecer a realidade escolar para, posteriormente, se poder atuar de forma fundamentada. Uma educação de qualidade para Todos é uma questão multidimensional complexa, difícil de estudar no seu todo. Temos, por isso, que a analisar por partes; neste sentido, o nosso trabalho debruça-se sobre os alunos PALOP oriundos de países africanos.
O problema “Qual a integração e o desempenho escolar de alunos filhos de imigrantes PALOP de origem africana a frequentarem o ensino básico em Portugal?” divide-se em quatro objetivos: (1) Compreender a integração de alunos filhos de imigrantes de países PALOP de origem africana no contexto educativo português; (2) Conhecer o desempenho escolar destes alunos no contexto educativo português; (3) Identificar as principais dificuldades educativas/de aprendizagem; (4) Propor diretrizes com vista a um plano de intervenção para melhorar a integração e o desempenho escolar destes alunos. Em síntese, a finalidade deste estudo consiste em analisar a integração e o desempenho escolar de alunos filhos de imigrantes de países PALOP de origem africana e formas de os melhorar.
De forma a recolher dados, foram construídos e validados dois instrumentos -inquéritos por questionário - um dirigido aos alunos PALOP a frequentar o ensino básico nas diversas escolas de um agrupamento, e outro dirigido aos seus professores/diretores de turma. Recolhidos os inquéritos dirigidos aos alunos, foram organizados os dados em tabelas para posterior análise. Os dados obtidos através dos questionários aplicados aos professores foram também organizados e analisados. Os dados recolhidos foram, posteriormente, cruzados para se compreender de forma mais completa e profunda a situação escolar destes alunos e poder propor eventuais medidas que possam mitigar problemas detetados.
Os resultados apontam para uma integração geral dos alunos na escola positiva, particularmente ao nível do 1.º ciclo, mas não tanto no 3.º ciclo do ensino básico, embora apontem algumas sugestões de melhoria. Globalmente, gostam da escola e consideram que os professores os apoiam quando apresentam dificuldades académicas. Poucos são os alunos que ficaram retidos em algum ano escolar, mas apontam algumas dificuldades a certas disciplinas curriculares.Abstract: This work is part of the curricular plan of the Master's Degree in Social Intervention at the Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco and deals with an investigation into the integration process and school performance of PALOP students of African origin attending basic education (first, second and third cycles) in Portugal.
Education and the right to high quality education, to which we are all called, directly or indirectly, to contribute towards, are essential for a fairer, more cohesive society. Therefore, it is very important to understand the school reality in order to subsequently act in a well-founded manner. High quality education for everyone is a complex, multidimensional issue that is difficult to study as a whole. Consequently, we have to analyze it in parts, hence our work focusing on PALOP students coming from African countries.
The problem “What is the integration and academic performance of African students from PALOP countries attending basic education in Portugal?” is divided into four objectives: (1) Understanding the level of integration of students whose parents are immigrants from PALOP countries in the Portuguese educational context; (2) Understanding the academic performance of these students in the Portuguese educational context; (3) Identifying their main educational/learning difficulties; (4) Proposing guidelines for an intervention plan to improve the integration and academic performance of these students. In summary, the purpose of this study is to identify levels of integration and academic performance of students who are children of immigrants from PALOP countries and ways to improve them.
In order to collect data, two instruments were constructed and validated - questionnaires - one aimed at PALOP students attending basic education in various schools, and the other aimed at their teachers/class tutor. Once the surveys directed at students were collected, the data was organized into tables for later analysis. The data obtained through the questionnaires applied to teachers were also organized and analyzed. The data collected was subsequently cross-referenced to understand the school situation of these students in a more complete and in-depth manner and to be able to propose possible measures that could mitigate the problems detected.
The results point to an overall positive integration of students in school, particularly at the 1st cycle level, but not so much in the 3rd cycle, although they point to some suggestions for improvement. In general, these students enjoy school and find teachers supportive when they have academic difficulties. Few students were held back in any academic year, but they pointed out some difficulties in certain curricular subjects
Profiling external load in U14 basketball: Cluster analysis of competition performance using inertial devices
No full textThis study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the University’s Ethics Committee (n.º 131/2024, approval date: 29 March 2024).Physical performance data is essential for planning youth training effectively; however, there is a lack of scientific information regarding performance in youth competitions. To address this gap, an innovative study was conducted with Portuguese U14 regional selections. Each player was equipped with a WimuPro™ inertial device. Six variables were considered: accelerations, decelerations, speed, player load, impacts, and high impacts. The objective of this study, based on data from official competitions, was to statistically analyze the distribution and intensity thresholds of six physical performance variables across five defined zones. A cluster k-means analysis was performed for a significance value of p 3.49 m/s2], deceleration [−2.54 m/s2], speed [18.59 km/h2], player load [1.95 u.a./min], impacts [206.59 cont/min], and high impacts [4.42 cont/min]. These intensity zones should be taken into account to optimize training and enhance the understanding of competition in U14 basketball.This research was partially subsidized by the Portuguese Basketball Federation “Logistical support to analyze the competition workload of the regional U14 basketball teams”. The author, Pablo López-Sierra, is a grantee of the “Formación de Profesorado Universitario 2023” of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, code FPU23/02997.
This research was partially funded by the Research Group Support Grant (GR24133). It was co-funded at 85% by the European Union through the European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) and by the Regional Government of Extremadura (Department of Education, Science, and Vocational Training). The Managing Authority is the Ministry of Finance of Spain