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Visão computacional para detecção de comportamentos atentivos
Get PDFMestrado de dupla diplomação com a Universidade Tecnológica Federal do ParanáCom o crescimento exponencial dos telemóveis, esses dispositivos tornaram-se essenciais no cotidiano, auxiliando em diversas atividades e trazendo soluções práticas para os desafios do dia a dia. Este trabalho explora o potencial destes equipamentos como ferramentas de apoio à segurança no trânsito, abordando especificamente o problema da distração visual ao volante. Para isso, foi desenvolvido um sistema inovador que combina redes neurais convolucionais com a funcionalidade de dispositivos móveis. A metodologia adotada focou na aquisição de um amplo conjunto de imagens para treinar um modelo de inteligência artificial capaz de classificar uma variável qualitativa em duas categorias distintas: atenção e distração do motorista. Em particular, o estudo concentrou-se na criação de uma aplicação móvel que utiliza a câmera do telemóvel para monitorizar o motorista e emitir alertas sonoros caso detecte distração prolongada. Os resultados obtidos destacaram a eficácia do modelo, especialmente após sua otimização para o formato TensorFlow Lite, adequado para dispositivos móveis. Com uma execução 11,6 vezes mais rápida que o modelo padrão e uma redução de tamanho de 18,5 MB para 3,86 MB, evidenciando alta eficiência em velocidade e consumo de recursos.With the exponential growth of smartphones, these devices have become essential in daily life, assisting in various tasks and providing practical solutions to everyday challenges.
This paper explores the potential of smartphones as tools to support traffic safety, specifically addressing the issue of visual distraction while driving. To this end, an innovative system was developed that combines convolutional neural networks with the functionality of mobile devices. The adopted methodology focused on collecting a broad set of images to train an artificial intelligence model capable of classifying a qualitative variable into two distinct categories: driver attention and distraction. In particular, the study focused on creating a mobile application that uses the smartphone’s camera to monitor the driver and issue auditory alerts if it detects prolonged distraction. The results obtained highlighted the model’s effectiveness, especially after its optimization to the TensorFlow Lite format, making it suitable for mobile devices. With a runtime 11.6 times faster than the standard model and a size reduction from 18.5 MB to 3.86 MB, it demonstrates high efficiency in speed and resource consumption
Influência das redes sociais nas escolhas alimentares
Get PDFA crescente utilização das redes sociais como fonte de informação em alimentação e nutrição tem suscitado interesse sobre o seu impacto nas escolhas alimentares. Objetivos: Avaliar a influência das redes sociais nas escolhas alimentares. Metodologia: Estudo transversal, quantitativo e observacional, baseado numa amostra obtida por snowball sampling, composta por 165 indivíduos adultos de nacionalidade portuguesa. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de um questionário auto preenchido e analisados com recurso ao software IBM SPSS statistics, versão 29. Resultados: No que diz respeito às redes sociais, o Whatsapp e o Instagram são as mais utilizadas entre os participantes, com uma taxa de utilização de 98.2%, e 97,8%, respetivamente. Cerca de 80% dos indivíduos acompanham conteúdos relacionados com a alimentação, sendo os mais frequentes "Receitas saudáveis" (90,9%) e "Dicas de dietas e restrições alimentares" (49,1%). As dietas mais adotadas sob a influência das redes sociais incluem o “Jejum intermitente” (20,6%), “Dieta Vegetariana” (10,9%) e “Dieta Low Carb” (9,7%). Identificaram-se associações significativas entre as redes sociais e escolhas alimentares (p-value < 0,05), nomeadamente: “Facebook” com “Deixar de beber leite de vaca”, “Linkedin” com “Substituir os tradicionais cereais de pequeno-almoço por granola”, e “Pinterest” com “Deixar de comer carne e/ou peixe”. A “Dieta da Sopa” foi associada ao “Youtube”, a “Dieta Vegetariana” ao “Twitter” e “Pinterest”, a “Dieta DASH” ao “Twitter” e a “Dieta Cetogénica” ao “SnapChat”. Conclusões: As redes sociais desempenham um papel significativo na modulação das escolhas alimentares, influenciando diretamente os comportamentos relacionados com a alimentação. Nesse contexto, torna-se fundamental compreender a amplitude dessa influência, identificar os fatores mediadores subjacentes e avaliar de forma crítica o impacto real nas práticas alimentares dos indivíduos. A implementação de estratégias baseadas em evidências torna-se indispensável para promover decisões alimentares mais informadas, conscientes e alinhadas com princípios científicos
Potential use of the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as an almond cultivar recognition tool: impact of sample and spectral pre-treatments
No full textThree almond cultivars (Lauranne, Marinada, and Vairo) were studied, considering morphological parameters that showed statistical cultivar-dependence but not enabled accurate cultivar recognition. Alternatively, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was applied to whole endocarp, kernel, and ground almonds. Both transmittance spectra and respective derivatives (3400–2800 and 1900–600 cm of the three matrices were used to establish multivariate linear discriminant models, based on subsets of selected wavenumbers (6–33), allowing 90.5–99.7% of correct cultivar classification for repeated K-fold cross-validation. Ground almonds yielded the best results regardless of spectrum pre-treatment. While epicarp analysis offers less invasiveness, the use of raw transmittance spectra of ground almonds resulted into the most practical approach due to the need of fewer independent variables (less complex models), proving effective for cultivar identification via ATR-FTIR -chemometric tools. Overall, the findings point out that ATR-FTIR is a reliable tool for almond cultivar traceability.Open access funding provided by FCT|FCCN (b-on)
Convergências e divergências entre legislações portuguesas e brasileiras no entorno dos rios urbanos
Get PDFMestrado de dupla diplomação com a Universidade Tecnológica Federal do ParanáPara garantir um ambiente ecologicamente equilibrado, é necessário conservar as áreas ao redor dos rios e assim garantir o bem-estar das gerações presentes e futuras. Os rios que fazem parte do contexto urbano podem ser uma fonte de renda no turismo, mas também podem ser um vetor de tragédias e perdas em caso de enchentes. Neste contexto, o objetivo da pesquisa busca analisar as convergências e divergências entre as legislações, planos das áreas localizadas no entorno de trechos de rios urbanos (Brasil e Portugal) e compreender como elas podem ser melhor gerenciadas com vistas à preservação de suas funções ambientais. Com os objetivos específicos de i) diferenciar os conceitos de áreas de preservação permanente de rios urbanos no Brasil e das áreas protegidas em Portugal, examinando as legislações ambientais e planos existentes em ambos os países; ii) compreender o contexto territorial dos trechos dos rios analisados discutindo um conjunto de planos de ordenamento territorial, para contribuir para a tomada de decisão do gestor público frente a eventos hidrológicos; iii) analisar leis e planos relacionando com o território para melhor aplicação de acordo com as diferentes realidades a nível municipal de Portugal e do Brasil em relação a gestão das áreas em volta dos rios, em especial para a prevenção das situações de emergências/inundação no entorno dos rios nos territórios estudados. O estudo buscou analisar a bibliografia sobre o tema, bem como as legislações nacionais e municipais, e ainda realizou entrevistas com os gestores locais, com técnicos de diferentes setores e entidades. Verificou-se a legislação urbanística e ambiental dos sistemas brasileiro e português e de que forma são tratadas as questões de planejamento e gestão urbana. Sendo as cheias um fenômeno com diversas consequências desastrosas, os resultados apresentaram os desafios e dificuldades para o gestor local manter as áreas de preservação e proteção ambiental, e ainda como agir nos casos de inundações e cheias. A elaboração de mecanismos ou a formulação de instrumentos com critérios técnicos consistentes para o enfrentamento dos conflitos de uso e ocupação do solo, por meio de órgãos intermunicipais e metropolitanos, respeitando os limites das bacias hidrográficas. A análise dos riscos e dos instrumentos normativos para compreender e intervir no território a tomada de decisão do gestor em casos de emergências. Desenvolver a identificação e descrição de todos os elementos desde os atores envolvidos, como o território e os demais elementos da natureza que podem influenciar, como solo, clima, temperatura, pressão, é fundamental para a gestão dos recursos hídricos e a preservação do meio ambiente. As funções de cada gestor exigem uma maior dedicação, sendo importante destacar que a tarefa de preservação e conservação não é de uma só secretaria ou órgão específico.To guarantee an ecologically balanced environment, it is necessary to conserve the areas around rivers and thus guarantee the well-being of present and future generations. Rivers that are part of the urban context can be a source of income in tourism, but they can also be a vector of tragedies and losses in the event of floods. In this context, the objective of the research seeks to analyze the convergences and divergences between the legislations, plans of the areas located around stretches of urban rivers (Brazil and Portugal) and to understand how they can be better managed with a view to preserving their environmental functions. With the specific objectives of i) differentiate the concepts of permanent preservation areas of urban rivers in Brazil and protected areas in Portugal, examining environmental legislation and existing plans in both countries; ii) understand the territorial context of the stretches of rivers analyzed by discussing a set of territorial planning plans, to contribute to the public manager's decision-making in the face of hydrological events; iii) analyze laws and plans relating to the territory for better application in accordance with the different realities at municipal level in Portugal and Brazil in relation to the management of areas around rivers, especially for the prevention of emergency/flooding situations around rivers. The study sought to analyze the bibliography on the topic, as well as national and municipal legislation, and also conducted interviews with local managers and technicians from different sectors and entities. The urban and environmental legislation of the Brazilian and Portuguese systems was verified and how urban planning and management issues are dealt with. Since floods are a phenomenon with several disastrous consequences, the results presented the challenges and difficulties for the local manager to maintain environmental preservation and protection areas, and also how to act in cases of floods. The elaboration of mechanisms or the formulation of instruments with consistent technical criteria for tackling land use and occupation conflicts, through intermunicipal and metropolitan organs, respecting the limits of river basins. Analysis of risks and normative instruments to understand and intervene in the territory manager's decision-making in cases of emergencies. Developing the identification and description of all elements from the actors involved, such as the territory and other elements of nature that can influence, such as soil, climate, temperature, pressure, is fundamental for the management of water resources and the preservation of the environment. The functions of each manager require greater dedication, and it is important to highlight that the task of preservation and conservation does not fall to a single department of a specific organ
Nursing degree curriculum: differences and similarities between 15 european countries
Get PDFThis study explores the curriculum of Nursing Bachelor’s degrees across 15 European countries, aiming to describe nursing course curricula and admission requirements and to identify differences and similarities in the implementation of the Bologna Process. The research employs a qualitative and documentary methodology, analyzing curricula from selected higher education institutions involved in the Erasmus+ “Innovative Skills for Nurses” project. The findings reveal variations in the duration of training, with some countries adopting 3-year (180 ECTS) programs, while others require 4-year (240 ECTS) programs. Furthermore, discrepancies were found in the balance between theoretical and clinical education, as well as the availability of optional subjects. Countries with longer training programs tend to offer more consolidated practices and greater alignment with Bologna’s principles, fostering better professional outcomes. The study highlights the challenges posed by non-standardized training durations and their impact on mobility and employability of nursing professionals. These findings may inform future discussions on harmonizing nursing education across Europe to ensure consistency in quality and professional competencies.This research is part of the project Innovative Skills for Nurses and was funded by the
European Union, grant number 2022-1-RO01-KA220-HED-000087854. Funding Program: Erasmus+
Program, Cooperation partnerships in higher education
Phytochemical characterization and bioactive properties of strawberries treated by gamma radiation
No full textStrawberry is one of the most consumed berries worldwide and the compounds on its extracts present numerous health benefits, including antioxidant potential. In this work, the effects of processing strawberries by gamma radiation at 2 kGy and 7 days storage at 4 °C were evaluated regarding their phenolic profile and bioactive properties. From the HPLC–DAD-ESI/MS analysis, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside was the main compound identified in extracts from non-stored and non-irradiated strawberries (1040 ± 53 mg/100 g dry weight). Gamma radiation and refrigerated storage preserved or improved the antioxidant activity of the strawberry extracts, while keeping the phenolic and ascorbic acid contents. Furthermore, all strawberry extracts exhibited high α-glucosidase inhibition, whereas α-amylase inhibition seemed to be enhanced by gamma radiation treatment at 2 kGy. These findings can provide useful information to develop new ingredients from irradiated fruits to be used by industries, with high added value especially as natural and promising antidiabetic agents.This work was supported by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) through national funds FCT/MCTES to C2TN (UIDB/04349/2020), CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020—h t t ps : / /d o i.
o rg / 1 0 . 5 4 4 9 9 / U I D B / 0 0 6 9 0 / 2 0 2 0, and UIDP/00690/2020—h t t ps : / /d oi . o rg / 1 0 . 5 4 4 9 9 / U I D P / 0 0 6 9 0 / 2 0 2 0) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2020—https://doi.org/10.54 499/L A/P/0007/2020); M.I. Dias and L. Barros thank the national funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract. This work was developed within the Portuguese—Tunisian Bilateral Research Project funded by FCT and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR, Tunisia) “Conventional and non-conventional strawberries processing: effects on product quality, safety, antioxidants and anti-diabetic potential, 2019–2021”. The research leading to these results was also received in the scope of the Coordinated Research Project D61024–contract 19220 “Fostering e-beam food irradiation” financed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Exploring the Chemopreventive and Antioxidant Effects of Spearmint Leaf Hydroethanolic Extract in HPV16-transgenic Mice
No full textHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infectious agent and, in cases of persistent infection, may cause cancer. This study evaluated the toxicological and antitumor properties of Mentha spicata extract (MSE) in KP14HPV16 mice, which carry HPV16 oncogenes.
Thirty‑three female FVB/n mice (Mus musculus), including 17 HPV‑transgenic and 16 wild‑type (WT) mice, were divided into six groups. The control groups received tap water (WT‑C, n=5, and HPV‑C, n=6), while the treatment groups received either 0.50 mg/ml MSE (WT‑50 and HPV‑50, n=6) or 0.55 mg/ml MSE (WT‑55 and HPV‑55, n=5) in drinking water for 28 days. Afterwards, animals were sacrificed, and blood and organs were collected for histopathological and biochemical analysis.
The main phenolic compounds in MSE were rosmarinic acid and luteolin‑O‑glucoronide. MSE did not significantly affect weight gain in WT mice; however, WT‑55 gained significantly more weight than HPV‑55. MSE demonstrated antioxidant activity as indicated by the modulation of hepatic superoxide dismutase and glutathione S‑transferase (GST) activity, as well as renal GST activity, in MSE‑treated HPV groups. MSE did not reduce histological lesion incidence or systemic inflammation in HPV16‑transgenic mice.
In general, while MSE was safe and exhibited antioxidant activity, it did not significantly impact HPV16‑induced lesions, warranting further research to assess systemic effects with different concentrations and durations.This work was supported by national funds through FCT ‑ Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology: CITAB (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/04033/2020), Inov4Agro (DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0126/2020); CECAV, DOI: 10.54499/ UIDB/00772/2020, AL4AnimalS (DOI: 10.54 499/LA/ P/0059/2020), CIMO (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/ 00690/2020 and DOI: 10.54499/UIDP/00690/2020), SusTEC (DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020), LEPABE (DOI: 10.54499/ UIDB/00511/2020 and DOI: 10.54499/UIDP/00511/ 2020), ALiCE (DOI: 10.54499/ LA/P/0045/2020). T.A., R.S.‑R. and T.F. thank FCT for the PhD grants 2023.01329.BD, 2022.14518.BD and 2020.04789.BD, respectively. National funding by FCT, P.I., through the scientific employment program‑contract for L.F. (CEEC‑IND, DOI: 10.54499/2021. 00458.CEECIND/ CP1690/CT0001) and L.B. (CEEC‑INST, DOI: 10.54499/ CEECINST/00107/2021/CP2793/CT0002)
A Review of the Literature for a Call for Action to Improve Muscular Fitness in School-aged Students in Physical Education
No full textMuscular fitness (i.e., power, strength and endurance) is reported to be beneficial for children’s physical, mental, and social development, encompassing a holistic approach to student wellbeing. However, modern sedentary lifestyles have led to declines in student muscular fitness and motor skills, highlighting the need to prioritize physical activities that promote muscular fitness. Education authorities often claim that their physical education curricula are contemporary and based on recent research; however, is the prescribed curricula truly reflecting this, especially in terms of reflecting the importance of student engagement in activities that promote muscular fitness and neuromuscular development? Too often, these critical aspects are overlooked or underemphasized. This paper examines the role of physical activities that enhance muscular fitness, improving neuromuscular performance, motor skills, and physical competence in school-aged students. When performed with proper technique and supervision, muscular fitness training is safe and beneficial, improving power, strength, balance, coordination, and mental wellbeing, while boosting academic focus and fostering resilience. The paper argues for integrating activities focused on muscular fitness into physical education programs, ensuring stronger, healthier school-aged students. By addressing muscular fitness and neuromuscular development as part of the physical education curriculum, schools can better support students’ long-term health and wellbeing, supporting both physical health and mental wellbeing
Differential regulation of antioxidant machinery on grass pea partial resistance against powdery mildew and rust pathogens
No full textPowdery mildew (Erysiphe pisi, E. trifolii) and rust (Uromyces pisi) are important diseases affecting grass pea (Lathyrus sativus). This study investigates grass pea’s histological, enzymatic, and metabolic responses to these pathogens using accessions with contrasting resistance. Partially resistant (PR) accessions exhibited smaller fungal colonies from 48 h after inoculation (HAI) onwards. Enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was observed as early as 12 HAI in PR accessions against both powdery mildews, associated with increased ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) activity in E. trifolii and E. pisi infections, respectively. Moreover, phenolic compounds and flavonoids accumulated in E. trifolii-infected PR accessions (6–48 HAI). For rust, APX activity rose at 48 HAI in PR accessions.
These findings suggest that partial resistance (PR) in grass pea is characterized by restricted pathogen invasion and a dynamic regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes, with responses varying across pathosystems. This highlights the importance of pathogen-specific selection strategies to minimize the risk of resistance breakdown and promote durable disease resistance in breeding programs.This work was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia through the grant PD/BD/128498/2017 (D.C.M.) and grant 2022.11911.BD (F.A.M.), the R&D research Unit GREEN-IT – Bio-resources for Sustainability (UID/04551/2020, UIDP/04551/2020), and the Associated Laboratory LS4Future (LA/P/0087/2020), and by the European Union through the DIVINFOOD project (Horizon 2020, grant agreement 10383). DCM acknowledges the financial support from national funds throught FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC): CIMO, UIDB/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/00690/2020), UIDP/00690/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/UIDP/00690/2020), and SusTEC, LA/P/0007/2020 (DOI: 10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020). DR acknowledges the financial support from Spanish project PID2023-146215OB-I00 (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/ 501100011033)
Comportamento do betão com incorporação de terra diatomácea residual a altas temperaturas
Get PDFMestrado de dupla diplomação com a Universidade Tecnológica Federal do ParanáO setor da construção civil, ao desempenhar seu papel essencial na provisão de habitações e infraestruturas, enfrenta o desafio de reduzir os impactos ambientais decorrentes de suas atividades. Nesse contexto, destacam-se pesquisas voltadas à incorporação de resíduos prejudiciais ao meio ambiente como matéria-prima para betões mais sustentáveis. Um exemplo promissor é a terra diatomácea residual (TDR), subproduto gerado no processo de filtração de vinhos, cujas propriedades têm demonstrado resultados positivos na resistência mecânica de argamassas, betões e outros materiais.
Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento do betão com TDR quando submetido a diferentes patamares de temperatura (20 °C, 250 °C, 350 °C, 500 °C) por meio da exposição a diferentes regimes de arrefecimento (gradual e acelerado) e idade pós-arrefecimento (24 horas e 28 dias). O programa experimental envolveu a produção de provetes cúbicos utilizando: betão de referência (REF), TDR em substituição parcial de 10% cimento (RC) e TDR em substituição parcial de 5% de areia (RA). Estas percentagens foram definidas em estudos prévios como teores ótimos de incorporação da TDR sem alterar as propriedades físicas e mecânicas do betão.
Os resultados indicaram que a incorporação de TDR resultou em resistência estatisticamente igual em comparação ao traço de referência para a temperatura ambiente. Contudo, quando expostos a altas temperaturas as composições com TDR apresentaram maior variabilidade entre a resistência residual dos provetes, indicando maior sensibilidade do material ao aquecimento. Ademais, as composições RC e RA apresentaram redução de massa em comparação com a composição REF, mas não foi identificada relação entre esta variação e a resistência residual.
O arrefecimento em água contribuiu para a recuperação da resistência residual, com recuperação de 148% na composição REF, 139% na RC e 136% na RA após 28 dias de cura pós-aquecimento em câmara úmida em comparação com os resultados em 24h.
Quando expostos a 500 °C, os provetes contendo TDR apresentaram explosive spalling, possivelmente relacionada a granulometria fina do material que preenche os vazios e torna a composição mais densa. Em geral, os resultados sugerem que a TDR é um material promissor para substituição parcial do cimento e, principalmente, da areia. O bom desempenho observado está associado à composição rica em sílica da TDR, que favorece a resistência do betão.The construction sector, while playing its essential role in the provision of housing and infrastructure, faces the challenge of reducing the environmental impacts resulting from its activities. In this context, research focused on the incorporation of environmentally harmful waste as raw material for more sustainable concrete stands out. A promising example is the residual diatomaceous earth (RDT), a by-product generated in the wine filtration process, whose properties have shown positive results in the mechanical resistance of mortars, concrete and other materials.
This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of concrete with TDR when subjected to different temperature levels (20 °C, 250 °C, 350 °C, 500 °C) by exposure to different cooling regimes (gradual and accelerated) and post-cooling age (24 hours and 28 days). The experimental program involved the production of cubic test pieces using: reference concrete (REF), TDR in partial replacement of 10% cement (RC) and TDR in partial replacement of 5% sand (RA). These percentages were defined in previous studies as optimal levels of incorporation of TDR without changing the physical and mechanical properties of concrete.
The results indicated that the incorporation of TDR resulted in resistance statistically equal compared to the reference trace for room temperature. However, when exposed to high temperatures the compositions with TDR showed greater variability between the residual strength of the test pieces, indicating greater sensitivity of the material to heating. In addition, the RC and RA compositions showed a reduction of mass compared to the REF composition, but no relationship was identified between this variation and the residual resistance.
Water cooling contributed to the recovery of residual resistance, with a recovery of 148% in REF composition, 139% in CR and 136% in AR after 28 days of wet chamber post-heating cure compared to results in 24h.
When exposed to 500 °C, the test pieces containing TDR showed explosive spalling, possibly related to fine grain size of the material that fills the voids and makes the composition denser. In general, the results suggest that TDR is a promising material for partial replacement of cement and especially sand. The good performance observed is associated with the silica-rich composition of TDR, which favors the strength of concrete