ISEP – CIETI – Comunicações em eventos científicos
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Browsing ISEP – CIETI – Comunicações em eventos científicos by Field of Science and Technology (FOS) "Engenharia e Tecnologia"
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- Antibacterial activity study of copper oxide nanofluids for infection control in hospital environmentPublication . Queirós, Â.; Martins, A.; Domingues, V.F.; Iglesias, T.P.; Coelho, M.F.[Introduction] Coronavirus disease appears. Due to its antibacterial potential, copper and its alloys attracted the attention of the scientific community. The use of nanoscale materials with antimicrobial properties is another approachthat has been considered.
- An Arthrospira maxima based biorefineryPublication . Santos, Carolina Ascenso; Karmakar, Rachan; Caetano, Nídia[Abstract] With growing global concern over resource depletion, climate change, and waste management, the development of sustainable biorefineries has become crucial. Arthrospira maxima, a cyanobacterium commonly denominated Spirulina and known for its high nutritional content and rapid growth, presents a promising bioresource for such systems. This study explores a biorefinery model for Spirulina that maximizes resource utilization through innovative extractions and waste valorization approaches. By cultivating Spirulina using industrial waste media and recirculating growth resources, the model demonstrates significant reductions in water and nutrient use, aligning with circular economy principles. High-value compounds like phycocyanin and lipids were extracted using green methodologies, which reduce environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Additionally, residual extracted microalgal biomass was redirected to applications such as bioenergy and soil amendment, creating a zero-waste approach. The proposed model supports a transition towards sustainable bioeconomy practices, addressing both environmental and economic challenges. Future research may focus on genetic engineering and technological advancements to further enhance Spirulina’s biorefinery potential.
- Beyond Scores: Early Findings on TBL's Impact in Engineering EducationPublication . Sena-Esteves, M. Teresa; Ribeiro, Margarida; Morais, Cristina; Brás-Pereira, Isabel; Guedes, Anabela; Soares, Filomena; Leão, Celina P.; Sena-Esteves, Maria Teresa; Ribeiro, Margarida; Morais, Leonilde Cristina; Pereira, Isabel; Guedes, AnabelaThis paper presents the preliminary findings of an ongoing study investigating the influence of Team-Based Learning (TBL) on the academic performance of engineering students, particularly its impact on their grasp of subject matter and ability to solve real-world problems. Quantitative data analysis explored correlations between students' entry-level academic scores and their performance in a course incorporating TBL. The initial results suggest that there is no significant correlation, indicating that entry scores may not predict success in this TBL-integrated course. The analysis coverages multiple academic years, offering a comprehensive perspective on how trends and outcomes evolve over time. This study contributes to the discourse on effective educational practices in engineering education by examining the potential of TBL to enhance learning outcomes. Given the study's ongoing nature, these findings are provisional but pave the way for more detailed future analyses.
- CHATGPT in the context of higher education: the case of its application in a curricular unitPublication . Costa, A.; Viegas, C.; Lima, N.; Caldeira, A.In recent years the use of AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, has been widespread. In education, students tend to be attracted to their use. As for teachers, the use of these applications divides opinions: some defend the use of these tools, others feel threatened by them. In recent years, a number of studies have been carried out to assess students' perceptions of the use of AI tools and ChatGPT in particular. Despite this, little work has been done to produce guidelines for the use of ChatGPT by teachers and students, particularly those that emphasize the need to use it critically, ethically and with the ability to check bibliographic sources. In this communication, we will try to overcome this gap. In this paper we present the case of an work carried out as part of a course unit in which the use of ChatGPT was not only allowed, but encouraged. We also asked the students to comment on the work carried out and the use of ChatGPT. A content analysis was carried out and the results are presented here. Results showed that students were motivated to carry out the work and understood that its widespread use requires critical thinking and compliance with ethical principles. The teacher acknowledge that some students developed some competences while performing this task and were able to delivered a quality, well supported essay. These competences development was also identified by some students. We conclude by presenting some guidelines to help teachers use ChatGPT in the context of academic work.
- Energy Policies, Education and Sustainable Development Goals Applied to Low Developed Countries - a Symbiotic Case StudyPublication . Martins, Florinda; Silva, Paulo; Felgueiras, Carlos; Almeida Santos, Adriano Manuel; Pereira, Filipe; Caetano, NídiaEnergy, its use and management, weighs heavily on the burden that each society can impose on a fragile balance of nature, with implications not only environmental and financial, but also social, creating jobs and improving quality of life. Devising strategies that combine these three factors are a valuable option that will yield good results, meeting the challenge of fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The most important thing is to implement the old maxim: "no one is left behind", so low developed countries are an opportunity to achieve impressive results, while allowing them to improve their way of life and their comfort. It’s often said that ‘action begets reaction’, so any positive action taken in the community can have social repercussions, such as improving the quality of education and knowledge about sustainability. This study will provide an overview of how energy management and environmental mitigation strategies can impact underdeveloped countries.
- An Energy Storage System for the Alto Douro Wind Power Plant: A Technical StudyPublication . Magalhães, Alexandre; Xavier, Celso; Felgueiras, Carlos; Pereira, Filipe; Almeida Santos, Adriano Manuel; da Silva, A. Ferreira; Silva, Paulo; Caetano, Nídia; Machado, JoséRenewable energies are crucial to meeting global demand for environmentally friendly energy at a time when fossil fuels are being cut back. In recent years, and essentially due to the reduced reserves of fossil fuels, Portugal has been promoting investment in renewable energies as a way of freeing itself from energy imports and dependence on fossil fuels. However, despite the high number of hours of sunshine per day and the use of wind and hydraulic energy, production is unstable due to climate variability. All this climate instability translates into fluctuations in the energy released to the grid. In order to minimize this problem, energy storage systems have become a key element in guaranteeing the stability of the renewable energy supply at times of low production. This article presents a feasibility analysis of a renewable energy storage system with the aim of maximizing the profitability of a wind farm located in Portugal's Alto Douro region. As a starting point, a demand analysis is presented, as well as simulations of the system's performance in terms of energy use and profitability as a function of efficiency and power. Taking these assumptions and the analysis into account, a modular lithium battery storage system with high efficiency and fast charging and discharging powers was chosen.
- Evaluation of MCP Correlation Algorithms Applied to Wind Data SeriesPublication . Moreira, A.; Rocha, T.; Mendonça, J.; Pilão, R.; Pinto, P.This work aimed to develop methodologies for analysing statistical correlations among wind data series using various Measure-Correlate-Predict (MCP) methods, with the goal of selecting the most suitable method for extrapolating long-term data with minimal associated uncertainty. It was analysed the minimum time required for a wind measurement campaign when applying this methodology. Fifteen local wind measurement stations were selected. The long-term wind data reanalysis series that exhibited the strongest correlation with the measured wind data at each station was then chosen. Multiple tests were conducted with different simultaneous periods between the measured data series and the long-term series. Fifteen correlation algorithms were tested for each concurrent period. The performance of each model was evaluated using the RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) and MBE (Mean Bias Error) associated with each MCP. Analysis of the errors identified measurement periods with the lowest associated error ranging from 1 to 5 years and a single-factor ANOVA analysis was conducted. Finally, t-significance tests were performed. The study concluded that the Neural Network was the most effective MCP method. Additionally, it was determined that the minimum number of years required for a local measurement campaign should be between 2 and 3 years.
- Gasification of Animal Fat Using Dolomite as Particle Bed in a Downdraft Fixed Bed ReactorPublication . Araújo. A. L.; Silva, F. T.; Campos, J. B. L. M.; Pilão, R. M.; Caetano, NídiaOne of the wastes generated in the tanning industry is hide fleshing, which contains 40% of animal fat, currently being deposited in landfills. The objective of this work was to study the catalytic capacity of dolomite in the gasification of this waste. The tests were carried out in a downflow fixed bed reactor using steam as gasification agent and used as bed of particles: alumina, dolomite and a mixture of these two materials. Tests were carried out at 750 and 800 °C and the gas obtained was quantified and analyzed by gas chromatography. The results showed that dolomite improves the performance of the gasification process, with an increase in carbon and hydrogen conversion efficiencies, cold gas efficiency and dry gas yield. It was also possible to verify the catalytic capacity of this material in the cracking of hydrocarbons and its potential to promote the production of H2. In addition, the use of the mixed bed improved the results of the gasification parameters obtained at 800 °C without compromising the degradation of the dolomite verified at higher temperatures.
- Home Assistive Robot for Alzheimer's PatientsPublication . Nóbrega, Antónia; Portela, Mariana; Tavares, Sofia; Guimarães, Pedro; Marques, Maria Arcelina; Lázaro Jacob, FredericoWith the increase in the senior population, especially patients with dementia and Alzheimer's, healthcare professionals are increasingly overwhelmed. Existing assistive technologies to improve these patients’ quality of life and their caregivers are scarce given the daily challenges they face. To tackle this issue, a domestic assistive robot was developed for Alzheimer's patients – AlzheimerAlly - which encompasses the functionalities of a service robot, and a companion robot. AlzheimerAlly's functionalities involve tracking continuous monitoring of the patient's anatomical points to detect the type of movement and medication intake. The movement of the robot follows the movement of the patient. Additionally, the graphical interface allows cognitive and stimulation tests to be carried out. The medication dispenser, implemented, contains compartments, each with a LED. Finally, there is a website, which allows you to enter and access relevant data about the medication dispenser and cognitive tests. The functionalities described were thoroughly tested, demonstrating effective implementation. However, the prototype still remains subject to improvements. Although AlzheimerAlly requires improvements, it is already a significant and functional contribution to the area of care for Alzheimer's patients. This robot represents innovation and improvement in the quality of life of patients, their caregivers and healthcare professionals.
- Hydroagriculture project - A Portuguese case studyPublication . Silva, Paulo; Felgueiras, Carlos; Almeida Santos, Adriano Manuel; Pereira, FilipeWater plays an essential role in the social fabric and comfort of society, as it plays an important role in our survival and subsistence, in its accessibility, in economic activities, and in the particular case of this study, in the manufacture of agricultural products and activities. In a developing society, and with the number of the human population increasing, consumerism takes place, resulting in an increasing need to use space, resources and food. Agriculture is an ancient activity that serves as the basis for ensuring the subsistence and resilience of the population, producing crops and different types of food, from vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds, etc... and they all have one thing in common: The existence of water. If there are fields suitable for agriculture, but there is no water, they become unusable. Water improvement and supply projects can drastically change this situation, thus stimulating agricultural production. The analysis of this case study, the largest hydroagriculture project in Europe nowadays, aims to highlight the importance of carrying out hydroagriculture projects and the impact they can have on society, demonstrating that this project considerably increases the production of the rice harvest in Portugal through the artificial irrigation of land that previously could not be used for this purpose.