ESTG - Artigos em revistas internacionais
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- Interactive and Multimedia Contents Associated with a System for Computer-Aided AssessmentPublication . Paiva, Rui; Ferreira, S. Milton; Mendes, G. Ana; Eusébio, M. J. AugustoThis article presents a research study addressing the development, implementation, evaluation, and use of Interactive Modules for Online Training (MITO) of mathematics in higher education. This work was carried out in the context of the MITO project, which combined several features of the learning and management system Moodle, the computer-aided assessment for mathematics STACK, the mathematical software GeoGebra, several packages from the type-setting program LaTeX, and tutorial videos. A total of 1,962 students participated in this study. Two groups of students taking a calculus course were selected for a deeper analysis. With regard to usability and functionality, the results indicate that MITO scored well in almost all aspects, which is fundamental for their introduction into formal university courses. The analysis of the data reveals that the use of MITO educational contents by students mainly occurs about 1 week and a half prior to the evaluations. Moreover, there is a strong correlation between the results of online assessments on MITO in a continuous assessment model and the final grade on the course.
- Nature-Based Solutions for Water Management in Europe: What Works, What Does Not, and What’s Next?Publication . Santos, EleonoraNature-based solutions (NbS) are increasingly recognized as strategic alternatives and complements to grey infrastructure for addressing water-related challenges in the context of climate change, urbanization, and biodiversity decline. This article presents a critical, theory-informed review of the state of NbS implementation in European water management, drawing on a structured synthesis of empirical evidence from regional case studies and policy frameworks. The analysis found that while NbS are effective in reducing surface runoff, mitigating floods, and improving water quality under low- to moderate-intensity events, their performance remains uncertain under extreme climate scenarios. Key gaps identified include the lack of long-term monitoring data, limited assessment of NbS under future climate conditions, and weak integration into mainstream planning and financing systems. Existing evaluation frameworks are critiqued for treating NbS as static interventions, overlooking their ecological dynamics and temporal variability. In response, a dynamic, climate-resilient assessment model is proposed—grounded in systems thinking, backcasting, and participatory scenario planning—to evaluate NbS adaptively. Emerging innovations, such as hybrid green–grey infrastructure, adaptive governance models, and novel financing mechanisms, are highlighted as key enablers for scaling NbS. The article contributes to the scientific literature by bridging theoretical and empirical insights, offering region-specific findings and recommendations based on a comparative analysis across diverse European contexts. These findings provide conceptual and methodological tools to better design, evaluate, and scale NbS for transformative, equitable, and climate-resilient water governance.
- Thirst for Change in Water Governance: Overcoming Challenges for Drought Resilience in Southern EuropePublication . Santos, EleonoraThis article investigates the institutional and informational foundations of water governance in Southern Europe amid escalating climate stress. Focusing on Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece, it develops a multi-level analytical framework to explore how information asymmetries and governance fragmentation undermine coordinated responses to water scarcity. Integrating theories of information economics, polycentric governance, and critical institutionalism, this study applies a stylized economic model and comparative institutional analysis to assess how agents—such as farmers, utilities, regulators, and civil society—respond to varying incentives, data access, and coordination structures. Using secondary data, normalized indicators, and scenario-based simulations, the model identifies three key structural parameters—institutional friction (θi), information cost (βi), and incentive strength (αi)—as levers for governance reform. The simulations are stylized and not empirically calibrated, serving as heuristic tools rather than predictive forecasts. The results show that isolated interventions yield limited improvements, while combined reforms significantly enhance both equity and effectiveness. Climate stress simulations further reveal stark differences in institutional resilience, with Greece and Italy showing systemic fragility and Portugal emerging as comparatively robust. This study contributes a flexible, policy-relevant tool for diagnosing governance capacity and informing reform strategies while also underscoring the need for integrated, equity-oriented approaches to adaptive water governance.
- Toward Integrative Biomechanical Models of Osteochondral Tissues: A Multilayered PerspectivePublication . Filipe Ramos Cardoso da Silva, Bruna; Marco Domingos; Amado, Sandra; Dias, Juliana; Pascoal-Faria, Paula; Ana C. Maurício; Alves, NunoUnderstanding the complex mechanical behavior of osteochondral tissues in silico is essential for improving experimental models and advancing research in joint health and degeneration. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the constitutive models currently used to represent the different layers of the osteochondral region, from articular cartilage to subchondral bone, including intermediate regions such as the tidemark and the calcified cartilage layer. Each layer exhibits unique structural and mechanical properties, necessitating a layer-specific modeling approach. Through critical comparison of existing mathematical models, the viscoelastic model is suggested as a pragmatic starting point for modeling articular cartilage zones, the tidemark, and the calcified cartilage layer, as it captures essential time-dependent behaviors such as creep and stress relaxation while ensuring computational efficiency for initial coupling studies. On the other hand, a linear elastic model was identified as an optimal starting point for both the subchondral bone plate and the subchondral trabecular bone, reflecting their dense and stiff nature, and providing a coherent framework for early-stage multilayer integration. This layered modeling approach enables the development of physiologically coherent and computationally efficient representations of osteochondral region modeling. Furthermore, by establishing a layer-specific modeling approach, this review paves the way for modular in silico simulations through the coupling of computational models. Such an integrative framework supports scaffold design, in vitro experimentation, preclinical validation, and the mechanobiological exploration of osteochondral degeneration and repair. These efforts are essential for deepening our understanding of tissue responses under both physiological and pathological conditions. Ultimately, this work provides a robust theoretical foundation for future in silico and in vitro studies aimed at advancing osteochondral tissue regeneration strategies.
- Stakeholder Differences in Valued Hotel Green PracticesPublication . Julião, Jorge; Monteiro, Inês; Gaspar, Marcelo; Trindade, Maria AliceThis paper aims to compare the perceptions of hotel customers and hotel staff regarding the value of green hotel attributes. By examining both stakeholder groups, the study addresses a gap in sustainable hospitality research, which largely overlooks employee perspectives in favour of customer preferences. An exploratory, cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured questionnaires, administered to hotel guests (n = 307) and hotel staff (n = 89) in Porto, Portugal. Respondents rated 15 green hotel attributes using a five-point Likert scale. Demographic data were also collected to analyse perceptual differences across gender, age, income, and education. The results revealed that both customers and staff exhibited environmental awareness, though their prioritisation of specific green practices differed. Customers tended to value visible environmental measures, such as recycling bins, energy-saving light bulbs, and renewable energy signage, while staff placed greater emphasis on operational sustainability aspects, including low-flow plumbing fixtures, refillable soap dispensers, and durable goods used in service areas. These differences reflect the stakeholders’ distinct roles and experiences within the hotel ecosystem. This study enriches the discourse on sustainable hospitality by providing a dual-stakeholder analysis of green hotel attributes using a shared evaluative framework. The findings offer practical insights for hotel managers aligning sustainability strategies with the expectations of both guests and employees, supporting more effective and inclusive green implementation in the lodging sector.
- Sustainable Scaling in Forest-Based Circular ModelsPublication . Santos, EleonoraThe transition to a circular economy is essential for enhancing sustainability and resource efficiency, particularly in forestry-dependent regions. This study examines circular economy business models (CEBMs) in Kouvola, Finland, focusing on the utilization of forestry by-products. It compares two case studies: Keltakangas Waste Station, which processes wood waste into biogas, and Koumet, a forestry company producing biochar. Using a comparative case study approach, this research integrates financial analysis (2020–2023), interviews with managers, and policy reviews to assess economic performance, scalability, and environmental impact. Additionally, this study introduces a generalizable framework—Scalability Path Dependency (SPD)—which theorizes how early strategic decisions shape the long-term growth trajectories of circular business models. The findings reveal that Keltakangas follows a capital-intensive model with declining profit margins, while Koumet operates a resource-efficient model with stable but low profitability. Their scaling strategies diverge: Keltakangas relies on external financing for expansion, whereas Koumet emphasizes cost efficiency and market diversification. Despite ongoing challenges related to infrastructure, regulation, and financial viability, both models contribute meaningfully to circularity. This study offers actionable insights for policymakers and businesses aiming to support sustainable forestry practices.
- An Automated Repository for the Efficient Management of Complex DocumentationPublication . Frade, José; Antunes, MárioThe accelerating digitalization of the public and private sectors has made information technologies (IT) indispensable in modern life. As services shift to digital platforms and technologies expand across industries, the complexity of legal, regulatory, and technical requirement documentation is growing rapidly. This increase presents significant challenges in managing, gathering, and analyzing documents, as their dispersion across various repositories and formats hinders accessibility and efficient processing. This paper presents the development of an automated repository designed to streamline the collection, classification, and analysis of cybersecurity-related documents. By harnessing the capabilities of natural language processing (NLP) models—specifically Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT) technologies—the system automates text ingestion, extraction, and summarization, providing users with visual tools and organized insights into large volumes of data. The repository facilitates the efficient management of evolving cybersecurity documentation, addressing issues of accessibility, complexity, and time constraints. This paper explores the potential applications of NLP in cybersecurity documentation management and highlights the advantages of integrating automated repositories equipped with visualization and search tools. By focusing on legal documents and technical guidelines from Portugal and the European Union (EU), this applied research seeks to enhance cybersecurity governance, streamline document retrieval, and deliver actionable insights to professionals. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a scalable, adaptable platform capable of extending beyond cybersecurity to serve other industries that rely on the effective management of complex documentation.
- Comparative Analysis of Pressure Platform and Insole Devices for Plantar Pressure AssessmentPublication . Amaro, Catarina M.; Paulino, Maria F.; Valvez, Sara; Roseiro, Luis; Castro, Maria António; Amaro, Ana M.Foot plantar pressure refers to the pressure or force that the foot generates in contact with the ground, varying across different regions of the foot. This parameter is essential in static and dynamic analyses to access accurate diagnoses, study the human body biomechanics, create functional footwear designs, aid in rehabilitation and physiotherapy, and prevent injuries in athletes during sports practice. This study presents an experimental comparison between two different plantar pressure measurement devices, Pedar® (sensorized insoles) and Physiosensing® (pressure platform). The devices were selected based on their capacity to measure contact area and peak pressure points. Results showed that Physiosensing® provided a more uniform measurement of the contact area, proving its efficiency for weight distribution and stability analysis applications, particularly in posture assessment and balance studies. The Pedar® system showed higher capacity in peak pressure point detection. Therefore, the insole system is more suitable for applications requiring precise high-pressure zone localization. Comparative analysis highlights the strengths and limitations of each device and offers insights regarding its optimal usage in clinical, sports, and research settings.
- Reconstructing Classical Algebras via Ternary OperationsPublication . Pereira Fatelo, Jorge; Martins-Ferreira, NelsonAlthough algebraic structures are frequently analyzed using unary and binary operations, they can also be effectively defined and unified using ternary operations. In this context, we introduce structures that contain two constants and a ternary operation. We demonstrate that these structures are isomorphic to various significant algebraic systems, including Boolean algebras, de Morgan algebras, MV-algebras, and (near-)rings of characteristic two. Our work highlights the versatility of ternary operations in describing and connecting diverse algebraic structures.
- A Near-Real-Time Operational Live Fuel Moisture Content (LFMC) Product to Support Decision-Making at the National LevelPublication . Benali, Akli; Baldassarre, Giuseppe; Loureiro, Carlos; Briquemont, Florian; Fernandes, Paulo M.; Rossa, Carlos; Figueira, RuiLive fuel moisture content (LFMC) significantly influences fire activity and behavior over different spatial and temporal scales. The ability to estimate LFMC is important to improve our capability to predict when and where large wildfires may occur. Currently, there is a gap in providing reliable near-real-time LFMC estimates which can contribute to better operational decision-making. The objective of this work was to develop near-real-time LFMC estimates for operational purposes in Portugal. We modelled LFMC using Random Forests for Portugal using a large set of potential predictor variables. We validated the model and analyzed the relationships between estimated LFMC and both fire size and behavior. The model predicted LFMC with an R2 of 0.78 and an RMSE of 12.82%, and combined six variables: drought code, day-of-year and satellite vegetation indices. The model predicted well the temporal LFMC variability across most of the sampling sites. A clear relationship between LFMC and fire size was observed: 98% of the wildfires larger than 500 ha occurred with LFMC lower than 100%. Further analysis showed that 90% of these wildfires occurred for dead and live fuel moisture content lower than 10% and 100%, respectively. Fast-spreading wildfires were coincident with lower LFMC conditions: 92% of fires with rate of spread larger than 1000 m/h occurred with LFMC lower than 100%. The availability of spatial and temporal LFMC information for Portugal will be relevant for better fire management decision-making and will allow a better understanding of the drivers of large wildfires.