Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-04-04"
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- Stand-up Paddle Boarding: Muscle activity, kinematics and performance analysis in recreational athletesPublication . Freitas, João Diogo Rodrigues ; Neiva, Henrique Pereira; Conceição , Ana Teresa SilveiraStand-up paddle (SUP) has become increasingly popular due to its accessibility and physical benefits. Despite its growing popularity, there is limited research focusing on the biomechanical factors influencing SUP performance. This doctoral thesis aims to fill this gap by investigating various determinants of SUP performance through four studies. The general objective of this thesis was to analyze kinematic and neuromuscular factors that influence SUP performance in pratical contexts, in recreational-level athletes. The following steps were undertaken: (i) a literature review focused on performance analysis in SUP; (ii) analysis of muscle activation behavior in SUP, focusing on the activation patterns of adjacent and opposite muscles relative to the paddling side; (iii) classify SUP practitioners based on kinematic and neuromuscular activity variables and identify performance differentiators; iv) to examine how different visual focus conditions affect kinematic and neuromuscular responses during SUP. The main findings demonstrated that: (i) SUP athletes have more muscle mass, less body fat, and use more efficient paddling techniques, resulting in better performance; (ii) there seems to be higher muscle activation on the opposite side of the paddle in SUP, suggesting the importance of alternating the paddling side for muscular balance; (iii) faster performers showed a higher stroke frequency and different neuromuscular activation (i.e., higher triceps brachii activity) during the recovery phase of the stroke; (iv) visual focus significantly impacts kinematic and neuromuscular activity during SUP, with the free choice condition resulting in faster speeds, higher stroke frequencies and higher muscle activation during recovery phases of the stroke. These results demonstrate the importance of kinematic and neuromuscular factors in SUP performance. This thesis provides valuable insights for SUP practitioners and coaches to optimize training and performance through a better understanding of these biomechanical and neuromuscular factors.
- Enhancing Smart City Capabilities with the Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Unlocking Porto s PotentialPublication . Barateiro, João Gonçalo Lopes ; Dias, Veruska Mazza Rodrigues; Silva, Jorge Miguel dos ReisThe increasing number of urban residents presents growing challenges that require innovative and efficient solutions. Cities are looking for smarter approaches, which involve the optimization of resource usage and the improvement of public services, with the aim of enhancing the quality of life and overall satisfaction of residents through sustainable practices. Current and emerging innovative technologies provide effective tools for addressing urban challenges. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) present a valuable solution, due to their versatility, flexibility, efficient data collection methods, and lower environmental and economic impact compared to other technologies (e.g., helicopters, general aviation aircraft). UAS have been extensively studied as they offer a large variety of urban applications, such as monitoring, traffic management, and infrastructure inspection. In the near future, they are also expected to start carrying passengers and delivering goods in Europe, contributing to the development of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), a priority among the European Union’s (EU) sustainable urban mobility initiatives. This work proposed the application of a Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis to qualitatively evaluate the key factors influencing the implementation of UAS in Porto, alongside the use of the TOWS matrix to define strategies of implementation. The Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process (FAHP) was used to identify the most relevant factors from the perspective of respondents with expertise in various relevant fields. Other quantitative methods were also applied to establish a prioritization order for the proposed strategies, aiming to identify initiatives that would position Porto closer to widely recognized smart cities. The obtained results were validated in a partnership with a UAS sector company based in the city under study. The combination of both stages allowed for the conclusion that Porto has significant potential for the implementation of UAS within the smart city paradigm. Among the key favourable factors are the city’s proactive, dynamic and collaborative nature - regarding the urban environment, and the environmental sustainability intrinsic to UAS – regarding the vehicle itself. Additionally, the potential for creation of jobs and business opportunities with the development of this industry emerged as the major benefit of this implementation. However, the study highlighted also substantial concerns regarding both the fragility of the current legislative framework and its constantly evolving nature, as well as the inherent complexity, all of which amplify the challenges associated with safety and security.
- Application of eVTOL Aircraft in Advanced Air Mobility: Vertiport in Humberto Delgado AirportPublication . Nave, Tiago Anseriz da; Silva, Jorge Miguel dos ReisTechnological developments allowed air mobility to enter the urban environment, expanding urban mobility to a new dimension and originating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The present work explores the potential of a vertiport, AAM's ground infrastructure, associated with Humberto Delgado Airport, allowing its connection to the new Luís de Camões Airport. There are still many obstacles in the path to implementing a route taken by a recent category of aircraft, eVTOLs, in an industry that does not accept safety compromises. Various aeronautical authorities have released documentation to guide the development of vertiports. Yet, their transitional nature alongside the uncertainty around accordingly expanding air traffic control (ATC) and other operational uncertainties leads to significant doubt of the longevity of the models used so far. Aiming to reduce the impact of the many uncertainties, a vertiport implementation was sought while pondering proper specifications and public exposure to the negative side of AAM, pointing out identified sources of uncertainty and explaining the decision process for each step. Reaching a recommended layout for the case of study, a simulation model was then elaborated to estimate its performance, identify bottlenecks and confirm assumptions made during the layout design phase. The reached conclusions reflect a lack of validation of the claims surrounding AAM, translated on rigorous EASA guidance material for vertiport design, restricting the options for a vertiport associated with Humberto Delgado Airport. Considering data from August 2024, the developed vertiport, under various limitations such as visual flight rule (VFR) conditions and considering Volocopter’s VoloCity as the eVTOL, proved capable of serving 0.398% of the airport's daily processed passengers. The proposed vertiport’s performance can be seen as adequate for the expected demand on this initial stage, with few passengers seeking a direct connection between the airports and not taking another means of transport. On the other hand, expansion options are lacking, compromising the capacity of ground infrastructure in case of the concept's success. Additionally, as soon as infrastructure projects seeking an expansion of ground transport capabilities are completed, while still many years in the future, AAM may face serious competition from the more conventional transport means.
- O aeródromo municipal de Castelo Branco como polo gerador de desenvolvimento regionalPublication . Sousa, Miguel Esteves de; Silva, Jorge Miguel dos ReisEste estudo faz uma análise padronizada da importância de um aeródromo na Região Centro (NUT II) de Portugal, centrando-se nos potenciais impactos económicos e sociais decorrentes do desenvolvimento de um dos setores que atualmente mais cresce em termos mundiais. Em termos metodológicos, a dissertação irá recorrer principalmente a motores de pesquisa digitais através da consulta de livros, repositórios, bases de dados, artigos de comunicação social e documentos técnicos das entidades do setor da aviação. Parte o estudo da hipótese de que um aeródromo, articulado com a rede aeroportuária portuguesa, é capaz de transformar a região do país onde se insere, através da captação de população e mão-de-obra qualificada, investimentos e de atividades turísticas, com impacto direto crucial noutros setores, contribuindo, por isso, para a coesão com outras regiões do país. A análise inclui um estudo de caso, na região de Castelo Branco, área marcada pelos problemas que mais afetam a Região Centro, designadamente o afastamento em relação aos centros de decisão, a população envelhecida e em perda, em números absolutos, de ano para ano. No sentido de analisar o potencial de desenvolvimento regional do aeródromo de Castelo Branco, este estudo parte da caracterização da região em termos económicos, geográficos e demográficos, além de caracterizar o aeródromo e de avaliar a sua viabilidade. Para tal, é estabelecida uma comparação com o impacto do Aeródromo de Ponte de Sor, localizado na Região do Alentejo, com uma realidade próxima da de Castelo Branco. Os resultados revelam que o desenvolvimento regional a partir do aeródromo de Castelo Branco é uma realidade, onde ficaram descritas quais as condições que mais favorecem este desenvolvimento, bem como os desafios que existem e que poderão condicionar o desenvolvimento do seu aeródromo.
- Análise de aplicações para o desenvolvimento de gémeos digitais: o estudo de caso do Porto de SinesPublication . Pimentel, Carlos Manuel da Costa; Almeida, Pedro Gabriel de Faria Lapa Barbosa de; Batista, Maria Teresa FolgôaEsta dissertação aborda a componente de visualização geográfica e os requisitos técnicos para a criação de um gémeo digital do Porto de Sines. Desde a concetualização e origem do termo gémeo digital e áreas interrelacionadas bem como as possíveis aplicações dos gémeos digitais na indústria. Enquanto, focou-se na análise dos benefícios da utilização dessa ferramenta nos Portos marítimos. Explorou-se aqui tanto os requisitos para a visualização geográfica, as tecnologias envolvidas e como elas podem melhorar a eficiência e a segurança do porto. Usaram-se várias ferramentas para criação de visualizações geográficas apelativas e para melhorar o nosso conhecimento da área de estudo como: “Google Earth Pro”, “Google Earth Studio”, “Arcgis pro”, incluindo uma aplicação de página única interativa em 3D com o mapa do Porto de Sines em destaque. Apresenta-se também um protótipo de gémeo digital estático, criado com a ferramenta “BlenderGIS” o qual permite uma aproximação maior a realização dos objetivos propostos. Analisou-se também a integração com ferramentas e metodologia da indústria 4.0, como a internet das coisas e armazenamento e computação na nuvem. A análise dos requisitos concentrou-se nas funcionalidades, tipos de dados e perfil dos utilizadores. Por fim fez-se uma lista de possíveis materiais e tecnologias bem como metodologia para criação efetiva do gémeo digital.