uBibliorum
Digital Repository of the University of Beira Interior
A Universidade da Beira Interior, no cumprimento da sua missão, mantém em funcionamento, desde junho de 2009, o Repositório Digital – uBibliorum - integrado na rede de Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP).
A sua função é alojar, disponibilizar, preservar, divulgar e facilitar a citação de toda a investigação científica produzida pelos docentes e investigadores da UBI, mediante autodepósito a ser realizado por cada um deles, e perpetuar a memória científica institucional.
Recent Submissions
How Can Deep Learning Aid Human Behavior Analysis?
Publication . Roxo, Tiago Filipe Dias dos Santos ; Proença, Hugo Pedro Martins Carriço; Inácio, Pedro Ricardo Morais
With the increase of available surveillance data and robustness of state-of-the-art deep learning models, various recent research topics focus on human biometric assessment, tracking and person re-identification. However, one other area of work not extensively explored that can combine surveillance and visual-based models is assessing human behavior. The lack of work in this topic is not surprising given the inherent difficulties on categorizing human behavior in such conditions, in particular without subject cooperation. Based on the psychology literature, human behavior analysis typically requires controlled experimental environments, with subject cooperation and assessing features via grid-based survey. As such, it is not clear on how deep learning models can aid psychology experts in human behavior analysis, which is where this thesis intents to contribute to the body of knowledge. We extensively review psychology literature to define a set of features that have been proven as influential towards human behavior and that can be assessed via camera in surveillance-like conditions. This way, we define human behavior via subject profiling using seven behavioral features: interaction, relative position, clothing, soft biometrics, subject proximity, pose, and use of handheld devices. Note that this analysis does not categorize human behavior into specific states (e.g. aggressive, depressive) but rather creates a set of features that can be used to profile subjects, usable to aid/complement behavioral experts and to compare behavioral traits between subjects in a scene. Furthermore, to motivate the development of works in these areas, we review state-of-the-art approaches and datasets to highlight the limitation of certain areas and discuss the topics worth exploring for future works. After defining a set of behavioral features, we start by exploring the limitation of current biometric models in surveillance conditions, in particular the resilience of gender inference approaches. We demonstrate that these models underperform in surveillance-like data, using PAR datasets, highlighting the limitations of training in cooperative settings to perform in wilder conditions. Supported by the findings of our initial experiments, complementing face and body information arouse as a viable strategy to increase model robustness in these conditions, which lead us to design and propose a new model for wild gender inference based on this premise. This way, we extend the knowledge of an extensive discussed literature topic (gender classification) by exploring its application in settings where current models do not typically perform (surveillance). We also explore the topic of human interaction, namely Active Speaker Detection, in particular towards more uncooperative scenarios such as surveillance conditions. Contrary to the gender/biometrics topic, this is a lesser explored area where works are mainly based on assessing active speakers via face and audio information in cooperative conditions and with good audio and image quality (movie settings). As such, to clearly demonstrate the limitations of state-of-the-art ASD models we start by creating a wilder ASD dataset (WASD), composed of different categories with increasing challenges towards ASD, namely with audio and image quality degradation, and containing uncooperative subjects. This dataset highlighted the limitations of current models to deal with unconstrained scenarios (e.g. surveillance conditions), while also displaying the importance of body information in conditions where audio quality is subpar and face access is not guaranteed. Following this premise, we design the first model that complements audio, face, and body information to achieve state-of-the-art performance in challenging conditions, in particular surveillance settings. Furthermore, this model also proposed a novel way to combine data via SE blocks, which allowed to provide reasoning behind model’s decision by visual interpretability. The use of SE blocks was also extended to other models and ASD-related areas to highlight the viability of this approach for model-agnostic interpretability. Although this initial model was superior to the state-of-the-art in challenging data, its performance in cooperative settings was not as robust. As such, we develop a new model that simultaneously combines face and body information in visual data extraction which, in conjunction with pretraining in challenging data, leads to state-of-the-art performance in both cooperation and challenging conditions (such as surveillance settings). These works pave a new way to assess human interaction in more challenging data and with model interpretability, serving as baselines for future works.
The effect of water aerobics in adults and older adults in health-related variables: The importance of duration and intensity parameters
Publication . Faíl, Luís Oliveira Brandão
; Marinho, Daniel Almeida; Neiva, Henrique Pereira
Water aerobics has gained popularity, with its benefits increasingly recognized. However, there is limited information on the intensity and duration needed for optimal outcomes. This thesis explores the effects of varying intensities and durations of water aerobics on health-related variables in adults and older adults. To achieve this, the following steps were performed i) a systematic review with meta-analysis on the effects of water-based programs on the health and fitness of healthy adults and those with chronic diseases; ii) comparison of moderate versus high-intensity water aerobics (12 and 24 weeks) on muscle strength, anthropometry, lipid profile, blood pressure (BP), and quality of life (QoL); iii) analysis of the relationship between muscle strength gained after water aerobics and other factors including program intensity and duration, age, and baseline health-related variables; iv) analysis of the association between BP and lipid profile results obtained after water aerobics and factors like program intensity and duration, age, and initial health-related measurements. The findings indicated that i) few studies have assessed exercise intensity in water aerobics; ii) high-intensity water aerobics was more effective than moderate-intensity in improving lipid profile, fat mass, fat-free mass, diastolic BP, and physical QoL; iii) both durations of high-intensity water aerobics benefited diastolic BP, with greater effects after 24 weeks; iv) both programs improved muscular endurance after 12 and 24 weeks, with higher intensity related to better lower limb muscular endurance; v) psychological QoL improved after 12 weeks; vi) initial values of muscular endurance and age were related to upper limb muscular endurance and explosive strength outcomes, while initial body composition was associated with explosive strength; vii) changes in lipid profile were influenced by intensity, while diastolic BP was affected by program duration, and initial total cholesterol levels were positively associated with changes in systolic and diastolic BP. Overall, high-intensity water aerobics improves lipid profile, body composition, and physical QoL in adults and older adults. 24 weeks of this exercise also reduces diastolic BP. Water aerobics enhances muscular endurance regardless of intensity and duration. This thesis offers valuable insights for water aerobics instructors, recommending strategies to tailor intensity levels to individual needs.
Crisis Communication and Image Management: The Strategic Role of Social Media for Destination Management Organizations in a Crisis Context
Publication . Correa, Cynthia Candida; Alves, Helena Maria Baptista; Estevão, Cristina Maria Santos
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to tourism destination managers, underscoring the critical relevance and impact of crises triggered by disasters on the tourism industry. In times of crisis, a destination’s image can be severely compromised, leading to a slowdown in the local economy and the disruption of commercial activities, resulting in a reduction in tourist flows and revenue. These disruptions emphasize the urgent need for contemporary strategies aimed at safeguarding the image of tourism destinations, restoring visitor confidence, and mitigating the perceived risk associated with the destination. Social media has emerged as an essential tool for crisis response and recovery, establishing itself as a crucial dialogical space between organizations and consumers. However, a gap in the literature persists concerning the integration of social media use by Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) to project the image of destinations, promote their brands, and reposition themselves in the market during periods of uncertainty. In this context, the present thesis seeks to explore the strategic role of social media for DMOs during crises in the tourism industry, with the COVID-19 pandemic as a research setting. To achieve this, the following specific objectives are defined: (i) to assess the existing literature on the use of social media in tourism during crises and explore the implications of these practices; (ii) to investigate the communication tactics and image management strategies adopted by DMOs across different social media platforms; (iii) to analyze the behavior of the digital audience in response to the communication strategies implemented by DMOs in crisis contexts; and (iv) to explore the image of destinations projected on social media throughout the various phases of a long-term crisis. To achieve these objectives, the study analyzed the official social media accounts of DMOs in Brazil and Portugal across three digital platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) from 2020 to 2021. The study is organized into four principal sections: First, a systematic review of the literature on social media usage in crisis contexts within tourism was conducted, encompassing 70 peer-reviewed articles. Second, a content analysis model was developed to examine the messages published by DMOs, allowing for the identification, analysis, and comparison of crisis management and communication strategies. Third, sentiment analysis of user comments was performed to evaluate public perceptions of the organizations' communication. Finally, a visual content analysis of the DMOs' posts was conducted, focusing on the pandemic phases (pre-, during, and post-lockdown). The findings reveal that the Portuguese DMO exhibited significantly higher social media activity compared to its Brazilian counterpart, highlighting two distinct approaches to destination image management during the crisis, as evidenced by strategies, content, and user behavior. Notably, Instagram proved particularly effective in delivering promotional and emotionally resonant content. The main contributions of the thesis include (i) a conceptual framework outlining seven social media mechanisms for managing crises in tourism, (ii) a model for assessing the effectiveness of communication and image recovery strategies, (iii) insights into user engagement patterns and sentiments, demonstrating Instagram's effectiveness in managing destination image and the positive impact of engaging and inspirational content, and (iv) an analysis of Portugal’s social media image projection, indicating increased engagement during lockdown periods and emphasizing the importance of aligning content with the destination’s identity. This thesis provides valuable guidance for both academics and practitioners, offering practical frameworks and recommendations to enhance social media strategies and maintain brand visibility during crises.
Impacto da gestão flexível do currículo no meio escolar: A voz dos participantes
Publication . Silva, Gonçalo Pedro Azevedo da; Paixão, Maria de Fátima Carmona Simões da; Loureiro, Manuel Joaquim da Silva
Com o objetivo de acompanhar as mudanças e evolução que o mundo experiencia, o Ministério da Educação decidiu dar às escolas mais autonomia. De entre as várias medidas, a flexibilização do currículo está no cerne da questão; pois, segundo a DireçãoGeral da Educação, o exercício efetivo de autonomia em educação só é plenamente garantido se o objeto dessa autonomia for o currículo. As escolas foram convidadas a aderir ao plano de autonomia e flexibilização curricular a partir de 2017/2018 com o intuito de garantir que todos os alunos, independentemente da oferta educativa e formativa que frequentam, alcançam as competências definidas nas aprendizagens essenciais no Perfil do aluno à saída da escolaridade obrigatória (Despacho n.º 5908/2017, de 5 de julho). Este nosso estudo pretende aferir qual o impacto que a gestão flexível do currículo teve no meio escolar a partir da perceção dos seus participantes. Optámos por uma metodologia mista, qualitativa e quantitativa. Consistiu num questionário realizado a 80 professores, em que teriam de responder a 42 questões de âmbito pessoal e profissional, de forma a podermos obter respostas no que respeita às questões de investigação e, em duas entrevistas, a dois membros de direção de dois agrupamentos. Os questionários foram enviados através de correio eletrónico (Google Forms) e realizados a distância. As entrevistas foram realizadas presencialmente e gravadas, sendo, posteriormente transcritas e submetidas a análise de conteúdo. Entre os principais resultados foi possível verificar que os respondentes, apesar de assinalarem que conhecem a gestão flexível do currículo, não identificam muitos aspetos positivos e não registaram alterações na escola ou sala de aula. Foi assim possível concluir que ainda que a maior parte dos docentes tenha registado a implementação da gestão flexível do currículo nas escolas, não houve uma relação direta de impacto entre a gestão, o trabalho docente e o sucesso escolar.
Os Efeitos do Treino da Condição Física em Contexto Militar
Publication . Coge, Manuel; Esteves, Maria Dulce Leal; Neiva, Henrique Pereira
O campo de batalha moderno impõe tarefas quotidianas fisicamente exigentes, pelo que o condicionamento físico dos militares é um elemento crucial e o treino físico um dos elementos fundamentais da preparação de cadetes. Esta tese teve como objetivos caracterizar a composição corporal e os níveis de desempenho físico dos cadetes militares de Angola, bem como avaliar os efeitos de um programa de treino físico de 34 semanas na sua aptidão física. Foram analisadas variáveis de força muscular dos membros superiores e inferiores, aptidão cardiorrespiratória e a composição corporal de 90 cadetes da academia militar (48 homens e 42 mulheres), com idades entre 18 e 24 anos. Os valores do índice de massa corporal situaram-se dentro da faixa normal tanto para homens quanto para mulheres, assim como os níveis de gordura corporal. No entanto, o desempenho físico foi inferior nas mulheres, com valores mais baixos em indicadores como flexões, abdominais e o lançamento da bola medicinal. O salto com contramovimento, a corrida de 80 metros e a aptidão cardiorrespiratória também apresentaram resultados significativamente mais baixos entre as mulheres. Num seguinte estudo, foram analisados os efeitos de um programa de treino militar em 74 cadetes (40 homens e 37 mulheres), com idades entre os 18 e 26 anos. Os participantes foram sujeitos a um programa de treino de treino de força e de resistência por 34 semanas (realizado duas vezes por semana, 90 min/sessão). Antes e após o período de treino foi avaliada a força muscular dos membros superiores e inferiores, a aptidão cardiorrespiratória e a composição corporal. Os resultados obtidos mostram uma melhoria significativa em todas as variáveis avaliadas após o programa de treino. Os maiores efeitos foram notados na massa corporal, no salto com contramovimento, no lançamento de bola medicinal e nas flexões. Curiosamente, os homens apresentaram uma maior redução de massa corporal e maior melhoria no lançamento de bola medicinal, enquanto as mulheres mostraram uma maior redução de massa gorda. Estes resultados sublinham a necessidade de programas de treino físico específicos para melhorar a composição corporal e o condicionamento físico dos cadetes militares do ISTM, especialmente nas mulheres, que apresentaram valores mais baixos de massa livre de gordura, aptidão cardiorrespiratória e desempenho neuromuscular. A inclusão de protocolos de treino adaptados ao sexo poderá maximizar a eficácia do treino e otimizar o desempenho nas tarefas físicas de alta relevância militar. Embora o estudo tenha limitações, os resultados oferecem uma contribuição significativa para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de treino mais eficazes na preparação de cadetes militares em Angola.