Showing papers by "Polytechnic Institute of Viseu published in 2023"

The Value of Historical Knowledge Through Challenging Mathematical Tasks

Abstract: Learning mathematics does not simply mean acquiring/developing a set of content knowledge. It also means being able to solve problems, think mathematically and communicate ideas with others. If we think about the mathematics taught to prospective mathematics teachers, the study of the nature of mathematical knowledge, mathematical processes and their historical development is fundamental to their future teaching practice. To achieve this goal, we designed a formative experience in which were proposed challenging, historically framed mathematical tasks to prospective mathematics teachers who teach in the early years (Kindergarten and Primary). In this setting, the study aims to understand how challenging mathematical tasks, which bear upon historical context, contributed to student learning in terms of understanding: the nature of mathematics; the historical development of mathematical knowledge and the processes by which it is developed; mathematical concepts and their modes of representation. The study applies a qualitative and interpretive methodology with the participation of 45 prospective teachers who recently enrolled in the undergraduate programme. The data comes from student resolutions, individual reflections, observations and field notes. The results reveal that as a corollary to working with challenging mathematical tasks framed historically, students have developed their knowledge of mathematics and the nature of mathematical knowledge. They understand the value of problem solving towards an improvement of their historical knowledge and in the development of some fundamental mathematical concepts taught in the initial school years, such as number, operation, regularity, geometric objects.

Quality of Life Perception among Portuguese Celiac Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Celiac Disease Questionnaire (CDQ)

Abstract: The aim of this study is to assess Portuguese celiac patients’ quality of life (QoL) perception. A cross-sectional study was performed with a non-probability convenience sample of Portuguese celiac patients using an online self-administered celiac disease quality of life questionnaire (CDQ), previously validated for the Portuguese population. The final sample comprised 234 celiac patients, which included the following: primarily women (69.2%); aged between 18 and 49 years old (56.4%); with a partner (60.6%); with a high educational level (58.9%—graduated or post-graduated); following a gluten-free diet (GFD) (55.1%); and not using antidepressants (93.1%). The Portuguese CDQ presented good reliability and responsiveness in this sample of Portuguese celiac patients. In general, the CDQ in Portugal was affected by age at diagnosis (p = 0.017), educational level (p = 0.005), and compliance with GFD (p = 0.034). The emotion domain was affected only by using antidepressants (p = 0.036). The social domain was affected by gender (females had lower rates, p = 0.016), age at diagnosis (p = 0.009), educational level (p = 0.000), and compliance with a GFD (p = 0.002). The worries domain did not differ according to socioeconomic data. The symptoms domain was affected by compliance with GFD (p = 0.000), age at diagnosis (p = 0.000), and educational level (p = 0.014). Data on celiac QoL is essential to support the formulation and implementation of strategies to minimize the issues suffered by celiac patients, lowering their physical, emotional, and social burden. Additionally, data on Portuguese celiac disease patients using the CDQ will allow future comparative research among celiac populations from different countries.

Behavioral Anomaly Detection of Older People Living Independently

Abstract: Older people living independently represent one significant part of the population nowadays. Most of them have family or friends interested in being informed about changes in their routine. Considering these changes signal some physical or mental problem, they can trigger a contact or action from the interested persons to provide support. This paper presents an approach for non-intrusive monitoring of older people to send alerts after detecting anomalous behaviors. An analysis of seven months of data gathered using PIR sensors in a couple’s living house has shown regularities in their presence in compartments along the day. We validated the adequacy of an outlier detection algorithm to build a model of the persons’ behavior, exhibiting just 3.6% of outliers interpreted as false positives.

Comparison of Semi-structured Data on MSSQL and PostgreSQL

Abstract: The present study intends to compare the performance of two Data Base Management Systems, specifically Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL, focusing on data insertion, queries execution and indexation. To simulate how Microsoft SQL Server performs with key-value oriented datasets, we use a converted TPC-H lineitem table. The dataset is explored in two different ways, first using the key-value-like format and second in JSON format. The same dataset is applied to PostgreSQL DBMS to analyze performance and compare both database engines. After testing the load process on both databases, performance metrics (execution times) are obtained and compared. Experimental results show that, in general, inserts are approximately twice times faster in Microsoft SQL Server because they are injected as plain text without any type of verification, while in PostgreSQL, loaded data includes a validating process, which delays the loading process. Moreover, we did additional indexation tests, from which we concluded that in general, data loading performance degrades. Regarding query performance in PostgreSQL, we conclude that with indexation, queries become three or four percent faster and six times faster in Microsoft SQL Server.

A brief introduction to tectonics

Abstract: Plate tectonics is the unifying theory of solid earth sciences. It describes that the surface of the Earth is divided into several lithospheric tectonic plates that move in relation to each other and over the less viscous asthenosphere. Many of the fundamental geological phenomena occur along the plate's boundaries, such as earthquakes and volcanoes, and the plates’ movement gives rise to a number of fundamental geological processes that include mountain building and the supercontinent cycle itself. The idea of surface mobility was first solidly proposed by Alfred Wegener in the start of the 20th century, but it took another 50 years for a unified theory of the solid earth to emerge. Plate tectonics dictates how the surface of the planet changes, how supercontinents break and come together, and how new oceans form and old ones close. As we will see in this book, plate tectonics is intertwined with ocean tides in unexpected ways. This chapter provides a brief introduction to the history and the workings of plate tectonics.

Education Crisis—Digital Solutions After Covid-19

Abstract: Pandemic effects can generate demotivation and dissatisfaction, or even discomfort, since it is an activity and structure built based on relationships, largely in face-to-face relationships, which make the pedagogical act a moment of interaction and sharing. We are particularly interested in the digital transformation pushed forward by the COVID-19 pandemic concerning higher education students. During a state of emergency, teleworking is mandatory as the work function and classes are compatible with eLearning and homework. Digital Technology looks closely at one significant facet of our rapidly evolving digital lives: how technology radically changes our lives as teachers and students. The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has paralyzed life around the world, reporting restrictive measures (that include avoidance of social interactions and the prohibition of circulation between national and international territories) that were considered non-essential activities like factories, services, and including all the educational institutions. Even Erasmus and International programs were canceled. This research project focuses on the needs and strategies, including the scaling up of investments in Information and communication technologies (ICT) education and training, and efficient management of the well-being of students and teachers. The study was carried out in a higher education institution located in the northern region of Portugal, with approximately 800 students. The methodology used was a documentary, through indicators of student satisfaction and success. Comparisons were made, for both students and teachers, with the homologous situation for the year 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, previous Covid-19, and after this pandemic situation.

How Endorser Promotes Emotional Responses in Video Ads

Abstract: The importance of advertising on social networks has been growing, and the use of videos has become a more present reality. Understanding the narrative is not always understood by consumers. Closely associated with advertisements on YouTube are influencer marketing and the use of influencers by brands to produce content and narratives about brands, generating greater trust, engagement, and more positive emotional responses. In this sense, understanding how consumers see the narrative and how the video ad generates emotional responses for consumers is still an unexplained issue. This study seeks to fill this gap and studies how video ad elements contribute to positive emotional responses. Through a cross-sectional investigation, data were collected from a group of consumers of a telecommunications brand that were analyzed through structural equation modeling. Therefore, this investigation understands that the endorser is a constituent element of the narrative that promotes narrative transportation and emotional responses.