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Systematization of the types of adaptations requested in pedestrian routes: human strategies in sport, tourism and other critical situations
Publication . Fernando, Catarina; Fernando, Catarina; Lopes, Hélder; Lopes, Helder; Prudente, João; Prudente, João Filipe; Vicente, António
The aim of this work is to create a structure of knowledge that allows to understand and explain different
adaptations requested in pedestrian routes to individuals. We establish the conceptual framework in which
this study fits and define its application to two types of frequent adaptations in these activities: uneven terrain
and sloped terrain (downhill), establishing which variables to consider and how they interrelate in order to
establish decision trees that allow us to make choices and set up strategies consciously and intentionally. We
also try to highlight some particularities in the application of these instruments to situations in the field of sport and tourism.
Evolution of attack in handball when playing 7 vs. 6 with empty goal between 2020 and 2023: coaches’ perception vs. observational results
Publication . Prudente, João Nunes; Cardoso, Américo Ramos; Rodrigues, Ana José; Mendes, João N.; Fernando, Catarina; Lopes, Hélder; Trejo-Silva, Alejandro; Sousa, Duarte Filipe; Prudente, João Filipe; Ramos Cardoso, Américo; Rodrigues, Ana; Noite Mendes, Joao Manuel; Fernando, Catarina; Lopes, Helder; Sousa, Duarte
Recently, several studies on the 7 vs. 6 “empty goal” (EG) in handball have produced different and even contradictory results. The aim of the present study was to investigate the behavior of teams and players in the 7 vs. 6 EG attack in the European (Euro) and World Championships (WCh) between 2020 and 2023 and characterize the coaches’ perceptions.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was used, consisting of the following: (i) an observational methodology and instrument developed and validated to collect observational data on player and team behavior; and (ii) a developed and validated questionnaire to coaches on their perceptions of the 7 vs. 6 game. Observational data were collected during the Euro 2020 and 2022 games (n = 62) and the WCh 2021 and 2023 games (n = 70). A total of 132 games and 391 situations of 7 vs. 6 attacking sequences were observed. In total, 156 coaches participated (146 men), with a mean age 42.33 ± 11.87 years, 19 nationalities, and with 12.77 ± 9.45 years of experience.Results and discussionThe choice of 7 vs. 6 offensive play was mostly made in the second half (>73%). The effectiveness of 7 vs. 6 offensive sequences was higher in the top six teams than in the team's ranked 7th to 12th (Euro 2020 51.6%–50.0%; WCh 2021 52.0%–50.0%; Euro 2022 53.1%–41.7%; WCh 2023 50.0%–43.8%). Some patterns of association were found (p < 0.05 and with values >±1.96): (i) scoring a goal with a breakthrough shot was significantly associated with the effectiveness of the 7 vs. 6 attack (Euro 2020 2.61; WCh 2021 2.87; Euro 2022 2.68; WCh 2023 2.32); (ii) teams in the top six significantly used 7 vs. 6 when they were winning (Euro 2020 2.17; WCh 2021 3.52; Euro 2022 5.88; WCh 2023 2.54); and (iii) teams in the bottom six used it when they were losing by at least four goals (Euro 2020 7.56; Euro 2022 6.64; WCh 2023 4.37) or when they were winning by four goals or more (WCh 2021 2.58). Coaches that agree with the possibility of playing 7 vs. 6 (74.4%), rarely or never do so (55.6%) because it brings little or no advantage (52.6%). The results of the analysis confirmed the perception of the coaches, the low use of 7 vs. 6, the low advantage associated with it, and the influence of the result and the moment of the game on its use.
Hikes and trails systematization of the types of obstacles/adaptations in pedestrian routes
Publication . Fernando, Catarina; Fernando, Catarina; Vicente, António; Lopes, Hélder; Lopes, Helder; Prudente, João; Prudente, João Filipe
Hikes and trails are increasingly popular activities, in the field of tourism, but also at the level of recreational activities. With
this work, we intend to create an integrative vision of the activity that includes the Situation / Context / Individual, which allows
the development of instruments in order to enable an intervention, with a functional character, in this type of activities. To this end,
we have systematized a set of adaptations requested from individuals, characteristics in the pedestrian paths, using the existing
bibliography and an analysis of the obstacles identified in the activities.
Experiência flow em atividades de desporto de natureza na Madeira
Publication . Fernando, Catarina; Lopes, Hélder; Noite, João; Rodrigues, Ana; Alves, Ricardo; Prudente, João; Fernando, Catarina; Lopes, Helder; Rodrigues, Ana; Alves, Ricardo; Prudente, João Filipe; Noite Mendes, Joao Manuel
The goal of the present study is to characterize the Flow Experience in activities as Levadas, Hiking and Mountain Biking. We aim to analyse the differences between practitioners, on how they perceive their experience. A survey was applied, at the end of each activity. A sample of 449 individuals from 21 different countries was collected. From this sample 217 individuals were males and 232 females with an average age of 41.5 ± 16.1 years old. According to the results obtained in the joint analysis of activities, the natural space scale stands out, was the aspect most valued by practitioners. On the other hand, the motivation scale of the practitioners was the least valued aspect. On the demographic analysis, differences were found (p <0.05) regarding the profile of practitioners in the three activities. Mountain bikers stand out from the Levadas practitioners and the Hikers (p <0.05), being on average younger and in a greater proportion males. When comparing the three activities the description of the Flow experience is reported in a different way by the practitioners (p <0.05). Only in the natural scenario scale, no differences (p = 0.110) were verified. Overall, we consider that it is possible to conclude that this type of activities can provide the Flow experience and that the instrument used allows us to characterize it.
Soluble extracellular polymeric substances and microplastics: exposure-response and circular reuse for removal
Publication . Rodrigues, Filipa; Mendonça, Ivana; Faria, Marisa; Gomes, Ricardo; Gómez Pinchetti, Juan L.; Ferreira, Artur; Cordeiro, Nereida; cordeiro, nereida
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive in aquatic systems, threatening ecosystems, human health, and microalgal
production. Soluble extracellular polymeric substances (S-EPS) can agglomerate particles and aid removal. This
study examines S-EPS from the cyanobacterium Cyanocohniella rudolphia (BEA 0786B) to (i) model and optimise
S-EPS production, (ii) assess production in water contaminated with polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs), and (iii) test S EPS as a bioflocculant for PS-MPs removal. Response surface methodology (RSM) defined a cost-lean operating
window and predicted an optimum S-EPS titre of 113 mg/L at 7 days using 10 g/L nitrogen, 0.98 g/L phosphorus,
and a biomass-to-medium ratio of 1:6.87 (w/v). Cultures were challenged with PS-MPs (50 μg/L and 5 mg/L)
under static or aerated conditions, and at both exponential and stationary phases, and showed stimulated S-EPS
synthesis with increases of up to 34%, depending on hydrodynamics and growth stage. Purified S-EPS were evaluated as a bioflocculant at 2 g/L PS-MPs to probe robustness and rate-limiting mechanisms and to delineate a
conservative operating window. Maximum removal of 82% was achieved in freshwater at pH 3.5 with Fe3+
0.05% (w/w), 25 ◦C, S-EPS dose 400 mg/L (S-EPS:PS-MPs 1:5, w/w), and 60 min flocculation. Zeta potential
trends and microscopy support charge neutralisation/bridging as the dominant mechanism. Compatible with
standard coagulation/flocculation units, the approach links cost-lean, cultivation-derived S-EPS (typically dis carded) to their reuse as a low-additive pretreatment for algal-cultivation intake waters (freshwater/low salinity), reducing reliance on synthetic coagulants and added salinity/metal-sludge burdens. Overall,
C. rudolphia is a promising S-EPS producer, whose production is enhanced by exposure to PS-MPs, and its S-EPS
acts as an efficient, bio-based flocculant for PS-MPs. The results support process designs to safeguard microalgal
operations and to mitigate microplastic pollution in water. This work integrates RSM-optimised S-EPS produc tion, environmental-level exposure-response, and a high-load removal benchmark, enabling circular, low additive, drop-in pretreatment compatible with standard coagulation/flocculation units.