2023
Authors
Limpo, T; Vieira, AI; Magalhaes, S; Rocha, R; Cordeiro, C; Rodrigues, R; Coelho, A; Nóbrega, R; Jacob, J; Cardoso, P; Pinheiro, M; Castro, S;
Publication
MINDFULNESS
Abstract
ObjectivesThere is a growing interest in mindfulness-based programs. Yet, research in the area is limited, and little is known about the factors that moderate the effects of these programs. The two-fold aim of this study was (1) to examine the effects of a mindfulness-based program on dispositional mindfulness, inattention and emotional lability, handwriting fluency, spelling accuracy, and composing quality, as well as school achievement; and (2) to evaluate the moderating role of lesson absences, intervention-related knowledge, and social validity.MethodUsing a quasi-experimental design, 257 fourth graders were assigned to an experimental group receiving a mindfulness-based program (n = 130) or an active control group receiving a health-based program (n = 127). Both programs were implemented in the classroom for 8 weekly units, which included two 30-min sessions delivered by psychologists, followed by three 5-min sessions delivered by teachers. All children were evaluated before and after the programs.ResultsCompared to the control condition, the mindfulness-based program resulted in higher levels of internal and external awareness, and decentering and nonreactivity, as well as better composing quality and mathematics grades. Lesson absences, intervention-related knowledge, and social validity did not moderate the effects of the mindfulness-based program.ConclusionsThese findings support the integration of mindfulness practices in primary school as a means to improve children's academic-related skills and ability to be mindful.
2023
Authors
Cesário, V; Ribeiro, M; Coelho, A;
Publication
HCI International 2023 Posters - 25th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCII 2023, Copenhagen, Denmark, July 23-28, 2023, Proceedings, Part I
Abstract
2023
Authors
Rodrigues, N; Sousa, A; Reis, LP; Coelho, A;
Publication
ROBOT2022: FIFTH IBERIAN ROBOTICS CONFERENCE: ADVANCES IN ROBOTICS, VOL 2
Abstract
Intelligent wheelchairs aim to improve mobility limitations by providing ingenious mechanisms to control and move the chair. This paper aims to enhance the autonomy level of intelligent wheelchair navigation by applying reinforcement learning algorithms to move the chair to the desired location. Also, as a second objective, add one more chair and move both chairs in pairs to promote group social activities. The experimental setup is based on a simulated environment using gazebo and ROS where a leader chair moves towards a goal, and the follower chair should navigate near the leader chair. The collected metrics (time to complete the task and the trajectories of the chairs) demonstrated that Deep Q-Network (DQN) achieved better results than the Q-Learning algorithm by being the unique algorithm to accomplish the pair navigation behaviour between two chairs.
2023
Authors
Morgado, L; Coelho, A; Beck, D; Gutl, C; Cassola, F; Baptista, R; van Zeller, M; Pedrosa, D; Cruzeiro, T; Cota, D; Grilo, R; Schlemmer, E;
Publication
SUSTAINABILITY
Abstract
The objective of this work was to support the sustainable deployment of immersive learning environments, which face varied obstacles, including the lack of support infrastructures for active learning pedagogies. Sustainability from the perspective of the integration of these environments in educational practice entails situational awareness, workload, and the informed assessment ability of participants, which must be supported for such activities to be employed in a widespread manner. We have approached this wicked problem using the Design Science Research paradigm and produced the Inven!RA software architecture. This novel result constitutes a solution for developing software platforms to enable the sustainable deployment of immersive learning environments. The Inven!RA architecture is presented alongside four demonstration scenarios employed in its evaluation, providing a means for the situational awareness of immersive learning activities in support of pedagogic decision making.
2023
Authors
Gomes, L; Coelho, A; Vale, Z;
Publication
ENERGIES
Abstract
The adoption of smart grids is becoming a common reality worldwide. This new reality is starting to impact energy customers as they face a dynamic grid in which they can actively participate. However, if energy customers are not prepared to participate actively, they can have their energy costs increased. This paper provides a review of acceptance models and customer surveys around the world made to assess the customers' perception and willingness to participate in smart grids. Contributing to this assessment, this paper presents a survey undertaken in Portugal. The survey results demonstrate a willingness, from the customer's end, to actively participate in smart grid initiatives. It was found that 92.9% of participants are willing to plan their energy usage to face hourly energy prices and that 95.0% of participants are willing to accept an external control of at least one appliance, enabling direct load control demand response programs. Also, the results identified two cognitive tendencies, negativity bias, and loss aversion, which can impact how customers participate in smart grids. These cognitive tendencies and the literature acceptance models demonstrate the importance of conducting social science studies targeting smart grids to fully achieve the efficient participation of end customers.
2023
Authors
Fortier, I; Wey, TW; Bergeron, J; de Moira, AP; Nybo Andersen, AM; Bishop, T; Murtagh, MJ; Miocevic, M; Swertz, MA; van Enckevort, E; Marcon, Y; Mayrhofer, MT; Ornelas, JP; Sebert, S; Santos, AC; Rocha, A; Wilson, RC; Griffith, LE; Burton, P;
Publication
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
Abstract
Optimizing research on the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) involves implementing initiatives maximizing the use of the available cohort study data; achieving sufficient statistical power to support subgroup analysis; and using participant data presenting adequate follow-up and exposure heterogeneity. It also involves being able to undertake comparison, cross-validation, or replication across data sets. To answer these requirements, cohort study data need to be findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR), and more particularly, it often needs to be harmonized. Harmonization is required to achieve or improve comparability of the putatively equivalent measures collected by different studies on different individuals. Although the characteristics of the research initiatives generating and using harmonized data vary extensively, all are confronted by similar issues. Having to collate, understand, process, host, and co-analyze data from individual cohort studies is particularly challenging. The scientific success and timely management of projects can be facilitated by an ensemble of factors. The current document provides an overview of the 'life course' of research projects requiring harmonization of existing data and highlights key elements to be considered from the inception to the end of the project.
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