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- Cost-benefit analysis of tidal energy production in a coastal lagoon: the case of Ria Formosa – PortugalPublication . Rodrigues, Nuno; Pintassilgo, Pedro; Calhau, Francisco; G-Gorbeña, Eduardo; Pacheco, AndréThe energy that can be extracted from tidal currents is one of the most promising renewable energy sources due to its high density/predictability. Within this paper this energy source is evaluated economically respecting sustainability principles. This evaluation contrasts from previous studies due to the application of a cost-benefit analysis based on a hydro-morphodynamic model, and moving away from the classic proxy of wind energy. It further includes, via the Monte Carlo method, a probabilistic underpinning to the project. The hydro-economic model was applied to a tidal energy project using an Evopod 1:4th scale prototype, based on a real deployment of an Evopod 1:10th scale device in the Ria Formosa, Algarve. The results show that, under the current costs and benefits, the project is not economically viable. However, there are admissible parameter ranges that make the project viable such as significant reduction of investment costs, increased capacity factors and favourable energy prices. This novel methodology has potential to be applied to other tidal energy projects on estuarine systems worldwide, and consists of a comprehensive modelling approach, including the technical, environmental, and socio-economic dimensions of the project, not only in a deterministic setting but also in a probabilistic one.
- A Flexible assessment platform for middle school, supported on students goalsPublication . Cardoso, Pedro; Lam, Roberto; Pereira, Rui Penha; Rodrigues, Nuno; Herdeiro, CláudiaRooted in many education system, assessment by written exams in a live only time evaluation is a traditional way to judge the student learnings. This live only time evaluation method leads to dys- functionalities such as high levels of stress and the assumption, by the students and by some teachers, that exams re ect the educational goals. This paper presents the Assessment Centers in Schools (ACiSs) project which aims to mitigate some of the identi ed problems. The nal goal of the ACiSs system is a web platform which allows students to have an out of class assessment system, reducing factor like stress by granting the possibility to complete more than one examination and consequent approval per module of the studied subjects. The ACiSs system is com- prised by a dataset of questions, properly categorized, which allows the automatic generation of exams wordings for summative and formative as- sessment. In the latter case, exams can be generated in order to mitigate individual weaknesses in the subject's curricular goals.
- Contributions of physical activity and positive psychological functioning to flow and well-beingPublication . Rodrigues, Nuno; Vieira, Luís Sérgio; Martins, Cátia; Cardoso Moreira, Catarina; Neves de Jesus, SaúlStudies highlight the importance of physical activity (PA) in relation to positive psychological functioning (PPF) among adults. Physical inactivity is strongly associated with lower levels of PPF, supporting the idea that lifestyle choices can be identified as a public health concern. There is growing evidence of the health benefits of regular PA. This study aims to analyze the contribution of PA to flow, PPF, and well-being. The sample consisted of 226 adults aged between 18 and 65 years (M = 41.23; SD = 12.50), mostly female (70.35%), with 56% reporting regular PA. Results revealed significant differences favoring active individuals over sedentary participants in all dimensions of flow, except for loss of self-consciousness. Regular PA was associated with higher levels of flow and psychological well-being. Both regular and intensive PA, as well as environmental mastery (EM), were key contributors to flow experiences, while self-acceptance and EM were central contributors to the Live Well Index. These findings support the association between PA and lower likelihood of sedentary lifestyles, emphasize its benefits for well-being, and highlight the association between PPF and active lifestyle patterns.