Biblioteca Digital do IPB

Publications Repository of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança

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The Digital Library of IPB (Biblioteca Digital do IPB), promotes and provides open access to scientific literature produced by the IPB academic community, promoting integration, visibility and sharing of scientific information granting the preservation of intellectual memory of the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança.

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Recent Submissions

Innovative Applications of Artificial Neural Networks in Tax Forecasting

Publication . Rodolfo, Bruno Couto de Abreu; Gonçalves, Bruno F.

The importance of forecasting tax revenues is vital for economic planning and financial sustainability in Mozambique. The study addresses this topic by exploring the potential of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to improve such predictions. The central problem is the limitation of conventional methods in capturing the complexity of fiscal data. The objective is to develop an ANN model that incorporates historical data and economic factors, providing a mixed methodology that enriches the analysis with qualitative and quantitative data. The rationale for adopting ANNs lies in their superior modeling and prediction capabilities in large and complex data environments. The results achieved demonstrate that ANNs can predict tax revenues with greater accuracy, surpassing traditional models. The conclusion points to the ANN as a valuable tool for tax authorities, enhancing efficiency in collection and contributing to the country's fiscal stability.

2025Journal article

Open access

Avaliação da soldabilidade de aços ao carbono com o processo MAG

Publication . Coppla, Gustavo Fonseca; Ribeiro, J.E.; Alves , Thiago Antonini; Verástegui, Roger Navarro

A soldadura MAG é amplamente utilizada devido à sua versatilidade e eficiência na união de aços ao carbono. No entanto, a definição de parâmetros ótimos para o processo ainda é um desafio para garantir a qualidade e a confiabilidade das juntas soldadas. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a soldabilidade do aço carbono no processo MAG, analisando a influência de diferentes parâmetros de soldadura. Para isso, foram realizados ensaios de flexão, tração, dureza Rockwell e análise macrográfica em corpos de prova soldados sob diferentes condições de tensão, velocidade e ângulo de soldadura. A metodologia envolveu um planejamento experimental baseado no método de Taguchi e na análise de variância dos resultados, para determinar a influência de cada parâmetro na qualidade da soldadura, buscando uma combinação ótima. Os resultados mostraram que a escolha adequada dos parâmetros pode otimizar as propriedades mecânicas das juntas soldadas, reduzindo defeitos e melhorando a resistência. Conclui-se que a seleção criteriosa das condições de soldadura é essencial para maximizar a soldabilidade do aço carbono no processo MAG, desempenhando um papel fundamental na obtenção de juntas de alta qualidade.

2025-03-06Master thesis

Open access

Equipamento de ensaio de durabilidade para válvulas a GN e GPL

Publication . Moreira, Luís Filipe Lopes; Ribeiro, J.E.; Barbosa, Carlos

Este trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento de um equipamento de ensaios de durabilidade para válvulas de GN e GPL, com o cumprimento de requisitos da norma EN331 e do CATIM. O equipamento foi projetado para ser ergonómico, preciso, robusto, modular, intuitivo e de fácil utilização. Foram escolhidos os materiais e componentes para a estrutura, e desenhada em software CAD. O Arduíno é responsável pelo controlo dos sensores e atuadores. Finalizado a montagem, foram realizados ensaios de teste, a validação dos sensores e atuadores com ferramentas certificadas, e uma comparação do custo final com outros equipamentos. Com todos os requisitos finalizados e validados, o equipamento foi desenvolvido com sucesso.

2025-01-22Master thesis

Open access

Mental health challenges in professional musicians: A systematic review of stress, anxiety, and depression

Publication . Cardoso, Mário; Silva, Leonido Levi; Pereira, Antonino; Morgado, Elsa

Mental health challenges among professional musicians have gained attention due to the unique stressors associated with their careers. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these challenges and identifies potential areas for further research and intervention. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using keywords such as "mental health," "musicians," "professional musicians," "stress," "anxiety," "depression," and "psychological well-being." The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of Music Performance Anxiety (MPA), influenced by psychological, physiological, and environmental factors. Interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), biofeedback, and structured programs like ConfiDance show promise in reducing MPA and enhancing performance. However, additional research is needed to develop interventions tailored to musicians of different skill levels and genres. Further studies should also explore personality traits, performance settings, and long-term coping mechanisms for comprehensive support. The review underscores the significant mental health challenges musicians face, including high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The demanding nature of their profession—marked by performance pressure, irregular schedules, financial instability, and social isolation—contributes to these issues, potentially affecting creativity and career longevity. Addressing these challenges through targeted interventions is crucial for supporting musicians' mental well-being.

2025Journal article

Open access

Development of a sustainable mediterranean-inspired snack: green extraction of bioactive compounds and biopolymer packaging

Publication . Lopes, João Pedro Krauspenhar; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Roriz, Custódio Lobo; Prieto Lage, Miguel A.; Carocho, Márcio

The Mediterranean diet, well known for its health benefits, is characterized by high consumption of plant-based foods, along with low to moderate amount of seafood and animal products. In contrast, life in the 21st century is marked by a fast-pace, making the consumption of nutritious foods challenging, as ultra-processed foods have become the default option for their convenience, despite their negative impact on health. The MedSnack project appears as an alternative, by developing a minimally processed and sustainable ready-to-eat snack, incorporating the nutritional value of the Mediterranean diet by using olives and dates, sweetened with honey, and enhanced with natural colorants and bioactives. The wrapper of the snack will be produced from algae-based polymers, infused with volatile protective compounds obtained from the bioresidues of olive and date trees, through innovative and sustainable processes like ultrasound and microwave assisted extractions. A key innovation of MedSnack is its sustainable and circular solution by using Mediterranean products and their residue to create a ready to eat, healthy, and sustainable product. This project is included in a wider funded PRIMA project, FoWRSaP – Agro Food Waste Recovery: New Processing Technologies for Food Safety and Packaging, aimed at adding value to residues to develop new packaging and improve food safety in several food products.

2025Conference object

Open access