2022
Authors
Barbosa, S; Scotto, MG;
Publication
WEATHER AND CLIMATE EXTREMES
Abstract
Extreme summer temperatures in the Iberia Peninsula are analyzed from ERA5-Land reanalysis data based on an extreme value mixture model combining a Normal distribution for the bulk distribution (i.e. for the non-extreme values) and a Generalized Pareto Distribution for the extremes in the upper tail. This approach allows to treat the threshold of temperature exceedances as being one of model parameters rather than fixed a priori, enabling to take into account its corresponding uncertainty. Extreme value mixture models are estimated individually for each location, and the analysis is performed separately for two distinct periods, namely from 1981 to 2000 and from 2000 to 2019, respectively. The results show significant differences in the extreme value mixture models for the two periods, and in their corresponding 20-year return levels. The mean of the bulk distribution of summer maximum temperature increases significantly, particularly in Eastern Iberia. The largest differences in the tails of the data distribution between the two periods occur in the eastern Mediterranean area, and are characterized by a significant increase in the threshold for temperature exceedances and in their corresponding return levels.
2022
Authors
Barbosa, S; Dias, N; Almeida, C; Amaral, G; Ferreira, A; Lima, L; Silva, I; Martins, A; Almeida, J; Camilo, M; Silva, E;
Publication
OCEANS 2022
Abstract
The atmospheric electric field is a key characteristic of the Earth system. Despite its relevance, oceanic measurements of the atmospheric electric field are scarce, as typically oceanic measurements tend to be focused on ocean properties rather than on the atmosphere above. This motivated the set-up of an innovative campaign on board the sail ship NRP Sagres focused on the measurement of the atmospheric electric field in the marine boundary layer. This paper describes the monitoring system that was developed to measure the atmospheric electric field during the planned circumnavigation expedition of the sail ship NRP Sagres.
2022
Authors
Barbosa, S; Matos, J; Azevedo, E;
Publication
Abstract
2022
Authors
Tabbett, J; Aplin, K; Barbosa, S;
Publication
Abstract
2022
Authors
Su, L; Martins, J; Au Yong Oliveira, M; Branco, F;
Publication
Communications in Computer and Information Science
Abstract
The number of smartphone users has increased significantly, and the development of mobile applications has brought convenience to daily life. However, large numbers of users who have various barriers, such as visual or hearing impairments, and physical disorders, are not able to fully access and use the referred applications, which is unfair to them, especially when considering its use by students in a university campus where all users should be able to enjoy equal opportunities and experiences. The main goal of this study is to assess accessibility in mobile applications of the education sector. Thus, an evaluation model is also proposed to assess the accessibility of the applications from two perspectives, which are the inherent properties of the applications and the user experience of different disability categories. 46 official mobile applications were tested which related to 23 universities and institutes of Portugal, using automatic and manual testing methods. Several frequently occurring accessibility issues in the apps were identified and summarized, such as color contrast, touch target, missing focus. The results of the accessibility testing showed that the status of web accessibility of mobile applications in the higher education sector in Portugal is unsatisfactory. Most apps have multiple accessibility issues, and they are extremely unfriendly to the users with visual impairments. In addition, the study also proposed a series of accessibility recommendations for mobile application designers and developers, with the purpose of improving the accessibility of apps and providing an equitable user experience for all users. © 2022, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
2022
Authors
Bastardo, R; Pavão, J; Rocha, NP;
Publication
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems
Abstract
This paper presents a scoping review of the literature on user-centred usability evaluation of Embodied Communication Agents (ECAs) embedded in digital solutions to support older adults. Twenty-nine studies were included in this scoping review. The included studies reported the implementation of digital solutions to promote: (i) secure and supportive environment; (ii) healthcare provision; (iii) healthy lifestyles; and (iv) social involvement and active participation. In terms of usability evaluation, it was not possible to identify a common understanding on the methods and instruments being used since there is high heterogeneity in terms of experimental design. Moreover, some methodological flaws were identified when analysing the experimental design of the included studies. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
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