Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco

RC IPCB - Scientific Repository

Repository of the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco

The mission of the Repository of the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco is to provide Open Access to scientific publications of the Polytechnic. Its main aims are: dissemination of the Polytechnic scientific publications; long-term preservation and archiving of its publications; scientific and technical knowledge sharing in order to promote further research and new production of knowledge; and maximization of scientific publication impact both in academia and different research fields.

Documents are archived under a Creative Commons licence.

Mandatory policy

Newsletter - here

FAQ’s

Useful Links

Tel +351 273 33 99 00

Email repositorio@ipcb.pt

Recent Submissions

A practical approach to industrial digitalization through data acquisition and systems integration for predictive maintenance

Publication . Bocharov, Nikita; Torres, Pedro; Matos, João

The digital transformation of industrial environments requires the ability to collect, process, and integrate data from production systems in real time. However, many manufacturing facilities operate with legacy equipment that is perfectly functional and operational but lacks native connectivity or standardized interfaces for data acquisition. This paper presentes an approach to enable industrial digitalization through the implementation of a network architecture at the Operational Technology (OT) level that facilitates the collection of structured data from legacy and modern machines. The proposed solution ensures integration between production systems and supervisory platforms, supporting real-time monitoring through SCADA systems and providing relevant information for predictive maintenance strategies. The proposal is based on the implementation of a standardized and secure communication infrastructure between the shop floor and higher-level Information Technology (IT) systems, aligning with the principles of Industry 4.0. The solution has been implemented in a real industrial scenario, is fully operational and the results demonstrate significant benefits of integrating heterogeneous industrial assets into a unified data ecosystem, improving process insight, operational efficiency and supporting maintenance decision-making.

2025Research article

Open access

Valorization of fruit distillation pomaces

Publication . Serra, Lara; Pitacas, F.I.; Pedro, Soraia; Pires, Bruno; Fernandes, Tiago; Luís, Ângelo; Gallardo, Eugenia; Anjos, O.

This study aims to characterise the nutritional composition of distillation pomace from the production of spirits from apple, pear and strawberry tree fruits (STFs) and to assess its potential for valorisation within circular economy and zero waste strategies. Pomace samples were collected after distillation at a distillery in Castelo Branco. Two batches per fruit type, each with three replicates, were analysed. The following parameters were analysed: ash content, organic matter content, protein content, fat content, fibre content, lignin content, hemicellulose content, cellulose content, non-fibrous carbohydrate content, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were determined and the compound profiles were assessed by HPLC. FTIR-ATR spectroscopy was applied for chemical fingerprinting. ANOVA and principal component analysis (PCA) were used for data interpretation. PCA for nutritional parameters explained 96.6% of the total variance and clearly distinguishedbetween the pomaces used. Apple pomace had the highest protein content (6.04 ± 0.07 g/100 g), whereas pear pomace had the lowest (2.83 ± 0.27 g/100 g). STF pomace had the highest fat content (4.71 g/100 g) and was rich in organic matter, fibre, hemicellulose and cellulose. STF and apple pomaces additionally exhibited higher TPC and TFC values. Using HPLC-DAD, we were able to identify 28 phenolic compounds, as well differentiating between the pomaces and confirming the presence of compounds of interest. The highest concentrations were found for resveratrol and syringic acid, particularly in pear extracts (0.73–0.59 μg/mg extract). Benzoic acid, p-coumaric acid and rutin also appeared in relatively high amounts. FTIR-ATR spectroscopy identified functional groups, supporting chemical discrimination and different potential valorisation. Distillation pomace revealed valuable nutritional and chemical properties, highlighting its potential as a raw material for use in the food industry. STF pomace, in particular, is characterised by its high fibre and bioactive compound content. Further research is needed to optimise its industrial use.

2025Conference paper

Open access

Associations between body mass index, physical activity, perceived school competence, and academic performance in Portuguese elementary students

Publication . Rebelo, Miguel; Serrano, João; HONÓRIO, SAMUEL; Santos, Jorge; Marques, Catarina; Silva Batista, Marco Alexandre

Background/Objectives: Childhood is a critical stage for consolidating health-related habits that shape physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. Regular physical activity has been linked to fitness and academic outcomes, while high body mass index (BMI) may hinder school performance. This study examined associations between BMI, perceived school competence, academic performance, and weekly physical activity volume in Portuguese elementary students, addressing a gap in national evidence compared with international studies. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was adopted with 531 children (M = 9.13 years) from 10 public schools. BMI was calculated from anthropometric measures, weekly physical activity was self-reported, perceived competence was assessed with Harter’s Self-Concept Scale (Cronbach’s α = 0.797), and academic performance was obtained from school records. Analyses included Pearson correlations, ANOVA with Scheffé post hoc, and multiple regression, with exact significance values reported. Results: Higher BMI was negatively associated with perceived competence and academic achievement, while regular physical activity, particularly 4–6 h per week, was linked to better results in Portuguese and mathematics. Associations were modest (r = 0.18–0.32; R2 = 0.12). Regression showed physical activity (β = 0.093, p = 0.033) and perceived competence (β = 0.126, p = 0.004) predicted academic performance, whereas BMI was not (β = −0.028, p = 0.524). The near-zero correlation with environmental studies suggests subject-specific influences. Conclusions: Adequate BMI and regular physical activity are associated with better academic performance. The role of perceived competence is theoretically inferred as a potential mediator, but not formally tested. Findings highlight the interplay of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial factors. Structured school-based activity programs of 4–6 h weekly may promote both health and learning.

2025Research article

Open access

Effects of lower limb power, aerobic capacity and hand grip strength on the technical efficiency of young tennis players

Publication . Honório, Samuel; Santos, Jorge; Serrano, João; Rebelo, Miguel; Semião, Pedro; Vitorino, Diogo; Groflin, Yannick; Fernandes, Helder Miguel; Vaz, Luís; Silva, Ana Filipa; Thomas, Ewan; Kramperova, Veronika; Batista, Marco; Samuel

Introduction: Tennis is a sport with no time limit. This can result in matches lasting less than an hour or up to five hours. This variability requires that high-competition tennis athletes be trained both at an anaerobic level for better performance, and at an aerobic level, to help with recovery between points, during the game. Methods: This cross-sectional study intended to analyse how lower limb power, aerobic capacity and hand grip strength influences the technical efficiency of tennis players. Training among young tennis players provides a positive and crucial role in building technique effectiveness, so early but convenient and adapted preparations through training play an essential role in helping these young players to improve their skills in this game. Twenty-six athletes, aged between 8 and 16 (M=11.26±2.25), 18 males (69.2%) and 8 females (30.8%) were included. They performed the Hand-Grip strength test, the aerobic capacity was tested via one-mile (1609 meters) test. For technical efficiency, they performed 50 right and 50 left shots, checking which ones reached the area inside and outside the tennis court and the leg power capacity through the Chronojump system. Non-parametric tests were applied, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis and also Rho Spearman correlations between variables. Results: Comparisons between level of training (p≤0.02) and years of practice (p≤0.04) revealed that all the variables had a direct and positive influence on the technical efficiency of these tennis players. As for correlation results, all independent variables have a strong correlation with tennis technical efficiency (0.480 to 0.736). Conclusions: Findings suggest that higher physical fitness capacities are associated with greater technical efficiency.

2025Research article

Open access

Establishing a regional industry 4.0 electronics hub: The GreenUpPCB model

Publication . Dionísio, Rogério Pais; Ünal, Irem; Delgado-Prieto, M.; Romeral Martinez, L.

This chapter presents GreenUpPCB as a regional Industry 4.0 hub for electronics repair and retrofitting, based in Castelo Branco, Portugal. The initiative combines artificial intelligence, machine vision, 3D printing, and automation to extend the life cycle of obsolete printed circuit boards, particularly in renewable energy systems and railway rolling stock. By promoting circular economy practices and reducing electronic waste, GreenUpPCB supports sustainable and resilient industrial operations. The hub also strengthens regional development by linking academic research with industrial needs, offering training, innovation, and high-tech services to local small- and medium-sized enterprises. Its model enables smart manufacturing adoption in low-density territories without dependence on urban clusters. Aligned with the European Chips Act and national strategies for microelectronics, GreenUpPCB demonstrates how regional hubs can contribute to the green and digital transitions across multiple sectors, including energy and transport.

2025Book part

Open access