Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2021-01-29"
Now showing 1 - 10 of 16
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- The impact of sustainability information on consumers´ purchase behaviour and brand perceptionPublication . Guerra, Mariana Duarte; Colaço, Vera Maria Portela Herédia Lancastre FreitasThe average atmospheric temperature of the earth, prior to the industrial revolution, was approximately 14ºC. Currently it has increased 1.5ºC, and is expected to continue to escalate. It is urgent to solve this climate crisis, and the future generation of leaders, it is our obligation to stop this vicious cycle, and ensure a future for the next generations. Although society is aware of this crisis, fashion consumption continues to increase, which contributes to the destruction of our planet. Brands contribute to this factor by continuing to manufacture and sell their products massively and with impunity. A possible solution to mitigate such effects is to increase consumers’ awareness about the negative impact that their choices have on the environment by stating this information clearly on products. Specifically, this research examines the extent to which providing consumers with information about the sustainability level of products impacts their choices. Consequently, whether it allows them to make more conscious consumption decisions. Findings from an experimental study show that providing consumers with high (vs. low) sustainability information levels positively influence brand perceptions of sustainable brands. This effect holds even when sustainable products are more expensive. Consumers are positively influenced by the amount of sustainability information that is available at their disposal to compare between product alternatives. Theoretical and managerial implications are provided, namely for the development of a software that provides sustainability-related information about products so that consumers can make choice comparisons among various product alternatives.
- SOLL platform and its perceived usefulness and easePublication . Magalhães, Andreia; Andrade, António; Alves, José MatiasThe Internet of Things (IoT) appears with great educational potential, as it is a network composed of various objects and devices connected to the Internet, allowing the performance of interdisciplinary activities. Thus, it presents the SOLL platform: Smart Objects Linked to Learning, which, supported by a set of technologies that collect and store data from a greenhouse, allows dynamic, interactive and interdisciplinary learning and a synchronous or asynchronous evaluation. In this article, the platform architecture is exposed and, using a mixed methodology, student questionnaires and interviews with focus groups of teachers, the data obtained show that both teachers and students recognize perceived usefulness and ease on the platform, at least that it responds to the structure of the learning community, adopting a different learning model, with exploration and enrichment of educational information.
- Do the stress conditions of financial markets influence the effectiveness of asset purchase programs?Publication . Silva, Bárbara Isabel Garrido da; Soares, Carla Sofia CaeiroIn the last decade, the major central banks around the world started to implement asset purchase programs as the primary policy instrument. This study aims to evaluate the effects of asset purchase programs' announcements conducted by the European Central Bank (ECB) on financial markets at different financial stress periods. Using an event-study methodology based on a regression analysis that explicitly controls for the level of financial stress, it was found that the announcement effect is more effective in reducing sovereign yields in peripheral countries in periods of high financial distress. Moreover, a narrowing of country yield spreads is found, with a decrease of yields of peripheral countries and a null or mild increase of yields of core countries. It is also observed that these programs had widespread consequences over the stock market and inflation expectations, especially in periods of low stress. Even though the announcements of the asset purchase programs have a strong effect on sovereign bond rates, they have a limited action under stress periods across other market segments.
- Has the negative interest rate environment changed the financing structure of firms?Publication . Jorge, Inês da Cruz Morais Pais; Soares, Carla Sofia CaeiroIn June 2014, the European Central Bank (ECB) cut its deposit facility rate by 10 basis points, setting it into negative territory in an attempt to stimulate economic growth. This new unconventional monetary policy tool's effectiveness is being extensively studied, mostly focused on the impact on banks, without reaching a consensus yet. In contrast, this dissertation focuses on non-financial firms, aiming to understand the potential impact of the negative interest rates environment on their financing structure. Taking a methodological approach similar to Bougheas et al. (2006), we confirm that constrained firms (smaller, riskier, and with less collateral) are more vulnerable (have more short-term debt) to a monetary policy tightening. The negative rates environment's impact is modest, with riskier firms containing their level of external finance relative to other periods.
- Socioeconomic status and the prevalence of chronic health problems in PortugalPublication . Figueirôa, Maria Teresa Pontes de Brito; Gouveia, Miguel Rebordão de AlmeidaPortugal, throughout the times, has displayed high health inequalities based on socioeconomic differences, as is the case in many other countries. This work aims at estimating the correlation between each individual’s socioeconomic status (SES) and the prevalence of chronic health problems. Previous studies have focused on specific diseases, but a more complete and detailed analysis is needed, so as to better capture the distribution of mental, physical and, even, mixed chronic conditions in the Portuguese population. To that end, the incidence of depression, diabetes, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease and chronic pain was analyzed. SES was measured by a composite indicator, which aggregates several variables through the use of Multiple Correspondence Analysis. The usage of this statistical method came, inevitably, as a result of the excessive aggregation of income data in the National Health Survey of 2014 (Inquérito Nacional de Saúde). Concentration indices were then computed and shown to be statistically significant, uncovering the disproportionately high prevalence of chronic conditions in the population with lower SES. Therefore, further research should be carried out to better comprehend the primary causes of the revealed inequality as well as to develop a more adequate policy response.
- Cytotoxicity assessment of endodontic sealers: metabolic activity, morphology and chromosomal alterationsPublication . Tavares, Inês Moura; Ribeiro, Ilda P.; Pais, Cláudia; Laranjo, Mafalda; Jardim, Ana; Mascarenhas, Alexandra; Zuzarte, Mónica; Cardoso, Miguel; Girão, Henrique; Botelho, Maria Filomena; Melo, Joana B. de; Carreira, Isabel M.; Noites, RitaIntroduction: Endodontic treatment aims to eliminate infection of the root canals and fill the dental pulp space, being, the obturation of root canals an important step. The study of the toxicity/biocompatibility of the sealers used to fill the root canals is crucial since they are applied into direct contact with periradicular tissues.There are several types of sealers, categorized according to their main chemical constituents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of three root canal sealers, AH Plus, Bio MTA+ and Bio C, on immortalized human gingival fibroblasts. Methods: To study the cytotoxicity of the sealers we performed a Methyltetrazolium (MTT) assay, a study of cell's morphology and a cytogenetic study. Cells were placed in contact with material-conditioned media, for 24 h, at three different concentrations (1, 10 and 100 mg/ml) for the MTT assay. Cell morphology and cytogenetic studies were performed at 100 mg/ml. Cells in normal culture medium were analyzed as control group. Results: MTT assay revealed a cytotoxic effect of Bio MTA+ and Bio C with a growing decrease of metabolic activity with increasing compound concentration, reaching 50% with 100 mg/ml. Regarding the cells morphology, Bio C was the compound that showed a more drastic effect, with a decrease in cell confluence and several morphological changes. AH Plus and Bio MTA+ did not seem to affect the cell confluence, however morphology changes were observed, as compromised cell membranes and loss of cell content. Cytogenetic study was thus far only performed with AH Plus. Since there was a severe decrease of mitotic index after treatment, it was not yet possible to obtain sufficient metaphases, even after several cytogenetic harvesting procedures, but, so far, no relevant structural or numerical changes were observed. Discussion: This preliminary study allowed us to verify that these root canal sealers exhibit some cytotoxicity, depending on the concentration used. Although more studies are still needed, this work could be important to both, help in the selection of the most appropriate compounds for clinical practice and to determine the maximum recommended amounts of each sealer.
- Communicating brands´ purpose-driven orientation : does it make a difference on cause-related advertisements? A study on well-established fast-fashion brandsPublication . Veloso, Joana Pessegueiro; Colaço, Vera Maria Portela Herédia Lancastre FreitasMotivated by the necessity of change in a world with alarming environmental and social issues, consumers' purchase behaviour and brands' business models have been showing an incredible transformation. This reality transcends to the fast-fashion industry, where brands progressively begin to communicate their CSR practices (cause-related marketing) and their purpose (purpose-driven orientation). In line, the present dissertation intends to examine how well-established fast-fashion brands can communicate more efficiently a cause-related advertisement by integrating purpose-driven statements. Based on an extensive analysis of the existing literature regarding the concepts in cause, an experimental study design was performed to examine the effect of adding a purpose-driven statement to a cause-related advertisement on consumers’ purchase behaviours and brand equity perceptions, as well as to which type of responsible practice are consumers more sensitive. Results alert to the importance of introducing a purpose-driven orientation effectively. The success of a purpose-driven statement communication requires the integration of important elements and a clear internal congruency. If consumers cannot relate the statement with the brand’s practice conduct it will lead to a perverse result and consumers' purchase intention will decrease. Moreover, this thesis reinforces the relevance of cause-fit in a cause-related advertisement.
- Migrant detention centers in the United States and the treatment of children : do the practices violate international conventions and national law?Publication . Patrikyan, Nina Ivanovna; Gil, Ana Rita Amaral CamposThis paper examines the migrant detention centers in the United States through the lenses of the Convention Against Torture (CAT), and relevant United States law, such as the Supreme Court’s case law on the Eighth Amendment (cruel and unusual punishment). Specifically, we will address the treatment of children by the government while they are entering the United States in an attempt to claim asylum (either accompanied by their parents or unaccompanied). Additionally, the “zero tolerance policy” enacted by the US government in 2018, which forced the separation of children from their parents is examined. Both of these situations are studied to determine whether any of the treatment the children received violates the CAT and is considered to be either torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment. Similarly, we will also analyze whether this treatment violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Looking at factual findings from complaints filed over the years against U.S. agencies responsible for immigration and detention, as well as reports studying migrant detention centers, multiple allegations of ill-treatment have been reported. Taking into consideration these factual findings with the case law and legal interpretations of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, it is argued that this treatment of children could be qualified as torture and/or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under international law. Under United States law, it is also argued that these treatments constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
- Greenwashing and third-party certifications in the fashion context : examining the moderating role of third-party certifications between well-known brands’ involvement in greenwashing schemes and consumers’ brand valuationsPublication . Pereira, Inês Ventura Nunes; Colaço, Vera Maria Portela Herédia Lancastre FreitasFrom doing irreversible damage to the planet and its resources, to failing to comply with the workers’ rights, the excessive production and consumption of fashion products has brought worrying environmental and social complications. In the light of these events, while some companies have developed Corporate Social Responsibility policies in order to be more ethical, others decided to engage in greenwashing practices, misleading consumers and circumventing their desire for ethical products. Greenwashing has in turn created a consumer scepticism about the brands’ ethicality. In an attempt to overcome this issue, brands have been increasingly interested in obtaining third-party certifications to safeguard the ethical characteristics of their products and their business. Based on prior academic literature, an experimental study was conducted to examine the impact of well-known brands’ involvement in greenwashing schemes on consumers’ brand valuations and the moderating role of third-party certifications in mitigating those impacts. Results show that brands’ greenwashing practices have a negative impact on consumers’ brand valuations. Namely, on perceived ethicality, trust, brand loyalty, perceived quality, purchase intentions and willingness to pay. Additionally, findings show that third-party certifications are able to partially mitigate the negative impacts of greenwashing. This dissertation provides important theoretical and managerial contributions highlighting the ethical role of brands in the fashion industry. Also, it provides important implications for marketers and brands wanting to understand more about the negative effects of greenwashing and, simultaneously, the tactical implications in restoring consumers’ confidence after such scandals.
- The impact of COVID-19 on organic and conventional food consumption : examining the moderating effect of sustainable-self-esteem on the relationship between mortality salience and consumers´ choice and evaluations of organic versus conventional foodPublication . Ribeirinho, Beatriz Pinheiro de Almeida; Colaço, Vera Maria Portela Herédia Lancastre FreitasThis study aims to build a deeper understanding of how the consumer choices, attitudes, purchase intention and willingness to pay change in face of the pandemic. This research examines this phenomenon within the food industry, since it is one of the most impacted industries during the pandemic, with a singular focus on organic versus conventional food consumption and self-esteem as a moderator. Results indicate that the COVID-19 context has increased mortality salience, the awareness that death is inevitable. Yet, mortality salience is not impactful on consumers' evaluations and choice of food, except for the purchase intention for conventional products that seem to decrease in the COVID-19 context for consumers with lower self-esteem coming from sustainable behaviours. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 context shows to lead to more positive attitudes towards the consumption of organic food for consumers who have sustainability behaviours as their source of self-esteem. This study suggests that retailers can influence consumers positively in the COVID-19 context, by making these products easily available to attract consumers to buy organic food. Also, to take advantage of the positive attitudes by consumers towards this type of products that seem to emerge during the pandemic. This study provides valuable insight into consumer behaviour regarding organic and conventional food by examining the factors that influence consumers’ purchase intentions, willingness to pay, attitudes and choices towards food during a pandemic.