Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-10-15"
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- Psychosocial factors and quality of life of portuguese adolescents with chronic conditions - increased risk for victims of bullyingPublication . Cerqueira, Ana; Guedes, Fábio Botelho; Gaspar, Tania; Godeau, Emmanuelle; Simões, Celeste; Matos, Margarida Gaspar deThe experience of living with a chronic condition (CC) impacts adolescents’ psychological and social adjustment and overall functioning. Considering the increased risk of psychosocial challenges among adolescents with CC, this study aimed to enhance our understanding of the psychological and social factors that impact their quality of life. It also compared the psychological and social variables among (a) adolescents with and without CC and (b) adolescents with CC who are and who are not victims of bullying. The results demonstrated that adolescents with CC showed more psychosocial difficulties than their peers, as they more frequently reported involvement in situations of violence, and demonstrated more difficulties at a psychological and emotional level. Further, being victims of bullying increased the psychosocial vulnerabilities of these adolescents. A better quality of life was associated with the following psychosocial factors: not being a victim of bullying or cyberbullying, having less anxiety and fewer depressive symptoms, liking school, receiving more support from family and friends, having better relationships with peers, and having fewer physical and psychological symptoms. These findings are significant for helping schools develop tools and strategies to address violence and support students with CC, who are at a higher risk of being involved in such situations and require a targeted response.
- Architecture and its metaphors. The poetic form as expriencePublication . Rudari, FedericoWhile language can be understood as an expression of the phenomenal unity between the world and man, it is the poetic form that has always explained both mythical and physical phenomena of the human experience (Paz 1973). Following the idea of a primordial connection between poetry and understanding, I aim to explore the possibility of expanding the poetic model to other human cognitive experiences, and the architectural one in particular. The metaphorical relational structure between signifier and signified at the core of poetics can be translated in architectural terms in multiple ways: the relationship between container and contained space, built materiality and its experienceable in between, and many more. In this way, space as an external object becomes part of its subject: this is the limit and only possibility of knowledge. The emphasis given to the experiential dimension of the spaces we inhabit shifted the focus from what architecture is, has or does, to how its users feel and, ultimately, on who they are (Klingmann 2007). From the Situationist International to Antonioni’s cinema and experience economy, this contribution addresses architectural forms as part of a social life which determines use, reception, and participation by communities, renewing the attention on experience rather than function.
- Adoption of male hormonal contraception : drivers and barriers in the portuguese marketPublication . Mello, Inês Lisboa Corrêa de; Rita, MiguelThroughout human history, contraception has had a significant impact on how civilizations, cultures, and individual lives are shaped. Societies have evolved a range of methods to manage fertility and restrict reproduction over the years, from primitive natural remedies to innovative contraceptive technologies. However, there is a need for efficient male methods of contraception. As a response, male hormonal contraception could give men a proactive role in preventing conception, in contrast to traditional techniques that predominantly rely on femalecontrolled options. Concern and excitement over the possible release of male hormonal contraception on the market have grown in recent years. Nevertheless, limited data on this approach is available in the Portuguese market. Thus, this dissertation aims to investigate the adoption of Male Hormonal Contraception: Drivers and Barriers in the Portuguese Market. Through the literature review analysis, the development of semi-structured interviews and an online survey, the results show that Male hormonal contraception is well-received in the Portuguese market, with higher use among men in committed partnerships and a preference for oral dosage, despite concerns about STDs, side effects do not significantly prevent use and partner support is crucial. The dissertation provides theoretical and managerial insights that help mold the future course of potential Portuguese hormonal contraceptive businesses.
- Isolated appetites : unveiling the relationship between social isolation and food preferences among the Portuguese population aged 65+Publication . Qiu, Jessyca; Silva, Clédna Patrícia de Oliveira; Pereira, Diana Cristina RodriguesThis dissertation investigates the association between food choice and social isolation in older individuals with 65 years old and above. More specifically, we seek to investigate whether greater social isolation may lead to specific food choices in the older population individuals. A structured survey including social-demographic information, social isolation and food choice preferences were answered by 59 participants (55.9% females), aged between 65 and 87 years, from the north region of Portugal. The results did not support our assumption on the possible association between food choice and social isolation. We discuss that several obstacles may have led to such a result, such as the sample size, the measuring instrument which might not be suitable for the targeted population, as well as the recruitment process which might generate unconscious recruitment bias. Given this conclusion, more research is needed in exploring the effects of social isolation in one9s food selections in our aging societies.
- Foley as storytelling : internship at studio Sound TroopPublication . Llona, Lucía Alejandra Beaumont; Carvalho, José Vasco Gaio Monteiro BarrocoThis report reflects on the experiences and skills acquired during the curricular internship focused on foley art at the studio Sound Troop in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Over the course of the six months internship, I applied the knowledge learned during the Sound and Image Master’s Program and refined my abilities in foley editing, recording, mixing and performance, which are reviewed in detail in this report. The document includes an analysis of the studio foley stage, explaining how Sound Troop controls the acoustics of the room to achieve the desired sound, and concluding that this recording technique prioritizes the naturalistic and aesthetical elements of the craft. Additionally, the report offers reflections on the artistic and storytelling aspects of foley, addressing the concerns about the intersection of artificial intelligence with the human made foley. As an artist, the objective with this dissertation is to show the possibilities and concerns surrounding foley today, and how it can be integrated into artistic practice.
- Artificial intelligence vs. human recommendations : how trust and transparency affect purchase intent in the online fashion industryPublication . Tilly, Freya Ariane; Almeida, Filipa deThis dissertation examines the impact of trust and transparency on purchase intent in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) and human recommendations, focusing on the online fashion industry. To do so, three primary research questions were addressed: (1) How do AI recommendations affect the willingness to buy of customers? (2) How does trust differ between humans and AI, and how does this affect purchase intent? (3) How does recommendation transparency affect trust and willingness to buy? To address these questions, a quantitative experimental study with a 2x2 design was conducted, manipulating the recommendation source and transparency levels. The results revealed no significant differences in participant9s trust or purchase intent between AI and human recommenders. However, when perceived transparency was considered, AI recommenders were trusted less than human ones. In both cases, higher levels of trust were linked to a higher willingness to buy. While actual transparency was not found to moderate trust, perceived transparency did have significant effects here. In addition, the results of the study showed that the more familiar participants were with AI, the greater their trust and willingness to buy. This dissertation has practical importance since it provides valuable insights into recommendations and AI in the online fashion industry.
- Algorithmic management in white collar professions : the influence of algorithmic management practices on job motivation among graduates and soon-to-be graduates entering white-collar professionsPublication . Kirn, Yannik; Almeida, Filipa deAs algorithmic management (AM) becomes increasingly integrated into modern workplaces, understanding its impact on job motivation is essential, particularly for graduates and soon-to be graduates entering white-collar professions. This study investigates how AM practices influence key motivational factors4autonomy, competence, and relatedness4drawing upon the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) framework. Using a controlled experimental design, we surveyed recent and soon-to-be graduates to assess their motivation levels under conditions managed by either AM systems or human supervisors. The sample consisted of 150 participants, all of whom were presented with a realistic job scenario tailored to reflect typical white-collar tasks. Data were analysed using ANOVA and regression models to explore the relationships between AM, job motivation, and job appeal. The results indicate that AM negatively impacts job motivation, with significant differences observed between AM and human management conditions. Specifically, AM was associated with lower levels of perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which, in turn, reduced overall job motivation and job appeal. These findings suggest that while AM can enhance efficiency, it may also undermine the psychological drivers critical to employee engagement. The study's implications emphasize the need for a balanced approach to AM implementation, one that safeguards employee well-being while maintaining operational efficiency. Future research should explore additional mediators and employ longitudinal studies to provide deeper insights into how AM influences motivation and job outcomes over time.
- Sustainable practices : ESG and green innovation effect on CVC’s firm valuePublication . Castro, Diogo Miguel Silva de; Shuwaikh, FátimaThis dissertation investigates the relationship of ESG, green innovation and firm value, in the context of corporate venture capital. The research dives into sustainability and environment to contribute knowledge to investors, companies and market players, and to raise awareness over the importance corporations have on pressing forward sustainable practices to the industry. The research focus on a sample of 62 U.S. firms during a period of 21 years. Theoretical background analysis suggests a positive impact proportioned by ESG and green innovation on the financial performance of firms. The findings on this paper corroborate the conclusions of the body of literature. The results on ESG indicate companies with higher ESG score have improved firm value. Furthermore, green innovation as measured in both, quantity (Count) and quality (Citations) lead to improved firm value when the green metric increased. Moreover, the combined effect of the two variables has a positive effect on firm value. Additionally, the paper delves into the mediation role of green innovation between ESG and firm value, but the results display no mediation effect. The findings in this research put a spotlight on the importance of addressing sustainability and the impact companies benefit from recognizing and adjusting towards sustainable practices.
- Nearshoring for sustainability? : exploring key drivers in the manufacturing industry in EuropePublication . Weiher, Laura; Cruz, Nuno Moreira daIn an era where global disruptions have reshaped the manufacturing landscape, companies are increasingly rethinking their supply chain strategies. This dissertation explores the emerging trend of nearshoring within the manufacturing industry in Europe, with a particular emphasis on sustainability. The research is primarily concerned with the identification of the key drivers influencing the decision to nearshore. Furthermore, it aims to determine whether sustainability represents a significant motivating factor in this context. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, undertaking a comprehensive examination of interviews with industry experts. The initial research question investigates “Why do companies decide to move their production closer to home?”, revealing that resilience, risk mitigation, and cost reductions represent the primary drivers. However, as the world faces the growing urgency of sustainability, the second question probes deeper: “Is sustainability a key driver for companies to implement nearshoring strategies?”. The findings of this study indicate that sustainability remains a secondary motivation, although it is receiving greater attention due to regulatory pressures and shifting consumer expectations. The research concludes that a holistic evaluation of the nearshoring business case is essential to make well-founded relocation decisions that are economically viable while also promoting environmental and social sustainability. The conclusions not only contribute to the academic discourse but also provide actionable insights for industry leaders aiming to future-proof their operations in an unpredictable world.
- Driving the digital shift exploring consumer readiness for digital D2C automotive sales in Austria and GermanyPublication . Jagob, Daniel; Rita, MiguelThis thesis examines whether consumers in Austria and Germany are ready to embrace digital direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales models in the automotive industry, a shift driven by new competitors like Tesla. The study explores the factors influencing purchase intentions, preferred sales channels, and the demographic profiles of consumers likely to adopt digital D2C models. A mixed-method research approach was used, combining qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey, to evaluate the findings from the performed literature review. Findings reveal a significant preference among younger consumers for purchasing cars through digital D2C models. Additionally, consumers generally show a lower willingness to pay when purchasing via digital D2C models compared to traditional retail, emphasizing the need for competitive pricing. Showrooming, or the ability to physically inspect a car before buying online, positively impacts purchase intentions, highlighting the importance of integrating physical and digital experiences. These insights suggest that automotive manufacturers should adopt an omnichannel approach, combining the convenience of digital channels with the reassurance provided by physical showrooms, to transition from traditional retail to digital sales effectively. This research contributes to the limited academic literature on digital D2C models in the automotive sector, offering empirical data on consumer behavior in these emerging sales channels.
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