ESECS - Artigos em revistas internacionais
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- Planning forest recreation: environmental economic instruments and the public participationPublication . Oliveira, F.; Pintassilgo, P.; Mendes, I.; Silva, J. A.In Portugal there is a growing demand for natural areas that provide a wide range of outdoor recreation. This paper focuses on the particular case of the Mata Nacional de Leiria (Leiria National Forest). This is a pine tree forest with 11,000 hectares and eight centuries of history. It has always been a public forest with open access to everyone, a fact that contributes to different kinds of use and benefits (walking, cycling, picnics, collecting firewood, fruits and berries, and other recreation activities). The proximity to a major urban and industrial centre, on one hand, and to a very popular beach coast, on the other, makes this a resource that is widely used by both residents and visitors. In the future there is the possibility of implementing a set of actions to improve forest amenities and recreation, and later the emergence of environmental tourism activities and equipment. In this context, we want to know the economic valuation that actual users attach to these recreation improvements, but also realize their preferences and opinions regarding this project. For this purpose we designed, tested and applied a double bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation questionnaire. The results presented in this paper focus on responses to attitudinal and follow-up questions. More than 70% of respondents have positively assessed the proposed improvements to the study area and about 40% enhanced their personal opinion on the type of interventions that they consider most appropriate. Answers focus the priority areas of intervention in the Mata Nacional de Leiria, the main concerns in its development, the type of actions that should (and should not) be implemented, respondents willingness to actively take part and, also, what the public authorities' role should be. At this stage, where Mata Nacional de Leiria is being considered in terms of future recreation and tourism offers, the results obtained provide important contributions and enhance the contingent valuation survey as a tool to support recreation planning, promoting public participation and the political decision-making process.
- Tourism as a tool of community development: an ecotourism project in Cantanhez, Guinea-BissauPublication . Oliveira, F.; Silva, F.In recent decades the scientific community and various international organizations have provided a range of guidelines towards the development of more sustainable tourism. The responsible use of natural and cultural resources and the participation of local communities - with the involvement of the different actors in the development process - are inseparable aspects of sustainability's concept. However, when we try to put it into practice it appears that this is a very slow process, with many aspects that must be considered, especially in the case of underdeveloped regions. This paper focuses precisely on one of these regions - Cantanhez National Park, Guinea Bissau. This region has natural and cultural resources that are real treasures, which enhance the environmental and green forms of tourism; however, the structural problems of the country can be a real challenge to any type of initiative. The purpose of this communication is to present the ecotourism project in Cantanhez National Park, identifying the objectives, the first stages of the project implementation, the difficulties arising from the social, economic and political situation of the country and finally, its relevance in promoting community development. The realities that will be shared in this paper resulted from an initial visit to identify the needs of tourism planning, management and training in the communities directly involved.
- How customer expectations drive loyalty to food delivery app brandsPublication . Marques, Alzira; Lopes, Marlene; Santos, CéliaConsumers frequently use food delivery apps due to time constraints or the desire to explore diverse cuisines. These apps offer convenience and accessibility, but user loyalty is also shaped by factors such as ease of use, performance expectations, information quality, self-efficacy, and user enjoyment. This study analyses how user expectations contribute to brand loyalty in food delivery apps. A quantitative survey of 160 users was conducted, and data were analysed using structural equation modelling via Smart PLS. Results indicate that information quality and self-efficacy positively affect perceived ease of use; in turn, ease of use and self-efficacy influence performance expectations. Both performance and effort expectations significantly impact brand loyalty. Interestingly, information quality does not directly influence performance expectations, possibly due to users relying on external sources. The findings enhance understanding of user behaviour and provide insights for future research on digital food service platforms
- Quantification of Maximal Force Produced in Standard and Contra-Standard Sculling in Synchronized Swimming. A Pilot StudyPublication . Diogo, V.; Soares, S.; Tourino, C.; Carmo, C.; Aleixo, I.; Morouço, P.; Figueiredo, P.; Vilas-Boas, J. P.; Fernandes, R. J.Studies carried out in synchronized swimming are very scarce, namely those which include biomechanical analysis of the sculling technique. The purpose of this study was to measure the maximal force produced in standard and contra-standard sculling, using a 30s maximal tethered synchronized swimming test. One former female synchronized swimmer and one former female swimmer performed a 2x30s maximum intensity tethered synchronized swimming test, in standard and contra-standard sculling conditions, respectively. Parameters studied were maximal, mean and minimum force, the time when maximal and minimum force occurred, and fatigue index. Results showed that the higher values of maximal and mean force were found in standard sculling, both for the synchronized swimmer and the swimmer. The swimmer attained higher values of absolute and relative maximal force in the standard sculling, but lower values in the contra-standard technique, when compared to the synchronized swimmer. Fatigue Index results evidence that the maximal force declined during the 30s in both participants and in both sculling conditions. This parameter was higher for the contra-standard sculling performed by the swimmer, and for the standard sculling for the synchronized swimmer. In conclusion, there were differences in force production in standard and contra-standard sculling between a swimmer and a synchronized swimming. Those differences could probably be explained by differences in skill competence.
- Retail employees' self-efficacy and hope predicting their positive affect and creativityPublication . Rego, Arménio; Sousa, Filipa; Marques, Carla; Cunha, Miguel Pina E.The study shows how retail employees’ self-efficacy and hope predict their creativity, both directly and through the mediating role of positive affect. Five hundred and seven retail employees reported their hope, self-efficacy, and positive affect, their supervisors reporting their creativity. Three main findings are: (1) hope and self-efficacy predict creativity; (2) positive affect also predicts creativity; (3) positive affect partially mediates the relationship between both dimensions of positive psychological capital (self-efficacy and hope), and creativity. The study suggests that retail organizations may foster employees’ creativity by encouraging conditions that cultivate employees’ hope and selfefficacy, as well as their positive affect.
- Artificial Intelligence in Teacher Education: Exploring Pre-Service Teachers’ Perspectives Through Creative Music Projects for Professional LearningPublication . Milhano, SandrinaThis study explores the integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into the initial training of pre-service teachers through creative music projects. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in educational practice, teacher education must address its pedagogical potential and limitations. Grounded in qualitative, interpretive, and exploratory methods, the research examines how pre-service teachers engage with AI-supported music creation by comparing experiences with and without the use of generative AI tools, using individual reflections and group e-portfolios for triangulation. Thematic analysis of individual reflections and group e-portfolios identified key opportunities and challenges associated with AI integration. Findings suggest that generative AI can broaden access to creative engagement by enhancing inclusivity, encouraging experimentation, and expanding musical expression. However, tensions also emerged concerning authorship, learner autonomy, and dependence on algorithmic output. The comparative structure of the learning experience enabled participants to reflect critically on the pedagogical implications of AI use. While non-AI processes demanded greater technical skill, they were associated with deeper collaboration, creative decision-making, and artistic ownership. This study contributes to current discussions on digital pedagogy and teacher education by highlighting the need for ethically informed, critically guided AI practice in creative disciplines. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary, reflective practice in developing teacher agency, digital competence, and inclusive pedagogical approaches within higher education.
- The Influence of Muscle Flexibility Training on Chronic Pain in Older Adults: An Exploratory Systematic ReviewPublication . Melenas, Rodrigo; Antunes, Raul; Matos, Rui; Monteiro, Diogo; Amaro, Nuno; Couto, Nuno; Susano Jacinto, Miguel ÂngeloBackground/Objectives: This exploratory systematic review aims to analyze the influence of isolated muscle flexibility training on the reduction of chronic pain symptoms in older adults aged 65 years or more. Articles were selected from the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases, using the EndNote software for reference management. The selection process followed the PICOS framework and the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and the review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database. Methods: The inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials with participants aged 65 or older, evaluating the effect of flexibility training as a standalone intervention on chronic pain, and published in English or Portuguese. Studies were excluded if they involved multimodal training, did not specify participants’ ages, evaluated only acute or postoperative pain, or were not peer-reviewed articles. Results: From an initial pool of 1390 articles, only three met all criteria and were included in the final analysis. These studies—conducted in China (n = 2) and the United States (n = 1)—showed moderate methodological quality (PEDro score = 7/10). Two trials applied Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) in participants with knee osteoarthritis, while the third compared a flexibility-based program to combined strength and aerobic training in a healthy elderly population. All studies reported significant reductions in chronic pain symptoms following flexibility training interventions. Conclusions: The reviewed evidence suggests that muscle flexibility training, particularly using techniques like PNF, may be a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate specific chronic pain-related symptoms in older adults, particularly reductions in joint stiffness, movement discomfort, and pain intensity associated with osteoarthritis. However, the limited number of high-quality trials and heterogeneity in protocols and pain assessment tools highlight the need for further research.
- A Look to Academics Job Satisfaction and Motivation in Portuguese Higher Education InstitutionsPublication . Machado, Maria de Lourdes; Soares, Virgílio Meira; Brites, Rui; Ferreira, Jose; Gouveia, Odília Maria RochaThe academic staff is a key resource within higher education institutions, having a major role in achieving its objectives. Moreover, the performance of the academic staff determines much of student learning and success. Therefore, motivation and satisfaction of the academic staff is crucial for the quality of higher education institutions. This paper discusses a study on academic satisfaction and motivation, whose main objective is to identify factors and their interactions affecting the dimensions associated with job satisfaction and motivation of the academic staff within Portuguese higher education institutions.
- Effects of Strength Training on the Quality of Life of Older Adults with Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled TrialsPublication . Fernandes, Luís; Antunes, Raul; Matos, Rui; Monteiro, Diogo; Amaro, Nuno; Nuno Couto; Jacinto, MiguelObjective: The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the effects of strength training on the quality of life (QoL) of older adults diagnosed with sarcopenia, contributing to a better understanding of the impact of this intervention on the physical and psychological well-being of this population. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted on the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases, including studies published until 2025. Randomized controlled trials that applied strength training interventions in individuals aged 60 years or older with sarcopenia were included, evaluating QoL as the primary outcome. Data screening, extraction, and analysis were performed by two independent investigators. Results: Three studies from the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and China were included, with interventions ranging from 6 to 16 weeks. The results showed that strength training can improve the quality of life of older adults with sarcopenia (instruments: SarQoL, SF-36, WHOQOL-BREF), being more effective in high-intensity and supervised interventions. One of the studies revealed significant improvements (p < 0.001), while the others showed non-significant increases. Conclusions: Strength training proved to be a promising intervention for promoting improvements in the quality of life of older adults with sarcopenia, especially when performed at adequate intensity and with regular monitoring. However, further studies with larger samples, long-term follow-up, and standardization of QoL assessment tools are needed.
- Contemporary challenges in foreign language learning in higher education: Rethinking the interactions between digital tools, cultural intelligence and cognitive load for a balanced active pedagogyPublication . Fidalgo, Susana; Delplancq, Véronique; Lopes, Ana Maria Costa; Pereira, José; Gillain, RomainThe use of digital tools in foreign language learning in higher education raises many pedagogical challenges, particularly in terms of the skills to be developed, vital for society and the labour world, while simultane ously managing the cognitive load of students. Based on the results of experiments carried out with undergraduate Media Studies students at the Escola Superior de Educação de Viseu(Portugal), the paper questions the effects of applying active pedagogies using digital tools upon the acquisition of these competences, with particular focus on cultural intelligence, while keeping students' cognitive load balanced. Results show that pedagogical activation can favour the development of diverse competences and cognitive processes, but presents risks, namely overload in the case of poorly planned activities. The article aims to contribute to the design of balanced, rich and cognitively sustainable pedagogical devices, contributing to an active pedagogy with the integration of the digital tools.