Cookies Policy
The website need some cookies and similar means to function. If you permit us, we will use those means to collect data on your visits for aggregated statistics to improve our service. Find out More
Accept Reject
  • Menu
Publications

Publications by LIAAD

2025

A robust methodology for long-term sustainability evaluation of Machine Learning models

Authors
Ruza, JP; Gama, J; Betanzos, AA; Berdiñas, BG;

Publication
CoRR

Abstract

2025

Co-Creation Method for Fostering Cultural Tourism Impact

Authors
Pasandideh, S; Martins, J; Pereira, P; Gandini, A; De la Cal, MZ; Kalvet, T; Koor, T; Sopelana, A; de Aguileta, AL;

Publication
ADVANCES IN CULTURAL TOURISM RESEARCH, ICCT 2023

Abstract
This chapter describes the IMPACTOUR co-creation method, which is developed to enhance the impact of cultural tourism in various destinations. The method utilizes effective strategies and actions to monitor and increase the impact of cultural tourism. The primary objective of the IMPACTOUR technique is to support decision-makers in improving the sustainability and competitiveness of cultural tourists in their destinations. The method involves collecting and analyzing data from diverse sources, including tourism stakeholders and specifically local communities to create a comprehensive decision-making system. The resulting recommendations aim to promote the positive impacts of cultural tourism while minimizing negative effects and fostering long-term development. Ultimately, the IMPACTOUR method seeks to assist destinations and attractions in becoming more competitive and attractive to cultural visitors, while ensuring their long-term sustainability.

2025

Interventions Based on Biofeedback Systems to Improve Workers' Psychological Well-Being, Mental Health, and Safety: Systematic Literature Review

Authors
Ferreira, S; Rodrigues, MA; Mateus, C; Rodrigues, PP; Rocha, NB;

Publication
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH

Abstract
Background: In modern, high-speed work settings, the significance of mental health disorders is increasingly acknowledged as a pressing health issue, with potential adverse consequences for organizations, including reduced productivity and increased absenteeism. Over the past few years, various mental health management solutions, such as biofeedback applications, have surfaced as promising avenues to improve employees' mental well-being. However, most studies on these interventions have been conducted in controlled laboratory settings. Objective: This review aimedtosystematicallyidentify and analyzestudies that implementedbiofeedback-based interventions in real-world occupational settings, focusing on their effectiveness in improving psychological well-being and mental health. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We searched PubMed and EBSCO databases for studies published between 2012 and 2024. Inclusion criteria were original peer-reviewed studies that focused on employees and used biofeedback interventions to improve mental health or prevent mental illness. Exclusion criteria included nonemployee samples, lack of a description of the intervention, and low methodological quality (assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database [PEDro] checklist). Data were extracted on study characteristics, intervention type, physiological and self-reported outcomes, and follow-up measures. Risk of bias was assessed, and VOSviewer was used to visualize the distribution of research topics. Results: A total of 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. The interventions used a range of delivery methods, including traditional biofeedback, mobile apps, mindfulness techniques, virtual reality, and cerebral blood flow monitoring. Most studies focused on breathing techniques to regulate physiological responses (eg, heart rate variability and respiratory sinus arrhythmia) and showed reductions in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Mobile and app-directed interventions appeared particularly promising for improving resilience and facilitating recovery after stress. Of the 9 studies, 8 (89%) reported positive outcomes, with 1 (11%) study showing initial increases in stress due to logistical limitations in biofeedback access. Sample sizes were generally small, and long-term follow-up data were limited. Conclusions:Biofeedback interventions in workplace settings show promising short-term results in reducing stress and improving mental health, particularly when incorporating breathing techniques and user-friendly delivery methods such as mobile apps. However, the field remains underexplored in occupational contexts. Future research should address adherence challenges, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term outcomesto support broader implementation of biofeedback as a sustainable workplace mental health strategy.

2025

Barcoding the Caatinga biome bees: a practical review

Authors
Rodrigues, P; Teixeira, C; Guimaraes, L; Ferreira, NGC;

Publication
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS

Abstract
Bees play a critical role as pollinators in ecosystem services, contributing significantly to the sexual reproduction and diversity of plants. The Caatinga biome in Brazil, home to around 200 bee species, provides an ideal habitat for these species due to its unique climate conditions. However, this biome faces threats from anthropogenic processes, making it urgent to characterise the local bee populations efficiently. Traditional taxonomic surveys for bee identification are complex due to the lack of suitable keys and expertise required. As a result, molecular barcoding has emerged as a valuable tool, using genome regions to compare and identify bee species. However, little is known about Caatinga bees to develop these molecular tools further. This study addresses this gap, providing an updated list of 262 Caatinga bee species across 86 genera and identifying similar to 40 primer sets to aid in barcoding these species. The findings highlight the ongoing work needed to fully characterise the Caatinga biome's bee distribution and species or subspecies to support more effective monitoring and conservation efforts.

2025

Interventions based on biofeedback systems to improve workers’ psychological well-being, mental health and safety: a systematic literature review (Preprint)

Authors
Ferreira, S; Rodrigues, MA; Mateus, C; Rodrigues, PP; Rocha, NB;

Publication

Abstract
BACKGROUND

In modern, high-speed work settings, the significance of mental health disorders is increasingly acknowledged as a pressing health issue, with potential adverse consequences for organizations, including reduced productivity and increased absenteeism. Over the past few years, various mental health management solutions, such as biofeedback applications, have surfaced as promising avenues to improve employees' mental well-being.

OBJECTIVE

To gain deeper insights into the suitability and effectiveness of employing biofeedback-based mental health interventions in real-world workplace settings, given that most research has predominantly been conducted within controlled laboratory conditions.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted to identify studies that used biofeedback interventions in workplace settings. The review focused on traditional biofeedback, mindfulness, app-directed interventions, immersive scenarios, and in-depth physiological data presentation.

RESULTS

The review identified nine studies employing biofeedback interventions in the workplace. Breathing techniques showed great promise in decreasing stress and physiological parameters, especially when coupled with visual and/or auditory cues.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research should focus on developing and implementing interventions to improve well-being and mental health in the workplace, with the goal of creating safer and healthier work environments and contributing to the sustainability of organizations.

2025

Generative AI and the Future of the Digital Commons: Five Open Questions and Knowledge Gaps

Authors
Noroozian, A; Aldana, L; Arisi, M; Asghari, H; Avila, R; Bizzaro, PG; Chandrasekhar, R; Consonni, C; Angelis, DD; Chiara, FD; Rio Chanona, Md; de Rosnay, MD; Eriksson, M; Font, F; Gómez, E; Guillier, V; Gutermuth, L; Hartmann, D; Kaffee, LA; Keller, P; Stalder, F; Vinagre, J; Vrandecic, D; Wasielewski, A;

Publication
CoRR

Abstract

  • 20
  • 516