2024
Authors
Taveira, F; Barbosa, B;
Publication
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns and social distancing measures drove the shift from in-person to online physical exercise classes, leading individuals to explore these digital alternatives. Guided by the Expectation-Confirmation Model, this article examines older adults' intentions to continue using online physical exercise classes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 adults aged 65 and older who had participated in online physical exercise classes during the pandemic. Transcripts were subject to thematic analysis using the NVivo software program. The results indicate that older adults recognize the usefulness of online physical exercise classes because of their ability to enhance their health and well-being. Their initial expectations were surpassed, and they were generally satisfied with the experience. However, in-person classes remained preferred due to their enhanced benefits. They also felt that the adoption of online classes was involuntary; instead of an autonomous decision guided by their needs and preferences, this was a viable solution imposed by the lockdown. Therefore, their continuance intentions are limited to specific conditions, namely a new lockdown or other physical impediments. Still, considering the flexibility that online physical exercise classes offer, accommodating time and physical constraints, participants highlighted the advantages of a hybrid approach for those who may face challenges attending in-person classes. Based on the findings, this article proposes that ECM provides a relevant, yet insufficient, framework for explaining older adults' continuance intentions for online physical exercise classes, suggesting the inclusion of additional explaining factors: perceived usefulness of non-technological alternatives, necessary conditions, and self-determination.
2024
Authors
Teixeira, FB; Ricardo, M; Coelho, A; Oliveira, HP; Viana, P; Paulino, N; Fontes, H; Marques, P; Campos, R; Pessoa, LM;
Publication
2024 JOINT EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON NETWORKS AND COMMUNICATIONS & 6G SUMMIT, EUCNC/6G SUMMIT 2024
Abstract
Telecommunications and computer vision have evolved separately so far. Yet, with the shift to sub-terahertz (sub-THz) and terahertz (THz) radio communications, there is an opportunity to explore computer vision technologies together with radio communications, considering the dependency of both technologies on Line of Sight. The combination of radio sensing and computer vision can address challenges such as obstructions and poor lighting. Also, machine learning algorithms, capable of processing multimodal data, play a crucial role in deriving insights from raw and low-level sensing data, offering a new level of abstraction that can enhance various applications and use cases such as beamforming and terminal handovers. This paper introduces CONVERGE, a pioneering vision-radio paradigm that bridges this gap by leveraging Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) to facilitate a dual View-to-Communicate, Communicate-to-View approach. CONVERGE offers tools that merge wireless communications and computer vision, establishing a novel Research Infrastructure (RI) that will be open to the scientific community and capable of providing open datasets. This new infrastructure will support future research in 6G and beyond concerning multiple verticals, such as telecommunications, automotive, manufacturing, media, and health.
2024
Authors
Tosin, R; Portis, I; Rodrigues, L; Gonçalves, I; Barbosa, C; Teixeira, J; Mendes, RJ; Santos, F; Santos, C; Martins, R; Cunha, M;
Publication
HORTICULTURAE
Abstract
This study investigates how grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) respond to shading induced by artificial nets, focusing on physiological and metabolic changes. Through a multidisciplinary approach, grapevines' adaptations to shading are presented via biochemical analyses and hyperspectral data that are then combined with systems biology techniques. In the study, conducted in a 'Moscatel Galego Branco' vineyard in Portugal's Douro Wine Region during post-veraison, shading was applied and predawn leaf water potential (Psi pd) was then measured to assess water stress. Biochemical analyses and hyperspectral data were integrated to explore adaptations to shading, revealing higher chlorophyll levels (chlorophyll a-b 117.39% higher) and increased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels in unshaded vines (52.10% higher). Using a self-learning artificial intelligence algorithm (SL-AI), simulations highlighted ROS's role in stress response and accurately predicted chlorophyll a (R2: 0.92, MAPE: 24.39%), chlorophyll b (R2: 0.96, MAPE: 17.61%), and ROS levels (R2: 0.76, MAPE: 52.17%). In silico simulations employing flux balance analysis (FBA) elucidated distinct metabolic phenotypes between shaded and unshaded vines across cellular compartments. Integrating these findings provides a systems biology approach for understanding grapevine responses to environmental stressors. The leveraging of advanced omics technologies and precise metabolic models holds immense potential for untangling grapevine metabolism and optimizing viticultural practices for enhanced productivity and quality.
2024
Authors
Sousa, N; Alén, E; Losada, N; Melo, M;
Publication
JOURNAL OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IN HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) has the capacity to increase tourists' responses, compared with other marketing tools. In tourism, it can play a decisive role in its promotion, since it can generate impactful information that will increase the visit intention. However, there are few reviews that focus on VR as a promotional tool in tourism. To overcome this limitation, this work provides a bibliometric analysis of papers from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The analysis allows us to conclude that although its potential is recognized, the use of VR is infrequent in tourism. We also identified three main avenues for future research: presence and devices, promotional strategies, and segments to explore.
2024
Authors
de Sousa, JM; Almeida, F;
Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATION SCIENCE
Abstract
PurposeThis study aims to identify and explore the factors affecting social entrepreneurial intentions considering an educational institution in Portugal. It also intends to determine the relevance of moderating factors in the antecedents and entrepreneurial intention of these students. Design/methodology/approachA panel of 177 undergraduate students enrolled in a social entrepreneurship course between the academic years 2018 and 2021 is considered. The data is explored quantitatively considering descriptive analysis techniques, correlational analysis and hypothesis testing. FindingsThe findings reveal that entrepreneurial intention depends on multiple individual, organizational and contextual dimensions. Students' entrepreneurial intention remains unchanged regardless of the student's profile. However, students' professional experience is a more relevant factor for the identification of organizational dimensions related to curriculum and critical pedagogy, while previous involvement in volunteer activities contributes to a higher prevalence of individual factors. Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is original in exploring the role of entrepreneurial intention and its antecedents considering a heterogeneous students' profile. It offers theoretical and practical contributions by extending the literature on social entrepreneurial intention that can be used by higher education institutions to offer specific training more focused on the student's profile.
2024
Authors
Cunha, C; Monteiro, C; Martins, H; Carrilho, F; Silva, S; Frazão, O;
Publication
Abstract
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