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Publicações

2022

The Influence of Human Values, Environmental Awareness, and Attitudes on the Intention to Purchase Cannabis-Based Skincare Cosmetics

Autores
Ribeiro, NG; Anana, ES; Barbosa, B;

Publicação
SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract
This article analyzes consumer intentions to purchase cannabis-based skincare cosmetics by considering the role of human values, environmental awareness, and attitudes toward cannabis-based skincare cosmetics and their industrial use. The literature enabled the definition of a set of nine hypotheses, which were tested by a quantitative study with 230 participants from Portugal. Data were collected online in 2021 using snowball sampling. Structural equation modeling and mean difference tests were used for the hypothesis testing. The results suggest that personal values regarding openness to change and conservation indirectly influence the acceptance of cannabis-derived cosmetic products by reinforcing attitudes toward cannabis-based skincare cosmetics, and that environmental awareness influences the intention to purchase cannabis-based skincare cosmetics. This article provides relevant insights for both practitioners and researchers, as it demonstrates that both attitudes toward cannabis-based skincare cosmetics and the attitude toward the use of cannabis by the cosmetic industry predict purchase intentions of cannabis-based skin care cosmetics and therefore, should be considered for the development of the strategy for communicating with consumers. The article also makes some suggestions about the profiles of consumers most willing to buy this type of product, highlighting the role of environmental awareness and human values as strong determinants that influence the purchase intention of cannabis-based skincare cosmetics.

2022

Can we escape the metaverse?: Should we?

Autores
Carvalho, Fausto de; Morgado, Leonel;

Publicação
Innovaction

Abstract
In view of the strong market presence and leverage of major corporations involved in this topic, the most straightforward answer to the questions above is “No”. Nevertheless, multiple perspectives should be considered. Thus, along this article we reflect about the concept of “metaverse”, what parts of it exist today, and what is foreseen that makes this concept a much discussed game changer.

2022

Visitors come to experience science: towards a non-obtrusive evaluation method based on immersive virtual reality

Autores
Morais, C; Moreira, L; Teixeira, A; Aguiar, T; Coelho, A; Pereira, V; Jacinto, A; Varzim, M; Paiva, JC; Rosa, M;

Publicação
JCOM-JOURNAL OF SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

Abstract
This paper focuses on developing and assessing a non-obtrusive and transformative method, based on virtual reality, to evaluate science communication projects in science centres. The method was tested using deep-sea cutting-edge scientific content. We applied a mixed design, with 72 adult participants randomly assigned to experimental conditions (with/without exhibition exposure). Results showed that the exhibition promoted a better understanding of science. The non-obtrusive measures on awareness and engagement were positively related with questions posed via questionnaire and interview. The study adds theoretical and empirical support to the design and implementation of non-obtrusive and transformative evaluation experiences in science exhibitions in science centres and museums.

2022

Author Correction: Tumour gene expression signature in primary melanoma predicts long-term outcomes

Autores
Garg, M; Couturier, D; Nsengimana, J; Fonseca, NA; Wongchenko, M; Yan, Y; Lauss, M; Jönsson, GB; Newton-Bishop, J; Parkinson, C; Middleton, MR; Bishop, DT; McDonald, S; Stefanos, N; Tadross, J; Vergara, IA; Lo, S; Newell, F; Wilmott, JS; Thompson, JF; Long, GV; Scolyer, RA; Corrie, P; Adams, DJ; Brazma, A; Rabbie, R;

Publicação
Nature Communications

Abstract

2022

Deep Reinforcement Learning for Crowdshipping Last-Mile Delivery with Endogenous Uncertainty

Autores
Silva, M; Pedroso, JP;

Publicação
MATHEMATICS

Abstract
In this work, we study a flexible compensation scheme for last-mile delivery where a company outsources part of the activity of delivering products to its customers to occasional drivers (ODs), under a scheme named crowdshipping. All deliveries are completed at the minimum total cost incurred with their vehicles and drivers plus the compensation paid to the ODs. The company decides on the best compensation scheme to offer to the ODs at the planning stage. We model our problem based on a stochastic and dynamic environment where delivery orders and ODs volunteering to make deliveries present themselves randomly within fixed time windows. The uncertainty is endogenous in the sense that the compensation paid to ODs influences their availability. We develop a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm that can deal with large instances while focusing on the quality of the solution: we combine the combinatorial structure of the action space with the neural network of the approximated value function, involving techniques from machine learning and integer optimization. The results show the effectiveness of the DRL approach by examining out-of-sample performance and that it is suitable to process large samples of uncertain data, which induces better solutions.

2022

How Collectivism Affects Organic Food Purchase Intention and Behavior: A Study with Norwegian and Portuguese Young Consumers

Autores
Roseira, C; Teixeira, S; Barbosa, B; Macedo, R;

Publicação
SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract
Organic food purchase behavior is attracting increasing attention from researchers and managers. However, there is a need to further explore differences among groups of consumers, namely with regards to cultural dimensions. To help fill this gap, this article aims to examine the impact of collectivism on the determinants of organic food purchase intention and behavior. Building on the theory of planned behavior, this article suggests its extension by considering an additional set of explanatory variables that are shown to be relevant to explain consumer behavior. It includes a quantitative study conducted with young consumers from two European countries, Norway (n = 468) and Portugal (n = 448). Structural equation modelling allowed to conclude that collectivism positively impacts attitude, subjective norm, perceived price, and environmental concern towards organic food. The expected positive impacts of collectivism on product availability and health concerns were not supported by the study. Furthermore, the positive impact of attitude, subjective norm, perceived price, health consciousness, and environmental concerns on intention to purchase organic food were also confirmed, even though availability had an insignificant impact on intentions. Finally, and aligned with extant literature, this study also found a positive impact of intention to purchase behavior on organic food. Interestingly, the positive relationship between Collectivism and Availability, and between Availability and Purchase Intention, was only significant for Portugal. The study confirms the relevance of considering cultural dimensions, particularly collectivism/individualism, to further understand consumer behaviors toward organic food. Based on the findings, implications for both managers and researchers are highlighted.

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