Science (Universidade Europeia)
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Reimagining wicked problems through speculative design: Collaborative classroom experiments
No full textDesign can be explored by various agents—professional and non-professional designers—in different areas, through processes, which represent the creative and social territories inhabited by those agents. Design thinking principles have been increasingly adopted by public and private organisations, from various sectors, to tackle complex problems and envision solutions. Speculative Design can play a fundamental role in experimenting with unconventional approaches. The DXT ideation tool, hereby presented, is a methodological tool, which engages students and creative practitioners in a participatory design process that challenges conventional human-centred perspectives in Human-Computer Interaction. Rooted in the principles of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed, it aims to respond to unsustainability, through societal innovative, ecological and inclusive solutions. As an exploratory pedagogical process, it explores dystopian future scenarios, with the help of generative AI. In doing so, it confronts the students with inexhaustible possibilities and the amplification of image generation, with few constraints. However, it also confronts them with the unpredictability of the outcomes of AI tools. For instance, while AI models can help diminish biases and prejudices, they can also inversely enhance them. Simultaneously, while speculative scenarios stimulate critical thinking around dominant narratives, revealing the possibilities of current trends, they challenge the conventional linearity between past, present and future
Design and collective cognition: A semiotic-theoretical framework for understanding shared meanings
No full textDesign creativity research increasingly emphasizes the need to bridge diverse disciplinary lenses to understand how innovative ideas emerge and gain shared significance. This paper presents a theoretical and integrative investigation of design as a language that mediates collective cognition in design teams and communities. Drawing on Peirce’s triadic semiotic framework, and perspectives from Jung’s archetypes, Lévy-Bruhl’s collective representations, Hutchins’ distributed cognition, and Escobar’s pluriversal design, we consolidate and extend existing discussions by reconceptualizing design as shared meaning-making rather than solely problem-solving. The research problem explores how design artifacts function as cultural symbols that enable co-creation and collective understanding. We adopt a philosophical and literature-based methodology, reviewing key contributions in design cognition and creativity, then integrating semiotic theory to propose a conceptual framework. The originality of this work lies not in claiming a wholly new paradigm, but in articulating a semiotic-theoretical foundation that makes the mechanisms of shared cognition explicit across disciplinary perspectives. Our results show how design artifacts trigger interpretive processes that support group creativity. The discussion suggests design creativity is not only individual cognition but also a distributed, culturally situated phenomenon. We highlight implications for co-design and education, advocating approaches that foreground shared symbolic languages in collaborative creativity
Improving the SF-BARI Score with a Structured Postoperative Exercise Program: A Randomized Trial after Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
No full textIntroduction: Obesity is a complex and multifaceted condition that can lead to serious health issues. Bariatric surgery, particularly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), is highly effective treatment for severe obesity but may often leads to significant skeletal muscle loss, compromising long-term metabolic outcomes. Structured exercise may mitigate these effects, yet its impact on comprehensive surgical success remains underexplored. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the synergistic effects of a 16-week combined exercise program on the SF-BARI score, a holistic composite measure of weight loss and comorbidity remission, in post-RYGB patients. Methods: Thirty-seven patients (mean age 46.9 ± 11.4 years, BMI 42.9 ± 5.14 kg/m²) underwent RYGB and were randomized to a supervised intervention group (IG, n = 19) or control group (CG, n = 17). The IG completed three 55-minute sessions weekly (aerobic and resistance training) starting one month post-surgery for 16 weeks. Outcomes, including anthropometry, percentage total weight loss (%TWL), SF-BARI score (integrating %TWL and remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea), and complications, were assessed at one, five, eleven, and seventeen months post-surgery. Results: Both groups achieved substantial weight loss (%TWL: IG 37% vs. CG 32.5% at 17 months after surgery and 12 months after exercise program, p = 0.139, d = 0.506), with no between-group differences in BMI or weight. However, the IG showed superior SF-BARI scores at 5 months after surgery and immediately after the exercise program (T0-months: 104 ± 13.8 vs. 92.3 ± 12, p = 0.012, d = 0.883) and 11 months after surgery and 6-months after the exercise program (T6-months: 107 ± 13.2 vs. 96.2 ± 16.8, p = 0.007, d = 0.526), driven by enhanced remission of hypertension (0% vs. 41.2%, p = 0.002) and dyslipidemia (0% vs. 23.5%, p = 0.025) at 17 months. Type 2 diabetes mellitus remission was high in both (> 94%, p = 0.935), and effect sizes indicated large clinical benefits in the short-to-medium term. Conclusions: A 16-week combined exercise program post-RYGB significantly improves comprehensive outcomes via the SF-BARI score, enhancing metabolic comorbidity resolution beyond weight loss alone. These findings support integrating supervised exercise into postoperative care to optimize surgical outcomes. Sustained interventions may be needed for long-term gains
A project to create value with local wool in fashion design products: A social, environment and economic sustainable model
No full textThroughout history, the interior region in Portugal as characterized by the exodus of people who sought better living conditions in other locations and communities. Nevertheless, some of the shepherds of Serra da Estrela persist, resulting in a love for the profession and a legacy of generations. Knowing the harsh reality of a profession, guardians of sheep of the Bordaleira breed, it is necessary to guarantee an economically viable and consequent response that would create favorable conditions for them to continue the profession and ensure the desired quality of life in the community. Along with cheese, there was an urgent need to find a solution for wool region, which in many situations is already a waste, without value. Grupo Valor do Tempo, leader of the project, in partnership with associations in the region Ancose, and researchers from academia, developed a project to solve the problem: valorization of wool from Serra de Estrela sheep and, consequently, impact on the quality of life in the community of shepherds existing in the region of Serra de Estrela. The project, developed in a concept of Economic, Social and Environmentally Sustainability dimensions, involving Fashion Design and product development, using companies and artisans in the region and Portugal for the viability and valorization the wool from Bordaleira sheep. It is developed with a project methodology, which guarantees the valorization of wool directly for the shepherds of Serra de Estrela between 1000 and 2000%, and thus being able to contribute to improving the living conditions of the shepherds and reducing wool waste in the region. Finally, the validation and communication of the project culminated in the opening a pop-up store—Serra de Estrela DOP and a creation a Serra de Estrela sheep interpretation centre
Revisiting ESG performance: do high scores translate to higher returns? A risk-adjusted analysis of S&P 500 portfolios
No full textThe rise of ESG investing is often underpinned by the belief that sustainability enhances long-term financial performance. Research suggests ESG scores correlate with superior stock market returns, but the evidence remains mixed. We contribute to the debate by directly comparing the performance of top- and bottom-ranked ESG portfolios within the S&P 500 over the period 2005–2024. Using raw returns, we find that low ESG-rated portfolios consistently outperform their higher-rated counterparts in absolute terms. However, when accounting for risk, using risk-adjusted metrics — specifically the modified Sharpe ratio — no statistically significant differences emerge. These findings challenge prevailing assumptions about ESG investing and highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of the trade-offs between sustainability and profitability in portfolio construction
A Systematic Review of Vitamin D Supplementation in Oncology: Chance of Science or Effectiveness?
No full textBackground: Vitamin D (VD) supplementation has increased considerably in the last decade, whether for the prevention or treatment of numerous diseases, including bone, cardiovascular, endocrine, neurologic, psychological, respiratory, infectious, or oncological. The primary objective of this scoping review was to examine and synthesize the scientific evidence on the role of VD in all-type cancer patients undergoing adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy with chemotherapy (CT) or radiotherapy (RT), namely in improving side effects. Methods: This review was conducted by selecting papers from the CINAHL, Scopus and PubMed databases based on the descriptor terms mesh and title/abstract, taking into consideration the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, following the PRISMA-ScR (PRISMA extension for scoping reviews) statement. Results: A total of 758 papers were identified in different databases during this review. However, using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, only five publications made up the final sample of the study. The studies included heterogeneous study methodologies, objectives, cancer diagnosis, as well as methods to assess body composition, which makes it difficult to compare them. Based on the analyzed studies, associations were found between bone density and VD in patients who underwent preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT). In patients with non-small-cell lung cancer receiving CT, some of the side effects associated with the treatment were attenuated and reduced. In addition, another of the studies analyzed found that VD deficiency (VDD) has been associated with increased peripheral neuropathy (PN) induced by CT in the treatment of breast cancer. VD supplementation was found to be safe and effective. Conclusions: In this scoping review, VD is highlighted as a crucial factor in preventing the side effects of neoadjuvant RT or CT, as well as treating other treatment-related health conditions, such as osteoporosis, as well as ameliorating the side effects (nausea, vomiting, fatigue) associated with aggressive CT and RT
A theoretical background for place branding in a tourism context
No full textThis article aims to clarify the workings of place branding in a tourism context – destination branding. It has been recognized that the tourist buying decision has some unique aspects that differ from the more generic buyer behaviour. To have a clear idea about branding destinations one has to understand the specific characteristics of travel behaviour. Destination branding can be considered an exercise of identifying, organizing, and coordinating dimensions to deliver benefits relevant to the target markets. Destination brand dimensions are all of those attributes that are relevant and impact on the internal or external customers. A destination that has a clear position in terms of offer will potentially provide the means to satisfy in the most efficient way unsatisfied tourist’s needs. It has been recognised that the tourists´ needs are the driving force that motivates travel behaviour. Nevertheless, it has to be acknowledged that the perceived destination’s ability to satisfy a tourist’s needs may change along with his or her motivations. It is then assumed that the evaluation of a destination brand will also be dependent on the motives to travel. This article adopts several complementary approaches to investigate the destination brand workings. Sociological, anthropological, economic, and marketing studies are included to set up a theoretical discourse for destination brands
Men’s Experiences of Psychological and Other Forms of Abuse in Intimate Relationships: A Qualitative Study
No full textIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health and social problem worldwide. However, most studies have concentrated on violence against women and not also against men. Interventions for victimized men will only be successful if there is a better understanding of the real experiences, as narrated by the victims themselves, and how these impact their health and wellbeing. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of intimate partner violence, health, and wellbeing among men in east-central Sweden. Data were gathered using eleven in-depth, semi-structured interviews with men who were victims of IPV. Four categories emerged from the analyses: experiences of abuse in the relationship; feelings of isolation, loneliness, and shame; perceived deterioration of health and wellbeing; and negative experiences with public services. The findings indicate that interviewees experienced psychological (rather than physical) violence at the hands of their intimate partner. The abuse had consequences for their health and wellbeing, as they experienced stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. In some instances, it affected their health behavior, as they reverted to alcohol and drug use to cope with the abuse. Moreover, the interviewees felt lonely and unwilling to disclose their suffering because of fear of what family, friends, society, and professionals across different services would think of them. Also, they experienced negative responses from the health and social care services and police when seeking help, which made them even more entrenched in their fear of disclosing the suffering caused by the abuse
Algorithm delegation: How embedded AI facilitates agency transference in medical services
No full textIntegrating insights from psychological distance and human‐AI agency theories, this study explores embedded AI — algorithms
physically integrated into tangible devices as a novel mechanism to help overcome resistance towards medical AI. Across four studies,
including a large text‐mining (n= 224,433 reviews) and three controlled experiments (n= 677 participants), we show that embedded
AI reduces psychological distance between consumers and AI (Study 2B), which in turn enhances willingness to delegate medical
decisions to algorithms (Studies 1–3). We further demonstrate that consumers expect better health outcomes when delegating
decisions to embedded AI (Studies 2 A, 2B, and 3). Moderation analysis further shows that these effects weaken when an analytical
mode is primed using numerical accuracy information (Study 3). Our findings contribute to ongoing discussions on overcoming
resistance to medical AI and offer implications for the design of AI‐based technologies in medical services
User testing insights of application and dashboard interfaces for a real-time campus space monitoring solution
No full textThis study explores user preferences and the user experience of the interfaces of two proposed digital solutions, a dashboard and a smartphone app, in the context of a system for monitoring campus spaces at IADE - Universidade Europeia in Lisbon, Portugal, to collect real-time data on occupancy and indoor environmental quality factors, and aiming to enhance campus experience. Ten IADE students performed tasks through high-fidelity, interactive wireframes of the app, in order to pinpoint any usability challenges. Concerning the initial wireframes of the dashboard UI, user preferences and expectations were explored in interviews with ten adults with IT, system administration, or office management backgrounds. Generally positive results revealed that users were satisfied with the visual design and ease of use of the app; however, further improvements must be made to ensure element hierarchy in properly conveyed, and the navigation fits users’ expectations. Feedback from dashboard users identified a need to refine the information architecture. Participants highlighted the need for concise and easily perceivable information, in a main screen which offers a summary and AI-powered insights, while more comprehensive data is accessible through secondary pages. Additionally, page layouts and data representation should accommodate different user roles and their different needs. While the findings of this study may contribute to the user-centered design process of other similar initiatives, further research should include a broader and larger sample to ensure the findings are generalizable to other educational institutions