Science (Universidade Europeia)
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The impact of customer-centric sustainability on brand relationships
No full textThis paper contributes to the existing but scarce literature on customer-centric sustainability and measures consumers’ perceptions of fast-fashion brands regarding economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Furthermore, it aims to test the impact of each dimension of customer–brand relationships, specifically brand trust, affective brand commitment, and continuance brand commitment. A research model and nine hypotheses were tested through multiple linear regressions using a convenience sample of 228 Portuguese fast-fashion consumers. It also provides additional insights into how consumers’ perceptions of the three dimensions of sustainability might affect customer–brand relationships, namely brand trust and brand commitment. The results reveal a significant relationship between all dimensions of customer-centric sustainability and brand trust. Furthermore, economic sustainability and social sustainability were found to significantly predict effective brand commitment. Additionally, this study demonstrates that brand trust positively influences consumers’ intentions to maintain long-term relationships with fast-fashion brands. The implications of the results are discussed in detail, shedding light on the importance of incorporating customer-centric sustainability practices into brand management strategies within the fast-fashion industry. Further elaboration and discussion of the results can be found in this study
Generative data representations to improve free-text answers in online qualitative survey
No full textCitizen science initiatives have increased in recent years. For qualitative approaches in citizen science projects, online surveys have the potential to facilitate crowdsourcing data collection. However, such surveys often suffer from low response rates and suboptimal data quality. Although many studies have assessed how to improve response rates and overall answer quality, they follow traditional methodologies that have not reached the desired impact. We propose a creative computing approach to enhance participants' engagement through real-time visual feedback of their input in open questions. Our system focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), aiming to create a novel and compelling user experience that encourages participation. In this paper, we describe the key features of our approach and present preliminary design results
Results of a Population-Based Survey
No full textBackground and Objectives: Interpersonal violence is a social and public health problem globally, and though it is related to poor health outcomes across all genders, most research has been directed towards violence against women. As a result, the health consequences of men’s victimization may be underreported and unaddressed. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between interpersonal violence and the psychological health outcomes of self-reported stress, anxiety, and depression among men. Materials and Methods: The study used data from the male sample (n = 2597) of the 2018 Health on Equal Terms Survey conducted in Gävleborg County in East-Central Sweden. Regression analysis was carried out to study the relationship between interpersonal violence and self-reported stress, anxiety, and depression. Results: The bivariate analysis showed that there was a statistically significant association between interpersonal violence and self-reported stress (OR 2.35; CI 1.45–3.81), anxiety (OR 1.54; CI 1.06–2.25), and depression (OR 2.30; CI 1.48–3.57). Controlling for other variables in the multivariate analysis removed the statistically significant relationship and reduced the odds ratios for stress (OR 1.46; CI 0.57–3.74), anxiety (OR 0.86; 0.40–1.84), and depression (OR 1.40; CI 0.67–3.32) respectively. Conclusions: The study found that interpersonal violence among men was associated with stress, anxiety and depression which was largely explained by demographic, socioeconomic, and health/behavior-related factors. The findings suggest the need for longitudinal studies to assess causal links between male victimization and psychological health outcomes at the county level
Marketing performance: Aligning people, processes, and results
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this paper is to integrate and extend existing knowledge about marketing performance assessment, making a case for a measurement system identifying five categories of metrics on which attention should be focused. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is organized in three parts. It starts with a summary of the current state of knowledge about marketing performance assessment, followed by the presentation of the model in terms of its rationale and architecture. Then, the metrics that make up the model are explained and operationalized. Lastly, a concluding note is presented. Findings: Both scholars and managers have been calling for methods and concepts addressing the how and why marketing succeeds or fails. The author believes that certain metrics, when integrated into a holistic and actionable framework, can have a positive and transformational impact on the way marketing is measured in organizations. Originality/value: Metrics are meaningless when viewed in isolation. Yet, most of the literature on the subject focus on individual indicators. Also, it tends to overemphasize marketing outcomes. This work offers a complementary view to what has already been written on the subject, suggesting a performance assessment model that highlights requirements/prerequisites, processes, outcomes and organizational context
Polytraumatization, defense mechanisms, PTSD and complex PTSD in Indian adolescents : a mediation model
No full textBackground: Adolescence is recognized as a particularly susceptible developmental period for experiencing multiple types of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), increasing the vulnerability to higher levels of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD symptoms. Some studies found that defense mechanisms play an important role on the association between ACE and psychological symptoms. Methods: We analyzed the associations between direct and indirect exposure to ACE and PTSD and Complex PTSD (affective dysregulation, negative self-concept and disturbances in relationships) through the mediation role of mature defense mechanisms: mature, neurotic, and immature defense mechanisms in Indian adolescents. A sample of 411 Indian adolescents (M = 14.2 years old; S.D. = 0.5) completed validated self-report questionnaires. Serial multiple mediation models were tested by conducting a structural equation modelling employing Preacher and Hayes’ procedures (2008). Results: Immature and neurotic defense mechanisms mediated the association between direct exposure to ACE with PTSD symptoms. Immature defense mechanisms were mediators of the relationship between direct exposure to ACE and Complex PTSD symptoms clusters. Conclusions: Maladaptive defense mechanisms can disturb the process of self-regulation and emotion regulation capabilities in coping with traumatic experiences, leading to higher PTSD and Complex PTSD symptoms severity
The impact of exercise on prevention of sarcopenia after bariatric surgery: The study protocol of the EXPOBAR randomized controlled trial
No full textIntroduction: Bariatric surgery is one of the treatments for severe obesity, with proven efficacy in reducing weight and diseases associated with obesity. Weight loss associated with bariatric surgery is greatly associated with a significant reduction of skeletal muscle and bone mineral mass, which leads us to induce that after bariatric surgery, patients incur an increased risk of sarcopenia. The need for prophylactic programs that prevent sarcopenia in bariatric surgery patients seems to be one of the crucial points for the long-term surgical success of bariatric and metabolic surgery. The aim of this randomized clinical trial will be to study the effects of a 16-week supervised exercise intervention program on the prevention of sarcopenia, in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. As a secondary purpose, it is also intended to characterize metabolic risk factors, physical fitness, and quality of life in post-bariatric surgery patients.
Method: A total of 45 patients on the waiting list for bariatric surgery and who have subsequently perfurgery, will be include on EXPOBAR (EXercise POst BARiatric) and randomized into 2 groups, experimental and control. The intervention starts one month after surgery, for a total of 16 weeks. Parameters of body composition, metabolic risk, quality of life, physical activity, physical fitness, and sedentary behavior will be determined. For each participant, outcomes are measured at five different time points: before the surgery, before the exercise program, after the exercise program, six and twelve months after de exercise program.
Results: This study will provide the effects of a physical exercise on sarcopenia, in patients after bariatric surgery. Trial registration: The trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03497546
Antecedents of consumers’ intention and behavior to purchase organic food in the portuguese context
No full textThe demand and commercialization of organic foods is developing rapidly. However, there is an imbalance between the increasing use of these products and the limited attention of researchers to this category of products. The present study intends to evaluate the antecedents of the consumer purchase intention and behavior on organic foods, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). To reach the research objectives, a quantitative methodology was developed. An online questionnaire was applied in organic food social network groups and Portuguese organic food stores. To test the hypothesis, structural equation modelling (SEM) was conducted. Findings revealed that environmental concern has a significantly positive effect on purchasing attitude and on purchase intention. Health consciousness has a significant and positive relationship with attitude and purchase intention, and attitude has a significant and positive relationship with purchase intention. Finally, purchase intention has a significant and positive relationship with purchase behavior. Theoretically, this study is a response to frequent requests to investigate beyond consumer intention and assess influences on actual behavior. Producers and marketing professionals may utilize our findings to develop strategies to attract the growing organic food community and encourage its purchase
Digital chain of custody for a blue circular economy
No full textDiscarded fishing equipment and other fishing waste are thought to account for 27% of all ocean litter. To achieve a sustainable circular blue economy, working closely with all stakeholders to eliminate waste and preserve marine ecosystems is crucial. By integrating data, technology, and waste reduction into business processes, businesses can adopt more sustainable practices and reduce the impact of plastic pollution in the ocean. This paper promotes circularity and recyclability through a blue circular economy approach. The primary objective is to establish a digital chain of custody that traces the transformation of marine debris from fishing operations into secondary raw materials. A case study is presented, highlighting the active involvement of fishermen in the recycling process. The paper introduces a framework for evaluating organisational collaboration in adopting circular economy strategies and incorporating knowledge into their business processes. The solution encompasses a data governance approach and a digital chain of custody, facilitating stakeholder collaboration towards a shared objective
Social media addiction scale validation in a portuguese sample
No full textThis study aims to validate a scale to measure addiction to social media (SMAS) for the Portuguese population (SMAS-PV). The original 14 items’ SMAS was translated and back-translated from English to Portuguese. Psychometric scale validation procedures were followed. SMAS-PV’s properties were assessed in a sample of 605 Portuguese university and high-school students. A Parallel Analysis was carried out as a criterion for extracting factors in Exploratory Factorial Analysis (EFA), EFA for ordinal data, with unweighted least squares (ULS). This was followed by confirmatory factor analysis to examine whether the structure pattern fitted the Portuguese context. The resulting scale, with eight items in a two-component structure, compulsive feelings, and social consequences, demonstrated high reliability and validity. The Portuguese version of the social media addiction scale presented good psychometric qualities, constituting a credible instrument for assessing social media addiction. Participants with the highest addiction levels spend more time connected to social media
From useful art to service design. Encouraging migrants’ creative thinking through translocal services for social innovation
No full textExploring the areas of arte útil (useful art) and service design for social innovation, the research focuses on an art and design hybrid practice that can be understood as transdisciplinary. The social art projects and social design services pointed out as case studies aim to give practical and significant answers to the lack of support given by governmental entities, developing innovative experimental solutions that may contribute to the sociocultural sustainability and inclusion of migrant communities and citizens living in urban areas. The Immigrant Movement International, the Conflict Kitchen, and the Shifting Ground case studies have in common a systematized practice that seeks to enhance social, cultural, and political issues through a creative process to stimulate critical thinking in the new culture where the migrants aim to be integrated. Regarding the Shifting Ground, a common denominator is the relational and dialogical aesthetics crossing all the project iterations, the migrant citizens’ participation in ceramic workshops to encourage creative thinking, the production of ceramic sculptures later presented to the community at large in an exhibition-celebration, and the maintenance of an online archive to strengthen community bonds. The practice in question is also contextualized by Bell Hooks’ Eating the Other: Desire and Resistance, and Rancière’s critical art concept, to better understand the kind of relationship that may enhance interaction with migrant citizens when developing art and design services for social innovation