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  • Communicating Science In UNESCO Global Geoparks
    Publication . Patrocínio, Filipe; Castro, Emanuel; Loureiro, Fábio; Firmino, Gisela; Vieira, Goncalo; Gomes, Hugo; Fernandes, Magda
    UNESCO territories are spaces of Education, Science and Culture, but also of Communication. Today, communication is an imperative of these territories, both as dissemination strategies and as a way of positioning in different development domains. In any case, knowing how to communicate its resources, differentiating elements or defining strategies, constitutes a competitive advantage that cannot be neglected at the present time. In other perspective, communication translates a strategy defined by the territories, visible in the way it communicates and in what is communicated. However, it’s not always easy to convey the values we want, much less when we speak about Science. The UNESCO Global Geoparks, as well-defined spaces where a community development strategy based on geology is built, are also areas of science. As such, communicating scientific knowledge, heritage resources, tangible and intangible values and culture itself are part of the daily life of a Geopark. Assuming the old maxim that we can only value what we know, the development of instruments, strategies and processes is fundamental, allowing the interpretation and dissemination of the geological heritage, but also of what is intended to be achieved with its valorisation, not only promoting greater attractiveness, but also a greater involvement of their communities, leading them to contribute in their own development. At Estrela Geopark, an aspirant to the UNESCO Global Geoparks network, communication plays a prominent role in its transverse development strategy. In each of its vital axes, tourism, science, education and sustainability, communication seeks to achieve three essential objectives: first, greater awareness of the Geopark brand and its own concept; secondly, greater dissemination of the territory; and thirdly, greater attractiveness, with more tourists, residents and investors. However, it`s not always easy to communicate science and scientific research. How to convey knowledge in an accessible, interesting and appealing way to the general public, whether visitors or residents? Aware of this difficulty, the Estrela Geopark betted early on interpretation as a central strategy for the whole communicative process. To interpret is the sine quo non condition for spreading knowledge, promoting geoconservation, achieving new forms of education and fostering our sense of belonging and pride. Throughout the last four years, several communication measures have been adopted, among which we highlight the "Portas do Geopark ", which are points of information and dissemination of heritage, and provide an entry into the territory. These "Portas" are the materialization of a dissemination strategy for the values of the Geopark throughout the 9 municipalities that compose this Aspiring with more than 2 thousand km2. Thus, 9 "Portas" and a tenth in the highest point of Continental Portugal, the Torre of Serra da Estrela, a place that receives approximately 2 million visitors per year, were created. In fact, communicating is much more than a simple way of transmitting knowledge, it`s a methodology that leverages the whole strategy of the Geopark, so that Estrela truly becomes a territory of Science, Education, Culture and Communication.
    2018-09Conference object Open access Show more
  • Regional Competitiveness and Innovation in the Tourism Sector: The Case of the Autonomous Region of Madeira
    Publication . Teixeira, Sérgio de Jesus; Ferreira, João José de Matos
    Tourism has been highlighted as one of the sectors with the greatest potential for expansion on a global scale, so it is important to try to understand the factors of innovation and regional competitiveness in this sector. Competitiveness, particularly in the tourism sector, has experienced in recent decades an unprecedented development of experiences and now plays a very important role in markets and industries. However, the success of the tourist destinations in the world and regional markets is in a way influenced by their relative competitiveness. In this sense, innovation is a very important catalyst for the survival and growth of tourism and it is recognized the positive impacts, revealing that the innovative behaviors and products improve financial and economic performance positively. In this PhD thesis, several topics are analyzed, although some still need future investigation, related to the importance of the regional competitiveness and innovation for the tourism sector. This investigation is made up of four empirical studies with geographic focus in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The first study of this PhD thesis (chapter 2), entitled “Regional Competitiveness and Innovation in the Tourism Sector: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis", aims to carry out a mapping of scientific publications, intellectual knowledge, trends research and potential future lines of investigation in the areas of the regional competitiveness and tourism innovation. It is used a systematic literature review using a bibliometric approach, based on the VOSviewer Software, focusing on the creation of the intellectual structure visualization maps. The analysis type is based on the number of published articles and number of annual citations, for the period from 1900 to 2016, through the Web of Science database. The results show that the intellectual structure of the regions' competitiveness is divided into three main categories: regional competitiveness, tourism innovation and tourism cluster. The main contribution of this study is the identification of the main research trends in this area and its gaps and specific needs of future scientific research within this field of research. The second empirical study (chapter 3), entitled "Impact of Satisfaction of Tourist Events as a Regional Tourist Competitiveness Product", aims to analyze the impact and contribution of satisfaction with tourist events as a product of regional tourist competitiveness, as well as evaluate factors of competitiveness. For that, a questionnaire was carried out on the four major tourist events in the Autonomous Region of Madeira (Carnival, Flower Festival, Atlantic Festival, and Wine Festival). The sample is composed of 2262 tourists surveyed during the year 2017 and structural equation models were used as statistical method. The results show that satisfaction is reflected in the client's loyalty to the choice of a tourist destination and it also contributes, directly and indirectly to the regional tourist competitiveness. This study contributes to the valorization of local and regional events, perceived by the level of satisfaction and loyalty of tourists, as products of regional competitiveness of a tourist destination. The third empirical study (chapter 4) entitled "Entrepreneurial Craft Products as Regional Tourist Competitiveness", aims to explore and analyze the role of handcrafted products in entrepreneurship and regional tourist competitiveness. This study is based on secondary data from different sources (Regional Statistics Office of Madeira, Institute of Wine, Embroidery and Handicraft of Madeira) and it covers the last 15 years (2001 - 2015). It was made a quantitative analysis of the data through an econometric approach using Pearson's regression and correlation models. The study contributes with empirical evidence which helps us to identify the role of handcrafted products for the entrepreneurial capacity and tourist competitiveness of a region. In addition, it also contributes to the knowledge of the scientific community with particular interest in artisan entrepreneurship, cultural and regional competitiveness in the tourism sector. Finally, the fourth and final empirical study of this PhD thesis (chapter 5) entitled "Innovation as a driver of the competitiveness of business tourism", aims to analyze factors and barriers to innovation and their impact (direct and indirect) on the competitiveness of the destination and business competitiveness. Based on primary data collected by a questionnaire from a sample of 119 companies operating in the tourism sector in the Autonomous Region of Madeira (Portugal), a quantitative methodology was applied using econometric and multiple linear regression models. The study empirically identifies and tests existing relationships underlying innovation (factors and barriers) as a level for the competitiveness of destination and business. The results show important theoretical and practical implications in the contribution of innovation to destination and business competitiveness, thus contributing to filling the gaps identified in the literature.
    2018-09Doctoral thesis Open access Show more
  • Tourism as a Link between Estrela Geopark and Serra da Estrela Natural Park
    Publication . Loureiro, Fábio; Castro, Emanuel; Patrocínio, Filipe; Firmino, Gisela; Vieira, Goncalo; Gomes, Hugo; Fernandes, Magda
    To look at the Estrela Geopark territory is to find a mosaic of huge natural and cultural values as well as a unique scenic beauty, factors that contribute to its tourist attractiveness. As such, a synchronous work by local agents is required, making best use of these values and actively contributing to the sustainable development of populations, a strategy that can be supported by the patrimonialisation of existing Estrela`s resources. Regarding tourism as an economic activity and social phenomenon, it functions as an agent for development, especially in regions where the economy is not very competitive, as is the case of rural areas in mainland Portugal. Based on this, it`s possible to identify two entities with a very important role in the future of the region of Serra da Estrela. The Institute for Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), which is responsible for the protected area corresponding to the Serra da Estrela Natural Park (SENP), and the Associação Geopark Estrela (AGE), responsible for the UNESCO Global Geopark application. As such, the existence of common objectives for heritage conservation and valorisation allow a complementary work by these entities. On the one hand, through its laws and directives, the existence of a protected area (SENP) in the territory of the Geopark allows the more effective conservation of this heritage. On the other hand, the Geopark can add to its greater valorisation and interpretation, contributing to the populations` involvement in the conservation process, something that has sometimes been difficult for the SENP. The focus on nature tourism has increasingly been one of the focuses of both entities, with the realization of interpreted routes, educational programs, as well as the installation of interpretive infrastructures being examples that intend to constructively raise the awareness of resident populations and tourists who visit this territory. In addition to these, during this year, this partnership will also result in the organization of the ObservaEstrela. Coordinated by the AGE, this event will be part of the “Observa” network promoted by ICNF, and will consist of a nature tourism fair, with lectures and workshops, shows, and field trips with observation and interpretation of biotic and abiotic heritage. The objective is to promote, in an integrated way, the relationship between science and tourism, further strengthening this partnership between these two entities and valuing a territory that has long deserved an event of this nature. Based on these experiences, the objective will be to demonstrate how tourism can strengthen this link between the Estrela Geopark and the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, working common vertices together that allow the implementation of a sustainable development strategy, and thus, helping the populations of this territory for which this future UNESCO Global Geopark classification is intended.
    2018-09Conference object Open access Show more
  • Fatores que influenciam a procura de medidas associadas às políticas públicas de estímulo à inovação
    Publication . Madeira, Maria Jose; Moura, Dulcineia Catarina; Duarte, Filipe; Carvalho, João; Kahilana, Orlando
    Esta investigação visa contribuir para analisar o nível de envolvimento nas Políticas Públicas de estímulo à inovação, sob a influência da Cooperação e da Capacidade de Absorção, na expetativa de que se venha a repercutir em resultados pertinentes para a sua aplicação.Neste trabalho o objetivo consiste na análise da influência da Cooperação e da Capacidade de Absorção na procura dos benefícios provenientes das Políticas Públicas de estímulo à inovação, mais concretamente Apoio Financeiro Público da Administração Regional ou Local, da Administração Central e da União Europeia. Nesta sequência, a análise centra-se no estudo de empresas industriais e de serviços, localizadas no território português, no período 2008-2010, recorrendo aos dados obtidos através do CIS 2010. De acordo com o objetivo exposto coloca-se como questão principal, para a qual é necessário encontrar resposta: A Capacidade de Absorção e as fontes de informação e de Cooperação com diferentes tipos de parceiros têm impacto sobre a procura dos benefícios provenientes do apoio financeiro público? Assim, devido à escassa literatura sobre o impacto da Capacidade de Absorção e da Cooperação na procura de medidas de apoio associadas às Políticas Públicas, o estudo pretende ampliar um pouco mais o conhecimento sobre a matéria e contribuir ativamente para fomentar algum avanço na análise dos fatores que influenciam a inovação. Pretende- se, ainda, com este trabalho abrir caminho para estudos futuros, quer através de outras análises diferenciadas do objeto em investigação quer contemplando trabalhos mais alargados sobre a matéria.
    2018-09Book part Open access Show more
  • Establishment of 2D Cell Cultures Derived From 3D MCF‐7 Spheroids Displaying a Doxorubicin Resistant Profile
    Publication . Nunes, Ana Raquel Santos; Costa, Elisabete C.; Barros, Andreia; Diogo, Duarte Miguel de Melo; Correia, Ilídio Joaquim Sobreira
    In vitro 3D cancer spheroids generally exhibit a drug resistance profile similar to that found in solid tumors. Due to this property, these models are an appealing for anticancer compounds screening. Nevertheless, the techniques and methods aimed for drug discovery are mostly standardized for cells cultured in 2D. The development of 2D cell culture models displaying a drug resistant profile is required to mimic the in vivo tumors, while the equipment, techniques, and methodologies established for conventional 2D cell cultures can continue to be employed in compound screening. In this work, the response of 3D‐derived MCF‐7 cells subsequently cultured in 2D in medium supplemented with glutathione (GSH) (antioxidant agent found in high levels in breast cancer tissues and a promoter of cancer cells resistance) to Doxorubicin (DOX) is evaluated. These cells demonstrated a resistance toward DOX closer to that displayed by 3D spheroids, which is higher than that exhibited by standard 2D cell cultures. In fact, the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of DOX in 3D‐derived MCF‐7 cell cultures supplemented with GSH is about eight‐times higher than that obtained for conventional 2D cell cultures (cultured without GSH), and is only about two‐times lower than that attained for 3D MCF‐7 spheroids (cultured without GSH). Further investigation revealed that this improved resistance of 3D‐derived MCF‐7 cells may result from their increased P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) activity and reduced production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS).
    2018-09Journal article Restricted access Show more
  • The Integration of the Communities in an Application Process
    Publication . Firmino, Gisela; Castro, Emanuel; Loureiro, Fábio; Patrocínio, Filipe; Gomes, Hugo; Fernandes, Magda
    A UNESCO Global Geopark builds its strategy on the Communities and their development, contributing to the reinforcement of the sense of belonging and their active participation in the whole process, like it is expected from a Bottom-Up process. In this way, Estrela, as an aspirant to UNESCO Global Geopark, has defined its strategy based on this premise. With a 2216km2 territory, 9 municipalities and around 170,000 inhabitants, AGE has been working on the dissemination of both the concept of Geopark and the advantages that an application such as this offers territories with low density and high levels of depopulation. Thus, the year 2017 was marked by the start of several activities with the objective of improving the involvement of the Population in a process so structurant for the territory as this is, because a holistic vision of the territory has finally emerged, opposing the fragmented vision existing until then of the municipalities that compose this application. In this context, the Estrela Conferences advocate a new approach to integrate the people in this application process, giving them an active voice and bringing them to the stage, giving them the opportunity to discuss and participate in the decisions that are being made. The nine municipalities that have promoted this project have been travelled through for nine months, in which the main themes related to Serra da Estrela were discussed through public sessions open to the community, inspired by the concept of Community Forums. These focus groups, with the main objective of discussing and finding solutions to the main challenges that Estrela faces nowadays, were occurred, preferably outside the county headquarters with the clear objective of decentralizing and taking the Geopark to places which usually are removed from the calendar of the municipalities. Examples of this decentralization were the cases of Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis and Caria. These debate sessions made us travel through themes such as "Heritage, Culture and Tradition", "Communication and Territorial Identity", "Geology and Geodiversity", "Tourism: Challenges and Opportunities", "Education and Science: (re)interpreting natural spaces", "Environment and Biodiversity and Mountain Spaces", "Development and Territorial Cohesion", "Depopulation and Low Density" and "Geoparks: new strategies of the 21st Century". Thus, this communication intends to present the Conferências of Estrela as an example of good practices, since in addition to fostering the values of an UNESCO Global Geopark, it also places the Populations at the centre of the strategy of a Geopark, favouring the development of a critical spirit, active citizenship and a sense of belonging. It also helps the sharing of ancestral knowledge by the eldest population, which would otherwise be lost in time.
    2018-09Conference object Open access Show more
  • Participação e deliberação online
    Publication . Morais, Ricardo José Pinheiro; Correia, João Carlos Ferreira
    Desde meados da década de 1990, momento em que se dá a expansão da Internet, que uma boa parte do debate sobre as potencialidades desta nova tecnologia de comunicação foi direcionado para a possibilidade de melhoria dos procedimentos democráticos. Esta tendência de olhar para a Internet enquanto tecnologia capaz de dinamizar o sistema democrático, não é alheia ao período conturbado que a maioria das democracias ocidentais enfrenta desde então, com uma quebra acentuada ao nível da confiança nas instituições políticas e uma crescente falta de envolvimento e participação na vida pública. No caso português, esta desconfiança, bem como o nível de insatisfação com o funcionamento da democracia, acentuou-se, de acordo com os dados do Eurobarómetro, com o pedido de resgate financeiro, a intervenção da Troika e a aplicação de políticas de austeridade no período que vai de 2011 a 2014. Estas medidas geraram grande agitação social e aumentaram as dúvidas quanto ao desempenho democrático. No entanto, as elevadas expectativas quanto ao potencial transformador da Internet deram lugar, nos últimos anos, a análises menos entusiastas e a narrativas mais realistas quanto ao papel das tecnologias digitais de comunicação. Sem a euforia dos estudos do final do século XX, nesta investigação propomo-nos observar o ambiente digital a partir das teorias da democracia deliberativa, considerando a possibilidade de formação de novos ambientes participativos. Entre os espaços de participação colocados ao dispor dos cidadãos no ambiente digital, optámos por analisar aqueles dedicados aos comentários dos leitores, na medida em que estes conformam arenas particulares para a deliberação. Neste contexto, e considerando o processo de formação do XXI Governo Constitucional, enquanto estudo de caso, analisam-se os comentários num meio de comunicação particular: o jornal online “Observador”. Este meio é escolhido enquanto único nativo digital nacional de âmbito generalista, mas sobretudo porque é o projeto de comunicação mais alinhado à direita, ao nível dos conteúdos e da audiência, e por isso à priori mais contrário à formação de uma solução governativa que unisse as diferentes formações políticas de esquerda. A investigação procura dessa forma perceber se os enquadramentos, argumentos e atores que ganham visibilidade nas peças jornalísticas deste meio, considerando o caso em análise, afetam as próprias discussões que possam ter lugar nos espaços de comentários, seguindo a ideia de um framing deliberativo, ou seja, a existência de um enquadramento dominante capaz de balizar o debate em torno de um determinado quadro interpretativo. Esta indagação vai de encontro às restantes questões que nos propomos responder neste trabalho e que passam por saber se as discussões que têm lugar online promovem efetivamente uma troca democrática de ideias e opiniões, e em que medida é que os espaços de comentários se configuram como efetivos fóruns deliberativos? São estas as dimensões que nos guiam ao longo de um trabalho que se encontra ancorado nos estudos sobre deliberação online e que pretende contribuir para o aprofundamento da investigação nesta área, ao mesmo tempo que estabelece um cruzamento com a literatura sobre o framing, e em particular o framing deliberativo.
    2018-09Doctoral thesis Open access Show more
  • Violência organizacional: reflexões a partir da perspectiva dos estudos para a paz
    Publication . Cabral, Raquel; Gonçalves, Gisela; Salhani, Jorge
    Este artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre a noção de violência organizacional na perspectiva crítica dos estudos para a paz (Peace Studies), em especial a discussão em torno das tipologias de violência de Johan Galtung diante dos princípios que orientam condutas éticas e responsáveis nas organizações privadas, públicas e do terceiro setor. Como principais resultados, foram apresentadas as bases sobre os mecanismos de legitimação da violência organizacional a partir de alguns exemplos descritivos, questionando práticas que naturalizam tais violências.
    2018-09Journal article Open access Show more
  • Supporting new firm's through Entrepreneurship education: a case of a successful course
    Publication . Raposo, Mario; Madeira, Maria Jose; Nave, Edgar
    Entrepreneurship is a dominant force in contemporary economy. Entrepreneurship is a dynamic process of vision, change and creation. Entrepreneurship is a process of fundamental transformation, from an innovative idea, to the value proposal to the creation a new venture. It requires an application of energy and passion towards the creation and implementation of new ideas and creative solutions. The essential ingredients include: the willingness to assume risks, the ability to join a venture team, the creative skill to get necessary resources, ability to develop a solid business plan and the vision to recognize an opportunity. As entrepreneurship is about devising and implementing new ideas and practices, a strong educational foundation helps ensure that new ideas will be effective and substantive. This paper starting from the theoretical framework of entrepreneurship based on different lines of thought and with different approaches, will try to describe the dimensions of the Entrepreneurial education process and how this process promotes students' attitudes and intentions favorable to create business start-ups. In a practical way, will be presented the successful case of an course of entrepreneurship of technological base, that has been going on for some years in a partnership between several universities. Examples of successful startups, resulting from the course will be mentioned.
    2018-09Conference object Open access Show more
  • Effective torsional strength of axially restricted RC beams
    Publication . Taborda, Cátia S. B.; Bernardo, Luís; Gama, Jorge
    In a previous study, design charts where proposed to help the torsional design of axially restricted reinforced concrete (RC) beams with squared cross section. In this article, new design charts are proposed to cover RC beams with rectangular cross section. The influence of the height to width ratio of the cross section on the behavior of RC beams under torsion is firstly shown by using theoretical and experimental results. Next, the effective torsional strength of a reference RC beam is computed for several values and combinations of the study variables, namely: height to width ratio of the cross section, concrete compressive strength, torsional reinforcement ratio and level of the axial restraint. To compute the torsional strength, the modified Variable Angle Truss Model for axially restricted RC beams is used. Then, an extensive parametric analysis based on multivariable and nonlinear correlation analysis is performed to obtain nonlinear regression equations which allow to build the new design charts. These charts allow to correct the torsional strength in order to consider the favourable influence of the compressive axial stress that arises from the axial restraint.
    2018-09Journal article Open access Show more