Measuring commitment in paws: Adaptation of the Investment Model Scale to the context of companion animals with a Portuguese sample

Commitment has a crucial role in predicting intentions and behaviors toward relationship maintenance. The Investment Model Scale (IMS; Rusbult et al., 1998) offers an empirically supported framework to describe and quantify commitment in various contexts, particularly romantic relationships. Only a few studies have attempted to extend this theoretical framework to examine human and companion animals (H-CA) relationships and measurement instruments lack psychometric evidence. We adapted the IMS to H-CA relationships based on previous studies and discussions with various experts (Study 1a), to help us clarify some items and develop new ones. We then performed Exploratory (Study 1b, N = 248) and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (Study 2, N = 236), to assess the scale’s psychometric capabilities in this new context. During study 2, we also investigated scale sensitivity and criterion-based validity. Exploratory factor analyses showed that variables assessed by the IMS are transferable to the H-CA context. The same structure was found in the Confirmatory Factor Analyses. Results showed this new version of the IMS is psychometrically sound to be used by researchers and professionals, with the added precaution that the “Quality of Alternatives” dimension does not translate completely to this new H-CA environment and warrants further study.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Marketing plan to develop new sales channels of company D

D Company, a traditional brick-and-mortar retailer specializing in the sale of musical instruments, needs to expand its marketing system and explore new sales channels amidst the comprehensive development of online marketing channels in China. However, due to its long-term focus on offline operations, D Company lacks understanding of the e-commerce sector, manifesting specific issues such as a lack of experience in online channel construction, hindered digitalization of products, and a dearth of operational strategies. Consequently, its e-commerce business has not been able to commence timely, causing the company to miss numerous development opportunities. This thesis takes D company as the research subject, conducting an in-depth analysis of the online marketing challenges it will encounter when entering e-commerce platforms, and proposing feasible optimization strategies. A variety of research methods are comprehensively employed. Firstly, through literature review, relevant theories and current developments are meticulously examined. Secondly, data is collected via questionnaires and interviews, and theoretical tools such as PEST analysis, Porter's Five Forces model, and SWOT analysis are utilized to comprehensively assess D Company's online marketing environment, internal resources, and capabilities. The objective of this thesis is to enhance D Company's market competitiveness, increase user stickiness, and improve consumer satisfaction through the implementation of these strategies, effectively assisting D Company in launching its online business. D Company should continuously monitor market dynamics and flexibly adjust its strategies to maintain a competitive edge, stay ahead in the domestic musical instrument industry, and achieve sustainable development.A D Company, uma varejista tradicional especializada na venda de instrumentos musicais, precisa expandir seu sistema de marketing e explorar novos canais de vendas em meio ao desenvolvimento abrangente de canais de marketing online na China. No entanto, devido ao seu foco de longo prazo em operações offline, a D Company carece de compreensão do setor de comércio eletrônico, manifestando questões específicas, como falta de experiência na construção de canais online, digitalização dificultada de produtos e escassez de estratégias operacionais. Consequentemente, seu negócio de comércio eletrônico não pôde começar em tempo hábil, fazendo com que a empresa perdesse inúmeras oportunidades de desenvolvimento. Este artigo toma a D Company como objeto de pesquisa, realizando uma análise aprofundada dos desafios de marketing online que encontrará ao entrar em plataformas de comércio eletrônico e propondo estratégias de otimização viáveis. Uma variedade de métodos de pesquisa é amplamente empregada. Em primeiro lugar, por meio da revisão da literatura, as teorias relevantes e os desenvolvimentos atuais são meticulosamente examinados. Em segundo lugar, os dados são coletados por meio de questionários e entrevistas, e ferramentas teóricas como análise PEST, modelo das Cinco Forças de Porter e análise SWOT são utilizadas para avaliar de forma abrangente o ambiente de marketing on-line, recursos internos e capacidades da D Company. O objetivo deste artigo é aumentar a competitividade de mercado da D Company, aumentar a aderência do usuário e melhorar a satisfação do consumidor por meio da implementação dessas estratégias, auxiliando efetivamente a D Company no lançamento de seus negócios online. D A empresa deve monitorar continuamente a dinâmica do mercado e ajustar com flexibilidade suas estratégias para manter uma vantagem competitiva, ficar à frente na indústria doméstica de instrumentos musicais e alcançar o desenvolvimento sustentável

The religious transfeminism of the Kinnar Akhāṛā

Established in 2015, the Kinnar Akhāṛā is a Hindu religious order of gender non-conforming individuals rooted in the hijṛā tradition but structured akin to traditional Hindu ascetic groups. Kinnars aspire to enhance the social inclusion and acceptance of transgender people within Indian society by reclaiming their (supposed) historical religious role in Hinduism. In this pursuit, they challenge the patriarchal, male-dominated ethos of traditional ascetic orders, but also face criticism from those who see them pandering to right-wing Hindutva ideology to garner political favour from the central government. This article examines the Kinnar Akhāṛā as an example of religious transfeminism, a form of feminism that integrates various strands of feminist thinking into a religious group. By describing how this religious transfeminism manifests in religious space, activism, and a decolonial and intersectional approach, this article expands feminist discourse beyond the narratives of the global North and highlights forms of alternative empowerment to achieve religious and social transformations in India.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The #ELENÃO technopolitical network in the hybridization of urban space

Este ensaio discorre sobre a atuação do Movimento #ELENÃO no espaço urbano como uma rede tecnopolítica, destacando a intersecção entre o espaço digital e físico na construção de uma resistência feminista. Teve como objetivo compreender como as redes sociotécnicas influenciam as interações políticas e sociais. Os resultados revelam que as interfaces digitais contribuem na mobilização e articulação do movimento, mediando interações socioespaciais e contribuindo para a formação de um espaço social híbrido. A pesquisa conclui que a resistência feminista se manifesta não apenas nas esferas digitais, mas também na territorialização de ações políticas, evidenciando a tecnopolítica feminista na luta contra a discriminação de gênero.This essay discusses the work of the #ELENÃO Movement in urban space as technopolitical network, highlighting the intersection between digital and physical space in the construction of feminist resistance. It aims to understand how socio-technical networks influence political and social interactions. The results show that digital interfaces contribute to the mobilization and articulation of the movement, mediating socio-spatial interactions and contributing to the formation of a hybrid social space. The research concludes that feminist resistance manifests itself not only in digital spheres, but also in the territorialization of political actions, highlighting feminist technopolitics in the fight against gender discrimination

What does sustainability sound like? Crafting soundscapes that reflect environmental and social sustainability dimensions

This paper presents a series of studies examining how soundscapes can convey the abstract and multidimensional concept of sustainability. A pilot study identified sensory and affective descriptors linked to sustainability (e.g., natural, responsible), which were then used to determine psychoacoustic properties (e.g., pitch, consonance) capable of communicating these descriptors. Based on these properties, ten instrumental soundtracks were selected and evaluated for their capacity to evoke sustainability associations. The soundtracks were adapted to reflect environmental (overlaying jungle, forest, or beach sounds; Study 1) and social (overlaying talking, laughing, or cheering sounds; Study 2) dimensions. Results (combined N = 517) indicated that soundtracks aligned with sustainability descriptors reliably elicited strong perceptions of sustainability. Additionally, overlaying nature sounds enhanced associations with environmental sustainability, while incorporating human group sounds increased social sustainability associations. These findings demonstrate the potential of soundscapes to communicate abstract concepts, highlighting the importance of integrating musical elements with explicit sounds to evoke targeted sustainability perceptions. Harnessing such soundscapes may offer new avenues for organizations to communicate sustainability, with potential applications in brand and product experiential design.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The mobility of urban policies: How Lisbon’s BIP/ZIP initiatives travelled to other European urban contexts

This article examines the dynamics of urban public policy mobility within European intercity transfer programmes, focusing on co-policies, those that combine co-production and co-governance in the shaping and implementation of urban transformation. While such policies are increasingly mobilised through transfer networks, the field lacks analytical tools to assess how these models are interpreted and adapted in diverse local contexts. This paper addresses that gap by investigating the first international transfer of Lisbon’s BIP/ZIP Strategy to seven cities via the Com.Unity.Lab Transfer Network. Using an adapted “follow the policy” methodology, the research employs combined methods to trace how decisions were made, how actors shaped outcomes, and how the process evolved over time. Findings show that co-policy mobility especially not merely technical or administrative; it is deeply political, involving distributed decision-making, interpretive flexibility, and uneven capacities for adaptation. The study underscores the value of procedural approaches in understanding evolving power dynamics and calls for assessment frameworks that are process-oriented, context-sensitive, and power-aware. It contributes to emerging methodologies in urban policy studies by framing co-policy mobility as a negotiated and contested process with potential lasting implications for governance cultures and spatial justice.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Bridging pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment in digital education: Ensuring a constructive alignment

An individual has the right to a quality and inclusive education and to training throughout their life. This is described in the European Pillar of Social Rights’ principles of Education, training, and lifelong learning, and Equal opportunities. Given that digitalization processes are leading to pedagogical change, how this education and training are designed and delivered may be impacted. This article explores the important interplay between pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment in digital education. We begin by discussing the acquisition of digital skills—an important indicator of an individual’s capacity to manage transitions— particularly focusing on the Portuguese context. Next, we reflect on how different learning theories and models can be applied in digital environments. In particular, we address the evolving roles of teachers and students, and the relevant pedagogical strategies, and propose the need for an alignment between pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment in digital education. By reflecting on how these aspects can be effectively integrated into the digital learning landscape, this overview provides valuable insights for both practice and policymaking, fostering meaningful and enriching educational experiences in the digital realm.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

City, segregation, and food: study of the food environment in the context of socio-spatial inequality in Petrópolis (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

O ambiente alimentar das cidades brasileiras está diretamente ligado ao planejamento territorial e à desigualdade socioespacial. Este artigo caracteriza o ambiente agroalimentar no primeiro distrito de Petrópolis (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) e analisa alternativas mais sustentáveis que fortalecem os circuitos curtos de consumo. O mapeamento dos estabelecimentos comerciais e agrícolas relacionados à alimentação faz parte deste estudo. A análise, combinada com a renda familiar média por setor censitário, a divisão por bairros e certas características da mobilidade urbana, permite refletir sobre áreas prioritárias para ação e formas de investimento, por meio de políticas públicas, na relação direta entre produtor e consumidor, como a ampliação das feiras livres e a criação de estruturas para venda direta em espaços públicos. A segregação alimentar como realidade em Petrópolis e o reconhecimento da importância do ambiente rural e da produção local devem ser considerados para identificar soluções mais sustentáveis para mitigar a insegurança alimentar.The food landscape of Brazilian cities is directly linked to territorial planning and socio-spatial inequality. This article characterizes the agro-food environment in the first district of Petrópolis (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and analyzes more sustainable alternatives that strengthen short consumption circuits. The mapping of food-related commercial and agricultural establishments is part of this study. The analysis, combined with the average family income by census sector, the division by neighborhoods, and certain characteristics of urban mobility, allows for reflection on priority areas for action and forms of investment, through public policies, in the direct relationship between producer and consumer, such as the expansion of street markets, and the creation of structures for direct sale along public spaces. Food segregation as a reality in Petrópolis and the recognition of the importance of the rural environment and local production must be considered to identify more sustainable solutions to mitigate food insecurity.publicad

Internet e a publicidade em Angola: O olhar da religião e dos religiosos sobre os produtos de "entretenimento"

No atual contexto da revolução digital, onde tem se verificado uma forte penetração dos media digitais no contexto social, a publicidade desempenha um importante papel na mudança do comportamento e atitude dos consumidores em relação aos produtos anunciados. A pergunta de partida para este estudo foi: como é percecionada a mensagem publicitária dos produtos de “entretenimento” no contexto da internet e qual o seu impacto sobre os religiosos angolanos? Sendo assim, definiu-se uma abordagem metodológica mista. Foram analisadas trezentas e cinco respostas de inquéritos aplicados aos religiosos, vinte e uma entrevistas aos líderes das três religiões em estudo e quatro focus groups constituído por um número de participantes que variam entre seis e doze em cada grupo de discussão. Os resultados das entrevistas mostram uma clara desconexão entre os valores implícitos nas mensagens publicitárias de produtos de entretenimento e os valores culturais dos religiosos angolanos, especialmente entre os elementos da amostra pertencentes as religiões abraâmicas (cristianismo e islão) e o animismo, adotando uma posição mais independente e consciente. Os focus groups revelaram que alguns anúncios analisados continham elementos considerados ofensivos ou incompatíveis com os preceitos religiosos. Os resultados da análise estatística sugerem que a perceção negativa dos anúncios publicitários na internet é fortemente influenciada pela afiliação religiosa, particularmente entre os cristãos e muçulmanos, cujos valores entram em desacordo com as temáticas de alguns produtos publicitados. Quanto à introdução de uma cultura religiosa nas mensagens publicitárias na internet por parte dos anunciantes, não se observaram evidências de introdução explícita de uma cultura religiosa nas mensagens publicitárias dos produtos analisados.In the current context of the digital revolution, where there has been a strong penetration of digital media in the social context, advertising plays an important role in changing consumer behaviour and attitudes towards advertised products. The starting question for this study was: how is the advertising message of ‘entertainment’ products perceived in an internet context and what is its impact on Angolan religious people? Therefore, a mixed methodological approach was defined. Three hundred and five responses from surveys applied to religious people, twenty-one interviews with the leaders of the three religions under study and four focus groups made up of a number of participants ranging from six to twelve in each discussion group were analysed. The results of the interviews show a clear disconnect between the values implicit in the advertising messages of entertainment products and Angolan cultural and religious values, especially among the sample members belonging to the Abrahamic religions (Christianity and Islam) and animism, adopting a more independent and conscious position. The focus groups revealed that some of the adverts analysed contained elements considered offensive or incompatible with religious precepts. The results of the statistical analysis suggest that the negative perception of internet adverts is strongly influenced by religious affiliation, particularly among Christians and Muslims, whose values are at odds with the themes of some of the products being advertised. As for the introduction of a religious culture into Internet advertising messages by advertisers, there was no evidence of an explicit introduction of a religious culture into the advertising messages of the products analysed

Story generation from visual inputs: Techniques, related tasks, and challenges

Creating engaging narratives from visual data is crucial for automated digital media consumption, assistive technologies, and interactive entertainment. This survey covers methodologies used in the generation of these narratives, focusing on their principles, strengths, and limitations. The survey also covers tasks related to automatic story generation, such as image and video captioning, and Visual Question Answering. These tasks share common challenges with Visual Story Generation (VSG) and have served as inspiration for the techniques used in the field. We analyze the main datasets and evaluation metrics, providing a critical perspective on their limitations.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio