Metaverso: A próxima fronteira do marketing digital

Dissertação de Mestrado, Ciências Económicas e Empresariais, 09 de abril de 2024, Universidade dos Açores.Nos últimos anos, o conceito de metaverso tem atraído a atenção de empresas e consumidores, uma vez que as tecnologias fundamentais para a sua implementação têm vindo a desenvolver-se, tornando cada vez mais viável a sua implementação. A sua implementação e aplicação a várias áreas do quotidiano trará mudanças fundamentais nas perceções, comportamentos e formas de atuação dos consumidores. Consequentemente, a forma como as empresas interagem com os seus consumidores também sofrerá alterações decorrentes da adaptação a esta nova realidade. O objetivo com a realização do presente trabalho é o de relacionar o desenvolvimento deste novo espaço virtual com o conceito de marketing digital, procurando demonstrar que este será um novo espaço de interação, que requer compreensão por parte dos profissionais de marketing, para que possam comunicar de forma eficaz e relevante. Para este efeito, realizou-se uma análise bibliométrica sobre o campo de investigação do marketing no metaverso, de forma a comprovar as asserções realizadas, assim como mapear o espetro de temas existentes e o estado atual da investigação sobre este assunto. O mapeamento do campo de investigação possibilitará oferecer uma perspetiva sobre o seu estado intelectual que poderá também auxiliar na realização de investigações futuras sobre este tema. Face aos resultados obtidos, verifica-se que a discussão atualmente existente no campo de investigação tem por objetivo determinar as implicações e oportunidades que o metaverso e as tecnologias a este associadas poderão trazer para a área do marketing, assim como para o marketing de setores como o turismo, hospitalidade e cosmética. Deste modo, comprova-se que o metaverso constitui a próxima fronteira do marketing digital e que existe preocupação em entender como funcionará neste novo espaço. Neste sentido apresentam-se ainda sugestões de linhas de investigação futura que pretendem exponenciar a investigação já existente.ABSTRACT: In recent years, the concept of the metaverse has attracted attention from companies and consumers alike, as the technologies that are fundamental to its implementation have developed, making it implementation increasingly feasible. Its implementation and application to various areas of everyday life will bring about fundamental changes in consumer perceptions, behaviors, and ways of acting. Consequently, way companies interact with their consumers will also suffer changes to adapt to this new reality. The aim of this paper is to relate the development of this new virtual space to the concept of digital marketing, with the intent of demonstrating that this will be a new space for interaction that requires understanding from marketing professionals, so that they can communicate in an effective and relevant way. To this end, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on the research field of marketing in the metaverse, to prove the assertions made, as well as to chart the spectrum of existing topics and the current state of the research on this subject. Mapping the field of research will also make possible to offer a perspective on its intellectual state, which could help in conducting future research on this subject. Considering the results obtained, its concludes that the discussion currently taking place in the field of research aims to determine the implications and opportunities that the metaverse and the technologies associated with it could bring to the area of marketing, as well as to the marketing of sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and cosmetics. This proves that the metaverse is the next frontier for digital marketing and that there is a concern to understand how marketing will work in this new space. In this sense, there are also suggestions for future lines of research that aim to expand on existing research

Pseudo-escorpião-cavernícola, Pseudoblothrus oromii Mahnert, 1990

ATUALMENTE são conhecidas cerca de 340 cavidades vulcânicas nos Açores, as quais representam um património natural único, quer pela sua riqueza geológica, quer pela grande diversidade de seres vivos que albergam. Com o intuito de dar a conhecer um pouco melhor os organismos dos habitats subterrâneos dos Açores, iniciou-se na edição de 2018 do Pingo de Lava uma coleção de fichas com informação sucinta sobre taxonomia, biologia, distribuição geográfica, espécies aparentadas, estado de conservação e algumas curiosidades de várias das espécies que ocorrem nestes locais. Este ano, para dar continuidade a estas “fichas dos habitantes dos ecossistemas subterrâneos dos Açores”, escolhemos a espécie Pseudoblothrus oromii Mahnert, 1990 um pseudo-escorpião-cavernícola que só existe na ilha de São Jorge.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Arceuthobium Species (Viscaceae) Parasitizing an Angiosperm: The Unique Case of A. azoricum in the Azores Islands

Arceuthobium azoricum Wiens & Hawksw. is a rare Azorean endemic epiphytic hemiparasite (mistletoe), which typically parasitizes branches of the gymnosperm Juniperus brevifolia (Hochst. ex Seub.) Antoine (Cupressaceae), which is also an Azorean endemic. Here, we describe a population of A. azoricum, on Pico Island, parasitizing Erica azorica Hochst. ex Seub. (Ericaceae), which is also an Azorean endemic. Our molecular analysis (using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer) showed no differences between individuals parasitizing Erica and Juniperus species. Moreover, a preliminary analysis showed no differences in morphological characteristics between accessions sampled from different hosts. Given that this is the first bona fide record of Arceuthobium sp. parasitizing an angiosperm, this population represents a unique host-shifting event, and its conservation is important because it may allow new insights into host recognition mechanisms in mistletoes. Immediate attention should be given to characterizing this Pico Island population using appropriate molecular methods and additional morphological analyses.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Biological knowledge shortfalls impede conservation efforts in poorly studied taxa—A case study of Laboulbeniomycetes

ABSTRACT: Most empirical research on biological shortfalls has focused on vertebrate taxa. This is important given many species in poorly studied groups such as invertebrates, plants, and fungi are predicted to possess high conservation risk. Here, we focus on Laboulbeniomycetes: a class of microfungi that are understudied. We examined four shortfalls: Linnean (knowledge gaps in species diversity), Wallacean (knowledge gaps in distributions), Latimerian (knowledge gaps in species persistence), and the newly introduced Scottian (knowledge gaps in species conservation assessments) shortfalls. The Linnean shortfall in Laboulbeniomycetes is hard to predict due to inconsistent spe-cies description rates. Analysis of distribution patterns indicates Laboulbeniomycetes are likely to experience an extremely high Wallacean shortfall, with many species hav-ing highly disjunct known distributions. Latimerian shortfall analysis shows over half (51%) of Laboulbeniomycetes have not been recorded in >50 years, while the group has a collective Scottian shortfall of 100%, given none of the 2454 described species have received an IUCN threat assessment. We suggest continued study of natural his-tory collections, expanded citizen science programmes, and machine- learning iden-tification approaches as important tools for reducing knowledge shortfalls in both Laboulbeniomycetes and poorly studied taxa more generally.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Histological evidence of hypothyroidism in mice chronically exposed to conventional farming

Worldwide, disorders of the thyroid gland are a growing concern; such can be caused by exposure to contaminants, including agrochemicals used in conventional agriculture, which act as endocrine disruptors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether or not exposure to an environment with conventional agriculture leads to thyroid disruption. Mus musculus were used as bioindicator species, captured in two sites: a farm where conventional agriculture is practiced, and a place without agriculture. Thyroid histomorphometric and morphologic data were analyzed. The impacts of the agricultural environment over the thyroid were revealed, as indications of hypothyroidism were observed in exposed mice: the area and volume of epithelial cells were much lower. Alterations in thyroid histomorphology were also observed: lower follicular sphericity, irregularly delimited epithelium and increased exfoliation into the colloid. These results highlight the need for transition from current conventional agricultural systems towards organic systems.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Cientistas aos Quadradinhos (II)

A secção CÊ de ciência é coordenada pela Professora Universitária Ana Teresa Alves.E se nas vinhetas de uma história em banda desenhada se desenrolasse um conflito entre forças opostas assentes no desenvolvimento da ciência e da técnica? De um lado a ciência que suporta benignamente o desenvolvimento da sociedade e, do outro, o progresso científico que atropela sem escrúpulos os limites éticos. Numa das mais famosas séries de banda desenhada franco-belga, As Aventuras de Blake e Mortimer, esta tensão entre o bem e o mal está sempre presente. Criada pelo artista Edgar-Pierre Jacobs (1904-1987), belga de nascimento, a primeira história da série começou a ser publicada em 1946 na revista Tintim. Jacobs produziu oito aventuras, a últimas das quais ficou inacabada, traduzidas em quase 20 línguas e com milhões de livros vendidos. Para sempre considerada um dos marcos históricos da nona arte, ainda hoje a série é continuada por outros desenhadores e argumentistas.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and biological activities of green and black tea samples from Azorean Camellia sinensis

ABSTRACT: The inhibition of ACE can be targeted in order to control hypertension and much attention has recently been paid towards the search for natural products as alternatives to synthetic drugs due to their adverse side effects associated with them. Camellia sinensis tea has received considerable attention due to the beneficial effects on health, particularly as a result of its antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the ACE inhibition of different types of Azorean C. sinensis tea samples and consequently its ability to reduce hypertension, relating it to antioxidant activity, catechin profiles, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in different seasons. The results clearly highlighted differences in ACE-inhibition, FRSA, FRAP, FIC activity, TPC and epicatechin content among samples and the best results were observed in green tea collected in the summer. For TFC, higher values were observed in black tea harvested during the summer. In conclusion, the differences are related to the effect of collecting seasons, with the higher values being found in the summer with respect to the spring season.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Factors influencing integration into higher education and satisfaction with academic life in context of Bullying and Hazing practices

ABSTRACT: Entering higher education (HE) represents a significant milestone for many students, shaping their choices and future aspirations. Unfortunately, bullying and hazing are common during this transition, often linked to traditional initiation practices. Understanding the impact of these negative experiences on students' integration, satisfaction with academic life, and academic performance is crucial for educational institutions to develop effective strategies for a supportive and welcoming environment. In continuation of previous research on student integration in higher education, a study was conducted with a sample of 574 students who enrolled in higher education in Portugal during the 2023-2024 academic year. The primary aim was to identify the most influential factors related to bullying during hazing and to examine their effects on students' satisfaction with academic life, academic integration, and performance. Additionally, the study sought to determine whether satisfaction with academic life mediates the relationship between bullying experiences and academic integration. ....[...]....After ensuring all requirements for the reflective model were met (internal consistency reliability, convergent and discriminant validity), the structural model was evaluated to test the hypotheses. Significant findings included: positive and negative relationships with hazing practices are the most influential factors identified by the ASBSHHE; bullying situations during hazing significantly affect both academic integration and student life satisfaction; and satisfaction with student life mediates the relationship between bullying during hazing and academic integration. These results highlight the importance of addressing bullying and hazing in higher education. Educational institutions can use these insights to develop interventions aimed at preventing abusive behaviours and promoting better integration and satisfaction among new students, ultimately enhancing their academic success and well-being.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Santa Bárbara, um povo, uma igreja, de Hermano Teodoro: Desafios Tradutórios

Dissertação de Mestrado, Tradução e Assessoria Linguística, 27 de fevereiro de 2024, Universidade dos Açores.Procura-se, nesta dissertação de mestrado, refletir acerca dos desafios de tradução que a obra Santa Bárbara, um povo, uma igreja, de Hermano Teodoro (2.ª edição, 2009) suscita, assim como destacar e refletir sobre as estratégias de tradução adotadas. O autor, na obra em questão, procura apresentar as vivências e os factos históricos do povo de Santa Bárbara, da Ribeira Grande, São Miguel, Açores, recorrendo a vários géneros discursivos e a diferentes funções da linguagem. A pertinência desta obra, além do valor cultural, também passa pela multiplicidade de textos referentes à freguesia de Santa Bárbara que a mesma congrega, tais como um livro de registos das obras da igreja, excertos de atas, leis, biografias, sonetos, hinos, cartas, ofícios, assentos, artigos de jornal, entre outros. A urdir o complexo tecido discursivo, impera o registo memorialístico. Neste contexto, propomo-nos esclarecer os desafios tradutórios que a obra apresenta e refletir sobre as melhores estratégias de tradução dos vários textos, consoante os casos com que nos deparamos. As propostas de tradução apresentadas terão em conta algumas teorias no âmbito dos Estudos de Tradução, uma vez que se pretende esclarecer os desafios e constrangimentos ao longo do trabalho e fundamentar as decisões práticas a partir da reflexão teórica. Como o texto de partida é um texto culturalmente periférico e discursivamente heterogéneo de modo a cobrir várias facetas da vida de uma comunidade, o enquadramento teórico privilegiará autores como Susan Bassnett, Lawrence Venuti e Itamar Even- Zohar, cujos estudos se debruçam sobre a relação entre a cultura e a tradução, e a Teoria dos Polissistemas, respetivamente, revelando-se centrais para o conhecimento quer do lugar ocupado pelas obras periféricas, quer do interesse em serem traduzidas.ABSTRACT: The aim of this master's thesis is to reflect on the translation challenges that the work Santa Bárbara, um povo, uma igreja, by Hermano Teodoro (2nd edition, 2009), poses, as well as to highlight and reflect on the translation strategies adopted. In the work in question, the author seeks to present the experiences and historical facts of the community of Santa Bárbara, from Ribeira Grande Municipality, on the island of São Miguel, using various discursive genres and different language functions. The relevance of this work, in addition to its cultural value, also lies in the multiplicity of texts brought together relating to the parish of Santa Bárbara, such as a book of records of the church's construction work, excerpts from minutes, laws, biographies, sonnets, anthems, personal letters, official letters, certificates, newspaper articles, among others. A diary also intertwines with this complex discursive context. Thus, one proposes to clarify the translation challenges presented by the book and reflect on the best translation strategies for the various texts, depending on the cases one comes across. The translation proposals will take into account some theories in the field of Translation Studies since the aim is to define the challenges/constraints throughout the work and to base practical decisions on theoretical reflection. As the source text is a culturally peripheral and discursively heterogeneous text that covers various facets of a community's life, the theoretical framework will focus on authors such as Susan Bassnett, Lawrence Venuti and Itamar Even-Zohar, whose studies focus on the relationship between culture and translation, and the Polysystem Theory, which are central to the understanding of the place occupied by peripheral works and their interest in being translated

Comportamentos aditivos, dependências, escolaridade e mercado de trabalho: A perceção dos alunos das escolas do concelho da Ribeira Grande

Dissertação de Mestrado, Ciências Económicas e Empresariais, 21 de março de 2024, Universidade dos Açores.Este trabalho analisou os comportamentos aditivos e as dependências (CAD) dos adolescentes, bem como a perceção dos mesmos relativamente ao impacto que tais comportamentos podem ter ao nível da escolaridade e do mercado de trabalho. Para esse efeito, realizou-se um inquérito a 250 alunos de três escolas do concelho da Ribeira Grande. Os resultados indicam, entre outros aspetos, que os adolescentes que valorizam mais o presente e não se preocupam com o futuro têm uma maior probabilidade de consumir frequentemente substâncias aditivas. Indicam, ainda, que os adolescentes que pretendem continuar a estudar após a conclusão da escolaridade obrigatória, ou seja, continuar a investir em educação, assim como os que se preocupam em ter um bom emprego no futuro, têm uma maior probabilidade de acharem que o consumo de substâncias psicoativas terá um efeito negativo sobre a aprendizagem e, consequentemente, sobre as notas obtidas. É, também, de salientar que o facto de os pais falarem sobre as consequências das substâncias psicoativas aumenta esta probabilidade. Finalmente, os resultados sugerem que o uso da internet não reduz o desempenho educativo e não prejudica a ambição de querer continuar a estudar após a conclusão da escolaridade obrigatória, exceto quando aquela se conjuga com a adição ao jogo eletrónico (neste caso diminui a probabilidade de querer continuar a estudar após a conclusão da escolaridade obrigatória).ABSTRACT: This work analyzed the addictive behaviors and dependencies of adolescents and their perception of the impact that such behaviors can have on education and the labor market. For this purpose, a survey was carried out among 250 students from three schools in the municipality of Ribeira Grande. The results indicate, among other aspects, that adolescents who value the present more and do not worry about the future are more likely to frequently consume addictive substances. They also indicate that adolescents who intend to continue studying after the completion of compulsory schooling, that is, to continue to invest in education, as well as those who worry about having a good job in the future, are more likely to think that the consumption of psychoactive substances will have a negative effect on learning and consequently on the grades obtained. It should also be noted that the fact that parents talk about the consequences of psychoactive substances increases this probability. Finally, the results suggest that the use of the internet does not reduce educational performance and does not impair the ambition to continue studying after the completion of compulsory schooling, except when it is combined with the addition to the electronic game (in this case it decreases the probability of wanting to continue studying after the completion of the compulsory schooling)