FDI, income inequality and poverty : a time series analysis of Portugal, 1973–2016

Using time series data for Portugal between 1973 and 2016, this paper examines to what extent, inward FDI contributes to income inequality and poverty in the long-run. It was found that increased flows of inward FDI are associated with a less unequal income distribution and lower poverty rates. The results further suggest that, in the Portuguese case there is mutual causality between inward FDI and poverty in the long run, i.e., FDI significantly reduces poverty, and lower levels of poverty lead to higher inward FDI flows. In the case of inequality, the evidence shows that FDI does not contribute to higher (or lower) income inequality. Instead, more unequal income distributions significantly and negatively impact on inward FDI in the long run. Finally, human capital emerged as a key determinant to mitigate income inequality and circumvent poverty, contributing, indirectly, to fostering additional FDI inflows. Such results call for integrated public policy interventions that emphasize social and institu- tional dimensions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Beach and cliff retreat induced by storm groups at Forte Novo,Algarve (Portugal)

Littoral cell dynamics may change through time as a reaction to modifications of the coastal system. Along the Vilamoura-Quarteira coastline, the construction of a groin field limited the sediment supply to the already narrow Forte Novo beach, located downdrift, enhanced wave action on the cliff base and lead to long-term persistent cliff retreat. This research uses a set of surveys from November 2009 to March 2010 to determine short-term soft cliff erosion associated to storm groups at this sediment starved area. Following the initial LiDAR survey, three subsequent surveys were performed using a reflectorless total station for monitoring the cliff face, and RTK-DGPS to monitor the position of the cliff top, the cliff foot and the topography of the adjacent beach. Results indicate an important reduction in beach levels during successive storms (without significant beach recovery in between), allowing waves to further attack the cliff base and contributing to further enhance the structural and permanent cliff retreat. This work demonstrates how a combination of magnitude and frequency of extreme events coupled with development of the coastline, has led to increased cliff-beach recession and to the permanent dislocation of the cliff face

ASSESSING CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR ORGANIC, ECO-LABELED, AND REGULAR APPLES

We assess consumer choice of eco-labeled, organic, and regular apples, and identify sociodemographic characteristics affecting the choice among those three alternatives. Eco-labeled apples are less desirable than organic when food safety, the environment, and children's needs are considered. Characteristics that may be expected to positively affect the decision to buy eco-labeled apples relative to regular apples actually have the opposite effect with the inclusion of the organic alternative. When considering all three choices, the eco-labeled product is found to be an intermediate choice among consumers.Consumer/Household Economics,

Simulation of the Steady-State Transport of Radon from Oil intoHouses with Basements under Constant Negative Pressure

A theoretical model was developed to simulate this phenomenon, under some specific assumptions. The model simulates: the generation and decay of radon within the soil; its transport throughout the soil due to diffusion and convection induced by the pressure disturbance applied at a crack in the basement; its entrance into the house through the crack; and the resultant indoor radon concentration. The most important assumptions adopted in the model were: a steady-state condition; a house with a basement; a geometrically well-defined crack at the wall-floor joint in the basement; and a constant negative pressure applied at the crack in relation to the outside atmospheric pressure. Two three-dimensional finite-difference computer programs were written to solve the mathematical equations of the model. The first program, called PRESSU, was used to calculate: the pressure distribution within the soil as a result of the applied disturbance pressure at the crack; and the resultant velocity distribution of the soil gas throughout the soil matrix. The second program, called MASTRA, was used to: solve the radon mass-transport equation, and to calculate the concentration distribution of radon in the soil gas within the whole soil; and to calculate the entry rate of radon through the crack into the basement, and the final indoor radon concentration. A parametric sensitivity analysis performed on the model, revealed several features of the mechanisms involved in the transport of radon into the house. 84 refs., 66 figs., 16 tabs

Virtual reality, augmented reality and tourism experience

This chapter intends to give an overview of tourist experience in the real and virtual worlds (virtual and augmented reality) and how tourists are dealing with these two worlds. To achieve such a goal, the chapter examines existing definitions and conceptualizations of experience (and related constructs), virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) and delivers a historical perspective of real and virtual experiences within tourism. A comprehensive literature review makes it possible to methodologically capture the concepts of the topic and organize the structure of the chapter giving (i) different experience definitions, (ii) definitions of VR and AR, (iii) the root of experience in tourism (e.g., service quality, satisfaction, relationship marketing, tourist focus, tourist engagement, co-creation), and (iv) the tourist experience journey (stages of tourism experience and its relationship with VR and AR). The chapter is of interest to both academics and practitioners, since it identifies concepts of tourism experience, aggregating the real and virtual worlds, and at the same time gives a view of tourist experience management. Finally, the chapter points out critical areas for future research.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Overview of the brand journey and opportunities for future studies

With this study, brand managers can have an overview of the major concepts and characteristics of brands over time, while academics receive a mapping of the most analyzed topics and suggestions for future research. Based on the documents published in Scopus and Web of Science databases using the word “brand”, this article aims to provide an overview of the brands and suggest opportunities for future research. Text mining clustering allowed the processing of a large amount of information and organized the first overview of the concepts that have been studied. Thus, first, we examine the existing definitions of a brand. Then, we provide a historical perspective of the topics associated with brand constructs and their associations and present a framework for the psychological characteristics of the branding process. Finally, we present the future trends.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Fashion luxury brands: bridging the gaps between cutting-edge fashion and corporate social responsibility concerns

Corporate Social Responsibility in fashion luxury brands has been a topic of great interesting for both practitioners and consumers. The current chapter intents to give insights about how Generation Y (1978-2000) in Europe view and perceives Corporate Social Responsibility practices in fashion luxury brands and the importance given to each dimension. In order to get data about these perceptions, in-depth interviews were conducted with a group of people belonging to Generation Y. Our analysis reveal that Generation Y tend to be mostly concerned about transparent procedures and helping business and society to improve as a consequence of their sustainable and responsible attitudes. The environmental issues and labour practices are the most cited, commented and recommended factors of corporate social responsibility proposed by participants. The chapter also provides a framework showing the core factors to incorporate Corporate Social Responsibility and suggestions for those who deal with the fashion luxury brands management.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Artificial intelligence and extended reality in luxury fashion retail: Analysis and reflection

Retailing service is facing a rapid evolution through the incorporation of Extended Reality (XR) technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms. Within this umbrella, one can consider all real-and-virtual combined environments and interactions generated by computer, including Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR) and Virtual Reality (VR). This chapter brings together research on the experience of luxury fashion consumer retail and AI and XR technologies to identify critical gaps and open avenues for future research. It aims to analyse the incorporation and the potential evolution of AI and XR technologies in luxury fashion retail. The chapter presents the main theoretical concepts and the luxury fashion consumption cycle and offers a discuss about the human and non-human rights, privacy, and ethics at three levels: mega, micro, and nano. Also, the chapter contributes with a discussion about the rights, privacy and ethics involving humans, hybrid humans, and non-humans.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio