Browsing by Author "Martins, Oliva M.D."
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- Artificial intelligence and the evolution of finance: opportunities, challenges and ethical considerationsPublication . Ranković, Marko; Gurgu, Elena; Martins, Oliva M.D.; Vukasović, MilanThe swift progression and widespread integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across numerous fields has been causing major shifts in conventional paradigms. One of the prime examples of such transformation is evident in the finance sector. This document delves into the immediate implications, future opportunities, the challenges being faced and the future outlook of AI in finance by conducting an exhaustive review of academic papers, industrial studies, and real-world case studies. Our research indicates that AI's impact on areas like risk management, trading, customer assistance, fraud detection, and personalization of financial services has been notably significant, boosting efficiency, security, and customer contentment. However, we also discuss the critical hurdles that arise with the implementation of AI, such as ethical concerns about data privacy and biases, the mystery surrounding AI's 'black box' problem, and the potential job losses due to automation. Our paper concludes that although AI has the potential to bring about significant changes in the finance industry, it is crucial to overcome the associated ethical, trust, and regulatory challenges to maximize its benefits. Future investigations should focus on creating ethically considerate, transparent, and robust AI tools that are compliant with and can excel in the Regulatory Landscape of the finance industry.
- Barriers and incentives for uptake of diagnostics for sustainable worm control by European dairy cattle farmersPublication . Vande Velde, Fiona; Hektoen, Lisbeth; Phytian, Clare; Rinaldi, Laura; Bosco, Antonio; Hinney, Barbara; Strube, Christina; May, Katharina; Knubben-Schweizer, Gabriela; Martins, Oliva M.D.; Matheus, Teresa; Simion, Violeta; Charlier, Johannes; Bartley, Dave; Claerebout, EdwinTo mitigate emerging anthelmintic resistance in cattle, sustainable worm control strategies should be adopted, such as the use of diagnostic methods to take informed treatment decisions. To understand the factors affecting European farmers’ intention to adopt diagnostic methods and to gauge for differences between European regions, a theoretical framework, based on theories in the field of behavioural psychology and health psychology, was validated through a questionnaire survey, carried out in dairy farms in 6 European countries. Despite insufficient data from 2 countries and several confounders prohibiting statistical comparisons between countries, three models were developed, which allowed to describe general trends and differences between regions. Data from Northern-(Norway) and Central-Europe (Austria and Germany) resulted in two similar models, which differed in 3 questions. Southern Europe’s (Italy) data were more difficult to align with the conceptual model and several factors were deleted to fit the model. In all models, subjective norms, affected by a bandwagon bias, had the largest influence on farmers’ adoption intention. Perception of anthelmintic resistance had no effect on adoption intention for Northern and Central, but to some extent for Southern Europe. In Northern and Central Europe, attitude towards anthelmintics had a negative effect on adoption intention, while attitude towards diagnostics had a positive effect. Both types of attitudes were affected by the default bias. Finally, by combining self-reported practices for Northern and Central Europe, a larger effect of descriptive norms on farmers’ actual adoption of diagnostics was observed, compared to adoption intention and the default bias.
- Barriers and incentives for uptake of diagnostics for sustainable worm control by European dairy cattle farmersPublication . Vande Velde, Fiona; Hektoen, Lisbeth; Phytian, Clare; Rinaldi, Laura; Bosco, Antonio; Hinney, Barbara; Strube, Christina; May, Katharina; Knubben-Schweizer, Gabriela; Martins, Oliva M.D.; Matheus, Teresa; Simion, Violeta; Charlier, Johannes; Bartley, Dave; Claerebout, EdwinThe sustainable control of gastro-intestinal nematodes remains one of the main perennial endemic disease pressures that farmers face with infections impacting on health, welfare and production efficiency of livestock. For over 50 years parasite control strategies in many countries relied heavily on suppressing nematode populations with frequent use of broad-spectrum anthelmintics. The effectiveness and availability of products across Europe is markedly different, but the need to maintain sustainable productivity is universal. As part of an EU COST action (COMBAR; https://www.combarca.eu) a questionnaire was disseminated to sheep farmers from European countries to gather information on: 1) farmer demographics and enterprise characteristics 2) general roundworm control/anthelmintic resistance attitude statements 3) knowledge and understanding questions 4) attitudinal statements regarding parasite control recommendation and 5) parasite control behaviours. Completed questionnaires were returned by over 2300 respondents from nine countries across Europe: Austria, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Wales. Descriptive analysis indicated the perception of roundworms as a major problem on farms is lower in southern Europe compared to central and northern Europe, a similar pattern occurs when examining how roundworms rank in comparison to other endemic diseases.
- Blockchain technology enhances sustainable higher educationPublication . Bucea-Manea-Țoniş, Rocsana; Martins, Oliva M.D.; Bucea-Manea-Țoniş, Radu; Gheorghiță, Cătălin; Kuleto, Valentin; Ilić, Milena P.; Simion, VioletaThis research investigates blockchain technology, focusing on the influence of motivation on collaborative work, which positively influences learning performance in Higher Education Institutions (HEI). In addition, blockchain technology is correlated with decentralisation, security and integrity, and anonymity and encryption. It can also be perceived as a consensus mechanism, rewarding students, professors, and universities as a smart contract. Therefore, this technology has been used to improve higher education. It also allows less informed people to interact with better-informed peers and mentors. Finally, this study aims to enhance the current state of blockchain applications comprehension. The methodology used for this research includes document analysis, literature review, content analysis (blockchain platforms), the case study method, and the survey method. In statistical considerations, aiming to evaluate indicators, this research presents the Composite Reliability Analysis, Cronbach Alpha Coefficients, and the Bootstrapping method (Variance Inflation Factor). All these analyses aimed to present a designed research model. This exploratory research gathered data from 150 students at 3 universities in Serbia, Romania, and Portugal. As demonstrated, using student motivation has a significant and positive impact on the quality of student collaborative work. Student collaborative work also correlates with students’ higher level of engagement in the educational process, and the more engaged students are, the better their learning outcomes will be. As a result, in higher education, student involvement boosted learning outcomes. Researchers found that motivation, teamwork, and student involvement were important factors in improving student learning outcomes, as were blockchain-based tools. The results from the quantitative analysis indicate that Collaborative work, Motivation, Engagement, MOOCs, AR, VR, Gamification, and Online class were associated with learning performance.
- Causa versus efeito. Do que se trata?Publication . Martins, Oliva M.D.; Marques, Henrique; Marques, Ana Teresa; Coelho, Ana SofiaA relação dos indicadores com o respectivo construto pode ser considerada de causa ou efeito. Considerando que o construto possa ser definido como formativo ou reflexivo, dependendo da análise teórica que antecede a análise estatística dos dados, torna-se fulcral compreender este processo. A importância desta conceitualização teórica é justificada pelas implicações na definição e análise do modelo estrutural. Neste sentido, definiu-se dois objetivos para este artigo: i) através de uma revisão da literatura, apresentar como se desenvolve um processo de validação teórica dos construtos no âmbito da modelagem de equações estruturais; e ii) desenvolver uma aplicação prática do processo a um modelo estrutural do comportamento do aleitamento materno no âmbito do marketing social. Foram ainda considerados os seguintes pressupostos: i) a intenção precede o comportamento voluntário; ii) a intenção é cognitiva; iii) a intenção é influenciada por vários fatores, o que permite ser avaliada por diferentes modelos, em função do contexto, o que quer dizer que a definição teórica deve ser o mais assertiva possível. Por fim, ressaltar a dificuldade de encontrar um único modelo para ser aplicado a todos os comportamentos.
- Coaching laboral: uma alternativa para a educação continuadaPublication . Madureira, Joana; Lousada, Lígia Maria; Martins, Oliva M.D.O presente estudo tem como objetivo principal analisar e compreender a perceção de diferentes gestores de Pequenas e Médias empresas (PME) sobre o processo de coaching. Para o efeito, investigou-se sobre as organizações positivas, clima e cultura organizacionais, formação profissional e coaching, tema central do estudo. Procurou-se enquadrar o processo de coaching no âmbito das organizações positivas, caracterizadas por uma cultura organizacional adaptativa e estimulante, e com práticas formativas convergentes com o desenvolvimento profissional. A metodologia de investigação subjacente ao estudo é de cariz qualitativa, tendo-se utilizado como técnica de recolha de dados a entrevista semiestruturada. Para o efeito, foram realizadas cinco entrevistas a diferentes gestores de empresas. Pela análise dos discursos dos entrevistados, pode afirmar-se que os planos de formação profissional das empresas, incidem em áreas técnicas e de desenvolvimento pessoal, verificando-se que apenas uma empresa utiliza o coaching como método de desenvolvimento profissional. As restantes empresas utilizam outros métodos de formação e desenvolvimento de competências, verificando-se, no discurso dos entrevistados uma valorização das soft skills e não apenas de competências técnicas. Os gestores entrevistados consideram o processo de feedback importante para o desenvolvimento profissional dos trabalhadores e admitem que um aspeto a melhorar na relação chefia-trabalhador é o processo de comunicação. A partir da pesquisa realizada é possível perceber que o coaching é uma prática conhecida, mas pouco praticada pelos gestores de PME entrevistados, sendo que para a maioria, esse conhecimento resulta apenas de “ouvir falar”
- COMBAR COST EU. A mobile application proposalPublication . Bartley, Dave; Wang, Tong; Morgan, Eric; Claerebout, Edwin; Mateu, Teresa; Martins, Oliva M.D.Diagnosis and treatment options/strategies for helminth parasitic diseases are not standardized globally, or even across Europe, due to factors such as epidemiology, resources availability, socio-economics, and the lack of adequate information. Good communication of options can help to overcome some of these problems. In this sense, it is proposed to develop a mobile application (Abozeid et al., 2021) that allows the tailoring, and sharing, of knowledge (Abu-El-Noor et al., 2021; Kunkel et al., 2021) related to the various diagnoses and treatments in a format appropriate for all stakeholders (e.g. farmers, veterinarians, universities, researchers, laboratories, industries). The proposal aims to present the theoretical functionalities for the creation of a mobile application (Muashekele et al., 2021), the application should have a sequence of options that must be grounded in theoretical requirements. First of all, there is a necessity to have inputs standardized by the application (e.g. country/region, applicable legislation, animal typology, disease characteristics, symptoms) that should be entered into the application. The aim is to provide a range of tailored options to the end-user. Second, given the user's choices, the application can offer information and guidelines (including veterinarians available, laboratories, diagnosis, treatments, stores, among others). It is highlighted that the main gain may be the collection of information, whenever the user allows it. Finally, considering that most farmers use the language of their country, it is crucial to have the application in different European languages.
- Da licenciatura ao mestrado: as influências na tomada de decisão dos estudantes de marketing e comunicação no Politécnico da Guarda, PortugalPublication . Marques, Henrique; Martins, Oliva M.D.; Canelas, CarlosA concorrência tem estimulado Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) a perceberem o estudante como um consumidor. Em Portugal, contrariamente à crescente procura por formações superiores, percebem-se vagas ociosas em mestrados ofertados por Institutos Politécnicos (IP) localizados em territórios de baixa densidade. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar os principais fatores de influência no processo de tomada de decisão da IES para ingressar num mestrado, em função da intenção e perceção dos estudantes do último ano das licenciaturas em Marketing e Comunicação. Por um método quantitativo, os dados foram coletados a partir de questionários orientados por 27 influências identificadas na literatura. A partir de medidas de tendência e de análise fatorial exploratória, foi possível compreender o perfil, as principais influências e as intenções futuras desses estudantes. Os resultados indicam o interesse em ingressar num mestrado, o apreço por IES de boa reputação e a consideração por mestrados com melhores saídas profissionais. O estudo revelou significância moderada para a localização da IES e desinteresse em permanecer na mesma instituição da licenciatura. Este estudo fornece orientações e discute, sob a ótica do marketing e da comunicação, futuras estratégias a fim de elevar a atratividade e os índices dos mestrados ofertados por esta IES e outras em contextos similares.
- Does it bug you eating bugs? The emotions of anthropoentomophagyPublication . Ferreira, Andreia C.B.; Rodrigues, Ricardo Gouveia; Gouveia, Ana R.; Martins, Oliva M.D.; Ferreira, Hugo; Pereira, João Alfredo; Duarte, PauloThe use of insects as food is a proposed solution for the increased demand for food worldwide, but it lacks acceptance because of restrictive emotional factors. This article aims to understand better customers’ emotions’ role in considering and consuming insect-based food. Design/methodology/approach – To assess their acceptance, an experiment was developed with 38 participants living in Portugal to identify how people feel when consuming processed insect bars compared to cereal bars (of equal flavour). A video was recorded “before”, “during” and “after” the consumption of such foods, and the triggered emotions and affective states were identified using the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) and the circumplex model of affect, respectively. After consumption, the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) was asked to be completed. Findings – It was observed that the valence and arousal of the emotions and affective states triggered during consumption were higher in the insect bar than in the cereal bar. Its consumption resulted in surprise and a positive evaluation. Processed insect-based foods may result in a potentially increased acceptance of this new food alternative in the market. Originality/value – Prior studies briefly identified disgust as a primary emotion activated by insect-based food. The current research deeply studied emotional responses to insect-based processed foods in the Western world using the dimensional emotional models. This study offers arguments for the insect-based food industry to invest in processed food justified by its potential for acceptance. In addition, it motivates further research focused on other insect-based products (e.g. non-processed ones).
- Education for Sustainable Development: What Matters?Publication . Bucea-Manea-Țoniș, Rocsana; Păun, Dan; Martins, Oliva M.D.; Santos, Artur Jorge; Urdeș, LauraThere is a raising of concerns about the need to change environmental behaviours through economic and social activities. Education plays a significant role in this process, with schools enhancing the necessary behaviour adoption by youngsters and their community. Thus, the present study examines the relationship between different variables, such as sustainability (green public procurement, healthy food activity) and education (course, impact, interactive teaching methods/technology). We developed a survey regarding education for sustainable development (ESD), with five sections considering the referred variables. We applied it to 385 Romanian educators and teachers from kindergarten and primary school. An SEM model was formed to evaluate the relationship between the associated variables. The results showed that an organisation or school with a long-term plan incorporating green public procurement will positively stimulate initiatives that help the next generation adopt good eating habits. Moreover, this eco-sustainable approach affects the creation of interactive teaching methods and the courses and classes. Consequently, the changes in interactive methods will positively affect the overall impact. Nevertheless, the relationship between courses and impact was not significant. This means management decisions regarding green strategies can lead to a broader change in a school setting, fostering the ESD.