EsACT - Publicações em Proceedings Indexadas à WoS/Scopus
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- Gamers' Reaction to the Use of NFT in AAA Video GamesPublication . Tavares, Rogério Júnior Correia; Sousa, João Paulo; Bruno Maganinho; Gomes, João PedroThe use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in AAA games is a very controversial topic, which leads to negative reactions from the gamer community. The objective of this article is to relate some of these cases that presented visibility in the press and to analyze the reactions this theme generates. To achieve this, we present some cases that had more relevance in the specialized press and, in the sequence, we present a discussion about the main problems pointed out, such as the state of the art of blockchains, energy efficiency, frauds, and currency evasions. Finally, we present some hypotheses to glimpse how NFTs, and their use in games, may happen in the near future.
- From Paper to Pixels: Teleporting History with TIMECRAXPublication . Faria, Júlio; Sousa, João Paulo; Lopes, Rui Pedro; Tavares, Rogério Júnior CorreiaThis study explores the application of game design principles in developing an educational game to teach History through interactive and engaging methods. Upon completion, the game underwent testing by 17 participants. We assessed the outcomes using a survey focused on the effectiveness of games as learning aids. Our findings indicate that creating compelling, entertaining, and educational games demands careful planning, a thorough grasp of game design concepts, and proficiency in multiple facets of game development.
- Particle Movement on a Rotating SpherePublication . Balsa, Carlos; Otero-Espinar, M. Victoria; Gama, SílvioVortex point models are a powerful tool for addressing fundamental dynamics questions related to atmospheric and oceanic flows. This study focuses on the dynamics of a passive particle in a flow induced by two vortex points on the surface of a rotating sphere. The optimal control problem is converted into a nonlinear optimization problem and is solved numerically using a direct approach. The proposed method calculates a quasi-optimal solution, which minimizes the energy generated during the displacement. In general, this energy decreases with the increase in the number of controls. The quasi-optimal solution also depends on the rotation speed of the sphere. If the rotation speed is very high, the particle rotates several times around the sphere before reaching the destination point.
- An Approach to Environmental Cleanup Through Conceptual Autonomous TechnologyPublication . Balsa, Carlos; Victoria Otero-Espinar; Sílvio GamaThis work presents a mathematical toy model for a process of garbage collection encompassing the coordination of a vast array of autonomous devices, where each device needs only a few trajectory adjustments. This simplified conceptual model serves as a valuable tool for both educational and initial research purposes. In this model, each autonomous device is represented by a passive particle, while the environmental currents are depicted by the dynamic behavior of point vortices on a spherical surface. In order to maintain device autonomy, a system of piecewise constant controls is utilized, which involves a limited set of predetermined switching points to adjust the trajectory. Each control incurs an energy expense, and the model aims to minimize this cost by solving a nonlinear optimization problem. The preliminary findings suggest the presence of multiple potential trajectories for autonomous devices, each associated with different energy costs.
- Reassessing Master's Program Dropouts in Tourism: Is the labor market failing to compensate for the effort?Publication . Fernandes, Joana M.S.R.; Esteves, Salete;Each year, more students are enrolling in postgraduate degree pro-grams. However, many students will fail to complete the degree and drop out. Dropout results in economic and psychological repercussions and potentially hin-ders career advancement. Despite increasing enrolment in postgraduate pro-grams, existing studies predominantly focus on the undergraduate level. Still, master's students, assumed to possess maturity and experience, exhibit lower completion rates. This study focuses on master's students in tourism, a critical sector for countries reliant on skilled professionals. The research aims to eluci-date the factors influencing dropout decisions and students' perceptions regarding the economic implications. Findings suggest that motivation for pursuing a mas-ter's degree in tourism is often driven more by personal satisfaction than purely financial considerations. Furthermore, these graduates may not receive the ex-pected recognition for their advanced qualifications upon entering the labour market. As such, comprehensive analysis in tourism education is imperative to address dropout issues effectively and better align educational outcomes with job market demands.
- Unlocking the Untapped Potential of Digital Tools for Promoting Low-Density Territories: A Case Study of MirandelaPublication . Cunha, Manuela; Correia, Ricardo; Carvalho, Aida; Cunha, Carlos R.; Fontes, RutaDigital media have revolutionized promotional access, offering a universally accessible platform for dissemination. However, this study highlights a disparity in digital awareness and potential utilization between low-density and urban destinations. Using a case study, the research examines a specific low-density territory in northeastern Portugal and reveals that, despite certain efforts, the destination has not fully harnessed the resources offered by digital media. This raises concerns about its competitiveness compared to other destinations. In light of these findings, it is imperative to consider actions aimed at optimizing the potential of digital communication tools. By doing so, low-density territories can enhance their visibility, attractiveness, and competitiveness in the tourism landscape.
- Effect of the Accounting Standard Adopted on the Quality of Financial Information of Companies in the Restaurant SectorPublication . Monteiro, Zuleica; Fernandes, Ana; Alves, Jorge; Martins, Catarina AntóniaO presente trabalho tem como principal objetivo aferir se o nível do referencial contabilístico adotado pelas empresas do setor da restauração e similares influencia a sua qualidade da informação financeira. Para o efeito, classificam-se as empresas com informação disponível na base de dados Sistema de Análise de Balanços Ibéricos com o nível de referencial contabilístico que estão obrigadas a adotar, face aos critérios definidos pelo Sistema de Normalização Contabilística. A qualidade da informação financeira é aferida de acordo com o modelo de [1]. Os resultados empíricos mostram que existe uma relação positiva e estatisticamente significativa entre a qualidade da informação financeira e o nível de referencial contabilístico adotado, o que vai ao encontro da hipótese de investigação formulada e permite concluir que quanto maior o nível de referencial contabilístico adotado pela empresa maior é a sua qualidade da informação financeira.
- Visitors’ Space–Time Behaviour at Parque Biológico De VinhaisPublication . Rodrigues, Isabel; Martins, Márcio Ribeiro; Esteves, Elsa Tavares;This research mainly aims to analyse the space–time behaviour of visitors to the Parque Biológico de Vinhais (PBV) in Portugal. The Park is an ecotourism destination in the Montesinho protected area, where environmental education and respect for nature are practised. Data was collected by tracking visitors using a smartphone app with GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. It was concluded that, on average, the duration of the visits was approximately 1 h and 10 min and that, during this time, the visitors were in motion for an average of 20.5 min and stationary for an average of 53.3 min. The average distance covered was 1209 m. As for the movements made by the visitors tracked, there was a greater concentration of visitors on the park’s central walkway. As they move away from the central walkway, the density of movements decreases. Understanding the space–time behaviour of visitors is fundamental for the intelligent management of attractions and tourist destinations, allowing us to develop market strategies that are more suited to demand. Several managerial and methodological contributions are presented in the conclusions.
- Residents’ perception of tourism development: a perspective from a low-density territoryPublication . Martins, Márcio Ribeiro; Martins, Catarina Antónia; Alves, JorgeThis study explores residents' perceptions of tourism development in the Mirandela municipality, Portugal. The research aims to understand tourism's socio-cultural and economic impacts from the residents' perspective, considering both positive and negative effects. The study employs a quantitative approach through the survey of 358 residents. Findings reveal that younger residents (<30) have a more positive perception of tourism's impacts, and those with undergraduate studies have less favourable perceptions. Rural residents have more positive perceptions than urban residents, and there is no significant difference in perceptions between those involved in tourist activities and those not involved. Residents who view tourism as beneficial showed higher mean scores across several items than those who view tourism as harmful or neutral. No significant differences were found regarding the increase in the cost of living. This research highlights the importance of involving local communities in tourism planning and development to ensure balanced and sustainable growth. The conclusions present several practical and managerial implications and provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and professionals in tourism, sustainable development, and community planning.
- An Architecture for Monitoring Elderly Using Digital Image Processing and Artificial IntelligencePublication . Cunha, Carlos R.; Moreira, André; Fernandes, Joana M.S.R.The world population, on average, has seen its life expectancy increase. This phenomenon is causing the elderly population to grow. This reality has put pressure on the development of solutions - across a multidisciplinary spectrum - that are capable of helping the elderly in their daily lives. This assistance is especially important for elderly people who live alone and isolated - a common reality in many rural areas where there is a low population density. This work presents an architecture based on the use of digital image acquisition and processing associated with using Artificial Intelligence. This way, we can create solutions with easy deployment that do not disrupt the elderly’s normal day-to-day life and ensure that third parties accompany them. Even though the proposed architecture can be complemented with sensory aspects linked to the elderly person themselves, this component, as it is independent and easily incorporated, was not the object of study.