Browsing by Author "Almeida, Joana"
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- Social representations of sharks, perceived communality, and attitudinal and behavioral tendencies towards their conservation: an exploratory sequential mixed approachPublication . Neves, João; Giger, Jean-Christophe; Piçarra, Nuno; Alves, Vasco; Almeida, JoanaSharks are crucial to the marine ecosystem, but they are critically declining. Their bad public image explains, to some extent, the lesser concern for their conservation compared to other marine species. Extending previous research which has mainly focused on the study of attitudes towards sharks, we propose a two studies sequence, first by exploring the shark's social representation, followed by an exploration of some stereotypical traits that may affect attitudes toward shark conservation. Study 1 specifically exploreed the social representation of sharks in a sample of zoo goers (N = 979). Main results showed that the representation was ambivalent and participants considered sharks as human predators. Surprisingly, findings showed that sharks were also seen as highly agentic and little communal animals. Consequently, Study 2 (N = 60) was designed to more thoroughly explore this gendered view as well as its implications in the attitudes and behavioral intention towards shark conservation. Results showed that, although sharks were again perceived as highly agentic, it was the perception of the sharks' communality that was associated with more positive attitudes towards their conservation and a higher tendency to choose a shark conservation trust as first choice. Implications of studies 1 and 2 results for sharks' conservation communication strategies and policies are discussed.
- The social representations of Zoo Goers toward Crocodiles and Turtles: Structural analysis and implications for conservationPublication . Neves, João; Giger, Jean-Christophe; Alves, Vasco; Almeida, JoanaZoos have changed dramatically over the last century and today attract millions of people worldwide, being places where visitors can closely watch wildlife and learn about the species on display. Although present at most zoos, reptiles are challenging animals in terms of visitor interest and engagement, as some species do not fit aesthetic standards from the human standpoint, have culturally negative perceptions or generate aversive emotions. By studying zoo visitors’ social representations of crocodiles and turtles, we aimed to detail their structures, as well as identifying their prototypical elements that help to understand their emotional and cognitive framing. The findings show the crocodile’s prototypical image as a big, fearsome predator with teeth as its main physical attribute. Male visitors showed a more emotional perception of this animal. The turtle’s prototypical image is a slow, hard-shelled ancestral sea animal with a neutral-to-positive set of traits, with no particular differences between genders. Our results shed a more detailed light on some of the social constructs that make up the mental images of these animals, which can help the zoological community direct communication toward a more fluent conversation between stakeholders toward conservation.
- Treatment patterns and preferences of people living with HIV starting or switching antiretroviral therapy: real-world evidence from PortugalPublication . Pedro, Liliana; Zagalo, Alexandra; Tavares, Raquel; Pacheco, Patrícia; Oliveira, Joaquim; Pinto, Inês Vaz; Serrão, Rosário; Tavares, Sandra; Brito, Paula; Maltez, Fernando; Neves, Isabel; Carvalho, Alexandre; Teófilo, Eugénio; Almeida, Joana; Lains, InêsBackground: There is a lack of up-to-date real-life evidence on antiretroviral therapy (ART) strategies among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Portugal. This study aimed to describe the treatment strategy used in PLWH either initiating or switching ART. Methods: Non-interventional, cross-sectional, multicenter study carried out between December 2019 and October 2021 in Portugal. Results: A total of 237 PLWH were included in this study, 171 of whom were ART-experienced and 66 were ART-na¨ıve. The study showed that triple regimens were the most common ART strategy and integrase strand transfer inhibitors-based therapy was the most frequently used therapeutic class in both ART-na¨ıve and ART-experienced PLWH. Nevertheless, about a third of PLWH who started a triple regimen transitioned to a dual regimen. Patient-reported outcomes revealed high HIV literacy and similar ART preferences in both groups. Conclusions: This real-world study showed that triple regimens were the most widely used ART strategy, even after the European AIDS Clinical Society guidelines introduced the recommendation of a dual regimen for na¨ıve patients. The cohorts of this study presented a high level of HIV literacy at the time of inclusion. Our findings highlighted that taking pills only once a day is considered a very important feature for most patients.