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Percorrer Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia por Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) "11:Cidades e Comunidades Sustentáveis"
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- Adaptation and validation of the perceived restorativeness scale (PRS) for the portuguese population: a study on the assessment of the restorative effect of environmentsPublication . Sousa, Cátia; Silva Fernandes, Maria Jacinta; Encarnação, Tiago; Gonçalves, GabrielaThe relationship between natural environments and psychological well-being has gained increasing attention in environmental and health sciences. However, there is still a lack of robust quantitative instruments to assess the restorative potential of different environments. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Portuguese version of the Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS), an instrument based on Attention Restoration Theory that evaluates the perceived restorative qualities of environments. In Study 1, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on data from 410 participants. The results supported a refined 20-item version of the scale, comprising four factors—being away, fascination, compatibility, and legibility—with good internal consistency and acceptable model fit. Measurement invariance analysis confirmed configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender. In Study 2, a separate sample of 212 participants completed the PRS along with additional validated measures: the Sublime Emotion toward Nature Scale (SEN), an aesthetic evaluation of landscapes, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). The PRS showed strong convergent and discriminant validity and significantly predicted restorative outcomes. These findings support the psychometric adequacy of the Portuguese PRS and its relevance as a valid tool for assessing perceived restorativeness in both natural and built environments. The scale may inform future research and public policies aimed at designing spaces that promote psychological restoration and mental well-being.
- Empowering maritime spatial planning and marine conservation efforts through digital engagement: the role of online platformsPublication . Gutierrez, Débora; Calado, Helena; Toor, Femke van; Moreira, Mariana; Paramio, Maria Luz; Martins, Francisco; Santos, Natali; Melo, Neuza; Newton, AliceThis study addresses the performance of digital platforms in enhancing ocean governance by improving communication and collaboration among stakeholders. It analyses several platforms based on their collaborative initiatives, digital tools, and ability to function as networks of knowledge. The findings show that these platforms bridge gaps between regional, national, and non-governmental organisations, promoting informed decision making. Their online presence enhances transparency and engagement, especially postCOVID-19. This study highlights the need for hybrid platforms combining informative and interactive elements to better serve both experts and the public. From this analysis, some recommendations are drawn to provide rules and design for the cooperation and co-design of a platform to foster better communication, collaboration, and sustainable ocean management practices.
- Physiological and psychological benefits of exposure to nature during work in a military bunker—a pilot experimental studyPublication . Silva Fernandes, Maria Jacinta; Bento, Ana Teresa; Gonçalves, Gabriela; Campos, ClariceThe present controlled experimental research addresses the effects of exposure to nature on workers’ well-being and job performance in a work-confined setting. Ten individuals working in an open-space office inside a Portuguese military bunker were exposed to simulated nature (audio sounds and/or video images of nature). Quantitative physiological (heart rate) and self-reported measures (perceived positive and negative emotions, environment restorativeness, and work performance) were taken. Results indicate that exposure to nature during working time in confined places, through simulating a window with a view of nature and/or by introducing sounds of nature, promotes physiological and emotional well-being at work (heart rate significantly decreases, positive emotions significantly increase, and negative emotions decrease), and significantly increases employees’ perception of workplace restorative qualities. The results on work performance were non-significant. The present findings contribute to the evidence of the restorative effects of nature exposure during work. The research bridges a gap by considering workplaces where real nature exposure is not feasible and examining the evidence on the beneficial biophilic interventions (the restorative effects of simulated nature) within confined environments. The strategy to use videos and audio of nature may improve the structural conditions of work, benefiting well-being in these types of work settings.
- Tracking tourism waves: insights from automatic identification system (AIS) data on maritime–coastal activitiesPublication . Ramos, Jorge; Drakeford, Benjamin; Costa, Joana; Madiedo Camelo, Ana Maria; Leitão, FranciscoAbstract: The demand for maritime–coastal tourism has been intensifying, but its offerings are sometimes limited to a few activities. Some of these activities do not require specific skills or certifications, while others do. This study aimed to investigate what type of activities are carried out by tourism and recreational vessels in the coastal area of the central Algarve (Portugal). To this end, data from the automatic identification system (AIS) of recreational vessels was used to monitor and categorise these activities in a non-intrusive manner. A model (TORMA) was defined to facilitate the analysis of AIS data and relate them to five independent variables (distance from the coast, boat speed, bathymetry, seabed type, and number of pings). The results of the analysis of more than 11 thousand hourly AIS records for passenger, sailing, and charter vessels showed that the 14 most regular ones had strong seasonal patterns, greater intensity in summer, and spatial patterns with more records near some coastal cliffs. This study provides valuable information on the management of motorised nautical activities near the coast and at sea, contributing to more informed and effective tourism regulation and planning.
