Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2014"
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- Influence of storage conditions and type of package on some properties of walnuts.Publication . Guiné, Raquel; Almeida, Cátia; Correia, PaulaThe quality of dehydrated products is a concern because, due to their very low moisture content, they tend to rehydrate quite easily, thus compromising the chemical, enzymatic or microbial stabilities, as well as the nutritional and sensorial properties. Having this in mind, this study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of storage in walnuts, under certain conditions of temperature, relative humidity and different types of packaging. The fruit samples used were original from Chile, Portugal, Romania and United States. The storage of the walnuts lasted for 90 days, and the conditions tested were: room temperature; a stove at 30 and 50 °C without control over relative humidity of the air; refrigeration and freezing. The two types of plastic package tested were low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The water activity was measured by a hygrometer; moisture content by oven drying until constant weight and colour with a colorimeter. From the results obtained it was concluded that the samples from the different origins are different with respect to moisture content, water activity and colour, regardless of the storage conditions and type of package. Furthermore, it was verified that to assure the good preservation of the walnuts the storage at 50 ºC should be avoided, since it caused an extensive dehydration of the product and a high change in colour in comparison to the unstored samples. Finally, regarding the type of package, it was observed that the use of plastic bags did not really improve the products characteristic in relation to the unpacked samples.
- Motivation and involvement in international tourismPublication . Seabra, Cláudia; Vicente, Margarida; Silva, Carla; Abrantes, José LuísUsing a sample of international tourists travelling in Portugal, Spain and Italy, this study identifies key issues related with tourist involvement. One of the main aspects in the consumer behavior and the decision processes’ understanding is the concept of involvement (Broderick & Mueller, 1999; Dimanche et al., 1993) because it influences the decision rules used by tourists to reach the final decision (Sirakaya & Woodside, 2005). An empirical study of 600 international tourists reveals that motivation to relax influences tourists’ involvement with the trip. A structural model reveals that when tourists are motivated to relax they get directly more involved with their trip (pleasure and information seeking). The motivation to relax also influences indirectly the tourist involvement with the evaluation and quality perception of the trip through its influence on involvement with the trip planning. Discussion centers on the implications of this model to theory and managerial development of tourism and services strategies. Directions for future research are also presented.
- Digital Narratives: Sceneries to Promote Science Education in Primary SchoolPublication . Gomes, Cristina Azevedo; Ramos, Filipa; Formoso, CarlaThis paper discusses the potential of digital narratives for science education during the early years of schooling. We present two case studies developed in formal learning settings in two primary schools. Children of nine -ten years old were challenged to develop games and multimedia stories about science curricular topics, using several free software applications. We intended to take advantage of the entire technological capacity placed in Portuguese schools by the e.escolinha initiative which aimed to provide a low-cost laptop, the Magellan computer, to all primary school children. Findings indicate that working with low-cost technology and free software can generate educational benefits. Developing digital narratives engaged the children in processes of negotiating and collaboration. Digital narratives can be a good context to promote the construction of knowledge in science education.
- Influence of pre drying treatment on physical properties of carrotsPublication . Barroca, Maria João; Sério, Susana; Guiné, Raquel; Correia, PaulaIn the present work, the effect of pre-treatment of ascorbic acid on color changes and texture was investigated during convective hot air drying at 60ºC. The pre-treatments were done at 0.25 % and 1 % of ascorbic acid with treatment times of 60 and 90 minutes. Changes in color and total color difference were evaluated by the CIELab color system and texture of dried carrots was accessed in terms of hardness, springiness, and cohesiveness. Regarding the total color difference, soaking carrots in ascorbic acid at both concentrations and treatment times turned out to be an ineffective method for reducing the browning reactions during drying. With respect to textural attributes non-significant differences were observed in springiness and cohesiveness of untreated and pre-treated dried carrots but the hardness increased at a pre-treatment time of 90 minutes.
- Parental involvement and Special Educational Needs in inclusive contextsPublication . Felizardo, Sara; Jales Ribeiro, Esperança; Cardoso, Ana PaulaProblem Statement: This study aims to analyze the relationships between the parent`s perspectives of children with Special Educational Needs/ SEN and teachers of regular and special education, about parental involvement in school. Research Questions: Are there significant differences between the parent`s perspectives of children with SEN and teachers of regular and special education, in relation to parental involvement in school? Purpose of Study: Parental involvement is a multifaceted concept that encompasses different contexts and can be presented in various formats. Within the inclusive approach, the collaborative model and partnership of parental involvement provides a frame of reference that can help support professionals, educators and teachers in their contacts with parents of children with SEN. Research Methods: This is an descriptive-correlational research with a non-probability convenience sample of 256 parents of children with and without SEN, and 107 teachers of regular and special education. The study was undertaken in schools and institutions of support for disabled children of the Municipality of Viseu, and data were collected with a questionnaire about parental involvement in school. Findings: Data shows that the largest divergence about parental involvement perceptions occurs between the teachers of the regular school and parents of students with SEN. In contrast, the perceptions between teachers of special education and parents of children with SEN do not show significant differences. There are still significant differences between regular teachers and special education teachers about parental involvement in school. Conclusions: Data suggests differences between perceptions of regular education teachers and parents of children with SEN, likewise the perceptions between the two type of teachers, which indicate that the work should evolve towards greater convergence and articulation, in order to delineate forms of intervention converging and promote a greater parental involvement as part of a collaborative and partnership approach.
- Fatores de Atratividade para Investimento Direto Estrangeiro no setor do turismo portuguêsPublication . Barroco, Cristina; Castro, Eduardo Anselmo; Costa, CarlosApesar de serem muitas as teorias que sugerem uma explicação para a realização do comércio internacional, tentando justificar porque é que determinados países são mais atrativos para Investimento Direto Estrangeiro (IDE) do que outros, os autores são unânimes ao afirmar que o IDE é influenciado por fatores de atração (características específicas dos países de acolhimento) e por fatores impulsionadores (características específicas das empresas e do país de origem das mesmas). Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar os principais fatores de atratividade para IDE no setor do turismo português. Com essa finalidade construiu-se um modelo teórico, que foi validado através de entrevistas exploratórias semiestruturadas e da aplicação de inquéritos por questionário aos investidores estrangeiros a explorar unidades de alojamento em Portugal. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que a localização geográfica de Portugal, a imagem/marca do setor do turismo português e a oferta turística portuguesa são considerados os fatores de atração mais importantes para IDE. Este estudo identificou, ainda, que os maiores entraves ao IDE são a burocracia, a carga fiscal e a atual situação económica do país.
- Prática de ensino supervisionada e a importância do contacto com os clássicos da literaturaPublication . Rocha, Sofia dos Santos; Matos, Isabel Aires de; Lopes, Fernando AlexandreO presente relatório final de estágio, realizado no âmbito da unidade curricular Prática de Ensino Supervisionada III, tem como finalidade a obtenção do grau de mestre em Educação Pré-Escolar e ensino do 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico. O mesmo encontra-se dividido em duas partes. A primeira parte é constituída por reflexão crítica sobre o trabalho desenvolvido e sobre as aprendizagens realizadas nos dois últimos semestres do curso, na unidade curricular acima referida. A segunda parte integra uma investigação, de caráter qualitativo, efetuada no contexto da educação pré-escolar. Esta aborda, tal como é sugerido no título, a importância do contacto com os clássicos da literatura, com o objetivo de perceber, primeiramente, de que forma a criança se relaciona com obras literárias e, de seguida, como é que estas obras influenciam a criança. Neste sentido, começou por se elaborar um enquadramento teórico sobre a temática e, paralelamente, foram realizadas algumas leituras de histórias a quatro crianças, a frequentar o Jardim de Infância sucedendo-se entrevistas semiestruturadas como elemento de recolha de dados. Após a análise dos dados foi possível retirar algumas conclusões deste estudo, nomeadamente que as crianças têm contacto recorrente com obras literárias (não apenas os clássicos da literatura) e que as mesmas conduzem ao desenvolvimento de várias competências e aprendizagens. A leitura de histórias pelas ou para as crianças é uma atividade fundamental que deve ser praticada desde os primeiros tempos de vida.
- Potencialidades do Turismo Equestre em PortugalPublication . Magalhães, Nuno; Antunes, Joaquim; Barroco, CristinaO turismo equestre é a atividade turística que utiliza o cavalo ou outros equídeos como principal fator de atração turística. Subdivide-se em turismo a cavalo e turismo do cavalo, tendo cada subgrupo públicos e produtos diferentes. Em Portugal, esta atividade tem potencial para gerar cerca de 300 milhões de euros (Neoturis, 2008), contribuindo para o desenvolvimento das economias rurais e do turismo nacional. Contudo tem merecido muito pouca análise ou estudo. Pela longa história ligada ao cavalo e pela diversidade de elementos únicos que existem em Portugal e que o diferenciam, existe ainda muito a fazer para que possa haver uma oferta de turismo equestre capaz de afirmar o país como destino de turismo equestre europeu e/ou mundial. Assim sendo, são objetivos deste trabalho: i) Perceber o potencial do turismo equestre nacional e contribuir para o seu desenvolvimento; ii) Realizar uma análise profunda do setor, por parte da oferta e da procura; iii) Identificar carências e mais-valias do país enquanto mercado de turismo equestre; iv) Gerar outputs que permitam criar uma oferta competitiva; v) Diferenciar a oferta turística nacional; vi) Perceber as motivações do turista equestre; vii) Contribuir para a criação de um produto diferenciado e diferenciador adequado ao perfil do consumidor.
- Serra da Estrela Cheese: evaluation of the thistle ecotype on the physical, chemical and sensorial propertiesPublication . Tenreiro, Marlene; Guiné, Raquel; Barracosa, Paulo; Correia, Paula; Correia, Ana CristinaSerra da Estrela cheese is the most famous variety of farm cheese manufactured in Portugal. Its manufacture is artisanal, from raw ewe's milk of a native breed (Bordaleira da Serra da Estrela), which is coagulated using an aqueous extract of the wild thistle (Cynara cardunculus), without deliberate addition of any starter culture [1-2]. The study of microstructure in specialty cheeses is relevant to sensory features and to fundamental explanation of the changes observed throughout cheese ripening [3]. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical, chemical and sensorial characteristics of Serra da Estrela cheese produced with different thistle ecotypes. In this study 29 samples of Serra da Estrela cheese produced with 6 different thistle ecotypes in various dairies in the area demarcated for the production of Serra da Estrela cheese were analysed. The chemical properties assessed were moisture content, pH, chloride, ash and proteins; the physical properties evaluated were colour and texture; and finally a sensory evaluation was undertaken. The results obtained showed values for moisture between 34.9% and 49.8%, for ashes varying from 3.4% to 5.5%, and for proteins varying from 21.9% to 13.0%. The chlorides ranged between 1.1% and 3.0% and pH between 4.8 and 5.7. It was further observed that for longer ripening, and therefore lower humidity, the samples exhibited higher firmness and lower stickiness and adhesiveness. The values of hardness of the skin and flesh varied in the ranges 1.56-9.40 N and 0.4-3.4 N, respectively. The stickiness was quite high (-26.29 to -2.21 N.sec), which reflects the creamy character of these soft paste cheeses. The colour coordinates were evaluated on the skin and the values obtained were 53.57 to 64.34 for L*, -4.53 to 1.29 for a* and 15.56 to 29.03 for b*, showing a clear yellowish colour. The results of the sensory analysis did not show a noticeable variability between the different ecotypes, and it was further observed that, in general, the instrumental analyses eventually confirm the perception of panellists.
- The European Educational Research Association: people, practices and policy over the last 20 yearsPublication . Hoveid, Marit Honerød; Keiner, Edwin; Figueiredo, Maria PachecoFrom a pragmatic point of view, it is the people who make an organisation, but organisations are both people and structures, and not least organisations develop culture. One of the significant features of the European Educational Research Association (EERA) as an organisation is that many of its activities are run by people on a voluntary basis. Apart from a small office, now in Berlin, which oversees and handles the everyday management, participation on Council, reviewing and programming for ECER (European Conference on Educational Research), managing networks, etc. are all undertaken as voluntary work by academics from across Europe (and beyond). From the large group of people who are currently sustaining these activities, many have participated from the beginning, but many others, after having been once at the conference, returned and got engaged in the work, for instance within one of the networks. Among the many who participate in EERA activities, there is a diversity of reasons for doing so, but there seems to be something which is recurring in what people say about why they do it. One of these recurring ideas is that the discursive norms of the organisation are enforced in the context of welcoming people and ideas, and second, there exists an intellectual generosity and egalitarianism which encourages newcomers to participate rather than protect themselves. We believe that this tells something about what EERA and ECER are about.