DigitUMa
Repositório Institucional da Universidade da Madeira
Entradas recentes
UV-filters from insular ocean-cities. Impact on the marine sustainability
Publication . Íñiguez Santamaría, Eva; Cordeiro, Nereida Maria Abano; Dinis, Ana Margarida Brites Caetano; Kaufmann , Manfred Josef
Organic ultraviolet filters (oUVFs) are synthetic chemical compounds widely used in industrial
applications and personal care products to protect human skin and materials from solar
radiation. Over recent decades, increasing demand for these products has resulted in a
substantial rise in production and consumption, leading to their release into the environment.
Despite widespread use, information on environmental concentrations, chemical behaviour,
spatial distribution, persistence, and potential adverse effects on marine organisms remains
limited. Consequently, oUVFs are classified as Contaminants of Emerging Concern. Coastal
ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to oUVF contamination due to intensified tourism and
recreational activities, which constitute the main direct input pathways through activities such
as swimming and bathing. Indirect pathways, including wastewater treatment plant effluents,
industrial discharges, and terrestrial runoff, also contribute to inputs to marine environments
and may influence their persistence and distribution. This doctoral thesis investigates the
distribution, accumulation, and persistence of oUVFs, as well as their potential trophic transfer,
using an oceanic island as a representative study scenario. This approach enables the
assessment of oUVF contamination across a spatial gradient from coastal zones to deep-sea
environments and across multiple trophic levels through the analysis of diverse marine
organisms. Results indicate that areas influenced by direct coastal activities exhibit higher
oUVF concentrations than locations affected by indirect sources. Sessile organisms, such as
macroalgae, were particularly vulnerable, displaying elevated concentrations in areas subjected
to higher anthropogenic pressure. Herbivorous species exhibited the highest diversity and
concentrations of oUVFs, consistent with greater exposure and bioaccumulation potential at
lower trophic levels. Similar patterns were observed at higher trophic levels, including pelagic
species such as skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), bathypelagic species such as black
scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo), and deep-diving cetaceans. While sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) showed higher concentrations, resident short-finned pilot whales
(Globicephala macrorhynchus) exhibited a higher frequency of occurrence. Furthermore,
oUVFs were more prevalent in water column compartments characterized by elevated organic
matter, including the surface microlayer associated with zooplankton communities, and the
deep-sea bottom, associated with black scabbardfish habitat. In contrast, highly mobile species
with broad vertical and horizontal distributions showed low or undetectable concentrations.
Among the analyzed compounds, OC, EHS, HMS, BDBDM, and DTS were the most
frequently detected, underscoring their persistence. Overall, this thesis demonstrates the
widespread distribution of oUVFs beyond coastal environments, their impact on commercial
species, and their accumulation in top predators. It also presents the first validated methodology
for detecting oUVFs in marine zooplankton and provides concentration data across multiple
species and habitats, thereby addressing critical knowledge gaps.
Co-designing companions in virtual natural environments for enhanced well-being: insights from dementia informal caregivers
Publication . Peres, Beatriz; Lopes, Daniel S; Jorge, Joaquim; Campos, Pedro F.; Rodrigues Jardim Rino Peres, Beatriz; Pereira Campos, Pedro Filipe; Campos, Pedro
Informal caregivers of family members with Alzheimer’s Disease
and Related Dementias (ADRD) perform an often difficult and emo
tionally demanding task. The combination of Virtual Natural Envi
ronments (VNEs) and some form of social interaction could help
meet some caregiver needs but remains unexplored. In this study,
we investigate how ADRD informal caregivers envision compan
ionship in the context of VR nature. Through co-design sessions
with 15 ADRD informal caregivers, the thematic analysis identified
four main themes: companionship needs, physical presence, vir
tual presence, and characteristics and behaviors. Diverse types of
companions were suggested, with a preference for empathetic, cred
ible, and authentic companionship. Design opportunities include
integrating physical and virtual companionship within VNEs. This
research highlights the importance of designing companions that
help caregivers feel understood. Considering informal caregivers’
perspectives is integral to developing interventions that effectively
address their emotional and social well-being.
College tales: pilot study on Large Language Models generated narratives for mental health literacy
Publication . Sousa, José Pedro Vieira; Campos, Pedro; Bala, Paulo; Pereira Campos, Pedro Filipe; Campos, Pedro; Bala, Paulo
Mental health, while a crucial component of health, has often been
neglected and stigmatised. University students, considering their
unique situations and stressors, are more vulnerable to experienc
ing mental health challenges and being affected by stigma. The
use of Large Language Models (LLMs) creates an opportunity to
impart knowledge through digital interventions to address stigma,
misinformation, and increase Mental Health Literacy in univer
sity students. Using a LLM generated prompt game, we conducted
a pilot study with 5 mental health professionals. Through semi
structured interviews about the prototype and the narrative, we
identified several narrative problems, such as missing information
or overly simplified concepts. While the prototype has limitations,
the participants considered it to have potential to be integrated as
a tool for professionals.
FitFest: designing a narrative-driven exergame to engage active seniors in physical activity
Publication . Freitas, Eva; Noronha, Hildegardo; França, Cíntia; Gouveia, Élvio; Bala, Paulo; Campos, Pedro; Dionísio, Mara; França, Cíntia; Gouveia, Elvio Rúbio; Gouveia, Elvio Rúbio; Gouveia, Élvio Rúbio; Bala, Paulo; Pereira Campos, Pedro Filipe; Campos, Pedro; Dionisio, Mara
Exergaming is a modern approach frequently used to promote
physical activity at all ages while playing digital games. Given that
physical health deteriorates with age, that older people tend to live
sedentary lifestyles and that they get tired faster due to lack of
physical stimulation, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular
exercise routine is important to avoid unintentional injuries. Taking
into account interviews and a focus group with seniors and fitness
professionals, this paper reports on the design and development
of an exergame for seniors to complement their weekly exercise
classes. Fit Fest is an exergame for seniors that leverages narra
tive and sociocultural connections to create an engaging exercise
experience.
CBT-Darts: identifying cognitive distortions in an immersive VR game
Publication . Camacho, Élton; Campos, Pedro; Bala, Paulo; Pereira Campos, Pedro Filipe; Campos, Pedro; Bala, Paulo; Camacho, Élton
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a empirically validated treatment
for anxiety and depression. By identifying negative thinking pat
terns (cognitive distortions), individuals are able to reevaluate and
reframe thinking patterns for better mental health. Building on pre
vious research in digital health interventions, we explore the use
of games and VR for increasing awareness of cognitive distortions.
CBT-Darts is an immersive VR game where players match state
ments to cognitive distortions by throwing darts at balloons. By
mixing a physical and cognitive task, we hope to create an engaging
and fun way to teach how to identify cognitive distortions.