The 10th episode of podNECE discusses a research article titled "Hedonic and eudaimonic personal goals as drivers to attend a religious mega event," published in Tourism Recreation Research. The study investigates the importance of both hedonic goals (seeking pleasure and enjoyment) and eudaimonic goals (seeking personal growth and a meaningful life) as motivations for pilgrims attending the World Youth Day (WYD) religious mega event. Through a face-to-face survey of 171 pilgrims, the authors confirm that both types of personal goals influence the decision-making process for participation. Furthermore, the research finds that socio-demographic variables such as sex, age, and country of residence produce variations in the importance placed on these goals, with hedonic goals being slightly more prevalent overall. The overall aim is to contribute to a new theoretical approach in religious event motivation beyond general tourism motivations.

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 9th podNECE episode discusses a study that presents a cross-cultural comparative analysis examining the impact of consumption values on the intention to purchase vegan food in India and Portugal. Utilizing the Theory of Consumption Values (TCV), the researchers analyze how factors like functional, emotional, social, epistemic, conditional, and ecological values predict purchasing decisions in these two culturally distinct markets. The study employs a dual analytical approach, combining Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA), which is used to test the assumption of TCV’s additive logic by identifying which values are essential minimum requirements for purchase intention. Key findings reveal that while ecological value is a necessary condition in both countries, Indian consumers are primarily driven by price and conditional values, whereas Portuguese consumers rely more on quality and epistemic (curiosity) values. Overall, the research extends the TCV by incorporating ecological value and challenges its universal applicability by showing that value necessity patterns are culturally dependent.

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 8th episode of podNECE discusses a study published in Transport Policy titled "Is electric mobility effective in smoothing the electricity load diagram? Evidence from Europe". This study investigates the impact of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) on different levels of electricity demand—peak, intermediate, and valley—across 26 European countries from 2018 to 2023. Using a threshold model, the research finds that the effect of EV adoption on electricity demand curves is non-linear and depends heavily on the current penetration level of the vehicles. Specifically, BEV adoption initially reduces peak demand and increases off-peak demand, thereby smoothing the load, but this benefit diminishes or even reverses at very high BEV penetration levels. Overall, the authors conclude that with appropriate policy intervention and strategies like Demand-Side Management, electric mobility can significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of electricity system

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 7th episode of podNECE presents a study published in Technovation, focused on developing an integrated approach for businesses to adapt to the paradigms of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Society 5.0, and smart cities in response to rapid global urbanization. The authors present a multi-criteria analysis system utilizing cognitive mapping and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique within a neutrosophic environment to structure and analyze the complex, subjective factors involved. This methodology helps identify cause-and-effect relationships among criteria grouped into four clusters: Legislation and Public Policies, Technology, Performance, and People. Ultimately, the study offers a sociotechnical framework intended to support strategic decision-making and policy formulation for sustainable, human-centric urban development while contributing to relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.