bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Social Media Tools in the Knowledge Management in Organizational Context
Authors: Chedid Marcello , Teixeira Leonor
Published: July 2017

The advancement of the economy based on knowledge makes knowledge management critical for organizations. The traditional knowledge management systems have presented some shortcomings on their implementation and management. Social media have demonstrated that are not just a buzzword and have been used increasingly by the organizations as a knowledge management component. This chapter was developed aiming at exploring and critically reviewing the literature of social media use in organizational context as a knowledge management component. The review suggests that, while traditional knowledge management systems are static and often act just as knowledge repositories, social media have the potential for supporting different knowledge management processes that will impact on the organizational culture by encouraging on participation, collaboration and knowledge sharing. Despite their recognized impact on knowledge management processes, some uncertainty remains amongst researchers and practitioners and is associated to the difficulty in understanding and measuring their real impact.
Employee Wellbeing English Language Proficiency a Key to Knowledge Sharing and Social Interaction
Authors: Khaleel Muhammad , Chelliah Shankar
Published: July 2017

This chapter discusses the significance of employee wellbeing at the workplace and self-perceived English language proficiency as a predictor variable. The importance of employee wellbeing has been recognized all around the world. To generalize the findings of previous literature this study has examined the proposed model in the context of telecom MNCs in Pakistan. This chapter starts with what is wellbeing at the workplace? And moves towards it significance in the context of developed and underdeveloped countries. Further, this chapter explains the empirical findings of the proposed model. The results revealed a strong correlation between self-perceived English language proficiency and dimensions of employee wellbeing at the workplace. This is a very important chapter for both researchers and managers.
Egypt
Authors: Vergil Hasan , Sekmen Fuat
Published: July 2017

Egypt is one of the most important countries in the Middle East. It has considerable influence in Africa and Middle East due relatively to its large population, a strategic geographical position, military strength and diplomatic expertise. It has also played an important role in the resolution of Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It pioneered in establishing relations with Israel among the Arab countries. However, from the economical point of view, Egypt has long-standing structural deficits in trade balances and economic openness of Egypt has started to decrease in the last decade. Even though it endeavors to improve its conditions in education, economy and international relations, political instability after 2011 Arab Spring negatively affected Egypt's economy and political instability coupled with fear of terror-reduced revenues from tourism sector starting 2012. Therefore, Egypt should avoid any possibility of political instability to maintain long-term economic growth and should create an economic environment, which is more friendly to business.
Libya
Authors: Kandemir Orhan , Gümüş Niyazi
Published: July 2017

Libya is one of the biggest countries in Africa. The “Arab Spring” significantly affected the political system and sociopolitical organization of Libya. The authoritative management that forbids the political parties, the welfare obtained from the exportation of rich natural resources was not reflected to the community and the corruptions increased while only managing elite part got richer are main reasons of such an insurrection. Economy of Libya depends on a single sector, which is energy. The historical relations between Turkey should not be forgotten and the economic cooperation between both countries should be increased.
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Authors: Erkekoğlu Levent Coşkun , Madi İpek
Published: July 2017

For Jordanian economy, the insufficiency of its natural resources, the dependence of the volatility of its workers' remittances on the global oil price fluctuations, the effect of the regional chaos on its economic sectors, rising requirements on education and health due to the increasing population generated by refugee influx are some of its important issues. Agricultural products are among the country's main exports. Nevertheless, the water scarcity in the Middle East which may be defined “the key issue” to be solved for the welfare of Jordan (and the Middle Eastern-Islamic World) has been a block for its economy. Improving the bilateral relations and “skilled partnerships” with Turkey, would be a solution for the Jordanian economic issues, for the general welfare of the region as well. One specific sector may be healthcare services through which an integrated system may be formed for the future well-being of the Middle Eastern and Islamic World. An important issue for Jordan and the Middle Eastern-Islamic countries is that the success of economic policies, the stability, the peace, safety and welfare of the general are dependent on how “justice and compassion” are defined and on the mentality or belief from which they are derived.
Lebanon
Authors: İncekara Ahmet , Eğri Canan Özge
Published: July 2017

Lebanon was founded as a parliamentary democracy in 1943, after winning its independence from France. Lebanon is experiencing problems between the balance of religious groups and regional ties, as well as the civil war in Syria. The country has a great variety and number of religions and clan-based ethnicities. The country's fragmented structure is visibly effective on the social networks and civil society organizations formed in Lebanon. Instability in the region and the civil war in Syria pose a serious problem for the Lebanese economic and financial system.
Indonesia
Authors: Nişancı Ensar , Yıldırım Durmuş Çağrı , Çevik Nüket Kırcı , Sırım Veli
Published: July 2017

This chapter examines Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world, politically, culturally, socially, and economically. The main purpose of this chapter is to reveal the obstacles to the economic development of Indonesia and to develop policy recommendations for them. The chapter begins with three of the major political and cultural issues of a country's general structure: socio-political structure, socio-cultural properties and political-administrative structure and institutions. The fourth and fifth parts of this chapter analyze the country's economic situation and economic potential. The following parts continue with handling other significant points which are the political, social, cultural and economic factors affecting the country's international relations. The author concludes this chapter with the leading obstacles to the economic development of Indonesia and some policy recommendations which have the potential to pave the way to country's growth in terms of economy. This section is not supported by empirical findings.
The Evolution of the (Hidden) Web and Its Hidden Data
Authors: Díaz Manuel Álvarez , Álvarez Víctor Manuel Prieto , Seijo Fidel Cacheda
Published: July 2017

This paper presents an analysis of the most important features of the Web and its evolution and implications on the tools that traverse it to index its content to be searched later. It is important to remark that some of these features of the Web make a quite large subset to remain “hidden”. The analysis of the Web focuses on a snapshot of the Global Web for six different years: 2009 to 2014. The results for each year are analyzed independently and together to facilitate the analysis of both the features at any given time and the changes between the different analyzed years. The objective of the analysis are twofold: to characterize the Web and more importantly, its evolution along the time.
The Contribution of Information Science Through Intellectual Property to Innovation in the Brazilian Health Sector
Authors: Antunes Adelaide Maria de Souza , Mendes Flavia Maria Lins , Schumacher Suzanne de Oliveira Rodrigues , Quoniam Luc , Lima de Magalhães Jorge
Published: July 2017

In response to the challenges of the 21st century, emerging countries have played an increasingly leading role in the global economy, and public health has been a notable feature of the government agendas in these countries. According to the IMF, Brazil is one of the countries with the greatest potential to stand out in this context. The quantity of research and development into technologies for drugs and medications is important for supporting innovation in the health sector. Information science can therefore help considerably in the analysis of patents, indicating trends, revealing opportunities for investors, and assisting the decision-taking process by private sector managers and government agents. This study is based on the extraction of valuable information contained in the hidden Web through technology foresight of products deemed strategic by the Brazilian Ministry of Heath, which are the target of public policies and investments by the state for domestic production.
Becoming Anonymous
Authors: Cambre Maria-Carolina
Published: July 2017

In a new global topography of cultural movements, repressed layers of populations come to historical consciousness and demand autonomy and sovereignty: many are finding ways to engage through online communities. In the wake of rapid global and social change, groups increasingly organized and operated independently of the control and planning of states are taking shape. Elaborating these so-called “processes” as manifested by those behind Guy Fawkes's mask is a key concern in this study. The author builds theoretical insights on the shifting semiotic vocabulary of the Guy Fawkes Mask used by the niche online community of Anonymous as a disruptive insertion of online visual communication.
A Novel Architecture for Deep Web Crawler
Authors: Sharma Dilip Kumar , Sharma A. K.
Published: July 2017

A traditional crawler picks up a URL, retrieves the corresponding page and extracts various links, adding them to the queue. A deep Web crawler, after adding links to the queue, checks for forms. If forms are present, it processes them and retrieves the required information. Various techniques have been proposed for crawling deep Web information, but much remains undiscovered. In this paper, the authors analyze and compare important deep Web information crawling techniques to find their relative limitations and advantages. To minimize limitations of existing deep Web crawlers, a novel architecture is proposed based on QIIIEP specifications (Sharma & Sharma, 2009). The proposed architecture is cost effective and has features of privatized search and general search for deep Web data hidden behind html forms.
Health Infrastructure and Economic Development in India
Authors: Ghosh Dibyendu , Dinda Soumyananda
Published: July 2017

The chapter examines different aspects of health care service facilities and health infrastructure available in India. Major health outcomes like Life expectancy at birth and infant mortality rate depend on available health facilities like hospitals, beds and health trained personnel. Life expectancy in India has increased and IMR declines over the years, except few states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh. India has achieved a considerable progress in providing health infrastructure and its access to health care services to the mass population. However, less developed states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar need more attention to improve health infrastructure and distribution of health facilities. In this context, we also highlight the department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy, abbreviated as AYUSH which is a Governmental body in India purposed with developing, education and research in Ayurveda, which mostly prevails in under-developed state like Bihar. Our empirical results provide the evidence of strong association between health infrastructure and economic development in India.
From the Margins to the Mainstream
Authors: Ma Ronald
Published: July 2017

Healthcare system performance needs information on cost and revenue of care because of the rising healthcare costs. Empowering clinicians with clinical costing information is central to the success of containing costs. This information holds clinical data linkage unifying clinical, financial and administrative datasets, and seems to facilitate the spending of scarce health care resources in a way that produces the biggest difference in clinical outcomes. This chapter looks at the methodology and processes of clinical costing and its potential applications to facilitate the delivery of value-based healthcare, which confers quality care at lowest unit cost. Policy implications would be purchasing value-based healthcare, based mostly on quality of care after removing avoidable costs for inefficiency and poor quality. Clinician participation in the clinical costing is the key to success, because clinicians will be informed of the options available to choose the most value-based healthcare, which will, in turn, take care of the tight healthcare budget. Yet, this method of clinical costing is still at the margins.
Framework of Indian Healthcare System and Its Challenges
Authors: Mehta Prashant
Published: July 2017

India, one of the oldest civilizations and second most populous country is ethnically, linguistically, geographically, religious, and demographically diverse is poorly ranked due to complex public healthcare system, which suffers from insufficient funding, poor management. Poor health intertwined with poverty, affordability, accessibility, burden of infectious and non-communicable affecting lives of most Indians. Healthcare ecosystems are complex and still evolving, investments in service delivery system, infrastructure, and technology, are still being experimented and explored. India's booming population; increasing purchasing power; rising awareness of personal health and hygiene; and significant growth in infectious, chronic degenerative, and lifestyle diseases are driving the growing market. In this chapter we will explore accessible and affordable healthcare system, state of public healthcare, healthcare reforms, governance (Constitutional Provisions, Law, and Policy framework) in healthcare delivery, and Opportunity offered by market drivers.
A Simulation Framework for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Chronic Disease Management Interventions
Authors: Diaz Rafael , Behr Joshua G.
Published: July 2017

The treatment and management of chronic diseases currently comprise a major fraction of the United States' healthcare expenditures. These expenses are projected to increase as the US population ages. Utilization of the ambulatory healthcare system stemming from chronic conditions has been seen as contributory factor in the rising expenditures. Efforts to better manage chronic conditions ought to result in better health outcomes and, by extension, savings through lower utilization of ambulatory services. The longer-term financial consequences of such interventions, however, are more uncertain. This study offers a System Dynamics simulation framework that identifies and models the critical relationships associated with health outcomes and longer-term financial consequences. This framework is demonstrated through a comparison between groups with a similar generic chronic condition, but one group is subjected to a management intervention and the other group is not. The framework provides constructive insights into how the initial intervention cost estimates, the resulting savings, and the health status may change depending on uncertainties, feedback effects, and cost structures.
Alterações hematológicas e bioquímica sérica de equinos atletas
Authors: Mattosinho Rodrigo De Oliveira , Sampaio Augusto José Savioli de Almeida , Balarin Mara Regina Stipp , Fiorato Camila André , Vasques Gabriela Maria Benedetti , Silva Ana Lúcia Yoshida da , Marcusso Paulo Fernandes
Published: July 2017

A relação homem e cavalo se dá desde os primórdios da história, esta auxiliou o homem em diversas de suas conquistas. Com o passar dos tempos essa relação se perpetuou, nos dias atuais os equinos são utilizados para os trabalhos em fazendas e principalmente em provas funcionais, onde colocam a prova todas suas habilidades atléticas independentemente do esporte a ser praticado. O mercado equino movimenta milhões em todo mundo e é responsável pela geração de milhares de empregos diretos e indiretos. Tendo em vista a grande importância desta espécie perante a humanidade e a grandiosidade e alto nível das provas funcionais envolvendo os equinos por todo o mundo, existem muitos estudos com objetivo de avaliar o desgaste muscular, stress e variações hematológicas nestes animais quando submetidos a exercícios. Toda via a modalidade Laço Comprido, uma prova desenvolvida e praticada somente no Brasil, que envolve um grande número de praticantes e movimenta de forma direta a economia, não possuem estudos que avaliem os equinos praticantes deste esporte, equinos estes que em sua grande maioria são das raças Crioulo e Quarto de Milha. O objetivo do presente estudo é realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre as alterações hematológicas e bioquímica sérica que envolvem estes animais antes e após as corridas.
The Effect of the Cutting Parameters on the Machined Surface Roughness
Authors: Gutakovskis Viktors , Gerins Eriks , Rudzitis Janis , Kromanis Artis
Published: July 2017

From the invention of turning machine or lathe, some engineers are trying to increase the turning productivity. The increase of productivity is following after the breakout in instrumental area, such as the hard alloy instrument and resistance to wear cutting surfaces. The potential of cutting speed has a certain limit. New steel marks and cutting surfaces types allow significantly increase cutting and turning speeds. For the most operation types the productivity increase begins from the feeding increase. But the increase of feeding goes together with machined surface result decreasement. Metal cutting with high feeding is one of the most actual problems in the increasing of manufacturing volume but there are some problems one of them is the cutting forces increasement and larger metal removal rate, which decrease the cutting tool life significantly. Increasing of manufacturing volume, going together with the cutting instrument technology and material evolution, such as the invention of the carbide cutting materials and wear resistant coatings such as TiC and Ti(C,N). Each of these coating have its own properties and functions in the metal cutting process. Together with this evolution the cutting tool geometry and machining parameters dependencies are researched. Traditionally for the decreasing the machining time of one part, the cutting parameters were increased, decreasing by this way the machining operation quantity. In our days the wear resistance of the cutting tools increasing and it is mostly used one or two machining operations (medium and fine finishing). The purpose of the topic is to represent the experimental results of the stainless steel turning process, using increased cutting speeds and feeding values, to develop advanced processing technology, using new modern coated cutting tools by CVD and PVD methods. After investigation of the machined surface roughness results, develop the mathematical model of the cutting process using higher values of the cutting parameters.
Measurement Accuracy Problems of the Surface Texture Parameters
Authors: Bulaha Natalija , Lungevics Janis , Rudzitis Janis
Published: July 2017

In this scientific article the recommendations for a three-dimensional surface roughness parameters determination of mechatronics elements are developed. First of all, the measurements for surface with irregular roughness were made, what led to the determination of a 3D roughness correlation function. On that basis correlation interval in two perpendicular treatment directions was calculated and associated with number of surface roughness uncorrelated points. Secondly, the surface roughness step parameters evaluation precision in two mutually perpendicular directions was analysed. Particular attention was paid to the roughness average step RSm in the treatment longitudinal direction. As a result, the recommendations for a 3D roughness parameters determination were prepared.
An Endurance Test of Composite Panels
Authors: Wróbel Andrzej , Płaczek Marek , Buchacz Andrzej
Published: July 2017

In this paper possibilities of freight wagons modernization using new composite materials was presented. This work was carried out under the project number PBS2/A6/17/2013 agreement implemented under the Applied Research Program, founded by the National Centre for Research and Development. All of this activities are done as consortium consists of the scientific entity – the Institute of Engineering Processes Automation and Integrated Manufacturing Systems of the Silesian University of Technology and DB Schenker Rail Poland SA and Germaz. The purpose of this article is analyse the work strength of the connection sheet metal and composite glass-epoxy with multi-point pressure. To estimate the strength of strain-gauge methods were used. The study was conducted on a stand equipped with 4 pneumatic actuators and the PLC. During the tests the same steal plate, then on a plate with mounted rivets and connection steal and composite panel were checked. Some aspects have already been presented in previous publications of the authors. This article is an extension of the previous publications with new knowledge. To determine the changes in the samples strain gauges was used. In the article original program written to the PLC in order to automatically generate pressure on the tested composites was presented. A composite material is a material having a heterogeneous structure composed of two or more components with different properties. structural components most commonly used are fibers such as glass fibers, carbon fibers and Kevlar. Currently, composites are widely used, among others, in construction, aviation, in transprcie, automotive and machinery manufacturing. In this paper research methods for detection of laminate panels damage were presented. Aspect of continuous monitoring of the technical state of the laminate is very important. As part of the work method of endurance test panels made of composite by strain gauge will be presented. In paper machine designed to periodically generate extortion will be also presented. At the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Technical University of Silesia are conducted research on the analysis and synthesis of mechanical systems and mechatronics concern both theoretical considerations [10,11] how practical industrial tasks Recent works undertaken relate to research the properties of composite materials [1-4, 12-17] as components and assemblies railway wagons [5,8,11]. Some of the work is conducted in collaboration with other research centers [5-9].
Electromagnetic Vibrations of Hydropower Generator Stator Core and Transformer Core at 100 Hz Frequency
Authors: Cerpinska Marina , Vitols Renars , Simanis Oskars
Published: July 2017

This paper aimed to compare obtained results and collected theory for 100 Hz frequency vibration of hydropower generator stator core and transformer core. Electromagnetic vibration with 100 Hz frequency occurred both at slow-speed salient poles synchronous generator stator core and oil-filled power transformers tank, but the nature of hydropower and transformer 100 Hz vibration was different. The vibration analysis procedure and acceptable limits for hydropower generator stator core were already covered in the standards, while the health grade system for vibration measurements of power transformer has not beet yet developed. This study discussed the experimental results aiming to extend the knowledge about reasoning for non-existing statistical health grade system, based on power transformers vibrations, measured on tank. The experimental results of hydropower generator stator and power transformer spectrum were reported. Two salient pole hydropower generator stators and four transformers with different construction (including shell-type) and different cooling system (including air forced cooling system) were chosen to present vibration spectrum results. It was demonstrated that increasing clamping pressure of the core does not always reduce 100 Hz harmonic component neither for hydrogenerator stator, nor for transformer. Bad clamping pressure and defects in core, in contrary, will not result into increase of 100 Hz component for some units. Results showed that air forced cooling equipment (fans) would not add higher harmonics to vibration spectrum of the power transformer tank. It was shown that the shell-type construction of transformer core would not necessarily result in high vibration values on tank.
Control of Mobile Robots with Bounded Inputs in a Rigid Formation
Authors: Ailon Amit
Published: July 2017

This study presents controllers for trajectory tracking for the kinematic model of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) subject to bounded inputs. The proposed controllers are based on smooth uniformly bounded functions that can easily be realized. Some results are demonstrated.
Versatile Soil Sampling System Capable of Collecting, Transporting, Storing and Preliminary Onboard Analysis for Mars Rover Analogue
Authors: Rećko Maciej , Tołstoj-Sienkiewicz Justyna , Turycz Paweł
Published: July 2017

Presented paper focuses on design process of Soil Sample Retrieval System for simple on-board analysis of collected material and cashing it for further examination. System is created to be mounted on mobile robotic platforms to provide a tool suitable for sampling scientifically interesting sites in remote and even hazardous for human environments [1,2,4].Considered solution will be thoroughly tested during University Rover Challenge 2016 aiding #next team efforts to proof life existence in mock-up Mars surface setting located nearby Mars Desert Research Station, Hanksville Utah. This procedure is one of challenge’s task that proves scientific usefulness of a built rover. It requires collection of unaltered sub-surface soil sample, preliminary examination and cashing it on-board for further analysis.The device needs to be capable of collecting sub-surface soil samples, then transporting gathered material to cash and experiment containers also embedded onto platform [3]. It uses a drilling technique similar to one used to crush concrete and hard rocks.Powder created during sampling is further transported via system of tubes powered with vacuum. In order to create under pressure system was equipped with high-efficient turbine capable of producing up to 45 kg of suction force. This new approach has never been used before during such competition. We believe it will provide much needed advantage during this task over other competitors.The system allows an equal distribution of collected soil into designated containers. They are fitted out with desired scientific equipment. In considered exemplary model there are three containers. One being equipped with pH sensor, second-a humidity sensor and third one for cashing unaltered sample for further laboratory experimentations. It can also be equipped with additional sensors such as black light emitter with CCD sensor to determine cyanobacteria presence.The paper consists of three parts. First one focuses on problem analysis [2,3], system design and preliminary tests description. Second one describes device manufacturing and tests. Last part consists of results analysis with a critical validation of presented solution and recommendations for further development.
Evaluation of cytotoxicity of leaf and rhizome extracts of Alpinia calcarata rosc. against human lung nci-h460 and cervical hela cancer cell lines
Authors: Kathirgamanathar S. , Dar Ahsana , Azhar Mudassar , Ali Syeda Roohina , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Kashif Muhammad
Published: July 2017

The cytotoxicty of Alpinia calcarata rhizome and leaf extracts, fractions and essential oils were evaluated in vitro against human lung NCI-H460 and cervical HeLa cancer cell lines using sulphorhodamine-B assay. Although an array of bioactivities of A. calcarata rhizome have been reported previously, no attempt has been made to study the cytotoxicity of rhizome in human lung NCI-H460 and cervical HeLa cancer cell lines. In the present study, both the leaf and rhizome extracts (ethanolic and water) along with their fractions (hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate, butanol and water) and essential oils against human lung (NCI-H460) and human cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines were investigated. Fresh rhizomes and leaves of Alpinia calcarata, collected from Western Province of Sri Lanka were used to obtain the extracts. The essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation. All the samples were stored at 4 °C. The extracts, fractions and essential oils demonstrated a varying degree of growth inhibition against NCI-H460 cell line. Several fractions showed high growth inhibitory activity (4-94%). The growth inhibition order was, rhizome water extract (107.7%) < rhizome ethanolic extract (68.2%) < leaf ethanolic extract (-25.1%) < leaf water extract (-72.3%) < rhizome oil (-93.0%) < leaf oil (-94.3%). Dichloromethane fraction of leaf ethanolic extract (-33.8%) showed the most promising inhibition at GI50: 30.6 μg/mL on NCI-H460. For HeLa cells, the ethyl acetate (-0.5%), butanol (-5.0%) and aqueous fractions (-18.1%) of rhizome water extract showed high growth inhibitions. The potency of the growth inhibition was, rhizome ethanolic extract (76.56%) < rhizome water extract (16.65%) < leaf oil (15.88%) < rhizome oil (-49.34%). Efficacy and mechanisms of action in various normal and cancer cell models coupled with bioassay-guided purification to identify active anticancer compound(s) from the crude extract will be useful.
Development of a paper-based approach for the detection of carbonyl compounds in indoor air samples
Authors: Madavie M.G.Y , Kaumal N. M.
Published: July 2017

This study contributes to the development of a method to measure the level of airborne carbonyl compounds. Carbonyl compounds (CC) are very common indoor air pollutants which are widely used in building and home furnishing industries. Most CC off-gas or vaporize even at normal room temperatures, which results in an increase in the indoor volatile organic carbon levels. Acute and chronic exposure to formaldehyde can result in respiratory symptoms and eye, nose, and throat irritation in humans. Because of these adverse health effects and the increased levels of CC in indoor air and residential areas, there has been a considerable attention toward the development of sensitive methods to monitor indoor CC levels. Most methods available for monitoring indoor CC levels are indirect and time consuming. This paper describes a novel, portable, on site, low-cost and green method for regular monitoring of CC in air. In this method, the derivatization reagent, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (2,4-DNPH) was used to capture the airborne CC. Formaldehyde was used as the CC for this study. A novel paper-based platform soaked with 2,4 DNPH was used for the quantification of air born CC. Derivatives of CC were formed on a paper-based platform which were then directly analyzed using FTIR or an image scanner. The FTIR response for the carbonyl derivatives, which correlates with the levels of airborne CC, was used to quantify the levels of airborne CC. The same was scanned using a high resolution image scanner to obtain the RGB values and the yellow color intensity was calculated. Based on the RGB values, the produced yellow color intensity and the levels of CC produced a linear relationship. The use of an image scanner to quantify the levels of CC makes this method a portable, sensitive and on-site CC detection method. This newly developed paperbased FTIR method is agreeable with the stranded HPLC method at 95% confidence limit.
Antipsychotic use in a resource-limited setting: Findings in an Eastern Cape psychiatric hospital
Authors: Eloff Ingrid , Esterhuysen Willem , Odayar Kavendren
Published: July 2017

Background: Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are commonly prescribed despite the fact that large, naturalistic studies have failed to show superior efficacy and tolerability when compared with first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs). In addition to this, the availability of SGAs in the South African public health sector is limited because of higher acquisition costs. Therefore, judicious use of FGAs, which are affordable and more widely available, should be considered.Aims: This study aimed to (1) determine how frequently patients are switched from an FGA to an SGA in an acute psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape, (2) determine reasons for switching and (3) compare the profiles of the switch group to the non-switch group.Method: The study is a cross-sectional survey conducted as a retrospective chart review at a psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape over a study period of 2 months. The demographics, diagnostic data, antipsychotic drug used and whether a switch from an FGA to an SGA took place were recorded using a data collection document. The sample included 169 patients.Results: Of the 169 patients, 125 (74%) were initiated on an FGA and 44 (26%) on an SGA on admission. Of the 125 patients who were initiated on an FGA, 43 (34%) were switched to an SGA during the course of the admission. Therefore, 87 (51%) participants were discharged on an SGA. The main reasons for switching were the emergence of extrapyramidal side-effects (EPSE) (63%) followed by lack of efficacy (19%). The only statistically significant difference between the switch and non-switch groups was that the switch group was on average younger than the non-switch group.Conclusion: SGAs, with the exception of clozapine, have not been proven to be superior to FGAs. Although FGAs are more prone to cause EPSE, SGAs carry significant risks of their own. FGAs are also more freely available and cost effective in South-Africa. Despite these facts the prescribing of and switching to SGAs remain prevalent in our setting with a switch rate of 34% and more than half of our patients being discharged on SGAs.
O Processo de Identificação e Exploração de Oportunidade Empreendedora com base no Modelo de Aprendizagem Organizacional 4i
Authors: Albuquerque Adson da Rocha Pita , Teixeira Rivanda Meira
Published: July 2017

A análise da oportunidade empreendedora é um tema central no campo do empreendedorismo e se refere a descoberta, identificação e exploração de oportunidades de negócios. O objetivo desse estudo é analisar o processo de identificação e exploração de oportunidade empreendedora com base no Modelo de Aprendizagem Organizacional 4i de Crossan, Lane e White. Este estudo é qualitativo e utiliza a estratégia de estudo de caso único. As evidências mostram que os empreendedores passaram pelo estágio de intuição, no qual o aprendizado se inicia com a idealização do negócio. Na fase de interpretação, a aprendizagem ocorre na rede informal dos empreendedores, especificamente com a família. Na fase de integração, a relação com a rede formal é essencial para a aprendizagem organizacional. Por fim, a institucionalização quando a aprendizagem se incorpora à organização, por meio das rotinas e processos internos, bem como do planejamento de expansão do negócio.
Análise do desempenho econômico-financeiro de empresas brasileiras que realizaram operações de fusões e de aquisições
Authors: Bomfim Emanoel Truta do , Callado Aldo Leonardo Cunha
Published: July 2017

O objetivo principal desta pesquisa é identificar os efeitos provocados pelas fusões e aquisições no desempenho econômico-financeiro de empresas brasileiras de capital aberto que realizaram essas operações entre 2008 e 2012. Para testar a relação entre o desempenho econômico-financeiro das companhias após as fusões e as aquisições (F&As), utilizou-se a técnica de dados em painel na forma dinâmica, sendo os modelos estimados pelo Método dos Momentos Generalizados-Sistema. As evidências indicam que o desempenho das companhias foi persistente após as operações, produziram ganhos de desempenho e aumento no poder de mercado, pelas sinergias geradas pelo aumento no tamanho das companhias; além disso, ainda, o crescimento interno produziu um maior retorno se comparado ao crescimento por F&A; e as operações financiadas por mais de uma modalidade de recursos reduziram o desempenho das empresas no período analisado. Portanto, observa-se que as F&As são estratégias que podem gerar aumento na lucratividade das empresas após sua realização.
Práticas colaborativas de P&D no contexto de pequenas e médias empresas brasileiras
Authors: Baggio Daniela , Wegner Douglas
Published: July 2017

A execução de práticas colaborativas de pesquisa e desenvolvimento (P&D) proporciona às empresas a complementaridade de recursos, criação e transferência de conhecimento, além de acelerar o processo de inovação. No entanto, se sabe muito pouco como as atividades colaborativas são organizadas e administradas entre organizações. Dessa forma, o presente artigo explora como pequenas e médias empresas (PMEs) brasileiras utilizam práticas colaborativas de P&D no processo da inovação aberta (IA). Investigou-se quais práticas colaborativas de P&D são adotadas por PMEs, os motivos para sua implementação e os mecanismos de coordenação das práticas colaborativas. Como estratégia investigativa optou-se por uma pesquisa qualitativa, através de um estudo de dois casos em que ocorreram práticas colaborativas entre empresa-fornecedor e entre empresa-universidade. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevistas em profundidade e dados secundários. Como resultado da pesquisa, concluiu-se que os principais motivos para a adoção das práticas colaborativas estão vinculados a fatores de caráter individual em complemento com fatores institucionais e estratégicos.
Coordenação e competitividade em empresa do setor sucroalcooleiro: uma análise a partir dos custos de transação
Authors: Barbosa Maria de Fátima Nóbrega , Cândido Gesinaldo Ataíde , Barbosa Erivaldo Moreira
Published: July 2017

Este trabalho analisa a coordenação de uma empresa do setor sucroalcooleiro no elo fornecedor de matéria-prima e empresa processadora como forma de subsídio à análise da competitividade. Por meio de um estudo de caso em organização sucroalcooleira do Estado da Paraíba, foram analisadas as categorias: características das transações; estruturas de governança; e mecanismos de coordenação. Percebeu-se uma contribuição positiva da coordenação na Empresa Estudo de Caso para sua competitividade, o que poderá fortalecer suas estratégias e suas relações com o Estado, com a concorrência e com os fornecedores.
Relações Sociais e Território: estudo no Arranjo Produtivo Local (APL) da castanha-da-Amazônia
Authors: Justen Gelciomar Simão , Paes-de-Souza Mariluce
Published: July 2017

Esta pesquisa objetiva evidenciar os fatores que definem um tipo de território, enquanto rede de relações sociais no contexto do APL da Castanha-da-Amazônia, a partir da compreensão dos relacionamentos e suas articulações para o fortalecimento da atividade produtiva em potencial. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa de caráter descritivo, com estudo de campo para aplicação de questionários e entrevistas. Os resultados demonstram que o APL da Castanha-da-Amazônia no Estado do Acre possui como principal característica, no que diz respeito aos relacionamentos, dois territórios distintos, definidos a partir das relações sociais dos agentes, sendo um pautado em ações coletivas e outro em ações individuais. A pesquisa contribui com a Teoria de APLs com a identificação de fatores relacionados a noção de pertencimento dos agentes, que podem fortalecer ou enfraquecer as relações sociais, agregando descobertas à área de administração quanto a importância de considerar os relacionamentos entre agentes na interação interorganizacional.
Contribution of dust and elemental carbon to the reduction of snow albedo in the Indian Himalaya and the Finnish Arctic
Authors: Svensson Jonas , Ström Johan , Kivekäs Niku , Dkhar Nathaniel B. , Tayal Shresth , Sharma Ved P. , Jutila Arttu , Backman John , Virkkula Aki , Ruppel Meri , Hyvärinen Antti , Kontu Anna , Hannula Henna-Reetta , Leppäranta Matti , Hooda Rakesh K. , Korhola Atte , Asmi Eija , Lihavainen Heikki
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Light-absorbing impurities (LAI) have the potential to substantially affect snow albedo, with subsequent changes on snow melt and impact on climate. To more accurately quantify the snow albedo, the contribution from different LAI needs to be assessed. Here we estimate the main LAI components, elemental carbon (EC) (as a proxy for black carbon) and mineral dust in snow from Indian Himalaya and compared it to snow samples from Arctic Finland. The impurities are collected onto quartz filters and are analyzed thermal-optically for EC, as well as with an additional optical measurement to estimate the light-absorption of dust separately on the filters. Laboratory tests were conducted using substrates containing soot and mineral particles specially prepared to test the experimental setup. Analyzed ambient snow samples show EC concentrations that are in the same range as presented by previous research, for each respective region. In terms of the mass absorption cross section (MAC) our ambient EC had surprisingly about half of the MAC value compared to our laboratory standard EC (chimney soot), suggesting a less light absorptive EC in the snow, which has consequences for the snow albedo reduction caused by EC. In the Himalayan samples, larger contributions by dust (in the range of 50 % or greater for the light absorption caused by the LAI) highlighted the importance of dust acting as a light absorber in the snow. Moreover, EC concentrations in the Indian samples, acquired from a 120 cm deep snow pit (covering possibly the last five years of snow fall), suggest an increase in both EC and dust, while at the same time there is a tendency for a reduction in the MAC value with snow depth. This work emphasizes the complexity in determining the snow albedo, showing that LAI concentrations alone might not be sufficient, but additional transient effects on the light-absorbing properties of the EC need to be considered and studied in the snow. Equally imperative is to confirm the spatial and temporal representativeness of these data by comparing data from several and longer pits explored at the same time.
Intense sea-effect snowfall case on the western coast of Finland
Authors: Olsson Taru , Perttula Tuuli , Jylhä Kirsti , Luomaranta Anna
Published: July 2017

Abstract. A new national daily snowfall record was measured in Finland on 8 January 2016 when it snowed 73 cm (31 mm as liquid water) in less than a day in Merikarvia on the western coast of Finland. The area of the most intense snowfall was very small, which is common in convective precipitation. In this work we used hourly weather radar images to identify the sea-effect snowfall case and to qualitatively estimate the performance of HARMONIE, a non-hydrostatic convection-permitting weather prediction model, in simulating the spatial and temporal evolution of the snowbands. The model simulation, including data assimilation, was run at 2.5 km horizontal resolution and 65 levels in vertical. HARMONIE was found to capture the overall sea-effect snowfall situation quite well, as both the timing and the location of the most intense snowstorm were properly simulated. Based on our preliminary analysis, the snowband case was triggered by atmospheric instability above the mostly ice-free sea and a low-level convergence zone almost perpendicular to the coastline. The simulated convective available potential energy (CAPE) reached a value of 87 J kg−1 near the site of the observed snowfall record.
Modelling feedbacks between human and natural processes in the land system
Authors: Robinson Derek T. , Di Vittorio Alan , Alexander Peter , Arneth Almut , Barton C. Michael , Brown Daniel G. , Kettner Albert , Lemmen Carsten , O'Neill Brian C. , Janssen Marco , Pugh Thomas A. M. , Rabin Sam S. , Rounsevell Mark , Syvitski James  P. , Ullah Isaac , Verburg Peter H.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. The unprecedented use of Earth's resources by humans, in combination with the increasing natural variability in natural processes over the past century, is affecting evolution of the Earth system. To better understand natural processes and their potential future trajectories requires improved integration with and quantification of human processes. Similarly, to mitigate risk and facilitate socio-economic development requires a better understanding of how the natural system (e.g., climate variability and change, extreme weather events, and processes affecting soil fertility) affects human processes. To capture and formalize our understanding of the interactions and feedback between human and natural systems a variety of modelling approaches are used. While integrated assessment models are widely recognized as supporting this goal and integrating representations of the human and natural system for global applications, an increasing diversity of models and corresponding research have focused on coupling models specializing in specific human (e.g., decision-making) or natural (e.g., erosion) processes at multiple scales. Domain experts develop these specialized models with a greater degree of detail, accuracy, and transparency, with many adopting open-science norms that use new technology for model sharing, coupling, and high performance computing. We highlight examples of four different approaches used to couple representations of the human and natural system, which vary in the processes represented and in the scale of their application. The examples illustrate how groups of researchers have attempted to overcome the lack of suitable frameworks for coupling human and natural systems to answer questions specific to feedbacks between human and natural systems. We draw from these examples broader lessons about system and model coupling and discuss the challenges associated with maintaining consistency across models and representing feedback between human and natural systems in coupled models.
High-resolution elevation mapping of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, and surrounding regions
Authors: Fountain Andrew G. , Fernandez-Diaz Juan C. , Obryk Maciej , Levy Joseph , Gooseff Michael , Van Horn David J. , Morin Paul , Shrestha Ramesh
Published: July 2017

Abstract. We present detailed surface elevation measurements for the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica derived from aerial lidar surveys flown in the austral summer of 2014–2015 as part of an effort to understand geomorphic changes over the past decade. Lidar return density varied from 2 to > 10 returns m−2 with an average of about 5 returns m−2. Vertical and horizontal accuracies are estimated to be 7 and 3 cm, respectively. In addition to our intended targets, other ad hoc regions were also surveyed including the Pegasus flight facility and two regions on Ross Island, McMurdo Station, Scott Base (and surroundings), and the coastal margin between Cape Royds and Cape Evans. These data are included in this report and data release. The combined data are freely available at https://doi.org/10.5069/G9D50JX3.