bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NUTRIMOBILE: UM SISTEMA DE AVALIAÇÃO DO ESTADO NUTRICIONAL DE PACIENTES HOSPITALIZADOS PARA DISPOSITIVOS MÓVEIS
Authors: Correia Rodolfo Dias , Chiari Natália Santana , Alves Domingos , Navarro Anderson Merliere
Published: March 2016

Para a definição de condutas nutricionais é fundamental que o profissional faça a avaliação do estado nutricional seja para clientes/pacientes saudáveis ou doentes. Ou seja, sua importância é vital tanto para o meio clínico quanto para o epidemiológico, no que se refere à avaliação bioquímica e antropométrica e do consumo alimentar de indivíduos ou populações. Este trabalho permitiu desenvolver o sistema de avaliação do estado nutricional (NutriMobile) voltado para dispositivos móveis com sistema operacional Android. Para isto, aborda as seguintes etapas da avaliação nutricional: Antropometria, Exames Bioquímicos, Avaliação Dietética, Cálculos Energéticos, Anamnese e Dieta. O NutriMobile é um sistema embarcado que tem como objetivo deixar mais rápida e mais confiável a avaliação nutricional de pacientes hospitalizados.
PERFIL DO MANUSEIO DE INOVAÇÕES TECNOLÓGICAS PELO ESTUDANTE DE MEDICINA E SUA INTERFACE PARA O APRENDIZADO EM SAÚDE.
Authors: Câmara Filipe Marinho Pinheiro da , Oliveira Daniel Fernandes Mello de , Silva Rafael Alves da , Paula Vitor Tavares , Abreu Elker Philipe Fernandes de , Matos Neto Carlos , Bento Beatriz Moraes , Ferreira Felipe Augusto Xavier Morais , Mafaldo Rafaella Santos , Freire Francisco Leandro de Oliveira , Silva Jocekleyton Ramalho da , Lucena Mônica Cristina Carvalho Lima , Duarte Gabriella Lucio Calzans , Ferreira Fernanda de Araújo , Diniz Junior José , Diniz Rosiane Viana Zuza
Published: March 2016

Durante as últimas décadas, o mundo vem passando por um desenvolvimento técnico-científico intenso e crescente, com surgimento de inúmeras tecnologias que impactam não somente no modo de operação das indústrias, mas que também levam a mudanças de estratégias em várias áreas como comércio, serviços, educação e saúde. A inserção destes recursos é uma realidade inovadora e promissora no âmbito da educação, de modo a ser uma forma complementar no processo ensino-aprendizagem. Para avaliar o uso dessas tecnologias no cotidiano do estudante, foi realizado um estudo descritivo com 102 estudantes do 2º ao 6º ano da graduação de medicina da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, os quais foram orientados a responder um questionário virtual sobre a utilização das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TICs) no auxílio ao seu aprendizado. A média de idade dos estudantes foi de 22,9±2,2 anos, com predomínio do sexo masculino (52%). 85% dos participantes possuem dispositivos móveis com acesso a internet. O Facebook foi a mídia social mais acessa (88,2%), seguida pelo WhatsApp (69,6%) e Instagram (36,3%). Foram encontrados valores expressivos relacionados ao uso de TICs no ambiente acadêmico, sendo computadores e dispositivos móveis (celulares, Tablets, computadores portáteis) praticamente indispensáveis durante sua rotina. As principais ferramentas que auxiliam o aprendizado foram as páginas da Web (65,7%), Google drive® (55,9%) e Dropbox®, (54,9%). A Telemedicina foi a ferramenta menos utilizada para o aprendizado (27,5%). Em suma, as TICs são utilizadas de forma cotidiana e frequente pelo estudante de Medicina. A inserção criteriosa das TICs no processo de ensino-aprendizagem parece ser uma estratégia inovadora e interessante como facilitadora da educação permanente, tomada de decisões, atualização do conhecimento, aproximando o estudante dos assuntos médicos de forma rápida, segura, interativa e diversificada para melhoria da formação em saúde.
SOFTWARES PARA OS SERVIÇOS DE SAÚDE: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA A RESPEITO DE PESQUISAS BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Ribeiro Iramara Lima , Costa Iris do Céu Clara , Santa Rosa José Guilherme da Silva
Published: March 2016

A população brasileira vem enfrentando modificações nos padrões de morbimortalidade, podendo as tecnologias auxiliar na organização dos serviços e prestação do cuidado. Esta revisão integrativa teve por objetivo analisar as contribuições do desenvolvimento de softwares no Brasil para a organização e a integração das ações e dos serviços de saúde. Foram analisados 17 materiais entre 2008 e 2013, sendo a maioria dos autores do Sudeste brasileiro, sinalizando uma quase hegemonia desta região. Quanto à finalidade principal, 47% destinava-se a organização dos serviços, 29,4% ao diagnóstico e 23,6% ao monitoramento, prevenção e tratamento de doenças. Todos eles possuíam relação com a vigilância em saúde e nenhum abordava a promoção da saúde. Os usuários finais eram em maior parte profissionais da saúde (70,6%). Apesar de positiva a presença de softwares para organização dos serviços e diagnóstico, a carência de estudos quanto ao monitoramento, tratamento e prevenção de doenças, com ausência daqueles para a promoção da saúde, evidencia uma valorização de estudos voltados para a doença quando se poderia trabalhar também no sentido de evitar causas preveníveis. As proposições dos softwares podem trazer benefícios, mas aponta-se a necessidade de ampliar as opções de uso quanto à finalidade e aos usuários. Palavras-chave: Saúde, Software, Serviços de Saúde, Organização dos Serviços.
RECONSTRUÇÃO DE IMAGENS TOMOGRÁFIACAS TIPO DICOM PELA TÉCNICA DE VETORIZAÇÃO APLICADA A FABRICAÇÃO DE PRÓTESES VIA PROTOTIPAGEM RÁPIDA
Authors: Coutinho Karilany Dantas , Guerra Paulo Victor de Azevedo , Amorim Nadyne Dayonara Maurício de , Ferreira Matheus André Coutinho , Coutinho Gustavo Kleber Bezerra , Guerra Neto Custódio Leopoldino Brito , Valentim Ricardo Alexsandro de Medeiros , Wanderley Caroline Dantas Vilar , Morais Maria de Lourdes Silva de Arruda
Published: March 2016

Atualmente é crescente a incidência de doenças malignas bem como a perspectiva de cura. No Brasil e no mundo há um grande número de mutilados em decorrência de câncer de cabeça e pescoço e câncer bucal. Com essa nova realidade, os profissionais de saúde passaram a perceber que, além da retirada do tumor e eliminação das células afetadas, tornou-se necessária também a busca pela reabilitação, na tentativa de garantir também a qualidade de vida do indivíduo. A Tomografia Computadorizada e Ressonância Magnética são duas técnicas comumente utilizadas para capturar informações da anatomia humana. A Prototipagem Rápida (PR) é uma técnica relativamente recente para produzir objetos com formas complexas, sendo obtida diretamente através de dados digitais tridimensionais. Este trabalho descreve um sistema que integra métodos de reconstrução tridimensional e técnicas de prototipagem rápida, possibilitando a criação de modelos médicos (biomodelos) através de dados tomográficos. Esses modelos podem ser manufaturados através de processos que são úteis em muitas aplicações médicas, tais como: auxiliar em diagnósticos, planejar de tratamentos, guiar procedimentos cirúrgicos e confecção de próteses. Os modelos fabricados via impressora 3D são construídos pela adição de camadas de material, camada por camada. A pesquisa em questão baseou-se em um estudo de um caso clínico de um paciente da Liga Norte-Riograndense Contra o Câncer (LNRCC), localizada em Natal/RN, o paciente em estudo apresentava uma lesão oncológica na região palatina esquerda. Este artigo descreve os procedimentos para a aquisição de imagens médicas no formato DICOM, a conversão desses arquivos de engenharia no formato STL e por fim a confecção da prótese via prototipagem 3D.
A VOZ DOS TRABALHADORES SOBRE A GESTÃO PARTICIPATIVA EM UM HOSPITAL DE GRANDE PORTE
Authors: Freire Maria Teresa Costa , Rodrigues Maísa Paulino , Silva Geórgia Sibele Nogueira , Melo Ricardo Henrique Vieira , Vilar Rosana Lúcia Alves
Published: March 2016

Este estudo relata a percepção dos trabalhadores de um hospital de grande porte, localizado na cidade de Natal/RN, acerca do processo de gestão participativa implantado após a adoção de arranjos e dispositivos institucionais propostos pela Política Nacional de Humanização. Trata-se de um Estudo de Caso realizado em 2012, com 24 trabalhadores que vivenciaram o cotidiano desse serviço. Utilizou-se a pesquisa documental e entrevistas semiestruturadas. O material transcrito foi submetido ao software Alceste, produzindo uma análise lexicográfica. Identificaram-se os núcleos de sentidos e os significados expressos nas falas, usando-se como suporte a análise de conteúdo proposta por Bardin (2010). Apreenderam-se as categorias percepção sobre gestão participativa; mudanças percebidas com a gestão participativa e percepção das dificuldades e desafios da gestão participativa. Os resultados mostraram corresponsabilização dos profissionais com a gestão; melhorias no processo de trabalho; efetivação da Política de Educação Permanente; melhoria dos indicadores hospitalares; criação de Unidades Funcionais, refletindo na humanização das ações; constituição de colegiados gestores e criação de ouvidoria. As dificuldades relacionam-se ao pouco apoio da gestão estadual e a fragmentação da rede de serviços de saúde. Concluiu-se que houve avanços e produtos efetivos, entretanto, faz-se necessário fomentar e intensificar a participação de usuários e trabalhadores respectivamente.
INFLUÊNCIA DA TOPOGRAFIA NA MOLHABILIDADE EM SUPERFÍCIES DE TITÂNIO TRATADAS POR PLASMA
Authors: Silva Marco Aurélio Medeiros da , Guerra Paulo Victor de Azevedo , Fernandes Cleophatra Aquino , Valentim Ricardo Alexsandro de Medeiros , Coutinho Karilany Dantas , Junior Clodomiro Alves , Guerra Neto Custódio Leopoldino de Brito
Published: March 2016

O titânio, devido sua afinidade com o oxigênio, possui uma camada óxida crescida espontaneamente durante as diferentes etapas de seu processamento. Para eliminar essa camada durante o pré-tratamento a plasma, geralmente utiliza-se um pré-tratamento para limpeza. Com o objetivo de estudar a influência topográfica na molhabilidade de superfícies tratadas por plasma, utilizou-se atmosferas de Ar, H2 e mistura Ar-H2. Foram utilizados 18 discos de Ti cp (grau II), com 10 mm de diâmetro e 1 mm de espessura. Estas amostras foram submetidas durante 20 e 60 minutos num plasma produzido por uma descarga de cátodo oco (HCD), por uma voltagem de 500 V, atmosferas de Ar, H2 e Ar/H2 e pressão de 220 Pa. Nessas condições a temperatura das amostras elevou-se a 473K. Após o pré-tratamento, o estado das superfícies das amostras foi avaliado quanto às fases superficiais (GIDRX), nanotopografia (AFM) e molhabilidade (ensaio da gota séssil). Verificou-se que todas as condições foram efetivas na redução do óxido e que resultaram em diferentes valores de molhabilidade. Avaliou-se a correlação entre os parâmetros topográficos Ra e Rp/Rz com a molhabilidade para as diferentes condições de tratamento. Diante dos resultados obtidos conclui-se que os parâmetros Ra e Rp/Rz não são apropriados para correlacionar com a molhabilidade e sugere-se um novo parâmetro topográfico que contemple a equação de Cassie – Baxter.
SUPERFÍCIES DE TITÂNIO MODIFICADAS POR OXIDAÇÃO À PLASMA EM CÁTODO OCO
Authors: Silva Marco Aurélio Medeiros da , Guerra Paulo Victor de Azevedo , Valentim Ricardo Alexsandro de Medeiros , Hékis Hélio Roberto , Coutinho Karilany Dantas , Junior Clodomiro Alves , Guerra Neto Custódio Leopoldino de Brito
Published: March 2016

Uma nova metodologia de oxidação de superfícies de implantes de titânio foi desenvolvida com o intuito de remover previamente os óxidos primários formados espontaneamente durante a usinagem de peças de titânio. Com o objetivo de solucionar esse problema, utilizou-se neste trabalho o plasma como fonte energética tanto na remoção desses óxidos, como na oxidação de superfície de titânio. Nesse sentido, discos de Titânio tiveram seus óxidos previamente removidos por plasma com atmosfera de 50% Ar + 50% H2 seguidos da oxidação pela técnica de descarga por cátodo oco.  A oxidação foi realizada numa mistura de argônio (60%) e oxigênio (40%) até atingir a pressão de 220 Pa durante 60 min a 500°C. Em seguida caracterizou-se as superfícies oxidadas e controle por difração de Rx (X-Ray diffraction), microscopia de força atômica AFM (Atômic Force Microscopy) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Resultados obtidos por X-Ray rasante indicou que o processo de remoção dos óxidos foi eficaz, reduzindo TiO2 para Tia.  Com relação ao processo de oxidação, verificou-se que houve um aumento de 61% para 76% na concentração de O2 e a amostra oxidada apresentou-se rica em óxidos como TiO2. Na caracterização por AFM as amostras oxidadas apresentaram defeitos nas superfícies com geometria variada para picos e vales. As diferenças topográficas entre a superfície oxidada e controle são discutidas em termos das dimensões médias dos poros e dos parâmetros de rugosidade Ra, Rp e Rz. Ensaios biológicos foram também realizados com o intuito de observar a adesão e proliferação celular. No SEM observou-se espraiamento celular, uma maior quantidade de projeções de filopódios e diferenças morfológicas nas células das amostras oxidadas em comparação com a amostra controle. Na proliferação celular as células mostraram uma preferência por superfícies oxidadas onde o número de células aderidas foi comparativamente superior, em relação à amostra controle. Concluímos que o processo foi eficiente na remoção dos óxidos primários bem como na oxidação da superfície do titânio.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE CÂMARA PARA PÓS-DESCARGA DE CÁTODO ÔCO À BAIXA PRESSÃO
Authors: Santos Edson José da Costa , Almeida Edalmy Oliveira de , Silva Bruno Felipe Costa da , Guerra Paulo Victor de Azevedo , Hékis Hélio Roberto , Coutinho Karilany Dantas , Junior Clodomiro Alves , Guerra Neto Custódio Leopoldino de Brito
Published: March 2016

Muitas aplicações de plasma exigem que a descarga seja produzida distante da superfície a ser processada, evitando assim danos causados pelo bombardeamento e/ou radiação do plasma. Nesse regime de pós-descarga várias aplicações em materiais termicamente sensíveis como tecidos vivos e polímeros podem ser utilizadas. O conhecimento das características da descarga elétrica (espécies opticamente ativas e composição química do plasma) é essencial para eficiência e controle do tratamento. Este trabalho é dedicado à caracterização da pós-descarga DC produzida em cátodo oco cilíndrico de titânio usando simultaneamente a espectroscopia de emissão óptica e um espectrômetro de massa quadrupolar. Os parâmetros de corrente elétrica, pressão na câmara e fluxo de argônio na descarga Ar/N2 são mantidos constantes em 0,4 A; 0,045 Pa e 6 sccm, respectivamente. A evolução das espécies ativas do plasma foi analisada por espectroscopia de emissão óptica e espectrometria de massa quadrupolar, simultaneamente, quando se variou o fluxo de nitrogênio entre 1 e 6 sccm. Foi observado que adição de nitrogênio produziu uma queda linear na intensidade de emissão óptica dos picos de argônio e aumento linear da intensidade dos picos do primeiro e segundo sistema positivo de N2. As principais espécies iônicas encontradas por espectrometria de massa quadrupolar foram de Ar+ e N2+. Foi possível correlacionar os resultados obtidos por espectroscopia de emissão ótica e espectrometria de massa. A razão das intensidades de emissão ótica de N2(1 +) mostrou-se diretamente proporcional a pressão parcial de N2 na pós-descarga de cátodo oco.
COMPARAÇÃO ENTRE TÉCNICAS PARA SEGMENTAÇÃO AUTOMÁTICA DE FÍGADO UTILIZANDO CRESCIMENTO DE REGIÃO
Authors: Anastácio Rogério , Thomaz Ricardo de Lima , Alves Macedo Túlio Augusto , Patrocinio Ana Claudia
Published: March 2016

O câncer de fígado é de alta complexidade para ser diagnosticado e tratado. A taxa de sobrevida em pacientes com esse tipo de câncer em estágios avançados em cinco anos foi de apenas 15%, porém essa taxa aumenta para 60-70% caso seja detectado nos estágios iniciais. Desta forma a melhor maneira para reduzir a mortalidade por câncer é realizando a detecção precoce. Nas tecnologias de detecção e diagnóstico por imagens, geralmente a segmentação é a primeira etapa aplicada. Neste trabalho é proposta a comparação de duas técnicas desenvolvidas para a automatização da segmentação utilizando o algoritmo de crescimento de região. São utilizadas 2977 fatias de TC da região abdominal da fase arterial, o que correspondem a 19 exames. Estas imagens são janeladas e em sequência é aplicado o filtro de média aritmética associado com a transformação gama, e em paralelo é aplicado o filtro de Wiener com a transformação gama. Nas fatias que foram pré-processadas, foram desenvolvidas duas técnicas para realizar o lançamento automático de semente, a primeira técnica utiliza o Lançamento de Semente em Região Retangular (LSRR) e a segunda técnica utiliza Lançamento de Semente em Região Circular (LSRC), ambas as técnicas buscam por pontos de sementes considerando o nível de intensidade de cinza esperado para o fígado, após a segmentação é calculado o volume do fígado a paritr de todas as fatias que compreendem o exame. Foi também realizado a segmentação manual por especialista para realizar comparação com a segmentação automática. Aplicando essas técnicas, a técnica LSRR obteve 66,08% enquanto a técnica LSRC obteve 92,92%, isso para as fatias pré-processadas com filtro de média aritmética associada com transformação gama. Como a técnica LSRC obteve um resultado muito aquém do desejado, foi utilizado apenas a técnica LSRC nas fatias pré-processadas com filtro de Wiener associado com transformação gama, que teve 94,14% de taxa de acerto. Com isso é observado a superioridade da técnica LSRC frente a LSRR, permitindo a segmentação automática do fígado utilizando crescimento de região.
Periodontal Status in Morbidly Obese Patients With and Without Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Risk: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Sales‐Peres Silvia H. C. , Groppo Francisco C. , Rojas Lida V. , de C. Sales‐Peres Matheus , Sales‐Peres Arsenio
Published: March 2016

Background: This cross‐sectional study aims to investigate the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) risk with periodontal disease and anthropometric measures in Class III obese patients.

Methods: Anthropometric measurements were taken from 108 patients of both sexes, aged 30 to 60 years. The Berlin questionnaire (Bq) and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) were applied to determine the risk for OSAS. Full‐mouth periodontal status was determined by probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival bleeding index, and the presence of calculus. Unpaired Student t, χ2, Fisher exact, and Mann–Whitney U tests were applied to analyze the differences between high and low risk for OSAS groups.

Results: Overall, 81.5% of the patients showed high risk for OSAS, 46.3% had excessive daytime sleepiness, 41.5% were positive for both the Bq and ESS, and 97.2% had periodontal disease (periodontitis = 85.2% and gingivitis = 60.2%). Patients with periodontal disease showed high risk for OSAS (82.9%) and ESS (45.7%). However, there was no influence of periodontal disease on OSAS risk. Periodontitis was not associated with the ESS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54 to 6.26) or Bq (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.10 to 7.84), nor was gingivitis associated with the ESS (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.48 to 3.25) or Bq (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.03 to 1.84). Waist circumference (P = 0.03), neck circumference (NC, P <0.001), and the percentage of predicted NC (PPNC, P <0.001) were significantly larger in the patients at high risk for OSAS than in those at low risk for OSAS. Daytime sleepiness was also associated with NC (P = 0.02) and PPNC (P = 0.02).

Conclusion: There was no association between periodontal disease and OSAS risk in Class III obese patients, but OSAS risk was associated with both NC and PPNC.
Significant Learning In University Students From The Area Of Financial Accounting Through The Use Of A WebQuest
Authors: Ciudad-Gomez Adelaida , Valverde-Berrocoso Jesus
Published: March 2016

The use of Information & Communication Technologies and active learning methodologies are among the main challenges faced at university level in the new European Higher Education Area (EHEA), which promotes a learning process in which the student becomes a proactive subject in their own education.One of these methodologies is what is known as a WebQuest, a system that allows to integrate ICT in web-based research and problem-solving activities, thereby fostering collaborative work.The purpose of this project was to describe a teaching experience on the use of WebQuest in a university setting, in the field of Financial Accounting and as part of a training and skills-assessment model known as MANagement of COMpetence in the areas of Accounting (MANCOMA).
Building Intercultural Competence Through Intercultural Competency Certification Of Undergraduate Students
Authors: Fabregas Janeiro Maria G. , Lopez Fabre Ricardo , Nuno de la Parra Jose Pablo
Published: March 2016

The Intercultural Competency Certificate (CCI in Spanish) designed for the Universidad Popular Automa del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP University) is a theory based comprehensive plan to develop undergraduate students intercultural competence. This Certificate is based in the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) developed by Milton Bennett (1993) and will be assessed by the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) v.3 developed by Bennett & Hammer (Hammer, 2009; Hammer, Bennett, & Wiseman, 2003). The main purpose of the Intercultural Competency Certificate is to develop students intercultural competence at least to the acceptance level of the DMIS continuum. To achieve this goal, the students will have to develop of necessary knowledge, skill and attitudes (Deardorff, 2006). This Certificate proposes to develop attitudes, knowledge and skills through certain activities as learning a new language, take international classes, reflect about intercultural differences, interact with people from other cultures, travel abroad and receive coaching by a professional who will guide them through tailor-make experiences according to the initial level of intercultural competence, measured by the IDI v.3 at the beginning of the Certification.
An Analysis Of Initial Global Citizenship In A Liberal Arts College In Northeastern Pennsylvania
Authors: Anthony Dorothy , Bederman Miller Patricia , Yarrish Karen K.
Published: March 2016

There are an increasing number of organizations conducting business in the global environment (Hill, 2011). Expatriate employees are frequently used and are critical for success in these assignments (Carpenter, Sanders, & Gregersen, 2000). Adjusting to a foreign culture is one reason for high failure rates of expatriates (Garonzik, Brockner & Siegel, 2000). According to Morais and Ogden (2010), there is a need to measure global citizenship in a way that can validate the outcomes of a study abroad experience, specifically, and the development of a global citizen, generally. College and University Study Abroad programs introduce students to global cultures and citizenship; however, college graduates are not prepared to enter the global workforce (Hunter, 2011). This article analyzes and measures initial global citizenship in a liberal arts college in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This study utilizes the Global Citizenship Scale to explore the initial levels of social responsibility, global competence and global civic engagement (Morais & Ogden, 2010). The researchers will discuss the implications for educators, administrators, and researchers. Findings, conclusions, and recommendations will be presented.
Thoughts And Actions In Promoting Equality That Include Considerations From Work With The United Nations Association Of Japan
Authors: Karn Lawrence , Hattori Takahiko
Published: March 2016

This paper explores a number of classical and contemporary thinkers and advances the thesis that the touchstone for social justice may be expressed in two words, trade places, and that this exhortation must be applied internationally. In such cases, its application may sometimes be possible and useful as a practical thought experiment. The trade places notion is a plan of action, which may be termed the responsibility of knowledge.
Measuring Service Quality In Higher Education: A South African Case Study
Authors: Green Paul
Published: March 2016

The goal of this paper is to report on the SERVQUAL gap which causes unsuccessful service delivery at a University of Technology in South Africa. Using a quantitative research design, the study adopts a SERVQUAL model adapted to a tertiary environment containing five dimensions of service quality (tangibles, responsiveness, empathy, assurance, and reliability). A convenience sampling technique was applied, the data were collected from 280 respondents at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), and the results and discussion are presented. The findings reveal that, on average, customers had high expectations in tangibles, reliability, and assurance dimensions and their highest perceptions were found in the assurance dimension. This study will benefit management of higher education institutions in identifying cost-effective ways of reducing service quality gaps.
US Influence On The Education System In Turkey: An Analysis Of Reports By American Education Specialists
Authors: Keskin Yusuf
Published: March 2016

This study aimed to analyse reports prepared by American education specialists visiting Turkey from the Proclamation of the Republic till the end of the 1950s to inspect Turkeys education system. In accordance with this purpose, first, the foreign specialists reports are briefly introduced chronologically and then American specialist reports are analysed. This study examined reports prepared by J. Dewey (1924), Beryl Parker (1934), the committee under the presidency of E. Walter Kemmerer (1933-1934), W. Dickerman (1951), John Rufi (1951), R. J. Maaske (1953), and M. Costat (1955). These seven reports were selected for analysis as they were published by the Ministry of National Education. Since the main source of data for the study was the reports of American specialists, document analysis - a qualitative research method - was employed. It is important to check the originality of the written sources acquired for document analysis. As the Ministry published all the reports as a book, they qualify as original, first-hand sources. Secondary data sources were reviews or explanatory studies on Turkeys education history and foreign specialist reports. The study ascertained that the reports prepared by American specialists largely corresponded; the observations and recommendations in the reports essentially focused on the same issues. Based on these similarities, it can be inferred that all the specialists stayed informed of each other and correctly identified the problems in the Turkish education system.
Group Work Satisfaction At The University: An Innovative Experience In The New Higher Education Degrees
Authors: Del Pozo-Rubio Raul , Ruiz-Palomino Pablo , Martinez-Canas Ricardo
Published: March 2016

A methodology based on group work to facilitate the assimilation of the concepts and competences to be acquired by university students is presented as part of the teaching activities in second and third courses in the Business and Management Administration Degree at University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM). This methodology allows that students benefit from synergies between group members and complete the training received with one system that permits, in a better way, the achievement of a series of important generic and specific competences.The present article is aimed at assessing student satisfaction after the completion of the group work activity in terms of motivation and involvement. The authors conclude that the degree of satisfaction is acceptable and good and that the activity per se is perceived as having a close relationship to the themes of the corresponding subject. An important collaboration between group members is observed, although there are students who shirk their responsibilities fully.The study concludes that group work is a good teaching and learning tool that facilitates the acquisition of a series of important specific and generic competencies to pass the subject and at a low investment of study time.
The Degree In Tourism At University Of Extremadura: Are Its Specific Competencies Being Highly Valued By Firms And Professionals?
Authors: Ortega-Rossell Francisco Javier , Perez-Calderon Esteban , Milanes-Montero Patricia
Published: March 2016

In 2008, the University of Extremadura adapted their degrees in tourism in order to offer from the academic year 20092010 a full education in this area within which students can receive the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) Degree in Tourism.The current framework for higher education, characterised by a more open offering, has, as its main aim, a greater rapprochement of the competencies and skills achieved by students and those that are demanded by the labor market and society in general. Because of this, the paper examines whether these new degrees will provide the expected results. The methodology used consists of a questionnaire distributed among the main institutions and professionals from Extremadura about specific competencies of Tourism studies.
Factors Affecting Third Culture Kids (TCKs) Transition
Authors: Morales Antonio
Published: March 2016

(TCKs) transition becomes challenging for both the student and the school. The programs implemented, or lack thereof, are imperative to the successful transition of TCKs into their new, diverse, multicultural environment. Research has been written on the positive effects and challenges faced by TCKs transient lifestyle. Although international mobility can expose students to unique experiences, it can also prove to be stressful for children, especially during their formative years.This paper addresses two factors affecting TCKs transition - programs and counselor - and concludes with a model of a transition support program that may assist international schools in addressing the challenges accompanied by TCKs transition into international schools.
Student Preference On Exam Frequency: A Comparative Study Of St. Marys University And The American University Of Sharjah (UAE)
Authors: Sedki S. Sam
Published: March 2016

Most professors use examinations as an important assessment tool to aid in determining the level of student subject matter comprehension. We also use the feedback from examinations as an indicator of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the teaching methodologies we are utilizing in the classroom. This paper is a follow-up to a 2006-2007 study on the number and types of exams/quizzes preferred by the students with the addition of both ethnically and culturally diverse students from the American University of Sharjah.
How They Want It: A Study On Chinese Students Preferred Learning Methods
Authors: Yeung Deniss , (Jianbo) Fred Fu
Published: March 2016

This paper discusses the preferred study methods of Chinese students based on the research findings involving Chinese students studying in the School of Business, Wintec. In order to provide relevant academic delivery, quality education and to maintain sustainability in the international market, New Zealand education institutes have to understand Chinese students background, behaviour and learning difficulties while they are studying in New Zealand.
Continuous Assessment In Schools: Teachers Bitter Pill To Swallow
Authors: Lumadi Mutendwahothe Walter
Published: March 2016

This paper articulates debates surrounding the concept of Continuous Assessment (CA) in South African schools. Although the research was focused on schools in this democratic country, it became evident from the findings that assessment is still a challenge besetting both General Education and Training (GET)and Further Education and Training Bands (FET) worldwide. One of the fundamental reasons for the previous national disenchantment with regard to summative assessment has been the gross inequities that have resulted from inferences based solely on final examinations. In the post apartheid era, the Department of Education made it compulsory that schools turned to CA that is backed by criterion-referenced standards. CA has been heralded as the solution to a host of education ills, including the apparent gap in performance between students of various political and religious backgrounds.
Challenges And Prospects Of Staff Development Programmes In Nigerias Secondary School System: An Overview
Authors: Asaya Samuel Adetunji
Published: March 2016

The vices rampant now among students in Nigeria secondary schools, such as acts of indiscipline, stealing, cheating, truancy, rioting, cultism, and raping, together with population explosion, call for special skills on the part of the school administrators to be able to cope with these challenges. Consequently, this paper examines the uniqueness of the principals position to make or mar the image of the educational system and the need for these principals to be well equipped to meet these challenges in the educational system of the third world, with particular reference to Nigeria. This is so because it is now clear that the pre-service skills acquired by present school administrators, through formal education, may not be adequate to meet with these sustainable challenges. Recommendations on probable improvement of these staff development programmes for effective and efficient performance of these principals on their jobs concluded this paper.
Standardized Testing In The Case Of China And The Lessons To Be Learned For The U.S.
Authors: Ozturgut Osman
Published: March 2016

The Chinese have been using standardized testing for centuries. Ancient Greeks have tried it for centuries since 5th and 4th BC. There is no evidence that they have become successful in educating their children through an imperial or elitist system. The impact of standardizing the education on a nation is significant. This is not only true for not being able to cultivate creative and innovative youth and thus a society, but also has significant impact on the economy as well. China example may help justify and clarify the direction we are heading in educating our nation. This paper reflects on the impact of standardized testing on China and explains the need to redirect our efforts within our educational system.
Cooperative Learning In Virtual Environments: The Jigsaw Method In Statistical Courses
Authors: Vargas-Vargas Manuel , Mondejar-Jimenez Jose , Santamaria Maria-Letica Meseguer , Alfaro-Navarro Jose-Luis , Fernandez-Aviles Gema
Published: March 2016

This document sets out a novel teaching methodology as used in subjects with statistical content, traditionally regarded by students as difficult. In a virtual learning environment, instructional techniques little used in mathematical courses were employed, such as the Jigsaw cooperative learning method, which had to be adapted to the peculiarities of the subject. The aim of this methodological project is to adapt the teaching of statistical courses to the new European Higher Education Area.
The Effect Of Speed Reading Instruction On Japanese High School Students English Reading Comprehension And Vocabulary Development
Authors: Underwood Paul , Myskow Gordon , Hattori Takahiko
Published: March 2016

This study investigated the effects of a six-month course in speed reading in three areas of reading proficiency development: 1) general reading comprehension, 2) knowledge of high-frequency vocabulary, and 3) reading-rate and accuracy. The participants (N = 105) were Japanese students studying English as a foreign language in Grade 10 at a Japanese private senior high school, randomly assigned to an experimental group (n =51) which received the speed reading treatment, and a control group (n =54) which received supplementary activities focused on high-frequency vocabulary development. The findings indicated that both the experimental and control groups made significant improvements in general reading comprehension. However, there was no significant difference between the experimental group (M = 14.27, SD = 4.01) and the control group (M = 14.31, SD = 4.07); t (103) = -.051, p= .959. Both the experimental group (M = 1.29, SD = 2.52) and the control group (M = 1.35, SD = 2.49) increased their knowledge of high-frequency vocabulary. However, again there was no significant difference between the experimental group (M = 25.78, SD = 2.96) and the control group M = 25.61, SD = 2.24; t (103) = -.337, p= .737. In terms of reading-rate development, the findings indicated a significant increase (M = 47, SD = 41.99) t (50) = 8.01, p < .0005. Finally, while higher levels of general reading comprehension and high reading speeds were correlated, the relationship was small, r=.19, n = 51. The range of findings emerging from this current study adds weight to the existing research and goes beyond those conducted in the Japanese context to date. One of the important questions these findings raise relates to the greater influence that other variables, such as lexico-grammatical knowledge, might have on the development of reading comprehension at this level of language proficiency.
The Importance Of Examining Teacher And Learners Attitudes And Understanding Learning Needs In The Twenty First Century
Authors: Jabbarifar Taghi , Elhambakhsh ELham
Published: March 2016

An indispensable part of any curriculum design in an educational setting is the analysis of the needs of the learners involved in the context. The needs can be addressed from different perspectives. Among them, the learners' needs in terms of their perceptions toward what constitute learning/teaching and testing processes are of prominent values. If there is a match between how they view these processes and what the course designers assume them to be, more achievement is likely to happen. In this regard, no one-to-one correspondence exists between what the learners think and what really should be; however, any modifications made to set the ideas closer to one another are of great value.An indispensable part of any curriculum design in an educational setting is the analysis of the needs of the learners involved in the context. The needs can be addressed from different perspectives. Among them, the learners' needs in terms of their perceptions toward what constitute learning/teaching and testing processes are of prominent values. If there is a match between how they view these processes and what the course designers assume them to be, more achievement is likely to happen. In this regard, no one-to-one correspondence exists between what the learners think and what really should be; however, any modifications made to set the ideas closer to one another are of great value. In this study, an attempt is made to study the learners' as well as their teachers' attitudes toward learning, teaching and testing processes in their own educational settings. 213 learners and 38 English language teachers who have been selected from state /non-state schools and two English language private institutes with different comparable curricula have been questioned. The items of the different questionnaires designed for the learners and the teachers constituted the measuring instruments of the study. The types of the questions included in the questionnaires can [m1] to form four patterns of the responses. These patterns can show the preference of learners/teachers over: 1- text based or fun task-based teaching materials 2- form-focused or meaning focused instruction 3- formative or summative testing procedures. The implications of the study can benefit both learners/teachers as well as course designers to reconsider the issues which are of great challenges to any educational curriculum in different educational settings. [m1]Can
Student-Centred Learning In Mathematics Constructivism In The Classroom
Authors: Zain Sharifah Fauziah Hanim Syed , Rasidi Farah Eliza Mohd , Abidin Ismin Izwani Zainol
Published: March 2016

Various techniques have been introduced among educators to relate concepts to application, from inductive learning, discovery learning, and student-centred learning (SCL). Mathematics has always been taught the traditional way teacher is the main person to teach through lectures and activities, with students mostly in the passive receiver mode (ONeill & Mc Mahon, 2005). Students in Malaysia are very exam-oriented and adamant to the end grade, the score they must achieve to secure a good Grade Point Average through memorising and regurgitating facts. Those who dislike mathematics have to undergo remedial sessions and repeat the course, yet still only manage a low passing grade. This study explored the effects of the student-centred learning (SCL) approach in Mathematics on learning skills among pre-university students and teachers; and their perceptions of the SCL technique in the course. Through a quantitative approach and interviews with the selected samples, the data was analysed and discussed against the Constructivist theory as the theoretical framework. Results revealed that the learning skills were demonstrated in SCL through students heightened interaction and cooperation, in and outside of the classroom, better planning of the lesson and their learning, with some elements of analytic skills being portrayed. These students are less passive receivers of knowledge; more responsive, and able to relate to their experiences. The study also highlighted the gap which existed between what students expected in their learning and what teachers have taught; in terms of curriculum design as well as assessment.
Childrens Digital Practices: Case Studies Of Children Viewing And Representing With Digital Text
Authors: Churchill Daniel , Khoo Kay Yong
Published: March 2016

This paper reports on case studies of four primary school children and their digital practices in Hong Kong. The study explored how the participating children view and represent through digital text in the context of their out-of-school technology use. Understanding how these practices extended into their English language classrooms was explicated based on emerging data. The study results identify six aspects of emerging skills acquired by the children. These skills were not extended into the childrens schoolwork a reflection on the emphasis on uni-modal language learning in the class setting. A detailed examination of the individual skills led to a set of recommendations for curriculum review, suitable pedagogical strategies and classroom learning resources that English Language Educators may utilize to facilitate development of viewing and representing skills through digital text.
The Impact Of A Demand-Driven Higher Education Policy In Australia
Authors: Stokes Anthony , Wright Sarah
Published: March 2016

In 2012, the Australian government introduced a demand-driven entitlement system for domestic higher education students in which recognised higher education providers are free to enrol as many eligible students as they wish in eligible higher education courses and receive corresponding government subsidies for those students. This paper examines the impact that already has occurred as a result of this decision and the likely long-term effects that this will have on higher education in Australia.
Teacher Competence And The Academic Achievement Of Sixth Grade Students In Uganda
Authors: Wamala Robert , Seruwagi Gerald
Published: March 2016

The study investigates the influence of teacher competence on the academic achievement of sixth grade students in Uganda. The investigation is based on data sourced from the 2009 Southern African Consortium for Monitoring Education Quality (SACMEQ) survey comprising 5,148 records of sixth grade students enrolled in primary schools in Uganda. The percentage scores of students and teachers in reading and numeracy tests were adopted as measures of academic achievement and competence, respectively. The analysis was carried out using a multiple linear regression clustered by six geographical regions in Uganda eastern, western, southern, northern, southwestern, and northeastern. In addition to teacher competency, students academic achievement in the various disciplines was modeled by the student characteristics of age, sex, rural-urban residence, class repetition status (any class), and length of pre-primary education. The results showed students high academic achievement in reading and numeracy was significantly associated with high teacher competency in the same disciplines. However, this generalization may not hold for all students in all countries because of variations in learner characteristics and the learning environment. Nevertheless, the findings suggest the need to strengthen teacher competence as a measure to enhance students academic achievement in formal education.
Voice And Dialogue In Teaching Reading/Writing To Qatari Students
Authors: Golkowska Krystyna U.
Published: March 2016

This paper describes an attempt to improve the reading comprehension and writing skills of students coming from an oral culture. The proposed approach involves using voice and dialogue understood literally and metaphorically as a tool in teaching students how to engage texts and write with a reader in mind. The author discusses a pilot study incorporated into a writing course in the Pre-medical Education Program at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar.
An Exploration On The Development Of The IT Management System In Taiwans Banking Industry: From The Marketing Perspectives
Authors: Lin Cho-Pu , Huang Yann-Haur , Chen Chien-Ting , Chang Hsing-Yun
Published: March 2016

The focal point adopted in the present study is Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and its adoption in Taiwans banking industry. Since the current challenge banks are facing is in implementing and supporting new technological solutions that will enable them to be more responsive and flexible to their clients, a quantitative research methodology was employed in the present study in an attempt to answer the following research question: What are the critical factors that explain the degree of success in the deployment of CRM systems in Taiwans banking industry? First, based on the findings from the previous studies, an exploratory study consisting of focus-group interviews was conducted to uncover the nature of the problems confronting the banks in adopting CRM. Second, based on the findings from this preliminary investigation, a quantitative analysis using survey and statistical methods was conducted to identify possible answers to the research question. The research done with the present study has uncovered a number of factors which can be used to guide companies for a successful CRM deployment. These factors include primacy of customer service, customizing CRM functions/modules, discovering customers needs, maintaining employees moral, conducting a decision support system. If the major goal of implementing a CRM system is to improve the overall CRM deployment, the management in Taiwans banking industry should then emphasize three of two factors: primacy of customer service and customizing CRM functions/modules.
Dation In Payment Of The Mortgaged Homestead
Authors: Dominguez-Martinez Pilar
Published: March 2016

The indebtedness of Spanish households coupled with a marital crisis, requires finding solutions to combine the protection of family interests, mainly of children, housing needs of society and the satisfaction of the creditor's right to credit mortgage crisis when the family faces the mortgage payment that affects the family housing. Also, new laws on regional express recognition of the custody and control of the destiny of the family housing in cases of divorce and separation through formulas such as the sale of the house, let consider the use of dation in payment of the family housing as a way to avoid foreclosure in cases of marital crisis in the context of current economic crisis.
Information System Managers View Of System Development, Use, And Failure
Authors: Jiang James J. , Motwani Jaideep , Pick Roger A.
Published: March 2016

Results of an empirical study focusing on information system (IS) managers perception of IS failures are presented. One hundred thirty IS managers participated in this study. The study concluded that in spite of differences in background and personal characteristics, a substantial agreement existed among IS managers on issues of system development, use, and failure.