bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A controladoria e o capital intelectual: um estudo empírico sobre sua gestão
Authors: Antunes Maria Thereza Pompa
Published: February 2017

Este estudo objetivou investigar a adequação do Sistema de Informações Contábeis Gerenciais de grandes empresas brasileiras à gestão do Capital Intelectual. Assumiu-se a Controladoria como a área na empresa mais adequada para identificar, avaliar e mensurar esses elementos e para disponibilizar as informações necessárias à gestão das empresas no atingimento de sua missão. A pesquisa do tipo exploratória está baseada em uma amostra composta por 30 gestores de grandes empresas brasileiras. A análise dos dados, tratados por meio do método qualitativo (Análise de Conteúdo), permitiu verificar que a grande maioria dos gestores realiza investimentos em elementos do Capital Intelectual e que atribuíram indicadores para avaliar esses investimentos, mas não de forma integrada que permita a quantificação correta dos valores investidos e a avaliação do retorno desses investimentos. Por outro lado, os gestores mostraram-se receptivos a aplicar um modelo de gestão para tal fim e consideraram a Controladoria como a área mais adequada para gerenciar esse modelo.
Gestão baseada em valor aplicada ao terceiro setor
Authors: Assaf Neto Alexandre , Araújo Adriana Maria Procópio de , Fregonesi Mariana Simões Ferraz do Amaral
Published: February 2017

Nos últimos anos, o mundo assistiu ao crescimento do assistencialismo e das preocupações sociais. Pessoas se reúnem e formam instituições cujo único objetivo é tentar amenizar problemas sociais. Surge o chamado Terceiro Setor, que vem crescendo e conseguindo ajudar no suprimento das carências resultantes da incapacidade do governo em exercer o seu papel. No entanto, muitas organizações desse setor apresentam problemas de gestão. A metodologia centra-se em revisão bibliográfica sobre os temas principais do trabalho, além de uma pesquisa empírica. A pesquisa empírica mostrou que, na prática, é possível aplicar a GBV, sendo necessárias adaptações para a avaliação econômica da entidade. Este trabalho apresenta uma adequação da gestão baseada em valor, ferramenta sedimentada nas empresas lucrativas, para as empresas desse setor e apresenta o cálculo do EVA® para uma organização sem fins lucrativos.
O conceito de "campo" em sala de aula: uma abordagem histórico-conceitual
Authors: Rocha José Fernando Moura
Published: February 2017

O conceito de campo é uma das idéias fundamentais da física e pode motivar um rico debate em sala de aula sobre as noções básicas desta ciência. Apesar de sua importância, quando o mesmo é apresentado em sala de aula geralmente somente seus aspectos matemático-conceituais são enfatizados deixando-se em segundo plano os aspectos histórico-conceituais, quando estes não são simplesmente ignorados. Neste trabalho, pretendemos mostrar que uma apresentação com ênfase apenas matemático-conceitual deste conceito não explora toda a sua potencialidade. Com tal propósito, primeiro consideramos a noção de campo como algo responsável pela mediação de interação entre os corpos e depois tratamos a noção de campo como uma função matemática das coordenadas e do tempo. Em seguida, mostramos que o conceito de campo, na forma que o entendemos hoje, resultou de um complexo processo de fusão destas duas concepções.
Física e música em consonância
Authors: Goto Mario
Published: February 2017

São examinadas as condições físicas e matemáticas da consonância das ondas sonoras, estabelecendo-se uma relação entre suas frequências fundamentais. Mostra-se que é independente de fases e amplitudes relativas além de ser valida para todas as suas componentes harmônicas, concluindo-se que esta relação de consonância assim definida depende apenas das frequências fundamentais. Por fim, examina-se como esta relação se manifesta na estrutura da escala musical.
Conceitos básicos sobre a difração e a dispersão de ondas eletromagnéticas
Authors: Dartora C.A. , Nobrega K.Z. , Matielli Marina H. Krisam , Campos Fillipi Klos Rodrigues de , Santos Filho H. Tertuliano dos
Published: February 2017

O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar os conceitos básicos relacionados aos fenômenos de difração e dispersão, permitindo ao leitor perceber as diferenças fundamentais entre os mesmos. Utilizam-se como ferramentas matemáticas fundamentais as noções gerais da equação de ondas, as equações de Maxwell para ondas planas uniformes e a transformada de Fourier para mostrar que a difração está associada à superposição de ondas monocromáticas com vetores de onda em diferentes direções, tratando-se de um fenômeno espacial, enquanto a dispersão corresponde à superposição de ondas de diferentes frequências e tem portanto um caráter temporal. Embora a ênfase seja dada para as ondas eletromagnéticas, os principais resultados podem ser prontamente generalizados para ondas de qualquer natureza (som, ondas em fluídos ou ondas de matéria no caso da mecânica quântica)
Fazendo 3D com uma câmera só
Authors: Lunazzi José J.
Published: February 2017

Um sistema simples para fazer fotografia ou vídeos em estéreo baseado em dois espelhos que dividem o campo da imagem foi criado no ano 1988, e recentemente adaptado para câmera digital. Reporta-se algumas possibilidades para se fazer estéreo 3D bicolor com programas de computador.
A derivada funcional de segunda ordem da ação: investigando minimalidade, maximalidade e "ponto" sela
Authors: Freire Wilson Hugo C.
Published: February 2017

O presente trabalho tem basicamente dois objetivos. O primeiro é apresentar o problema geral da mecânica lagrangiana e o princípio de Hamilton utilizando, de uma maneira didática, definições matemáticas de derivadas "direcionais" funcionais e pontos críticos ou estacionários de um funcional. O segundo é analisar, através da derivada funcional de segunda ordem, condições em que as soluções de modelos unidimensionais representam "pontos críticos"de mínimo, de sela ou de máximo local do funcional ação e mostrar alguns exemplos.
Diseño, desarrollo y resultados de un programa de educación socio-emocional para la formación de docentes a nivel de grado y postgrado
Authors: Palomera Raquel , Briones Elena , Gómez-Linares Alicia
Published: February 2017

En las últimas décadas la investigación educativa ha aumentado su interés sobre las emociones, tanto en relación a la salud del docente como por su implicación en su desempeño y eficacia profesional. Al tiempo, cada vez hay mayor evidencia del rol de las habilidades emocionales en el bienestar y desarrollo infanto-juvenil. Así, podemos encontrar una gran variedad de programas educativos dirigidos a la educación emocional en los escolares; sin embargo, apenas existen iniciativas para la formación docente, menos aún para su educación formal. En este trabajo presentamos dos propuestas pioneras dirigidas a la educación emocional, tanto en la formación inicial como permanente del docente. Una vez transcurridos varios años de implementación, y a través de varias evaluaciones, hemos recogido información valiosa que nos permite obtener conclusiones sobre su efectividad, así como identificar las metodologías más apropiadas para llegar a esos resultados. Precisamente por ello, parece necesario expandir esta formación a otros centros de educación superior, tanto por sus beneficios sobre el propio docente como por las potenciales consecuencias positivas en el desarrollo integral de sus estudiantes. Por tanto, la finalidad de este trabajo es inspirar y guiar futuras iniciativas dirigidas a la formación emocional y social de los docentes.
Socioeconomic and Educational Profile of Users, and Profile of the Access to Services Offered by Odontology Specialty Centers in João Pessoa-Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: Rangel Marianne De Lucena , Limeira Rebecca Rhuanny Tolentino , Silva Sâmara Munique , Morais Junior Renato Carvalho , Ribeiro Isabella Lima Arrais , Castro Ricardo Dias de
Published: February 2017

Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico quantitativo de abordagem indutiva e observação direta intensiva dos usuários dos Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas de João Pessoa-PB, com o objetivo de identificar o perfil dos usuários e de utilização do serviço ofertado nos referidos Centros. Avaliou-se 590 usuários dos Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas (CEO) da Torre e de Jaguaribe, agosto de 2012 e agosto de 2013, escolhidos aleatoriamente de acordo com a disponibilidade diária, os quais foram entrevistados nos próprios Centros. Os dados foram analisados pelo do teste Qui-Quadrado (=0,05) no SPSS (20.0). Observou-se que 64,2% dos usuários eram do sexo feminino, com ensino médio completo (29,2%), e composto principalmente por trabalhadores, autônomos ou com vínculo empregatício (53,9%). Dentre as especialidades ofertadas nos CEO, a de Endodontia apresentou maior número de atendimentos (43,89%) e, em oposição, as práticas de prevenção e promoção de saúde não foram registradas. A maioria dos usuários é encaminhada a partir da Unidade Básica de Saúde.
Formats of authority data: history and current state
Authors: Stegaeva M. V.
Published: February 2017

This article is focused on the issues of authority data formats establishing and their current state. For the first time a history of appearance and development of such formats is presented for cases of MARC°21 for Authority Data and UNIMARC/Authorities.
Tendencies of the library network development in the Siberian and Far Eastern region
Authors: Artemyeva E. B.
Published: February 2017

Profound economic transformations beginning in the 1990s had a significant impact on the social sphere development, including the library branch. Delimitation of the state ownership in the Russian Federation (RF) on the federal, RF subjects and municipal properties, entailed the transfer of library management functions to local authorities, contributed to increasing the role of a subjective factor and growing inequality of territories opportunity and library services quality, and consequently, public access to information. Siberia and the Far East being far of the country's administrative center occurred in the most difficult position, that is confirmed by experts determining the level of regions development in terms of «life quality». The article presents the dynamics of the public libraries network in the region as a whole, as well as in separate administrative-territorial formations with different ratings on the level of «life quality», it outlines general trends of the university, academic, scientific-technical and specialized library network development in 1992-2015. It was traced the dependence in library branch transformations on changes in the field of economy, science, education and culture. In 2000s the focus was made on the library activities reconstruction within corporations, centers and associations that promoted forming their compensation qualities in the population information-library services. At the same time, it is actual the joint work of libraries in frameworks of the existing traditional library networks with the local development of the region remote areas, their difficult social-economic situation, weak connectedness of the space, adversely affecting the level of libraries material-technical base and their integration into the information-communication networks and systems.
«Description of Siberia» by Nikifor Venyukov: on the history of introduction into scientific circulation of a Russian literature monument of the XVII сentury
Authors: Ilyushechkina T. N.
Published: February 2017

The paper describes the process of primary accumulation of the information about the miscellanies including Description of Siberia studied in the system «text - context» and about the copies of the above mentioned work of Russian literature of the XVII century developed during the XVIII-XX centuries on the material of currently known printed descriptions of manuscripts.
Шляхи підвищення ефективності лікування бронхолегеневих захворювань у дітей раннього віку
Authors: Shadrin O.G. , Dyukareva-Bezdenezhnykh S.V.
Published: February 2017

Використання вітамінно-мінеральних комплексів для корекції вітамінної недостатності в дітей раннього віку із пневмонією, як і раніше, залишається дискутабельним. У роботі проведено аналіз доцільності застосування препарату Піковіт сироп у дітей із позалікарняною вогнищевою пневмонією середнього ступеня тяжкості. Показано, що Піковіт сироп сприяє швидкій регресії клініко-лабораторних проявів пневмонії. Крім того, препарат є безпечним і ефективним для корекції вітамінної недостатності в дітей із бронхолегеневими захворюваннями.
Попередники розвитку післяопераційного делірію у пацієнтів похилого віку та шляхи терапевтичної тактики
Authors: Pavlov O.O. , Lutsyk S.A.
Published: February 2017

За даними Всесвітньої організації охорони здоров’я, в Європі число пацієнтів похилого і старечого віку до 2030 р. становиме до 30 % від загальної чисельності населення, а до 2050 р. зросте в 2–3 рази. До факторів ризику післяопераційного делірію у хворих в хірургічній клініці відносять вік 65 років і більше, когнітивні дисфункції в анамнезі або деменцію, супутню тяжку соматичну патологію. Профілактичні заходи включають: забезпечення адекватної доставки кисню, корекцію водно-електролітного балансу, усунення больового синдрому, нормалізацію функцій шлунково-кишкового тракту і сечовиділення, усунення препаратів з антихолінергічними або допамінергічними властивостями. До нефармакологічних методів профілактики післяопераційного делірію зараховують забезпечення і підтримання орієнтації хворого у часі та просторі, що уявляється вкрай важливим і значущим. Підтримка мінімального рівня фізичної активності досягається шляхом виконання лікувальної гімнастики по 15 хвилин тричі на день під контролем медичного персоналу з лікувальної фізкультури. Важливим є забезпечення циклу «день/ніч» з вимиканням світла вночі та постійним освітленням удень, максимальне обмеження процедур і маніпуляцій у нічний час. Сучасні методи профілактики й лікування делірію мають обмежену доказову базу. Перспективним видається призначення в премедикацію 900 мг габапентину пацієнтам групи високого ризику щодо розвитку післяопераційного делірію. Авторами запропоновано звертати увагу на деякі параметри за правилом ABCDE. Основним напрямком профілактики післяопераційного делірію є спроби модифікації факторів ризику його розвитку. Необхідні подальші дослідження з метою розробки правильних і науково обґрунтованих методів профілактики та терапії післяопераційного делірію.
Досвід ведення хворих на артеріальну гіпертензію із супутньою фібриляцією передсердь, стентованих з приводу коронарних стенозів та атеротромбозу
Authors: Seredyuk N.M. , Vakaliuk I.P. , Yakymchuk V.M. , Kupnovytska I.G. , Volynskiy A.I. , Petrovskiy R.V. , Sorohtey L.V.
Published: February 2017

Матеріали та методи. В дане дослідження були включені 1008 хворих на артеріальну гіпертензію (АГ) у поєднанні з коронарною хворобою серця (КХС) та фібриляцією передсердь (ФП). У всіх пацієнтів проведено селективну коронароангіографію, динамічні вимірювання артеріального тиску (АТ), реєстрацію електрокардіограми, ехокардіограми, коагулограми, ліпідограми та інші клінічні й біохімічні дослідження. Результати. Вперше встановлено, що коморбідність АГ, КХС та ФП після стентування коронарних артерій з приводу стабільної ішемічної хвороби серця створює додаткові труднощі щодо досягнення цільового значення АТ і тривалого утримування тиску крові в оптимально-нормальних межах. Доведено ефективність комплексного комбінованого лікування хворих на АГ у поєднанні з КХС та ФП із використанням антигіпертензивних препаратів першої лінії (інгібіторів ангіотензинперетворюючого ферменту/антагоністів рецепторів ангіотензину ІІ, діуретиків, β-адреноблокаторів) та засобів подвійної антитромботичної терапії (аспірин або клопідогрель чи тикагрелор у поєднанні з ривароксабаном) за умови потенціювання антигіпертензивних та антиішемічних ефектів з допомогою магній/калієвої солі пентагідроксикапронової кислоти (ритмокор) та аденозинумісного препарату адвокард, здатного посилювати антиішемічні ефекти фармакологічного прекондиціонування. Висновок. Застосування антигіпертензивних засобів першої лінії в поєднанні з ривароксабаном, ритмокором і адвокардом підвищує антикоагуляційний і дезагрегаційний потенціал крові, прискорює відновлення синусового ритму за наявності ФП, запобігає рестенозам і тромбозам стентів, усуває феномени slow flow та slow reflow щодо коронарного кровотоку.
Активатори ангіогенезу і серцево-судинні захворювання. Результати вивчення рівнів васкулоендотеліального фактора росту та ангіопоетину-2 в крові у хворих на гіпертонічну хворобу
Authors: Koval S.M. , Mysnichenko O.V. , Snegurskaya I.O. , Vysotskaya O.V. , Tsigankov O.I. , Korneychuk I.A. , Penkova M.Yu.
Published: February 2017

Вивчені рівні в крові потужних активаторів ангіогенезу з прозапальною дією — васкулоендотеліального фактора росту та ангіопоетину-2 у хворих на гіпертонічну хворобу. Виявлено достовірне підвищення рівнів у крові вказаних факторів у хворих на гіпертонічну хворобу порівняно з практично здоровими особами. Встановлено, що рівні у крові ангіопоетину-2 достовірно зростають у хворих на гіпертонічну хворобу при підвищенні тяжкості гіпертензії та при наявності таких метаболічних порушень, як абдомінальне ожиріння, гіперглікемія натще, порушення толерантності до глюкози, гіперурикемія та комбінована дисліпопротеїнемія. Рівні в крові васкулоендотеліального фактора росту були достовірно більш високими у хворих на гіпертонічну хворобу зі стабільною стенокардією напруження порівняно з хворими без стенокардії. Отримані дані вказують на важливу роль активації ангіогенезу в розвитку гіпертонічної хвороби та її серцево-судинних ускладнень.
Produzindo textos escritos na alfabetização inicial
Authors: Magalhães Luciane Manera , Vargas Suzana Lima
Published: February 2017

O ato de escrever na alfabetização inicial tem sido ressignificado nos últimos anos. Acreditamos que esse fato se deve às contribuições da Psicogênese, das Teorias Linguísticas e da publicação dos PCNs de Língua Portuguesa, os quais subsidiaram a construção de uma concepção de língua enquanto atividade social e um novo olhar para o conceito de texto e o ensino da produção de textos. Discutimos os direitos de aprendizagem de Língua Portuguesa postulados pelo Pacto Nacional pela Alfabetização na Idade Certa, os quais apontam para uma concepção de texto enquanto processo, por meio da análise de situações de ensino que contemplam as diferentes etapas da produção de textos (planejar, escrever, revisar, reescrever). Ainda com base nos eixos de ensino da Língua Portuguesa, demonstramos que escrever na escola significa ir muito além de se preocupar com aspectos normativos, é preciso considerar os aspectos discursivos e textuais que reafirmam a essência interativa da linguagem. Apresentamos situações didáticas propiciadoras da escrita em sala de aula, fundamentais para que a criança se sinta motivada e segura para escrever sua própria palavra, independente do nível de escrita em que se encontre.
Docência Universitária a Distância: Um Estudo sobre o Processo de Ensino-Aprendizagem na Modalidade Semipresencial.
Authors: Parreira Júnior Waltenor Martins , Malusá Silvana , Oliveira Guilherme Saramago
Published: February 2017

Este trabalho apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa sobre docência universitária a distância, em cursos de formação de professores que adotam a modalidade semipresencial. Teve como objetivo compreender como ocorre o olhar do professor universitário sobre sua prática pedagógica. Utilizou-se como instrumento de pesquisa um questionário, construído nas abordagens quanti e qualitativa, composto por três partes: identificação/qualificação docente, conteúdo programático e questões abertas. Os docentes atuam em dois cursos de uma Instituição do Ensino Superior do Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais Ele foi aprovado sob o nº 638/11 do Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia – UFU. Os docentes pertencem a dois cursos de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior – IES do Estado de Minas Gerais. Os resultados constataram que os profissionais pesquisados fazem uso das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação – TICs - no processo de ensino-aprendizagem para a interação, organização, desenvolvimento dos conteúdos disciplinares e atividades de avaliação.
Forward-looking quantitative information in Italian listed firms. Empirical evidence in 2006-2010
Authors: Tutino Marco , Regoliosi Carlo , D’Eri Alessandro
Published: February 2017

The topics of voluntary disclosure of firm is an open debate. Literature has been variously focused on different path take into account the Stakeholder Theory (Freeman, 1984). In this paper we deal with an emerging issue related to the IASB document “Management Commentary. A framework for presentation”. In particular, objective of the research is to provide evidence on the potential relations between financial and governance-related variables with measures of the existence and quality of forward-looking information in the Annual Reports. Adopting a content analysis approach with the help of statistical analysis, we considered annual disclosure reports of a sample of 218 Italian industrial listed firms in the period 2006- 2010. We found positive correlations between forward looking related variables and other debt related, asset related, profit and loss related and governance variables.
The impact of structure-related variables on forward-looking disclosure in the annual reports of non-financial Egyptian companies
Authors: Baroma Bassam
Published: February 2017

The main objective of this study is to test the relationship between numbers of variables representing firm characteristics (structure-related variables) and the extent of voluntary disclosure levels (forward-looking disclosure) in the annual reports of Egyptian firms listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange. This study uses empirically investigate hypothesized impacts of structure-related variables on the extent of forward-looking disclosure. This study uses a list of forward-looking keywords to determine the differences in the level of forward looking disclosure between firms in different sectors. The sample includes 49 non-financial firms listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. Statistical analysis is implemented using a multiple linear regression analysis. The results show that firm size is significantly positive (in all the three years) with the level of forward-looking disclosure. Firm age also is, only for the year 2008, and with insignificant association with the level of forward-looking disclosure in years 2009 and 2010. On the other hand, leverage and ownership dispersion variables are found being insignificantly associated with the level of forward-looking information disclosed in the annual reports for all the three years. There are some limitations in this study. First, the study uses the same list of forward-looking items as applied in previous studies. Second, the selected items do not show observed importance levels by financial information users. Third, the study applies an “unweights” approach to measure the level of forward-looking disclosure. Finally, the study concentrates on non-financial listed firms on the Egyptian Stock Exchange and excluded financial and insurance firms. Few studies have examined the forward-looking information disclosure in developing countries, particularly in the Middle East; no study has yet tested disclosure of forward-looking information in the annual reports for Egyptian firms. Furthermore, all previous studies examined the forward-looking disclosure in the annual reports for a sole year: this study examines it for a somewhat longer period (three years).
The corporate governance drivers, performance and risk: empirical evidence from Italian context
Authors: Bernini Francesca , Mariani Giovanna , Panaro Delio
Published: February 2017

In this work we carried out an empirical research on a sample of 98 Italian companies continuously listed during 2005-2011, with the objective of deepening the analysis : we tried to verify the role played by the Corporate on performance and default risk, with the definition of an index of good Governance (scG); we tried to verify the variables of Corporate Governance that produce effects on performance and risk of default (Z-score and leverage); we tried to verify the difference of effects of Corporate governance Index on performance and risk for family business and for companies active in M&A; we conducted an analysis on a sample of Italian companies to measure Corporate Governance quality and to evaluate the relationship with the accounting and market performance and the effect on risk level. We find that The Corporate Governance quality presents some correlation with performance and risk parameters. The non family companies are better structured. They show a positive correlation between some Corporate Governance drivers and performance and Z-score. We can observe that le “well-advised” firms in external strategies are able to obtain a better correlation with performance and also a good relation with Z-score. This study can suggest the definition of Corporate Governance Index according to the need to evaluate the opening to shareholders and stakeholders.We examine the relation between the different CG variables and some measure of performance and risk
CEO succession and proprietary directors: evidence from Spanish listed firms.
Authors: Stein Guido , Gallego Manuel , Cuadrado Marta
Published: February 2017

This study advances research on CEO succession and board monitoring of senior executives by examining how proprietary directors can affect the probability of CEO dismissal. Drawing on our newly developed database covering all CEO successions occurring in all Spanish listed firms during the period 2007–2010, we propose that proprietary directors may increase the board’s monitoring efforts over the chief executive, forcing him to resign in situations of poor performance. Hypotheses are tested longitudinally, using CEO succession data taken from 111 publicly-traded firms in the Spanish ‘mercado continuo’ over a four-year period
Does analyst following improve firm performance? Evidence from the MENA region
Authors: Farooq Omar , Satt Harit
Published: February 2017

Given ineffective disclosure and governance mechanisms, are there any mechanisms that can help improve performance of firms in the MENA region? This paper aims to answer the above question by documenting the effect of analyst following on firm performance during the period between 2005 and 2009. Our results show that the extent of analyst following does positively affect firm performance. However, this beneficial impact exists only at high level of analyst following. At lower levels of analysts following, our results show negative relationship between the two. We argue that high levels of analyst following, it becomes hard for insiders to evade effective disclosure of firm value. It, therefore, leads to lower agency problems and, eventually, to better performance. We also show that high levels of analyst following, partly, improve the informativeness of reported earnings. However, it does not improve the informativeness to an extent that the information contained in reported earnings is positively reflected in stock prices
Service quality – Cases of private higher education institutions explored
Authors: van Schalkwyk Riaan Dirkse , Steenkamp Rigard J.
Published: February 2017

The South African higher education landscape has changed significantly. PHEIs (private higher education institutions) play a more important role although they are not yet fully acknowledged as higher education “universities”. This may be a strategic incentive for service quality excellence. It seems if the market responds well to PHEIs, because they complement the higher educational need and cater for unique niche markets. The article reports on the level and importance of service quality in three cases of South African PHEIs with the focus on primary service quality dimensions. The purpose of the study was to explore the strategic importance of service quality at PHEIs per se, its general service quality status and their endeavours to manage (measure and improve) service quality. The investigation followed a mixed method approach and applied interviews, observation and questionnaire surveys (using the SERVQUAL instrument). Case research has consistently been of the most powerful research methods in operations and quality management, particularly in contributing to the paucity of literature and the development of new theory and/or new hypotheses. Besides the paucity of literature, the results indicate that service quality at the PHEIs is a high strategic priority and may be a higher priority than service quality at public universities (a hypothesis for further investigation).
How did export activity affect small business access to bank capitals during the global crisis?
Authors: Benkraiem Ramzi , Miloudi Anthony
Published: February 2017

This article aims at studying the effect of export activity, viewed as a way of estimating small business internationalization, on access to bank capitals during the recent global crisis. The empirical analysis leads to several interesting results. In particular, the existence and intensity of exports are negatively related to bank capitals, demonstrating the difficulties of small businesses to rely on financial leverage when they wish to explore new markets. Conversely, indicators of solvency and liquidity are positively related to this same source of financing. They are more important than those of profitability and growth opportunities in explaining the financial leverage level, attesting the primary need of small businesses to provide sufficient guarantees when they wish to incur new bank loans in times of crisis. These findings may interest policy makers, financiers and researchers and contribute to enriching the debate on the relationship between small business internationalization and access to leverage.
The civil economy
Authors: Davis Stephen
Published: February 2017

A “civil economy” will define the ways in which free enterprise restores the confidence of publics around the world. In it, institutional owners accountable to millions of savers push corporations toward sustainable prosperity through socially responsible management. Just as a “civil society” girds democracy, a civil economy depends on engaged shareowners, independent monitors, credible standards and civil society organizations participating in the marketplace. More competitive corporations and national economies naturally evolve when owners are energized, monitors are girded with safeguards against conflict, civil society organizations become a constructive market force, and performance yardsticks help managers and investors gauge real drivers of value. Most of what is needed from government to push civil economy progress is surgical adjustment of regulation and law.
A Miniature Pneumatic Bending Rubber Actuator Controlled by Using the PSO-SVR-Based Motion Estimation Method with the Generalized Gaussian Kernel
Authors: Fujita Kou , Deng Mingcong , Wakimoto Shuichi
Published: February 2017

Soft actuators have been employed in various fields recently. A miniature pneumatic bending rubber actuator is one of the soft actuators. This actuator will be used for medical and biological fields. Its flexibility and high safety are suitable for fragile objects. However, its modeling is difficult due to its nonlinearity. There are no suitable sensors to measure the output of this actuator. In this paper, the particle swarm optimization-support vector regression (PSO-SVR)-based estimation method with the generalized Gaussian kernel is proposed. An experimental result with the operator-based robust nonlinear control system is employed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Friction Stir Welding of Dissimilar Materials Aluminum AL6061-T6 to Ultra Low Carbon Steel
Authors: Boumerzoug Zakaria , Helal Yazid
Published: February 2017

In this study, the microstructure and strength properties of friction stir welded 6061-T6 aluminum alloy to ultra-low carbon steel have been investigated using different advancing speeds of 100, 200, and 400 mm·min−1 at constant rotation rate. Microstructure observations have been conducted by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The joint strength was evaluated on a tensile testing machine. The effect of advancing speed on the shear load of a joint has been found, as well as a relationship between microstructures and mechanical properties.
Nouns as Lexical Heads in Urhobo English Code-Switching
Authors: Oduaran Fure
Published: February 2017

Two topics in the front burner of contact linguistics are bilingualism and code switching. Code switching between an indigenous language and the English language is pervasive where outer circle Englishes are spoken. Nigeria and other former colonies of Great Britain belong to this circle of Englishes. This study discusses nouns functioning as lexical heads in Urhobo/ English code switches. The switches include code switched NP[Z1]  with determiner[Z2] s from Urhobo and head word[Z3] s from English; Urhobo –English complex Code switched NP with an adjective; complex CS NP with an adjective[Z4]  prepositional phrase as complement. The study is premised on two theories. First is Noam Chomsky’s (1981) principles and parameters theory of transformational grammar which has been used for the analysis of the sentences. The second is Myers-Scotton’s (2002) Matrix Language Frame (MLF), which is used for distinguishing between the matrix and the embedded languages in the nominal phrasal constituents within the code switched sentences. In this study, Urhobo is the matrix language while English is the embedded[Z5]  language based on matrix language frame (MLF) parameters. The study concludes that nouns functioning as lexical heads constitute part of the structural basis of Urhobo English code-switching. [Z1]NPs [Z2]determiners [Z3]words [Z4]adjective [Z5]embedded language
The Influence of Organizational Justice on Intention to Leave: Examining the Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Al-Kilani Mohammad Hani
Published: February 2017

The current study was conducted on the employees of a Jordanian governmental department that has 240 employees, using a questionnaire. The number of the returned questionnaires was 150, achieving response rate of 62.5%. The influences of organizational justice, organizational commitment and job satisfaction on employees’ intention to leave their job were scrutinized and were supported. The mediating roles of organizational commitment and job satisfaction in the relationship between organizational justice and intention to leave were investigated and corroborated. As previous research supported the relations between the studied variables, the contribution of this study is the suggested and corroborated conceivable succession for the effects of the precursors of employees’ intentions to leave their jobs, which demonstrate its significance. The implications and limitations of this study are presented.
Effect Relationships on Sustainable Development of Palm Oil Production for Independent Smallholder Farmers toward Sustainable Certification System
Authors: Nurliza Nurliza , Dolorosa Eva
Published: February 2017

Palm oil is currently the most widely used vegetable oil in the world and its usage is also expected to double by 2020. However, there are some social and environmental impacts of palm oil plantation. Some complications resulted from the plantation may go as far as mass objections to the production of palm oil. On the contrary, demand for palm oil is still vast and constantly rising. In Indonesia, independent small farmers are the most important stakeholders since they are 43% of the whole Indonesian palm oil producers and have become the biggest spotlight of Indonesian palm oil development, including challenges and problems in which they will have to face to substantially increase their role in the global market as well as maintaining sustainability. Challenges today need to be engaged with innovation and inventions in a more productive and effective way. Enhancing independent small farmers will not only enlarge their contribution to sustainability practices, but also ensuring the sustainable products supplied to the market. Thus, supporting sustainable palm oil production is the way forward. Based on this current issue, this research identifies key point relationships (direct and indirect) on sustainable development factors which are based on Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil Certification System (ISPO), these identified key points will be the primary target to be improved and government support in fostering the sustainability of palm oil industry will be profoundly necessary.
Integration of Recycled Industrial Wastes into Pavement Design and Construction for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Asutosh Ashish T. , Nawari Nawari O.
Published: February 2017

Transportation Infrastructure has remained a key element for the economic and social development. Especially in developing countries, the demand for new roads and maintenance of existing roads is very high as they depend on the overall economic development. These calls for transforming the methods the roads are being constructed. Recent studies have shed light on the concept of making transportation system greener and more sustainable, which can be a fast track to achievie the goals of saving the planet from further generations. One of the effective ways of addressing this issue is by substituting or replacing pavements layers by sustainable alternate materials. Promising alternate materials have been investigated in road construction-specifically using recycled wastes. The purpose of this study is to analyze the environmental significances of alternate materials such as recycled tires, recycled glass and waste plastics in road construction and delineate their economic and environmental importance. This is addressed by comparing various parameters such as global warming potential, carbon footprint, cost, and other environmental impact factors. The results of this investigation showed that the use of these materials in pavement construction has substantial environmental and economic benefits. These results will assist in developing revised pavement design and construction methods that are more efficient and economically feasible.
Pensamiento reflexivo e investigador en Educación. Aspectos a tener en cuenta en la formación del profesorado
Authors: Fernández-Fernández Samuel , Arias-Blanco José-Miguel , Fernández-Alonso Rubén , Burguera-Condon Joaquín , Fernández-Raigoso Castaño Marcelino
Published: February 2017

Formar al profesorado como profesionales reflexivos e investigadores debe ser una prioridad para un sistema educativo que busque la mejora de su alumnado en el manejo de información compleja y la resolución de problemas de forma creativa y divergente. El educador reflexivo, tal como es percibido por el profesorado español que participa en el estudio TALIS (OECD, 2014), ha sido distribuido en una escala o índice TRI que permite mostrar la frecuencia de participación en actividades formativas que facilitan un “Desarrollo profesional reflexivo” (DPR). La mitad de la muestra considera que su desarrollo profesional incluye actividades formativas ocasionales de carácter reflexivo. Se identifican, mediante análisis multinivel, los factores individuales y de centro asociados al perfil docente de educador reflexivo, que se corresponden con un atributo individual vinculado a una formación en red o de colaboración docente en torno a un centro con liderazgo pedagógico y control evaluativo. Esto supone para el docente una mayor dedicación e intensidad, una autopercepción de efectividad profesional y dominio sobre los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje que utiliza con su alumnado. El índice DPR se muestra consistente en la representación de un perfil docente que favorece la efectividad de los procesos de aula. Por la situación que presenta España en la estimación del índice DPR, consideramos de interés hacer evolucionar los modelos de formación inicial y continua del profesorado hacia un enfoque que potencie las capacidades reflexiva, investigadora y colaborativa de nuestro profesorado y estudiantes.
Perspectives of Rheumatologists on the Type 1 and 2 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Model
Authors: Eudy Amanda M. , Clowse Megan E. B. , Corneli Amy , Starling Summer , Molokwu Nneka Jebose , Swezey Teresa , Pisetsky David S. , Maheswaranathan Mithu , Doss Jayanth , Sun Kai , Sadun Rebecca E. , Criscione‐Schreiber Lisa G. , Rogers Jennifer L.
Published: September 2024

Objective

The Type 1 and 2 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Model was developed to encapsulate all signs and symptoms that patients with SLE experience. Our previous qualitative work demonstrated the model accurately reflects the lived experience of people living with SLE. The objective of this study was to present the Type 1 and 2 SLE Model to rheumatologists to understand how the model fits with their experiences treating patients with SLE.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews with rheumatologists. Rheumatologists were asked about their general impression of the Type 1 and 2 SLE Model, how the model does or does not fit within their approach to treating patients with SLE, the utility of the model in clinical practice, and any suggested changes. Applied thematic analysis identified salient themes.

Results

We interviewed 13 rheumatologists. The majority of rheumatologists approved of the model and found it useful to guide therapy and clinical decision‐making. Several rheumatologists thought the model was helpful for patient education to manage expectations about differences between Type 1 and Type 2 symptoms and treatments. A few rheumatologists expressed concern that the model could lead to an overdiagnosis of SLE.

Conclusion

The Type 1 and 2 SLE Model was accepted by most rheumatologists interviewed and welcomed as a useful approach to identifying and treating symptoms in patients with SLE. Future studies will determine how implementing the Type 1 and 2 SLE Model affects patient understanding, the physician–patient relationship, and clinical outcomes.
Botanic Signal Monitor: Advanced Wearable Sensor for Plant Health Analysis
Authors: Xu Wenxuan , Chen Long , Hu Xuan , Zhang Lu , Huang Dizhangxiao , Li Jian , Xiong Ranhua , Huang Chaobo , Zhu Miaomiao
Published: September 2024

Recently, the decline in plant species, loss of crop yields, and reduced efficacy of herbal medicines due to environmental issues and biotic stresses have garnered significant attention. Developing smart devices for plant health monitoring is essential for early intervention, timely adjustment of the growing environment to combat environmental and pest stresses, and to promote robust plant growth, biodiversity, ecological balance, and sustainable agriculture. Flexible wearable sensors with the advantages of superior shape adaptation, excellent biocompatibility, and high integration have emerged as one of the most promising avenues for plant health monitoring. Here, recent advances in flexible wearable sensors based on monitoring different types of plant signals are summarized. The discussion focuses on the constituent materials, fabrication methods, and sensing mechanisms of each type of wearable sensor. In addition, the challenges and potential strategies are summarized for plant sensing development, including energy supply, materials and preparation, signal transmission, and data analysis.
Oxophilic Low‐Coordination Gd‐N3 Single Atom Sites With P‐Enhanced Second Coordination for High‐Performance Al‐Air Batteries
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Lei , Xu Qiaoling , Zhang Shijing , Zhou Yingtang , Hu Guangzhi
Published: September 2024

The development of efficient rare earth single‐atom (SA) catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is essential yet challenging for high‐performance aluminum‐air batteries (AABs). This study introduces a concept‐to‐proof strategy for synthesizing a hollow carbon‐supported gadolinium (Gd) SA catalyst using low‐coordination and second‐coordination sphere engineering. In this design, Gd atoms are coordinated to three nitrogen (N) atoms in N‐doped carbon and surrounded by six phosphorus (P) atoms, forming Gd‐N3‐P6 sites. These catalysts demonstrated exceptional ORR performance, achieving a half‐wave potential of 0.895 V and superior durability compared to the commercial Pt/C benchmark. When integrated into AABs, they delivered impressive performance, with a peak power density of 257 mW/cm2 and an energy density of 2916 Wh/kg, alongside enhanced cycling stability. In situ characterization and theoretical calculations revealed that the strategic placement of P atoms in the second coordination sphere significantly enhanced the valence state of the Gd site. This enhancement improved the adsorption capacity for O2 and H2O while facilitating the rapid desorption of *OH intermediates during the ORR. This study offers valuable insights into the development of cost‐effective ORR catalysts, emphasizing the significance of modulating the local coordination environment of metal SA sites.
Roll‐to‐Roll Production of High‐Performance All‐Organic Polymer Nanocomposites for High‐Temperature Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Wang Qitong , Ding Jiale , Jiang Wei , Jiang Zhenhua , Jiang Lei , Zhou Yahong , Zhang Yunhe
Published: September 2024

Dielectric materials with significant performance in high temperatures are highly desired, especially in harsh environments. However, the polymer‐based dielectric films have developed so far, the production scale remains at the state of the lab. Here, an all‐organic strategy is proposed by introducing phenyl‐acid‐based polymer nanodots (PAPD) into Polyetherimide (PEI), achieving high capacitive energy storage properties even at 200 °C and mass production by an industrial continuous roll‐to‐roll process. The abundant hydrogen bonding between PAPD and PEI chains ensures uniform distribution for the enhanced interaction between nanofillers and polymer matrix. Under UV irradiation, the electron‐affinity and band gap of the film are further extended, which impede charge transfer and reduction of conductive loss. A low loading (0.3 wt.%) of PAPD renders the membrane significant improvement in breakdown strength and charge–discharge efficiency. An ultrahigh energy storage density of 5.1 J cm−3 with a charge–discharge efficiency of over 90% and charge–discharge cycle stability up to 2 × 104 cycles at 150 °C is observed. Furthermore, a 1000 m long roll of polymeric film is roll‐to‐roll fabricated on an industrial solution‐casting production line and the low cost makes practical commercial scale application possible. Considering the low loading and low cost of nanofiller, this all‐organic design strategy sheds light on the industrial application of high‐temperature dielectric materials.
Light‐Driven Green‐Fabricated Artificial Intelligence‐Enabled Micro/Nanorobots for Multimodal Phototherapeutic Management of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Hsiao Chi‐Hung , Lin Yung‐Wei , Liu Chia‐Hung , Nguyen Hieu Trung , Chuang Andrew E.‐Y.
Published: September 2024

Combination therapy based on precise phototherapies combined with immune modulation provides successful antitumor effects. In this study, a combination therapy is designed based on phototactic, photosynthetic, and phototherapeutic Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii (CHL)‐glycol chitosan (GCS)‐polypyrrole (PPy) nanoparticle (NP)‐enhanced immunity combined with the tumor microenvironment turnover of cytotoxic T cells and M1/M2 macrophages, which is based on photothermal GCS‐PPy NPs decorated onto the phototactic and photosynthetic CHL. Phototherapy based on CHL‐GCS‐PPy NPs alleviates hypoxia and modulates the tumor immune microenvironment, which induces tumor cell death. In particular, the precise antitumor immune response and potent immune memory induced by combining self‐navigated phototherapies significantly alleviate the progression of bladder cancer in C57BL/6 mice and effectively inhibit bladder tumor growth. Furthermore, they also potentially prevent tumor recurrence, which provides a promising therapeutic strategy for clinical tumor therapy.