bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Robust H∞ Control Power
Authors: Abdelmalek Samir , Belmili Hocine
Published: February 2015

Attention has been paid by many researchers to address the various challenges of grid connection of DFIG-based Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS). This chapter focuses on the design of a robust H8 controller for the power flow between the stator of the Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) and the grid. The robust H8 controller design is formulated as a mixed-sensitivity problem. A mathematical model of the DFIG written in an appropriate d-q reference frame is established to carry out simulations. The proposed power control scheme is elaborated and compared with a conventional Proportional-Integral (PI) controller based on vector control technique. The results show interesting performance of the controlled system in terms of the power reference tracking (the active and reactive power) and robustness against parameter variations compared with the conventional PI controller.
Branding and New Product Development
Authors: Damen Dennis , Wang Miao , Wijnhoven Tim
Published: February 2015

The Glemma case explains brand management of a young startup company located in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. The case describes background, the current status, and present challenge of Glemma. Since the company is still in a very early stage, the management system is not mature yet. Hence, the Glemma case falls into the new product development category in the book. In addition, Glemma was a Web design company in the beginning; they released a universal reservation system on June 2013. Therefore, branding here is not only for Glemma itself but also for the new product they developed. The Glemma team has tried many times with various different approaches. In the early stage, the team really focused on brand image. They took on enormous projects just to deliver a professional image to customers. However, they did not reach their goal. A nice website didn't bring them any customers. Along with their experience, they figured out that brand experience is more important than brand image.
A Case Study on Pitfalls in Branding of Boroline
Authors: Padma R. , Sharma Pawan
Published: February 2015

The Indian FMCG sector is the fourth largest sector in the economy with a total market size in excess of US$ 13.1 billion. The FMCG market is set to treble from US$ 11.6 billion in 2003 to US$ 33.4 billion in 2015. Skin care products are one of the key constituents of the FMCG sector. One of the major products under skin care products are antiseptic creams. In India, the market size of the antiseptic cream markets is approximately US$ 2.94 billion. The major players in the antiseptic cream industry are Betadine Cream, Boroline, Boroplus, Vicco Turmeric Cream, etc. With the growing market and many players, it becomes essential for every organization to retain the brand that it has set in the market. And every organization wants to take advantage the market and one such organization is Boroline.
Managing Brand Portfolio in a Crisis
Authors: Nadi Rafic , Tolba Ahmed
Published: February 2015

Branding in pharmaceutical markets is more challenging than any other market due to the enormous regulations and restrictions from governmental bodies like MOH, Ministry of Health. This case tackles a real challenge that one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Egypt is facing. Since the company has a well-established brand that has been in the market for more than 30 years, this brand has strong brand equity and is well known by consumers, end users. In the past 5 years with the devaluation of the Egyptian currency, the price of the active ingredients increased. Accordingly, the gross margin of the brand was highly affected, to the extent that it reflects losses in the net operating income. In any other market, it might be an option to increase the price and enhance the gross margin, but in the pharmaceutical industry, companies are price takers and only MOH has the right to set the price.
Ariika Bean Bags
Authors: Hussein Rania , Mostafa Hend
Published: February 2015

This case deals with Ariika, which produces a large variety of bean bags that have innovative designs. The company focuses on quality and aims at becoming the first branded bean bag in Egypt with high quality and reasonable prices. Over the years, Ariika was able to build a strong customer base, sell its products online, and maintain strong relationships with large retailers. The success of Ariika in the Egyptian market encouraged Attallah, the owner, to consider his next move. The key problems discussed in the case are, Should the company capitalize on possible opportunities by immediately expanding beyond Egypt? If they decide to expand abroad, how should the company strategically expand: in the two countries at the same time, sequentially one at a time, or only in one of them? Should they rely on simple exports or consider foreign direct investment?
Sensory Branding
Authors: Chakravarty Surabhi Mukherjee
Published: February 2015

This chapter presents sensorial branding approaches in practice and theory. Senses play a vital role in human life. We understand almost everything in life through senses. Sensory branding is an approach through which marketers create better experience of brands. Our senses are our link to memory, which can tap right into emotion. Using senses and their effect on understanding the consumer paves the way for an enriching experience of brand, discriminating their personality, creating a core competence, more interest, preference, and customer loyalty. Sensory branding is the marketing strategy that is investigating the emotional relationships between consumer and the brand through senses. Two cases presented in the chapter are on Starbucks and Apple Inc., which highlight their sensorial strategies for stimulating consumers' relationships and fostering a lasting emotional connection that retains brand loyalty.
Face to Face(book)
Authors: Crisan Daniela
Published: February 2015

This chapter discusses personality traits of Facebook users, how personality traits and motivations explain Facebook use, and the potential beneficial and detrimental effects of Internet usage, in general, and online social networking sites usage, in particular, on social and psychological well-being. First, the author provides short definitions of concepts such as social media and Social Network Sites (SNS). Next, the author describes Nadkarni and Hofmann's (2012) two-factor model of motives associated with Facebook use, including the need to belong and the need for self-presentation. Afterwards, a literature review of the most cited studies on the association between Facebook use and personality traits, as conceptualized by the Big Five Model (Costa & McCrae, 1992), is provided, followed by research on the relationships between Facebook use and psychological dimensions, such as self-esteem, loneliness, narcissism, self-worth, and depression and suicide. Finally, conclusions are drawn and final remarks are made.
Information Security and Privacy in Social Media
Authors: Tennakoon Hemamali
Published: February 2015

Information security and privacy are multi-faceted concepts, and earlier definitions of information security and privacy seem inadequate in the context of emerging technologies such as social media. Hence, this chapter presents an analysis of the concept of information security followed by a discussion of computer security, information security, network security, personal privacy, informational privacy, etc. Then the discussion narrows down to information security and privacy on Social Networking Sites (SNS) followed by an analysis of the consequences of information security and privacy breaches from individualistic and organizational perspectives. The lack of understanding of the complex nature of security and privacy issues are preventing businesses from gaining the full economic benefit, especially on SNS. Therefore, some solutions and recommendations are suggested towards the end of the chapter, including the need for a common legal framework. Finally, the chapter ends with suggestions for future research.
Educational Edifices Need a Mobile Strategy to Fully Engage in Learning Activities
Authors: Burton Sharon L. , Harris Hamil R. , Burrell Darrell Norman , Brown-Jackson Kim L. , Bessette Dustin , McClintock Rondalynne , Lu Shanel , White Yoshino W.
Published: February 2015

Research in mobile learning (m-learning) about technology and software and mobile learning's application to educationally related undertakings and a long-term sustainability remain unclear. This chapter untwines the tangled information surrounding m-learning strategy through examining the drivers and perceptions for m-learning in the 21st century. The data will unearth the value of employing diverse modalities of m-learning. Administrators will gain knowledge to develop and implement mobile strategy. Faculty will enhance their familiarity on the diverse types of m-learning tools and the value of employing m-learning in the classroom. Administrators and faculty members will gather knowledge that guides efforts to diminish barriers in support of a successful m-learning implementation. In addition, administrators will garner developed knowledge to analyze, gather requirements, develop, and then implement a strategic m-learning plan for long-term sustainability. Academics and practitioners will gain insight into understanding the balance of a mobile strategy amid economic value and the required controls.
An Overview of Penetration Testing
Authors: Phong Chiem Trieu , Yan Wei Qi
Published: February 2015

Penetration testing is an effort to attack a system using similar techniques and tools adopted by real hackers. The ultimate goal of penetration testing is to call to light as many existing vulnerabilities as possible, then come up with practical solutions to remediate the problems; thus, enhance the system security as a whole. The paper introduces concepts and definitions related to penetration testing, together with different models and methodologies to conduct a penetration test. A wide range of penetration testing state-of-the-art, as well as related tools (both commercial and free open source available on the market) are also presented in relatively rich details.
Using Serious Gaming to Improve the Safety of Central Venous Catheter Placement
Authors: Katz Daniel , Goldberg Andrew , Khanal Prabal , Kahol Kanav , DeMaria Samuel
Published: February 2015

Central venous catheter related complications are a large burden on our healthcare system. Many of these complications can be prevented by the use of proper technique. One methodology to aid in the teaching non-technical aspects of procedures, serious games, has not been utilized in our field. The authors therefore set out to design a serious game aimed at teaching proper central venous catheter placement. The objective of this manuscript is to examine the challenges encountered while designing and executing our serious gaming trial. Ultimately, they found their game to be an effective teaching tool, although the game development phase of our study was long. The authors therefore concluded that serious gaming is an effective tool for teaching proper technique for the placement of central venous catheters.
Pseudo-Static Analysis of Slope Considering Circular Rupture Surface
Authors: Ghosh Sima
Published: February 2015

In this present paper, a circular failure surface passing through the toe is assumed for a homogeneous soil, and the Fellenius line is used to locate the centre of the most critical circle. Using limit equilibrium analysis under the influence of static forces such as weight of potential slide mass and surcharge along with the pseudo-static seismic forces are considered to obtain the factor of safety of the slopes. Factor of safety is found through the application of force equilibrium. The effects of variation of different parameters like slope angle (i), soil friction angle (F) and seismic acceleration coefficients both in the horizontal and vertical directions (kh and kv respectively) on the factor of safety are presented. Finally, the present results are compared to the existing solutions available in literature and found to give minimum values of factor of safety using the present approach for seismic slope stability analysis.
ICT Implementation and Practices
Authors: Buabeng-Andoh Charles
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate students' pedagogical use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the soft and hard factors that influence their use. The participants were 3380 randomly selected students from 24 public and private schools. A quantitative method was used in this study with Likert five-point scale questionnaires to collect data. The study revealed that students' pedagogical use of ICT was low. Most students reported that they were competent in the use of smart phones for educational purposes. The study found that soft and hard factors are interrelated and play a crucial part in students' pedagogical use of ICT. It was interesting to note that ICT competence, access to computers, and the programs students were enrolled in had impact on the results.
The Effects of Problem-Based Learning with Flipped Classroom on Elementary Students' Computing Skills
Authors: Tsai Chia-Wen , Shen Pei-Di , Lu Yu-Jui
Published: February 2015

This study investigated, via quasi-experiments, the effects of problem-based learning with flipped classroom (FPBL) on the development of students' learning performance. In this study, 144 elementary school students were selected from six grade sections taking a course titled ‘Production of Ebook', and were assigned into the following three groups: FPBL group (n = 50), PBL group (n = 48), Control group (n = 46). The authors collected both quantitative and qualitative data, including interviews with students and teacher's journal. Based on the analysis in this study, it is found that the effect of FPBL on improving students' learning performance was significantly higher than other teaching methods investigated. This research provides an innovative design and illustration of PBL for teachers, educators, and schools which pay attention to enhancing students' learning performance.
Technology-Literate School Leaders in a 1:1 iPad Program and Teachers' Technology Self-Efficacy
Authors: Hineman John M. , Boury Tiffany T. , Semich George W.
Published: February 2015

This paper reports the results of an action-research case study that investigated the efforts undertaken by technology-literate school leaders to facilitate the implementation of a school-wide 1:1 iPad program and the subsequent influence those efforts had on teachers' technology self-efficacy. The investigation highlights what the study's authors have determined to be a critical component in the implementation of a 1:1 technology program, the emergence of the organization's master practitioner of technology-based pedagogy.
Tertiary Students' ICT Self-efficacy Beliefs and the Factors Affecting Their ICT-Use
Authors: Turel Vehbi , Calık Sinan , Doganer Adem
Published: February 2015

This study looked at tertiary (i.e. undergraduate /a four-year degree) students' information and communication technology (ICT) self-efficacy beliefs and their level in use of certain common programmes at a newly established (i.e. 2007) university in Turkey in the spring of 2012. The study examined the tertiary students' (a) demographic background, (b) their ICT self-efficacy beliefs and (c) their ICT-using level in certain common programs. The students at three different departments were given the questionnaires to complete. 363 participants completed them. The study was mostly quantitative and partly qualitative. The quantitative results were analysed with SPSS (i.e. descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Independent Samples Test). The qualitative data were analysed by examining the participants' responses gathered from the open-ended questions and focussing on the shared themes among the responses. The results revealed that the participants were ICT literate and users. They had positive ICT self-efficacy beliefs and their level in certain programs was good. There were also statistical differences between (a) their ICT self-efficacy beliefs and (b) ICT level in certain common programs in terms of different independent variables (i.e. the length of ICT-use, the place of ICT-access, the frequency of ICT-use, the type of the course they were attending, and gender). The findings are consistent with models and theories of technology engagement which recognise facilitating or inhibiting conditions. The implications are (1) to provide (free) full-access to ICT in terms of efficient resources and technology availability, (2) to provide (efficient) ICT courses and (3) to integrate ICT into teaching/learning.
The Relationship between Information Systems Strategy and the Perception of Project Success
Authors: Jonkers Ralph , van Rossum Ronald , Silvius Gilbert
Published: February 2015

This article reports an explorative study on the relationship between Information Systems Strategy and the Perception of Project Success. The authors built upon the theoretical foundations of prior research and constructed their conceptual research model from literature. The authors' study defines IS strategy as the degree to which the organization has a shared perspective to seek innovation through IS. The authors operationalize project success by grouping six project success criteria into process-orientation and outcome-orientation. The authors use a quantitative and conclusive descriptive design to study associations between these variables. The type of design they follow is cross-sectional where IS strategy and perceived project success are assayed in a sample of subjects once and the relationships between them are determined. The authors' data is collected using an online questionnaire by a combination of business and IT managers and executives, working at organizations with a certain level of IS maturity. The authors' research finds good support to posit that organizations with an innovative IS strategy are more focused on the outcome of a project than on the project process itself and that organizations with a conservative IS strategy do show some characteristics of a process-oriented view. Furthermore, their research indicates that a more innovative organization relates to a lower perceived importance of Cost and a higher perceived importance of Value and Learning. On the other hand, they find support that a more conservative organization relates to a higher perceived importance of Cost and a lower perceived importance of Use. Next to these findings the authors' study concludes with implications for practitioners and suggestions for further explorative research.
The Project Knowledge Management Success over the Project's Lifecycle
Authors: Nauman Shazia , Ullah M. Abid
Published: February 2015

The current research aims to investigate the relationship knowledge management (KM) practices play in the success of project knowledge management over the project life cycle i.e. at the beginning of the project, during the project and after the project. Results demonstrate that among the three phases of the project, KM practices during the project phase have a greater impact on the success of project knowledge management. This research has implications for HR and project professionals as our findings indicate that the training of project members, evaluations by external consultants, regular meetings with project leaders and reviewing lessons learnt are the most significant factors for the success of project knowledge management in the context of projects being undertaken in Pakistan.
Knowledge Management Practice at a Bulgarian Bank
Authors: Shah Mahmood Hussain , Rahneva Nevena , Ahmed Rizwan
Published: February 2015

This paper reports on knowledge management (KM) practices in the customer service and lending departments of one of Bulgaria's top retail banks and investigates how KM processes can be further improved. The Bank's KM activities have been studied using observations, interviews and informal discussions for data collection. Findings were compared and contrasted with existing literature in similar contexts. Although rudiments of knowledge sharing are evident from the KM activities in different departments of the bank, the limitations such as resistance to change of the implemented KM systems are impeding the effectiveness of the knowledge management process. More training and incentives are needed to increase knowledge creation and sharing. Moreover, a clearly articulated KM strategy along with success criteria and commitment and support from senior management is needed. There is a severe lack of knowledge management studies in Bulgarian context in general and Bulgarian banking sector in particular. The authors' findings will potentially help in improving knowledge sharing practice as well as provide a valuable insight into knowledge management related issues in the Bulgarian context. The findings from this research can be useful to companies from Eastern Europe and other regions in improving their knowledge sharing practice.
Online Oratory®
Authors: Dornaleteche Jon , Sahagún Andrés Domínguez
Published: February 2015

New ITCs have proven to be useful tools for implementing innovating didactic and pedagogical formula oriented to enhance students' en teachers' creativity. The up-and-coming massive e-learning and blended learning projects are clear examples of such a phenomenon. The teaching of oral communication offers a perfect scenario to experiment with these formulas. Since the traditional face to face approach for teaching ‘Speech techniques' does not keep up with the new digital environment that surround students, it is necessary to move towards an ‘Online oratory' model focused on using TEL to improve oral skills.
Acti-Plan
Authors: Quintana María Graciela Badilla , Valenzuela Cristian Lara
Published: February 2015

Two 3D-learning environments in SecondLife and OpenSim have been developed as part of a grant project called TYMMI -Technology and Pedagogical Models in Immersive Worlds- funded by the National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FONDECYT) in Chile. The main objective is to strengthen the professional performance of pre-service teachers (bachelor students), by simulating teaching practices and virtual learning opportunities where the community members join a meeting or class, share and interact in the complex process of assimilation teaching skills. Preliminary results are related to the design of two immersive simulation platforms and to develop a conceptual and technological model for teaching in Immersive Worlds. In this context, the authors created an ACTI-PLAN that allows pre-service teachers to act in two areas: cataloging resources and educational planning. Also, in this virtual space there is an architecture that supports pedagogical proposal that includes classrooms for Mathematic and Language for elementary education.
Blended Learning in Education of Faculty Members
Authors: Rohlíková Lucie , Vejvodová Jana
Published: February 2015

One of the paths that lead to excellence in teaching in higher education involves training of faculty members in higher education pedagogy. This study gives a summary of individual surveys and hands-on experience acquired through implementation of methodology courses for faculty members. At the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen and at other higher education institutions throughout the Czech Republic, these courses have been taking place since 2004. The paper describes organizational models of faculty training programmes, which were inspired by international trends and proven by application in practice. These models benefit from combining face-to-face and on-line learning techniques (blended learning). In terms of their content, the above courses were devoted to the methodology of distance and on-line education and conceived as courses in higher education pedagogy for beginning teachers in higher education. The paper also provides a description of “Constructivism in a Nutshell” course.
Classical Dressage
Authors: West Daune
Published: February 2015

This paper reports on an application of systems theory to a complex area of human endeavor, Classical Dressage. The area is well represented in a rich literature dating back to the time of Xenophon (c.380BC) and has many practitioners worldwide today. The paper offers a description of Classical Dressage theory and practice presented through a number of systems concepts and illustrated by means of systems tools. The analysis, which is conducted in line with the author's interpretive systems background, illustrates how Classical Dressage can be seen as not only being concerned with the ‘correct' training and riding of horses but also about the personal development of the trainer/rider. The paper concludes by presenting a description of the component parts of a ‘classical' or ‘academic' approach to equitation. Throughout, examples from the classical equitation literature are provided to illustrate the analysis presented.
An Extended Case Study Exploring the Effects of a Whole School Staff Pilot Wellbeing Programme on Eight Local Authority Primary Schools
Authors: Anderson Jane
Published: February 2015

This paper is a case study about a Local Authority whole school staff pilot wellbeing programme (PWP) based on the reflexive practice (Schon, 1983) journals and records kept by the school staff wellbeing manager (SSWM) who conceptualised, coordinated and implemented the initiative and who is also the author of this paper. The paper is written as a first-person narrative. All identities have been anonymised for ethical reasons. The purpose of the paper is to tell the story of this intervention and how the people involved (author included), and the schools that participated, were affected by their involvement. Also how what was learned from the episode could be usefully put into practise in other schools. Over the past twenty-five years a continual rise in accountancy thinking as applied to education in the form of productivity related outcomes (pupil standardised testing and assessment; Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) inspection of school standards etc) along with continual pressure to implement latest educational thinking, has contributed to increased demands on school staff. Simultaneously, school leadership and teaching have gradually come to be regarded as highly stressful professions. The PWP was about looking at what people in school could do to help themselves maintain their health and wellbeing on a day to day basis. In particular the focus was on investigating individual perspective and personal accountability and offering opportunities for people to explore and practice methodologies that could support more positive behaviour. The issues across the schools were complex and manifold and the approach in each case was tailored and nuanced according to the emerging needs of the organisation involved. The PWP was important and unique because its scope was fully inclusive of all school staff (professional, support and maintenance) and participation was voluntary. Research had shown that prior to the PWP, school wellbeing interventions had tended to be compulsory and confined only to professional staff. The effects of the PWP intervention are on-going, which was the aim of the work, but some of the methodologies introduced, in particular solutions focus (Rhodes & Ajmal, 204) and appreciative inquiry (Cooperrider & Srivastva, 1987) have in some instances become integrated both individually and collectively in daily practice in school and continue to beneficially shape the culture of these organisations.
Empresas Juniores: o processo de institucionalização em universidades públicas do Ceará
Authors: Dos Santos Penha Emanuel Dheison , Alexandre Mariana de Melo , Cabral Augusto Cézar de Aquino , Dos Santos Sandra Maria , Pessoa Maria Naiula Monteiro
Published: February 2015

Essa pesquisa tem por objetivo investigar o processo de institucionalização das empresas juniores (EJs) das universidades públicas do Ceará, tendo como modelo o processo de institucionalização de Tolbert e Zucker (1999) em suas três fases: habituação, objetificação e sedimentação. A pesquisa, além de ser bibliográfica, classifica-se como um estudo descritivo, de natureza qualitativa e quantitativa. O estudo foi realizado em 10 EJs do Ceará. Na coleta de dados, foram utilizados questionários, aplicados junto aos membros, e entrevistas com os presidentes das EJs. Os resultados apontam que a principal motivação para o surgimento das EJs nas universidades públicas do Ceará foi a necessidade de aliar a teoria à prática. Os principais atores no processo destas entidades foram os alunos. Não há grupos de resistência, porém há uma ameaça em relação à perspectiva de continuidade devido a alta rotatividade na EJ. As EJs estão entre as fases de objetificação e sedimentação e que as características isomórficas, entre EJs, estão relacionadas ao compartilhamento das boas práticas de gestão.
A presença da inovação nos Planos de Desenvolvimento Institucional das universidades públicas paranaenses
Authors: Silva Elizandra da , Segatto Andréa Paula
Published: February 2015

Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar a presença da inovação nos Planos de Desenvolvimento Institucional (PDI´s) das universidades públicas paranaenses, investigando como ocorre esta inserção e quais áreas de atuação da universidade enfoca. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório utilizando o método qualitativo de Análise de Conteúdo, realizado a partir dos textos originais dos PDI´s de todas as sete universidades públicas (federais e estaduais) do estado do Paraná, Brasil, coletados entre julho e agosto de 2010. Como resultado identificou-se a presença da inovação nos PDI´s de seis das sete universidades, sendo que nas de esfera federal a preocupação com a inovação aparece com muito mais frequência que nas de esfera estadual, cujas menções foram pouco significativas ou inexistentes. A inovação é considerada em grande parte relacionada ao ensino e à pesquisa, sendo menos presente na extensão e na gestão de processos internos. Concluiu-se que a inovação ainda não é um tema amplamente presente nos planejamentos das universidades públicas paranaenses.
Funções de confiança na gestão universitária: a dinâmica dos professores-gestores na Universidade Federal de Viçosa
Authors: Pereira Rafael Morais , Marques Humberto Rodrigues , Castro Fernando Luiz de , Ferreira Marco Aurélio Marques
Published: February 2015

No desenvolvimento da administração pública brasileira destaca-se a relevância dos servidores, tanto àqueles admitidos por aprovação em concurso público quanto àqueles indicados pelo critério de confiança. Esses últimos estão presentes em diferentes órgãos públicos, inclusive nas universidades federais, sendo ocupados por professores que passam a atuar como gestores, além de realizarem atividades de pesquisa, ensino e extensão. Diante disso, este artigo teve como objetivo analisar a dinâmica das funções de confiança existentes na Universidade Federal de Viçosa, problematizando sobre a capacitação dos docentes para exercerem funções gerenciais. Esta pesquisa apresentou uma abordagem qualitativa, de cunho descritivo, com coleta de dados por meio de entrevistas, do Portal Transparência e da Plataforma Lattes. Os resultados demonstraram uma quantidade expressiva de 613 funções de confiança na UFV, sendo 58 delas de cargos de direção. Além disso, os dados secundários e a perspectiva dos entrevistados comprovaram que os docentes não estão preparados para atuarem na gestão, visto que não possuem uma formação específica em administração, mas em outras áreas. Portanto, perante a limitação de criação de cargos para administradores pela instituição, cabe aos professores-gestores buscar novas competências, visando atingir os objetivos de suas novas funções com efetividade.
Egressos como instrumento de avaliação institucional: uma análise da formação e empregabilidade dos egressos da FEA-RP/USP
Authors: Miranda Claudio de Souza , Pazello Elaine Toldo , Lima Cristina Bernardi
Published: February 2015

O processo de avaliação na educação tem sido foco de diversos estudos, inclusive no ensino superior. O processo de avaliação pode ocorrer em diversos momentos da formação e entre estes está a avaliação de egressos. O foco deste estudo foi a Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade da USP de Ribeirão Preto com o objetivo de responder a seguinte pergunta: como se caracteriza a inserção dos alunos egressos no mercado de trabalho? A faculdade tinha 17 turmas formadas com 1520 egressos de seus três cursos dos quais se obteve contato de 1185, e destes obteve-se 725 respostas. A maior parte dos egressos está na região Sudeste, principalmente em São Paulo (84,7%). Em termos de formação complementar observa-se que 32,1% fizeram especialização e 28,1% fizeram mestrado. Em relação à empregabilidade observou-se 91,8% empregados, 5,0% procurando emprego e apenas 3,2% inativos. Entre os empregados, 80,9% alegaram estar atuando em sua área de formação. As principais formas de atuação são de empregados na iniciativa privada e no setor público, com renda média de R$9.631. Em relação à sua formação, indicaram uma nota média de 8,2 apesar de fazerem algumas críticas em relação a um afastamento dos docentes da realidade do mercado.
Expansão e interiorização das universidades federais: uma análise do processo de implementação do Campus do Litoral Norte da Universidade Federal da Paraíba
Authors: Nascimento Francivaldo dos Santos , Helal Diogo Henrique
Published: February 2015

O governo federal, desde 2004, tem se preocupado em expandir e interiorizar as universidades públicas federais. Diante desse contexto, a partir de 2005, a UFPB retomou o seu processo de interiorização, por meio da criação do Campus IV (Litoral Norte), localizado nas cidades de Rio Tinto e Mamanguape. Este artigo analisa o processo de implementação do Campus do Litoral Norte da UFPB. A fundamentação teórica abordou o ciclo de política pública, em particular a etapa de implementação, destacando o modelo de Smith (1973), e as políticas públicas de educação superior nos governos de FHC e Lula. A pesquisa foi descritiva e qualitativa, realizada por meio de estudo de caso. Os dados foram primários coletados por meio de entrevistas realizadas com nove pessoas, docentes e técnico-administrativos, que participaram diretamente do processo de implementação. Foram utilizados ainda dados secundários, tais como documentos institucionais, além de matérias jornalísticas publicadas na imprensa local. Na análise dos dados foi a de conteúdo. Os dados permitiram analisar o processo de implementação na perspectiva institucional, os aspectos político-institucionais; na perspectiva material, os aspectos técnico-administrativos; e na perspectiva processual, as relações com a sociedade. Os resultados da pesquisa revelaram que o processo de implementação do Campus do Litoral Norte teve uma influência política, principalmente na escolha das cidades que receberiam o campus. A implementação do Campus IV foi uma ação estratégica de enorme relevância educacional, social e econômica, levada a cabo, contudo, a partir de alguns equívocos como falta de planejamento adequado e dificuldades na execução das obras.
Compartilhamento de conhecimento: os meios utilizados no contexto da educação a distância
Authors: Nunes Carolina Schmitt , Rissi Maurício , Nakayama Marina Keiko , Pacheco Andressa Sasaki Vasques
Published: February 2015

O objetivo do artigo é identificar e analisar os meios pelos quais os integrantes de um curso de graduação na modalidade a distância utilizam para compartilhar conhecimento. A pesquisa foi realizada com agentes do curso de graduação a distância em Administração na Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Foram realizadas 29 entrevistas com participantes de seis diferentes funções no curso. Como principais resultados, verificou-se que o compartilhamento de conhecimento ocorre de espontâamente e também formalmente. Usam-se diferentes meios para o compartilhamento, os mais recorrentes são: e-mail, site, blogs, chats e redes sociais como meios que fazem uso de  tecnologias da informação. Observou-se também que os encontros presenciais são momentos de compartilhamento intenso e o polo de apoio presencial se caracteriza como um ambiente adequado para que esse processo ocorra.
Modelling street level PM10 concentrations across Europe: source apportionment and possible futures
Authors: Kiesewetter G. , Borken-Kleefeld J. , Schöpp W. , Heyes C. , Thunis P. , Bessagnet B. , Terrenoire E. , Fagerli H. , Nyiri A. , Amann M.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Despite increasing emission controls, particulate matter (PM) has remained a critical issue for European air quality in recent years. The various sources of PM, both from primary particulate emissions as well as secondary formation from precursor gases, make this a complex problem to tackle. In order to allow for credible predictions of future concentrations under policy assumptions, a modelling approach is needed that considers all chemical processes and spatial dimensions involved, from long-range transport of pollution to local emissions in street canyons. Here we describe a modelling scheme which has been implemented in the GAINS integrated assessment model to assess compliance with PM10 (PM with aerodynamic diameter <10 μm) limit values at individual air quality monitoring stations reporting to the AirBase database. The modelling approach relies on a combination of bottom up modelling of emissions, simplified atmospheric chemistry and dispersion calculations, and a traffic increment calculation wherever applicable. At each monitoring station fulfilling a few data coverage criteria, measured concentrations in the base year 2009 are explained to the extent possible and then modelled for the past and future. More than 1850 monitoring stations are covered, including more than 300 traffic stations and 80% of the stations which exceeded the EU air quality limit values in 2009. As a validation, we compare modelled trends in the period 2000–2008 to observations, which are well reproduced. The modelling scheme is applied here to quantify explicitly source contributions to ambient concentrations at several critical monitoring stations, displaying the differences in spatial origin and chemical composition of urban roadside PM10 across Europe. Furthermore, we analyse the predicted evolution of PM10 concentrations in the European Union until 2030 under different policy scenarios. Significant improvements in ambient PM10 concentrations are expected assuming successful implementation of already agreed legislation; however, these will not be large enough to ensure attainment of PM10 limit values in hot spot locations such as Southern Poland and major European cities. Remaining issues are largely eliminated in a scenario applying the best available emission control technologies to the maximal technically feasible extent.
Scattering and absorption properties of near-surface aerosol over Gangetic–Himalayan region: the role of boundary-layer dynamics and long-range transport
Authors: Dumka U. C. , Kaskaoutis D. G. , Srivastava M. K. , Devara P. C. S.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Light scattering and absorption properties of atmospheric aerosols are of vital importance for evaluating their types, sources and radiative forcing. This is of particular interest over the Gangetic–Himalayan (GH) region due to uplift of aerosol from the plains to the Himalayan range, causing serious effects on atmospheric heating, glaciology and monsoon circulation. In this respect, the Ganges Valley Aerosol Experiment (GVAX) was initiated in Nainital from June 2011 to March 2012 with the aim of examining the aerosol properties, source regions, uplift mechanisms and aerosol–radiation–cloud interactions. The present study examines the temporal (diurnal, monthly, seasonal) evolution of scattering (σ
The influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation and El Niño–Southern Oscillation on mean and extreme values of column ozone over the United States
Authors: Petropavlovskikh I. , Evans R. , McConville G. , Manney G. L. , Rieder H. E.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Continuous measurements of total ozone (by Dobson spectrophotometers) across the contiguous United States began in the early 1960s. Here, we analyze temporal and spatial variability and trends in total ozone from the five US sites with long-term records. While similar long-term ozone changes are detected at all five sites, we find differences in the patterns of ozone variability on shorter timescales. In addition to standard evaluation techniques, STL-decomposition methods (Seasonal Trend decomposition of time series based on LOESS (LOcally wEighted Scatterplot Smoothing)) are used to address temporal variability and "fingerprints" of dynamical features in the Dobson data. Methods from statistical extreme value theory (EVT) are used to characterize days with high and low total ozone (termed EHOs and ELOs, respectively) at each station and to analyze temporal changes in the frequency of ozone extremes and their relationship to dynamical features such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation. A comparison of the fingerprints detected in the frequency distribution of the extremes with those for standard metrics (i.e., the mean) shows that more fingerprints are found for the extremes, particularly for the positive phase of the NAO, at all five US monitoring sites. Results from the STL decomposition support the findings of the EVT analysis. Finally, we analyze the relative influence of low- and high-ozone events on seasonal mean column ozone at each station. The results show that the influence of ELOs and EHOs on seasonal mean column ozone can be as much as ±5 %, about as large as the overall long-term decadal ozone trends.
Consistent satellite XCO2 retrievals from SCIAMACHY and GOSAT using the BESD algorithm
Authors: Heymann J. , Reuter M. , Hilker M. , Buchwitz M. , Schneising O. , Bovensmann H. , Burrows J. P. , Kuze A. , Suto H. , Deutscher N. M. , Dubey M. K. , Griffith D. W. T. , Hase F. , Kawakami S. , Kivi R. , Morino I. , Petri C. , Roehl C. , Schneider M. , Sherlock V. , Sussmann R. , Velazco V. A. , Warneke T. , Wunch D.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Consistent and accurate long-term data sets of global atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) are required for carbon cycle and climate related research. However, global data sets based on satellite observations may suffer from inconsistencies originating from the use of products derived from different satellites as needed to cover a long enough time period. One reason for inconsistencies can be the use of different retrieval algorithms. We address this potential issue by applying the same algorithm, the Bremen Optimal Estimation DOAS (BESD) algorithm, to different satellite instruments, SCIAMACHY onboard ENVISAT (March 2002–April 2012) and TANSO-FTS onboard GOSAT (launched in January 2009), to retrieve XCO2, the column-averaged dry-air mole fraction of CO2. BESD has been initially developed for SCIAMACHY XCO2 retrievals. Here, we present the first detailed assessment of the new GOSAT BESD XCO2 product. GOSAT BESD XCO2 is a product generated and delivered to the MACC project for assimilation into ECMWF's Integrated Forecasting System (IFS). We describe the modifications of the BESD algorithm needed in order to retrieve XCO2 from GOSAT and present detailed comparisons with ground-based observations of XCO2 from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON). We discuss detailed comparison results between all three XCO2 data sets (SCIAMACHY, GOSAT and TCCON). The comparison results demonstrate the good consistency between the SCIAMACHY and the GOSAT XCO2. For example, we found a mean difference for daily averages of −0.60 ± 1.56 ppm (mean difference ± standard deviation) for GOSAT-SCIAMACHY (linear correlation coefficient r = 0.82), −0.34 ± 1.37 ppm (r = 0.86) for GOSAT-TCCON and 0.10 ± 1.79 ppm (r = 0.75) for SCIAMACHY-TCCON. The remaining differences between GOSAT and SCIAMACHY are likely due to non-perfect collocation (±2 h, 10° × 10° around TCCON sites), i.e., the observed air masses are not exactly identical, but likely also due to a still non-perfect BESD retrieval algorithm, which will be continuously improved in the future. Our overarching goal is to generate a satellite-derived XCO2 data set appropriate for climate and carbon cycle research covering the longest possible time period. We therefore also plan to extend the existing SCIAMACHY and GOSAT data set discussed here by using also data from other missions (e.g., OCO-2, GOSAT-2, CarbonSat) in the future.
HESFIRE: a global fire model to explore the role of anthropogenic and weather drivers
Authors: Le Page Y. , Morton D. , Bond-Lamberty B. , Pereira J. M. C. , Hurtt G.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Vegetation fires are a major driver of ecosystem dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions. Anticipating potential changes in fire activity and their impacts relies first on a realistic model of fire activity (e.g., fire incidence and interannual variability) and second on a model accounting for fire impacts (e.g., mortality and emissions). In this paper, we focus on our understanding of fire activity and describe a new fire model, HESFIRE (Human–Earth System FIRE), which integrates the influence of weather, vegetation characteristics, and human activities on fires in a stand-alone framework. It was developed with a particular emphasis on allowing fires to spread over consecutive days given their major contribution to burned areas in many ecosystems. A subset of the model parameters was calibrated through an optimization procedure using observation data to enhance our knowledge of regional drivers of fire activity and improve the performance of the model on a global scale. Modeled fire activity showed reasonable agreement with observations of burned area, fire seasonality, and interannual variability in many regions, including for spatial and temporal domains not included in the optimization procedure. Significant discrepancies are investigated, most notably regarding fires in boreal regions and in xeric ecosystems and also fire size distribution. The sensitivity of fire activity to model parameters is analyzed to explore the dominance of specific drivers across regions and ecosystems. The characteristics of HESFIRE and the outcome of its evaluation provide insights into the influence of anthropogenic activities and weather, and their interactions, on fire activity.