bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of an Ebola virus disease vaccine clinical trial during the Ebola epidemic in Liberia: Design, procedures, and challenges
Authors: Kennedy Stephen B , Neaton James D , Lane H Clifford , Kieh Mark WS , Massaquoi Moses BF , Touchette Nancy A , Nason Martha C , Follmann Dean A , Boley Fatorma K , Johnson Melvin P , Larson Gregg , Kateh Francis N , Nyenswah Tolbert G
Published: January 2016

The index case of the Ebola virus disease epidemic in West Africa is believed to have originated in Guinea. By June 2014, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone were in the midst of a full-blown and complex global health emergency. The devastating effects of this Ebola epidemic in West Africa put the global health response in acute focus for urgent international interventions. Accordingly, in October 2014, a World Health Organization high-level meeting endorsed the concept of a phase 2/3 clinical trial in Liberia to study Ebola vaccines. As a follow-up to the global response, in November 2014, the Government of Liberia and the US Government signed an agreement to form a research partnership to investigate Ebola and to assess intervention strategies for treating, controlling, and preventing the disease in Liberia. This agreement led to the establishment of the Joint Liberia–US Partnership for Research on Ebola Virus in Liberia as the beginning of a long-term collaborative partnership in clinical research between the two countries. In this article, we discuss the methodology and related challenges associated with the implementation of the Ebola vaccines clinical trial, based on a double-blinded randomized controlled trial, in Liberia.
Design and analysis considerations in the Ebola_Tx trial evaluating convalescent plasma in the treatment of Ebola virus disease in Guinea during the 2014–2015 outbreak
Authors: Edwards Tansy , Semple Malcolm G , De Weggheleire Anja , Claeys Yves , De Crop Maaike , Menten Joris , Ravinetto Raffaella , Temmerman Sarah , Lynen Lutgarde , Bah Elhadj Ibrahima , Smith Peter G , van Griensven Johan ,   on behalf of the Ebola_Tx Consortium
Published: January 2016

The Ebola virus disease outbreak in 2014–2015 led to a huge caseload with a high case fatality rate. No specific treatments were available beyond supportive care for conditions such as dehydration and shock. Evaluation of treatment with convalescent plasma from Ebola survivors was identified as a priority. We evaluated this intervention in an emergency setting, where randomization was unacceptable. The original trial design was an open-label study comparing patients receiving convalescent plasma and supportive care to patients receiving supportive care alone. The comparison group comprised patients recruited at the start of the trial before convalescent plasma became available, as well as patients presenting during the trial for whom there was insufficient blood group–compatible plasma or no staffing capacity to provide additional transfusions. However, during the trial, convalescent plasma was available to treat all new patients. The design was changed to use a comparator group comprising patients previously treated at the same Ebola treatment center prior to the start of the trial. In the analysis, it was planned to adjust for any differences in prognostic variables between intervention and comparison groups, specifically baseline polymerase chain reaction cycle threshold and age. In addition, adjustment was planned for other potential confounders, identified in the analysis, such as patient presenting symptoms and time to treatment seeking. Because plasma treatment started up to 3 days after diagnosis and we could not define a similar time-point for the comparator group, patients who died before the third day after confirmation of diagnosis were excluded from both intervention and comparison groups in a per-protocol analysis. Some patients received additional experimental treatments soon after plasma treatment, and these were excluded. We also analyzed mortality including all patients from the time of confirmed diagnosis, irrespective of whether those in the trial series actually received plasma, as an intention-to-treat analysis. Per-protocol and intention-to-treat approaches gave similar conclusions. An important caveat in the interpretation of the findings is that it is unlikely that all potential sources of confounding, such as any variation in supportive care over time, were eliminated. Protocols and electronic data capture systems have now been extensively field-tested for emergency evaluation of treatment with convalescent plasma. Ongoing studies seek to quantify the level of neutralizing antibodies in different plasma donations to determine whether this influences the response and survival of treated patients.
Simulation-guided phase 3 trial design to evaluate vaccine effectiveness to prevent Ebola virus disease infection: Statistical considerations, design rationale, and challenges
Authors: Vandebosch An , Mogg Robin , Goeyvaerts Nele , Truyers Carla , Greenwood Brian , Watson-Jones Debby , Herrera-Taracena Guillermo , Parys Wim , Vangeneugden Tony
Published: January 2016

Starting in December 2013, West Africa was overwhelmed with the deadliest outbreak of Ebola virus known to date, resulting in more than 27,500 cases and 11,000 deaths. In response to the epidemic, development of a heterologous prime-boost vaccine regimen was accelerated and involved preparation of a phase 3 effectiveness study. While individually randomized controlled trials are widely acknowledged as the gold standard for demonstrating the efficacy of a candidate vaccine, there was considerable debate on the ethical appropriateness of these designs in the context of an epidemic. A suitable phase 3 trial must convincingly ensure unbiased evaluation with sufficient statistical power. In addition, efficient evaluation of a vaccine candidate is required so that an effective vaccine can be immediately disseminated. This manuscript aims to present the statistical and modeling considerations, design rationale and challenges encountered due to the emergent, epidemic setting that led to the selection of a cluster-randomized phase 3 study design under field conditions.
Remarks on designs enriching for placebo non-responders
Authors: Rosenkranz Gerd K
Published: January 2016

Background:

High response under placebo constitutes a concern in clinical studies, particularly in psychiatry. Discontinuation of placebo responders identified during a placebo run-in is often recommended to avoid failures of clinical trials in the presence of high placebo effects. Evidence for the benefit of this approach is ambiguous.

Purpose:

We investigate under which conditions a placebo lead-in can be beneficial in the context of continuous data, assuming that the data in the placebo run-in and the treatment stage follow a bivariate normal distribution. Placebo responders are defined as patients with an effect during placebo lead-in which is larger than a pre-defined threshold on the absolute value or the absolute or relative change from baseline or a combination thereof.

Results:

Data are less variable under either placebo or test treatment after placebo responders have been removed. Whether the effect of test over placebo increases or decreases after enrichment for placebo non-responders depends on the parameters of the distribution, in particular the covariance structure, and the threshold in the definition of placebo responders.

Limitations:

The results apply in the continuous case, and the binary or ordinary case is not studied. The findings explain to some extent the ambiguity in the assessments of the usefulness of placebo lead-in periods in clinical trials; however, besides the clear statement on variability reduction, it is not straightforward to judge upfront whether placebo lead-in is useful. Concerns relating to the conduct and interpretation of results of such trials are mentioned.
Combined two foot flaps with iliac bone graft for reconstruction of the thumb
Authors: Zhang G. , Ju J. , Li L. , Jin G. , Li X. , Hou R.
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this report was to retrospectively review the results of reconstruction of the thumb by use of combined two foot flaps with an iliac bone graft. From 2009 to 2014, nine patients with traumatic amputation of the thumb had their thumbs reconstructed. The two flaps were based on one pedicle. All flaps survived completely. Patients were followed for a mean of 15.6 months (range, 6–35 months). The appearance of the reconstructed thumb was comparable to a normal one, except for one thumb which required debulking. The appearance of the nail was satisfactory without deformity. The range of joint motion was satisfactory. The two point discrimination of the pulp ranged from 6 mm to >15 mm. The Michigan Hand Questionnaire outcome score was a mean of 76.2 ± 11.3 points and the Maryland foot rating score a mean of 94.8 ± 3.4 points. The combined two foot flaps with iliac bone graft might provide an option for the reconstruction of the thumb.

Level of evidence: III
The Effects of Spatial Enclosure on Social Interaction Between Older Adults With Dementia and Young Children
Authors: Cerruti Minyoung S. , Shepley Mardelle M.
Published: January 2016

Objective:

To examine the impact of spatial enclosures on social interaction between older adults with early stage dementia and young children.

Background:

Intergenerational interaction through meaningful activities can promote positive affects and behaviors of children and older adults. The development of social interaction is closely related to the physical environment in association with personal competence of older adults with dementia and young children. However, minimal attention has been given to the role of physical environment in influencing intergenerational interaction.

Methods:

A quasi-experiment examined the functional relationship between the amount of spatial enclosure and the types of social behaviors of older adults with dementia and young children. Semi-structured interviews, aided by a photographic simulation, were developed to explore the participants’ perceptions of and experiences with the different degrees of spatial enclosure.

Results:

Findings showed that the semienclosed spatial plan impacted both prosocial and antisocial behaviors of older adults with dementia in their interactions with young children. This apparent discrepancy was associated with two conflicting perceptions: a sense of openness and the lack of control due to distraction created by the loose visual boundary. There was no correlation between the elder-child neutral behaviors and the degrees of spatial enclosure.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that spaces with moderate openness without visual and acoustic distraction are the most desirable to promote prosocial behaviors of older adults with dementia and young children. Additionally, elder-child prosocial behaviors were likely facilitated by specific design features such as adequate personal space, the perception of openness, and possible spaces that provide both prospect and refuge in relation to spatial enclosure.
Homeostasis balance, homeostasis imbalance or distinct motivational processes? Comments on Marks (2015) ‘Homeostatic Theory of Obesity’
Authors: Pelletier Luc G , Guertin Camille , Pope J Paige , Rocchi Meredith
Published: January 2016

In his article, ‘Homeostatic theory of obesity’, Marks suggested that imbalances in homeostatic processes could explain weight gain and obesity. He proposes that over-consumption of high-caloric, low-nutrient and low satiating foods, combined with a stressful environment, is the origin of weight gain. Once weight gain occurs, individuals may develop body dissatisfaction and negative affect, leading to continued over-consumption, which sets in motion a system of feedback loops that leads to a Circle of Discontent and further weight gain. In this article, we attempt to clarify certain problematic aspects of Marks framework and identify specific directions that researchers should pursue to address these shortcomings.
Beyond Mental Illness
Authors: Elbogen Eric B. , Dennis Paul A. , Johnson Sally C.
Published: January 2016

The association between violence and serious mental illness (SMI)—schizophrenia, other psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder—was examined and guided by the I3 model to frame analysis of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions Waves 1 and 2, enrolling N = 34,653 participants representative of the U.S. population. SMI was related to subsequent violent behavior but in multivariable analysis had the weakest link to severe violence. Risk factors postulated to increase dispositional impellance (anger, perceived threats), situational impellance (recent divorce/separation, financial crisis, victimization), and disinhibition (alcohol/drug abuse) fully mediated the relationship between SMI and violence. Clinical research, interventions, and policies on violence should use conceptual models and consider SMI not in isolation but relative to other risk factors. Violence prevention targeting only psychiatric diagnosis is likely to have limited impact given lack of a strong or direct connection found between SMI and violent behavior.
Complete genome sequence of the potato pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum UY031
Authors: Guarischi-Sousa Rodrigo , Puigvert Marina , Coll Núria S. , Siri María Inés , Pianzzola María Julia , Valls Marc , Setubal João C.
Published: January 2016

Ralstonia solanacearum is the causative agent of bacterial wilt of potato. Ralstonia solanacearum strain UY031 belongs to the American phylotype IIB, sequevar 1, also classified as race 3 biovar 2. Here we report the completely sequenced genome of this strain, the first complete genome for phylotype IIB, sequevar 1, and the fourth for the R. solanacearum species complex. In addition to standard genome annotation, we have carried out a curated annotation of type III effector genes, an important pathogenicity-related class of genes for this organism. We identified 60 effector genes, and observed that this effector repertoire is distinct when compared to those from other phylotype IIB strains. Eleven of the effectors appear to be nonfunctional due to disruptive mutations. We also report a methylome analysis of this genome, the first for a R. solanacearum strain. This analysis helped us note the presence of a toxin gene within a region of probable phage origin, raising the hypothesis that this gene may play a role in this strain’s virulence.
Multiphoton imaging of myogenic differentiation in gelatin-based hydrogels as tissue engineering scaffolds
Authors: Kim Min Jeong , Shin Yong Cheol , Lee Jong Ho , Jun Seung Won , Kim Chang-Seok , Lee Yunki , Park Jong-Chul , Lee Soo-Hong , Park Ki Dong , Han Dong-Wook
Published: January 2016

Background

Hydrogels can serve as three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds for cell culture and be readily injected into the body. Recent advances in the image technology for 3D scaffolds like hydrogels have attracted considerable attention to overcome the drawbacks of ordinary imaging technologies such as optical and fluorescence microscopy. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) is an effective method based on the excitation of two-photons. In the present study, C2C12 myoblasts differentiated in 3D gelatin hydroxyphenylpropionic acid (GHPA) hydrogels were imaged by using a custom-built multiphoton excitation fluorescence microscopy to compare the difference in the imaging capacity between conventional microscopy and MPM.

Results

The physicochemical properties of GHPA hydrogels were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, the cell viability and proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts cultured in the GHPA hydrogels were analyzed by using Live/Dead Cell and CCK-8 assays, respectively. It was found that C2C12 cells were well grown and normally proliferated in the hydrogels. Furthermore, the hydrogels were shown to be suitable to facilitate the myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells incubated in differentiation media, which had been corroborated by MPM. It was very hard to get clear images from a fluorescence microscope.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the gelatin-based hydrogels can be beneficially utilized as 3D scaffolds for skeletal muscle engineering and that MPM can be effectively applied to imaging technology for tissue regeneration.
Synthesis of Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymer Using Heterobifunctional Linkers, Connected by a Photodegradable N-(2-Nitrobenzyl)imide Structure and Available for Two Different Click Chemistries
Authors: Yamamoto Shota , Tochigi Hidemi , Yamazaki Shuya , Nakahama Seiichi , Yamaguchi Kazuo
Published: January 2016

Two photodegradable heterobifunctional linkers (PHBL) connected by a N-(2-nitrobenzyl)imide structure have been developed as tools to obtain photodegradable diblock copolymers with precisely controlled molecular weight. They can undergo two different click reactions, i.e., Huisgen cycloaddition and Michael addition. One linker has an alkyne moiety and maleimide protected as adduct with furan. Reaction of azido-terminated polystyrene (PS), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with this PHBL followed by deprotection affords the corresponding maleimide-terminated polymer, which was coupled with thiol-terminated PEG or poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) to synthesize PS-b-PHBL-b-PEG, PCL-b-PHBL-b-PEG, and PEG-b-PHBL-b-PNIPAM. The other linker has maleimide and an alkyne protected by a trimethylsilyl group. This affords diblock copolymers by the reverse route, i.e., maleimide reacts with thiol-terminated PS to obtain a product by Michael addition, and then after deprotection, Huisgen cycloaddition of the generated alkyne- and azido-terminated PEG affords PEG-b-PHBL-b-PS. The resulting photosensitive diblock copolymers were characterized by UV spectroscopy in solution before and after photoirradiation. The energy needed for photolysis of the diblock copolymers in solution ranged from 12 to 17 J cm−2, and was independent of polymer type and molecular weight.
Activating the branch-forming splicing pathway by reengineering the ribozyme component of a natural group II intron
Authors: Monachello Dario , Michel François , Costa Maria
Published: January 2016

When assayed in vitro, group IIC self-splicing introns, which target bacterial Rho-independent transcription terminators, generally fail to yield branched products during splicing despite their possessing a seemingly normal branchpoint. Starting with intron O.i.I1 from Oceanobacillus iheyensis, whose crystallographically determined structure lacks branchpoint-containing domain VI, we attempted to determine what makes this intron unfit for in vitro branch formation. A major factor was found to be the length of the helix at the base of domain VI: 4 base pairs (bp) are required for efficient branching, even though a majority of group IIC introns have a 3-bp helix. Equally important for lariat formation is the removal of interactions between ribozyme domains II and VI, which are specific to the second step of splicing. Conversely, mismatching of domain VI and its proposed first-step receptor in subdomain IC1 was found to be detrimental; these data suggest that the intron-encoded protein may promote branch formation partly by modulating the equilibrium between conformations specific to the first and second steps of splicing. As a practical application, we show that by making just two changes to the O.i.I1 ribozyme, it is possible to generate sufficient amounts of lariat intron for the latter to be purified and used in kinetic assays in which folding and reaction are uncoupled.
Exploring Peirce’s speculative grammar: The immediate object of a sign
Authors: Bellucci Francesco
Published: January 2016

The paper argues against what I call the “Fregean interpretation” of Peirce’s distinction between the immediate and the dynamic object of a sign, according to which Peirce’s dynamic object is akin to Frege’s Bedeutung, while Peirce’s immediate object is akin to Frege’s Sinn. After having exposed the Fregean interpretation, I briefly reconstruct the genesis of Peirce’s notion of immediate object in his semiotic writings of the years 1904–1909 and defend the view that, according to Peirce, only propositions have immediate objects.Includes: Comment by Helmut Pape (pp. 416–418).
Some perplexities about Peirce’s “skeleton ideas”
Authors: Gaultier Benoit
Published: January 2016

In seven paragraphs written in 1893, Peirce puts forward a puzzling and thought-provoking claim about the role of rather mysterious “skeleton-sets” in processes of association of ideas: all association of ideas, either by resemblance or by contiguity, requires and involves “skeleton sets”, whose iconic dimension is necessary for these processes to take place. Because it relates to the question of the nature and mode of the existence of ideas, to that of the role of icons in thought, and to that of the content of concepts, this thesis is clearly of great importance for Peirce’s philosophical system. In this paper, I would like to examine two questions: (1) what is the justification of Peirce’s claim that “skeleton-sets”, or “skeleton ideas”, are necessary for an association of ideas – by resemblance or by contiguity – to take place in one’s mind? (2) Is this claim compatible with Peirce’s philosophical system?
PARCERIA INTERORGANIZACIONAL ENTRE UMA PEQUENA E UMA GRANDE EMPRESA DE TI
Authors: Nascimento Ires Naiare Simões do , Amorim Amilly Ribeiro , Costa Thyego Rodrigo Passos , Teixeira Rivanda Meira
Published: January 2016

Esse estudo tem como objetivo principal analisar a parceria entre uma pequena empresa e uma grande, ambas atuantes no setor de tecnologia da informação, na perspectiva da pequena empresa. Especificamente, identifica como essa pareceria foi iniciada, as mudanças ocorridas na pequena empresa a partir dessa parceria, os produtos obtidos e os resultados alcançados. Através da análise do caso, foi possível perceber que a pequena empresa tem melhorado seu desempenho, se firmando no cenário sergipano através dessa parceria e ganhou uma fatia importante do mercado nordestino. A parceria possibilitou a pequena empresa atingir resultados satisfatórios, divulgar seus produtos e serviços e se fortalecer perante a concorrência.
CEO DUALITY AND FIRM PERFORMANCE IN BRAZIL: EVIDENCE FROM 2008
Authors: Amaral-Baptista Marcio Alves , Klotzle Marcelo Cabús , Campelo de Melo Maria Angela
Published: January 2016

This research investigates the relationship between CEO duality and the performance of Brazilian firms in 2008. While CEO duality has been the dominant board leadership structure of US corporations, Brazilian firms typically separate the roles of CEO and chairperson. During 2008, some Brazilian firms such as Sadia S/A (a multinational food processing company) adopted a dual leadership structure in an attempt to respond to the global systemic crisis. Using agency and stewardship theory perspectives, we tested our hypotheses with data of Brazilian listed companies. The empirical results indicate that companies where the CEO and chairperson are the same person have significantly higher performance (ROE). We also found a positive association between CEO duality and all other firm performance measures (ROA, ROC, MTBV), although the results were not statistically significant for these.
CONHECIMENTO E USO DE MÉTRICAS DE MARKETING
Authors: Pupo Fabricio Palermo , Botelho Delane
Published: January 2016

O objetivo desta pesquisa é identificar na literatura métricas de marketing e o nível de conhecimento e uso de métricas pelos gestores de IES. A metodologia utilizada neste estudo de natureza exploratória foi a pesquisa qualitativa por meio de entrevista em profundidade, realizada com oito dirigentes de marketing de IES privadas, da cidade de Curitiba - PR. Concluiu-se que o conhecimento empírico existe, mas se fazem necessários o uso de métodos e técnicas. E verificou-se que essas ações começaram a ser praticadas nos últimos cinco anos pela maioria das instituições pesquisadas e a tendência é que exista maior desenvolvimento sobre o tema. Pesquisas futuras são discutidas à luz da teoria de marketing.
CARACTERÍSTICAS DO BULLYING COMO UM TIPO DE ASSÉDIO MORAL NAS ORGANIZAÇÕES
Authors: Marcondes Ana Luisa Nogueira , Dias Reinaldo
Published: January 2016

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar o fenômeno assédio moral nas empresas e identificar a prática do bullying como uma de suas dimensões, caracterizado pela conduta abusiva do superior hierárquico em relação a seu subordinado. Para tanto examinamos o conceito de assédio moral, mobbing e bullying e sua relação com as pressões para o aumento da produtividade e eficiência nas organizações. Com os dados obtidos pela pesquisa, tecemos as considerações finais tendo como expectativa contribuir para uma visão do fenômeno a partir da perspectiva dos sujeitos envolvidos (assediadores e vítimas) e quais as estratégias que devem ser desenvolvidas pelas empresas para evita-lo, através de intervenções mais eficazes e que devem não só estar dirigidas aos envolvidos diretamente, mas também considerando o contexto onde é gerado esse tipo de comportamento agressivo.
ACCOUNTABILITY E GOVERNO ELETRÔNICO: UMA ANÁLISE SOBRE A PARTICIPAÇÃO POPULAR
Authors: Lima Filho Raimundo Nonato , Simões Paulo Everton Mota , Silva Mateus Santos da , Chagas Suraya Brito
Published: January 2016

O estudo tem o objetivo de analisar o grau de participação popular em mecanismos do governo eletrônico e accountability. Para responder o problema de pesquisa, que discute qual o nível de participação de estudantes de pós-graduação em mecanismos de governo eletrônico e accountability, foi adotada uma metodologia do tipo survey, mediante aplicação de questionários e análise de uma amostra formada por 51 estudantes de pós-graduação, com coleta de dados ocorrida em Junho de 2010. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o problema da participação popular no governo eletrônico não está na falta de tecnologia, mas na cultura política do cidadão e do estágio de desenvolvimento da política nacional.
RECICLAGEM E RESPONSABILIDADE AMBIENTAL: UM CASO DE UMA FABRICANTE DE BEBIDAS NÃO ALCOÓLICAS
Authors: Rodrigues Raphael Rossi , Bernardo da Silva Tatiana Maria
Published: January 2016

As empresas, visando obter um diferencial competitivo e uma melhoria na sua imagem corporativa, têm adotado variáveis ambientais e sociais às suas estratégias. Nas indústrias e no varejo, a logística reversa tem surgido como um meio de dar o descarte correto de muitos produtos ou fazendo com que estes retornem ao processo produtivo. Produzindo ganhos tanto para o meio ambiente, quanto para as empresas que fazem uso de tal processo, além de gerar ganhos para cooperativas de reciclagem, que são as responsáveis por recolher e selecionar o material descartado. No presente artigo, apresenta-se um estudo de caso de uma empresa de bebidas não alcoólicas e o seu programa de reciclagem de garrafas PET, como a associação com as cooperativas de reciclagem. Mostrando que a idéia de reciclagem obtém ganhos consideráveis para ambas as organizações.
EQUIPAMENTOS MECÂNICOS MULTI-FUNCIONAIS E CANAIS DE DISTRIBUIÇÃO REVERSA: O CASO SUCATRANS
Authors: Altaf Joyce Gonçalves , Abdalla Márcio Moutinho , Troccoli Irene Raguenet , Moreira Mara Bastos
Published: January 2016

Este artigo visa a mostrar que a utilização de mecanismos operacionais pode proporcionar benefícios em termos de custos e de desempenho no transporte de materiais. Inicialmente apresenta-se levantamento bibliográfico relativo a aspectos de logística reversa e de transportes. Em seguida, apresenta-se o caso específico de uma empresa de transporte rodoviário de Minas Gerais - a Sucatrans Ltda. - no negócio de fluxo reverso (reaproveitamento) de materiais ferrosos como matéria-prima secundária para o setor siderúrgico. Com esta reflexão da prática, por meio da análise da capacidade de cargas transportadas em veículos longos, e da demonstração de que a utilização de veículos semipesados trucks minimiza os custos e otimiza a receita, quantificam-se aqueles benefícios. Na conclusão, consolida-se a visão de que um sistema logístico eficiente é capaz de estabelecer diferencial competitivo no ambiente globalizado onde as empresas ora se encontram.
A ADMINISTRAÇÃO COMO UMA CIÊNCIA SOCIAL APLICADA: INTEGRANDO CIÊNCIA, TECNOLOGIA E SOCIEDADE NO ENSINO DE ADMINISTRAÇÃO
Authors: Lemos Dannyela Da Cunha , Bazzo Walter Antonio
Published: January 2016

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar as possibilidades da abordagem dos estudos sobre ciência, tecnologia e sociedade (CTS) para o ensino da administração. Tal proposta enfatiza o alcance do perfil de egresso que possa atender as expectativas da sociedade e, sobretudo manter-se crítico em relação à estas. Trata-se de um ensaio teórico que  está organizado em seis seções. Após uma breve introdução discutem-se os fundamentos da epistemologia da administração, apresentando-se as principais correntes de base do pensamento científico e suas relações com a ciência da administração. Em seguida relacionam-se os elementos históricos e a evolução do ensino de administração no Brasil. Na sequência apresentam-se as proposições dos estudos de CTS, partindo-se de seu contexto de formação, pressupostos e abordagens. A partir daí são discutidas as possibilidades dos estudos CTS no ensino da administração no Brasil e por fim são tecidas as considerações finais.
PLANEJAMENTO ESTRATÉGICO: MAPEAMENTO DAS PUBLICAÇÕES REALIZADAS NO PERÍODO DE 2000 A 2010
Authors: Cunha Adriano Sérgio da , Scheffel Fábio Roque , Dutra Ademar , Leite Andre Luis da Silva
Published: January 2016

Os estudos bibliométricos têm permitido identificar e quantificar as informações referentes à produção e à disseminação do conhecimento científico. Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a produção científica sobre planejamento estratégico publicado nos periódicos dos programas de doutorado em Administração recomendados pela CAPES. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, envolvendo análise documental e abordagem qualitativa. A população compreende 29 programas recomendados pela CAPES, sendo a amostra composta por 21 programas que disponibilizam o acesso aos periódicos por meio eletrônico, onde foram coletados 288 artigos, que, após a aplicação de procedimentos de análise, resultou em 94 publicações. Concluiu-se com este trabalho que dois periódicos de duas Universidades são os que mais contribuem nas publicações nesta área, e 3 são os autores mais prolíficos. Pôde-se observar também que a grande maioria das pesquisas são qualitativas.
Diversidade Sexual nas Organizações: Um Estudo sobre Coming Out
Authors: Caproni Neto Henrique Luiz , Saraiva Luiz Alex Silva , Bicalho Renata De Almeida
Published: January 2016

O presente artigo busca analisar a vivência de sexualidade para trabalhadores não-heterossexuais a partir de suas reflexões acerca dos limites, possibilidades e consequências do processo de assunção de suas sexualidades no ambiente organizacional. Assim, revisitamos pesquisas sobre os homossexuais no ambiente de trabalho, discutimos sobre a diversidade nas organizações e no trabalho, o coming out e a busca de valorização da identidade dos homossexuais. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, utilizamos a história oral com foco na trajetória profissional para as entrevistas e apreciamos os dados por meio da análise de conteúdo temática qualitativa por duas categorias: identidade e estigma, e diversidade e coming out. De modo geral, enfatizamos alguns fatores que facilitam ou dificultam a assunção e os impactos desta para os participantes da pesquisa. Destacamos a busca de uma visão reflexiva e humanista quanto aos não-heterossexuais nas organizações e no trabalho.
Absolut spoof: subvertendo a publicidade da marca Absolut
Authors: Couto de Azevedo de Oliveira Renata , Grubits de Paula Pessôa Luís Alexandre
Published: January 2016

O objetivo do presente estudo é investigar como as paródias publicitárias (ou spoof ads) da marca Absolut Vodca veiculados no site da AdBusters Media Foundation, que possui destaque dentre os movimentos de resistência classificados como culture jamming, refletem as características e críticas apontadas na literatura sobre tal movimento. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória com base em um estudo de caso dos spoof ads da marca Absolut. Os resultados apontam que muitas das características do movimento de culture jamming estão presentes no corpus analisado. Conclui-se, portanto, que os spoofs são elementos representativos do movimento jammer de resistência previamente mencionado.
Qualidade em serviços e gestão da experiência do cliente no comércio eletrônico
Authors: Borges Fábio Roberto , Veiga Ricardo Teixeira , Gonçalves Filho Cid , Fernandes Izabella Bueno , Torres Júnior Noel
Published: January 2016

A gestão da experiência do cliente é uma abordagem que vem gerando crescente interesse em profissionais e acadêmicos da área de marketing (KLAUS, 2013; RAWSON; DUNCAN; JONES, 2013). De outro lado, a qualidade em serviços continua sendo estudada e vem ganhando novas escalas e modelos para o contexto online (BOSHOFF, 2007; LI; SUOMI, 2009). O limiar entre os temas continua, porém, pouco explorado na literatura acadêmica, dificultando a operacionalização dos conceitos de maneira integrada (KLAUS, 2013). Este artigo busca elucidar a inter-relação entre os temas a partir da representação da jornada do cliente, onde a qualidade em serviços é um fator primordial para a entrega de valor, dentro de um contexto mais amplo, que envolve todos os pontos de contato do cliente com a empresa, que devem ser geridos a partir da centralidade de pensamento no cliente e no comprometimento em oferecer-lhe experiências positivamente diferenciadas, capazes de promover engajamento.
Competências do Professor Universitário: A Prática Como Itinerário Para a Aprendizagem Ativa do Aluno e Para a Formação Continuada do Docente
Authors: Guimarães Jairo de Carvalho
Published: January 2016

O presente ensaiopropõe ampliar as discussões sobre a importância da prática didático-pedagógicado professor universitário – com enfoque em Instituições Federais de EnsinoSuperior (IFES) – como condição necessária para promover a aprendizagem ativado aluno de Administração. Para fundamentar a proposta, entende-se que aincursão na prática disciplinar exige do professor universitário um conjunto decompetências, as quais devem ser regularmente empregadas, permitindo ao alunoestender o horizonte que compreende a problematização, a reflexão, acriticidade, a compreensão e o significado do conhecimento. Nesta perspectiva,encontram-se imbricadas questões que tratam do mercado de trabalho, dacompetência e formação do professor e, como consequência deste enredamento, daaprendizagem ativa do aluno. Para ancorar a proposta ensaística, recorreu-se,entre outras fontes, às experiências e fundamentos de Dewey (2013), Perrenoud(2013), Pimenta e Anastasiou (2010), Sandberg e Pinnington (2009), Schön(2000), Silva e Costa (2014), Sordi e Silva (2010) e Zarifian (2011).
Competências e Habilidades do tutor virtual que influenciam na aprendizagem dos alunos
Authors: Almeida Neide Lúcia de Oliveira , Marroig Rui , Pinto Vera Regina Ramos
Published: January 2016

O crescimento exponencial do ensino a distância (EAD) no Brasil gerou uma enorme demanda por profissionais para atender aos seus milhões de alunos. Este artigo trata do papel de um desses profissionais, o tutor virtual. O caminho traçado pelos autores foi mapear na bibliografia um perfil de competências e habilidades do tutor, e buscar compreender quais mais influenciam a aprendizagem dos alunos, através de uma pesquisa quantitativa. Analisando o referencial teórico, foi construída uma lista com 13 competências e habilidades do tutor virtual. Submetida a 20 tutores e 153 alunos de um MBA semipresencial, os pesquisados selecionaram as 3 competências/habilidades que considerassem mais influentes, do 1º. ao 3º. lugares, escolhendo também a competência ou habilidade com menor grau de influência no aprendizado. O presente trabalho apresenta e discute a visão de tutores e alunos do MBA sobre a prioridade das competências para a aprendizagem, e faz uma análise comparativa entre essas visões.
Editorial
Authors: Moraes Joysi
Published: January 2016

Editorial da Revista com apresentação dos artigos e dos seus respectivos autores.
Processo de inovação na micro e pequena empresa: implicações e achados em empresas sergipanas
Authors: Silva Glessia , Dacorso Antonio Luiz Rocha
Published: January 2016

Dado o potencial competitivo que a inovação promove, organizações de todos os portes têm investido na inovação como forma de atuar no mercado, inclusive as micro e pequenas empresas. Com o objetivo de compreender como ocorre o processo de inovação nas micro e pequenas empresas, foi realizado um estudo de múltiplos casos em sete empresas sergipanas, de diferentes setores da economia. Como fontes de evidências foram utilizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, análise documental e análise por registros. A pesquisa demonstrou um processo de inovação formado por um conjunto de práticas informais, direcionadas à busca por qualidade, controle e melhoria de suas atividades e processos. Esta busca, por sua vez, contribui para que os gestores identifiquem novas oportunidades de negócio e possíveis melhorias. Assim, as micro e pequenas empresas apresentam um formato peculiar em seu processo de gestão da inovação, voltado às práticas diárias que exercem e estreitamente dependente de seus integrantes para manterem um processo contínuo e dinâmico.
A percepção econômico-financeira do microempreendedor individual em Goiás
Authors: Fernandes Silva Maira Jessika , Ferreira da Cunha Moises , Nascimento Iara Renielly , Araújo Machado Camila
Published: January 2016

Resumo: Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo identificar a percepção do Microempreendedor Individual Goiano acerca das possíveis alterações em seus indicadores de desempenho econômico-financeiros decorrentes da sua formalização. A amostra utilizada foi um questionário aplicado para os Microempreendedores que procuraram o SEBRAE – Goias, em Goiânia, entre março e maio de 2013. Foram obtidos 109 questionários válidos. Os dados foram analisados através de técnicas que investigam as relações de interdependência entre variáveis, neste caso, Análise de Correspondência e Homogeneidade. Com base nessas análises, notou-se que os Microempreendedores Individuais do Estado de Goiás perceberam melhoras em seus indicadores econômico-financeiros após sua formalização.   Palavras-chave: Microempreendedor Individual; Formalização; Indicadores econômico-financeiros.
Impacto da percepção de suporte organizacional sobre o comprometimento organizacional afetivo: o papel moderador da liderança
Authors: Fernandes Cintia Monteiro , Siqueira Mirlene Maria Matias , Vieira Almir Martins
Published: January 2016

Participaram da pesquisa 263 trabalhadores que atuam na Região Sudeste do Brasil (Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo) em organizações não governamentais, públicas e privadas. Como instrumento para coleta de dados, foi utilizado um questionário de autopreenchimento composto de três escalas que mediram as variáveis da pesquisa. O estudo se propôs a apresentar, interpretar e discutir as relações entre as variáveis, como também, testar as hipóteses referentes ao modelo conceitual proposto, por meio de uma pesquisa de natureza transversal com abordagem quantitativa, cujos dados coletados foram analisados por aplicação de técnicas estatísticas. O tratamento e análise dos dados foram realizados pelo software estatístico Statistical Package for the Social Sciences – SPSS. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a variável “percepção de suporte organizacional” exerce forte e significativo impacto sobre comprometimento organizacional afetivo, enquanto que a variável “estilos de liderança” não consegue aumentar nem diminuir a força. A pesquisa possibilitou concluir que a variável “estilos de liderança” é um moderador frágil da relação entre percepção de suporte organizacional e comprometimento organizacional afetivo.
Insatisfações projetadas de consumidores de baixa renda
Authors: Hemais Marcus Wilcox , Casotti Leticia Moreira
Published: January 2016

O presente estudo tem como objetivo estudar como consumidores de baixa renda reagem quando em situações de insatisfação de consumo. Utilizou-se, para isso, a técnica projetiva de histórias temáticas para a coleta de dados. Foram identificadas duas perspectivas sobre como o consumidor reage quando insatisfeito. A primeira, ilustra um comportamento passivo sobre como resolver problemas de consumo, que, em geral, significa não reclamar e se conformar com o prejuízo. A segunda, diferentemente, ilustra uma reação contra a insatisfação, expressa por reclamações ou, até, adoção de medidas legais. Diferentemente do que a literatura aponta, o presente trabalho mostra que há consumidores de baixa renda que reclamam quando insatisfeitos, pois conhecem, pelos menos em discurso, seus direitos de consumo. Empresas devem atentar para tais reações desses consumidores, fugindo da racionalidade de que eles abrem mão de atendimento de qualidade, por valorizarem mais preços baixos.
Designing a revenue structure in local self-government entities in Poland: taxes versus grants
Authors: Guziejewska Beata
Published: January 2016

This paper discusses the problem of rational forming of the financing system for local self-government entities. The concept of fiscal federalism as well as the role and importance of own revenues and revenues from the state budget transfers, which are slightly different from other unitary countries, have been referred to in this context. The aim of this paper is to statistically analyze the selected categories of local self-government revenues in Poland with regard to the local self-government total revenue in 2013 and the total expenditure between 1999 and 2013. The study involved methods for the analysis of dynamics of mass phenomena such as, first of all, fixed base indexes, the average rate of change indicator and the correlation and regression coefficients from time series. The correlation and regression coefficients from time series were calculated with the first difference method. The results of study demonstrate a statistically significant role of transfer revenues in the expenditure (with the exception of voivodeships) and a statistically insignificant effect of sensu stricto own revenues in the case of cities with poviat status, poviats and voivodeships. The results reveal that the spending policy of local self-governments in Poland is highly dependent on a specific category of revenue, which is referred to as “other revenue” in the study, as a result of the inflow of EU funds. In the long term, once this specific, incidental source of revenue has been exhausted, the local self-government finance may face serious disruption. Such conclusions may serve as a practical contribution to the creation of an early warning mechanism in the shaping of present and future fiscal policies.
Shared state taxes and tax policy of local self-governments in connection with tax morale
Authors: Sipos Agnes
Published: January 2016

Based on our assumption, tax morale significantly depends on a country’s legal, historical, social and cultural background and circumstances. In the first part of the paper, we discuss the legal dimension of the tax morale – including the interconnection of law, ethics and moral. Furthermore, we analyze the facts breaching tax liabilities under the scope of the criminal law and the actions violating the tax morale but not qualified as infringement of the criminal law. In the second part of the paper, we provide empirical evidence on which factors (e.g. personal characteristics, commitment for paying local taxes, knowledge about the distribution of paid taxes between central and local authorities, etc.) determine significantly the individual level of tax morale. The paper discusses these complex connections either from the viewpoint of law or economics in order to find out whether it is possible to develop the tax morale of individuals, or can the legislator adequately rule the different forms of tax evasion.
Determinants of export performance of Ukrainian firms
Authors: Cieślik Andrzej , Michałek Jan Jakub , Nasadiuk Iryna
Published: January 2016

Following the new strand in the new trade theory literature that focuses on firm heterogeneity, in this paper we investigate the determinants of a firm’s export performance in Ukraine. The study is based on the BEEPS firm level data compiled by EBRD and the World Bank. The study covers the period starting in 2005 and ending in 2013. We estimate the probit regressions for each year of our sample as well as for the pooled dataset that includes all years. Our pooled estimation results indicate that the probability of exporting is related to the level of productivity, the firm size, innovation, the share of university graduates in productive employment, as well as the internationalization of firms.
World trade and regional trade orientation in the context of forthcoming transatlantic trade and investment partnership
Authors: Czarny Elżbieta , Folfas Paweł
Published: January 2016

We analyse potential consequences of the forthcoming Trade and Investment Partnership between the European Union and the United States (TTIP) for trade orientation of both partners. We do it so with along with the short analysis of the characteristics of the third wave of regionalism and the TTIP position in this process as well as the dominant role of the EU and the U.S. in the world economy – especially – in the world trade. Next, we study trade orientation of the hypothetical region created in result of TTIP. We use regional trade introversion index (RTII) to analyze trade between the EU and the U.S. that has taken place until now to get familiar with the potential changes caused by liberalization of trade between both partners. We analyze RTII for mutual trade of the EU and the U.S. Then, we apply disaggregated data to analyze and compare selected partial RTII (e.g. for trade in final and intermediate goods as well as goods produced in the main sectors of economy like agriculture or manufacturing). The analysis of the TTIP region’s orientation of trade based on the historical data from the period 1999-2012 revealed several conclusions. Nowadays, the trade between the EU and the U.S. is constrained by the protection applied by both partners. Trade liberalization constituting one necessary part of TTIP will surely help to intensify this trade. The factor of special concern is trade of agricultural products which is most constrained and will hardly be fully liberalized even within a framework of TTIP. Simultaneously, both parties are even now trading relatively intensively with intermediaries, which are often less protected than the average of the economy for the sake of development of final goods’ production. The manufactured goods are traded relatively often as well, mainly in consequence of their poor protection after many successful liberalization steps in the framework of GATT/WTO. Consequently, we point out that in many respects the TTIP will be important not only for its participants, but for the whole world economy as well. TTIP appears to be an economic and political project with serious consequences for the world economy and politics.