bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship marketing approach and customer perceived value: An empirical study in retail banks
Authors: Boubker Nezha Nait , Belamhitou Mahmoud
Published: December 2018

Abstract

This paper studies what creates value for customers and how perceived value increases customersâ€™ loyalty. An analytical model is presented and applied in the field of Moroccan retail banking industry. The model is tested through a quantitative study using data collected by an online questionnaire. A total of 200 customers of financial entities were surveyed, and 20 items were tested using the Structural Equation Modeling through Smart-PLS Approach. The results show that the relationship marketing approach is a multidimensional construct composed by trust, commitment and satisfaction. The perceived value based on the PERVAL scale was composed of three components (economic value, social value and emotional value) and represented by 7 items. The results confirm that customersâ€™ positive perceived value has a mediator effect between relationship marketing approach of the providers and customersâ€™ loyalty. This article provides an empirical validation of the perceived value study, a little investigated topic in the Moroccan context. It shows the managerial implications of developing such strategy to maintain long term relationship with customers.

 

Keywords: relationship approach, perceived value, loyalty, banking , Morocco.
Critical success factors for customer portfolio management
Authors: Stancheva Viktoria
Published: December 2018

Since the past 40 years, considerable attention has been paid to the different customer portfolio models. Although most companies understand the importance of managing their customer portfolios, they actually manage the process intuitively or on the basis of CRM systems, which do not always ensure optimal results. At the same time, the extant literature fails to offer a coherent list of the key factors for successful implementation of customer portfolio models. This paper offers a systematic view of the critical success factors for customer portfolio management. They are categorised as strategic, tactical and operational. Emphasis is placed on the grouping of success factors and the interaction between them, rather than the identification of individual factors. The research and managerial implications of the proposed framework are emphasised and opportunities for identification of the success factors along with their associated sector-specific operational variables for further development of a research methodology are presented.

Keywords: Customer portfolio, CRM, critical success factors.
Performance of processes in quality management of companies providing services
Authors: Klementova Jarmila , Sedliacikova Mariana , Hamary Gurova Diana , Mala Denisa
Published: December 2018

Improving the quality of products, services and processes is currently very important for building the competitiveness of businesses on the markets. The aim of this paper was to propose a framework standardised model for measuring and evaluating processes’ performance in quality management for companies providing services. An empirical study in practice of Slovak businesses preceded the design of this model. The level of understanding and the use of methods and tools for measuring and evaluating processes’ performance in the area of quality were mapped through a questionnaire survey. This model reflects a run of single processes, activities and sequences that are necessary to be solved in the frame of implementation and improvement of quality in businesses providing services, through the use of appropriate methods and tools. It also captures the interaction of the customer in the process of service providing, the impact of customer on the quality of service and the evaluation of customers’ satisfaction.
Keywords: Quality management, processes, performance, companies providing services, model
Success of Family Company: Critical Evidence from the Portugal
Authors: Murinova Anastasia , KorÃ¡b Vojtech
Published: December 2018

Abstract

During the last time, the attention to a phenomenon of family business steadily grows. Today this form of business is considered to be a vital and needful for economic development. Despite this, the basic theory of family business is heterogeneous, limited and insufficient. The purpose of this paper is to define the sense of family companyâ€™s success. The object of research is family business as an economic phenomenon. There is a double subject of this study: firstly, to find out the main indicators and information resources about successful companies can be detected and, secondly, to analyze one representative family company managed by several generations as a case study for identifying its key success factors. This qualitative research was prepared on the basis of general theoretical scientific methods, in particular, analysis, synthesis, analogy, comparison, generalizations and methods of expert estimates. In the first phase, secondary research of scientific literature and electronic resources about the paper topic was conducted. On the base of that results, the primary research was conduct, which is based on analysis of family wine company Quinta de Santa Eufemia in Portugal. That research part has the form of a case study. Based on the received information, the key success factors were identified. The sources of that research are internet web-pages of the company, articles about the company in magazines and scientific journals form Emerald database, reports of the company and financial data from Amadeus database, in-depth interview with a family member of a family company representative. The scientific acquisition of this research is improving understanding of a family companyâ€™s success from the perspective of difficulties faced by a family company and the way of overcoming obstacles. The results of this study allowed to find a main point for the family companyâ€™s success based on literature review. In addition, the activity of Quinta de Santa Eufemia was analyzed as the case study for critical evidence of that phenomenon. This study has contributed to the theoretical part of family business research providing a significant step to providing insight the family companyâ€™s success and its main factors which influence an effective functioning of a family company.

 

Keywords: family company, success, winery, family business
The effect of tutorial feedback type on the choice of feedback type in pre-service teachers’ development of learning objects
Authors: Ceken Burc , Akpinar Yavuz
Published: December 2018

This study investigates the effect of feedback types presented in learning object (LO) development tutorials on the quality of pre-service teachers’ LOs and their choices of feedback types in authoring LOs. Results indicate that video feedback presented in the tutorials is the most effective feedback representation type, based on overall scores on the learning object review instrument and feedback quality of the LOs developed by the pre -service teachers. However, interaction between feedback types presented in the tutorial and pre -service teachers’ actual use of feedback in authoring LOs was not meaningful. The implications are discussed.
Keywords: Pre-service teacher, learning object, authoring, feedback type, feedback preferences.
Examining the relationship between pre-service teachers’ educational technology and material development competency and their techno-pedagogical competency
Authors: Yilmaz Ramazan , Karaoglan Yilmaz Fatma Gizem , Ozturk Hayriye Tugba
Published: December 2018

Although digital technologies signify innovation and prestige, adopting such technology in teaching praxis requires deeper understanding and examination of technology integration with different variables. This study examines the relationship between pre-service teachers' material development competency as a proficiency in which technology is heavily integrated into teaching activities and their techno-pedagogical competency. The survey method used in this study had 202 pre -service teachers enrolled in an instructional technologies and material design course delivered in a Turkish state university.Application-based educational technology and material development competency scale and techno-pedagogical competency scale were employed. The results showed a positive relationship between both the scales. Increase in proficiency in the techno-pedagogical competency showed an increase in the pre -service teachers' proficiency in technology enhanced materialdevelopment skills. Based on these findings, issues in developing pre -service teachers' technology enhanced material development skills within the context of their techno-pedagogical competency are discussed.
 
Keywords: Techno-pedagogical knowledge, material development, application -based educational technology and materialdevelopment competency, techno-pedagogical education competency, capacity building.
Location prediction in location-based social networks
Authors: Baydar Mucahit , Albayrak Songul
Published: December 2018

Developments in mobile devices and wireless networks have led to the increasing popularity of location-based socialnetworks. These networks allow users to explore new places , share their location, videos and photos and make friends. They give information about the mobility of users, which can be used to improve the networks. This paper studies the problem of predi cting the next check-in of users of loca tion-based social networks. For an accura te prediction, we first analyse the datasets tha t are obtained from the social networks, Foursquare and Gowalla. Then we obtain some features like place popularity, place popular time range , place distance to user’s home , user’s past visits , category preferences and friendships , which are used for predi ction and deeper understanding of the user behaviours . We use each fea ture indi vidually, and then in combination, using the new method. Finally, we compare the acqui red results and observe the improvement with the new method. Keywords: Loca tion predi ction, loca tion-based social network, check-in data.
Message from Editor
Authors: Ibrahim Dogan
Published: December 2018

Global Journal of Information Technology: Emerging Technologies focuses on contemporary research addressing Information technology including emerging technologies, strategy, change, infrastructure, human resources, sourcing, system development and implementation, communications, technology developments, technology futures, national policies and standards. The journal also publishes articles that advance our understanding and application of research approaches and methods covering information technology, its evolution and future prospects. It is intended to be a multi-disciplinary international journal aimed at revealing results of research on information technology.
Analysing Bangladeshi Consumers’ Satisfaction and Preferences of E-banking Services in Small to Mid-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Karim Shakir , Gide Ergun , Sandu Raj , Tawara Abdallah Al
Published: December 2018

The acceptance of Internet technologies has increased constantly and rapidly in the era of information technology. It gives flexibilities to access e-banking systems on demand. This research discusses the success of e-banking in small to mid-sized enterprise (SMEs) of Bangladesh, the current e-banking infrastructure and the future organisational plan for it. This research used the secondary research data and methods to provide a broad scenario of e-banking in Bangladesh and how to overcome the barriers in SMEs of Bangladesh for e-banking adoption. This research also analyses the data collected from Bangladeshi government and non-government organisations and banking sector and gathers answers from e-banking experts, IT educators, learners and academics through an interview. Data were also collected through interviews conducted from Bangladesh e-banking-based organisations and its professionals. Also, this research highlights the issues and factors related to e-banking, e.g., cybercrime and try to discover the probable obstacles and prospects to make an active solution of Bangladesh’s e-banking.
Keywords: E-banking, small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs), satisfaction, preferences, Bangladesh
The economic benefits of Cloud-based e-commerce in Indian service SMBs
Authors: Karim Shakir , Sandu Nitirajsingh , Gide Ergun
Published: December 2018

Abstract

 

This research paper investigated the economic benefits of Cloud based E-commerce in Indian service Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs). The emergence of the new concept of Cloud computing has greatly changed the way in which organisations are managing their services. Cloud computing primarily includes the process of providing computing resources as a service rather than a product in an organisation. Hence, the adoption of Cloud based E-commerce has been seen to help the aspiring service SMBs to enter into the big leagues of business operations. Indian service SMBs, in general, play an important role in the economic growth of the country. They provide different opportunities to the society which include reduction of poverty, development of rural areas, and generation of job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and export of nation and so on. Hence it is necessary to adopt new technologies so as to enhance their business performance, improve competitiveness and reduce cost. However, service SMBs are facing several issues in India which are ultimately due to lack of sufficient resources. Previous researchers have focused on analysing the importance and issues of SMBs in a competitive society. However, one question which needs to be addressed is whether any specific economic benefits it provided to Indian SMBs. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted to evaluate the level of economic benefit is obtained by Indian service SMBs. Finally, this research paper will help organisations to evaluate economical factor which enhances adoption of Cloud based E-commerce in Indian service SMBs. It is also expected that the findings will help organisations to increase their productivity, efficiency, and innovation.

Keywords: Cloud computing, Cloud-based E-commerce, Indian service Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs), Economic benefits.
Turkish adaptation and validation of Spielberger’s State Anger Subscale
Authors: Kalay Tuba , Egeci Ilke Sine , Ozer Serap
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the State Anger Subscale of Spielberger using a sample of Turkish undergraduate students aged 18 to 31 years. The scale’s reliability and validity were assessed by examining its internal consistency, factor analytic structure, concurrent, and construct validity. Supporting the validity of the scale, one factor structure underlying the original form was replicated. A statistically significant relation between the State Trait Anger Expression Inventory and the Novaco Anger Scale was also found. Regarding construct validity, an experimental manipulation using anger induction and imagination revealed a significant difference between experimental and control group. Overall, the findings indicate that the State Anger Subscale is a reliable and valid assessment tool for research and clinical practice to identify angry people in Turkey.
Keywords: State anger, anger expression, adaptation, STAXI, emotions
THE SOIL AS A NATURAL BODY AND THE ENVIRONMENT FOR PLANTS HABITAT
Authors: Migunova E. S.
Published: December 2018

The necessity of the doctrine for the soil as a plants habitat environment revival, which appeared in the early stages of the agriculture development, is substanti-ated. The conditions which ensure sustainable growth and high productivity of various crops were determined. First of all, we studied the specificities which determine the ability of soil to provide plants with nutrients and moisture, largely due to the composition and structure (topography) of the soil-forming rocks, their texture (due to the different mineral composition of different size particles) and therefore largely determines soil fertility. The main credo of this scientific approach is the study of soil properties in relation to plant life (P. A. Kostychev). V.V. Dokuchaev determined soils as a special natural body, which requires corresponding approach to their study, regardless of the vegetation, which cover the soil surface. Emerging on these principles, a new direction of soil science, which later obtained the name of genetic, concentrating on the study of the soil itself, moved away from the demands of agricultural produc-tion, entering into the category of academic sciences. The principles and achievements of the ecological school of forest typology, which studies soils from the position of the unity of both directions, are characterized on the basis of N.М. Sibirtsev suggestions which were described in his classification of 1895. This allowed researchers to bring into a strict system the whole diversity of forests from different natural zones, and made it possible to predict their composition and productivity. At the same time, the number and ratio of three limiting ecological resources: heat, moisture, and food — which determine the composition and productivity of vegetation and the productivity of soils — prevail in the classification. This made it possible to characterize the main regulations of the relationship between living and inorganic nature, which V.V. Dokuchaev called the essence, the core of natural science. The soil science otains the opportunity to enter on the position of the basic theoretical base of agriculture. These principles exist in the community of US soil scientists for a long time. Developing global classification constructions (approximations), American soil scientists distinguish the main taxa (soil series) at the local agricultural level by primary rocks, taking into account their availability of food, moisture, and sometimes heat.
Karakterisitik Edible Film Berbahan Whey Dangke dengan Penambahan Karagenan (CHARACTERISTICS OF EDIBLE FILM BASED DANGKE WHEY WITH CARRAGEENAN ADDITION)
Authors: Maruddin Fatma , Ratmawati Ratmawati , Fahrullah Fahrullah , Taufik Muhammad
Published: December 2018

Dangke whey is one type of protein and can be made edible film. The quality of the edible film made from dangke whey can be improved with the addition of carrageenan. The purpose of this research was to determine the quality of the edible film made from dangke whey with the addition of different concentrations of carrageenan. The qualities of the edible film observed were the microstructure, the color values L *, a * and * b, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and thickness. Data analyzed using ANOVA with a completely randomized design. The treatment used of carrageenan with different concentrations: 2%; 2.5%; 3% and 3.5%. Each treatment was repeated 3 times. Microstructure of edible film showed the improvement of interaction between the molecules of constituent materials. Values of color* L were 86.1088.37, the value of color * a were -0.55-0.70 and a value of the color * b were 2.03-3.35. Water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) were 5.08-5.35 g/mm2.jam. The thickness were 0.034-0.036 mm. The use of carrageenan concentrations up to 4% for manufacturing of edible film have not changed for the color * L, * a and * b, the rate of water vapor transmissions and thickness. Based on the microstructure showed that the molecules of edible film properly distributed beginning on the use of carrageenan concentration of 2.5%.
ANÁLISE SWOT DA ASSOCIAÇÃO DOS CATADORES DE MATERIAIS RECICLÁVEIS DE CHAPADINHA - MA
Authors: Martins Filho José Bonifácio , Neves Rafael Alves das , Melo Thais Felippe de , Ferrão Gregori Da Encarnação , Pires Isabela Cristina Gomes
Published: December 2018

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma análise situacional da ACMRC (Associação dos Catadores de Materiais Recicláveis de Chapadinha-MA), a partir da descrição e da análise dos fatores externos e internos que afetam a eficiência operacional e administrativa da organização. Utilizou-se o método da Matriz SWOT, sendo que este instrumento expõe a competitividade de uma organização, considerando quatro variáveis: i) fatores internos: Strengths (Forças) e Weaknesses (Fraquezas) e ii) fatores externos: Oportunities (Oportunidades) e Threats (Ameaças); assim realizou-se uma revisão de literatura sistemática e entrevista com os associados. No que tange as condições socioeconômicas dos catadores, evidencia-se que as mulheres são maioria, correspondem a 77% dos entrevistados, a escolaridade dos catadores é baixa, 62% possui apenas ensino fundamental incompleto. Pela análise situacional da ACMRC, verifica-se que os pontos de fraquezas são mais frequentes, representam cerca de 71% dos fatores internos elencados nesse estudo; em relação ao ambiente externo, observa-se um cenário mais favorável, uma vez que há mais oportunidades que ameaças. Em relação a administração desta organização, observou-se que a ausência de  aspectos gerenciais influenciaram negativamente no resultado do trabalho coletivo na associação. A análise SWOT mostrou-se uma importante ferramenta para os catadores, pois permite diagnosticar sua organização e realizar um planejamento estratégico adequado a sua realidade, bem como possui aplicabilidade para os órgãos governamentais alcançarem objetivos mais eficientes em programas que envolvam estes atores.
AVALIAÇÃO DA SUSTENTABILIDADE HÍDRICA QUANTITATIVA NA PORÇÃO HIDROGRÁFICA DA BACIA DO RIO PARNAÍBA EM TIMON, MARANHÃO
Authors: Silva Tiago Rodrigues da , Barbosa Beatriz Bacelar , Coelho Cristiano Jackson da Costa
Published: December 2018

Este trabalho teve como objetivo quantificar e analisar a sustentabilidade hídrica da porção hidrográfica da bacia do rio Parnaíba, localizada no município de Timon, Maranhão, Região Nordeste do Brasil, através da determinação dos indicadores de potencialidade, disponibilidade e demanda hídrica, bem como utilizando os seguintes índices de sustentabilidade hídrica: Índice de Ativação da Potencialidade, Índice de Utilização da Disponibilidade e Índice de Utilização da Potencialidade. Na determinação das variáveis hidrológicas foi utilizada uma metodologia para estudos básicos em hidrologia aplicados a pequenas bacias hidrográficos sendo os dados pluviométricos para a quantificação hidrológica obtidos a partir do Banco de Dados Meteorológicos para Ensino e Pesquisa do Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia. Os resultados apresentaram um desequilíbrio entre a disponibilidade (0,019 Km3/ano) e demanda (0,150 Km3/ano) na porção hidrográfica da bacia analisada. Por outro lado, notou-se, que a área apresentou um potencial hídrico (1,253 Km3/ano), com possibilidades de suprir a demanda hídrica reprimida. Essas informações possibilitaram o diagnóstico da sustentabilidade hídrica da porção da bacia hidrográfica do rio Parnaíba e, desse modo, com a aplicação dos indicadores e índices de sustentabilidade foi permitido caracterizar o cenário hídrico em termos quantitativos, evidenciando um sub aproveitamento dos recursos hídricos disponíveis, atualmente, na área. Diante disso, é sugerido ações de gestão de recursos hídricos, de maneira a apoiar a tomada de decisão pelas autoridades municipais.
IDENTIFICAÇÃO E ANÁLISE ACERCA DAS INTERCONEXÕES ENTRE A NBR ISO 14001: 2015 E A POLÍTICA NACIONAL DE RESÍDUOS SÓLIDOS
Authors: Ferrareze Rodrigo Roberto , Baptista Renato Dias , Junior Sergio Silva Braga
Published: December 2018

O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar e analisar as interconexões existentes entre a NBR ISO 14001:2015 e a Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos, instituída em 2010. Para isso, foi necessário realizar uma revisão das teorias sobre a temática, bem como desenvolver um quadro comparativo identificando as principais interconexões existentes entre os dois instrumentos. A análise, que se deu através de uma abordagem qualitativa de caráter exploratório, que foi realizada tomando por base procedimentos documentais, pelo método indutivo. Dessa forma, ficou claro a existência de diversas interconexões entre ambas, bem como se permitiu afirmar que o regulamento brasileiro é moderno e compatível com as normas privadas impostas como forma de acesso a novos mercados.
MOVIMENTOS IDEOLÓGICOS, POLÍTICA AMBIENTAL E O DIREITO COMO FERRAMENTAS DE PRESERVAÇÃO AMBIENTAL E SUSTENTABILIDADE
Authors: Lopes Anderson Soares , Almeida Paulo Santos
Published: December 2018

O artigo debate a relação entre os movimentos ideológicos efervescentes na sociedade moderna, o Direito e as Políticas Ambientais como ferramentas de preservação e conservação ambiental na era da sustentabilidade. O objetivo principal da pesquisa é criticar e refletir sobre o papel dos movimentos ideológicos e das vertentes do direito por meio de suas leis e normas, como ferramentas de preservação ambiental e sustentabilidade atuante na sociedade moderna. Por meio de metodologia exploratória de abordagem qualitativa utilizou de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental e e bibliográfica ao consultar livros, artigos científicos, documentos e materiais relacionados ao objeto de estudo. As hipóteses do estudo são o direito e a política ambiental por meio de suas leis e normas vem a contribuir com a preservação ambiental e a manutenção da vida nas suas distintas formas, e os movimentos ideológicos efervescentes na sociedade moderna apresentam fatores associados ao desenvolvimento sustentável e a sustentabilidade. Como conclusões apresenta-se novas tendências e ferramentas para interpretação da sustentabilidade e seus objetivos globais decorrentes da participação e planejamento por meio de ações da coletividade e do Poder Público integrados aos fins comuns do desenvolvimento sustentável.
OS INSTRUMENTOS DE GESTÃO AMBIENTAL EM ÁREAS CÁRSTICAS: UMA ANÁLISE SISTÊMICA
Authors: Bezerra Elistênia Fonseca , Morais Fernando
Published: December 2018

As áreas cársticas se caracterizam como parte do patrimônio espeleológico nacional e, por conseguinte, possui uma gama de instrumentos legislativos que as protegem. Estas áreas recebem um status de proteção ambiental integral em virtude de sua fragilidade ecossistêmica. Tais áreas são consideradas bastante suscetíveis a impactos ambientais e desta forma, necessitam de rigor quanto à aplicação dos instrumentos de gestão ambientalmente adequadas. Portanto, o objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar instrumentos de gestão aplicados às áreas cársticas, considerando a legislação vigente bem como as normas ambientais pertinentes. Apoiando-se metodologicamente na abordagem sistêmica através da análise dos instrumentos de regulação existentes para estas áreas. Percebe-se que apesar da existência de uma série de instrumentos, estes vêm sendo flexibilizados ao longo dos anos e trazendo consequências negativas por vezes irreversíveis ao ambiente cárstico. A proteção integral das cavidades foi renegada em virtude da criação da compensação econômica, desconsiderando a importância ecológica e da biodiversidade associada ao patrimônio espeleológico.
PERCEPÇÃO QUANTO AO USO E ATRIBUTOS DOS PELLETS DE BIOMASSA COMO FONTE GERADORA DE ENERGIA
Authors: Bogdezevicius Carlos Rafael , Bandeira Marcus Luciano Souza de Ferreira , Medeiros Carla Célia Rosa , Silva Allison Gonçalves
Published: December 2018

As questões ambientais estão orientando as ações das organizações por meio de estratégias de inovação. Assim, a percepção do comportamento e a aplicação de tecnologias direcionadas às novas matrizes energéticas surgem como fundamentais abordagens no que tange à sustentabilidade ambiental empresarial. Nesse contexto, os pellets de biomassa vêm demonstrando grande potencial como matéria-prima para produção de energia. O objetivo desse artigo é analisar a percepção da gestão hoteleira de Porto Seguro – BA quanto ao uso e aos atributos dos pellets de biomassa como fonte geradora de energia. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa descritiva, de natureza aplicada, com abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa. Com relação aos procedimentos técnicos, foi uma pesquisa bibliográfica e de levantamento (survey), por meio da aplicação de um questionário construído por intermédio do recurso de formulários online do Google Forms. Infere-se, através das empresas estudadas, que 100% dos respondentes cogitam a possibilidade de utilizar uma fonte alternativa de energia renovável em suas respectivas empresas. No entanto, do total de respondentes, 62,5% afirmam não ter conhecimento acerca dos pellets de biomassa e seus atributos, confirmando que a análise de percepção continuada do comportamento mercadológico e criação de fluxos informacionais contribuem diretamente para a massificação dos pellets de biomassa como matriz energética alternativa.
QUALIDADE DA ÁGUA DAS ESCOLAS PÚBLICAS DE ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL DE IBIRAMA (SC)/BRASIL
Authors: Souza Lucas De , Zeferino Carolina Lopes dos Santos , Serbent Maria Pilar , Goetten Willian Jucelio
Published: December 2018

A água destinada ao consumo humano deve ser tratada de modo que não ofereça riscos à saúde humana. Diversas são as doenças de veiculação hídrica, e no ambiente educativo essas podem causar desde a falta de atenção ou o abandono escolar, até a morte. As escolas são locais com grande circulação de pessoas e presença de populações vulneráveis. Por essa razão, a qualidade da água consumida nesses locais exige maior atenção, razão pela qual as escolas são utilizadas como pontos estratégicos para avaliação da qualidade da água. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade da água consumida nas escolas públicas de ensino fundamental do município de Ibirama (SC)/Brasil. Para isso, foi realizada uma coleta no mês de setembro de 2017 em cada uma das oito escolas contempladas pelo estudo e foram analisados os parâmetros: temperatura, cloro residual livre, turbidez, cor aparente, coliformes totais, Escherichia coli e bactérias heterotróficas. Além desses, foram analisados os seguintes parâmetros higiênico-sanitários: higienização dos reservatórios de água, troca de filtro dos bebedouros e limpeza e desinfecção dos bebedouros. Em relação aos parâmetros físico-químicos e microbiológicos foram encontradas irregularidades em metade das escolas avaliadas. Já em relação aos parâmetros higiênico-sanitários, 87,5% das escolas apresentaram algum tipo de irregularidade. Os resultados obtidos evidenciam a necessidade de medidas corretivas e alertam para importância da realização de novos estudos nestas e em outras escolas, buscando evitar surtos relacionados à doenças de veiculação hídrica e ajudar na promoção da saúde pública.
UTILIZAÇÃO DE VEÍCULO AÉREO NÃO TRIPULADO (VANT) PARA O MONITORAMENTO AMBIENTAL DE FOCOS DO MOSQUITO AEDES AEGYPTI NO MUNICÍPIO DE PALMAS – TO
Authors: Araújo José Guilherme Martins , Picanço Aurélio Pessôa , Nazareno Julianne Cutrim
Published: December 2018

Buscando medidas inovadoras e notando a necessidade de encontrar métodos eficazes contra o mosquito Aedes aegypti, este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a potencialidade do Veículo Aéreo Não Tripulado (VANT) como ferramenta alternativa a ser utilizada no combate a endemias em uma quadra residencial de Palmas - TO. Através de dados fornecidos pelo Centro de Controle e Zoonoses (CCZ) e Secretaria de Saúde do Município (SEMUS), verificou-se que a quadra 407 Norte tinha o índice de infestação predial - IIP de 1,76 correspondente a situação de alerta. O VANT usado na pesquisa foi o modelo eBee da empresa Suíça SenseFly. As imagens geradas foram interpretadas verificando dois prováveis focos de procriação do mosquito vetor: disposição inadequada de lixo e armazenamento de água. Percebe-se que a utilização de mapas através de imagens obtidas pelo VANT é uma oportuna ferramenta que possibilitam auxiliar no controle e monitoramento de possíveis focos de reprodução do mosquito Aedes aegypti de forma rápida e simples. Palavras-chave: VANT. Monitoramento Ambiental. Aedes Aegypti.
PROPOSTA DE PLANO DE RECUPERAÇÃO DA MATA CILIAR DO RIO DO PEIXE - MUNICÍPIO DE SANTA CRUZ DE GOIÁS- GO
Authors: Ribeiro Andressa Magalhães , Pasqualetto Antonio , Garção Anna Luiza
Published: December 2018

O presente artigo tem como objetivo verificar as condições de preservação da mata ciliar do Rio do Peixe nas imediações da Fazenda Buriti, localizada no município de Santa Cruz de Goiás e propor um Plano de Recuperação de Área Degradada (PRAD) que se adeque a realidade local. A metodologia utilizada baseou-se na elaboração de um diagnóstico ambiental que contou com etapas de revisão bibliográfica e visitas de campo, o que permitiram a identificação da flora e fauna remanescente e dos impactos ambientais. A partir desse diagnóstico elaborou-se um plano de recuperação da mata ciliar da área selecionada utilizando espécies pioneiras e secundárias nativas, associadas com atividades de educação ambiental a curto e médio prazo.
Life success and social status factors in the minds of Russians
Authors: Tikhоnova Natalia E.
Published: December 2018

This article reveals that, during the last 15 years, drastic shifts have occurred in the subjective social structure of Russian society: the people for the most part no longer consider themselves to be “social outsiders”, while Russian society itself has become a society undoubtedly dominated by a subjective middle-class, albeit predominantly a lower middle-class. However, such a positive shift does not equal Russians being completely satisfied with the situation at hand when it comes to stratification, since their actual position in the status hierarchy is currently much lower not only than desired, but also lower than those status positions which they reckon they should be occupying in this hierarchy “in all fairness”. Russian people’s dissatisfaction is mostly a result of them considering opportunities for success and prosperity to be associated with the social, economic and cultural capital of one’s parents, as well as with various unlawful practices (such as corruption, bribery), not only with one’s hard work or quality education. These views seem to be stable over time, and to some extent they are similar to the views of German people. However, in the eyes of Russians various unlawful practices (primarily bribery) play a greater role when it comes to achieving success in life. In addition to that, one’s parents’ education, as well as one’s own education, hard work and ambition play a slightly less significant role (which is decreasing year after year) in Russia. This means that, as time passes, more Russian people are becoming convinced that a person’s personal efforts and goals are not a key factor in achieving life success and high status positions in Russian society. Statistical verification indicates that these views are objectively justified, since, according to the former, upper strata of Russian society are becoming increasingly more closed, with lower strata starting to close as well. High indexes of self-reproduction of opposing status groups within mass layers of the population, together with an increasing polarization of the population (primarily young people) – these are all dangerous tendencies in terms of their socio-political and economic consequences, which lead to authorities being delegitimized, as well as Russian people losing their motivation to achieve success in life through their own efforts.
Alison's Asthma by W. J. Hall
Authors: Crichton Madeline C.
Published: December 2018

Hall, Wendy J. Alison's Asthma. Mediwonderland, 2018.

Part of the Mediwonderland series of works by author Wendy J. Hall, Alison’s Asthma tackles the common inflammatory disease, asthma.  Beginning with listing some of the symptoms of asthma, as faced by the protagonist Alison, the book details the tests required in the process of asthma diagnosis, as well as the available treatments.  Focusing also on positive aspects of the journey, such as Alison’s opportunity to choose a style of medical alert bracelet, as well her continued ability to run and play with her friends, Alison’s story comforts and informs readers who may be facing similar circumstances. The telling of Alison’s story is aided by the brightly coloured drawings, which accompany each page of text. Although these illustrations are simple, they establish flow within the text from one page to the next. These illustrations are also educational, such as the one comparing a normal airway to an asthmatic one. 

Highly educational and written in accessible language, this book is intended to educate the masses, and breaks down a medical journey faced by many into simple, undaunting steps. However, because of its educational intent, the book tends to be less engaging. While Alison’s journey is realistic, it lacks the details required to engage the audience, instead presenting facts. With that being said, Alison’s Asthma is a perfect read for young children, who, with the help of an adult, will learn the ins and outs of the medical world.  Therefore, Alison’s Asthma is a worthwhile read, which will leave its audience comforted and informed!

Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars     Reviewer: Madeline C. Crichton

Madeline Crichton is a University of Alberta undergraduate student with a lifelong passion for reading. When she is not preoccupied with her studies, Madeline is busy volunteering in a variety of roles in her community.
The Hawk of the Castle: A Story of Medieval Falconry by D. Smith
Authors: Thysse Arwen
Published: December 2018

Smith, Danna. The Hawk of the Castle: A Story of Medieval Falconry. Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Candlewick Press, 2017.

The Hawk of the Castle is a picture book that tells a story centered on the practice of medieval falconry, and it is told from the perspective of a young girl whose father is the falconer of a castle. Upon picking up the book, the reader will immediately be drawn into Bagram Ibatoulline’s beautiful acrylic gouache illustrations, which not only vividly portray the content of the story, but also complement the work by depicting technical aspects of falconry that a reader might not easily imagine without visual aids. The great attention to detail and realistic style of the illustrations lends itself to the historical setting of Danna Smith’s story—a vivid world that was once as real and familiar to its medieval inhabitants as our world is to us. The author’s note communicates the dedication of Smith to her story as it not only describes her own expertise as a falconer who was trained, like the girl in the story, by her father, but also gives insight into the history and sources she consulted to provide further understanding of the art of falconry as it was in the past and as it is now.

The book is designed with two levels of reading in mind: the primary text, written in short rhyming verses, is one that a child might easily read on their own or with assistance. The secondary text, found in textboxes on each page, provides a more challenging and technical text which could be used at an adult’s discretion in order to provide a child with a more nuanced understanding of the aspects of falconry being described. This design is effective as it illuminates, in varying levels of complexity, a subject that is unlikely to be familiar to most readers. In addition to these two levels of reading, Smith also provides a list of resources for further information, allowing her book to become a gateway to even more complex and detailed understandings of falconry and the medieval period. In this way, The Hawk of the Castle, also becomes a means for readers to learn about an aspect of medieval life and society outside of more popular stories about princesses and knights in shining armour. Together Smith and Ibatoulline have created a beautiful book that allows readers to encounter an ancient pastime through a story about medieval falconry, and for that reason it would be a good addition to both school and public libraries.

Highly Recommended: 4 stars out of 4Reviewer:  Arwen Thysse

Arwen Thysse is a graduate of the University of Alberta Bachelor of Arts program and graduate of the University of Toronto’s Master of Medieval Studies program. She is also an avid musician, and enjoys children’s books.
Climate Change Impact On Rice Production in Pakistan: An ARDL-Bounds Testing Approach to Cointegration
Authors: Chandio Abbas Ali , Jiang Yuansheng , Magsi Habibullah
Published: December 2018

This research paper aims to examine the relationship between CO2, temperature, area, fertilizers and rice production in Pakistan. This study used Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) and Phillips Perron (PP) unit root tests to check the order of integration of each variable. The cointegration analysis with ARDL bounds testing approach is used to examine the impact of climate change on rice production in Pakistan over time series data from the period 1968 to 2014. The parameter stability test of the model is also checked at the end. The results of estimation show that the important variables of the study are cointegrated demonstrating the presence of long-run association among them. Furthermore, climate change factors, e.g. CO2 and temperature have a long-run and short-run positive effect on the production of rice in Pakistan. This present work is original and it is first time empirically tested the impact of climate change on rice production in Pakistan. The annual time series data of 47 years enhances the validity of the empirical findings. The most fruitful finding of this research is that rice production in Pakistan is positively influenced by emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) at 5 percent significance level in both long-run and short-run.
Special Relativity Leads to a Trans-Planckian Crisis that Is Solved by Haug's Maximum Velocity for Matter
Authors: Haug Espen
Published: December 2018

In gravity theory, there is a well-known trans-Planckian problem, which is that general relativity theory leads to a shorter than Planck length and shorter than Planck time in relation to so-called black holes. However, there has been little focus on the fact that special relativity also leads to a trans-Planckian problem, something we will demonstrate here. According to special relativity, an object with mass must move slower than light, but special relativity has no limits on how close to the speed of light something with mass can move. This leads to a scenario where objects can undergo so much length contraction that they will become shorter than the Planck length as measured from another frame, and we can also have shorter time intervals than the Planck time. The trans-Planckian problem is easily solved by a small modication that assumes Haug's maximum velocity for matter is the ultimate speed limit for something with mass. This speed limit depends on the Planck length, which can be measured without any knowledge of Newton's gravitational constant or the Planck constant. After a long period of slow progress in theoretical physics, we are now in a Klondike "gold rush" period where many of the essential pieces are falling in place.
Ionospheric Precursor Far from the Epicenter of the 03 August 2014 (M = 6.1) China Ludian Earthquake: Two-Dimensional Principal Component Analysis with All Principal Eigenvalues for Processing of Two-Dimensional Total Electron Content
Authors: Liu Jing , Chiou Juing-Shian , Lin Jyh-Woei , Chao Chun-Tang , Huang Meng-Chiao
Published: December 2018

Two-dimensional principal component analysis (2DPCA) was performed to examine ionospheric 2D total electron content (TEC) variations obtained from the NASA Global Differential GPS (GDGPS) network, which consisted of low spatial resolution ionospheric TEC data, to detect TEC precursors prior to the China Ludian earthquake at 08:30:13 UT on 03 August 2014 (M = 6.1). Results have shown that two TEC precursors were observed three days prior to this earthquake. The characteristics of all principal eigenvalues were considered to determine the TEC precursors of the earthquake in this study. This study aimed to differentiate the previous studies of Lin about PCA and 2DPCA using only the characteristic of the first principal eigenvalue to determine the TEC precursors of the earthquake. However, some other TEC precursors could be lost in processes that do not analyze characteristics of other principal eigenvalues. Therefore, this research can be considered as a full analysis that examined the detailed surrounding TEC precursors of the earthquake and could be treated as a new study scope. The TEC precursor during 06:15 to 06:20 (UT) on 01 August 2014 localized near the epicenter was more intense compared with the characteristic of the first largest principal eigenvalue. However, another localized TEC precursor from 06:15 to 06:20 (UT) on 01 August 2014 was found to be more intense, which was far from the epicenter east of the first largest principal eigenvalue. The more plausible reason for the two TEC precursors could be the density variances caused by radon-gas release due to the fine crack stress transfer from the rocks according to Coulomb stress transfer theory as applied to a far TEC precursor. The durations of both TEC precursors were at least 5 min. This research could be treated as a full and detailed examination of surrounding TEC precursors.
The impact of changing learning environment on students’ learning in marketing education: A case-study applied in higher education in Egypt
Authors: El Sheikh Samia Adly Hanna , Youssef Assaad Reda
Published: December 2018

Abstract:The purpose of this study is to change the learning environment in an introductory course of Principles of Marketing (MKT 201), so as to foster a deep and achieving approach to learning as compared to surface learning. This change in environment is done through presenting 2 teaching/learning strategies which are:(1)  Pointing out learning outcomes (L.O.) of each session to the students at the beginning of each lecture while making sure they understand them and(2)  Constant use of in-class real-life exercises in the form of case-studies to check that students have digested the main concepts and are able to apply them.This study measures the impact of this change in learning environment on students’ overall achievement (results).This study is conducted on a cohort of students in semester fall 2016 and the grades (results) of the students of this cohort are compared against the grades (results) of 2 previous cohorts in the same course (Principles of Marketing) at October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA) Egypt.
The governments new career strategy: an end to placements for English Higher Education performing arts students?
Authors: Hockham David
Published: December 2018

A look at what the governments new career strategy may mean for placements in technical theatre and urges further investigation and thought in this area.
Using Flipgrid to develop social learning
Authors: Stoszkowski John
Published: December 2018

Flipgrid is an online video discussion platform designed to empower learners and facilitate social interaction between students. This paper reviews the use of Flipgrid to develop social learning with a cohort of undergraduate students at the University of Central Lancashire. Strengths and weaknesses of the Flipgrid platform are outlined, as well as potential barriers to its use, and future plans for incorporating it in teaching and learning.