bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACIOLOGIA E EVOLUÇÃO DOS DEPÓSITOS EÓLICOS COSTEIROS DO OESTE DO CEARÁ (BRASIL) NO HOLOCENO TARDIO
Authors: Mesquita Áquila Ferreira , Silva Filho Wellington Ferreira da , Duarte Cynthia Romariz , Bezerra Francisco Hilário Rego , Vasconcelos David Lino , Sousa Joel Pedrosa
Published: December 2016

Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a morfologia e a evolução dos depósitos costeiros do oeste do Ceará, reconstituindo a paleogeografia da área, em associação com o comportamento do nível médio do mar no Holoceno Tardio. Por meio da análise faciológica e petrográfica, foram identificados cinco fácies sedimentares e suas formas deposicionais originais: arenito grosso com níveis conglomeráticos e estratificação plano-paralela inclinada (face de praia); arenito médio com estratificação cruzada de baixo ângulo (dunas frontais), por vezes obliteradas por rizolitos (dunas frontais vegetadas); arenito médio com estratificação cruzada festonada (base de dunas barcanóides); arenito médio com estratificação cruzada e superfícies de truncamento em “Z” (extensões linear e associadas a dunas barcanóides). Os arenitos grossos correspondem a rochas de praia, sotopostas por eolianitos (fácies restantes) na forma de yardangs subparalelos à direção de vento efetivo atual (NE-SW). As feições-chave são: contato entre rochas de praia e eolianitos (paleolimite face de praia/pós-praia) cerca de 2 m acima do nível máximo da preamar atual; afloramentos de arenitos de praia no interior do continente, sucessão de cimentação marinha freática para vadosa nas rochas de praia e vales incisos em eolianitos/rochas de praia. Essas evidências indicam que os depósitos eólicos foram gerados durante uma ascensão relativa de nível médio do mar, quando houve maior disponibilidade de sedimentos para a alimentação dos campos de dunas, sendo cimentados e entalhados por cursos d’água durante o subsequente rebaixamento relativo.
MORFODINÂMICA DO PONTAL ARENOSO E INTERFERÊNCIAS NA EVOLUÇÃO DA PLANÍCIE DE MARÉ NA DESEMBOCADURA DO RIO SERGIPE – ARACAJU/SE
Authors: CASTRO DOS SANTOS GEISEDRIELLY , MELO E SOUZA ROSEMERI
Published: December 2016

As desembocaduras fluviais possuem dinâmica complexa quando estas se encontram em ambientes costeiros. Os estudos desses sistemas ambientais na Geografia Física podem ser alicerçados pela Geoecologia das paisagens, a partir da análise da estrutura, função, dinâmica e evolução das paisagens. A área de estudo corresponde a planície de maré entre os bairros 13 de Julho e Jardins e o pontal arenoso situado no bairro Coroa do Meio, localizados na desembocadura do rio Sergipe no município de Aracaju-SE. Devido à morte da vegetação de mangue e ao aumento da sedimentação sobre a planície de maré (entre os anos de 2013 e 2014) surgiu à necessidade de se analisar as causas desses processos. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar as alterações morfodinâmicas do promontório arenoso da Coroa do Meio e suas interferências sobre a planície de maré entre os bairros 13 de Julho e Jardins no período entre 2004 e 2014. Para este trabalho foram elencados os seguintes procedimentos metodológicos: Trabalho de campo; Processamento das imagens de satélite, Mapeamentos temáticos; Quantificação das classes temáticas e Interpretação dos dados. Os resultados mostraram que a redução na área da planície de maré e morte do mangue foi promovida pela sedimentação oriunda da erosão da extremidade do pontal arenoso da Coroa do Meio, fato que também promoveu o avanço das ondas sobre parte da infraestrutura urbana do município. Concluiu-se com a realização deste trabalho que a dinâmica do sistema ambiental em questão é regulada pela migração do talvegue do rio Sergipe em direção ao sul e pela ação dos agentes oceanográficos. Esta pesquisa fornece subsídios para análises futuras que visem o planejamento ambiental em áreas costeiras urbanizadas.
DISTRIBUIÇÃO ESPACIAL DO FÓSFORO DISPONÍVEL DO SOLO EM UMA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA AGRÍCOLA E SUA RELAÇÃO COM OS FATORES AMBIENTAIS USO DA TERRA E DECLIVIDADE
Authors: Capoane Viviane , Krolow Ivan Renato Cardoso , Santos Danilo Rheinheimer dos , Santos Leonardo José Cordeiro , Troian Alexandre
Published: December 2016

A concentração de nutrientes no solo varia com o sistema de manejo e posição na paisagem, no entanto existe pouca informação acerca dessas interações em áreas heterogêneas como bacias hidrográficas. Neste trabalho foi determinada a distribuição espacial e vertical do fósforo disponível do solo em uma bacia hidrográfica agrícola do Planalto do Rio Grande do Sul no Brasil e os teores obtidos foram relacionados com os fatores ambientais declividade e uso da terra. Amostras de solo foram coletadas em 57 pontos da bacia hidrográfica (80,2 ha), em cinco camadas (0-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-40 e 40-60 cm). A grade de amostragem foi distribuída em diferentes classes de uso da terra (área úmida, lavoura, campo nativo) e declividade (0-3, 3-8 e 8-20%). A análise dos dados baseou-se em métodos estatísticos e técnicas de análise espacial em ambiente do sistema de informação geográfica (SIG). A distribuição espacial no SIG permitiu a visualização do impacto da drenagem de áreas úmidas no ciclo biogeoquímico do fósforo no solo. Os teores de fósforo disponível na camada 0-5 cm nas classes de declividade 0-3, 3-8 e 8-20% foram de 14,6±2,04; 10,8±1,09 e 8,5±0,81 mg kg-1, respectivamente, refletindo a influência dos processos de erosão e deposição. Os teores de fósforo disponível nas lavouras – 9,8±0,68; 5,8±0,52; 2,9±0,24; 1,6±0,14; 0,9±0,10 mg kg-1 – foram maiores nas duas primeiras camadas – 0-5 and 5-10 cm – decaindo nas camadas mais profundas – 10-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm. No campo nativo os teores de fósforo disponível foram de 5,1±0,94; 3,9±1; 3,4±1,15; 2,4±0,69; 1,4±0,40 mg kg-1, respectivamente. Isto reflete os baixos teores no material de origem e não aplicação de fertilizantes. As áreas úmidas apresentaram os maiores teores de fósforo disponível na camada 0-5 cm, com média de 14,1±1,72 mg kg-1. Isto revela o grande potencial desses locais no sequestro de poluentes bem como o manejo inadequado das atividades agrícolas e pecuárias desenvolvidas na bacia hidrográfica.
Shape Evolution of Hierarchical W18O49 Nanostructures: A Systematic Investigation of the Growth Mechanism, Properties and Morphology-Dependent Photocatalytic Activities
Authors: Hai Guojuan , Huang Jianfeng , Cao Liyun , Jie Yanni , Li Jiayin , Wang Xing
Published: December 2016

Hierarchical tungsten oxide assemblies such as spindle-like, flowers with sharp petals, nanowires and regular hexagonal structures are successfully synthesized via a solvothermal reduction method by simply adjusting the reaction conditions. On the basis of the experimental results, it is determined that the reaction time significantly influences the phase transition, microstructure and photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples. The possible mechanisms for the phase transition and morphology evolution process have been systematically proposed. Moreover, the as-prepared products exhibit significant morphology-depended photocatalytic activity. The flower-like W18O49 prepared at 6 h possesses large specific surface area (150.1 m2g-1), improved separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs and decreased electron-transfer resistance by the photoelectrochemical measurements. As a result, the flower-like W18O49 prepared at 6 h exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Methyl orange aqueous solution. The radical trap experiments showed that the degradation of MO was driven mainly by the participation of h+ and •O2− radicals.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Mesomorphic Azo Compounds and Study their Photoluminesecence Properties
Authors: Hatem Marwa S. , Jber Nasreen R.
Published: December 2016

The preparation of a new Azo compounds of highly conjugated dimeric and polymeric liquid crystal to achieve the crystalline characteristics Which have structures assigned based on elemental analysis, IR 1HNMR and CHNS-O while mesogenic properties have been set for DSC and hot-stage polarizing optical microscopy. The compounds show enantiotropicnematic phase being displayed.
The compounds show photoluminescence properties in the organic solution at room temperature, with the fluorescence band centered around 400 nm.
SIMULASI JEMBATAN OTOMATIS UNTUK PERLINTASAN KAPAL BERBASIS MIKROKONTROLER ATMEGA 8
Authors: Kurniawan Ari , Haryanto Edy Victor , Tanjung Muhammad Rusdi
Published: December 2016

ABSTRAK

Jembatan angkat yang terdapat di Indonesia banyak menggunaan Sistem kendali manual dan sangat mengandalkan tenaga manusia untuk mengatur pergerakan naik turunnya jembatan dan itulah persoalan utama dalam persilangan antara lintasan sungai dan lintasan jalan raya. Masalah yang timbul adalah kelengahan manusia yang menjaga sistem kendali manual tersebut karena sistem kendalinya harus dijaga selama dua puluh empat jam. Untuk menghindari hal tersebut dibuatlah Simulasi Jembatan Otomatis untuk Perlintasan Kapal Berbasis Mikrokontroler ATMega 8. Simulasi Jembatan Otomatis untuk Perlintasan Kapal Berbasis Mikrokontroler ATMega 8 adalah suatu simulasi untuk mengendalikan kendali jembatan secara otomatis menggunakan mikrokontroler ATMega 8, apabila ada kapal melewati sungai dan mengenai sensor maka simulasi ini akan bekerja sesuai program yang ditanam disebuah Mikrokontroler ATMega 8. Simulasi Jembatan Otomatis untuk Perlintasan Kapal Berbasis Mikrokontroler ATMega 8, dibangun dengan komponen dasar seperti sensor LDR dan Laser Pointer untuk mendeteksi kapal yang melintas sedangkan untuk pergerakan jembatannya menggunakan
motor servo, untuk memberikan tanda kepada pengguna jalan raya bahwa ada kapal yang akan melintas, palang pintu di ujung-ujung jembatan akan menutup sehingga  tidak ada kendaraan yang dapat melintasi jembatan ketika kapal sedang melintas.
Analsis Metode Simple Additive Weighting Dengan Topsis Untuk Pemilihan Bibit Unggul Tanaman Tebu
Authors: Gunawan Heri
Published: December 2016

Menurut hasil dari pengamatan pada PTP Nusantara II (Persero) Kebun Kwala Madu produksi tebu selalu meningkat namun hasilnya belum optimal, sehingga penentuan bibit tebu yang unggul sangat tepat untuk menjadi salah satu faktor pendukung pengembangan hasil produksi tebu. Menentukan bibit tebu yang sesuai untuk kondisi sebagai kriteria yaitu Iklim, Curah Hujan, Keasaman Tanah (PH), Jenis Tanah, Drainase (sistem perairan) berdasarkan jenis tebu yang dibudidayakan masih menjadi permasalahan klasik. Dalam penelitian ini menggunakan 4 (empat ) alternative bibit yaitu PS58, BM13579, BZ134 dan Kidang Kencana. Dalam penelitian ini dilakukan analisis dengan
menerapkan metode topsis dan SAW untuk menentukan bibit unggul tebu. Apakah hasil analsis ini dapat memberikan keputusan untuk menentukan bibit unggul tebu menggunakan metode SAW dan TOPSIS. Dari hasil analisis didapat keputusan sebagai berikut: Dari hasil perangkingan jarak kedekatan dengan solusi ideal pada proses TOPSIS dapat dihasilkan sebagai berikut. Untuk V1 (alternative 1 : PS58)=0.1836, V2 (alternative 2 : BM 13579)= 0,7309, V3 (alternative 3 : BZ134)= 0.8082, dan V4 (alternative 4 : Kidang Kecana). Maka dapat diputuskan yang menjadi bibit unggulan adalah alternative 3 yaitu BZ134
Analisa Perancangan Model Customer Relationship Management Pada STMIK STIKOM Bali
Authors: Deriani Ni Wayan
Published: December 2016

Keunggulan sebuah organisasi terlihat dari kemampuan organisasi tersebut bersaing di dunia usaha yang kian hari semakin banyak persaingan. Persaingan tersebut hendaknya dimanfaatkan sebaik mungkin guna mempertahankan customer dengan memberikan pelayanan yang terbaik.salah satu cara dalam memberikan pelayanan yang terbaik adalah dengan penyedian sarana berupa sistem informasi yang menyeluruh dan terintegrasi. CRM adalah sebuah sistem terintegerasi yang sangat bermanfaat baik dari pihak organisasi dan tentunya untuk customer.Dalam penelitian ini dilakukan analisa perancangan model CRM dengan pendekatan Zachman frameworkdari persfektif Planner dan owner. Analisa perancangan menggunakan DFD, ERD dan konseptual database. Hasil yang diharapkan dari penelitian ini adalah berupa perancangan model sistem Customer Relationship Management sebagai acuan para pengelola dalam pengembangan sistem yang terintegrasi dimasa yang akan datang.
Customer expectations and service delivery: Are SME’s aware of the service quality standards gap?
Authors: Wiid Johannes Arnoldus , Cant Michael Colin , Prinsloo Carly
Published: December 2016

Competition among small businesses are high, as small businesses compete for market share which larger business do not engage with. A definite competitive advantage that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can rely on is service quality (Kasul & Motwani in Anuar & Yusuff 2011:328; Tseng & Wu 2014:77). SMEs do not necessarily understand service standards and how to ensure that the service standard is implemented. The research utilised a quantitative research design whereby the data was collected by means of a 5-point Likert scale survey known as the SERVQUAL model. The results indicate that there are discrepancies between dimensions those owners feel should be adhered to and the extent to which they perceive their businesses to adhere to these dimensions.
Breaking the glass ceiling − a case of Durban corporate women
Authors: Makaula Siphosenkosi Zanoxolo , Bozas Alec , Munapo Elias , Naidoo Vannie
Published: December 2016

The glass ceiling is a concept that most frequently refers to barriers faced by women who attempt, or aspire, to attain senior positions as well as higher salary levels in corporations, government, education and non-profit organisations. It can also refer to racial and ethnic minorities and men when they experience barriers to advancement. A glass ceiling appears to exist in many organisations and also maybe a glass cliff, in which women are promoted into risky upper-level positions in which failure and subsequent loss of the high-level position is likely. This research investigated perceptions that Durban corporate women have towards the notion of glass ceiling barriers at work. A sample was chosen on a non-probability basis using convenience sampling of corporate women within Durban. Ninety participants completed the questionnaire. The data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that women do not experience glass ceiling barriers to career advancement. Women also feel confident and respected by colleagues, subordinates and leadership and are capable of executing their designated duties. Respondents also showed confidence in the Employment Equity Act which suggests that the transformation charter is followed at their organisations.
Do commonalities between entrepreneurship and marketing occur in the business environment?
Authors: Adefulu Adesoga
Published: December 2016

The paper focuses on the commonalities between Entrepreneurship and Marketing. Entrepreneurial marketing has not clearly shown the common grounds between the two disciplines. Organizations are learning that the skills acquired and mastered are not effectively matching the rapidly evolving conditions in the market. This development has impacted revenue and equally reveals the potent place of marketing in entrepreneurship. The methodology is exploratory, textual in design and divided into sections. The article contends that there is a circular links between entrepreneurship and marketing. Entrepreneurial activities create marketing and marketing creates entrepreneurial activities. Marketing interfaced Entrepreneurship by fostering positive rewards and risk minimization for the entrepreneurs through marketing mix. By implication, managers aspiring competitive edge must promote mutual interaction of the two concepts.
Corporate governments: Government connections of public oil and gas companies
Authors: Kogan Theodore Benjamin , Salganik-Shoshan Galla
Published: December 2016

It is well known that governments have direct control over much of the energy sector through National Oil Companies (NOCs). Much less understood are the determinants and consequences of government connections of their stock exchange listed counterparts, Public Oil & Gas Companies (POCs). This paper focuses on an important mechanism through which POCs and governments can influence one another: the presence of current and former government employees among POC directors. Specifically, we expect that current government officials serving on POC boards are more likely than other board members to be a channel through which governments influence firms. Former government officials on POC boards, on the other hand, are more likely than other board members to lobby their governments on the companies’ behalf. We collect data on 112 large POCs from 35 countries, and on country and size-matched control firms outside the oil & gas sector. The empirical results provide partial support for our hypotheses. We find that the importance of the energy sector in a country’s economy does not impact the government connectedness of its POC boards. Country-level corruption measures, on the other hand, are positively related to the prevalence of current and former government officials on POC boards’ – and in the case of current officials, significantly more so than for non-energy firms. Lastly, there is some indication that having former government officials on a POC board contributes to the firm’s profitability.
Graphical reporting practices in the annual reports of jordanian banks: An empirical analysis
Authors: Sartawi Iaad I.S. Mustafa
Published: December 2016

This study aims at investigating graphical reporting practices in the annual reports of Jordanian banks. Data are collected from the annual reports of 15 banks listed on Amman Stock Exchange for the period 2008-2013. The study revealed that graphs are being moderately used by Jordanian banks to present information in their annual reports. The presence of non-executive directors on the boards of Jordanian banks tend to limit graph usage in their annual reports. In addition, the study provides clear evidence for the presence of improperly designed graphs in the annual reports of Jordanian Banks. Thus, regulators in Jordan such as the Security Exchange Commission may need to develop a set of guiding principle for properly designed graphs. Furthermore, effort has to be devoted to encourage firms to comply with these principles.
Capital structure, ownership concentration and firm performance: Evidence of reverse causality hypothesis in ASEAN countries
Authors: Adhari Rizal , Viverita
Published: December 2016

This study aims to examine effect of capital structure and ownership structure on firm performance. In addition, this study also examines the existence of reverse causality of the relation between capital structure and performance of firms in three ASEAN countries. We test the reverse causality hypothesis of firm performance to capital structure, which is viewed in light of two competing hypotheses: the efficiency-risk hypothesis and franchise-value hypothesis. In general, the results support the agency–cost hypothesis, and confirm reverse causality hypothesis in in the sample firms, through the existence of entrenchment effect in firms with the lowest and highest level of ownership concentration and the franchise value hypothesis.
The role of corporate governance in executive compensation system
Authors: Nulla Yusuf Mohammed
Published: December 2016

This research study explores the relationship between the executive compensation and corporate governance among the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX/S&P) companies from 2005 to 2010. The quantitative research method was selected for this research study. The eighty largest companies from the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange were selected. The random sample method was used to select the two populations from each index. The research question for this research study was: is there a relationship between CEO cash compensation and corporate governance among the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange companies. The four statistical regression models found that there was a weak relationship between corporate governance and executive compensation among the TSX/S&P and the NYSE populations. Also, the Pearson correlation results indicated that the corporate governance has a minimal role towards the determination of the executive compensation
The influence of bank image on loyalty moderated by satisfaction
Authors: Haryanto Budhi , Budiman Santi
Published: December 2016

This study aimed to examine the effect of image, customer satisfaction, and the interaction between image and satisfaction to customer loyalty, convenience sample was taken of 250 bank customers in Surakarta, Central Java. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to accommodate the relationship between observed variables. The results showed that bank’s customer loyalty can be explained by the moderating role of satisfaction in behavioral processes. In particular, the results show that the image of banks has a positive effect on loyalty, satisfaction negatively affects loyalty, and interaction of satisfaction and image also negatively affect customer loyalty. This study does not consistent with previous studies; however, it reveals the implications of the study related to the theoretical and practical aspects.
Packaging as a promotional tool for fast moving consumer goods
Authors: Govender Jeevarathnam Parthasarathy
Published: December 2016

Packaging is beginning to play a more prominent role in the marketing mix in the context of increased competition, the move towards self-service in the retail environment and changes in the buying behaviour of consumers. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to examine consumer perceptions of packaging in the fast moving consumer goods sector. The research constituted a quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study. 400 respondents were chosen based on convenience sampling using mall-intercept surveys. The results, overall, suggest that consumers generally perceive packaging to be an effective promotional tool. It emerged that there were no significant relationships between the biographical variables of gender, age and educational level and perceptions of packaging. Recommendations are made as to how marketers can approach packaging as an element of the marketing mix.
The impact of corporate governance on firm performance in the Zimbabwean manufacturing sector
Authors: Siwadi Patience , Miruka Collins , Ogutu Florence Achieng
Published: December 2016

Corporate governance studies in Zimbabwe have concentrated on existence of frameworks that control firms. This study focused on the corporate governance factors that are associated with firm performance in the Zimbabwean manufacturing sector. We investigated a sample of 88 companies which were operating at least 80% capacity from 2009 to 2012.Using Return on Assetst (ROA) as a measure of performance and the dependent variable, and 14 corporate governance proxies encompassing board structure, board composition and board procedures as the independent variables, a bivariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed. The results indicated that shareholder concentration, proportion of independent directors, board tenure and access to financial statements are positive and significant to firm performance in the bivariate analysis. On the multivariate regression analysis however, independent directors was positive but not significant. Researchers have not been able to agree on these factors and since corporate governance is largely endogenously determined it can be concluded that factors are influenced by country effects. Thus further studies focusing on similar countries need to be undertaken.
Risk management practices in the top 20 South Africa’s listed companies: An annual/ integrated report disclosure analysis
Authors: Moloi Tankiso
Published: December 2016

The King III Report on Corporate Governance places risk management at the nerve centre of the company’s strategic decision makers. The main objective of this article was to assess the risk management disclosures in the annual (integrated) reports of the top twenty (20) listed companies. The objectives were obtained through a literature review on risk management developments as per the requirements of the King III report on Corporate Governance, and supported by empirical evidence obtained from assessing the 2013 annual/ integrated reports of these top listed companies.
The results obtained indicate that the majority of the JSE’s top 20 listed companies adhere to good risk management disclosure practices. However, there are areas in which the non-disclosure of information was prevalent. These areas of non-disclosure were found to be lacking detail on actual risk management practises applied. It was observed that the company accomplishments in these areas could be enhanced.
Perspectives on effective communication of corporate sustainability reporting
Authors: Cronjé Christo , Buys Pieter
Published: December 2016

In striving for sustainability, contemporary corporations are faced with a multitude of stakeholders, all vying for their piece of the corporate sustainability pie. In adhering to such diverse demands, the effective communication of corporate sustainability information becomes crucial. This paper reflects on key metaphysical principles in respect of aspects that can contribute, or perhaps detract, from effective corporate communication, and then especially within the context of contemporary corporate sustainability reporting. The paper concludes that the primary modal aspects as per the Dutch philosopher, Dooyeweerd, can play a very important role in effecting corporate sustainability reporting. As such, this will not only contribute to appeasing diverse stakeholder requirements, but will also indirectly support corporate sustainability initiatives
Developing guidelines for independent and competent directors using what we have learned from research and company examples
Authors: Grove Hugh , Clouse Mac
Published: December 2016

These guidelines are developed for independent and competent Board Directors: Directors must have no material relationships with the company over the past year. Directors should have business savvy, a shareholder orientation, and a genuine interest in the company. Pay for performance, not presence, and use a mix of short and long-term performance measures for Directors’ compensation. Evaluate Directors’ performance over a three year period, using both stock price and accounting performance. Use claw-back provisions for Board members’ compensation if the firm does poorly, compared to its peers over this period. There should be a mix of skills for Board members, such as industry knowledge, experience, and expertise in financial accounting, risk management, and cyber security. There should be term and age limits for Board members. There should be women on Boards.
Employment generation through ICT: A case study of delta state of Nigeria ICT parks project
Authors: Ogbo Ann I. , Kifordu Anthony , Ukpere Wilfred Isioma
Published: December 2016

Statistically, Nigeria has a youth population of about 67 million, aged between 15 and 35 years. 42.2% of these young people are not gainfully employed while only 20% have more than the secondary school certificate. In order to bridge this gap, the Delta State Government developed the Delta ICT parks, a growing 21st century business, service and technology facility equipped to train, educate and encourage an entrepreneurial culture with sound human resource, that would drive development of an ICT knowledge based economy. This initiative, borne out of the Delta beyond oil is already in steady progress, enjoying the partnership of System Application Product (SAP) under the platform of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) that portends a global IT based future. The objective of this paper is to access the level of implementation and publicity, skill acquisition and degree of the impact of the initiative on employment generation in Delta State. The study, which adopted a survey design, applied three research questions and used oral interview and a Millennium Park Entrepreneurial Assessment Questionnaire (MPEAQ). The content validity was validated by experts from Entrepreneurial Skills Development and Human Resources Management of Delta State Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku (DESPOG) with a test, re-test reliability coefficient of 0.82. A Sample of 350 was drawn using stratified random sampling technique from an undeterminable growing population comprising of secondary, tertiary education students, trainees and graduates of the programme. The simple percentage was used for data analysis. The findings revealed the need for the establishment of ICT parks with adequate awareness campaign. Also, that ICT skill acquisition is a panacea for employment generation in most societies. Recommendations were made based on findings on this model of employment generation through ICT in Delta State of Nigeria.
Bi-directional relationship between capital structure and financial performance of firms listed on the Nairobi securities exchange
Authors: Otieno Odhiambo Luther , Ngwenya Sam
Published: December 2016

Capital structure decisions are common across firms, yet capital structure theories lack a consensus on how much of debt capital firms should use to finance their operations. The main objective of this study was to investigate the bi-directional relationship between capital structure and financial performance of firms listed on the NSE. The study used canonical correlation technique to determine the bi-directional relationship between capital structure and performance. The result revealed that dominant capital structure indicator to be used in an analysis to predict performance is the total debt to the total asset ratio. In the case of performance, the two variables that relate to capital structure are book value to market value ratio and asset turnover ratio. The results support the conclusion that a bidirectional relationship exists between capital structure and debt capital.
Corporate municipal governance for effective and efficient public service delivery in South Africa
Authors: Mbecke Paulin
Published: December 2016

This research acknowledges the current service delivery chaos manifested through numerous protests justifying the weakness of the “Batho Pele” good governance principles to facilitate, improve and sustain service delivery by local governments. The success of corporate governance in corporate companies and state owned enterprises is recognised prompting suggestions that local governments should too adopt corporate governance principles or King III to be effective. The research reviews the King III and literature to ascertain the lack of research on corporate governance in local governments in South Africa. Considering the particular set-up of local governments, the research doubts the successful application of King III in local governments. Through critical research theory, the current service delivery crisis in local governments in South Africa is described. The success of corporate governance systems in the United Kingdom and Australian local governments justify the need for a separate corporate municipal governance system as a solution to the crisis. A specific change of legislation and corporate governance guidelines is necessary to address the uniqueness of local governments. Hence, corporate municipal governance should be compulsory and based on ten standardised good governance principles via a code of corporate governance and a corporate governance framework responding to specific prerequisites for success
Remittances, financial development and economic growth: Empirical evidence from Lesotho
Authors: Sibindi Athenia Bongani
Published: December 2016

Increasingly remittances now constitute a great source of foreign currency inflows for many developing countries. In some instances remittances have outpaced the growth of foreign direct investment (FDI). Amongst others, remittances can be used as a vehicle of savings mobilisation as well as fostering the supply of credit by providing liquidity to the market. In this article we investigate the causal relationship between the remittances, financial development and economic growth in Lesotho for the period 1975 to 2010. We make use of per capita remittances, real per capita broad money supply and real per capita growth domestic product as the proxies for remittances, financial development and economic growth respectively. We then test for cointegration amongst the variables by applying the Johansen procedure and then test for Granger causality based on the vector error correction model (VECM). Our results confirm the existence of at least one cointegrating relationship and also indicate that the direction of causality runs from remittances to the economy without feedback. The results also suggest that financial development Granger causes economic growth without feedback which is consistent with ‘supply-leading’ growth hypothesis. The results also confirm a causal relationship running from financial development to remittances without feedback. The results also lend credence to the “complementarity’ hypothesis in that, remittances complement rather than substitute financial development in bringing about economic growth.
A Gestão do Negócio Turístico apoiado na capacitação profissional e na qualidade do atendimento ao cliente
Authors: Santaella Liliane Azevedo , Rodrigues Jorge Luiz Knupp
Published: December 2016

O negócio turístico é um dos maiores geradores de benefícios para o País e para as comunidades locais, como podemos ver por meio da história. Porém, para que o este negócio agregue valor as pessoas, as organizações e as comunidades necessitam alinhar-se às características e necessidades do contexto atual. O século XXI acena para uma sociedade baseada no conhecimento, com pessoas treinadas e capacitadas para tomadas de decisões, isto é, com competências que agreguem valor ao negócio.
O processo de treinamento como ferramenta de redução dos custos em transporte
Authors: Monteiro André Fernandes , Moreira Filho Edson Luppe , Rebouças Elaine Cristina Silva , Maciel Leite Juliana Gil , Silva Marcio Waldir , Coelho Francisco De Assis
Published: December 2016

Este artigo demonstra o benefício da aplicação de treinamento de pessoal para redução de custos logísticos. Para isso, o estudo se delimita ao setor de transporte rodoviário no Brasil, discutindo práticas atualmente correntes e seus benefícios ao controle e redução de custos na atividade. Na composição de custos de negócios na área de transportes, vários fatores e ações específicas devem ser analisadas para promover mudanças no negócio.
Educação Financeira
Authors: Olivieri Maria de Fátima Abud
Published: December 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é refletir sobre algumas contribuições teóricas no segmento emergente no mercado, intitulado de Educação Financeira, trazendo à discussão conceitos de Educação e Finanças, bem como a maneira como estes são empregados nas escolas, nos dias atuais. Esta reflexão sobre a Educação financeira está apoiada nas contribuições teóricas de autores como Abreu Filho, Pereira e que discutem as questões sobre finanças, orçamento doméstico, dinheiro e maneiras como as pessoas lidam com este último. As principais contribuições deste artigo é o de mostrar que a educação financeira é um processo constante de aprendizagem, que desenvolve a capacidade integral do ser humano para tomar decisões sobre muitos aspectos da vida, inclusive aqueles afetos à questão do dinheiro para viver bem e equilibradamente; que é um processo interno e individual, que só é desenvolvido pela vivência e experiência; e por fim, que o processo de educação financeira deve começar na primeira infância, na relação dinheiro com o obter doces e brinquedos.
A percepção dos profissionais de Contabilidade no âmbito da Prefeitura do Município De São Paulo, de Necessidades de mudanças na Lei 4.320/64: sintomas da necessidade de mudança
Authors: Teixeira Marília Cássia , Oliveira Antonio Benedito Da Silva
Published: December 2016

Neste trabalho de título a percepção dos profissionais de contabilidade no âmbito da Prefeitura do Município de São Paulo, das mudanças da Lei 4.320/64 e o impacto da Lei 101/00 , buscou-se alcançar o objetivo de captar a percepção dos profissionais de contabilidade no âmbito da Prefeitura do Município de São Paulo, das mudanças da Lei 4.320/64 e o impacto da Lei 101/00 e considerado o atual estado de harmonização das práticas contábeis do setor público. Neste contexto investigou-se a seguinte questão de pesquisa:  Existe a necessidade de mudança na Lei 4320/64, na percepção dos técnicos, gestores e auditores do Tribunal de Contas do Município de São Paulo?  A pesquisa foi realizada através da aplicação de um questionário a vinte e um profissionais de Contabilidade, do município com funções de gestão, de operação e auditores do tribunal de contas. Pelas respostas obtidas verificou-se que, na percepção destes indivíduos, a Lei 4.320/64 carece de atualização. Outros aspectos como a complexidade da lei em relação ao tamanho de muitos municípios foram levantados, bem como a necessidade de uma interpretação uniforme da Lei. Os conflitos entre a Lei 4.320/64 e a Lei Complementar 101/00 são resolvidos, seguindo o que estabelece a LC 101/00, por ser mais recente. Foi colocado ainda que, na visão destes profissionais, a harmonização das práticas contábeis é inevitável também no setor público, posto o atual grau de globalização que vivemos.
Marketing, Crédito & Consumismo: Impactos sobre o endividamento precoce dos jovens Brasileiros
Authors: Messias José Flávio , Silva José Ultemar , Silva Pedro Henrique Calderoni
Published: December 2016

Este artigo pretende analisar o perfil de consumo dos jovens, procurando abordar quais os principais fatores que os influenciam na escolha de determinados produtos e se existe algum tipo de controle orçamentário que possa balizar a compra, uma vez que várias pesquisas apresentam um aumento do grau de endividamento e de inadimplência por parte das famílias e dos indivíduos de uma forma geral. A relevância do tema justifica-se pela identificação de um excesso de campanhas de marketing direcionadas a este público veiculadas nos meios de comunicação, que, aliado à facilidade de financiamento proporcionado pelos revendedores e também do sistema financeiro em geral, têm contribuído para levá-los ao endividamento precoce.
A escolha da unidade de atuação pelo docente da Escola Pública Estadual do Ensino Médio: Fatores relevantes
Authors: Giordano Carlos Vital , Rufino Islanne Ariel Marinho
Published: December 2016

Este artigo pesquisou sobre quais são os fatores que levam o professor a escolher a escola de atuação, e relacionar se esses fatores possuem alguma associação com a formação ou, se a escolha apresenta outros aspectos, além dos pedagógicos. Por meio de entrevistas com os docentes, utilizando-se questionários, a pesquisa mostra o cenário de uma escola da Diretoria Regional de Ensino Sul I, que no ano de 2014 alcançou as metas de Ensino Médio estabelecidas pelo IDESP. Os resultados apresentados no artigo indicam quais os fatores considerados pelos docentes a atuar na escola, em seus variados graus de importância.
Alterações nos Indicadores Financeiros das Companhias do setor de Atacado e Varejo decorrentes da Nova Contabilização do Arrendamento Mercantil Operacional
Authors: Arrozio Mariana Moreira , Gonzales Alexandre , Da Silva Fabiana Lopes
Published: December 2016

Em estudo recente, divulgado pelo International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) as mudanças nos critérios de contabilização do arrendamento mercantil adicionarão US$2 trilhões aos balanços das companhias americanas. Este impacto é motivado, principalmente, pelas características contábeis que o arrendamento mercantil operacional possui, item off balance. Neste sentido, essa pesquisa analisou as operações de arrendamento mercantil operacional das companhias de atacado e varejo, qualificadas como arrendatárias, e os impactos da publicação da IFRS 16 como seu determinante. O estudo baseou-se na extração das informações contábeis publicadas nos demonstrativos financeiros das companhias listadas na bolsa de valores brasileira BMF&Bovespa. A técnica estatística utilizada no estudo foi o teste dos postos com sinais de Wilcoxon. Os resultados obtidos através dos indicadores de Liquidez, Endividamento e de Alavancagem, calculados com base nas demonstrações financeiras publicadas em 2015 e nas demonstrações ajustadas conforme notas explicativas, possuem impacto significativo na estrutura patrimonial dessas companhias. Revelaram um aumento no nível de endividamento, na alavancagem financeira e queda na liquidez, observados pelo reconhecimento de novos ativos e passivos.
On the galactic distributions of radio pulsars and plasma density
Authors: Ankay A. , Yazgan E. , Kutukcu P.
Published: December 2016

A brief review of distance measurement methods for some astronomical sources
is presented. Galactic plasma density distribution as related to the
distribution of radio pulsars is discussed and a method for constructing
relations between dispersion measure and distance for Galactic radio pulsars
in small solid angle intervals is described. Dispersion measure - distance
relations for radio pulsars based on this approach in the Galactic longitude
and latitude intervals of ?l=0??2? and ?b = 0?? 2? are displayed and
comparisons are made with the predictions of the two commonly used models.
Design, Development and Implementation of a Smartphone Overdependence Management System for the Self-Control of Smart Devices
Authors: Lee Seo-Joon , Rho Mi , Yook In , Park Seung-Ho , Jang Kwang-Soo , Park Bum-Joon , Lee Ook , Lee Dong , Kim Dai-Jin , Choi In
Published: December 2016

Background: Smartphone overdependence is a type of mental disorder that requires continuous treatment for cure and prevention. A smartphone overdependence management system that is based on scientific evidence is required. This study proposes the design, development and implementation of a smartphone overdependence management system for self-control of smart devices. Methods: The system architecture of the Smartphone Overdependence Management System (SOMS) primarily consists of four sessions of mental monitoring: (1) Baseline settlement session; (2) Assessment session; (3) Sensing & monitoring session; and (4) Analysis and feedback session. We developed the smartphone-usage-monitoring application (app) and MindsCare personal computer (PC) app to receive and integrate usage data from smartphone users. We analyzed smartphone usage data using the Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID). Based on the baseline settlement results, we designed a feedback service to intervene. We implemented the system using 96 participants for testing and validation. The participants were classified into two groups: the smartphone usage control group (SUC) and the smartphone usage disorder addiction group (SUD). Results: The background smartphone monitoring app of the proposed system successfully monitored the smartphone usage based on the developed algorithm. The usage minutes of the SUD were higher than the usage minutes of the SUC in 11 of the 16 categories developed in our study. Via the MindsCare PC app, the data were successfully integrated and stored, and managers can successfully analyze and diagnose based on the monitored data. Conclusion: The SOMS is a new system that is based on integrated personalized data for evidence-based smartphone overdependence intervention. The SOMS is useful for managing usage data, diagnosing smartphone overdependence, classifying usage patterns and predicting smartphone overdependence. This system contributes to the diagnosis of an abstract mental status, such as smartphone overdependence, based on specific scientific indicators without reliance on consultation.
Biosilica from Living Diatoms: Investigations on Biocompatibility of Bare and Chemically Modified Thalassiosira weissflogii Silica Shells
Authors: Cicco Stefania , Vona Danilo , Gristina Roberto , Sardella Eloisa , Ragni Roberta , Lo Presti Marco , Farinola Gianluca
Published: December 2016

In the past decade, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with a large surface area and pore volume have attracted considerable attention for their application in drug delivery and biomedicine. Here we propose biosilica from diatoms as an alternative source of mesoporous materials in the field of multifunctional supports for cell growth: the biosilica surfaces were chemically modified by traditional silanization methods resulting in diatom silica microparticles functionalized with 3-mercaptopropyl-trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) and 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses revealed that the –SH or –NH2 were successfully grafted onto the biosilica surface. The relationship among the type of functional groups and the cell viability was established as well as the interaction of the cells with the nanoporosity of frustules. These results show that diatom microparticles are promising natural biomaterials suitable for cell growth, and that the surfaces, owing to the mercapto groups, exhibit good biocompatibility.
A Novel MOS Nanowire Gas Sensor Device (S3) and GC-MS-Based Approach for the Characterization of Grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Authors: Sberveglieri Veronica , Bhandari Manohar , Núñez Carmona Estefanía , Betto Giulia , Sberveglieri Giorgio
Published: December 2016

To determine the originality of a typical Italian Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, it is crucial to define and characterize its quality, ripening period, and geographical origin. Different analytical techniques have been applied aimed at studying the organoleptic and characteristic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profile of this cheese. However, most of the classical methods are time consuming and costly. The aim of this work was to illustrate a new simple, portable, fast, reliable, non-destructive, and economic sensor device S3 based on an array of six metal oxide semiconductor nanowire gas sensors to assess and discriminate the quality ranking of grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese samples and to identify the VOC biomarkers using a headspace SPME-GC-MS. The device could clearly differentiate cheese samples varying in quality and ripening time when the results were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis involving principal component analysis (PCA). Similarly, the volatile constituents of Parmigiano Reggiano identified were consistent with the compounds intimated in the literature. The obtained results show the applicability of an S3 device combined with SPME-GC-MS and sensory evaluation for a fast and high-sensitivity analysis of VOCs in Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and for the quality control of this class of cheese.
Stability of Sun Creams Formulated with Thermal Spring Waters from Ourense, Northwest Spain
Authors: Del Castillo Alexandra , Pérez María , Falqué Elena , Domínguez Herminia
Published: December 2016

Sun protection creams were formulated with a commercial rosemary extract and with thermal waters from different springs in the Northwest Spain. A six month stability study was carried out and microbiological and chemical stability, as well as sensorial characteristics, were evaluated. In all creams, the mesophilic count always remained low (under 10 cfu/mL) and most of them showed greater antioxidant stability than the control cream formulated with distilled water. Color was stable during storage in almost all creams. Sensory analysis showed a quite similar valoration of the creams regardless the sex of the panelists, and small differences were found between consumers aged 30–40 and >40. Formulations elaborated from Outariz and A Chavasqueira thermal waters were preferred to those prepared with distilled water as a control.