bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Innovative Educational Approach to Reducing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections: A Case Study
Authors: Justus Therese , Wilfong Donamarie N. , Daniel Laura
Published: October 2016

Best practices for urinary catheter insertion and care are well documented in the literature. However, the development of educational methods to address best practice standards has been relatively stagnant. A novel educational approach to teach practicing providers proper catheter insertion and care was developed under a blended learning model with online videos and hands-on simulations. The education was custom created for each participant role. This education also highlighted the providers' own hospitals' catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) rates, the negative patient outcomes that have occurred as a result of CAUTIs, and the financial burdens caused by CAUTIs. Results showed a significant inverse relationship between whether the education was occurring and the number of monthly CAUTIs. The results provided evidence that engaging frontline workers in blended learning catheter care simulation education was significantly associated with a lower number of monthly CAUTIs. Other institutions can design similar educational interventions to reduce their CAUTI rates.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2016;47(10):473–476.
Psychotropic Alternatives to Antipsychotic Medications in Treating Dementia Behaviors: An Evidence-Based Practice Protocol
Authors: Birtley Nancy M.
Published: October 2016

Antipsychotic medications pose a significant risk to older adult patients with dementia and are frequently prescribed as first-line treatment for behaviors associated with dementia in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). SNFs are often cited by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid for inappropriate antipsychotic medication use. The purpose of the current article is to communicate an evidence-based practice (EBP) clinical protocol that can guide clinicians away from prescribing antipsychotic medications in the treatment of dementia behaviors. A literature review of 17 rigorous research studies was conducted to determine psychotropic risk and efficacy in treating dementia behaviors. An EBP clinical protocol establishing a hierarchy of psychotropic medications based on risk and efficacy was developed to guide clinicians away from the use of antipsychotic medications and toward the use of potentially safer and more efficacious psychotropic medications in dementia treatment while offering flexibility for clinical judgment. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
,
54
(10), 46–53.]
A quantitative assessment of the cryptobenthic fish assemblage at deep littoral cliffs in the Mediterranean
Authors: Glavičić Igor , Paliska Dejan , Soldo Alen , Kovačić Marcelo
Published: October 2016

The present study provides the first quantitative assessment of cryptobenthic fish species diversity and abundance on hard bottoms below 20 m depth by examining Mediterranean underwater reefs with deep vertical cliffs. Quantitative sampling was performed at depths down to about 45 m and yielded 220 cryptobenthic and 61 epibenthic individuals belonging to 21 species, showing that the cryptobenthic fishes highly outnumbered the epibenthic individuals. The study highlights the high diversity and abundance of this unexplored part of the benthic fish community. The cryptobenthic fish assemblage was dominated by the family Gobiidae in terms of both biodiversity ( > 60% of all species) and abundance ( > 90% of all specimens). Fish species previously considered rare were present and some of them were even numerous in this assemblage. Three out of fourteen recorded habitat variables (depth, rocky cliff surface area vs. the bottom of the cliff area, and the presence of sand as the bottom substrate) were identified as significant for species occurrence. Species were generalist in their choice of shelters since the size and quantity of semi-caves, caves, cavities and even bio-cover type had no significant influence on the species distribution and abundance.
Gametogenic cycle of the rough cockle Acanthocardia tuberculata (Mollusca: Bivalvia) in the M’diq Bay (SW Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Rharrass Afaf , Talbaoui Mostapha , Gaspar Miguel , Kabine Mostapha , Rharbi Nadia
Published: October 2016

The reproductive cycle of Acanthocardia tuberculata (Linnaeus, 1758) was studied in M’diq Bay. The gonadal development was determined by means of standard histological techniques, mean oocyte diameters and a condition index. Rough cockle is a gonochoric species with synchronous gonadal development and spawning in males and females. The sex ratio obtained was not significantly different to 1:1. Gametogenesis began in late winter (November) coinciding with the temperature drop. In June, with increasing sea water temperature, most of the population was spent and resting oocytes appeared dispersed in the gonad. Resting stage occurred from August to October, during which time sex could not be determined in 100% of the population. A. tuberculata showed a clear seasonality in its gametogenic cycle, with one spawning peak per year in June. Quantitative measurements of 6318 oocyte diameters indicated the patterns of development observed in the qualitative staging. The results obtained revealed the direct influence of temperature on the reproductive cycle. First sexual maturity occurred at 42.77 mm shell length. The information gathered in this study allowed preliminary management measures to be suggested for the fishery of this species, including a closed season during the main spawning season (May-June) and the establishment of a minimum landing size (at least 50 mm shell length) for A. tuberculata from the Moroccan Mediterranean coast.
Three-dimensional connectivity during summer in the northern Gulf of California
Authors: Montaño-Cortés Carolina , Marinone Silvio G.
Published: October 2016

Connectivity studies in the Gulf of California are an important tool for improving the use and management of the gulf’s natural resources. The goal of this work was to study the three-dimensional connectivity in the northern Gulf of California during two representative months of summer when most local marine species spawn. Passive particles were advected for eight weeks in a three-dimensional current field generated by a three-dimensional baroclinic numerical model. The results indicate that the locations of greatest particle retention were the Upper Gulf and the Seasonal Eddy. The Seasonal Eddy corresponded to the area of largest particle catchment because the continental coastal current carries most particles released in the Midriff Archipelago region; subsequently these particles were entrained in the seasonal cyclonic eddy, causing most of them to remain within it. We conclude that the continental coastal current and the Seasonal Eddy control the connectivity patterns in the northern Gulf of California.
Sponges as “living hotels” in Mediterranean marine caves
Authors: Gerovasileiou Vasilis , Chintiroglou Chariton Charles , Konstantinou Despoina , Voultsiadou Eleni
Published: October 2016

Although sponges constitute the dominant sessile organisms in marine caves, their functional role as ecosystem engineers has received little attention in this habitat type. In this study the associated macrofauna of the massive/tubular ecosystem-engineering sponges Agelas oroides and Aplysina aerophoba was studied across distinct ecological zones of two eastern Mediterranean caves. Our results revealed that the examined sponges supported a considerable associated macrofauna. A total of 86 associated taxa were found, including species reported for the first time as sponge symbionts and typical cave dwellers. Crustaceans predominated in terms of abundance but polychaetes showed the highest number of taxa. A clear differentiation was observed in the structure of the associated assemblage between the two sponges, attributed not only to the sponge species but also to differences in the surrounding environment. Density, diversity and the trophic structure of the sponge-associated macrofauna did not vary significantly along the horizontal axis of the surveyed caves. These findings suggest that sponges form a quite stable habitat, maintaining their functional role as ecosystem engineers across the studied marine caves and increasing habitat complexity in the impoverished inner dark cave sectors.
Avaliação do agravamento de inundações na bacia hidrográfica do Alto Iguaçu e afluentes do Alto Ribeira, Paraná
Authors: Garcia Junior Ruiz
Published: October 2016

A expansão da rede urbana tem sido acompanhada pela impermeabilização do solo, contribuindo para o aumento da ocorrência de inundações nestas áreas. Todavia, a avaliação deste fenômeno não tem recebido a devida atenção na gestão do espaço urbano, em particular porque não existe informação suficiente e adequada. Assim, este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar o impacto da mudança no uso e ocupação das terras no agravamento de inundações na bacia hidrográfica do Alto Iguaçu e afluentes do Alto Ribeira, Paraná. Essa bacia hidrográfica abriga uma população de 3 milhões de pessoas, sendo um importante centro urbano no Brasil. A proposta de mudança no uso e ocupação das terras respeitaria a escala sustentável da bacia hidrográfica, representada pela sua aptidão agrícola. O método utilizado foi a estimativa do Indicador de Agravamento de Inundações (IAI) por sub-bacia. Os resultados indicam que o respeito da escala sustentável reduziria a probabilidade de ocorrência de inundações nas sub-bacias da bacia hidrográfica do Alto Iguaçu e afluentes do Alto Ribeira.
Reflexões de cartografia temática nas transformações cartográficas
Authors: Martinelli Prof. Dr. Marcello
Published: October 2016

Propõe-se tecer reflexões de Cartografia Temática a respeito das Transformações Cartográficas mediante a consideração de várias modalidades de representação.
A Antropologia Estrutural de Lévi-Strauss e suas reverberações geográficas
Authors: Zanotelli Cláudio Luiz
Published: October 2016

O artigo analisa as inter-relações possíveis entre a geografia e a antropologia estrutural. Focaliza-se em particular na relação cultura-natureza e sociedade-espaço. Observa-se que o método estrutural desenvolvido por Claude Lévi-Strauss nos permite associar o espaço exterior ao espaço interior do homem, tratando de forma imanente o sensível e o inteligível. Dessa forma o método estruturalista aparece como de grande fertilidade para o método geográfico e para compreensão do meio em interação com a sociedade num processo dialético.
La « pacification » et ses rumeurs : les incidences des Unités de Police Pacificatrices sur les problèmes publics dans les favelas de Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Menezes Palloma Valle
Published: October 2016

Cet article a pour objectif central l’analyse des rumeurs qui circulent dans les favelas de Santa Marta et Cidade de Deus depuis que la police a commencé à les occuper en novembre 2008, avant que n’y soient inaugurées les premières UPP, les Unités de police pacificatrices de Rio de Janeiro. Dans cet article, je postule que l’analyse de ces « informations improvisées » peut aider à comprendre la manière dont ont évolué les préoccupations et les problèmes publics qui ont affecté la routine des habitants des favelas « pacifiées » au cours des cinq dernières années. Cette réflexion s’appuie sur un travail de recherche ethnographique effectuée dans les favelas de Santa Marta depuis 2009 et de Cidade de Deus depuis 2012.
Altamira-PA: novos papéis de centralidade e reestruturação urbana a partir da instalação da UHE Belo Monte
Authors: Neto José Queiroz de Miranda , Herrera José Antônio
Published: October 2016

Com este artigo pretendemos analisar os novos papéis de centralidade conferidos à cidade de Altamira a partir da instalação da usina hidrelétrica de Belo Monte. Como parâmetros para a análise, concebemos a cidade de Altamira com uma importante função de centralidade no sudoeste do Pará, abrangendo nove núcleos urbanos articulados entre o rio Xingu e a rodovia Transamazônica (BR-230). O referencial teórico utilizado se vincula ao conjunto de estudos sobre a cidade e o urbano no Brasil e na Amazônia, especialmente àqueles que fazem à relação entre a reestruturação urbana e as cidades médias. Com base em dados de fontes oficiais e de pesquisa de campo, os resultados apontam que a cidade de Altamira passa por uma transição em sua forma e funções urbanas, alterando as características que permitem a esta ampliar sua capacidade de articulação entre os centros urbanos. A UHE Belo Monte permitiu, nesse caso, a indução de processos que resultaram na expansão da infraestrutura e no aumento da oferta de bens e serviços, promovendo um novo significado em termos de centralidade urbana.
Writing Integrative Reviews of the Literature
Authors: Torraco Richard J.
Published: October 2016

This article discusses the integrative review of the literature as a distinctive form of research that uses existing literature to create new knowledge. As an expansion and update of a previously published article on this topic, it acknowledges the growth and appeal of this form of research to scholars, it identifies the main components of the integrative literature review, and summarizes guidelines for organizing and writing integrative literature reviews. Not addressed elsewhere in the literature, this article describes five reasons and purposes for writing literature reviews and discusses these purposes in relation to the methods for writing literature reviews. The article concludes that aligning the integrative literature review's methods with its purpose provides unity and coherence to the review.
Emerging Action Research Traditions
Authors: Watkins Karen E. , Nicolaides Aliki , Marsick Victoria J.
Published: October 2016

The authors argue here that contemporary use of action research shares the exploratory, inductive nature of many qualitative research approaches—no matter the type of data collected—because the type of research problems studied are set in complex, dynamic, rapidly changing contexts and because action research is undertaken to support social and organizational change that requires buy-in from many stakeholders affected by the research problem. Action research serves as a critique and alternative to more traditional views of social science. In this article, the authors first describe action research as defined by Kurt Lewin, its originator. They show how two variants of action research—Action Science and Collaborative Developmental Action Inquiry—advance insight into how action research can be used to develop personal capability to address system changes that action research seeks to unveil. By using the example of an innovative action research approach to doctoral research, the authors illustrate the context-rich, exploratory nature of action research that both generates knowledge for and in change, and developmentally engages collaborating researchers and participants. They conclude with reflections on criteria for rigor and relevance in action research in today's post-modern, complex world.
Impact of Duty-Cycling
Authors: Bouadem Nassima , Kacimi Rahim , Tari Abdelkamel
Published: October 2016

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) became omnipresent in our daily life. As a result, they have emerged as a fruitful research topic, because of their advantages, especially their low cost and easy deployment. However, these attractive merits imply that available resources, especially energy, in each sensor node have to be wisely used through different network dynamics. Beside other techniques, duty-cycling (DC) is the first widely used one to save energy in WSNs. However, due to the continuous changes, mainly in the energy availability, the nodes have to operate in a very low DC which is a required strategy in many applications in order to keep the network operational. This article presents a detailed survey that provides an interesting view of different DC schemes which are proposed to tackle the specific WSN challenges, and it also gives a novel classification of DC schemes that includes the most recent techniques. The last part aims to investigate the impact of the low DC on both the network and the application layer.
Extent of ICT Literacy Possessed by Librarians in Federal University Libraries in South East Nigeria
Authors: Nwabueze A. U. , Ibeh Bridget Oluchi
Published: October 2016

This paper examined extent of ICT literacy possessed by librarians in Federal University Libraries in South East Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 133 academic librarians. Achievement test and structured questionnaire were used to collect data. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics – simple percentage and arithmetic mean. The major findings include that librarians in Federal University Libraries in South East Nigerian possess high ICT literacy. Librarians in Federal University Libraries of South East Nigerian use ICT-based resources to a high extent The following constraints militate against librarians' acquisition of ICT skills: inadequate funding, poor infrastructural facilities, lack of in house/services training programmes for librarians on ICT, lack of implementation of ICT in the curriculum of library schools, librarians do not participate effectively in professional conferences, seminars and workshops on ICT. The study recommended that management should from time to time organize in-house training /service training on ICT for librarians.
A Study Regarding the Perception of Digital Citizenship among Adults and the Assessment of This Perception
Authors: Cubukcu Ahmet , Bazyan Sahin
Published: October 2016

Over time, as the influences of digital technologies on individuals' lives became apparent, the concept of digital citizenship as developed. Digital citizenship is considered to consist of 9 dimensions. These 9 dimensions have been previously described by Mike Ribble and his colleagues. These studies demonstrate not only the importance of effective use of digital technologies, and especially online technologies, but also the importance of ethically responsible and critical use. Over time, the concept of digital competence, which represents an integral aspect of digital citizenship, is also defined. In this study, a digital literacy model is created associated with the dimensions of digital citizenship and the aspects of digital competence. Based on this model, the perception of individuals regarding the conscious, proper and effective use of online technologies is assessed, and a comprehensive field study regarding digital citizenship is conducted.
The Influence of National and Organisational Culture on Knowledge Sharing in Distributed Teams
Authors: Siakas Kerstin , Georgiadou Elli , Siakas Dimitrios
Published: October 2016

In today's competitive business environment increasingly large numbers of organisations use distributed teams in their international operations. This paper provides a basis for discussion and analysis of knowledge sharing between distributed team members working in a global context in different organisational and national cultures. Examining the different cultural values and perceptions related to knowledge sharing, the authors aim at making more explicit the human and cultural dynamics that bear on knowledge sharing and knowledge management success. A lifecycle for knowledge creation and sharing is discussed. The use of Cultural and Organisational Diversity Evaluation (CODE) is proposed for assessing the fit between national and organisational culture. The objective of using the CODE model is to raise awareness of the cultural values and attitudes in distributed teams and in combination with the life-cycle to ensure an effective process quality management and foster a knowledge sharing culture within distributed team members.
Teaching a ‘Managing Innovation and Technology' Course
Authors: Ktoridou Despo , Epaminonda Epaminondas
Published: October 2016

In the last few years an increasing emphasis on developing entrepreneurship has been evident in many universities in an effort to prepare students to integrate effectively into the competitive working environment of the 21st century. A key question is how to do this. This work examines the impact of Student Centered Learning (SCL) introduced in a multidisciplinary undergraduate course of Management of Innovation and Technology at the University of Nicosia. It examines students' and lecturer experiences, benefits and challenges of implementing SCL, and gives recommendations to lecturers for designing a SCL based curriculum, incorporating inductive methods. The findings may be useful for academics who teach entrepreneurship related topics and seek ways to incorporate innovative approaches in their teaching and learning processes in order to motivate students towards the development of entrepreneurial skills and thinking.
Evidence of an Open Government Data Portal Impact on the Public Sphere
Authors: Lourenço Rui Pedro
Published: October 2016

Data portals are being created as part of open government strategies to increase transparency. But although the potential of the internet to increase transparency (as data disclosure) has been widely considered in the literature, there is no reported evidence of any of the released data actually being used by their ultimate recipients (citizens) for public accountability purposes. This descriptive research effort aims to find evidence of the impact of open government portals, asserting whether data is indeed being used and for what purposes. One contract portal was selected and Google Search was used to find portal references on the internet. A qualitative content analysis approach was adopted, whereby references were examined with respect to its main purpose and data usage. Evidence was found of contract data being used, among others, to identify possible situations of corruption, nepotism and misusage of public resources, support argumentation on public policy debates and, in general, to hold public officials accountable in the public sphere through ‘blame and shame' sanctions.
Implementation and Evaluation of Steganography Based Online Voting System
Authors: Rura Lauretha , Issac Biju , Haldar Manas Kumar
Published: October 2016

Though there are online voting systems available, the authors propose a new and secure steganography based E2E (end-to-end) verifiable online voting system, to tackle the problems in voting process. This research implements a novel approach to online voting by combining visual cryptography with image steganography to enhance system security without degrading system usability and performance. The voting system will also include password hashed-based scheme and threshold decryption scheme. The software is developed on web-based Java EE with the integration of MySQL database server and Glassfish as its application server. The authors assume that the election server used and the election authorities are trustworthy. A questionnaire survey of 30 representative participants was done to collect data to measure the user acceptance of the software developed through usability testing and user acceptance testing.
The Impact of ERP Alignment on Logistics Costs
Authors: Muscatello Joseph R. , Parente Diane H. , Swinarski Matthew
Published: October 2016

ERP implementations have been studied on many dimensions; however, little work has been done linking logistics costs and ERP implementation factors. Taking a Work System Theoretical perspective, this paper examines the alignment success factors necessary to improve logistics cost. The authors used a two-step approach, conducting a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the psychometric properties of their measures and then conducting an independent sample t-test between two groups, one which experienced decreased logistic costs and the second which experienced the same or increasing logistic costs. Organizations attempting to decrease logistics costs via an ERP implementation must consider the processes and activities involved in aligning participants, information, technology, and business process in these ERP implementations. This research has provided more insight into the practice of ERP implementations and has reemphasized the need to judge ERP success relative to impact on firm performance
A Classified Advertisement Framework to Support Niche and other Targeted Markets
Authors: Bodenmiller Adam E. , Shaout Adnan K. , Tyankov Zhivko V.
Published: October 2016

Classified advertisement sites often follow two different approaches to filter classified advertisement data to customers and potential customers. The first approach is to reach out to the broader market, allowing the customers to filter to their target market on the classified website. The downside of this approach is that it lacks the customization and specialization people in a niche market tend to prefer. The second approach is to create classified advertisement websites that are customized to meet the needs of a target or niche market. This specialization is more appealing to niche market customers. However, the second approach is more focused. Therefore, the customer base is smaller, and expanding to more markets requires building more websites, which can be costly in time, money and effort. In this paper the authors propose a framework that allows website developers to quickly and efficiently create targeted market websites. The framework proposed enables website developers to quickly customize text, context and features offered on the newly created targeted market website. In addition, the framework overcomes the entry barrier new websites face by obtaining the starting classified listings required to make a new classified website viable to potential buyers and sellers.
Gaeilge Gaming
Authors: Dalton Gene , Devitt Ann
Published: October 2016

In the 2011 census almost one in three Irish teenagers claimed to be unable to speak Irish (Central Statistics Office, Ireland, 2012), despite the language being taught daily in school. The challenges facing the Irish language in schools are complex and multifaceted. The research reported here attempts to address some of these challenges by adopting a novel approach to teaching Irish to primary school children using an online detective game. This paper details how a group of 10 year old children (n = 17) report their experience of the game, and how this compares to its proposed affordances for language learning. Overall, the children responded very positively, and identified significant motivational factors associated with the game, such as rewards, positive team interactions, challenge and active learning. Their feedback demonstrates that this use of gaming technology has the potential to support children's language learning through creating a language community where users are motivated to use Irish in a meaningful way.
Towards a Conceptual Framework of GBL Design for Engagement and Learning of Curriculum-based Content
Authors: Jabbar Azita Iliya Abdul , Felicia Patrick
Published: October 2016

This paper aims to show best practices of GBL design for engagement. It intends to show how teachers can implement GBL in a collaborative, comprehensive and systematic way, in the classrooms, and probably outside the classrooms, based on empirical evidence and theoretical framework designed accordingly. This paper presents the components needed to design an innovative GBL platform, and it describes how to facilitate learning in a gaming environment, sustain continuous learning in the gameplay, and apply the successful methodologies. In this paper, the authors discuss the overall findings of pupils and teacher surveys and classroom observations in the context of primary education (pupils ages between eight and twelve). The findings helped with guidelines design instructions of GBL for engagement and learning. By using a game-based approach best practice, teachers can embed gaming and learning principles to create engaging learning experiences.
Know Your World Better
Authors: G. Srinivasa K. , Jagannath Satvik , Nidhi Aakash
Published: October 2016

Mobile devices are changing the way people live. Users have everything on their fingertips and to support them, there are scores of application which add to the usability and comfort. “Know your world better” is an Augmented Reality application developed for Android. This application helps the user to find friends and locate places in close proximity. In this paper we talk about an application that describes a method of augmenting Point of Interests (POI's) on a mobile device. User has to move his phone pointing in a direction of his choice and POI's if any are shown in real time. The user's interest with respect to the environment is inferred from speech or by selecting from the choices; this data is used for information retrieval from the cloud. The result of context-sensitive information retrieval is augmented onto the view of the mobile and provides speech output.
What If Devices Take Command
Authors: Castellet Andreu
Published: October 2016

The new generation of wearables, marketed as consumer electronics products, can be interpreted as a sign of radical innovation leadership from mobile device producers. Since the appearance of the iPhone –and also later of the iPad-, terminal vendors had lost traction as triggers of innovation within the mobile content ecosystem, giving way to the current platform-based paradigm of leadership. This paper proposes examining the innovation potential of wearable devices on the whole mobile set of actors, starting from a two-scenarios premise: one of sustaining innovation, and a second scenario of more prominent influence. The research finds significant innovating potential for the smart kind of wearables, with a range of influence that can modify the course of all current mobile players. Also, it points at the possibility that a strong development of these items can eventually give birth to a new kind of media, specifically conceived for the wearable experience.
Health Apps by Design
Authors: Chindalo Pannel , Karim Arsalan , Brahmbhatt Ronak , Saha Nishita , Keshavjee Karim
Published: October 2016

The mobile health (mhealth) app market continues to grow rapidly. However, with the exception of fitness apps and a few isolated cases, most mhealth apps have not gained traction. The barriers preventing patients and care providers from using these apps include: for patients, information that contradicts health care provider advice, manual data entry procedures and poor fit with their treatment plan; for providers, distrust in unknown apps, lack of congruence with workflow, inability to integrate app data into their medical record system and challenges to analyze and visualize information effectively. In this article, the authors build upon previous work to define design requirements for quality mhealth apps and a framework for patient engagement to propose a new reference architecture for the next generation of healthcare mobile apps that increase the likelihood of being useful for and used by patients and health care providers alike.
Analyzing and Visualizing Genomic Complexity for the Derivation of the Emergent Molecular Networks
Authors: Koutsandreas Theodoros , Binenbaum Ilona , Pilalis Eleftherios , Valavanis Ioannis , Papadodima Olga , Chatziioannou Aristotelis
Published: October 2016

Modern genomic studies, accumulation of biological information in repositories, plus novel analytical and data-mining methodologies, comprise the backbone for the holistic explanation of intricate phenotypes, interrogated by high-throughput experiments. Recent developments in web platforms architecture, in conjunction with novel, browser-centric, visualization techniques pose a powerful framework for the development of distributed web applications, which execute complex analytical tasks, display the results in user-friendly interface and produce comprehensive, visualization charts. In this paper, the presented client-server application targets the systemic interpretation of input gene lists, through the fusion of established statistical methodologies and information-mining techniques, while interactive visualization modules aid the intuitive interpretation of results. Two publicly available datasets, related to Crohn's and Parkinson's disease are used to present application analytical efficiency, robustness and functionalities.
Infrastructure Development as a Catalyst for Social-Economic Advancement
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: October 2016

Government identifies scaling-up investment in infrastructure as one of the key enablers to achieve its development objectives - these include achieving high and sustained growth levels to reduce poverty, income inequality and high unemployment. The specific areas where infrastructure development is required include transport (road, rail, maritime and aviation), electricity, water, housing and ICT. This paper explores how infrastructure development acts as a catalyst for social-economic advancement with focus on Namibia. The paper will review the state of infrastructure in Namibia in relation to existing financing and regulatory environment and in particular delves into the understanding of and the need for systems approach to infrastructure development to ensure that the catalyst effect on social-economic development take place. The last part is the conclusion.
Extending the Technology Acceptance Model and Critical Success Factors Model to Predict the Use of Cloud Computing
Authors: Ababneh Hayel
Published: October 2016

This study aims to extend the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of using Cloud Computing. The hypothesized model is validated empirically using a sample collected from 307 valid responses. It synthesizes the Information System Success model and the TAM, to explain and predict the users' attitudes toward using Cloud Computing. It offers Cloud Computing Acceptance Model (CCAM) to be used for predicting the future implementation and actual usage of innovative business solutions. To examine the reliability and validity of the measurement model, the confirmatory factor analysis was performed whereas multiple regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the associations between the constructs in the proposed model. It concludes with the essentiality of establishing stronger organisational culture and building trust between users and new technology. Moreover, more attention to system and service quality is needed to assist users perceptions toward Cloud Computing usefulness and its ease of use which are crucial to for its success.
La sistematización de los trascendentales del ser en su desarrollo histórico
Authors: Cresta Gerald
Published: October 2016

El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo analizar el recorrido de los conceptos trascendentales del ser en las diversas instancias histórico-filosóficas de su sistematización, haciendo hincapié en el pasaje de una ontología formal en Aristóteles hacia una ontología existencial en el Neoplatonismo y la primera Escolástica hasta Tomás de Aquino. Se destacará la aparición de una nueva perspectiva formal en la teoría escotista de la univocidad del ser y sus continuadores hasta Suárez. La hipótesis de trabajo está orientada a demostrar qué lugar ocupan los trascendentales en la búsqueda de los principios universales de fundamentación del saber, y pretende impulsar un proyecto más amplio en el que se desarrollarían con mayor alcance las diferentes perspectivas.
Reseña historiográfica del proceso de la soberanía desde la Edad Media
Authors: Burlando Giannina
Published: October 2016

En este estudio deseo destacar dos hitos del complejo progresivo proceso en las relaciones del poder soberano desde la Edad Media cristiana: Primero, el del comienzo del Siglo XIV donde aparecen las primeras marcadas señales de fisura en la soberanía dentro de la doctrina del sacerdotalismo. El segundo, al final del siglo XVI, donde el factor jurídico legal se acentúa y acelera el proceso de secularización, dividiendo los poderes de la Iglesia y del Estado al punto de aceptar la doctrina de soberanía popular. En mi parecer, el proceso se da en la cuestión de las relaciones entre el poder soberano de la Iglesia y del Estado, precisamente antes de que Jean Bodin y otros autores lleguen a formular una teoría de la autoridad soberana, o sea, antes del nacimiento del Estado Moderno.
Percepção de justiça na avaliação de desempenho e satisfação do trabalho
Authors: Dal Vesco Delci Grapégia , Beuren Ilse Maria , Popik Fabiane
Published: October 2016

O estudo objetiva investigar a relação da percepção de justiça organizacional com a avaliação de desempenho e satisfação no trabalho dos empregados. Pesquisa descritiva foi realizada a partir de um levantamento em uma cooperativa agropecuária que adota sistema de remuneração variável aos seus empregados. A amostra constituiu-se de 110 respondentes de um total de 325 empregados, sendo que 108 questionários foram aproveitados. Na análise dos dados, utilizou-se estatística descritiva e inferencial, além de modelagens de equação estrutural. Os resultados mostram que a forma como os empregados percebem a avaliação de desempenho, como a empresa distribui salários e lucros, e como os gestores tomam decisões e interagem com os indivíduos afetados está mais associada com a satisfação no trabalho do que com a forma como os processos são executados. Conclui-se que a percepção das três dimensões de justiça organizacional na avaliação de desempenho pode melhorar a satisfação no trabalho e que os resultados validaram o modelo estrutural desta pesquisa.
Poder Preditivo e Value Relevance da Demonstração do Resultado Abrangente: uma análise das companhias brasileiras listadas na BM&FBovespa
Authors: Angotti Marcello , Macedo Hugo Costa de , Bispo Oscar Neto De Almeida
Published: October 2016

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar se as informações sobre o resultado abrangente consolidado (RAC), os outros resultados abrangentes (ORA) e os seus componentes individuais têm poder preditivo para determinar o Fluxo de Caixa Operacional do período subsequente (FCOt+1) de empresas do mercado de capitais brasileiro. A metodologia de pesquisa utilizou dados financeiros coletados na base Economatica e na CVM. A seleção da amostra foi realizada considerando a disponibilidade das variáveis: FCOt+1 e Preço das Ações. O período analisado compreendeu os anos de 2012 a 2014. Foram utilizadas técnicas de avaliação quantitativas, estabelecendo-se dois momentos de estudo: o primeiro testando a hipótese de que o RAC possui maior poder preditivo que o Lucro Líquido (LL) para a previsão do FCOt+1 (528 observações); e o segundo testando a hipótese de que o RAC, os ORA e seus componentes possuem value relevance para o mercado de capitais brasileiro (605 observações). Os resultados sugerem que a apreciação do RAC, individualmente, não seria incremental para previsão do FCOt+1. Todavia, verificou-se um acréscimo na capacidade preditiva para o FCOt+1, com a inclusão dos Outros Resultados Abrangentes . Não foi possível verificar, com a desagregação dos itens individuais dos ORA, capacidade incremental para determinação do FCOt+1. Foi verificado que o PL e o LL possuem value relevance, porém isso não se confirma para o RAC. Soma-se que, apenas o hedge de fluxo de caixa apresentou-se significativo para explicar o valor de mercado da empresa, indicando existir benefício informacional aos stakeholders que empregarem as informações da DRA em suas análises
Comportamento dos honorários de auditoria na troca de firma de auditoria ou sócio responsável
Authors: Pierri Junior Marcelo Antonio , Camargo Pepinelli Rita De Cássia , Alberton Luiz
Published: October 2016

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar se o comportamento dos honorários de auditoria é afetado durante a troca de sócio responsável ou da firma de auditoria no período de 2010 a 2013. Para isso, foi elaborado um modelo empírico e construídas hipóteses com base na literatura internacional e nacional sobre determinantes de honorários e troca da firma de auditoria. As hipóteses do estudo buscaram observar o desconto no ano inicial de relacionamento entre a empresa auditada e a firma de auditoria, o valor dos honorários na troca de sócio responsável pela auditoria e as diferenças no tipo de troca da firma de auditoria, seja ela Big-Four ou não Big-Four. Além das variáveis incorporadas para as hipóteses, o modelo apresenta ainda oito variáveis de controle: total do ativo, subsidiárias, subsidiárias estrangeiras, liquidez geral, big-four, risco inerente, prejuízo e operações de reestruturação. A técnica de análise de dados utilizada foi o modelo de regressão com dados em painel. A partir do modelo de efeitos fixos, observou-se que o tamanho do ativo da empresa, a liquidez e o tipo da firma que realiza a auditoria contribuem para aumentar o valor dos honorários pagos pelas empresas auditadas. Não foi possível obter evidências significativas de descontos no valor dos honorários, seja na troca da firma de auditoria ou na troca do sócio responsável.
Perfil Lipídico e Resíduos de Antibióticos no Leite Caprino no Município de Senhor o Bonfim –Ba
Authors: Felix dos Santos Jemima , Zuza Cruz Lorena , Gustavo Neves Brandão Luiz
Published: October 2016

Objetivou-se traçar o perfil lipídico bem como identificar a presença de antibióticos no leite caprino produzido no município de Senhor do Bonfim – BA. Utilizaram-se trinta amostras de leite para detectar a presença de antibióticos bem como para quantificar e qualificar a concentração de ácidos graxos. Num total das amostras avaliadas, 46,6% apresentaram-se positivas com a quantidade de antibióticos acima do Limite Máximo Recomendado (LMR). Em relação aos AGs foram identificados 18 tipos sendo 50% do tipo saturado. A grande quantidade de antibióticos acima do LMR é preocupante e sugerem-se campanhas de esclarecimento sobre o uso exacerbado de antibióticos em animais leiteiros. Estudos sobre inclusão de óleos na dieta dos animais visando o incremento de AG poli-insaturados com benefícios para o consumidor também são sugeridos.
Avaliação da analgesia pós-operatória promovida pela acupuntura em cadelas submetidas à ovariohisterectomia eletiva
Authors: Meireles Guilherme Paes , Alencar Carlos Rodrigo Komatsu , Damin Cleiton , Bortolato Julio Sylvio , De Conti Juliano Bortolo , Taffarel Marilda Onghero
Published: October 2016

Com o objetivo de avaliar a analgesia promovida por dois protocolos de acupuntura pré-operatória, foram utilizadas 21 cadelas com peso entre cinco e 12 kg, submetidas ovariohisterectomia. Os animais foram alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos: GM – grupo meloxicam; GM2 – grupo meloxicam associado à estimulação dos acupontos IG4 e F3; GM3 – grupo meloxicam associado à estimulação dos acupontos VG1, E36 e BP6. Como protocolo anestésico utilizou-se acepromazina (0,02 mg/kg IM), propofol e isofluorano. Para a analgesia trans-operatória foi administrado fentanil (5 µg/kg IV) imediatamente antes do início do procedimento cirúrgico. O tratamento, de acordo com o grupo, foi realizado 10 minutos após a administração da acepromazina. A avaliação de dor pós-operatória foi realizada através da Escala Composta Modificada de Glasgow e pela Escala Análoga Visual, nos seguintes momentos: anterior à aplicação da acepromazina (T0), uma (T1), duas (T2), quatro (T4), seis (T6), oito (T8) e 24 horas após extubação (T24). A análise estatística foi realizada através do teste de Kruskal Wallis com 5% de significância. Os resultados obtidos não apresentaram diferença estatística em todos os parâmetros avaliados, dessa forma, nas condições do presente estudo, a estimulação dos acupontos por agulha seca não apresentou incremento na analgesia promovida pelo uso do meloxicam isoladamente.
Avaliação da eficácia in vitro de três desinfetantes de utilização na área veterinária
Authors: Godin Mariana Marreta Rezende , Pitta Agnes Caldas , Sfaciotte Ricardo Antonio Pilegi , Vignoto Vanessa Kelly Capoia , Wosiacki Sheila Rezler
Published: October 2016

O objetivo deste projeto foi de avaliar in vitro a eficácia de diferentes protocolos de desinfecção hospitalar na área veterinária. Foram testados três desinfetantes comerciais, com princípios ativos Cloreto de Benzalcônio, Cloreto de alquil dimetil benzil amônio e o-benzil p-clorofenol, sendo este último testado o produto puro (para desinfecção) e na diluição 1:30 (para limpeza geral de superfícies). Para o teste dos desinfetantes foi utilizado um pool de bactérias na concentração de 105 com as seguintes cepas padrão: Pseudômonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) e Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). Os princípios ativos foram testados nos tempos de 30 segundos, 1 minuto, 2,5 minutos, 5 minutos, 10 minutos, 15 minutos e 20 minutos. Avaliando-se a ação dos desinfetantes na presença de matéria orgânica (leite), observou-se que os produtos a base de amônia quaternária apresentaram resultados variáveis. A partir do tempo de 2,5 minutos o cloreto de benzalcônio obteve melhor ação antibacteriana, eliminando todos os micro-organismos. As análises realizadas com o princípio o-benzil p-clorofenol mostraram que o princípio puro mostrou-se eficiente em todos os tempos, não apresentando contagem bacteriana em nenhum teste, resultado diferente do que ocorreu com o princípio diluído, que apresentou contagem de micro-organismos variando de 2,64 log/mL (20 minutos) a 3,21 log/mL (2,5 minutos). A partir dos testes realizados com os diferentes tipos de desinfetantes comerciais, concluiu-se que Cloreto de Benzalcônio e o o-benzil p-clorofenol foram os que apresentaram os melhores resultados quando comparados com os demais. O Cloreto de Benzalcônio apresentou maior eficácia depois do terceiro tempo (5 minutos). O o-benzil p-clorofenol mostrou-se eficaz em todos os tempos alcançando assim seu objetivo, que foi a redução total de todos os micro-organismos.
Structural Safety Review of a Building Damaged by Explosion in Mexico City
Authors: Avila Jorge A. , Avila-Haro Jorge Arturo
Published: October 2016

The structural assessment of a building damaged by the effects of an explosion located in Mexico City is presented. The structure consists in 12 complete levels, a thirteenth partially completed level for elevators, and a basement. The building is mainly conformed of steel frames with box columns, I-beams and trusses; peripherally reinforced concrete slabs attached to girders through shear connectors; its reinforced concrete box foundation (basement slab, grade beams and floor slab) is supported on control piles at a depth of 5.9 m. The building did not present any damage in the 1985 Mexico City earthquake; the original structural design is from the 1960’s (RCDF-66) [1], for a reduced seismic coefficient cs= 0.06. A review of the present condition of the structure against the requirements of the current RCDF-04 (transition seismic zone: Ts~1.0 s and cs=0.32; Q=2) was performed in this work [2]. Based on the three-dimensional structural behavior, spectral modal dynamic analyses were performed, including the joint work of the super-structure and the foundation. The structure does not present any lack of lateral stiffness and/or resistance problems, even after the explosion. According to the non-linear static (Push-over) analyses (with and without over-strenghts effects), the lateral capacity curves prove that the building has a slightly higher lateral capacity in the longitudinal direction and, to a lesser extent, in the short direction, than the one required in the current regulation. No corrective structural actions were needed, except for the rehabilitation of the structural elements affected by the explosion.