bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Escrileituras: um modo de ler-escrever em meio à vida
Authors: Corazza Sandra Mara , Rodrigues Carla Gonçalves , Heuser Ester Maria Dreher , Monteiro Silas Borges
Published: November 2014

O artigo aborda o projeto Escrileituras: um modo de ler-escrever em meio à vida, integrante do Observatório da Educação CAPES/INEP, vigente de janeiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2014. Articulando professores de educação básica, estudantes de iniciação científica, mestrado, doutorado e pesquisadores participantes, radica em quatro núcleos, nas seguintes universidades: UFRGS, UFPel, UFMT e UNIOESTE/PR. Desde a pesquisa, o ensino e a extensão, trabalhados na perspectiva do pensamento da diferença em educação, desenvolve variadas oficinas de escrileituras, que produzem competências de leitura e de escritura, a partir da coautoria entre leitor e escritor. Opera com a didática da tradução, articulando os planos filosóficos, científicos e artísticos para realizar processos vitalistas de transcriações, que são transdisciplinares, translinguísticos e transculturais. Isso porque escrileituras é, sempre, um ato político, que não assimila o outro a si mesmo, mas aproxima distâncias e transpõe culturas estrangeiras umas às outras. Ao utilizar a didática-artista da tradução e o método cartográfico, nunca é cópia, mas transcriação, que modifica os originais, como uma heterofilia, desfazendo identidades sedentárias. Ao operar sob o fascínio das interinfluências trazidas pelas linguagens contemporâneas, implica a invenção de um corpus crítico-seletivo, que liga criteriosamente os conceitos de tradução poética, intertextualidade e relações entre diversos sistemas de signos.
Disponibilidad y uso de TIC en escuelas latinoamericanas: incidencia en el rendimiento escolar
Authors: Román Marcela , Murillo F. Javier
Published: November 2014

Enriquecer los ambientes de aprendizaje de los estudiantes mediante la incorporación de tecnologías de información y comunicación requiere que los centros educativos dispongan de computadoras y conectividad - en cantidad y calidad suficiente - para que docentes y estudiantes puedan incorporar dichas tecnologías en el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje. La investigación que se presenta estima la incidencia del acceso y uso de computadoras en el logro escolar que obtienen los estudiantes latinoamericanos de 6° de primaria en Matemáticas y Lectura. Para ello, y mediante modelos multinivel de cuatro niveles (alumno, aula, escuela y país), se analiza información de dieciséis países de América Latina, cerca de 91.000 estudiantes de sexto grado y algo más de 3.000 docentes, disponible en la base de datos del Segundo Estudio Comparativo y Explicativo (SERCE) de la UNESCO. Con importantes variaciones entre países, los resultados dan cuenta de que apenas un tercio de los niños y niñas latinoamericanos que estudian 6º grado dispone de una computadora en casa y más de la mitad de ellos afirma que nunca han utilizado una computadora en la escuela. Entre sus principales hallazgos se constata que un estudiante que cuente con una computadora en su hogar, que concurra a una escuela con más de diez computadoras, que los utilice al menos una vez por semana y tenga un profesor/a que use habitualmente la computadora en su casa, obtendrá un desempeño significativamente más alto en ambas áreas evaluadas: 23 puntos más en matemáticas y 25 en lectura.
Contribuições da controladoria ao planejamento tributário em empresas do ramo da construção civil
Authors: Ferreira Luiz Felipe , Silva Edith Nunes da , Dani Erica Elisa
Published: November 2014

As empresas para se manterem no mercado buscam o melhor gerenciamento de seus fluxos financeiros. Uma das opções é a redução da saída de recursos. A carga tributária, que no Brasil, comparada a outros países, é elevada, representa uma parcela significativa do ônus das empresas. Dessa forma, o planejamento tributário ou a elisão fiscal são os instrumentos lícitos que auxiliam as empresas, aproveitando as brechas existentes nas leis, para reduzirem, postergarem ou extinguirem os tributos a serem recolhidos. A controladoria é abordada como um órgão administrativo capaz de auxiliar as empresas na elaboração do planejamento tributário. Pretende-se, neste artigo, defender os objetivos propostos, ressaltando a contribuição da controladoria para o desenvolvimento do Planejamento Tributário.Como resultado, observa-se que o planejamento tributário depende de fatores internos e externos e a controladoria, como um órgão administrativo, deverá estar atenta às mudanças no mercado e em todas as atividades e níveis da empresa. Poderá, por meio de suas funções, auxiliar no planejamento, na execução e no controle do planejamento tributário, para que a empresa obtenha informação suficiente em prazos compatíveis, diagnosticando a postergação, redução ou extinção dos tributos.
Biodiversity and environmental context predict dung beetle‐mediated seed dispersal in a tropical forest field experiment
Authors: Griffiths Hannah M. , Louzada Julio , Bardgett Richard D. , Beiroz Wallace , França Filipe , Tregidgo Daniel , Barlow Jos
Published: November 2014

Biodiversity–ecosystem functioning (BEF) literature is dominated by investigations conducted in temperate grassland ecosystems under homogenous environmental conditions. Consequently, studies concerned with the functional importance of higher trophic levels, or with the role of environmental conditions in shaping BEF relationships, are comparatively uncommon. To address this, we assessed dung beetle diversity‐functioning relationships in situ, in a field experiment in the Brazilian Amazon. Dung beetles perform a number of ecological functions in habitats across the globe; in tropical forests they play a key role in the secondary dispersal of seeds. We therefore experimentally tested how the functional diversity of dung beetle communities affects seed dispersal and how BEF relationships varied with environmental context, by replicating the experiments under contrasting soil conditions. Relationships between dung beetle diversity and function were examined using diversity indices calculated using continuous morphological traits of the individuals involved in experiments, and functioning was measured as the dispersion of artificial seeds throughout the soil profile and the probability of burial. Ninety experimental plots were established across three distinct primary forest sites. We collected, identified, and measured almost 2000 beetles, and sieved around 11 Mg of soil to quantify the dispersion of 1800 seed mimics. There was a significant effect of dung beetle functional diversity on both seed dispersion and seed burial, although this depended on environmental context, with the strength or direction of responses differing across the contrasting soils. Regardless of soil type, functional richness, but not species richness, predicted seed dispersion. We therefore advocate the use of functional diversity indices over taxonomic approaches in dung beetle‐focused BEF investigations. Furthermore, we highlight the difficulties in generalizing BEF relationships, even considering a single function within the same ecosystem.
Enhanced Power Within the Default Mode Network in Normal Subjects with Elevated Scores on an Egocentric Scale
Authors: Collins Mark W.G , Persinger Michael A
Published: November 2014

Integrated global power from the primary structures that composed the Default Mode Network (DMN) and from a random collection of other structures were measured by sLORETA (standardized low-resolution electromagnetic tomography) for young university volunteers who had completed an inventory that contained a subscale by which egocentricity has been inferred. Subjects who exhibited higher scores for egocentricity displayed significantly more power within the DMN structures relative to comparison areas. This was not observed for individuals whose egocentricity scores were lowest where the power differences between the DMN and comparison structures were not significant statistically. DMN power was greater in the right hemisphere than the left for men but greater in the left hemisphere than the right for women. The results are consistent with our operating metaphor that elevation of power or activity within the DMN is associated with greater affiliation with the self and its cognitive contents.
Mechanical Resonance Dispersion Revisited
Authors: Hart Haskell V.
Published: November 2014

Mechanical resonance dispersion is the inelastic response of a solid to a periodic shear stress. Instead of the elastic Young's Modulus, the phenomenon is described by both a real J', and an imaginary J'' component of complex shear compliance, corresponding to in phase and out of phase strain responses, respectively. The experimental results are plots of J' and J'' vs. frequency, which are typically in the audiofrequency range of 10 - 5600 Hz. Resonances are observed as maxima in J'' and inversions in J' at frequencies corresponding to modes of plastic deformation, which are much lower frequencies (audiofrequency range) than elastic normal modes. The theoretical explanation of Edwin R. Fitzgerald involves particle waves and momentum transfer and leads to a particle-in-a-box frequency formula for these inelastic modes. Unfortunately, most of his and other published raw data were never analyzed by this model. The purpose of this article is to apply this formula to previously uninterpreted resonance dispersion curves and to address some of the earlier criticism of Fitzgerald's work. Results of these calculations support the Fitzgerald Theory to a high degree, demonstrate the importance of impurities and chemical analysis, largely mollify previous criticisms, and suggest the possibility of a new particle wave mass spectroscopy at great distances.
Efficacy of clear aligners in controlling orthodontic tooth movement: A systematic review
Authors: Rossini Gabriele , Parrini Simone , Castroflorio Tommaso , Deregibus Andrea , Debernardi Cesare L.
Published: November 2014

Objective: 

To assess the scientific evidence related to the efficacy of clear aligner treatment (CAT) in controlling orthodontic tooth movement.

Materials and Methods: 

PubMed, PMC, NLM, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Google Scholar, and LILACs were searched from January 2000 to June 2014 to identify all peer-reviewed articles potentially relevant to the review. Methodological shortcomings were highlighted and the quality of the studies was ranked using the Cochrane Tool for Risk of Bias Assessment.

Results: 

Eleven relevant articles were selected (two Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT), five prospective non-randomized, four retrospective non-randomized), and the risk of bias was moderate for six studies and unclear for the others. The amount of mean intrusion reported was 0.72 mm. Extrusion was the most difficult movement to control (30% of accuracy), followed by rotation. Upper molar distalization revealed the highest predictability (88%) when a bodily movement of at least 1.5 mm was prescribed. A decrease of the Little's Index (mandibular arch: 5 mm; maxillary arch: 4 mm) was observed in aligning arches.

Conclusions: 

CAT aligns and levels the arches; it is effective in controlling anterior intrusion but not anterior extrusion; it is effective in controlling posterior buccolingual inclination but not anterior buccolingual inclination; it is effective in controlling upper molar bodily movements of about 1.5 mm; and it is not effective in controlling rotation of rounded teeth in particular. However, the results of this review should be interpreted with caution because of the number, quality, and heterogeneity of the studies.
Immune Cell Crosstalk in Obesity: A Key Role for Costimulation?
Authors: Seijkens Tom , Kusters Pascal , Chatzigeorgiou Antonios , Chavakis Triantafyllos , Lutgens Esther
Published: November 2014

In the past two decades, numerous experimental and clinical studies have established the importance of inflammation and immunity in the development of obesity and its metabolic complications, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this context, T cells orchestrate inflammatory processes in metabolic organs, such as the adipose tissue (AT) and liver, thereby mediating obesity-related metabolic deterioration. Costimulatory molecules, which are present on antigen-presenting cells and naïve T cells in the AT, are known to mediate the crosstalk between the adaptive and innate immune system and to direct T-cell responses in inflammation. In this Perspectives in Diabetes article, we highlight the newest insights in immune cell interactions in obesity and discuss the role of costimulatory dyads in its pathogenesis. Moreover, the potential of therapeutic strategies that target costimulatory molecules in the metabolic syndrome is explored.
Insulin Regulates Brain Function, but How Does It Get There?
Authors: Gray Sarah M. , Meijer Rick I. , Barrett Eugene J.
Published: November 2014

We have learned over the last several decades that the brain is an important target for insulin action. Insulin in the central nervous system (CNS) affects feeding behavior and body energy stores, the metabolism of glucose and fats in the liver and adipose, and various aspects of memory and cognition. Insulin may even influence the development or progression of Alzheimer disease. Yet, a number of seemingly simple questions (e.g., What is the pathway for delivery of insulin to the brain? Is insulin’s delivery to the brain mediated by the insulin receptor and is it a regulated process? Is brain insulin delivery affected by insulin resistance?) are unanswered. Here we briefly review accumulated findings affirming the importance of insulin as a CNS regulatory peptide, examine the current understanding of how peripheral insulin is delivered to the brain, and identify key gaps in the current understanding of this process.
In vitro and in vivo effect of poplar bud (Populi gemma) Extracts on late blight (Phytophthora infestans)
Authors: Bálint János , Turóczi Botond , Máthé István , Benedek Klára , Szabó Károly-Attila , Balog Adalbert
Published: November 2014

The effect of populin extract from black poplar (Populus nigra) on late blight was assessed under laboratory and field conditions. The growth rate of hyphae was found to be significantly lower after 1v/v% populin application, and no hyphae growth was detected under 3 and 6v/v% populin application. Populin also reduced the light blight severity on potato leaves under field conditions. From our results, we have concluded that populin extract can be considered as a new and environmentally-friendly alternative for the control of late blight under field conditions.
Landscape ecological and visual significance of dendrological gardens in the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Fekete Albert , Sárospataki Máté , Takács Katalin
Published: November 2014

This article presents and summarizes our observations based on historical research and site visits of 130 dendrological gardens in Hungary and 36 sites in Transylvania. The results favourably demonstrate the outstanding ecological and landscape values of these dendrological gardens in the Carpathian Basin. The research identifies the most typical exotic woody species that can be still found in those dendrological gardens that were developed in the Carpathian Basin during the era of creating landscape gardens, which is the 19th century in our region. We have defined about twenty exotic tree species, located in the researched dendrological gardens, of which presence highly affects the architectural and botanical composition, just as the landscape appearance or atmosphere of these gardens. Beyond all these effects, the article also highlights two other important points of the dendrological gardens: firstly, these gardens were breeding and acclimatization centres for spreading the new woody species, while, on the other hand, representatives of the spontaneous flora remained as veteran trees in these protected gardens, representing - mainly due to their age - outstanding ecological, dendrological and cultural values.
Improving the urban green system and green network through the rehabilitation of railway rust areas
Authors: Hutter Dóra , Szilágyi Kinga
Published: November 2014

The Industrial Revolution had a negative impact on both the city and the environment. By the second half of the 19th century, the urban erosion of industrial cities cried for direct intervention and curing. The methods developed either along an urban or an anti-urban philosophy: they resulted in the new models of green belt systems aimed at solving all the main urban problems with restructuring the urban fabric, controlling the urban spread into the rural landscape, the lack of green areas and open spaces for recreation and social life, and the lack of green spaces for ventilation. Nowadays, the major cities and capitals around the globe are competing for titles such as healthier, more liveable or even greener city. Given the unfortunate attributes of the urban structure in the historical cities, the development of new transportation sites or green areas is an extremely difficult issue. On the other hand, in the big cities, the brownfield sites are considered as reserve areas for sustainable urban development. Reusing the brownfields and rust areas is already a land saving urban development approach and in case of a complex and ecological urban rehabilitation it can underlie the development of an efficient urban green system and green network.
Thermal-Insulation Properties of Multilayer Textile Packages
Authors: Matusiak Małgorzata , Kowalczyk Sylwia
Published: November 2014

Thermal-insulation properties of textile materials play a significant role in material engineering of protective clothing. Thermal-insulation properties are very important from the point of view of thermal comfort of the clothing user as well as the protective efficiency against low or high temperature. Thermal protective clothing usually is a multilayer construction. Its thermal insulation is a resultant of a number of layers and their order, as well as the thermalinsulation properties of a single textile material creating particular layers. The aim of the presented work was to investigate the relationships between the thermal-insulation properties of single materials and multilayer textile packages composed of these materials. Measurement of the thermal-insulation properties of single and multilayer textile materials has been performed with the Alambeta. The following properties have been investigated: thermal conductivity, resistance and absorptivity. Investigated textile packages were composed of two, three and four layers made of woven and knitted fabrics, as well as nonwovens. On the basis of the obtained results an analysis has been carried out in order to assess the dependency of the resultant values of the thermal-insulation properties of multilayer packages on the appropriate values of particular components.
Visual literacy in educational practice
Authors: Duchak Oksana
Published: November 2014

In the 21st century the ability to interpret digital, visual and audio media is a form of literacy which is as basic as reading and writing skills. Visual literacy is required of us as much as textual literacy. Visual literacy gives educators a chance to increase the quality of their teaching and to connect with learners in more interesting way. The article elucidates the definition of visual literacy, types of visual assessment, challenges of visual literacy, and proves that visual literacy is important for learning and teaching in educational practice. Research shows that visual literacy is an essential component of science and technology education today, using visual treatments in lessons raise learning with various degrees of success. The article may encourage teachers pay their attention to visual literacy, an aspect of learning that is relatively neglected by them.
Sterile Foliage of Fertile Sydneia Manleyi and
Synangial Chemistry (Eusporangiate Fern, Late Asturian, Canada): A New Subfamily
Sydneideae
Authors: Pšenička Josef , Zodrow Erwin L. , D'Angelo José A.
Published: November 2014

Typification of Sydneia manleyi Pšenička et al. 2003 is based
entirely on fertile foliage. Of late, attached sterile-fertile segments have
been found which are illustrated and described, together with cutic-ular
preparations. A new subfamily, Sydneideae subfam. nov. is erected for the
monotypytic species. The synangial chemistry is compared with marattialean
synangia/sporangia from the Czech Republic and from Canada.
Qualitative studies investigating the effectiveness of stroke rehabilitation - methodological approaches and perspectives / Qualitative Studien zur Wirkung therapeutischer Interventionen – methodische Zugänge und Perspektiven am Beispiel Schlaganfallrehabilitation
Authors: Hansen Hilke
Published: November 2014

The article focuses on topics, approaches, and methodological perspectives of qualitative intervention research developing within an experimental science-oriented research environment. Recent stroke rehabilitation studies from physical, occupational and speechlanguage therapy and nursing sciences predominantly utilize qualitative content summary, largely without reference to established qualitative research approaches. A majority of these studies is characterized by inventories of topics covered by research participants in interviews and focus groups. Based on existing typologies of qualitative findings, opportunities for developing the complexity and explanatory power of qualitative intervention research are discussed. A more thorough methodological foundation and quality control are important tasks for future development.
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership - A View from America's Trenches
Authors: Bledowski Krzysztof
Published: November 2014

Expectations run high about the cornucopia of riches which are supposed to fow from the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). TTIP is a proposed free trade agreement between the United States and the European Union. It aims to build upon the already sweeping scope of the North American Free Trade Agreement concluded two decades earlier and the 2013 Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which removes 99 % of tariffs between the EU and Canada.1 Te TTIP negotiations were launched in July 2013 with an initial time frame of completion within two years.

It is too early to pass judgment about the benefits of the deal simply because its scope is still being framed as of this writing. However, it's possible to shed light on the most likely sticking points during the negotiations, particularly those seen from the U.S. negotiating side. Likewise, it's not too early to draw up interests and concerns of U.S. business. Both are discussed in this paper.

The first section takes stock of the likely scope of negotiations. The second section summarizes the view of business gleaned from a survey of corporate executives. The survey was conducted among members of the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation, an education forum for senior managers of large industrial companies.
Analysis of interspecies physicochemical variation of grain legume seeds
Authors: Rybiński Wojciech , Rusinek Robert , Szot Bogusław , Bocianowski Jan , Starzycki Michał
Published: November 2014

The paper presents an attempt to assess the reaction of seeds to mechanical loads taking into account their geometry expressed as seed thickness and 1000 seed weight. The initial material comprised 33 genotypes of grain legume plants and included cultivars registered in the country and breeding lines that are subject to pre-registration trials. The analysis of variance revealed significant diversity of the cultivars and lines of the species studied in terms of each of the analysed trait. The highest weight of 1000 seeds were obtained for white lupine seeds and peas, the lowest for andean lupine seeds. The maximum deformation and energy were obtained for white lupine seeds, the lowest for pea seeds, the maximum force and module the lowest values were determined for narrow-leafed lupine and pea. The highest values of protein were obtained for andean and yellow lupine, a fat content for andean and white lupine. The fatty acid profile as much as 70% or more were linoleic and oleic acids. Against the background of all the species are distinguished by white lupine seeds with a high content of oleic acid and the lowest of linoleic acid, for yellow lupine were obtained the inverse ratio of the two acids.
Mechanical properties of potato starch modified by moisture content and addition of lubricant
Authors: Stasiak Mateusz , Molenda Marek , Horabik Józef , Mueller Peter , Opaliński Ireneusz
Published: November 2014

Laboratory testing was conducted to deliver a set of characteristics of structure and mechanical properties of pure starch and starch with an addition of a lubricant - magnesium stearate. Considerable influence of moisture content of potato starch was found in the case of density, parameters of internal friction, coefficients of wall friction and flowability. Elasticity was found to be strongly influenced by water content of the material. Addition of magnesium stearate affected density and parameters of flowability, internal friction and elasticity. Bulk density increased from 604 to 774 kg m-3 with decrease in moisture content of potato starch from 17 to for 6%. Addition of magnesium stearate resulted in approximately 10% decrease in bulk density. Angle of internal friction obtained for 10 kPa of consolidation stress decreased from 33 to 24º with increase in moisture content, and to approximately 22º with addition of the lubricant. With an increase of moisture content from 6 to 18% and with addition of the lubricant, the modulus of elasticity during loading decreased from approximately 1.0 to 0.1 MPa. Modulus of elasticity during unloading was found in the range from 19 to 42 MPa and increased with increase of moisture content and amount of lubricant.
Low Savings Rates in the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas): The Role of the Political Instability-Income Interaction
Authors: Abu Nurudeen , Karim Mohd Zaini Abd , Aziz Mukhriz Izraf Azman
Published: November 2014

This paper employs PCSE, OLS and TSLS with random effects to investigate the impact of the political instabilityincome interaction on savings in ECOWAS countries during the period 1996-2012. The empirical evidence illustrates that higher political stability is associated with higher savings and income levels moderate the adverse effect of political instability on savings, indicating that the impact of political instability on savings is higher in low income ECOWAS countries, but lesser at higher levels of income. The paper recommends the promotion of political stability via increases in incomes to raise savings in the ECOWAS region.
The Landscape Ecological Impact of Afforestation on the British Uplands and Some Initiatives to Restore Native Woodland Cover
Authors: Bunce Robert G. H. , Wood Claire M. , Smart Simon M. , Oakley Rachel , Browning Gareth , Daniels Mike J. , Ashmole Philip , Cresswell John , Holl Kate
Published: November 2014

The majority of forest cover in the British Uplands had been lost by the beginning of the Nineteenth Century, because of felling followed by overgrazing by sheep and deer. The situation remained unchanged until a government policy of afforestation, mainly by exotic conifers, after the First World War up to the present day. This paper analyses the distribution of these predominantly coniferous plantations, and shows how they occupy specific parts of upland landscapes in different zones throughout Britain Whilst some landscapes are dominated by these new forests, elsewhere the blocks of trees are more localised. Although these forests virtually eliminate native ground vegetation, except in rides and unplanted land, the major negative impacts are at the landscape level. For example, drainage systems are altered and ancient cultural landscape patterns are destroyed. These impacts are summarised and possible ways of amelioration are discussed. By contrast, in recent years, a series of projects have been set up to restore native forest cover, as opposed to the extensive plantations of exotic species. Accordingly, the paper then provides three examples of such initiatives designed to restore native forests to otherwise bare landscapes, as well as setting them into a policy context. Whilst such projects cover a limited proportion of the British Uplands they nevertheless restore forest to landscapes at a local level.
Evaluation of Parental Satisfaction of Children's Spaces Within High Rise Apartment Environments
Authors: Sharghi Ali , Maulan Suhardi Bin , Salleh Ilias Bin , Salim Azizah Salim Binti Syed , Sedghpour Bahram Saleh
Published: November 2014

In the design process of open spaces within residential apartments, little attention is paid to children and their attitude to the environment is often ignored. Children, especially those who live in high-rise apartments, were found to have less connection with nature. Children supposedly need to engage in physical activities within outdoor areas, but urban planners, with the approval of managers or parents, must adequately design the open space for children. This paper initially reviews different research in this area. It consequently attempts to evaluate parental satisfaction regarding children's connectivity to open spaces as a dependent variable, and their preferences and perception of safety as independent variables. The research method is based on a questionnaire survey addressed to 261 parents and adults, in two localities in Tehran, Iran. The result of this research shows that parental attitude to open space has an effect on children's outdoor activities. Moreover, parents with young children express lower satisfaction to open spaces than those adults without young children. Families with children need open spaces in residential high-rise apartments for their siblings’ physical activities, and the designers should consider such an important need.
The Implementation of TRM Philosophy and 5Qs Model in Higher Education - An Exploratory Investigation at a Swedish University
Authors: Zineldin Mosad , Vasicheva Valiantsina
Published: November 2014

Students, their families, employers and the government want the assurance that students will get “good quality” education. The question is: what does “good quality education” mean? This paper seeks to provide the answer as well as some concrete criteria and proposals to improve the objectives and quality of the education systems. We argue in this study that the quality of higher education and student satisfaction is a cumulative construct, summing various facets and variables of the educational institution, such as technical, functional, infrastructure, interaction and atmosphere variables. In this research we describe a study involving a new instrument, i.e. the 5Qs model and a new method which assures the reasonable level of relevance, validity and reliability, while being explicitly change-oriented. The main goal of the empirical part of this study is not to evaluate the performance of the staff or to analyze the student assessment or satisfaction, rather to test the new 5Qs model. The use of the 5Q dimensions provides both a structure for designing a higher education quality measurement instrument and a framework for prioritizing results and findings.
The Adoption of Management Systems Standards & Best Practices in Malaysia (Current and Future Trend)
Authors: Idris Mohd Azman , Aziz Nor Faridah Ab , Zailee Salliza
Published: November 2014

Considers the extent to which Standards Based Management Systems and best practices are being successfully implemented in Malaysian organizations. A survey on Malaysian organizations was conducted in June 2011 and has produced 143 positive responses. Highlights the findings of the survey such as the status of ISO 9000, TQM, 5-S, QCCs and quality tools & techniques, the benefits and difficulties, best practices most frequently used and the future trend of Malaysian quality improvement activities. Also highlights a model for the implementation of TQM for Malaysian organizations.
Trust in Leadership for Sustaining Innovations: How Leaders Enact on Showing Trustworthiness
Authors: Savolainen Taina , López-Fresno Palmira
Published: November 2014

In the environment of continuous change today, trust is needed more in most organizations but is enacted less. This paper discusses trust in leadership. Trust is the essence of leadership forming a foundation for functioning relationships and co-operation. Trust is intangible asset, a managerial skill, and an influencing power for leaders. Leadership by trust emphasizes trustful behavior towards employees. It can be defined as an interactive way of leading organizations for effectiveness and profitability. In this paper, we suggest that, it is trustworthiness in leader behavior that matters. Showing trustworthiness by competence, integrity, benevolence, and credibility makes a difference in daily leadership work and sustaining innovations. This paper focuses on how leaders enact on trust by showing trustworthiness to subordinates. Real life case examples are presented and their implications are discussed. In conclusion, leadership by trust matters in building innovative work environment. As to untrustworthy leader behavior, it is worth noting that building and sustaining trust is reciprocal in nature. A practical implication for leaders is that the development of an awareness of trustworthiness and skills for demonstrating it should be a top priority in the current business environment, which demands strong interaction, cooperation, and communication abilities.
Uni-Economic & Innovative Property Price Prediction in the HKSAR
Authors: Ho Samuel K. M. , Lau Marco C. K.
Published: November 2014

Historically, the study of the world's economy was classified into Micro-economics and Macroeconomics. Perhaps, contemporary economists should learn from the 'astronomists' about the universe which we are part of. We shall name this 'Uni-economics'. Many scientists have found that sunspots affect human behaviour. Some research findings even relate the 11 year periodic cycle to war and peace of mankind. It is also widely-known in the medical profession that sunspot radiation actually affects the physiology of our human body. With all these evidence in mind, the aim of this exploratory research paper is to investigate how sunspot activities can affect the investors' sentiment in the financial world since 1970 when the first post-war financial crisis was built up resulting from the oil crisis in the early '1970s. Time series techniques were deployed to track down the changes of Sunspot Counts over the last 44 years and their impact on the world's 4 main financial indices, i.e., S&P, FTSE, Nikkei & HSI. It was pretty astonishing to find out that, whilst there are insignificant correlations amongst the 4 financial indices over the period under investigation, the impact of the Sunspot Counts on them are highly significant, even on a day-to-day time series analysis. As a corrolary of the finding, the HK Property Market is used as a test case for the research output. It was interesting to find out that, apart from the Solar Minima, the Change-of-Slope from positive to negative also has a significant impact on the HK property prices. Hence, it was evident that there are 2 property clashes during the 11 year sunspot cycle, and their timing can be predicted pretty accurately (2014 & 2019) within +/- one year.
Achieve Sustainable Hospital Excellence Through 5-S in an Emergency Department in Hong Kong
Authors: Tsoi Vincent F. K. , Chan C. C. , Lau Y. W. , Tang Heyman
Published: November 2014

5-S is the first step towards TQM. Over the last century, the Japanese have formalised the technique and named it as 5-S Practice. Since 1993, Sam Ho has improved and defined its terms in English/Chinese and developed the world's first 5-S Audit Checklist. In the article, an emergency department of a Hong Kong hospital was examined against 5-S 50-point Checklist for the improvement of their quality assurance systems towards its accreditation process with Australian standards. The findings evidently reveal that the impact of 5-S on hospital quality assurance in the unit are positive. Riding on the above scenario, the research aim is to identify whether the 5-S practice is a suitable and effective tool for healthcare quality assurance in an emergency setting which is led towards its accreditation process set by other mechanisms.
Developing an Innovative Customer Relationship Management Model for Better Health Examination Service
Authors: Lyu JrJung , Chao Hai-Lun , Chen Chia-Wen , Huang Li-Yu
Published: November 2014

People emphasize on their own health and wish to know more about their conditions. Chronic diseases now take up to 50 percent of top 10 causes of death. As a result, the health-care industry has emerged and kept thriving. This work adopts an innovative customer-oriented business model since most clients are proactive and spontaneous in taking the “distinguished” health examination programs. We adopt the soft system dynamics methodology (SSDM) to develop and to evaluate the steps of introducing customer relationship management model into a case health examination organization. Quantitative results are also presented for a case physical examination center and to assess the improved efficiency. The case study shows that the procedures developed here could provide a better service.
Social Responsibility is Free & Sustainable - Why Doing Good While Doing Business is Good Business
Authors: Peters John
Published: November 2014

CSR is good for business in two broad ways: the generation of revenues and investment through the creation of a positive image; and the avoidance of loss, through the avoidance of a negative image. We look in particular from a marketing and quality assurance position in taking this view of CSR as value creator and loss avoider. Specifically, how CSR relates to trust, and can be a driver of trust. Trust is a crucial area of business, not particularly well-explored in the literature. Trust relates to how an organization relates to its investors, its employees, its recruits, its customers, and even its regulators. Trust is a key factor in facilitating transactions and building sustainable relationships.
T-junction droplet generator realised in lithium niobate crystals by laser ablation
Authors: Pozza G. , Kroesen S. , Bettella G. , Zaltron A. , Esseling M. , Mistura G. , Sartori P. , Chiarello E. , Pierno M. , Denz C. , Sada C.
Published: November 2014

A femtosecond laser at 800 nm was used to create micro-fluidic circuits on lithium niobate (LiNbO3) substrates by means of laser ablation, using different scanning velocities (100-500 μm/s) and laser pulse energies (1-20 μJ). The T-junction geometry was exploited to create on y-cut LiNbO3 crystals a droplet generator, whose microfluidic performance was characterized in a wide range of droplet generation frequencies, from few Hz to about 1 kHz.
Multimode Sensor of Fluids Based on Porous Film
Authors: Raicevic Nevena , Maluckov Aleksandra , Petrovic Jovana
Published: November 2014

Multimode interferometers are coming of age both as sensors and components of quantum circuits.Here we investigate an interferometer based on a porous thinfilm sensor of refractive index of fluids. Eigenmode analysis is used to identify effective single- and multi-mode sensing regimes and the corresponding realizations of interferometer. A general measure in a form of Fisher information is introduced to describe the impact of the film porosity on sensitivity and nonlinearity of the interferometer. As high sensitivity relies on formation of a highly peaked mode in the film, a parallel with plasmonic sensors is drawn. Close correlations between the sensor nonlinearity, mode profile and the shape of Fisher information function indicate the potential of this measure in describing complex non-Gaussian multimode structures
Ozone decomposition on ZnO catalysts obtained from different precursors
Authors: Milenova Katya I. , Nikolov Penko M. , Kasabova Nikoleta A. , Avramova Ivalina A.
Published: November 2014

Kinetic investigations for ozone conversion on three different series of zinc oxide catalysts, containing pure ZnO and doped with Mn or Cu one with dopant content less than 1 wt.% were carried out. The different samples were obtained from carbonate, nitrate and acetate precursors. The as prepared catalysts were characterized by AAS, XRD, IR, EPR and BET methods. The mean size of the crystallites determined by XRD data is in the range 27÷68 nm. The presence of Mn2+ and Cu2+ ions into the ZnO matrix was established by EPR. The ozone decomposition was investigated for 30÷75°C temperature range. The zinc carbonate precursor samples show highest activity, while the nitrate precursor ones show lowest activity toward reaction decomposition of ozone in the whole temperature range. At 75°C two of the catalyst, obtained from carbonate precursor - ZnO and CuZnO show 100% conversion.
Forms of Physical Activity of Biała Podlaska Preschool Children
Authors: Gradus Paulina , Benza Ewa , Rybak Olga , Krzysztoń Paweł , Batorzyńska Paulina , Plandowska Magdalena , Kurpeta Wiesław Lech
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Physical activity is fundamental to children's all-round development in the first six years of their life. It is particularly significant in preschool age, when the need for movement is predominant. Psychomotor development, conditioned by children's innate abilities and their own activity, depends upon the influence of external surroundings as well as parental upbringing and preschool education. The aim of the study was to obtain data regarding physical activity (both structured and unstructured) of children during their stay in a kindergarten. Material and methods. The study was conducted in five state kindergartens situated in four main housing estates of Bia³a Podlaska. It included 11 groups of older preschool children. It was a diagnostic study. A diagnostic poll method employed in the study included interviews with teachers, lesson observations (during one day) and document analyses (programmes and class registers). Results. During their stay in a kindergarten children take part in physical activities for 1.5 hours a day. During this period they participate in obligatory forms of physical activity such as morning gymnastics, movement plays, outdoor activities and gymnastic exercises. Furthermore, optional movement activities are organised in kindergartens (different forms in different kindergartens). Such extra classes enable children to be physically active for over two more hours per week. Conclusions. In terms of caring about health and motor development of children, not all elements of preschool education programmes are fully realised. Training sessions, workshops and lectures showing diverse forms of physical activity for children ought to be organised for preschool teachers.
Management Methods and Concepts for Building Competitive Advantage in Hospitality Companies
Authors: Gierczak Beata
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Competitive advantage determines the success of modern enterprises, such as hospitality companies, on the market. In turn, competitive advantage is gained as the result of skillful management, taking into account the factors that characterize the company environment. In the management process, methods and concepts that, when properly applied, facilitate the company's innovative activities play the key role, thus contributing to building competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to specify and characterize the methods and management concepts most commonly used by hospitality companies in the process of building competitive advantage. The core benefit of these considerations is that they serve to identify those activities of hospitality companies in which the analyzed methods and concepts found practical application. The final part of the article is devoted to an attempt to identify barriers and problems that significantly limit the use of these methods and concepts. Material and methods. In order to achieve this objective, a survey and interviews were carried out in all three- and four-star hotels in the Rzeszów area in the first quarter of 2012. Results. The results revealed that the concept most commonly used by hoteliers was knowledge-based organization (knowledge management), followed by outsourcing, benchmarking and internal competition, respectively. Conclusions. The study also demonstrated that the managers of these hospitality companies significantly lacked substantive knowledge of emerging “market” management methods and concepts.
Predictive performance of telenursing complaints in influenza surveillance: a prospective cohort study in Sweden
Authors: Timpka T , Spreco A , Eriksson O , Dahlström Ö , Gursky E A , Strömgren M , Holm E , Ekberg J , Hinkula J , Nyce J M , Eriksson H
Published: November 2014

Syndromic data sources have been sought to improve the timely detection of increased influenza transmission. This study set out to examine the prospective performance of telenursing chief complaints in predicting influenza activity. Data from two influenza seasons (2007/08 and 2008/09) were collected in a Swedish county (population 427,000) to retrospectively determine which grouping of telenursing chief complaints had the largest correlation with influenza case rates. This grouping was prospectively evaluated in the three subsequent seasons. The best performing telenursing complaint grouping in the retrospective algorithm calibration was fever (child, adult) and syncope (r=0.66; p<0.001). In the prospective evaluation, the performance of 14-day predictions was acceptable for the part of the evaluation period including the 2009 influenza pandemic (area under the curve (AUC)=0.84; positive predictive value (PPV)=0.58), while it was strong (AUC=0.89; PPV=0.93) for the remaining evaluation period including only influenza winter seasons. We recommend the use of telenursing complaints for predicting winter influenza seasons. The method requires adjustments when used during pandemics.
Design of a Functional Training Prototype for Neonatal Resuscitation
Authors: Rajaraman Sivaramakrishnan , Ganesan Sona , Jayapal Kavitha , Kannan Sadhani
Published: November 2014

Birth Asphyxia is considered to be one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality around the world. Asphyxiated neonates require skilled resuscitation to survive the neonatal period. The project aims to train health professionals in a basic newborn care using a prototype with an ultimate objective to have one person at every delivery trained in neonatal resuscitation. This prototype will be a user-friendly device with which one can get trained in performing neonatal resuscitation in resource-limited settings. The prototype consists of a Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) that measures the pressure applied and is interfaced with Arduino® which controls the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) indication for pressure and compression counts. With the increase in population and absence of proper medical care, the need for neonatal resuscitation program is not well addressed. The proposed work aims at offering a promising solution for training health care individuals on resuscitating newborn babies under low resource settings.