bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Knowledge Sharing and Supply Chain Management on Organizational Performance
Authors: Arun Korhan
Published: May 2015

Low priced and attainable information technology has made it possible to connect critical and proprietary information with supply chain partners, because of ever growing size, complexity, 7/24 system ability, evolved production processes etc. need flow of knowledge continuously. The knowledge integrated in the supply chain management (SCM) systems affects both supply chain and organizational performance. But since there is no single entity on performance an effective systematically approach to performance measurement could not be established. Generally in previous studies, organizational performance hasn`t been measured within the terms of SCM but if integral unit endeavor performance can be judged by so the overall performance can be judged by its departments` efforts. So SCOR model is chosen because important supply chain characteristics and their associated interactions aren't ignored. And organizational performance is reciprocal that performance measurement is taken a system for integrating the management of supply chain and knowledge. Therefore the objectives of the study were appeared to be correlation levels and relationships between knowledge sharing, SCM and organizational performance. This study is unique in terms of the dimensions that are being investigated in Turkey. While there are studies on SCM and knowledge sharing, each examined alone, this study tried to undercover the relationships between these two terms.
A Non-Radial Input Relaxation Model Approach for Evaluating Input Congestion in Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Khodabakhshi M. , Kheirollahi H. , Rezaee M. , Parker Barnett R.
Published: May 2015

This paper develops a non-radial model, unified additive model approach, for evaluating decision making units in data envelopment analysis. Based on the proposed additive input relaxation model, two approaches, a two model approach and a one model approach are provided for determining input congestion. It is shown that the proposed two model approach determines the amount of congestion and, simultaneously, identifies factors responsible for congestion and distinguishes congestion amounts from other components of inefficiency. These amounts are all obtainable from non-zero slacks in a slightly altered version of the additive input relaxation model which we further extend and modify to obtain additional details. One model approach, also, determines input congestion, and is preferred from computational point of view. Numerical and empirical examples are used to illustrate the proposed non-radial methods.
The Role of Knowledge Management in Industrial Marketing
Authors: Lagrosen Stefan
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role that knowledge management plays in making industrial marketing sustainable. In order to examine sustainability over time, a longitudinal study has been carried out. Three multinational companies, Atlas Copco, SKF and Volvo are followed from their inception, in 1873, 1907 and 1927 to present time. Due to the long time span involved most of the empirical data collection is carried out in the form of internal and external document studies. The data is analysed using the constant comparative technique from the grounded theory approach. A framework combining knowledge management and industrial marketing is proposed. The research has interesting implications for the scientific understanding of industrial marketing, as the field of knowledge management has not been previously integrated and many aspects of marketing are knowledge driven processes. Moreover, the framework that is proposed should be useful for managers of industrial companies in their efforts of making their marketing more sustainable.
A Layered Architecture for a Fuzzy Semantic Approach for Satellite Image Analysis
Authors: Zanni-Merk Cecilia , Marc-Zwecker Stella , Wemmert Cédric , Bertrand de Beuvron François de
Published: May 2015

The extended use of high and very high spatial resolution imagery inherently demands the adoption of classification methods capable of capturing the underlying semantic. Object-oriented classification methods are currently considered as the most appropriate alternative, due to the incorporation of contextual information and domain knowledge into the analysis. Integrating knowledge initially requires a detailed process of acquisition and later the achievement of a formal representation. Ontologies constitute a very suitable approach to address both knowledge formalization and exploitation. A novel semi-automatic fuzzy semantic approach focused on the extraction and classification of urban objects is hereby introduced. The use of a four-layered architecture allows the separation of concerns among knowledge, rules, experience and meta-knowledge. Knowledge represents the fundamental layer with which the other layers interact. Rules are meant to derive conclusions and make assertions based on knowledge. The experience layer supports the classification process in case of failure when attempting to identify an object, by applying specific expert rules to infer unusual membership. Finally, the meta-knowledge layer contains knowledge about the use of the other layers.
Innovation Strategies of New Product Development (NPD)
Authors: Chaochotechuang Preecha , Daneshgar Farhad , Sindakis Stavros
Published: May 2015

Current literature indicates a high rate of New Product Development (NDP) failure. Many believe that the main reason behind such failures is the way the NPD process is managed. This includes a lack of clear project definition, too much focus on internal processes and procedures ignoring customer needs and requirements, lack of communication and knowledge transfer among various people within the organization, etc. The current study provides an analytical tool in the form of a two dimensional matrix that maps various stages of the NPD process to the existing innovation strategies. This analytical tool can then be used by business analysts to assess the degree of innovativeness of various activities involved in NPD process, as a basis for enhancing the effectiveness of the overall product development initiatives.
On the Singularities of DELTA Parallel Robots
Authors: Dudici Luciana Cristina , Simionescu Ion
Published: May 2015

The major disadvantage of the parallel robot is that the singular positions are comprised into the work space. The singular positions are the particular poses for parallel robot DELTA where the mobility of the structure is not longer zero when the actuators are locked. Present analysis is focused on the determinant value of the Jacobian matrix of the kinematic analysis equation system, written using Denavit – Hartenberg transformation matrices. The kinematic equations possess the algebraic and trigonometric character, so that the inverse singularity analysis can be formulated. By instantaneous mobility analysis of the moving platform of the parallel robots, the geometric conditions for the forward singularity configurations are identified. Finally, a numerical example is solved in order to illustrate the variation of the Jacobian determinant in the proximity of a singular position.
Kinematic Modelling of a New 5-DOF (Axis) Parallel Robot Used in Brachytherapy
Authors: Gherman Bogdan , Plitea Nicolae , Vaida Calin , Pislă Doina
Published: May 2015

The paper presents a new medical parallel robot for brachytherapy. Brachytherapy (BT) is a relatively new and efficient medical technique for cancer treatment that enables to deliver higher doses of radiation to more-specific areas of the body, compared to the conventional form of radiation therapy that projects radiation from a machine outside the body. BT implies the implant of radioactive seeds inside the tumor, through specific needles, thus affecting only the tumor while avoiding unnecessary irradiation of the healthy tissue. Compared to the most of the brachytherapy designed only for treating the prostate, the medical robot presented in the paper is designed for hard-to-reach areas (such as the retroperitoneal area or the mediastinum). An approach regarding the robot structural synthesis, kinematics is presented followed by some simulation results obtained for a specific BT needle trajectory.
Adaptation to Rough Terrains by Using Force Sensing on the MERO Modular Walking Robots
Authors: Ion Ion , Găvan Mircea , Curaj Adrian , Stamatescu Grigore , Dinu Cornel
Published: May 2015

The last years a large number of vehicles have been developed for their mobility characteristics over rough terrains. The new modular walking robot MERO* (MEchanism Robot- *Pelecudi Ch et.al.) by reconfiguring their architecture are built to displace the heavy loads on the rough terrains. The main characteristic of the modular walking robot is that they are able to move away on not arranged, horizontal and rough terrains. The modular mechatronic system protect much better the environment when its contact with the soil is discrete, a fact that limits appreciately he area that is crushed. Operation of autonomous walking robot MERO movement implies the existence of a close link between planning movements, environmental perception and executions order to obtain an appropriate behaviour in weakly structured environments. For further acquisition of terrain information, we propose installed active force sensor for terminal leg. This paper describes the detailed design and the prototype characterization of a novel tactile sensor force/moment sensor for MERO an intelligent walking robot’s .
Development of a Smart Sensor System with Application to In-Pipe Inspection Robots
Authors: Brai Leon , Balan Radu , Lapusan Ciprian
Published: May 2015

The paper presents the development of a smart sensor system that is used for measuring pipe network parameters. The developed sensor is intended for use with in pipe inspection robots that can independently explore and evaluate the constructive parameters and the condition of the pipe network. The proposed system is developed around the Atmel ATMega16 microcontroller which is connected to a set of sensors and to the robot. The sensor system was tested using the ROBIN250 mobile robot and the obtained results are presented in the paper.
On the Development of a Voice and Gesture Based HMI for the Control of a Mobile Robot
Authors: Moldovan Cristian , Craciun Andrei , Dolga Valer , Lovasz Erwin Christian , Maniu Inocentiu , Sticlaru Carmen
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the development of a voice and gesture based interface (HMI – Human - Machine Interface) for the human control of a mobile robot. The application utilizes the Microsoft Kinect sensor and its Visual Studio C# libraries for voice and gestures recognition. Once, the specific voice commands or gestures are recognized, the controller (a PC or Laptop) sends specific commands to a microcontroller (ATmega2560 on an Arduino Mega board). The microcontroller is mounted on the mobile robot and controls the robot’s motors. Also there are presented some limitations of the Kinect sensor to be taken into consideration when using it.
Robotic Arc Welding from Flexible Automation to the Advanced Control of Process and Movement
Authors: Joni Nicolae , Mistodie Luigi Renato
Published: May 2015

The most used joining process in industry today is the electric arc welding, EAW. After recalling the principle of the process, the authors present that development of EAW in the last half century is mainly due to the mechanization and automation. Earlier only rigid-type automation forms were used, for highly repetitive mass production – but later the industry requests demanded to find flexible forms of automation, capable of providing a diversified production based on welding and its related processes. Ways are then exemplified concerning mechanization of processes currently used in the industrial field: driving devices for the welding head having one or more axes, simple and complex rotation movements etc. The authors present both important developments of the essential components of EAW robotic systems, as well for robots and for welding equipment, developments that brought these systems to the current levels. The paper also proposes a new concept of programming robotic arc welding systems, consisting in maintaining the two arc ends on both TCP’s, one of the robot and the other of the workpiece. Then modern control methods developed for the welding process are described: programming the evolution of arc parameters in relation to the time; controlling of variation limits and directing the transfer of metal and energy through the arc. Finally, some examples and applications of robotized arc welding and related processes are presented.
Novel Human Cytomegalovirus Viral Chemokines, vCXCL-1s, Display Functional Selectivity for Neutrophil Signaling and Function
Authors: Heo Jinho , Dogra Pranay , Masi Tom J. , Pitt Elisabeth A. , de Kruijf Petra , Smit Martine J. , Sparer Tim E.
Published: May 2015

Human CMV (HCMV) uses members of the hematopoietic system including neutrophils for dissemination throughout the body. HCMV encodes a viral chemokine, vCXCL-1, that is postulated to attract neutrophils for dissemination within the host. The gene encoding vCXCL-1, UL146, is one of the most variable genes in the HCMV genome. Why HCMV has evolved this hypervariability and how this affects the virus’ dissemination and pathogenesis is unknown. Because the vCXCL-1 hypervariability maps to important binding and activation domains, we hypothesized that vCXCL-1s differentially activate neutrophils, which could contribute to HCMV dissemination, pathogenesis, or both. To test whether these viral chemokines affect neutrophil function, we generated vCXCL-1 proteins from 11 different clades from clinical isolates from infants infected congenitally with HCMV. All vCXCL-1s were able to induce calcium flux at a concentration of 100 nM and integrin expression on human peripheral blood neutrophils, despite differences in affinity for the CXCR1 and CXCR2 receptors. In fact, their affinity for CXCR1 or CXCR2 did not correlate directly with chemotaxis, G protein-dependent and independent (β-arrestin-2) activation, or secondary chemokine (CCL22) expression. Our data suggest that vCXCL-1 polymorphisms affect the binding affinity, receptor usage, and differential peripheral blood neutrophil activation that could contribute to HCMV dissemination and pathogenesis.
Glucocorticoid-Augmented Efferocytosis Inhibits Pulmonary Pneumococcal Clearance in Mice by Reducing Alveolar Macrophage Bactericidal Function
Authors: Stolberg Valerie R. , McCubbrey Alexandra L. , Freeman Christine M. , Brown Jeanette P. , Crudgington Sean W. , Taitano Sophina H. , Saxton Bridget L. , Mancuso Peter , Curtis Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2015

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) increase community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) incidence in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by unknown mechanisms. Apoptosis is increased in the lungs of COPD patients. Uptake of apoptotic cells (ACs) (“efferocytosis”) by alveolar macrophages (AMøs) reduces their ability to combat microbes, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common cause of CAP in COPD patients. Having shown that ICS significantly increase AMø efferocytosis, we hypothesized that this process, termed glucocorticoid-augmented efferocytosis, might explain the association of CAP with ICS therapy in COPD. To test this hypothesis, we studied the effects of fluticasone, AC, or both on AMøs of C57BL/6 mice in vitro and in an established model of pneumococcal pneumonia. Fluticasone plus AC significantly reduced TLR4-stimulated AMø IL-12 production, relative to either treatment alone, and decreased TNF-α, CCL3, CCL5, and keratinocyte-derived chemoattractant/CXCL1, relative to AC. Mice treated with fluticasone plus AC before infection with viable pneumococci developed significantly more lung CFUs at 48 h. However, none of the pretreatments altered inflammatory cell recruitment to the lungs at 48 h postinfection, and fluticasone plus AC less markedly reduced in vitro mediator production to heat-killed pneumococci. Fluticasone plus AC significantly reduced in vitro AMø killing of pneumococci, relative to other conditions, in part by delaying phagolysosome acidification without affecting production of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species. These results support glucocorticoid-augmented efferocytosis as a potential explanation for the epidemiological association of ICS therapy of COPD patients with increased risk for CAP, and establish murine experimental models to dissect underlying molecular mechanisms.
Optimal T Cell Activation and B Cell Antibody Responses In Vivo Require the Interaction between Leukocyte Function–Associated Antigen-1 and Kindlin-3
Authors: Morrison Vicky Louise , Uotila Liisa M. , Llort Asens Marc , Savinko Terhi , Fagerholm Susanna Carola
Published: May 2015

Kindlin-3 is an important integrin regulator that is mutated in the rare genetic disorder, leukocyte adhesion deficiency type III, a disorder characterized by defective neutrophil trafficking and platelet function, leading to recurrent bacterial infections and bleeding. Kindlin-3 is also known to regulate T cell adhesion in vitro and trafficking in vivo, but whether the integrin/kindlin interaction regulates T or B cell activation in vivo is unclear. In this study, we used TTT/AAA β2-integrin knock-in (KI) mice and TCR-transgenic (OT-II) KI mice, in which the integrin/kindlin connection is disrupted, to investigate the role of the integrin/kindlin interaction in T cell activation. We show that basal T cell activation status in these animals in vivo is normal, but they display reduced T cell activation by wild-type Ag-loaded dendritic cells in vitro. In addition, T cell activation in vivo is reduced. We also show that basal Ab levels are normal in TTT/AAA β2-integrin KI mice, but B cell numbers in lymph nodes and IgG and IgM production after immunization are reduced. In conclusion, we show that the integrin/kindlin interaction is required for trafficking of immune cells, as well as for T cell activation and B cell Ab responses in vivo. These results imply that the immunodeficiency found in leukocyte adhesion deficiency type III patients, in addition to being caused by defects in neutrophil function, may be due, in part, to defects in lymphocyte trafficking and activation.
Siglec-G Deficiency Leads to Autoimmunity in Aging C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Müller Jennifer , Lunz Benjamin , Schwab Inessa , Acs Andreas , Nimmerjahn Falk , Daniel Christoph , Nitschke Lars
Published: May 2015

Siglec-G, a member of the sialic acid–binding Ig-like lectin (Siglec) family, is expressed on B cell and dendritic cell surfaces. It acts as an inhibitory coreceptor and modulates B cell activation, especially on B1 cells, as Siglec-G–deficient mice show mainly a B1 cell–restricted phenotype resulting in increased B1 cell numbers. Although higher B1 cell numbers are discussed to be associated with autoimmunity, loss of Siglec-G does not result in autoimmune disease in BALB/c mice. However, there is evidence from Siglec-G × CD22 double-deficient mice and Siglec-G−/− mice on an autoimmune-prone MRL/lpr background that Siglec-G is important to maintain tolerance in B cells. In this study, we analyzed the role of Siglec-G in induction and maintenance of B cell tolerance on C57BL/6 background and in the FcγRIIb-deficient background. We find that aging Siglec-G–deficient and Siglec-G × FcγRIIb double-deficient mice develop an autoimmune phenotype with elevated autoantibody levels and mild glomerulonephritis. Aging Siglec-G–deficient mice have elevated numbers of plasma cells and germinal center B cells, as well as a higher number of activated CD4 T cells, which likely all contribute to autoantibody production. Additional loss of the inhibitory receptor FcγRIIb in Siglec-G−/− mice does not result in exacerbation of disease. These results indicate that Siglec-G is important to maintain tolerance in B cells and prevent autoimmunity.
Una vida en Chile y seguir siendo extranjeros
Authors: Stefoni Carolina , Bonhomme Macarena
Published: May 2015

Han pasado cerca de 20 años desde que comenzó a modificarse el patrón migratorio en Chile, y durante ese tiempo los y las migrantes han ido construyendo múltiples trayectorias en el país. La forma en cómo se construyen estas trayectorias está condicionada porfactores económicos, políticos y culturales que encuentran los sujetos en las sociedades de destino y de origen. A su vez, estas trayectorias dan cuenta de procesos disímiles de inserción en las sociedades. En este artículo exploramos cómo se construyen y experimentan los procesos de inserción de mujeres migrantes en Chile. A través de sus trayectorias y relatos de vida, sostenemos que los procesos de inserción tienden a estar marcados por una dimensión que adquiere mayor protagonismo y que contribuye a dar sentido a la experiencia migratoria. El trabajo, la familia y las redes sociales son las dimensiones que articulan estas distintas trayectorias, las cuales serán analizadas en este artículo
La política exterior de la transición chilena desde sus fuentes internas
Authors: Fuentes Vera Cristián
Published: May 2015

La política exterior de la transición chilena es considerada una experiencia exitosa de reinserción internacional, en el contexto de un país pequeño, alejado de los centros depoder mundial y aislado políticamente por 17 años de dictadura. Sin embargo, parece equivocado separar la política externa de la política doméstica, pues se trata de una distinción formal que desprecia la importancia del cambio de régimen en la toma de decisiones, proceso determinado por fuentes internas tales como las características de la transición, la autopercepción que posee Chile sobre su rol en el mundo, el modelo económico, el papel de la Presidencia de la República, la influencia de las Fuerzas Armadas y la tradición diplomática
Movilidad poblacional y procesos de articulación rural-urbano entre los aymara del norte de Chile
Authors: Carrasco Gutiérrez Ana María , González Cortes Héctor
Published: May 2015

Una característica de los aymara del norte de Chile es la movilidad poblacional. Esto no es un suceso reciente, aunque hoy los desplazamientos son más complejos, produciéndose al interior del propio sector rural, como también hacia y desde las ciudades. Conestos movimientos se forman redes complejas y cambiantes por las cuales los individuos circulan dependiendo de sus estrategias de reproducción económica, social y cultural y los acomodos familiares e institucionales que desplieguen. Dentro de este contexto, el objetivo de este estudio es explorar la forma en que el espacio de vida de estos sujetos ya no se limita a lo que acontece en los límites territoriales históricos de la comunidad rural, teniendo una realización translocal, donde las relaciones sociales de sus miembros transitan por un espacio de puntos múltiples y recursos culturales diseminados
Translating evidence from a systematic review to the development of an evidence-based fall prevention program in a tertiary psychiatric hospital
Authors: Xu Changqing , Xie Huiting
Published: May 2015

Falls have been a major safety concern in view of its high incidences and potential detrimental consequences. This article described a systematic review about effectiveness of interventions for the assessment and prevention of falls in adult psychiatric patients conducted previously. These patients possessed unique fall-related risk factors such as altered mental status, physiological symptoms, past history of falls, mobility and gait problems, concurrent medical conditions, and polypharmacy that might warrant specific tailored fall prevention interventions. Following the systematic review, a care bundle for fall prevention in a tertiary psychiatric hospital would be implemented, taking into account these risk factors and evidence relating to fall prevention.
An Unusual Presentation of Cystic Nephroma in an Adult Man
Authors: Dell'Atti Lucio
Published: May 2015

Cystic nephroma (CN) is an uncommon, benign lesion of the kidney, whose clinical presentation is nonspecific with symptoms such as flack pain, hematuria and urinary tract infection. There are two peaks in the incidence of the tumor, with a bimodal distribution presenting in children between three months and two years, and in adults over 30-years of age. We report a case of CN in the middle part of the left kidney in a 66-year-old male that presented with a singular unilocular, well-circumscribed cyst containing numerous calcifications on the walls and with unremarkable thin or relatively thicker septa from the border with the renal parenchyma, but no solid components. Laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed. Images, histopathological and immunohistochemical features, that are potentially useful for refining this lesion, are discussed.
Haplotypes, Sub-Haplotypes and Geographical Distribution in Omani Patients with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Hassan Suha Mustafa , Al Muslahi Muhanna , Al Riyami Muna , Al Balushi Abeer , Bakker Egbert , Harteveld Cornelis L. , Giordano Piero C.
Published: May 2015

Despite the fact that patients homozygous for the sickle cell disease (SCD) mutation have an identical genotype, the severity of the disease can be extremely variable. The hemoglobin (Hb) S mutation has been described on five different haplotypes with different clinical expression. Identifying the genotypes, haplotypes and sub-haplotypes of the β gene cluster in Oman needs to be studied in more details to establish a correlation between the genotype/haplotype and phenotype diversity observed in SCD patients for prognostic purposes, accurate diagnosis and thus planning for the best tailored treatment. We have investigated 125 HbS homozygotes from different parts of Oman and determined their haplotypes and sub-haplotypes and correlated this to the hematological and clinical expression. We have found 11 haplotype combinations differently distributed in the country, with the Asian/Asian HbS haplotype being the most predominant. Sub-haplotypes was only found among patients with CAR/OmanI haplotype. As expected, the correlation between haplotypes, sub-haplotypes and disease severity was mainly associated with HbF expression. Our study on haplotype/phenotype correlation has shown which major haplotypes occur in the different regions of Oman. Furthermore, neither the haplotype or sub-haplotype nor the HbF alone appeared to be fully associable with the variable clinical phenotypes. External factors do occur and are associated with the expression of the disease.
Ocular aberrations and wavefront aberrometry: A review
Authors: Unterhorst Holly A. , Rubin Alan
Published: May 2015

Wavefront aberrations can be described as deviations of the wavefront exiting the eye froma reference wavefront that is aberration free and diffraction limited. Ocular aberrations canbe sub-categorised as lower and higher order aberrations. Ocular aberrations have promptedinterest amongst the ocular healthcare community owing to their influences on the visualfunctioning of patients as well as differences observed in ocular aberrations through the useof refractive surgery both pre- and post-operatively. Uncompensated refractive error remainsone of the most common reasons for which patients consult optometrists. Compensationof refractive error, or lower order aberrations, has become a routine procedure during anoptometric examination. However, there are some patients who experience visual symptomseven after their refractive errors have been compensated via spectacles or contact lenses.Higher-order aberrations may be the source of these visual disturbances. Refractive surgeryhas been found to influence and even induce various changes in higher-order aberrationspost-operatively, which in turn has led to increased interest in wavefront aberrations and howthe measurement of these aberrations can improve diagnosis and treatment within optometryand ophthalmology.
Improving Dengue Virus Capture Rates in Humans and Vectors in Kamphaeng Phet Province, Thailand, Using an Enhanced Spatiotemporal Surveillance Strategy
Authors: Thomas Stephen J. , Aldstadt Jared , Jarman Richard G. , Buddhari Darunee , Yoon In-Kyu , Richardson Jason H. , Ponlawat Alongkot , Iamsirithaworn Sopon , Scott Thomas W. , Rothman Alan L. , Gibbons Robert V. , Lambrechts Louis , Endy Timothy P.
Published: May 2015

Dengue is of public health importance in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Dengue virus (DENV) transmission dynamics was studied in Kamphaeng Phet Province, Thailand, using an enhanced spatiotemporal surveillance of 93 hospitalized subjects with confirmed dengue (initiates) and associated cluster individuals (associates) with entomologic sampling. A total of 438 associates were enrolled from 208 houses with household members with a history of fever, located within a 200-m radius of an initiate case. Of 409 associates, 86 (21%) had laboratory-confirmed DENV infection. A total of 63 (1.8%) of the 3,565 mosquitoes collected were dengue polymerase chain reaction positive (PCR+). There was a significant relationship between spatial proximity to the initiate case and likelihood of detecting DENV from associate cases and Aedes mosquitoes. The viral detection rate from human hosts and mosquito vectors in this study was higher than previously observed by the study team in the same geographic area using different methodologies. We propose that the sampling strategy used in this study could support surveillance of DENV transmission and vector interactions.
Competências para a gestão: expectativa de alunos do curso de administração da UEMA, de gestores e seus pares na Vale S.A. em São Luís – MA
Authors: Travassos da Silva José Rômulo , Fraga Valderez Ferreira , Zouain Deborah Moraes , Almeida Gustavo de Oliveira
Published: May 2015

Avanços tecnológicos somados à Globalização têm contribuído para competitividade/ complexidade organizacional. A sobrevivência das empresas, nesse cenário, relaciona-se à criação e ao desenvolvimento de recursos e meios que lhes confiram competitividade. Daí a competência dos indivíduos tornar-se foco deste estudo, cujo objetivo central enfoca congruência ou não entre as competências adquiridas pelos alunos do Curso de Administração do Centro de Ciências Sociais da Universidade Estadual do Maranhão – tanto segundo os sujeitos escolhidos no espaço acadêmico do Administrador - alunos e gestores - e as competências exigidas pelos gestores das empresas de São Luís - MA, como a VALE. A metodologia articulou métodos qualitativos e o referencial teórico em competências recorreu a vários autores. Os resultados mostraram elementos conceituais mais citados em competência, conhecimentos, habilidades, atitudes e capacidades e a preferência dos sujeitos pela formulação de Queiroz (2008). O conhecimento foi a base da congruência encontrada entre alunos e gestores da UEMA e da VALE. O destaque da empresa à capacidade analítica na seleção de candidatos reporta à insatisfação dos alunos aos métodos de ensino. O estágio merece diálogo entre as duas organizações. Futuros estudos poderão aprofundar questões como satisfação dos alunos, ensino na UEMA, desempenho acadêmico e profissional.
Sustentabilidade das políticas e estratégias para a educação superior no Brasil: uma análise sob a ótica da teoria dos sistemas autopoiéticos
Authors: Correa Angela Cristina , Ávila Lucas Veiga , Schuch Jr. Vitor Francisco , Madruga Lucia Rejane Da Rosa Gama , Hoffmann Celina , Erdmann Rolf Hermann
Published: May 2015

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a abordagem da sustentabilidade na trajetória da educação superior no Brasil sob os fundamentos da teoria dos sistemas autopoiéticos. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório de caráter qualitativo, que buscou identificar os principais fenômenos que determinaram a trajetória e evolução histórica das políticas e estratégias para a educação superior. No que se refere à evolução da Educação Superior, pode-se verificar que ocorreu de forma tardia, passando as Universidades por um amplo processo de legislação e vários acontecimentos marcantes. A ótica da Sustentabilidade, em especial a Educação para Sustentabilidade, está em processo evolutivo. Como resultados mais expressivos, as evidências apontam que o Brasil tem sido um forte aliado da Organização das Nações Unidas - ONU, na busca do fortalecimento de estratégias e ações para a sustentabilidade; importante ator para a criação de normas de certificação como a ISO; inserção de novas politicas de avaliação e controle na educação pelo Ministério da Educação - MEC e seus conselhos; criação do planejamento para as instituições de ensino, denominado de Plano de Desenvolvimento Institucional – PDI; inclusão da educação ambiental nas diretrizes curriculares de cursos de nível superior entre outros; novos processos e politicas para a qualificação do ensino; novos modelos de gestão, em especial para a operacionalização do PDI em Instituições de Educação Superior (IES).
Caminhos formacionais na engenharia de produção: a formação docente e os resultados do ENADE 2011
Authors: Mello José André Villas Boas , Sousa Flaviane Rodrigues De
Published: May 2015

O objetivo deste artigo é o de investigar se as instituições que empregam doutores, profissionais mais reflexivos, em seu quadro de docentes tendem a ter um desempenho melhor no exame nacional de desempenho estudantil (ENADE). Os dados referentes aos resultados do ENADE do grupo VI de 2011 divulgados em 2013 foram tabulados e analisados de modo a se permitir uma diferente visão do desempenho, tentando qualificar os resultados alcançados pelos segmentos de docentes: especialistas, mestres e doutores. Como resultado é possível afirmar que os cursos mais bem avaliados são os ofertados pelas instituições públicas de ensino superior. E que quando ocorre a predominância de docentes com a formação de Doutor, há a tendência de o curso ser bem avaliado.
Costs of Trade and Self-selection into Exporting and Importing: The Case of Turkish Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Dalgic Basak , Fazlioglu Burcu , Gasiorek Michael
Published: May 2015

This paper focuses on self-selection into trade by exporting and importing firms, and on the presence of differential variable and sunk costs between exporters and importers across different categories of imports. The authors use a rich and recent dataset for Turkish manufacturing firms for the period 2003–2010. This allows them to provide a comprehensive analysis of firm heterogeneity and the connection between firm-level performance and international trade. They provide evidence on the remarkable heterogeneity across firms where only-importers (importers) perform better than only-exporters (exporters). The authors detect a self-selection effect for both importing and exporting firms with a stronger effect for importers. The results suggest that the nature of sunk costs varies between importing and exporting activities with importers facing higher sunk costs. Tariffs represent a potentially important source of variation in the variable costs of trading. When taking the tariffs faced by firms into account, the authors find that the self-selection effect associated with sunk costs is still present but greatly reduced with a smaller reduction for importers compared to exporters.
Effect of the temperament of dairy cows on lifetime production efficiency
Authors: Neja W. , Sawa A. , Jankowska M. , Bogucki M. , Krężel-Czopek S.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of the temperament of cows on their lifetime production efficiency. Data on milk performance, longevity and culling reasons of 11 629 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows were extracted from the SYMLEK database. Using the methodology of the Polish Federation of Cattle Breeders and Dairy Farmers, cow temperament was assessed as follows: 1 – calm; 2 – normal; and 3 – excitable or aggressive. Most cows showed a normal temperament (89.52 %). Over successive years of the evaluation, there were increases in the proportion of cows with a calm (from 2.98 to 6.85 %) and excitable temperament (from 7.50 to 8.27 %). Temperament was found to have a highly significant effect on first lactation milk yield, first lactation daily milk yield, milk yield per day of age, and milk yield per day of productive life. In cows with a calm temperament, first lactation milk yield was 621 kg higher than in cows with a normal temperament and 329 kg higher compared to excitable (aggressive) cows.
A global model simulation for 3-D radiative transfer impact on surface hydrology over the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains
Authors: Lee W.-L. , Gu Y. , Liou K. N. , Leung L. R. , Hsu H.-H.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. We investigate 3-D mountain effects on solar flux distributions and their impact on surface hydrology over the western United States, specifically the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, using the global CCSM4 (Community Climate System Model version 4; Community Atmosphere Model/Community Land Model – CAM4/CLM4) with a 0.23° × 0.31° resolution for simulations over 6 years. In a 3-D radiative transfer parameterization, we have updated surface topography data from a resolution of 1 km to 90 m to improve parameterization accuracy. In addition, we have also modified the upward-flux deviation (3-D–PP (plane-parallel)) adjustment to ensure that the energy balance at the surface is conserved in global climate simulations based on 3-D radiation parameterization. We show that deviations in the net surface fluxes are not only affected by 3-D mountains but also influenced by feedbacks of cloud and snow in association with the long-term simulations. Deviations in sensible heat and surface temperature generally follow the patterns of net surface solar flux. The monthly snow water equivalent (SWE) deviations show an increase in lower elevations due to reduced snowmelt, leading to a reduction in cumulative runoff. Over higher-elevation areas, negative SWE deviations are found because of increased solar radiation available at the surface. Simulated precipitation increases for lower elevations, while it decreases for higher elevations, with a minimum in April. Liquid runoff significantly decreases at higher elevations after April due to reduced SWE and precipitation.
Sources of black carbon aerosols in South Asia and surrounding regions during the Integrated Campaign for Aerosols, Gases and Radiation Budget (ICARB)
Authors: Kumar R. , Barth M. C. , Nair V. S. , Pfister G. G. , Suresh Babu S. , Satheesh S. K. , Krishna Moorthy K. , Carmichael G. R. , Lu Z. , Streets D. G.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. This study examines differences in the surface black carbon (BC) aerosol loading between the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and the Arabian Sea (AS) and identifies dominant sources of BC in South Asia and surrounding regions during March–May 2006 (Integrated Campaign for Aerosols, Gases and Radiation Budget, ICARB) period. A total of 13 BC tracers are introduced in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model coupled with Chemistry to address these objectives. The model reproduced the temporal and spatial variability of BC distribution observed over the AS and the BoB during the ICARB ship cruise and captured spatial variability at the inland sites. In general, the model underestimates the observed BC mass concentrations. However, the model–observation discrepancy in this study is smaller compared to previous studies. Model results show that ICARB measurements were fairly well representative of the AS and the BoB during the pre-monsoon season. Elevated BC mass concentrations in the BoB are due to 5 times stronger influence of anthropogenic emissions on the BoB compared to the AS. Biomass burning in Burma also affects the BoB much more strongly than the AS. Results show that anthropogenic and biomass burning emissions, respectively, accounted for 60 and 37% of the average ± standard deviation (representing spatial and temporal variability) BC mass concentration (1341 ± 2353 ng m−3) in South Asia. BC emissions from residential (61%) and industrial (23%) sectors are the major anthropogenic sources, except in the Himalayas where vehicular emissions dominate. We find that regional-scale transport of anthropogenic emissions contributes up to 25% of BC mass concentrations in western and eastern India, suggesting that surface BC mass concentrations cannot be linked directly to the local emissions in different regions of South Asia.
One year of Raman lidar observations of free-tropospheric aerosol layers over South Africa
Authors: Giannakaki E. , Pfüller A. , Korhonen K. , Mielonen T. , Laakso L. , Vakkari V. , Baars H. , Engelmann R. , Beukes J. P. , Van Zyl P. G. , Josipovic M. , Tiitta P. , Chiloane K. , Piketh S. , Lihavainen H. , Lehtinen K. E. J. , Komppula M.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Raman lidar data obtained over a 1 year period has been analysed in relation to aerosol layers in the free troposphere over the Highveld in South Africa. In total, 375 layers were observed above the boundary layer during the period 30 January 2010 to 31 January 2011. The seasonal behaviour of aerosol layer geometrical characteristics, as well as intensive and extensive optical properties were studied. The highest centre heights of free-tropospheric layers were observed during the South African spring (2520 ± 970 m a.g.l., also elsewhere). The geometrical layer depth was found to be maximum during spring, while it did not show any significant difference for the rest of the seasons. The variability of the analysed intensive and extensive optical properties was high during all seasons. Layers were observed at a mean centre height of 2100 ± 1000 m with an average lidar ratio of 67 ± 25 sr (mean value with 1 standard deviation) at 355 nm and a mean extinction-related Ångström exponent of 1.9 ± 0.8 between 355 and 532 nm during the period under study. Except for the intensive biomass burning period from August to October, the lidar ratios and Ångström exponents are within the range of previous observations for urban/industrial aerosols. During Southern Hemispheric spring, the biomass burning activity is clearly reflected in the optical properties of the observed free-tropospheric layers. Specifically, lidar ratios at 355 nm were 89 ± 21, 57 ± 20, 59 ± 22 and 65 ± 23 sr during spring (September–November), summer (December–February), autumn (March–May) and winter (June–August), respectively. The extinction-related Ångström exponents between 355 and 532 nm measured during spring, summer, autumn and winter were 1.8 ± 0.6, 2.4 ± 0.9, 1.8 ± 0.9 and 1.8 ± 0.6, respectively. The mean columnar aerosol optical depth (AOD) obtained from lidar measurements was found to be 0.46 ± 0.35 at 355 nm and 0.25 ± 0.2 at 532 nm. The contribution of free-tropospheric aerosols on the AOD had a wide range of values with a mean contribution of 46%.
Assessment of China's virtual air pollution transport embodied in trade by using a consumption-based emission inventory
Authors: Zhao H. Y. , Zhang Q. , Guan D. B. , Davis S. J. , Liu Z. , Huo H. , Lin J. T. , Liu W. D. , He K. B.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Substantial anthropogenic emissions from China have resulted in serious air pollution, and this has generated considerable academic and public concern. The physical transport of air pollutants in the atmosphere has been extensively investigated; however, understanding the mechanisms how the pollutant was transferred through economic and trade activities remains a challenge. For the first time, we quantified and tracked China's air pollutant emission flows embodied in interprovincial trade, using a multiregional input–output model framework. Trade relative emissions for four key air pollutants (primary fine particle matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and non-methane volatile organic compounds) were assessed for 2007 in each Chinese province. We found that emissions were significantly redistributed among provinces owing to interprovincial trade. Large amounts of emissions were embodied in the imports of eastern regions from northern and central regions, and these were determined by differences in regional economic status and environmental policy. It is suggested that measures should be introduced to reduce air pollution by integrating cross-regional consumers and producers within national agreements to encourage efficiency improvement in the supply chain and optimize consumption structure internationally. The consumption-based air pollutant emission inventory developed in this work can be further used to attribute pollution to various economic activities and final demand types with the aid of air quality models.
Impacts of historical climate and land cover changes on tropospheric ozone air quality and public health in East Asia over 1980–2010
Authors: Fu Y. , Tai A. P. K.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Understanding how historical climate and land cover changes have affected tropospheric ozone in East Asia would help constrain the large uncertainties associated with future East Asian air quality projections. We perform a series of simulations using a global chemical transport model driven by assimilated meteorological data and a suite of land cover and land use data to examine the public health effects associated with changes in climate, land cover, land use, and anthropogenic emissions over the past 30 years (1980–2010) in East Asia. We find that over 1980–2010 land cover change alone could lead to a decrease in summertime surface ozone by up to 4 ppbv in East Asia and ~2000 fewer ozone-related premature deaths per year, driven mostly by enhanced dry deposition resulting from climate- and CO2-induced increase in vegetation density, which more than offsets the effect of reduced isoprene emission arising from cropland expansion. Over the same period, climate change alone could lead to an increase in summertime ozone by 2–10 ppbv in most regions of East Asia and ~6000 more premature deaths annually, mostly attributable to warming. The combined impacts (−2 to +12 ppbv) show that while the effect of climate change is more pronounced, land cover change could offset part of the climate effect and lead to a previously unknown public health benefit. While the changes in anthropogenic emissions remain the largest contributor to deteriorating ozone air quality in East Asia over the past 30 years, we show that climate change and land cover changes could lead to a substantial modification of ozone levels, and thus should come into consideration when formulating future air quality management strategies. We also show that the sensitivity of surface ozone to land cover change is more dependent on dry deposition than isoprene emission in most of East Asia, leading to ozone responses that are quite distinct from that in North America, where most ozone-vegetation sensitivity studies to date have been conducted.