The impact of corporate social responsibility on the Peruvian consumer’s purchasing behavior

This exploratory research aims to find out the extent to which Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) impacts the purchasing behavior of Peruvian consumers when it comes to convenience food products. The study includes qualitative and quantitative analysis. Qualitative analysis consists of in-depth interviews with CSR representatives from consumer product companies, CSR practitioners and some consumers from the quantitative sample. That group’s composition was selected in order to obtain a wide picture of the consumers’ perception towards CSR, including their understanding of the concept and the relevance in their decision making process when buying convenience food products. The quantitative analysis portion consists of an on-line survey focused on Peruvian consumers who live in Lima during the year 2015. Consumers included in the sample were selected by convenience. After analyzing the 134 completed surveys, the results obtained suggest that even though there is an increasing interest in CSR, including CSR as an attribute of the purchased goods, interest is not fully demonstrated by the purchasing behavior of consumers. The main breach leading to this inconsistency appears to be the lack of or failure in the companies’ CSR communication towards consumers. Consumers demand reliable information which socially responsible companies usually provide; however at this stage, the target audiences of such information are mostly corporations and communities surrounding the manufacturing plants of convenience food products.

Inexpensive solution for real-time video and image stitching

Image stitching is the process of joining several images to obtain a bigger view of a scene. It is used, for example, in tourism to transmit to the viewer the sensation of being in another place. I am presenting an inexpensive solution for automatic real time video and image stitching with two web cameras as the video/image sources. The proposed solution relies on the usage of several markers in the scene as reference points for the stitching algorithm. The implemented algorithm is divided in four main steps, the marker detection, camera pose determination (in reference to the markers), video/image size and 3d transformation, and image translation. Wii remote controllers are used to support several steps in the process. The built‐in IR camera provides clean marker detection, which facilitates the camera pose determination. The only restriction in the algorithm is that markers have to be in the field of view when capturing the scene. Several tests where made to evaluate the final algorithm. The algorithm is able to perform video stitching with a frame rate between 8 and 13 fps. The joining of the two videos/images is good with minor misalignments in objects at the same depth of the marker,misalignments in the background and foreground are bigger. The capture process is simple enough so anyone can perform a stitching with a very short explanation. Although real‐time video stitching can be achieved by this affordable approach, there are few shortcomings in current version. For example, contrast inconsistency along the stitching line could be reduced by applying a color correction algorithm to every source videos. In addition, the misalignments in stitched images due to camera lens distortion could be eased by optical correction algorithm. The work was developed in Apple’s Quartz Composer, a visual programming environment. A library of extended functions was developed using Xcode tools also from Apple.

Sistemas de gerenciamento de bibliotecas: riscos decorrentes do processo de migração de dados

This work aims to analyze risks related to information technology (IT) in procedures related to data migration. This is done considering ALEPH, Integrated Libray System (ILS) that migrated data to the Library Module present in the software called Sistema Integrado de Gestão de Atividades Acadêmicas (SIGAA) at the Zila Mamede Central Library at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) in Natal/Brazil. The methodological procedure used was of a qualitative exploratory research with the realization of case study at the referred library in order to better understand this phenomenon. Data collection was able once there was use of a semi-structured interview that was applied with (11) subjects that are employed at the library as well as in the Technology Superintendence at UFRN. In order to examine data Content analysis as well as thematic review process was performed. After data migration the results of the interview were then linked to both analysis units and their system register with category correspondence. The main risks detected were: data destruction; data loss; data bank communication failure; user response delay; data inconsistency and duplicity. These elements point out implication and generate disorders that affect external and internal system users and lead to stress, work duplicity and hassles. Thus, some measures were taken related to risk management such as adequate planning, central management support, and pilot test simulations. For the advantages it has reduced of: risk, occurrence of problems and possible unforeseen costs, and allows achieving organizational objectives, among other. It is inferred therefore that the risks present in data bank conversion in libraries exist and some are predictable, however, it is seen that librarians do not know or ignore and are not very worried in the identification risks in data bank conversion, their acknowledge would minimize or even extinguish them. Another important aspect to consider is the existence of few empirical research that deal specifically with this subject and thus presenting the new of new approaches in order to promote better understanding of the matter in the corporate environment of the information units

Intervenção judicial nas sociedades limitadas em face da liberdade de iniciativa

The judicial intervention in limited liability company goes through several issues of legislative and hermeneutics origin, based considerably on the small importance given to freedom of economic initiative by the participants in the process of formation and application of the law. In addition, Brazilian law, due to incompleteness, inconsistency or lack of valid grounds, put the judge in a procedural delicate situation. Being forced to judge, the judiciary faces severe uncomfortable interpretive situations, of which derive solutions of dubious constitutionality and affecting, significantly, the dynamics of business activity. In this context, and considering the limited liability company as an expression of free enterprise, corresponding to a lawful association of people in order to undertake economically, in exercise of his freedom of contracting and professional action, intended to be offered safe parameters of constitutionality for judicial intervention in limited liability company in the hypothesis of (i) transfer of corporate shares, (ii) attachment of corporate shares, (iii) dismissal of directors, (iv) appointment of judicial stakeholders, (v) exclusion of shareholders and (vi ) trespass. The hypothetical-deductive approach was adopted, building hypotheses to overcome the gaps and unconstitutionality of the law and subjecting them to tests, reviews, and comparisons with hypothetical facts and case law in order to determine the constitutional validity of the proposed solutions. The procedure aimed to reconcile the historical, comparative, dialectical and scientific methods. The roots of temporal institutes were researched as well as current solutions provided by national and compared law. From problematizations point, addressed by the constitutional interpretation of the law and jurisprudence, responses that bring out the unconstitutionality of certain conceptions were headed

Balanced Scorecard como ferramenta de avaliação da consistência estratégica: um estudo em instituição de ensino superior privada

This Master of Science Thesis investigates in an exploratory modeling the idea of strategy consistency applying as an assessment tool a model of performance indicators of a higher education institution based on the balanced scorecard (BSC). It is carried on a review of conceptual BSC perspective hierarchy models and of studies on higher education institution in Brazil and worldwide. From a BSC model with three indicators at each perspective is carried on a case study with directors and coordinators of a private higher education institution with a descriptive and multivariate analysis using cluster analysis. The main findings point to a different perception of respondents on the importance level of the perspectives with a higher importance level given to Learning and Growth and Process that to Customer and Financial. Particularly, the financial perspective got a importance level significantly lower that the others, what suggests an inconsistency on the strategy deployment on the institution considered in terms of the perception of the managerial levels of the importance level of the perspectives

Fontes alternativas e doses de nitrogênio no milho safrinha em sucessão à soja

A produtividade do milho safrinha pode ser aumentada com a adubação nitrogenada em cobertura mesmo quando cultivado em sucessão à soja. No entanto, existem inconsistências dos resultados especialmente quanto às fontes e doses a serem empregadas nessa modalidade de cultivo. Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de fontes e doses de nitrogênio em cobertura no milho safrinha, cultivado após soja no sistema plantio direto, conduziu-se o experimento em um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico, em Chapadão do Céu (GO). O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pela combinação de quatro fontes (uréia, sulfato de amônio, uréia extrusada com produtos amiláceos (Amiréia® 180S) e sulfonitrato de amônio com inibidor de nitrificação (Entec® 26)) e quatro doses de nitrogênio (0; 30; 60 e 120 kg ha-1). A interação fonte x dose não foi significativa para nenhuma das variáveis avaliadas. A aplicação de nitrogênio na forma de entec proporcionou maiores teores de nitrogênio na folha do milho safrinha que o sulfato de amônio e a amiréia. A produtividade de grãos do milho safrinha foi maior quando o nitrogênio em cobertura foi fornecido na forma de sulfato de amônio, em comparação com a amiréia. A aplicação de nitrogênio em cobertura aumentou os teores de nitrogênio e enxofre na folha, altura da planta, diâmetro do colmo, número de espigas por planta e grãos por espiga, massa de 1.000 grãos e produtividade de grãos do milho safrinha, em sucessão à soja, independentemente da fonte utilizada.

Métodos de recuperação pós-exercício: uma revisão sistemática

A recuperação pós-exercício consiste em restaurar os sistemas do corpo a sua condição basal, proporcionando equilíbrio e prevenindo a instalação de lesões e, nesse sentido, torna-se aspecto importante de todo programa de condicionamento físico, em quaisquer níveis de desempenho, mas, sobretudo nos mais elevados. O objetivo desta revisão foi reunir informações e descrever as respostas proporcionadas por métodos recuperativos pós-exercício, como crioterapia, contraste, massagem e recuperação ativa, constituindo uma fonte de atualização do referido tema. Utilizaram-se os bancos de dados MedLine, Scielo e Lilacs, como lista de periódicos, o SportsDiscus. Foram incluídos no estudo somente ensaios clínicos randomizados controlados e não-controlados, além de artigos de revisão referentes ao tema proposto. Optou-se por procurar os termos: cryotherapy, massage, active recovery, thermotherapy, immersion e exercise, individualmente e em cruzamentos. Como achado, observou-se que alguns estudos relatam que a crioterapia é prejudicial em se tratando de recuperação pós-exercício, pois reduz o desempenho imediatamente após a aplicação da técnica. Por outro lado, estudos apontam como sendo benéfica, pois reduzem o nível de creatinaquinase após alta intensidade de esforço, evitando danos musculares. Para o contraste, embora apresente significância em se tratando de remoção de lactato sanguíneo, sua efetividade necessita ser mais bem discutida. Na massagem e na recuperação ativa, os principais vieses descritos dizem respeito à pressão exercida e à intensidade do exercício, respectivamente. Entre as técnicas, as que parecem ter efeitos semelhantes são o contraste e a recuperação ativa, no que tange à remoção de lactato e diminuição da creatinaquinase. Ressalta-se que o tempo de exposição é de fundamental importância para todos os métodos. Entretanto, diversos estudos não se propõem a identificar os reais efeitos fisiológicos promovidos pelas técnicas, utilizando-as de modo inipiente. Portanto, a inconsistência dos resultados encontrados sugere que a análise das variáveis utilizadas como método de recuperação deve ser mais bem controlada.

Sujeito e liberdade no pensamento de Michel Foucault

The leitmotif of this dissertation research is on the relationship between two fields of questioning in the Foucauldian works that may be considered, at a first glance, irreconcilable: the understanding of subject as the result of determinations, on the one hand, and its ethical stance of seeking the creation of liberty, on the other. Since, despite this apparent inconsistency, both ideas are present with much emphasis on the work of the French thinker, to understand the way Foucault articulated these two ideas was necessary to elucidate and interrelate the way in which he thought about the concepts of subject, power and liberty. Traveling with the author his intellectual itinerary, it was revealed that his conception of subject and liberty can be reconciled (although maintaining its problematic nature) and, also, both are inextricably linked each one as a result of the other. Tracing, with the author, his intellectual itinerary, it was also possible to identify and describe the fruitful conceptual tools for thinking about our own determinations and about the possibilities we have of creating new subjectivities and liberating experiences

Avaliação de implementação da Educação Superior a Distância: o caso da Secretaria de Educação a Distância da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte SEDIS/UFRN

The considerable expansion of Distance Education registered in recent years in Brazil raises the importance of debate about how the implementation of this policy has been happening so that formulators and implementers make better informed decisions, maximizing results, identifying successes and overcoming bottlenecks. This study aims to evaluate the implementation process of Distance Education policy by Secretary of Distance Education of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. For this, we sought to use an evaluation proposal consistent with this policy, and came to the one developed by Sonia Draibe (2001), which suggests an analysis called anatomy of evaluation general process. To achieve the objectives, we made a qualitative research, case study type, using documentary research and semi-structured interviews with three groups of subjects who belong to the policy: managers, technicians and beneficiaries. It was concluded that: the implementation process needs a open contact channel between the management and technicians and beneficiaries; the lack of clarity in the dissemination of information between technicians produces noises that affects the outcomes; the absence of dissemination of internal and external actions contributes to the perpetuation of prejudice in relation to Distance Education; using selection criteria based on competence and merit contributes to form a team of skilled technicians to perform their function within the policy; an institution that do not enable technicians generates gaps that possibly will turn into policy implementation failures; all subjects involved in politics need internal evaluations to contribute to improvements in the implementation process, however, a gap is opened between the subjects if there is no socialization of results; the existence of an internal structure that manipulates financial resources and balances the budget from different maintainer programs is essencial; the consortium between IES and municipalities in presential support poles are bottlenecks in the process, since beneficiaries are exposed to inconsistency and lack of commitment of these local municipalities

O trabalho profissional dos(as) assistentes sociais no INSS pós as contra-reformas da Previdência Social

The present research study the work professional of the Social worker in the National Institute of Social Security of Rio Grande do Norte s State, especially about the working terms, the demands and working process of Social worker in consequence of the limits established with disorganization of his institutional space derived of the Counter-Reforms of the State and of Social Security. In decade of 1990 there was in Brazil adhesion to the neoliberal politics what configured a new organization of work and a new performance of the State. Inside this context, it was accomplished the Counter-Reforms with emphasis in the privatizations, reform of the Social Security and of the device of the Brazilian State, among other actions. Particularly, in Social Service reforms brought profound consequences for the Social workers of INSS, among it: reduction of professionals and in his institutional space. This study situates the Social Worker of Social Security in front of the contemporary modifications in the world of work as well as in front of the consequences come upon of the Counter-Reforms implemented and executed by the neoliberal governments in the country of way the of frame and to enter to the globalized world and the new order of the capital. From the qualitative research based in the critical and dialectic theoreticianmethodological perspective that study the phenomena from your relations, mediations and contradictions, was possible unveil the limits and the possibilities of the professional work of the Social worker in INSS placed the Counter-Reforms of Social Security. Synthetically, the results of this investigation indicate that, there is an worsening in the inconsistency of the work with relation to social worker's functional situation and his working terms in the institution

Quantizing a relativistic free-particle on the light front: some subtle aspects

We use the light-front machinery to study the behavior of a relativistic free particle and obtain the quantum commutation relations from the classical Poisson brackets. We argue that their usual projection onto the light-front coordinates from the covariant commutation relations show that there is an inconsistency in the expected correlation between canonically conjugate variables time x(+) and energy p(-). This incompatibility between canonical conjugate variables in the light front is discussed in the context of Poisson brackets and a suggestion is made on how to avoid it.

Thermodynamics of quasi-particles

We present in this work a generalization of the solution of Gorenstein and Yang to the inconsistency problem of thermodynamics for systems with a temperature dependent Hamiltonian. We show that there are, in principle, an infinite number of solutions.

Lessons of spin and torsion: Reply to Consistent coupling to Dirac fields in teleparallelism

In reply to the criticism made by Mielke in the preceding Comment on our recent paper, we once again explicitly demonstrate the inconsistency of the coupling of a Dirac field to gravitation in the teleparallel equivalent of general relativity. Moreover, we stress that the mentioned inconsistency is generic for all sources with spin and is by no means restricted to the Dirac field. In this sense the SL(4,R)-covariant generalization of the spinor fields in the teleparallel gravity theory is irrelevant to the inconsistency problem.

Thermodynamics of quasi-particles at finite chemical potential

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Is your vision consistent? A method for checking, based on scenario concepts

Common sense tells us that the future is an essential element in any strategy. In addition, there is a good deal of literature on scenario planning, which is an important tool in considering the future in terms of strategy. However, in many organizations there is serious resistance to the development of scenarios, and they are not broadly implemented by companies. But even organizations that do not rely heavily on the development of scenarios do, in fact, construct visions to guide their strategies. But it might be asked, what happens when this vision is not consistent with the future? To address this problem, the present article proposes a method for checking the content and consistency of an organization's vision of the future, no matter how it was conceived. The proposed method is grounded on theoretical concepts from the field of future studies, which are described in this article. This study was motivated by the search for developing new ways of improving and using scenario techniques as a method for making strategic decisions. The method was then tested on a company in the field of information technology in order to check its operational feasibility. The test showed that the proposed method is, in fact, operationally feasible and was capable of analyzing the vision of the company being studied, indicating both its shortcomings and points of inconsistency. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.