Understanding consumer evaluation criteria for repurchase in a performing arts context

The purpose of this paper is to examine consumers' experience of a performing arts service to identify the predictors of audience behaviour especially as related to positive repurchase intention. Experiential service settings such as the performing arts have been cited in recent research as service contexts that may challenge current theory that repurchase intention is driven by service quality and customer satisfaction. It is posited that consumer emotions and the hedonic nature of the consumption experience may complicate the evaluation process to repurchase intention in a setting such as the performing arts. Qualitative semi-structured indepth interviews were undertaken of twenty-six performing arts consumers using a pool of questions and prompts developed from a review of the extant literature. Transcribed field notes were examined for key words and phrases and data was divided into the main emergent themes related to each of the questions and also coded for confirmation and is-confirmation of the extant literature constructs and relationships. The dimensions of service experience,price, service quality, target goal-directed emotions and non-target appraisal emotions were identified as driving repurchase intention in a performing arts setting. Customer satisfaction in this setting appears to result from emotional factors rather than expectancy dis-confirmation. This research supports the notion that an experiential consumption experience such as the performing arts will challenge the current theory of the drivers of repurchase intention and suggests that a more thorough large scale examination of these dimensions in this service setting is warranted.

A(S) CIÊNCIA(S) DA(S) RELIGIÃO(ÕES) NO ALVORECER DE UM NOVO PARADIGMA

A reflexão proposta neste estudo está centrada na possibilidade de o Novo Paradigma Sistêmico , tal qual o concebe o físico norte-americano Fritjof Capra, fundamentar um modelo epistemológico, possível de integrar em seu âmbito os pontos de vista divergentes no debate sobre o tratamento científico do fenômeno religioso. A história das ciências da religião está marcada pelo dilema epistemológico: explicar ou compreender a religião? As ciências da natureza contrapuseram-se às ciências do espírito, que diferiam das primeiras pelo objeto, pelo método e pela relação entre o sujeito e o objeto. O debate que esteve presente no cenário dos séculos XIX e XX mostrou-nos a impossibilidade de se definir um modelo de ciência que incorporasse, em seu seio, uma integração dos pontos de vista divergentes, em razão dos princípios que norteavam o paradigma cientificista. No entanto, a emergência do paradigma dos sistemas vivos ou da complexidade , liderado pela física, veio conceber o caráter sistêmico da realidade; que o concreto material é energia sob o aspecto subatômico; que sob o aspecto subatômico, a matéria não existe em lugares definidos com certeza, mas apenas mostram tendências a existir. Estas e outras descobertas possibilitaram aos cientistas afirmar a existência de um Novo Paradigma , em que as categorias análise, regularidade e objetividade, que caracterizavam o antigo, são substituídas por: síntese, irregularidade e conduta epistêmica. O paradigma emergente possibilitou a construção de um modelo epistemológico do conhecimento científico, que apontamos como legitimador das condutas fenomenológicas, tal qual as concebem G. van der Leeuw e F. Heiler, ao mesmo tempo em que possibilita a integração de pontos de vista divergentes, no debate entre as vertentes, explicação/compreensão.(AU)

A RÁDIO COMUNITÁRIA COMO VETOR DO PROCESSO DE DEMOCRATIZAÇÃO DA COMUNICAÇÃO: a experiência do Projeto Rádio Escola e as mudanças ocorridas na Rádio Z FM, em Mauá-SP

Estudo sobre a democratização da comunicação a partir das rádios comunitárias. O objetivo é compreender como uma rádio comunitária pode ser vetor deste processo, com a apropriação, pela população local, de um meio comunitário, além de contribuir na busca por políticas públicas de comunicação e melhoria das condições de vida local. O quadro de referência é o materialismo histórico dialético. O estudo foi feito com base em pesquisa bibliográfica, como forma de constituir o referencial teórico, além do estudo de documentos e entrevistas semiestruturadas, aplicadas aos participantes do Projeto Rádio Escola, desenvolvido durante o ano de 2010, numa parceria entre a rádio comunitária Z FM e a Escola Estadual Professora Irene da Silva Costa, no município de Mauá, no ABC Paulista. A conclusão principal é que, quando uma rádio comunitária abre seus microfones de forma consequente para a população, permite-se a expressão plural de ideias, o aprendizado em relação à linguagem e ao aparato radiofônico e o aumento da percepção do direito à comunicação e da necessidade da democratização dos meios.

ISTO NÃO É TV, É MTV: linguagem da MTV brasileira

A MTV brasileira está no ar há 15 anos no Brasil e desde o início de suas transmissões, em 1990, evoluiu consideravelmente a variedade de programas que oferece diariamente em sua grade de programação, saindo da simples reprodução de videoclipes. Essa variedade de programas, no entanto, é caracterizada por uma unidade discursiva que diferencia a MTV das outras emissoras de televisão aberta. Enquanto outras emissoras trabalham com gêneros diferentes de programas, em especial as que compõem a grade de programação de televisão aberta, a MTV consegue criar uma grade de programação diversificada, sempre direcionada a um público específico: o universo jovem. Objetivou-se realizar uma leitura qualitativa da linguagem do material simbólico que esta emissora produz a uma faixa de público especializada, subsidiada pela análise crítica de discurso, a semiótica e os estudos teóricos da Comunicação Social. Compõem o corpus de análise, os programas e vinhetas inéditos da semana de 23 a 29 de janeiro de 2006. Não foram consideradas as reprises. Demonstrou-se que é possível identificar uma estrutura discursiva que compõe uma linguagem, um discurso, que caracterizam a MTV e a diferenciam de outros canais de televisão aberta e a cabo. Uma linguagem que combina elementos do universo de sua principal audiência, os jovens. Palavras-chave: comunicação, MTV, análise de discurso, semiótica, jovem.

AS TRANSFORMAÇÕES DAS PRÁTICAS EM EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL NO PERÍODO DE 1960-2000: Os trabalhos dos alunos, a voz das professoras e os documentos curriculares

Este trabalho tem como propósito à análise das transformações das práticas em educação infantil na Prefeitura Municipal de São Bernardo do Campo ao longo de quatro décadas, considerando as mudanças políticas e econômicas, bem como as tendências teóricas predominantes nos diferentes momentos investigados. Para uma maior aproximação com as práticas do passado, três elementos foram fundamentais: as teorias que subsidiaram os documentos e orientações curriculares; a voz das professoras, que através de seus relatos puderam expressar as práticas desenvolvidas em sua trajetória de formação e as mudanças que foram se efetivando ao longo dos anos; e os trabalhos produzidos pelos alunos ao longo das décadas estudadas. Esses trabalhos dos alunos foram organizados em quadros, apontando a freqüência com que determinados tipos de atividade aconteciam em diferentes épocas. Além desses quadros, os relatos das professoras puderam evidenciar maneiras como as transformações das práticas aconteceram, a partir do olhar de quem as pratica. A partir desses dados, busquei nas contribuições de Certeau elementos para compreender de que maneira os sujeitos históricos - professores - lidam com os produtos que lhes são impostos pela ordem social - orientações curriculares e novas teorias - transformando-os e reinventando-os em seu fazer cotidiano.

ESCOLA DE TEMPO INTEGRAL: UMA ESCOLA DIFERENTE OU A ESCOLA QUE FAZ A DIFERENÇA?

Este trabalho tem por objetivo descrever a proposta atual de Escola de Tempo Integral no Estado de São Paulo, investigar e avaliar a implantação de uma escola da rede pública estadual da Baixada Santista na cidade de Bertioga-SP, no ano de 2006. Trata-se de pesquisa descritivo-analítica do processo de implantação e da proposta de Escola de Tempo Integral, considerando alguns programas e projetos implantados em décadas anteriores no Estado de São Paulo e em outros estados brasileiros. Os dados foram coletados por meio de análise de documentos referente à proposta e observações realizadas pela pesquisadora, membro participante no processo de implantação da Escola de Tempo Integral na escola investigada. Os resultados descrevem a legislação norteadora, princípios filosóficos, diretrizes gerais, organização curricular, carga horária, práticas e atividades cotidianas, bem como as possibilidades e limites desse projeto em sua implantação.(AU)

OSTEOTOMIA SEGMENTAR DE MAXILA CASO CLÍNICO

A Osteotomia Segmentar de Maxila ou Osteotomia Le Fort I Segmentada é um procedimento que tem se tornado, cada vez mais comum, nas cirugias para as correções das deformidades dentofaciais, conhecidas como Cirurgias Ortognáticas. Este procedimento é muito bem indicado para a correção das discrepâncias maxilares, nos diferentes planos e num único tempo cirúrgico, otimizando assim, o tempo de tratamento a que o paciente é submetido. A estabilidade esquelética transversal e a oclusal dos pacientes, que são submetidos a este tipo de osteotomia, tem sido objeto de estudo na literatura , assim como também, os potenciais riscos e complicações inerentes a este procedimento como, a desvitalização dentária, fístula oro-nasal, perda dentária, necrose de algum segmento da maxila ou até mesmo, de toda a maxila. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar o caso clínico de um paciente submetido à osteotomia segmentar de maxila, e fazer uma revisão da literatura abrangendo os últimos 10 anos, com artigos que abordam a estabilidade deste tipo de procedimento, assim como também os potenciais riscos e complicações aos pacientes submetidos a este procedimento. Utilizando algumas palavras chave na base de dados eletrônica PUBMED, 12 artigos foram selecionados para este trabalho, no período de 2002 a 2012. A Osteotomia Segmentar de Maxila é um procedimento estável e seguro, com baixo índice de complicação, quando indicado corretamente e com os devidos cuidados no pré, trans e pós operatórios.

AVALIAÇÃO COMPARATIVA ENTRE AGRADABILIDADE FACIAL, PROPORÇÃO ÁUREA E PADRÃO FACIAL

O propósito desta pesquisa foi estudar algumas análises faciais utilizadas para diagnóstico ortodôntico e verificar a concordância entre norma lateral e frontal na avaliação da agradabilidade facial para os grupos leigos e profissionais, a concordância entre estes grupos na avaliação da agradabilidade facial nas normas lateral e frontal, bem como verificar a associação entre agradabilidade facial e Proporção Áurea, agradabilidade facial e Padrão Facial e entre Padrão Facial e Proporção Áurea. Utilizou-se 208 fotografias faciais padronizadas (104 laterais e 104 frontais) de 104 indivíduos escolhidos aleatoriamente, que primeiramente foram classificadas em agradável , aceitável e desagradável por dois grupos distintos: grupo Ortodontia e grupo Leigos . As fotografias laterais e frontais foram submetidas a medidas de Proporção Áurea Facial por meio de programa computadorizado e os indivíduos foram classificados quanto ao Padrão Facial pelo seu aspecto lateral. Após análise estatística, verificou-se que não houve concordância entre as variáveis da avaliação de agradabilidade estudadas, bem como não houve associação entre Proporção Áurea com agradabilidade facial ou com Padrão Facial. Entre agradabilidade facial e Padrão Facial, observou-se para a norma lateral associação fortemente positiva, porém para a frontal não houve associação para ambos os grupos de avaliadores.

Factors affecting human reliability in the chemical process industry

This research was concerned with identifying factors which may influence human reliability within chemical process plants - these factors are referred to as Performance Shaping Factors (PSFs). Following a period of familiarization within the industry, a number of case studies were undertaken covering a range of basic influencing factors. Plant records and site `lost time incident reports' were also used as supporting evidence for identifying and classifying PSFs. In parallel to the investigative research, the available literature appertaining to human reliability assessment and PSFs was considered in relation to the chemical process plan environment. As a direct result of this work, a PSF classification structure has been produced with an accompanying detailed listing. Phase two of the research considered the identification of important individual PSFs for specific situations. Based on the experience and data gained during phase one, it emerged that certain generic features of a task influenced PSF relevance. This led to the establishment of a finite set of generic task groups and response types. Similarly, certain PSFs influence some human errors more than others. The result was a set of error type key words, plus the identification and classification of error causes with their underlying error mechanisms. By linking all these aspects together, a comprehensive methodology has been forwarded as the basis of a computerized aid for system designers. To recapitulate, the major results of this research have been: One, the development of a comprehensive PSF listing specifically for the chemical process industries with a classification structure that facilitates future updates; and two, a model of identifying relevant SPFs and their order of priority. Future requirements are the evaluation of the PSF listing and the identification method. The latter must be considered both in terms of `useability' and its success as a design enhancer, in terms of an observable reduction in important human errors.

Dyslexia - towards diagnosis : the implications of corical laterality for children's reading difficulties

Dyslexia as a concept is defined and reviewed in a context of psychological, neurological and educational processes. In the present investigation these processes are recognised but emphasis is placed on dyslexia as a phenomenon of a written language system. The type of script system involved in the phenomenon is that of an alphabetic code representing phonological elements of language In script form related to meaning. The nature of this system is viewed In the light of current linguistic and psycholinguistic studies. These studies based as they are on an analysis of underlying written language structures provide a framework for examining the arbitrary and rule-governed system which a young child is expected to acquire. There appear to be fundamental implications for reading, spelling and writing processes; for example an alphabetic system requires recognition of consistent script-phonetic relationships, 'mediated word identification' and in particular uni-directional sensory and motor modes of perceiving. These are critical maturational factors in the young learner. The skills needed by the child for decoding and encoding such a phonemic script are described in a psychological and neuropsychological framework. Evidence for individual differences in these skills is noted and the category of the dyslexic-type learner emerges. Incidence is related to the probabilities of individual differences in lateralisation of brain function not favouring the acquisition of our script system In some cases. Dyslexia is therefore regarded as a primary difficulty consequent upon the incompatibility between:the written language system itself and the intrinsic, developmental skills of an individual's perceptual/motor system. It is recognised that secondary stresses e.g. socio-cultural deprivation, low intellectual potential or emotional trauma can further inhibit the learning process. Symptomology of a dyslexic syndrome is described.. The symptomology is seen by the writer to constitute a clinical entity. a specific category of learning difficulty for which predictive and diagnostic procedure could be devised for classroom use. Consequently an index of relevant test items has been compiled, based upon key clinical experiences and theoretical writings. This instrument knovn as the Aston Index is presented and discussed. The early stages of validation are reported and the proposed longtitudinal studies are described. The aim is to give teachers in the classroom the power and understanding to plan more effectively the earliest stages of teaching and learning; in particular to provide the means of matching the nature of the skill to be acquired with the underlying developmental patterns of each individual learner.

Bioequivalence of sustained release theophylline formulations

The bioequivalence of sustained release theophylline formulations, marketed in the United Kingdom, has been investigated in relation to the co-administration of food in both single dose and steady state volunteer studies. The effect of food on pharmacokinetic parameters and their clinical relevance was researched. Experimentation using drug induced modification of gastric motility to ascertain the component influences of the rate of gastric emptying on the absorption of theophylline from sustained release formulations was conducted. Prolongation of time to maximum plasma theophylline concentration by food reported in the literature and its clinical importance was investigated in once daily compared with twice daily administration of sustained release theophylline formulations and smoking habit. The correlation between saliva and plasma theophylline concentrations as a means of developing a non-invasive sampling techniques was examined. Data obtained from in vitro dissolution studies was compared with in vivo results. This thesis has shown no significant differences occurred in the pharmacokinetic parameters measured between sustained release formulations available in the United Kingdom. The investigations into the influence of food on prolongation of time to maximum plasma theophylline concentration and other measured pharmacokinetic parameters demonstrated no important pharmacokinetic or clinical effects. Smoking adults taking sustained release theophylline formulations had similar drug clearances to those reported in the literature for smokers taking plain uncoated theophylline formulations. KEY WORDS Bioequivalence Theophylline Sustained Release Food Pharmacokinetics RONALD PURKISS SUBMITTED FOR

Improvements to the arc-spraying process

After a brief review of the various forms of thermal spraying equipment and processes, descriptions of the basic principles involved and the general functions for which thermally sprayed coatings are used are given. The background of the collaborating company, Metallisation, is described and their position in the overall market discussed, providing a backdrop against which the appropriateness of various project options might be judged. Current arc-spraying equipment is then examined, firstly in terms of the workings of their constituent parts and subsequently by examining the effects of changes in design and in operating parameters both upon equipment operation and the coatings produced. Published literature relating to these matters is reviewed. Literature relating to the production, comminution and propulsion of the particles which form the spray is discussed as are the mechanisms involved at impact with the substrate. Literature on the use of rockets for thermal spraying and induction heating as a process for feedstock melting are also reviewed. Three distinct options for further study are derived and preliminary tests and costings made to allow one option alone, the use of rocket acceleration, to go forward to the experimental phase. A suitable rocket burner was developed, tested and incorporated into an arc-spray system so that the sprayability of the whole could be assessed. Coatings were made using various parameters and these are compared with coatings produced by a standard system. Coatings were examined for macro and micro hardness, cohesive strength, porosity and by microstructural examination. The results indicate a high degree of similarity between the coatings produced by the standard system and the high velocity system. This was surprising in view of the very different atomising media and velocities. Possible causes for this similarity and the general behaviour of this new system and the standard system are discussed before the study reaches its conclusions in not proving the hypothesis that an increase in particle velocity would improve the mechanical properties of arc-sprayed steel coatings. KEY WORDS: Sprayed metal coatings, Electric arc spraying, High velocity flame spraying, Sprayed coating properties

The Evaluation of health and safety auditing systems

The specific objective of the research was to evaluate proprietary audit systems. Proprietary audit systems comprise question sets containing approximately 500 questions dealing with selected aspects of health and safety management. Each question is allotted a number of points and an organisation seeks to judge its health and safety performance by the overall score achieved in the audit. Initially it was considered that the evaluation method might involve comparing the proprietary audit scores with other methods of measuring safety performance. However, what appeared to be missing in the first instance was information that organisations could use to compare the contrast question set content against their own needs. A technique was developed using the computer database FileMaker Pro. This enables questions in an audit to be sorted into categories using a process of searching for key words. Questions that are not categorised by word searching can be identified and sorted manually. The process can be completed in 2-3 hours which is considerably faster than manual categorisation of questions which typically takes about 10 days. The technique was used to compare and contrast three proprietary audits: ISRS, CHASE and QSA. Differences and similarities between these audits were successfully identified. It was concluded that in general proprietary audits need to focus to a greater extent on identifying strengths and weaknesses in occupational health and safety management systems. To do this requires the inclusion of more probing questions which consider whether risk control measures are likely to be successful.

The servitization of manufacturing:a review of literature and reflection on future challenges

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the state-of-the-art of servitization by presenting a clinical review of literature currently available on the topic. The paper aims to define the servitization concept, report on its origin, features and drivers and give examples of its adoption along with future research challenges. Design/methodology/approach – In determining the scope of this study, the focus is on articles that are central and relevant to servitization within a wider manufacturing context. The methodology consists of identifying relevant publication databases, searching these using a wide range of key words and phrases associated with servitization, and then fully reviewing each article in turn. The key findings and their implications for research are all described. Findings – Servitization is the innovation of an organisation's capabilities and processes to shift from selling products to selling integrated products and services that deliver value in use. There are a diverse range of servitization examples in the literature. These tend to emphasize the potential to maintain revenue streams and improve profitability. Practical implications – Servitization does not represent a panacea for manufactures. However, it is a concept of significant potential value, providing routes for companies to move up the value chain and exploit higher value business activities. There is little work to date that can be used to help practitioners. Originality/value – This paper provides a useful review of servitization and a platform on which to base more in-depth research into the broader topic of service-led competitive strategy by drawing on the work from other related research communities.

Resveratrol and the eye:activity and molecular mechanisms

Purpose: Alcohol consumption is inversely correlated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease. It is thought that red wine is specifically responsible for these cardiovascular benefits, due to its ability to reduce vascular inflammation, facilitate vasorelaxation, and inhibit angiogenesis. This is because of its high polyphenolic content. Resveratrol is the main biologically active polyphenol within red wine. Owing to its vascular-enhancing properties, resveratrol may be effective in the microcirculation of the eye, thereby helping prevent ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Such conditions are accountable for worldwide prevalence of visual loss. Method: A review of the relevant literature was conducted on the ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. Key words used to carry out the searches included 'red wine', 'polyphenols', 'resveratrol', 'eye' and 'ocular'. Articles relating to the effects of resveratrol on the eye were reviewed. Results: The protective effects of resveratrol within the eye are extensive. It has been demonstrated to have anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumourogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic and vasorelaxant properties. There are potential benefits of resveratrol supplementation across a wide range of ocular diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying these protective actions are diverse. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that resveratrol may have potential in the treatment of several ocular diseases. However, while there are many studies indicating plausible biological mechanisms using animal models and in-vitro retinal cells there is a paucity of human research. The evidence base for the use of resveratrol in the management of ocular diseases needs to be increased before recommendations can be made for the use of resveratrol as an ocular supplement. © 2014 Springer-Verlag.