A relative gradient theory for layered materials

It is possible to remedy certain difficulties with the description of short wave length phenomena and interfacial slip in standard models of a laminated material by considering the bending stiffness of the layers. If the couple or moment stresses are assumed to be proportional to the relative deformation gradient, then the bending effect disappears for vanishing interface slip, and the model correctly reduces to an isotropic standard continuum. In earlier Cosserat-type models this was not the case. Laminated materials of the kind considered here occur naturally as layered rock, or at a different scale, in synthetic layered materials and composites. Similarities to the situation in regular dislocation structures with couple stresses, also make these ideas relevant to single slip in crystalline materials. Application of the theory to a one-dimensional model for layered beams demonstrates agreement with exact results at the extremes of zero and infinite interface stiffness. Moreover, comparison with finite element calculations confirm the accuracy of the prediction for intermediate interfacial stiffness.

Comparison of palmtop-computer-assisted brief cognitive-behavioral treatment to cognitive-behavioral treatment for panic disorder

In the present study, the authors sought to determine whether the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) for panic disorder could be improved by adjunctive computer-assisted therapy. Eighteen participants who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed., revised; American Psychiatric Association, 1987) criteria for panic disorder were randomly assigned to a 12-session CBT (CBT12) condition (D. H. Barlow & M. G. Craske, 1989) or to a 4-session computer-assisted CBT (CBT4-CA) condition. Palmtop computers, with a program developed to incorporate basic principles of CBT, were used by CBT4-CA clients whenever they felt anxious or wanted to practice the therapy techniques and were used by all participants as a momentary assessment tool. CBT4-CA clients carried the computer at all times and continued to use it for 8 weeks after termination of therapy. Analyses of clinically significant change showed superiority of CBT12 at posttest on some measures; however, there were no differences at follow-up.

Theory of pseudomodes in quantum optical processes

This paper deals with non-Markovian behavior in atomic systems coupled to a structured reservoir of quantum electromagnetic field modes, with particular relevance to atoms interacting with the field in high-Q cavities or photonic band-gap materials. In cases such as the former, we show that the pseudomode theory for single-quantum reservoir excitations can be obtained by applying the Fano diagonalization method to a system in which the atomic transitions are coupled to a discrete set of (cavity) quasimodes, which in turn are coupled to a continuum set of (external) quasimodes with slowly varying coupling constants and continuum mode density. Each pseudomode can be identified with a discrete quasimode, which gives structure to the actual reservoir of true modes via the expressions for the equivalent atom-true mode coupling constants. The quasimode theory enables cases of multiple excitation of the reservoir to now be treated via Markovian master equations for the atom-discrete quasimode system. Applications of the theory to one, two, and many discrete quasimodes are made. For a simple photonic band-gap model, where the reservoir structure is associated with the true mode density rather than the coupling constants, the single quantum excitation case appears to be equivalent to a case with two discrete quasimodes.

Pragmatic solidarism and the dilemmas of humanitarian intervention

The theory and practice of humanitarian intervention in the 1990s has produced a series of seemingly intractable dilemmas. Why do states act in some cases and not others? How are we to evaluate the legitimacy of particular acts? This article introduces a new perspective on these questions informed by a combination of pragmatism and solidarism. It argues that although the search for criteria that may be used to judge the legitimacy and efficacy of humanitarian intervention may be a futile one, it is possible to think about a politics of legitimate humanitarian intervention. Such a politics may be based on three key insights drawn from pragmatism: the dialogic construction of moral knowledge, the fallibility of knowledge, and the priority of democracy over philosophy. The article discusses how such a pragmatic solidarism may be used to interrogate the quest for legitimising criteria and to build a new politics of humanitarian intervention.

Molecular orbital theory calculations of the H2O-carbon reaction

Carbon gasification with steam to produce H-2 and CO is an important reaction widely used in industry for hydrogen generation. Although the literature is vast, the. mechanism for the formation of H-2 is still unclear. In particular, little has, been done to investigate the potential of molecular orbital theory to distinguish different mechanism possibilities. In this work, we used molecular orbital theory to demonstrate a favorable energetic pathway where H2O is first physically adsorbed on the virgin graphite surface with negligible change in molecular structure. Chemisorption occurs via O approaching the carbon edge site with one H atom stretching away from the O in the transition state. This is followed by a local minimum. state in which the stretching H is further disconnected from the O atoms and the remaining OH group is still on the carbon edge site. The disconnected H then pivot around the OH group to bond with the H of the OH group and forms H-2. The O atom remaining on the carbon edge site is subsequently desorbed as CO. The reverse occurs when H-2 reacts with the surface oxygen to produce H2O.

Conceptual modelling and ontology: Possibilities and pitfalls

Conceptual modelling is an activity undertaken during information systems development work to build a representation of selected semantics about some real-world domain. Ontological theories have been developed to account for the structure and behavior of the real world in general. In this paper, I discuss why ontological theories can be used to inform conceptual modelling research, practice, and pedagogy. I provide examples from my research to illustrate how a particular ontological theory has enabled me to improve my understanding of certain conceptual modelling practices and grammars. I describe, also, how some colleagues and I have used this theory to generate several counter-intuitive, sometimes surprising predictions about widely advocated conceptual modelling practices - predictions that subsequently were supported in empirical research we undertook. Finally, I discuss several possibilities and pitfalls I perceived to be associated with our using ontological theories to underpin research on conceptual modelling.

An investigation into commitment in non-Western industrial marketing relationships

This paper reports an investigation into the antecedents of commitment in non-Western industrial marketing relationships. The authors draw the antecedents from extant literature and posit that commitment is related to trust (integrity and reliability), communication quality, conflict, and similarity (social, ethnic, and economic). It is further argued that trust mediates the effects of communication, conflict, and similarity on commitment. As an extension, the authors examine the moderating effects of normative contracts (an implicit understanding of roles and responsibilities) on the construct interrelationships. The hypotheses are tested using data collected from approximately 150 industrial marketing relationships sampled from overseas Chinese firms. The results generally support the authors' framework; however, the mediating hypotheses are not supported. There is evidence of systematic differences in the effects of the studied antecedents on commitment and trust. Furthermore, a multigroup analysis provides evidence of significant moderating effects due to contracting mode. The study provides new insights into the theory and practice of industrial marketing. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.

Tecnologia assistiva e computacional : contribuições para o atendimento educacional especializado e desafios na formação de professores

Neste trabalho, analisamos aspectos relacionados a como a tecnologia computacional é utilizada no Atendimento Educacional Especializado (AEE) e como se deu a formação de professores para utilizar esses recursos. Para tanto, delimitamos os seguintes objetivos específicos: investigar a utilização da tecnologia assistiva (TA) computacional no âmbito das salas de recursos multifuncionais (SRM); problematizar as tensões, dificuldades e possibilidades relacionadas à TA com ênfase na tecnologia computacional para o AEE; analisar a formação do professor de educação especial para o AEE tendo como recurso a TA com ênfase na tecnologia computacional, visando à mediação dos processos de aprendizagem. O aporte teórico deste trabalho foi a abordagem histórico-cultural, tomando por referência os estudos de Vigotski e seus colaboradores. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa que fez uso de diferentes instrumentos metodológicos como, os grupos focais, o questionário online e a entrevista semiestruturada. Para desenvolvê-lo, realizamos a coleta de dados em diferentes contextos, começando pelos grupos focais da pesquisa inaugural do Oneesp, que serviram como dispositivo para esta pesquisa, seguida da aplicação de um questionário aos professores participantes da pesquisa-formação desenvolvida como um desdobramento no estado do Espírito Santo da pesquisa inaugural do Oneesp pelos integrantes do Oeeesp e da aplicação in loco de entrevistas semiestruturadas com professores de educação especial, de uma SRM do Tipo II. Foram oitenta e nove professores participantes na pesquisa do Oneesp, trinta professores na pesquisa-formação do Oeeesp e dois professores para aplicação da entrevista semiestruturada in loco, respectivamente. Esses dois professores participaram tanto da pesquisa do Oneesp como da pesquisa do Oeeesp. Analisamos esses três momentos, dos quais emergiram os apontamentos que nos proporcionaram pensar, com base nas narrativas orais e escritas dos professores: sua formação para uso da TA computacional; seu entendimento sobre sua formação para este fim; seus anseios por uma formação mais direcionada; a forma como utilizam a tecnologia na sala de recursos; seus entendimentos sobre as dificuldades e possibilidades relacionadas a TA com ênfase na tecnologia computacional para o AEE. Após essas análises, concluímos que poucos professores que atuam nas SRM tiveram uma formação que possibilitasse a aplicação das tecnologias computacionais em sua mediação pedagógica, aliando teoria e prática, com momentos de formação que privilegiassem os momentos presenciais e em laboratórios, onde possam interagir com os computadores e suas ferramentas simbólicas. Sem essa familiaridade com os recursos computacionais, os professores acabam sentindo-se inseguros para utilizá-los, deixando de potencializar, pela via desses recursos, os processos de ensinoaprendizagem do aluno com deficiência. Faz-se necessário um investimento nesse tipo de formação e, mais do que isso, que se viabilize para os professores que atuam ou que pretendem atuar nas SRM. A partir de uma formação apropriada é possível fazer com que os professores utilizem os recursos computacionais como mediadores dos processos de ensino-aprendizagem de seus alunos.

Contribution towards a reflection about methodological strategies in design education and the function of drawing in design

This work presents a reflection on Design education and specifically on the role of Drawing in this area. As a subject, Design has expanded its field of action expanding into new areas such as Experience Design or Service Design. It became necessary for the designer to have more than an education based on technological knowledge or know-how. Many authors like Meredith Davis, Don Norman or Jamie Hobson point out the urgency to review the curricula of Design courses because nowadays “… design is more than appearance, design is about interaction, about strategy and about services. Designers change social behavior” (Norman 2011). When shifting from a product-centered design to a person-centered design (in a structure, a service or in a relationship) what should the function of drawing in a design course be? What should its curriculum be? Our work methodology will be to confront today’s perspectives on design theory and practice in an attempt to add to the discussion on the methodological strategies in design teaching in the contemporary context.

Contribution towards a reflection about methodological strategies in Design Education and the function of Drawing in Design

This work presents a reflection on Design education and specifically on the role of Drawing in this area. As a subject, Design has expanded its field of action expanding into new areas such as Experience Design or Service Design. It became necessary for the designer to have more than an education based on technological knowledge or know-how. Many authors like Meredith Davis, Don Norman or Jamie Hobson point out the urgency to review the curricula of Design courses because nowadays “ … design is more than appearance, design is about interaction, about strategy and about services. Designers change social behavior” (Norman, 2011) When shifting from a product-centered design to a person-centered design (in a structure, a service or in a relationship) what should the function of drawing in a design course be? What should its curriculum be? Our work methodology will be to confront today’s perspectives on design theory and practice in an attempt to add to the discussion on the methodological strategies in design teaching in the contemporary context.

A taxonomy for virtual enterprises

The purpose of this paper is to present a taxonomy able to contribute to building a framework within the domain of Virtual Enterprises (VE), to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and contributions to knowledge, as well as for trust building among VE stakeholders. A VE taxonomy currently does not exist, and this lack is felt in the ambiguous way that some concepts are addressed, leading to a fragment understanding that hinders the development of the science of VE integration and management. The structure of the taxonomy developed is based on the view of the system as a 5-tuple consisting of Input, Control, Output, Mechanism, and Process, which is the underlying system-view in the well-know IDEF0 diagramming technique. In particular, this taxonomy addresses the VE extended lifecycle that implies the use of a meta-organization called Market of Resources, as an original contribution to the VE theory and practice. The taxonomy presented does not repeat what the literature already includes, or the commonplaces, and it is constructed in a way to be easily complemented with other VE partial taxonomies that may be found in literature. Some suggestions for extensions to other interrelated domains (as evolution leaves taxonomies in an open or incompleteness state) are given in the text.

Performance management framework: the fit between PM framework adopted in Portuguese local government and the Otley’s framework

Purpose/objectives: This paper seeks to investigate whether performance management (PM) framework adopted in Portuguese local government (PLG) fit the Otley’s PM framework (1999). In particularly, the research questions are (1) whether PM framework adopted in PLG (SIADAP) fit the Otley´s framework, and (2) how local politicians (aldermen) see the operation of performance management systems (PMS) in PLG (focusing on the goal-setting process and incentive and reward structures). Theoretical positioning/contributions: With this paper we intend to contribute to literature on how the Otley’s PM framework can guide empirical research about the operation of PMS. In particular, the paper contributes to understand the fit between PMS implemented in PLG and the Otley´s PM framework. The analysis of this fit can be a good contribution to understand if PMS are used in PLG as a management tool or as a strategic response to external pressures (based on interviews conducted to aldermen). We believe that the Otley’s PM framework, as well as the extended PM framework presented by Ferreira and Otley (2009), can provide a useful research tool to understand the operation of PMS in PLG. Research method: The first research question is the central issue in this paper and is analyzed based on the main reforms introduced by Portuguese government on PM of public organizations (like municipalities). On the other hand, interviews conducted on three larger Portuguese municipalities (Oporto, Braga, and Matosinhos) show how aldermen see the operation of PMS in PLG, highlighting the goals setting process with targets associated and the existing of incentive and reward structures linked with performance. Findings: Generally we find that formal and regulated PM frameworks in PLG fit the main issues of the Otley’s PM framework. However, regarding the aldermen perceptions about PMS in practice we find a gap between theory and practice, especially regarding difficulties associated with the lack of a culture of goals and targets setting and the lack of incentive and reward structures linked with performance.

Sponsoring, brand value and social media

The increasing involvement of individuals in social media over the past decade has enabled firms to pursue new avenues in communication and sponsoring activities. Besides general research on either social media or sponsoring, questions regarding the consequences of a joint activity (sponsoring activities in social media) remain unexplored. Hence, the present study analyses whether the perceived image of the brand and the celebrity endorser credibility of a top sports team influence the perceived brand value of the sponsoring firm in a social media setting. Moreover, these effects are compared between existing customers and non-customers of the sponsoring firm. Interestingly, perceived celebrity endorser credibility plays no role in forming brand value perceptions in the case of the existing customers. Implications for marketing theory and practice are derived.

O estágio supervisionado no curso de Educação Física da UEPB/Brasil: concepções e contribuições na formação dos(as) alunos(s)

RESUMO: A formação profissional em Educação Física vem sofrendo mudanças significativas ao longo da história. Após a década de 1980, com a Lei de Directrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional (LDBEN, Nº9394, de 20 de Dezembro de 1996), emergiram novos olhares para o curso. Neste novo contexto, o curso de Educação Física da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba – UEPB – vem redimensionando sua prática com vista na formação de um profissional comprometido com a educação em sua dimensão ética, política, social e cultural. Assim, tivemos como objectivo, investigar a contribuição do Estágio Supervisionado na formação inicial do licenciado em Educação Física. A pesquisa molda-se como um estudo de caso, com abordagem qualitativa. A unidade selecionada para o estudo foi o Curso de Licenciatura em Educação Física da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Paraíba-Brasil. Participaram da pesquisa dez alunos(as) egressos(as) do referido curso. Os dados foram coletados através de entrevistas e analisadas a partir da Análise de conteúdo. Os resultados apontam a persistência da dicotomia teoria e prática no estágio docente; deficiências no trabalho de supervisão do estágio, bem como na insatisfação dos(as) entrevistados(as) frente aos aspectos teórico-práticos do referido curso para atuação no mercado de trabalho . ABSTRACT: Vocational training in physical education hás undergone significant changes throughout history. After the 80’s, with the Lei de Directrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional (LDBEN) nº 9.394/96, nem perspectives have emerged for the course. In this new context the course of Physical Education, State University of Paraiba – UEPB – redefined its practice in order to promote the formation of a professional committed to education in its ethical, political, social and cultural aspects. Thus, we aimed to investigate the extent to which supervised training has a relevant contribution for the initial degree in Physical Education. This research project is a case-study using a qualitative approach. The participants were ten students from Bachelor of Physical Education, State University of Paraiba, Brazil. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed through content analysis. The findings indicate that the dichotomy between theory and practice in teacher training is quite evident. The results also demonstrated deficiencies in the supervision of the training and a level of dissatisfaction concerning the applicability of the theoretical and practical aspects the course for the labour market.

SmallPower, Energias Renováveis, Lda.: tradução e gestão de conteúdos

Relatório de estágio realizado por: Tiago André Nogueira da Cruz Trabalho orientado pela Mestre Célia Sousa