A Literature Review on the Benefits of Ethnic and Minority Entrepreneurship

Ethnic/Minority entrepreneur is a business owner who does not represent the majority population of a country. Ethnic/Minority entrepreneurship can bring benefits to individual, society, region, economy, and globe too. So, understanding the importance of ethnic/minority entrepreneurship will really be useful to all the stakeholders. The unique culture and value system of ethnic minorities are the most wanted characteristics for any successful entrepreneur in general. Many industrial nations like U.S, U.K., Germany, etc. have utilised the ethnic minorities to build their economy. The future of the minority businesses looks bright as the world economy is booming, availability of experienced and already successful minority entrepreneurs as role models, and institutional support services. In this paper, literature relating to the benefits of ethnic and minority entrepreneurship is reviewed to understand its magnitude of benefits.

Entorns virtuals creatius i dinamitzadors per a comunicadors

Es presenten el conjunt d’accions que han tingut com a objectiu docent, la generació d’un entorn creatiu, dinamitzador, motivador i adaptat a les noves exigències tecnològiques per al desenvolupament de pràctiques de creació audiovisual i multimèdia. Nous plantejaments que han suposat un model docent clarament diferenciador respecte altres de facultats de l’Estat Espanyol. Els tres eixos principals d’aquestes aportacions aplicats a assignatures ja impartides de les Llicenciatures de Publicitat i Periodisme de la URV (Tecnologia audiovisual i de la xarxa, Infodisseny i Redacció i Locució als mitjans) són: • Desenvolupament del “model volumètric” d’aprenentatge. La creativitat tecnològica. Un canvi que tracta de fer una transició de plantejaments docents estancs en el suport i rutinaris en la tècnica a formulacions més obertes on l'alumne ha de potenciar l'anàlisi i experimentar diferents variables de creació on pot generar múltiples formats i utilitzar diferents suports atenent la finalitat comunicativa. • El dossier audiovisual d’aprenentatge on line. On es generen sistemes de publicació de pràctiques audiovisuals dels alumnes a la xarxa i es constata que els estudiants quan realitzen pràctiques que es converteixen en productes de comunicació real incrementen el seu esforç; i els professors obtenen nous paràmetres i instruments de valoració, alhora que senten més necessitat de coordinar-se i de reciclar-se . • Metodologies que s'adapten al procés de universalització de les tecnologies. Un nou marc on els alumnes, des de les seves llars descarreguen el software analitzat a les sessions pràctiques i desenvolupen les seves pràctiques a distància amb tutories virtuals i tutorials generats pel professor. El laboratori de la universitat es trasllada a la llar de l’alumne

El Burnout percibido o sensación de estar quemado en profesionales sanitarios: prevalencia y factores asociados

Depending on the various models explaining the burnout syndrome, different questionnaires have been developed to asses this topic, the most widely-used is the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Moreover, in trying to asses this syndrome in a faster and more practical way, several authors have developed other instruments with fewer items. The present investigation aims: 1. Study the prevalence of burnout syndrome perceived using a simple measure of self-reported burnout, and to analyse its association with the scales of MBI. 2. Study demographic and work conditions associated with the perceived burnout. 3. Relate the burnout to personal and work evaluations. The sample consist of 6150 health professionals in Latin America (mainly from Argentina but with representation from Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Guatemala and Spain, among others. The mean age of the sample was 42.4 years, 52.7% were males. They were supplied with an online questionnaire through the health web page ”Intramed” in order to measure characteristics, perceptions and professional opinions. The MBI and a simple question to assess perceptions of burnout (Do you feel burnt out ?) was also included. The results indicated that 36.3% of the sample has the perception of “burnt out” or burnout . The perceived burnout is closely related to emotional exhaustion and is independent of depersonalisation. The burnout is associated with the perceived sense of personal and family deterioration due to working conditions, and the idea of abandoning the profession

Aproximación a un modelo metodológico orientado a los procesos de gestión de conocimiento generadores de valor en organizaciones del sector salud en Colombia

En las organizaciones del sector salud en Colombia, se realizan procedimientos que a pesar de ser homólogos entre ellos, no se discriminan ocasionando que no siempre se escoja el que genere mejores resultados, no solo desde el punto de vista médico sino también de la dirección que se ejerce en las organizaciones la cual debe estar en función de optimizar cualquiera de los procesos propios de la actividad, en este caso, en busca de generación de valor usando como vía la apropiada GC, éste documento está orientado a demostrar que la GC aporta herramientas que permiten desarrollar la aproximación a un modelo metodológico que procura facilitar la elección de procedimientos en salud si se toman los costos asociados como criterios relevantes del análisis, se seleccionaron como instrumento de demostración a los procesos denominados Traqueostomía Quirúrgica y Traqueostomía Percutánea la intensión de desarrollar una aproximación a un modelo metodológico orientado a los procesos de gestión de conocimiento generadores de valor en organizaciones del sector salud en Colombia.

O impacto do turismo na qualidade de vida e bem-estar do turista

O turismo é actualmente uma das actividades de maior crescimento, de maior importância para a economia mundial e que gera mais emprego. No entanto, os benefícios do turismo não podem ser reduzidos aos económicos. Alguns autores defendem a existência de uma relação entre o turismo, a qualidade de vida e o bem-estar daqueles envolvidos na experiência turística, mas nenhum deles demonstra objectivamente essa relação, não havendo em Portugal qualquer investigação nesse sentido. O objectivo deste trabalho é, assim, avaliar o impacto do turismo na qualidade de vida e bem-estar do turista português. Para realizar esta análise foram utilizados dois instrumentos (WHOQOL-BREF e EBP), que estiveram disponíveis on-line durante um ano para quem quisesse responder voluntariamente. Foram obtidas 1059 respostas. Os resultados demonstraram que o turismo afecta positivamente a qualidade de vida e o bem-estar, sendo esta relação significativa no que respeita a algumas das dimensões da qualidade de vida e do bem-estar. Este estudo vem demonstrar que os gestores da área devem promover serviços que valorizem experiências pessoais satisfatórias, que gerem afectos positivos e que estes efeitos sejam duradoiros, uma vez que podem gerar lealdade com o destino, vontade de gastar mais e de recomendar quando se volta a casa.

The effects of different forms of advice on the control of a simulated complex system

Three experiments examine the effect of different forms of computer-generated advice on concurrent and subsequent performance of individuals controlling a simulated intensive-care task. Experiment 1 investigates the effect of optional and compulsory advice and shows that both result in an improvement in subjects' performance while receiving the advice, and also in an improvement in subsequent unaided performance. However, although the advice compliance displayed by the optional advice group shows a strong correlation with subsequent unaided performance, compulsory advice has no extra benefit over the optional use of advice. Experiment 2 examines the effect of providing users with on-line explanations of the advice, as well as providing less specific advice. The results show that both groups perform at the same level on the task as the advice groups from Experiment 1, although subjects receiving explanations scored significantly higher on a written post-task questionnaire. Experiment 3 investigates in more detail the relationship between advice compliance and performance. The results reveal a complex relationship between natural ability on the task and the following of advice, in that people who use the advice more tend to perform either better or worse than the more moderate users. The theoretical and practical implications of these experiments are discussed.

A study of the effects of adjunct cultures on the aroma compounds of Feta-type cheese

The influence of adjunct brine cultures on the volatile compounds in Feta-type cheeses made from bovine milk was studied. Four batches of brine were produced: one with no added adjuncts, a second containing Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, a third containing Lb. paracasei subsp. paracasei plus Debaryomyces hansenii and a fourth with Lb. paracasei subsp. paracasei plus Yarrowia lipolytica. All the cultures were isolated from commercial Feta brines. Aroma compounds were analysed by dynamic headspace analysis, on-line coupled with GC/MS. The most important volatile compounds were quantified in the experimental cheeses; it was concluded that the use of Lb. paracasei subsp. paracasei and D. hansenii as adjuncts in the manufacture of Feta-type cheeses contribute to the formation of a richer pattern of aroma compounds, namely alcohols, aldehydes and esters. The inclusion of Y. lipolytica resulted in the production of undesirable aroma compounds that are not part of the usual volatile profile of high quality Feta cheeses. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A review of instruments developed to measure outcomes for carers of people with mental health problems

Objective: Community-based care for mental disorders places considerable burden on families and carers. Measuring their experiences has become a priority, but there is no consensus on appropriate instruments. We aimed to review instruments carers consider relevant to their needs and assess evidence for their use. Method: A literature search was conducted for outcome measures used with mental health carers. Identified instruments were assessed for their relevance to the outcomes identified by carers and their psychometric properties. Results: Three hundred and ninety two published articles referring to 241 outcome measures were identified, 64 of which were eligible for review (used in three or more studies). Twenty-six instruments had good psychometric properties; they measured (i) carers' well-being, (ii) the experience of caregiving and (iii) carers' needs for professional support. Conclusion: Measures exist which have been used to assess the most salient aspects of carer outcome in mental health. All require further work to establish their psychometric properties fully.

The impact of climate change on the treatability of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in upland water supplies: A UK perspective

Climate change in the UK is expected to cause increases in temperatures, altered precipitation patterns and more frequent and extreme weather events. In this review we discuss climate effects on dissolved organic matter (DOM), how altered DOM and water physico-chemical properties will affect treatment processes and assess the utility of techniques used to remove DOM and monitor water quality. A critical analysis of the literature has been undertaken with a focus on catchment drivers of DOM character, removal of DOM via coagulation and the formation of disinfectant by-products (DBPs). We suggest that: (1) upland catchments recovering from acidification will continue to produce more DOM with a greater hydrophobic fraction as solubility controls decrease; (2) greater seasonality in DOM export is likely in future due to altered precipitation patterns; (3) changes in species diversity and water properties could encourage algal blooms; and (4) that land management and vegetative changes may have significant effects on DOM export and treatability but require further research. Increases in DBPs may occur where catchments have high influence from peatlands or where algal blooms become an issue. To increase resilience to variable DOM quantity and character we suggest that one or more of the following steps are undertaken at the treatment works: a) ‘enhanced coagulation’ optimised for DOM removal; b) switching from aluminium to ferric coagulants and/or incorporating coagulant aids; c) use of magnetic ion-exchange (MIEX) pre-coagulation; and d) activated carbon filtration post-coagulation. Fluorescence and UV absorbance techniques are highlighted as potential methods for low-cost, rapid on-line process optimisation to improve DOM removal and minimise DBPs.

Opportunities for magnetospheric research using EISCAT/ESR and CLUSTER

The four Cluster spacecraft offer a unique opportunity to study structure and dynamics in the magnetosphere and we discuss four general ways in which ground-based remote-sensing observations of the ionosphere can be used to support the in-situ measurements. The ionosphere over the Svalbard islands will be studied in particular detail, not only by the ESR and EISCAT incoherent scatter radars, but also by optical instruments, magnetometers, imaging riometers and the CUTLASS bistatic HF radar. We present an on-line procedure to plan coordinated measurements by the Cluster spacecraft with these combined ground-based systems. We illustrate the philosophy of the method, using two important examples of the many possible configurations between the Cluster satellites and the ground-based instruments.

English history teachers’ views on what substantive content young people should be taught

Public and policy discourse about the content of history curricula is frequently contested, but the voice of history teachers is often absent from such debate. Drawing on a large scale on-line survey of history teachers in England, this paper explores their responses to major curriculum reforms proposed by the Coalition government in February 2013. In particular it examines teachers' responses to government plans to prescribe a list of topics, events and individuals to be taught chronologically that all students would be expected to study. Nearly 550 teachers responded to the survey, and more than two-thirds of them provided additional written comments on the curriculum proposals. This paper examines these comments, with reference to a range of curriculum models. The study reveals a deep antagonism towards the proposals for various reasons, including concerns about the extent and nature of the substantive content proposed and the way in which it should be sequenced. Analysis of these reactions provides an illuminating insight into history teachers’ perspectives. While the rationales that underpin their thinking seem to have connections to a variety of different theoretical models, the analysis suggests that more attention could usefully be devoted to the idea of developing frameworks of reference.

In vitro evaluation of Cu and Fe bioavailability in cashew nuts by off-line coupled SEC-UV and SIMAAS

In this work Cu and Fe bioavailability in cashew nuts was evaluated using in vitro method. Extractions with simulated gastric and intestinal fluids and dialysis procedures were applied for this purpose. The proteins separation and quantification were performed by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled on-line to ultra-violet (UV) and off-line to simultaneous multielement atomic absorption spectrometry (SIMAAS). The SEC-UV and SIMAAS profiles of the protein fractions obtained by alkaline extraction (NaOH) and precipitation with HCl indicated the presence of high and low molecular weight species in the range between >75 kDa and 9.3 kDa. Almost 83% of Cu and 78% of Fe were extracted during cashew nut digestion and 90% of both elements were dialyzed. With these results it is possible to assume that 75% of Cu and 70% of Fe present in cashew nut could be bioavailable. The SEC-UV and SIMAAS chromatographic profiles obtained after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion reveal that Cu and Fe not dialyzed can be associated to a compound of 9.2 kDa. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new Home, far from Home : The assimilation process of women involved in intercultural marriages based on Internet meeting

The internet has revolutionized the way we socialize, and as a consequence the way to love. The new communication technologies have facilitated intercultural relationships. Nowadays family relations are one of the major factors in immigration to European countries. Family relations means persons who arrive as family dependents and in accordance with laws regulating family reunification. This thesis aims to apply the classical assimilation theory stated by Milton Gordon (1964), which formulates a series of assimilation stages through which an individual must pass in order to be completely assimilated. In accordance with this theory, marriage is the final phase for a newcomer to fully incorporate into the host society. Thus, based on this presumption and other contemporary theories, the present study has analysed how women who get involved in intercultural marriages based on internet meeting experience these assimilation stages and evaluated the resources used by respondents to incorporate themselves into Swedish society.The main goal of the study was to determine if jumping to the last stage of assimilation does assure the incorporation in the social or/and labour spheres and the findings demonstrate that even though husbands are a valuable resource for assimilation, several cultural issues in Swedish society make it difficult to assure success for the newcomers.On the other hand, Sweden is a country with a strong national sentiment and the assimilation of immigrants still is an important issue to deal with. The Swedish Integration Board has disappeared and major projects for integration have been left in the hands of the municipalities or the Migration Board, institutions that still do not know how to deal with this dilemma.

Leakage Detection And Localization Method Based On A Hybrid Inverse/Direct Modelling Approach Suitable For Handling Multiple-Leak Scenarios

When an accurate hydraulic network model is available, direct modeling techniques are very straightforward and reliable for on-line leakage detection and localization applied to large class of water distribution networks. In general, this type of techniques based on analytical models can be seen as an application of the well-known fault detection and isolation theory for complex industrial systems. Nonetheless, the assumption of single leak scenarios is usually made considering a certain leak size pattern which may not hold in real applications. Upgrading a leak detection and localization method based on a direct modeling approach to handle multiple-leak scenarios can be, on one hand, quite straightforward but, on the other hand, highly computational demanding for large class of water distribution networks given the huge number of potential water loss hotspots. This paper presents a leakage detection and localization method suitable for multiple-leak scenarios and large class of water distribution networks. This method can be seen as an upgrade of the above mentioned method based on a direct modeling approach in which a global search method based on genetic algorithms has been integrated in order to estimate those network water loss hotspots and the size of the leaks. This is an inverse / direct modeling method which tries to take benefit from both approaches: on one hand, the exploration capability of genetic algorithms to estimate network water loss hotspots and the size of the leaks and on the other hand, the straightforwardness and reliability offered by the availability of an accurate hydraulic model to assess those close network areas around the estimated hotspots. The application of the resulting method in a DMA of the Barcelona water distribution network is provided and discussed. The obtained results show that leakage detection and localization under multiple-leak scenarios may be performed efficiently following an easy procedure.

Do virtual platforms impact user behavior? An experimental comparison between messages on the company's website and Facebook page.

Companies have looked for many new ways to communicate with their customers. In the current scenario, Facebook has proven to be an efficient communication tool between consumers and businesses. This study aims to understand the differences in the complaint messages sent to companies, through an experiment that measured the emotional tone and the lack of formality in each message received by the website and the Facebook page of the company. As expected, people are more informal on Facebook. However, contrary to our intuition, participants tended to display more emotions on the company website. The social norms theory and the impression management contributed to explain the phenomena found.