Impacts of vinasse and methods of sugarcane harvesting on the availability of K and carbon stock of an Argisol

ABSTRACT Soils of tropical regions are more weathered and in need of conservation managements to maintain and improve the quality of its components. The objective of this study was to evaluate the availability of K, the organic matter content and the stock of total carbon of an Argisol after vinasse application and manual and mechanized harvesting of burnt and raw sugarcane, in western São Paulo.The data collection was done in the 2012/2013 harvest, in a bioenergy company in Presidente Prudente/SP. The research was arranged out following a split-plot scheme in a 5x5 factorial design, characterized by four management systems: without vinasse application and harvest without burning; with vinasse application and harvest without burning; with vinasse application and harvest after burning; without vinasse application and harvest after burning; plus native forest, and five soil sampling depths (0-10 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50 cm), with four replications. In each treatment, the K content in the soil and accumulated in the remaining dry biomass in the area, the levels of organic matter, organic carbon and soil carbon stock were determined. The mean values were compared by Tukey test. The vinasse application associated with the harvest without burning increased the K content in soil layers up to 40 cm deep. The managements without vinasse application and manual harvest after burning, and without vinasse application with mechanical harvesting without burning did not increase the levels of organic matter, organic carbon and stock of total soil organic carbon, while the vinasse application and harvest after burning and without burning increased the levels of these attributes in the depth of 0-10 cm.

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.

Brand equity in the Pakistani hotel industry

Brand equity is considered as the most important aspect of branding, which is a set of brands' assets and liabilities, its symbol or name that subtracts from or adds the value provided by a product or service to a firm and customers. The current research endeavor was to identify the interrelationship of customer-based brand equity dimensions (brand awareness, brand loyalty, brand image, and service quality) in Pakistani hotel industry. Data was collected from 821 consumers who experienced the services of Pakistani five star hotels from multiple locations. Mediating regression and stepwise regression analyses were applied for investigation of study hypotheses. Results pointed out positive and significant influences of service quality on all other dimensions of brand equity whereas partial mediations were endorsed among the variables. Researchers and practitioners implications are discussed.

BRAND EQUITY OF LAHORE FORT AS A TOURISM DESTINATION BRAND

ABSTRACTStudies that measure the brand equity of destination brands by using the Customer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE) model in a developing country context are scarce. The present study investigates the destination brand equity of the Lahore Fort by employing the CBBE model in a developing country context of Pakistan. Following the positivist tradition, we adopted a survey-based approach to collect data from 237 tourists visiting the Lahore Fort. Data were collected through a questionnaire developed to explain the relationship of brand awareness, brand image, brand association, and brand loyalty with Lahore Fort’s overall brand equity. We used various robust statistical techniques such as correlation, regression and confirmatory factor analysis (using PLS method) to reach meaningful conclusions and found that brand image and brand associations positively contribute to brand loyalty. Furthermore, brand loyalty significantly contributes towards overall brand equity. Pragmatically, this study measures the customer based brand equity of the Lahore Fort, a destination brand. The results are useful as they suggest a few strategies that can help policy makers to enhance Lahore Fort’s brand performance.

INFLUENCE OF MANUFACTURER SIGNATURE ON STORE BRANDS' LOYALTY AND PURCHASE INTENTION

ABSTRACT With today's trend toward higher store concentration, building strong store brands has become a priority for many retailing companies. This study aims to analyze the differences in store brands' purchasing likelihood between store brands with a manufacturer identification - a manufacturer signature - and store brands with no information about the manufacturer, as well as the moderating role of the manufacturer signature on store brands' purchase intention. We carried out multiple group analysis through structural equation modeling. Our findings suggest that store brand image has the most significant influence on loyalty and purchase intention for both types of store brands. Moreover, and contrary to our expectations, we did not find empirical support for the moderating role of manufacturer signature on store brands' purchasing likelihood.

O conceito de valor para o consumidor : uma análise sob a óptica da metodologia Laddering

RESUMO: O constructo de customer value é aquele que melhor explica o comportamento do consumidor, uma vez que o seu objectivo é o de entender como os consumidores traduzem os atributos e consequências do uso de um produto em valores pessoais relevantes. A metodologia laddering, que tem como base a teoria das cadeias meios-fim, é um elemento teórico que se considera consistente para estabelecer a relação entre os atributos e os valores do consumidor. Esta dissertação pretende demonstrar a exequibilidade da metodologia laddering em estudos sobre o valor para o consumidor, percebendo quais são as vantagens e limitações do seu uso. É conclusivo que este método, através da construção de cadeias A-C-V, proporciona elementos de estudo que permitem a visualização de hierarquia de valores produzida pelos consumidores, função dos critérios de escolha destes durante e após um processo de compra. A aplicabilidade desta metodologia na perspectiva do valor para o cliente, permite a utilização dos seus resultados num conjunto de áreas específicas do marketing, das quais destacamos a segmentação e análise de mercado, a avaliação do posicionamento de produtos e marcas, a avaliação da publicidade e o desenvolvimento de estratégias de comunicação. ABSTRACT: The customer value construct is the one that best explains the consumer behavior, since its purpose is to understand how consumers translate the attributes and consequences of the use of a product in relevant personal values. The laddering methodology, which is based on the theory of means-end chains, is a theoretical element that is considered consistent for establish the relationship between attributes and consumer values. This thesis attempts to demonstrate the feasibility of the laddering methodology in studies about the value for the consumer, knowing what are the advantages and limitations of its use. It is conclusive that this method, by building chains A-C-V, provides elements of study that allows the visualization of the values hierarchy produced by consumers, according to the criteria of their choice during and after a purchase process. The applicability of this methodology from the perspective of customer value, allows the use of their results in a number of specific areas of marketing, which we emphasize the segmentation and market analysis, evaluation of product and branding positioning, evaluation of advertising and development of communication strategies.

Imagem percebida de Lisboa como destino turístico por parte do mercado finlandês

RESUMO: O presente estudo pretende analisar a imagem percebida de Lisboa como destino turístico por parte do mercado finlandês, considerando as seguintes perguntas de partida: a) quais os elementos que caracterizam a imagem percebida de Lisboa como destino turístico por parte dos turistas finlandeses; b) quais os factores com maior predominância na imagem percebida e c) qual o perfil do turista finlandês que visita Lisboa. Para atingir os objectivos deste estudo, foi realizado um inquérito por questionário a turistas finlandeses em Lisboa, de forma autoministrada, nos meses de Maio, Junho, Setembro e Outubro de 2008, no último dia da sua estada. Para além de questões que visaram compreender a imagem percebida de Lisboa como destino turístico, por parte dos inquiridos, o questionário incluiu perguntas sobre as suas características sócio-demográficas. Os resultados confirmaram as três componentes da imagem propostas no modelo de Echtner e Ritchie: psicológica-funcional, atributos-holística e comum-única. Os mesmos permitem também concluir que os inquiridos valorizam principalmente as características históricas e estéticas da cidade, como também o bom clima e a simpatia da população local. Por sua vez, os aspectos relativos à programação, eventos, diversão nocturna, interacção com a população local e preços, são os factores menos associados à cidade pelos inquiridos. As qualidades e as características únicas de Lisboa foram destacadas, tendo-se também verificado um elevado grau de satisfação com a visita à cidade e um vasto leque de sugestões dos inquiridos para melhorar Lisboa como destino turístico. ABSTRACT: This study aims to analyze the perceived image of Lisbon as a tourist destination by the Finnish market, considering the following questions: a) what are the elements that characterize the perceived image of Lisbon as a tourist destination by Finnish tourists b ) what features/attributes are most predominant in the perceived image c) what is the sociodemographic profile of the Finnish tourist who visits Lisbon. Data was collected in May, June September and October 2008. The questions were used seeking to identify the image of Lisbon of the respondents as a tourist destination, as well as the socio-demographic characteristics of the tourists. The results identified the three components of the image model proposed by Ritchie and Echtner: psychological-functional, attributes-holistic and commonunique. The results also allowed to conclude that respondents identify and value particularly historical and aesthetic characteristics, as well as the good weather and the friendliness of the local people whereas factors of the city such as the events, the nightlife, the interaction with the local population and the price level, didn’t particularly convinced the respondents. The qualities and the unique characteristics of Lisbon were highlighted, having also noticed a high degree of satisfaction on the visit to the city and a wide range of suggestions obtained from respondents to improve Lisbon as a tourist destination. TIIVISTELMÄ: Perehdyin tutkielmassani suomalaisten kokemusperäiseen mielikuvaan Lissabonista matkakohteena. Tutkimuksen tavoitteena oli selvittää, millaisia kokemuksia ja mielikuvia suomalaisilla matkailijoilla on Lissabonista matkakohteena. Tutkimus pyrki vastaamaan kolmeen kysymykseen: a) mitkä tekijät luonnehtivat suomalaisten matkailijoiden kokemusperäistä mielikuvaa Lissabonista matkakohteena, b) mitkä ominaisuudet hallitsevat kyseistä mielikuvaa sekä c) mihin sukupuoli-, ikä-, koulutus- ja yhteiskuntaluokkaan Lissabonissa vierailevat suomalaiset matkailijat kuuluivat. Tiedot kerättiin touko-, kesä-, syys- ja lokakuussa 2008. Kyselyssä keskityttiin pääosin matkailijoiden kokemuksiin ja mielikuviin Lissabonista sekä matkan ominaisuuksiin ja matkailijoiden matkakohdetta koskeviin tietoihin. Lisäksi matkailijoita pyydettiin kirjoittamaan, miten Lissabonin asemaa matkakohteena voitaisiin parantaa. Alkuperäisen olettamuksen mukaan tulokset osoittivat Echtnerin ja Richien ehdottaman mallin mukaisesti mielikuvien muodostuvan kolmesta osatekijästä: toiminnallinen-psykologinen, attribuutti-kokonaisvaltainen ja yleinenainutlaatuinen. Tulokset osoittivat vastaajien yhtyvän mielikuvissaan ensisijaisesti kaupungin toiminnallisiin osatekijöihin. Sen sijaan kaupungin tapahtumiin ja yöelämään tai vuorovaikutukseen paikallisten kanssa taikka hintatasoon liittyviä ominaisuuksia ei koettu erityisen merkittäviksi. Vastauksista tulivat selvästi esille Lissabonin vetovoimatekijät ja ainutlaatuiset ominaisuudet matkakohteena. Lisäksi vastaukset osoittivat matkailijoiden olleen suurimmaksi osaksi erittäin tyytyväisiä vierailuunsa kaupungissa. Vastauksiin sisältyi myös useita ehdotuksia Lissabonin aseman parantamiseksi matkailukohteena.

Padrões de utilização do brand entertainment

Dissertação apresentada à Escola Superior de Comunicação Social para obtenção de grau de mestre em Publicidade e Marketing.

Estudo da função sistólica do ventrículo direito por ecocardiografia transtorácica: relatório de projecto

Mestrado em Tecnologia de Diagnóstico e Intervenção Cardiovascular. Área de especialização - Ultrassonografia Cardiovascular

Supermarkets in Portugal: corporate social responsibility image, attitude towards the brand and purchase intention

Recently, companies developed strategies which may influence their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) image. This paper discusses the image of four different supermarkets with stores in Portugal. The research compares CSR image and brand attitude of the four supermarkets. Empirical evidence shows that different supermarkets belonging to the same company have different CSR image and brand attitude. The research also confirms that there is positive correlation between CSR image and attitude towards the brand. Further, the results offer empirical evidence that CSR image and brand attitude influence purchase intention of supermarket brands. Finally, brand purchase intention is highly influenced by attitude towards the brand than CSR image.

Contributos de um ambiente de geometria dinâmica (geogebra) e do geoplano na compreensão das propriedades e relações entre quadriláteros: um estudo com alunos do 4.º ano

O estudo insere-se no âmbito da educação matemática, mais especificamente na área da geometria. Com esta investigação pretende-se compreender qual o contributo do Ambiente de Geometria Dinâmica (AGD), GeoGebra, e do material manipulável (geoplano) na identificação das propriedades e relações entre quadriláteros: trapézio, paralelogramo, retângulo, losango e quadrado. De acordo com o objetivo do estudo formularam-se três questões: Qual o papel das representações na identificação das propriedades dos quadriláteros? Que influência tem a visualização na identificação das propriedades dos quadriláteros? Quais os contributos da utilização do AGD, GeoGebra, e do material manipulável (geoplano) na compreensão das propriedades e relações entre os quadriláteros? Atendendo à problemática em estudo, optou-se por uma metodologia de investigação predominantemente qualitativa, baseada em três estudos de caso. A recolha de dados empíricos foi realizada numa turma de 4.º ano do 1.º ciclo do ensino básico onde se implementou uma experiência de ensino, envolvendo todos os alunos e recorrendo ao geoplano e ao GeoGebra. Essa recolha incidiu na observação participante, em sala de aula, no registo de notas da investigadora, nos documentos produzidos pelos alunos e nos registos áudio e vídeo das discussões nos grupos e no coletivo da turma. Em termos de resultados, salienta-se que a utilização de representações evidenciou a compreensão que os alunos têm dos conceitos, facilitou a identificação das propriedades dos quadriláteros e a compreensão das relações entre eles. Os alunos identificaram as propriedades com base nas representações, no entanto focaram-se em casos particulares, de acordo com a imagem mental que têm da figura, especificamente o protótipo, indiciando a influência da visualização. Dos resultados sobressai também a dificuldade que os alunos sentiram em considerar uma figura como representante de uma classe e em distinguir atributos essenciais e não essenciais. Da análise dos dados ressalta também que tanto o geoplano como o GeoGebra foram uma mais-valia na concretização da experiência de ensino deste estudo. Os dois possuem vantagens e limitações e podem ser usados de maneira que um complemente o outro, podendo dessa forma contribuir, favoravelmente, para a aprendizagem da geometria. - ABSTRACT The study falls within the scope of mathematics education, specifically in the area of geometry. This research aims to understand the contribution of the Dynamic Geometry Environment (GeoGebra) and manipulative material (Geoboard) in the identification of properties and relations of quadrilaterals: trapezium, parallelogram, rectangle, diamond and square. According to the purpose of the study three questions were formulated: What is the role of the representations in the identification of the properties of quadrilaterals? What is the influence of visualization on the identification of the properties of quadrilaterals? What are the contributions on the use of Dynamic Geometry Environment (GeoGebra) and manipulative material (Geoboard) to understand the properties and relationships among quadrilaterals? Given the problem under study, it was chosen a predominantly qualitative research methodology based on three case studies. The empirical data collection was carried out on a fourth primary grade class, where it was implemented a teaching experience, involving all students and the use of Geoboard and GeoGebra. This collection was focused on participant observation in the classroom, in the record of the researcher’s notes, the documents produced by the students and the audio and video recordings of group discussions and collective class. In terms of results, it is noted that the use of representations showed the students understanding of the concepts and that it has facilitated the identification of the properties of quadrilaterals and understanding of the relationships between them. The students identified properties based on representations, however they focused in particular cases, according to the mental image that they have of the figure, specifically the prototype, indicating the influence of visualization. Results also highlights the difficulty that students felt in considering a figure as a representation of a group and distinguishing essential and nonessential attributes. Data analysis also highlights that both Geoboard and GeoGebra have been an asset in the delivery of teaching experience in this study. Both have advantages and limitations and they may be used to complement each other and contribute favorably to the learning of geometry.

Marca institucional: a gestão da marca no contexto de uma IPSS

Relatório de Estágio apresentado ao Instituto Superior de Contabilidade e Administração do Porto para a obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Assessoria de Administração Orientadora: Doutora Isabel Ardions

Compreender os atributos da qualidade percebida pelos clientes/utentes do Grupo CUF: o caso de três serviços de imagiologia da Região de Lisboa

Mestrado em Intervenção Sócio-Organizacional na Saúde - Área de especialização: Qualidade e Tecnologias da Saúde.

O grau de autonomia dos técnicos de cardiopneumologia

Mestrado em Intervenção Sócio-Organizacional na Saúde - Área de especialização: Qualidade e Tecnologias da Saúde.

Corporate brand identity – a conceptual redefinition

There is a wide agreement that identity is a multidisciplinary concept. Branding is an identity expression. Although there are some frameworks to assess brand identity there isn’t an accepted definition. The authors consider this a gap in literature and investigate the components to assess brand identity under a holistic approach. Literature was reviewed and reinterpreted under an integrated perspective evolving corporate and brand identity studies. The authors propose a definition and nine componentscharacterizing corporate brand identity: reputation, culture, positioning, personality, relationships network, presentation style, communication, environmental influences and mission. Some are related with internal and others to external facets. The authorsare strongly encouraged to test these results empirically towards validity and reliability of the proposed construct.