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1 – 10 of 53

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to estimate the overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and evaluate the accuracy of an antibody rapid test compared to a reference serological assay during a COVID-19 outbreak in a prison complex housing over 13,000 prisoners in Brasília.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors obtained a randomized, stratified representative sample of each prison unit and conducted a repeated serosurvey among prisoners between June and July 2020, using a lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA). Samples were also retested using a chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLIA) to compare SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and 21-days incidence, as well as to estimate the overall infection fatality rate (IFR) and determine the diagnostic accuracy of the LFIA test.

Findings

This study identified 485 eligible individuals and enrolled 460 participants. Baseline and 21-days follow-up seroprevalence were estimated at 52.0% (95% CI 44.9–59.0) and 56.7% (95% CI 48.2–65.3) with LFIA; and 80.7% (95% CI 74.1–87.3) and 81.1% (95% CI 74.4–87.8) with CLIA, with an overall IFR of 0.02%. There were 78.2% (95% CI 66.7–89.7) symptomatic individuals among the positive cases. Sensitivity and specificity of LFIA were estimated at 43.4% and 83.3% for IgM; 46.5% and 91.5% for IgG; and 59.1% and 77.3% for combined tests.

Originality/value

The authors found high seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within the prison complex. The occurrence of asymptomatic infection highlights the importance of periodic mass testing in addition to case-finding of symptomatic individuals; however, the field performance of LFIA tests should be validated. This study recommends that vaccination strategies consider the inclusion of prisoners and prison staff in priority groups.

Details

International Journal of Prisoner Health, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-9200

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 January 2020

Minelle E. Silva, Ana Paula Ferreira Alves, Patricia Dias and Luis Felipe Machado Nascimento

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how a company’s orientation enables sustainable practices in its supply chains. Specifically, it focusses on how the strategic orientation…

1400

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how a company’s orientation enables sustainable practices in its supply chains. Specifically, it focusses on how the strategic orientation of a company may stimulate new behaviours in supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Two in-depth qualitative case studies were conducted. Each company’s orientation to sustainable supply chains was studied using cross-case analysis.

Findings

The organisations in this study have a market-driving (i.e. proactive) orientation instead of market-driven (i.e. responsive) behaviour. Using analysis from the process of change for sustainability and explaining some challenges faced by both organisations, findings indicate that a corporate strategy of sustainability modified the companies’ management processes, even for the company that changed its orientation during the time (i.e. sustainability was not the main strategy at first). Practical examples of actions are provided to illustrate the study’s conclusion that a corporate orientation towards sustainability is an enabling factor in developing sustainable supply chain management (SCM).

Research limitations/implications

Strategic management plays an important role in a company’s orientation towards sustainability – internally and throughout its supply chains. Based on the findings, future research should measure the effect of a company’s orientation on sustainable SCM.

Practical implications

This study contributes to the understanding of companies’ strategic orientations and explores ways to introduce sustainability into supply chains.

Originality/value

The paper examines an underexplored debate regarding to how strategic orientations are related to sustainable SCM, focussing on both market-driving (i.e. proactive) and market-driven (i.e. responsive) orientations.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2001

Patricia Camacho Dias, Gloria Valeria da Veiga, Sidney Cavalcante da Silva and Walace David Monteiro

This study compared resistance (R) and body composition obtained via the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) leg‐to‐leg system with the arm‐to‐leg system, using underwater…

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Abstract

This study compared resistance (R) and body composition obtained via the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) leg‐to‐leg system with the arm‐to‐leg system, using underwater weighing as a standard method. The study subjects were 48 healthy men between 20‐40 years old. No difference was observed in the means of R, per cent body fat (%BF) and fat‐free mass (FFM) obtained from the two systems, but the range of individual differences was from – 70 to + 60ohms for R, from – 5 to + 7kg for FFM and – 8 to + 8 for %BF. The two systems of BIA overestimated the %BF and underestimated FFM. Concludes that LLS is an alternative to assessment of body composition in epidemiological studies. However, independent of the system, BIA is not appropriate for estimating body composition at an individual level.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 March 2018

Suzana Paula Gomes Fernando da Silva Lampreia, José Fernando Gomes Requeijo, José António Mendonça Dias, Valter Martins Vairinhos and Patrícia Isabel Soares Barbosa

The application of condition-based maintenance on selected equipment can allow online monitoring using fixed, half-fixed or portable sensors. The collected data not always allow a…

Abstract

Purpose

The application of condition-based maintenance on selected equipment can allow online monitoring using fixed, half-fixed or portable sensors. The collected data not always allow a straightforward interpretation and many false alarms can happen. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Statistical techniques can be used to perform early failure detection. With the application of Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) Modified Charts and the Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) Charts, special causes of variation can be detected online and during the equipment functioning. Before applying these methods, it is important to check data for independence. When the independence condition is not verified, data should be modeled with an ARIMA (p, d, q) model. Parameters estimation is obtained using the Shewhart Traditional Charts.

Findings

With data monitoring and statistical methods, it is possible to detect any system or equipment failure trend, so that we can act at the right time to avoid catastrophic failures.

Originality/value

In this work, an electro pump condition is monitored. Through this process, an anomaly and four stages of aggravation are forced, and the CUSUM and EWMA modified control charts are applied to test an online equipment monitoring. When the detection occurs, the methodology will have rules to define the degree of intervention.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2020

Patricia Kanashiro, Edson Sadao Iizuka, Caio Sousa and Suzi Elen FeRReira Dias

The purpose of this paper is to assess the main factors that contribute to teaching and learning sustainability in management education (SiME), which is defined as a body of…

1302

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the main factors that contribute to teaching and learning sustainability in management education (SiME), which is defined as a body of knowledge that meets the needs of both current and future generations of students.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt the Biggs’ Presage–Process–Product (3P) learning model to guide and categorize the findings from the literature review on SiME. This study provides an overview of journal articles published between 2002 and 2017.

Findings

In the context of SiME, Biggs’ 3P model shows how teaching context and students’ background (presage factors) influence students’ approaches to learning, which can range from surface to deep learning (process) and result in various learning outcomes (products).

Research limitations/implications

The literature review may have excluded important and relevant work from the sample.

Practical implications

This review highlights that personal and institutional commitments are necessary to promote effective learning of sustainability.

Social implications

Effective learning outcomes (deep learning) in sustainability should encourage students to reflect on their personal values and behaviors and to acquire analytical skills aimed at promoting conservation and remediation of social, environmental and economic problems.

Originality/value

This paper provides an application of Biggs’ 3P learning model in the context of sustainability, which highlights the conditions for deep learning as critical given the complexity and urgency of addressing sustainability crises.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 November 2014

André de Serpa Soares

The purpose of this article is to offer a response to the general proposed questions “Did the context of economic crisis affect the image of Portugal as a tourist destination…

248

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to offer a response to the general proposed questions “Did the context of economic crisis affect the image of Portugal as a tourist destination? What were the answers and lessons learned?” from TAP Portugal perspective and what were, for the airline, the answers and lessons learned for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Major economic indicators in Portugal and Europe were compared with TAP numbers and Portuguese Travel and Tourism balance of payments.

Findings

The image of Portugal as a tourist destination was not affected. Portugal managed to use the increase in international exposure to publicise itself for the right reasons. The key to future success lies on markets intelligence.

Originality/value

This article constitutes an original viewpoint based on TAP market experience and may be useful for tourism and travel industry professionals, students and research community.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 6 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 25 November 2019

Filomena Santos and Rita Dias

In the twenty-first century, the family has been turning towards a greater plurality of training paths, situations, family and parental arrangements. However, despite changes in…

Abstract

In the twenty-first century, the family has been turning towards a greater plurality of training paths, situations, family and parental arrangements. However, despite changes in legislation, values, representations and practices, the word family remains inexorably associated with the heterosexual bi-parental model. This paper aims to contribute to the knowledge of the family dynamics of non-heterosexual people, mainly concerning the process of transition to parenting, in relation to family changes in Portuguese society. To do so this study aims to analyze four in-depth interviews1 with young adults, women and men who have a homoconjugality relationship and a project of parenting in mind.

Based on a qualitative methodology the study intends to discuss issues related to the challenge of heteronormativity, equality within the couple, projects and gender representations of parenthood and in particular what it means for the men and women interviewed, to be a father and to be a mother in a same sex couple and how they project themselves as fathers and mothers.

The study discusses all these issues always in relation to the biographical trajectories, the history and life as a couple and the structural and individual resources, such as school and professional qualifications. It also analyzes the main difficulties experienced in revealing their sexuality to the significant others and the difficulties / strategies they anticipate in relation to the parenting project.

The authors conclude that female interviewees show greater independence of a male figure in relation to their parental projects and anticipate less difficulty in their parental skills compared with the gay man interviewed.

To analyze the dynamics of parenting in same-sex couples, this study also points out to the need to construct a model of analysis capable of articulating structural factors, such as job insecurity and heteronormativity, biographies and individual resources and profiles of conjugal interactions.

Details

Childbearing and the Changing Nature of Parenthood: The Contexts, Actors, and Experiences of Having Children
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-067-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2006

Helena T. Pedrosa de Jesus, Patrícia Albergaria Almeida, José Joaquim Teixeira‐Dias and Mike Watts

The purpose of this study is to identify the types of questions that students ask during the learning of chemistry; discuss the role of students' questions in the process of…

8047

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the types of questions that students ask during the learning of chemistry; discuss the role of students' questions in the process of constructing knowledge, and investigate the relationship between students' questions, approaches to learning, and learning styles.

Design/methodology/approach

The questions raised by 100 first‐year chemistry students in Science and Engineering courses at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, were collected. These students were invited to complete Kolb's Learning Styles Inventory (LSI) and were observed during diverse class activities. Ten of these students were then selected for interview.

Findings

The paper finds that the data enable the placement of students at different stages of learning development, at an “acquisition”, “specialisation” or “integration” phase. The ten interviews confirm the results of the LSI survey, and indicate that these students show either “deep” or “surface” approaches to learning, with evidence of a meso approach (intermediate between the two, with characteristics of both). The paper concludes that it is possible to relate students' questions to their learning styles and approaches to learning. Students, who show a surface approach and stay within the acquisition stage, tend to formulate low‐level questions. Students at the other end of this continuum seem disposed to ask higher‐level questions.

Research limitations/implications

The generalisability of the overall study is limited because of the few students involved in the interviews. However, there are some clear pointers here for the relationship between the level of students' question asking and increasing sophistication in learning.

Practical implications

Appreciating the diversity of learners, and their approaches to learning, enhances the possibilities of improving the quality of teaching at this level.

Originality/value

This paper expands on two congruent models that are frequently considered separate and distinct.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 48 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 June 2020

Patricia Díaz Rubio

La utilización de plataformas colaborativas, que intermedian en la cesión de uso de viviendas con fines turísticos, ha originado: por una parte, que se adopten medidas con el…

1026

Abstract

Purpose

La utilización de plataformas colaborativas, que intermedian en la cesión de uso de viviendas con fines turísticos, ha originado: por una parte, que se adopten medidas con el objetivo de prevenir el fraude fiscal (como por ejemplo, la obligación de información, a través del modelo 179) y, por otra parte, que la Administración tributaria preste especial atención al tratamiento fiscal de los rendimientos percibidos por los usuarios de las plataformas colaborativas.

Design/methodology/approach

Enfoque jurídico-tributario.

Findings

Las conclusiones se han puesto de manifiesto en el trabajo de investigación realizado.

Originality/value

Análisis de algunos aspectos fiscales sobre la cesión de uso de viviendas con fines turísticos.

Details

Journal of Tourism Analysis: Revista de Análisis Turístico, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2254-0644

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 23 March 2017

Barbara de Lima Voss, David Bernard Carter and Bruno Meirelles Salotti

We present a critical literature review debating Brazilian research on social and environmental accounting (SEA). The aim of this study is to understand the role of politics in…

Abstract

We present a critical literature review debating Brazilian research on social and environmental accounting (SEA). The aim of this study is to understand the role of politics in the construction of hegemonies in SEA research in Brazil. In particular, we examine the role of hegemony in relation to the co-option of SEA literature and sustainability in the Brazilian context by the logic of development for economic growth in emerging economies. The methodological approach adopts a post-structural perspective that reflects Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse theory. The study employs a hermeneutical, rhetorical approach to understand and classify 352 Brazilian research articles on SEA. We employ Brown and Fraser’s (2006) categorizations of SEA literature to help in our analysis: the business case, the stakeholder–accountability approach, and the critical case. We argue that the business case is prominent in Brazilian studies. Second-stage analysis suggests that the major themes under discussion include measurement, consulting, and descriptive approach. We argue that these themes illustrate the degree of influence of the hegemonic politics relevant to emerging economics, as these themes predominantly concern economic growth and a capitalist context. This paper discusses trends and practices in the Brazilian literature on SEA and argues that the focus means that SEA avoids critical debates of the role of capitalist logics in an emerging economy concerning sustainability. We urge the Brazilian academy to understand the implications of its reifying agenda and engage, counter-hegemonically, in a social and political agenda beyond the hegemonic support of a particular set of capitalist interests.

Details

Advances in Environmental Accounting & Management: Social and Environmental Accounting in Brazil
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-376-4

Keywords

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