Assessing the Quality of Public Services: A Conceptual Model

One of the major challenges faced by Public Administration is how to create more value for both citizens and firms, mainly because of the increasing budgetary constraints and challenging demands from society. In fact, over the past two decades there has been a general movement of public reform in most developed countries, and for this reason it is essential to understand how users assess the quality of public services. The aim of this paper is to clarify the determinants of public service quality. Due to the nature of the research problem, we have adopted a case-study methodology. The research involved extensive qualitative and quantitative data collection with managers, citizens and front and back-office public servants by means of interviews, questionnaires and focus groups. The paper presents the case of Public Service Citizens’ Shops (Loja do Cidadão) in Portugal, a recent and innovative channel for the delivery of public services. Firstly, it explores the kind of relationships that develop during the public service encounter between the citizen, the public organization and society. Secondly, citizen satisfaction and dissatisfaction with public services are both investigated. The basic premise is that these two concepts are not opposite but have different determinants. Furthermore, the paper also explores the nature of tolerance and emphasizes the importance of managing emotions in the public service encounter. Finally, it also considers how the quality assessment of public services should also take into account implications regarding value to society.public services; quality determinants; satisfaction; dissatisfaction; zone of tolerance; emotions; citizens’ shops

Reputação Corporativa: Construtos Formativos e Implicações para a Gestão

Corporate reputation is frequently associated with organizational performance. However, the literature suggests that corporate communication and the stakeholder’s identification with the organization are both relevant when it comes to explaining differences in corporate reputation evaluation. Considering these inputs, this study tests the relationship between corporate reputation, identification, corporate communication and organizational performance. The research occurred in two phases because it was necessary to develop or adapt the measurement scale for each one of the four constructs. All measures were perceptual in nature. The second phase of the research consisted of data gathering and analyses; and for that, the scales tested in the phase one were used. Data from 12 organizations were collected, resulting in a sample of 2,139 respondents or 1,025 employees and 1,114 customers. Structural equation modeling was used for analyzing the data. The results show strong effects of communication on organizational identification and reputation, as well as of identification on corporate reputation. The impact of reputation on organizational performance was also relevant. The study leads to the conclusion that communication and identification are critical factors in explaining the variability of reputation of organizations and, consequently, performance

Diversity, distribution and conservation of land mammals in Mauritania, North-West Africa

Funding: National Geographic Society (CRE-7629- 04, CRE-8412-08, GEFNE-53-12, NGS-53336R- 19), Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (11052709, 11052707, 13257467), Rufford Foundation (SG-15399-1, SG-36007-1), Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (PTDC/BIA-BEC/ 099934/2008, PTDC/BIA-BIC/118624/2010, PTDC/ BIA-BIC/2903/2012, PTDC/BIA-ECO/28158/2017), FEDER-Operational Programme for Competitiveness Factors - COMPETE (FCOMP-01- 0124-FEDER-008917/028276). Individual support was given by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (CEECINST/00014/2018/CP1512/CT0001, SFRH/ 2020.05054.BD, DL57/2016/CP1440/CT0010, DL57/2016/CP1440/CT0008, DL57/2016/CP1440/ CT[SFRH/BPD/88496/2012], CEECIND/01937/ 2017, SFRH/BPD/84822/2012). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Work supported by National Funds through FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia in the scope of the project UIDB/50027/ 2020.Detailed knowledge about biodiversity distribution is critical for monitoring the biological effects of global change processes. Biodiversity knowledge gaps hamper the monitoring of conservation trends and they are especially evident in the desert biome. Mauritania constitutes a remarkable example on how remoteness and regional insecurity affect current knowledge gaps. Mammals remain one of the least studied groups in this country, without a concerted species checklist, the mapping of regions concentrating mammal diversity, or a national assessment of their conservation status. This work assessed the diversity, distribution, and conservation of land mammals in Mauritania. A total of 6,718 published and original observations were assembled in a spatial database and used to update the occurrence status, distribution area, and conservation status. The updated taxonomic list comprises 107 species, including 93 extant, 12 Regionally Extinct, and 2 Extinct in the Wild. Mapping of species distributions allowed locating concentrations of extant mammal species richness in coastal areas, along the Senegal River valley, and in mountain plateaus. Recent regional extinction of large-sized Artiodactyla and Carnivora has been very high (11% extinct species). From the extant mammals, 11% are threatened, including flagship species (e.g., Addax nasomaculatus and Panthera pardus). Species richness is poorly represented by the current protected areas. Despite the strong advances made, 23% of species categorise as Data Deficient. Persisting systematics and distribution uncertainties require further research. Field surveys in currently unexplored areas (northern and south-eastern regions) are urgently needed to increase knowledge about threatened mammals. The long-term conservation of land mammals in Mauritania is embedded in a complex web of socioeconomic and environmental factors that call for collaborative action and investment in sustainable human development. The current work sets the baseline for the future development of detailed research studies and to address the general challenges faced by mammals and biodiversity in the country.National Geographic Society (CRE-7629- 04, CRE-8412-08, GEFNE-53-12, NGS-53336R- 19)Mohammed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (11052709, 11052707, 13257467)Rufford Foundation (SG-15399-1, SG-36007-1)Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (PTDC/BIA-BEC/ 099934/2008, PTDC/BIA-BIC/118624/2010, PTDC/ BIA-BIC/2903/2012, PTDC/BIA-ECO/28158/2017)FEDER-Operational Programme for Competitiveness Factors - COMPETE (FCOMP-01- 0124-FEDER-008917/028276)Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (CEECINST/00014/2018/CP1512/CT0001, SFRH/ 2020.05054.BD, DL57/2016/CP1440/CT0010, DL57/2016/CP1440/CT0008, DL57/2016/CP1440/ CT[SFRH/BPD/88496/2012], CEECIND/01937/ 2017, SFRH/BPD/84822/2012)National Funds through FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia in the scope of the project UIDB/50027/ 202

Bases anatómicas para el bloqueo anestésico del plexo braquial por vía infraclavicular

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study shows the constant infraclavicular fossa presence, aiming at using it as a pathway for infraclavicular brachial plexus block. Determining the point where brachial plexus fascicles may be located within the fossa, the authors have proposed measurements from the anterior surface of the clavicle and the angle formed by the deltoid muscle and the clavicle (deltoclavicular angle). The first measurement allows the in-depth location of the site crossed by the brachial plexus. The second determines fascicles projection within the fossa, corresponding to the needle insertion point on the skin. METHODS: Measurements were made between the anterior surface of the clavicle and brachial plexus fascicles, and from the deltoclavicular angle to superficial fascicles projection. Based on the anatomic findings a technique of infraclavicular brachial plexus approach was proposed. RESULTS: A hundred infraclavicular regions in cadavers were analyzed. Infraclavicular fossa was detected in 96 cases where brachial plexus fascicles were totally or partially (97.9%) located. The distance between the anterior surface of the clavicle and brachial plexus fascicles was in average of 2.49 cm and from the deltoclavicular angle to superficial fascicles projection was 2.21 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Values obtained allow for the precise location of the needle insertion point which, when perpendicular to the skin, reaches brachial plexus without danger of causing pneumothorax or vascular injury, providing more safety to anesthesiologists and allowing the return to the practice of brachial plexus block below the clavicle.JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Buscamos demostrar en este estudio la presencia constante de la fosa infraclavicular, con la finalidad de su utilización como vía de acceso para el bloqueo anestésico del plexo braquial por via infraclavicular. Con la idea de solucionar el punto donde los fascículos del plexo braquial pueden ser localizados en el interior de la fosa, propusimos medidas a partir de la face anterior de la clavícula y del ángulo formado por el encuentro del músculo deltóide con la clavícula (ángulo deltoclavicular). La primera medida permite localizar en profundidad el local donde pasa el plexo braquial. Ya la segunda, determina la proyección de los fascículos dentro de la fosa, lo que corresponde al punto de entrada de la aguja en la superficie cutánea. MÉTODO: Fueron efectuadas medidas entre la face anterior de la clavícula y los fascículos del plexo braquial, y del ángulo deltoclavicular hasta la proyección superficial de los fascículos. Con base en los encuentros anatómicos fue propuesta una técnica de abordaje del plexo braquial por via infraclavicular. RESULTADOS: Fueron analizadas 100 regiones infraclaviculares de cadáveres fijados. La fosa infraclavicular fue detectada en 96 casos. En ésas, los fascículos del plexo braquial se localizan totalmente o parcialmente en 97,9%. La medida comparada entre la face anterior de la clavícula y los fascículos del plexo, fue de 2,49 cm y del ángulo deltoclavicular hasta la proyección superficial de los fascículos estaba en 2,21 cm. CONCLUSIONES: Los datos obtenidos permiten la determinación exacta del punto de introducción de la aguja, la cual, dirigida perpendicular a la piel, alcanza el plexo braquial sin peligro de provocar pneumotórax o lesión vascular, posibilitando una mayor seguridad a los anestesiologistas, y permitiendo la vuelta de la práctica del bloqueo del plexo abajo de la clavícula.JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Procuramos demonstrar neste estudo a presença constante da fossa infraclavicular, com a finalidade de sua utilização como via de acesso para o bloqueio anestésico do plexo braquial por via infraclavicular. Visando solucionar o ponto onde os fascículos do plexo braquial podem ser localizados no interior da fossa, propusemos medidas a partir da face anterior da clavícula e do ângulo formado pelo encontro do músculo deltóide com a clavícula (ângulo deltoclavicular). A primeira medida permite localizar em profundidade o local onde passa o plexo braquial. Já a segunda, determina a projeção dos fascículos dentro da fossa, o que corresponde ao ponto de entrada da agulha na superfície cutânea. MÉTODO: Foram efetuadas medidas entre a face anterior da clavícula e os fascículos do plexo braquial, e do ângulo deltoclavicular até a projeção superficial dos fascículos. Com base nos achados anatômicos foi proposta uma técnica de abordagem do plexo braquial por via infraclavicular. RESULTADOS: Foram analisadas 100 regiões infraclaviculares de cadáveres fixados. A fossa infraclavicular foi detectada em 96 casos. Nessas os fascículos do plexo braquial localiza-se totalmente ou parcialmente em 97,9%. A medida aferida entre a face anterior da clavícula e os fascículos do plexo, foi de 2,49 cm e do ângulo deltoclavicular até a projeção superficial dos fascículos estava em 2,21 cm. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados obtidos permitem a determinação precisa do ponto de introdução da agulha, a qual, dirigida perpendicular à pele, atinge o plexo braquial sem perigo de provocar pneumotórax ou lesão vascular, possibilitando uma segurança maior aos anestesiologistas, e permitindo a volta da prática do bloqueio do plexo abaixo da clavícula.Universidade Federal de Alagoas Departamento de MorfologiaUniversidade Federal de AlagoasEscola Paulista de MedicinaUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Impact of 3D EM model configuration on the direct optimization of microstrip structures

We apply the classical Nelder-Mead optimization algorithm to a low fidelity EM model, using different mesh and bounding-box configurations. We demonstrate that the interaction of the coarse mesh with the bounding box size can determine whether the optimization is successful or not.ITESO, A.C.Intel Lab

Development of self-diagnosis tests system using a DSL for creating new test suites for integration in a cyber-physical system

Testing Cyber-physical systems (CPS) requires highly qualified engineers to design the tests since its computational part is programmed in low-level languages. The origin of this work arises from the need to find a solution that optimizes this problem and allows abstracting the current methods so that the tests can be created and executed more efficiently. We intend to do this by creating a self-diagnosis tests system that allows us to automate some of the current processes in the creation and execution of test suites. The work presented here addresses the problem by creating a new self-diagnosis tests system that will guarantee the reliability and integrity of the CPS. In detail, this paper begins by exposing a study on the current state of the art of test automation, Keyword-driven Testing (KDT) methodology and Domain-specific Languages (DSL). A new modular and extensible architecture is proposed for self-diagnosis tests systems based on two main concepts: the creation of a DSL combined with the use of the KDT methodology, as well as a methodology to extend it and integrate it into a CPS. A new self-diagnosis tests system has been proposed that applies the proposed architecture proving that it is possible to carry out the self-diagnosis in real-time of the CPS and allowing the integration of any type of test. To validate the implementation of the system, 28 test cases were carried out to cover all its functionalities. The results show that all test cases passed and, therefore, the system meets all the proposed objectives.(undefined

Depredación sobre el erizo diadema aff. antillarum en blanquizales de las Islas Canarias

Experimental studies were carried out to determine the effects of predation on populations of the sea urchin Diadema aff. antillarum in barren grounds at the Canary Islands. The studied urchin populations were dominated by small to medium sized individuals (24-38 mm) and were variable in space. Tethering experiments showed that predation rates on D. aff. antillarum were very low and no differences were found between sites. Predation was found to be most intense on juveniles ( 40 mm were not preyed upon whatsoever. We have experimentally demonstrated that there is an absolute predator ‘escape size’ of around 40 mm for D. aff. antillarum individuals in barren grounds. Predation rates obtained for juveniles show that a sufficient number may escape predation and sustain the adult population, maintaining the urchin barren habitat. Recruitment and topographic complexity, rather than predation, seem to determine the structure of urchin populations in barren grounds. We conclude that predation in fished barren grounds of the Canarian Archipelago is not of sufficient magnitude to substantially alter dense urchin populations and cause community-level effects.Se realizaron unos estudios experimentales para valorar el efecto de la depredación sobre las poblaciones del erizo Diadema aff. antillarum, en zonas de blanquizales de las islas Canarias. Las poblaciones de erizos aparecieron dominadas por erizos de tallas pequeñas a medianas (24-38 mm) y resultaron variables en el espacio. Los experimentos de atado mostraron que D. aff. antillarum soporta una presión de depredación muy baja y no se encontraron diferencias entre las estaciones de estudio. La tasa de depredación fue más intensa sobre juveniles (< 20 mm) y adultos de entre 20-30 mm, rango de talla en el que la mayoría de los individuos dejan de tener comportamiento críptico. Los erizos de más de 40 mm de diámetro no fueron depredados en ningún caso. Demostramos experimentalmente la existencia de una talla de escape de D. aff. antillarum frente a la depredación en zonas de blanquizal en torno a los 40 mm. La tasa de depredación obtenida para juveniles indica que un número suficiente debe escapar de la depredación, manteniendo las poblaciones adultas y los blanquizales. Las tasas de reclutamiento y la complejidad topográfica, más que el nivel de depredación, parecen determinar la estructura de las poblaciones de erizos en los blanquizales. Concluimos que la depredación en los fondos rocosos sobreexplotados de las islas Canarias no tiene la magnitud suficiente para alterar substancialmente las densas poblaciones de erizos y causar efectos sobre la comunidad

“CAVIIAR FOR ALL” A CASE STUDY OF AN INNOVATIVE APPLICATION FOR CATERING, TOURISM AND CULTURE

Many people think that when we want something like a product or a service it comes from a financial point of view, but what really makes businesses sustainable and growth is creativity and innovation. This paper presents a real case study that exemplifies the notion of “idea to product” of an innovative application for the information and propagation of catering, tourism and culture (caviiar.pt). This is an uninterrupted service, which is oriented to give “real time” information about catering services and regional or nearby culture and touristic points of interest. It also allows the promotion of gastronomic or cultural events with information relevant to the idea of the application. This project intends to create a new catering, touristic and cultural notion with a high level of interaction with clients and their necessities or wants, bringing to daylight a new touristic concept: “online assessment tourism”.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

An experimental investigation on the influence of deactivation of a groove on the performance of a twin groove journal bearing

Laboratory tests have been carried out in order to assess the influence of groove activation and deactivation on the performance of a twin axial groove steadily loaded hydrodynamic journal bearing. Temperature distribution at the oil–bush interface, oil outlet temperature, total oil flow rate, partial oil flow rate (at each groove), and motor consumption were measured for several journal speeds and loads under constant feeding pressure (pf) and constant feeding temperature (Tf), at five different loading angles ( ). In this study, the corresponding groove was deactivated whenever negative oil flow rate was observed in it and results were compared. It was found that the groove deactivation strategy has profound influence on the bearing performance when negative flow rate occurs at one groove, preventing such undesirable effects as lubricant starvation at the loaded region of the bearing. Groove deactivation in the event of negative flow rate may be easily implemented by incorporating a check valve to the feeding system of each groove. Such strategy seems to be highly recommended for the safe operation of bearings subjected to high loads and load angles deviated from 90º