The use of virtual environments as an extended classroom – A case study with adult learners in tertiary education

This study was conducted in immersive 3D virtual environment Second Life®, with the support of web 2.0 tools as a complement to physical classroom - extended classroom. It was assumed that socialization is a key factor for collaborative learning and knowledge construction. The study aims to identify the variables that may influence knowledge sharing in learning contexts using virtual environments; with the aim of contributing to the improvement of learning situations using the online tools. This research is exploratory in nature and falls within the field of phenomenological studies. The study was implemented in a tertiary education institution involving regular and adult learners. We conclude that in virtual environments learners tend to feel more confident, open, participatory, creative, understanding and seem to participate in training sessions because they are indeed interested in learning. On the other hand, the possibility of providing online tutorial session allows reaching a larger number of learners. These online sessions can be established in a time and place (virtual) free of constraints and can be tailored, allowing a more effective participation from learners.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Implementation of CSR in the Energy Sector: The Case of Equinor

Postponed access: the file will be accessible after 2020-06-03Globalization has made possible global social relations, and understandably these social relations also need governance. Corporate social responsibility is a concept within the business sector relevant for corporate governance in our modern economy, as it is understood as a clever approach to address the regulatory vacuum created by the global economy.The purpose of this dissertation is to understand better how is the interaction between the government and the companies when attempting to address the regulatory vacuum. Accordingly, the research question to be investigating under this thesis is “How does Equinor implement corporate social responsibility policies and how does the Norwegian state influence this?”. For this project three parliamentary reports are particularly relevant: Stortingsmelding nr. 13 (2010–2011, Stortingsmelding nr. 27 (2013–2014 and Regjeringens Eierpolitikk 2015. Additionally, two main documents from Equinor are essential; the code of conduct and the Equinor book. In this project it has been concluded that corporate social responsibility is implemented in Equinor, through decentralized regulations. Equinor takes focus on an implementation with a top-down dynamic, but actively tries to combine it with the bottom-up approach by open dialogue. Equinor also follows a cultural perspective within an instrumental justification. When it comes to the Norwegian government, the state appears to be a strong player that follows a normative justification with an international approach. For the Norwegian government CSR is a moral obligation for global governance and important when addressing the regulatory vacuum in the international arena. The project also shows that the Norwegian state implements CSR by using a variety of measures, laws, regulations and expectations to business on CSR. Equinor, on the other hand, have established a set of in-depth codes and policies towards CSR. the governmental expectations appear to be an important tool when supplying support or even forming the companies, as it performs as external pressure.Masteroppgave i demokratibyggingSAMPOL650VIDSVHGMASV-DEMOKVIDSVMP0

Insights on Chemical and Natech Risk Management in Japan and South Korea: A Review of Current Practices

A growing number of natural hazard-triggered technological accidents (Natech) has been reported by several researchers, and this trend is expected to continue due to climate change. As a result, some governments have initiated direct efforts to manage Natech risks, particularly in the United States and Europe. However, two surveys conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2009 and 2017 found that there was a lack of proper risk management and risk governance for Natech among OECD member states, including Japan and South Korea. This study aimed to identify relevant regulations and practical considerations for chemical and Natech risk management from government perspectives in Japan and South Korea. The article provides a review of the current state of risk management, emergency response, and risk communication on chemical and Natech risk management in the two countries, and concludes with a discussion of some of the issues that require improvement of the current chemical risk management. Current practices for chemical risk management in Japan and South Korea point to the possibility of improvements in dealing with the Natech risks. These practical lessons will be valuable for improving the capacity for dealing with challenges in chemical and Natech risk management

Risk Communication to Tourists: Towards the Definition of a Research Agenda for a more Effective Disaster Preparedness in Japan

The Japanese government has recently demonstrated interest in increasing tourists’ disaster preparedness. This is in part due to the need to develop an efficient disaster preparedness plan for the upcoming Olympic Games in 2020 that will be held in Tokyo. The aim of this paper is to present opportunities for future research able to facilitate a more effective risk communication between communicators and tourists regarding disaster preparedness information in Japan. The article is based on an analysis of the literature. The paper identifies research gaps in four main research topics including tourists’ risk information seeking process, cross cultural analysis, the role of tourism suppliers within the risk communication process, and comparison of mental models of communicators and tourists. Opportunities for further research are also provided

From Epidemics to Pandemic: Tips from the Past

The World Tourism Organization proposed to examine studies on previous infectious disease outbreaks (epidemics), in particular the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic of 2002–2004, to better managing the impact of the COVID-19 on the tourism industry. We followed this suggestion by analysing tourism-related literature concerning previous outbreaks. We consequently identified the differences and similarities between past epidemics and the COVID-19 pandemic, evaluated recovery strategies previously adopted by tourism destinations, and suggested a research agenda to facilitate the tourism destinations’ recovery. To provide theoretically grounded research suggestions, which are urgently needed by the tourism industry, only contributions from high-quality peer-reviewed journals were considered in this literature review

Collective Action in Institutional Entrepreneurship: The Case of a Government Agency

This paper seeks to analyze how and why divergent institutional changes occurred in a government agency. While there is evidence of research on the concept of collective action and involvement in the literature on institutional entrepreneurship, the focus has been at the macro and field levels, with scarce attention being given to the topic at the micro and organizational levels. This study addresses this gap in the literature, drawing on the institutional entrepreneurship process model of Battilana, Leca, and Boxenbaum (The Academy of Management Annals), in combination with literature on collective action. The methodology involved a longitudinal case study, in which data were collected through extensive interviews and documentation analysis. Based on findings showing that the divergence change process could not be achieved without the support of organizational collective involvement, a refined version of the Battilana et al. entrepreneurial model is proposed. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-02-017 Full Text: PD

Caracterização dos utentes da unidade de cuidados continuados de Santa Maria Maior com AVC e respostas sociais após a alta

O Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) é uma das principais causas de mortalidade em Portugal [1] e a patologia que causa maior incapacidade e perda de qualidade de vida [2]. O AVC é considerado uma perturbação em que há perda súbita de consciência ou perda motora ou sensorial, em consequência da rutura ou oclusão de uma artéria cerebral [3]. Objetivo: Caracterizar os doentes com AVC e identificar as respostas sociais após a alta. Material e método: Estudo quantitativo que teve como objeto de estudo os doentes admitidos com AVC, na Unidade de Cuidados Continuados de Média/Longa Duração localizada num Concelho do Distrito de Bragança, nas tipologias de Média Duração e Reabilitação e de Longa Duração e Manutenção. De um total de 222 utentes, foi selecionada uma amostra constituída por 79 doentes internados ao longo do período de dezembro de 2008 a novembro de 2013. A colheita de dados foi feita no utilizando o Gestcare Integrated Continuous Care, no último trimestre de 2013, após concedida autorização por parte dos responsáveis da Unidade. As informações recolhidas foram posteriormente editados e analisadas no programa SPSS versão 22. Foram calculadas frequências absolutas e relativas bem como medidas de tendência central (Média) e de dispersão (Desvio Padrão, Mínimo, Máximo). Resultados: Do total de utentes da Unidade de Cuidados Continuados de Longa Duração e manutenção de Santa Maria Maior, 119 (53,6%) eram homens e 103 (46,4%) eram mulheres; os inquiridos tinham idades compreendidas entre 40 anos e os 99 anos. A maioria (61,3%) residia na aldeia e era inativo (94,6%). Do total de indivíduos institucionalizados 41 indivíduos (18,5%) não tinham ninguém que os apoiasse em situação de doença ou dependência. Em conformidade com os resultados, a prevalência de AVC foi de 35,6% registando-se uma taxa de letalidade de 24,1%. A maioria dos doentes com esta patologia era do género masculino (53,2%), tinha em média 80,1 anos de idade (DP=7,73) e vivia em zonas rurais (63,1%). Uma parte significativa (21,5%) dos doentes com AVC não tinha qualquer retaguarda familiar ou apoio em situação de doença ou dependência. Os doentes, após a alta, tiveram os seguintes destinos: 25,3% foram transferidos para outra Unidade de Cuidados Continuados, na tentativa de os aproximar do seu domicilio e/ou família ou receber atendimento mais especializado; 24,1% ingressaram num Lar; 13,9% regressaram ao seu domicílio com apoio domiciliário; 8,9% regressaram ao seu domicílio/família e, 3,8% foram recebidos e apoiados por uma família de acolhimento. Tendo em conta o género existem diferenças relevantes no que diz respeito ao destino dos utentes. Há uma maior percentagem de elementos do género feminino a serem transferidos para outra Unidade de Cuidados Continuados (34,3%) registando-se, também, uma taxa de letalidade superior no género feminino (35,1%). Em contrapartida, verifica-se um maior número de elementos do género masculino a ingressar no domicílio com apoio familiar (21,4%). Independentemente, da proveniência dos utentes, uma parte significativa vai para um Lar. Por fim, os utentes com retaguarda familiar são os que regressam em maior número ao Domicílio com apoio familiar. Conclusão: De 222 pacientes, 79 foram internados no CCU com o diagnóstico de AVC, registando esta patologia uma prevalência de 35,6% sendo a maioria do género masculino (53,2%). A esmagadora maioria dos doentes, após a alta, necessitam de ajuda para satisfazer as suas necessidades básicas. Sendo o AVC uma patologia incapacitante e que provoca na maior parte das vezes dependências graves há a necessidade de dar continuidade aos cuidados por parte de terceiros. A família assume, assim, um papel fundamental no apoio ao doente. No entanto, há também a necessidade de recorrer a instituições e serviços de apoio social que respondam e complementam as necessidades do doente e da família. Referências bibliográficas [1]. DGS (2003). Programa Nacional de Prevenção e Controlo das Doenças Cardiovasculares.Ministério da Saúde. Direção Geral de Saúde. Despacho nº. 16415/2003 (II série) – D.R. nº. 193 de 22 de Agosto. [2] .Silva, A. (2007). O AVC: O essencial da saúde. Volume 10. Porto: Quidnov. [3] .Bolander, V.B. & Leal, M.T. (1998). Enfermagem fundamental: abordagem psicofisiológica. 1ª edição, Lisboa: Lusodidacta.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Advanced synchrotron studies of ye'elimite-based cement pastes

Synchrotron characterization techniques [1] are being used to study Portland-based cements and recently also CSA and related cements. A key property of these techniques is that they do not require sample preparation, so the microstructures of the pastes can be preserved. The classical application of synchrotron tools is powder diffraction used to determine the crystalline phase content evolution with hydration including the overall amorphous fraction. Furthermore, other most advanced techniques are being applied to ye'elimite-containing pastes such as i) Total Scattering Synchrotron Powder Diffraction (TS-SXPD), and ii) Ptychographic Synchrotron X-ray Computed Tomography (PSXCT). All these applications will be reviewed here. TS-SXPD data coupled with the Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis methodology [2] allows having a better insight about the nanocrystalline/amorphous atomic arrangements in the gels. It has been very recently shown that nanogibbsite with very small particles, 3nm, is the main constituent of ye'elimite-gypsum hydration paste [2]. Nanogibbsite particles being smaller than those originated from the hydration of monocalcium aluminate. In addition, PSXCT is a tomographic technique that profits from the partly coherent nature of the synchrotron beam to provide better (smaller) resolution, which can be lower than 100 nm. It also provides the mass densities if the chemical stoichiometries are known. This technique has been applied to ye'elimite hydration to determine the microstructure and chiefly the bulk densities of nanogibbsite [3]. The microstructure evolution at early age was also followed [4]. Figure 1 shows an example of a slide of the electron density tomogram for a ye'elimite paste at 8 days of hydration and the corresponding histogram for the full volume with all phases identified.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech.This work has been supported by Spanish MINECO through BIA2014-57658-C2 and BIA2017-82391-R, which are co-funded by FEDER

Quantitative disentanglement of nanocrystalline phases in cement pastes by synchrotron ptychographic X-ray tomography

Mortars and concretes are ubiquitous materials with very complex hierarchical microstructures. To fully understand their main properties and to decrease their CO2 footprint, a sound description of their spatially resolved mineralogy is necessary. Developing this knowledge is very challenging as about half of the volume of hydrated cement is a nanocrystalline component, calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel. Furthermore, other poorly crystalline phases (e.g. iron siliceous hydrogarnet or silica oxide) may coexist, which are even more difficult to characterize. Traditional spatially resolved techniques such as electron microscopy involve complex sample preparation steps that often lead to artefacts (e.g. dehydration and microstructural changes). Here, synchrotron ptychographic tomography has been used to obtain spatially resolved information on three unaltered representative samples: neat Portland paste, Portland–calcite and Portland–fly-ash blend pastes with a spatial resolution below 100 nm in samples with a volume of up to 5 x 104 mm3. For the neat Portland paste, the ptychotomographic study gave densities of 2.11 and 2.52 g cm -3 and a content of 41.1 and 6.4 vol% for nanocrystalline C-S-H gel and poorly crystalline iron siliceous hydrogarnet, respectively. Furthermore, the spatially resolved volumetric mass-density information has allowed characterization of inner-product and outer-product C-S-H gels. The average density of the inner-product C-S-H is smaller than that of the outer product and its variability is larger. Full characterization of the pastes, including segmentation of the different components, is reported and the contents are compared with the results obtained by thermodynamic modelling.This work has been supported by MINECO through BIA2014-57658 and BIA2017-82391-R research grants, which are cofunded by FEDER. Instrumentation development was supported by SNF (R’EQUIP, No. 145056,‘OMNY’) and the Competence Centre for Materials Science and Technology (CCMX) of the ETH-Board, Switzerland

Natech accidents at industrial facilities. The case of the Wenchuan earthquake

International audienceNatural disasters can trigger chemical accidents (so-called Natech accidents) with severe consequences on man or the environment. This work highlights the main characteristics of earthquake-triggered Natechs by describing our insights from a field trip to chemical facilities in the area affected by the 12 May, 2008, Wenchuan earthquake in China. Our preliminary results indicate that damage was most severe in older facilities with masonry and un- or poorly reinforced concrete structures being the most vulnerable. Debris impact and the shaking loads caused damage to and loss of equipment and pipes where hazardous-materials releases occurred. Emergency response on-site was hampered by a loss of lifeline