Fluidized bed dryers (FBDs) are used in the pharmaceutical industry to remove excess moisture from granule prior to tablet formation. As granule moisture content is reduced from its initial to final state, the velocity required to fully fluidize the granule decreases and the bed voidage decreases. The change in these fluidization properties are attributed to the decrease in the interparticle force load created by a reduction in liquid bridging as moisture is removed. During constant velocity drying, these fluidization properties result in a bubbling fluidization state, which evolves into a bubble coalescing regime as drying proceeds. This behaviour was identifiable using pressure fluctuation time-series analysis techniques.<p> Distributor design studies using dry and wet granule in a conical fluidized bed suggest that the punched plate design limits bubble coalescence when compared to the perforated plate and Dutch weave mesh designs. Furthermore, the Dutch weave results in extensive segregation, which is undesirable from a fluidization perspective. Local drying hydrodynamic measurements using x-ray densitometry found that the punched and perforated plates generate a centralized bubbling core region during drying with a defluidized bed periphery. This fluidized core region grows as drying proceeds until the defluidized region disappears. Under the same operating conditions, a porous plate distributor creates extensive channelling and defluidization across the entire bed cross-section during the constant rate period of drying. These poor fluidization characteristics are a result of the porous plate introducing the gas into the bed as a fine dispersion.<p> Lastly, the hydrodynamics associated with the conical vessel geometry improves the circulation and mixing patterns in fluidized bed dryers. This is especially the case in the entry region of the conical bed where the high inlet gas velocity prevents defluidization around the periphery of the bed. The straight walled geometry of the cylindrical bed resulted in defluidization in this area. As a result, the hydrodynamics associated with bubbling differ significantly between the geometries over the course of drying.

Fluidized bed dryers (FBDs) are used in the pharmaceutical industry to remove excess moisture from granule prior to tablet formation. As granule moisture content is reduced from its initial to final state, the velocity required to fully fluidize the granule decreases and the bed voidage decreases. The change in these fluidization properties are attributed to the decrease in the interparticle force load created by a reduction in liquid bridging as moisture is removed. During constant velocity drying, these fluidization properties result in a bubbling fluidization state, which evolves into a bubble coalescing regime as drying proceeds. This behaviour was identifiable using pressure fluctuation time-series analysis techniques.<p> Distributor design studies using dry and wet granule in a conical fluidized bed suggest that the punched plate design limits bubble coalescence when compared to the perforated plate and Dutch weave mesh designs. Furthermore, the Dutch weave results in extensive segregation, which is undesirable from a fluidization perspective. Local drying hydrodynamic measurements using x-ray densitometry found that the punched and perforated plates generate a centralized bubbling core region during drying with a defluidized bed periphery. This fluidized core region grows as drying proceeds until the defluidized region disappears. Under the same operating conditions, a porous plate distributor creates extensive channelling and defluidization across the entire bed cross-section during the constant rate period of drying. These poor fluidization characteristics are a result of the porous plate introducing the gas into the bed as a fine dispersion.<p> Lastly, the hydrodynamics associated with the conical vessel geometry improves the circulation and mixing patterns in fluidized bed dryers. This is especially the case in the entry region of the conical bed where the high inlet gas velocity prevents defluidization around the periphery of the bed. The straight walled geometry of the cylindrical bed resulted in defluidization in this area. As a result, the hydrodynamics associated with bubbling differ significantly between the geometries over the course of drying.

Based on the theory of improving the dynamic alignment of balance scorecard strategy in system dynamics, to discuss the dynamic relations among strategic themes, actions and measurements on the strategy map of case, and Using system dynamics model to simulate the scenarios, which usually interference with best decision making. may offer decision-makers more information to take their business actions. This research discovers mainly as: Inspect between the element and the element is linked together the causes and effects back coupling relations in the system, and originally strategy design again by Systems Thinking. The dynamic BSC would be a strategic assessment tools to support managers to make decisions in a large and complicated organization. Through time delay and the effect of negative feedback loops, strategic actions may cause the change of loops, leading to some side effects. As a result, managers may fail to correctly analyze situations and make appropriate decisions, have a complete strategic planning, and have the strategic goal expectably achieved. Policymakers tend to pay too much attention to the variations of the short-time measurements than the long-term structural effect of system. When setting KPI, managers have to consider the influence caused by loops and time delay.

Submitted by Aycon Tinoco Lisboa Frazao (aycon.lisboa@ifma.edu.br) on 2018-08-06T18:39:46Z No. of bitstreams: 1 diss_agro_08.pdf: 1718321 bytes, checksum: afe36fe0775b84febaec98b23b163858 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Neli Silvia Pereira null (nelisps@fcav.unesp.br) on 2018-08-07T12:54:34Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 frazao_atl_me_jabo.pdf: 1718321 bytes, checksum: afe36fe0775b84febaec98b23b163858 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-07T12:54:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 frazao_atl_me_jabo.pdf: 1718321 bytes, checksum: afe36fe0775b84febaec98b23b163858 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-07-23 / RESUMO: A PRESENÇA DE PALHA NA MUDA AFETA A QUALIDADE DOS SISTEMAS DE PLANTIO DE CANA-DE-AÇÚCAR? RESUMO - O processo de colheita mecanizada de mudas de cana-de-açúcar é decisivo na operação seguinte, a de plantio mecanizado da cultura, principalmente nos meses de outubro/novembro, nos quais há maior estresse hídrico e temperatura elevadas. Assim, a quantidade de palha retida no rebolo durante o processo de colheita mecanizada, pode reduzir a quantidade de gemas inviáveis por danos mecânicos e proteger as gemas das condições climáticas adversas. Objetivou-se, avaliar a qualidade de operação de plantio de cana-de-açúcar utilizando mudas com e sem palhada, com utilização de plantadoras e distribuidoras de cana-de-açúcar picada comparados ao plantio semi-mecanizado. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Santa Clara, localizada no município de Pradópolis - SP, com cinco tratamentos sendo, plantadora mecanizada sem palha na muda, plantadora mecanizada com palha na muda, distribuidora mecanizada sem palha na muda, distribuidora mecanizada com palha na muda e plantio semi-mecanizado. A coleta de dados foi realizada em 50 pontos amostrais para cada tratamento, de acordo com as premissas do Controle Estatístico de Processo. A quantidade de gemas inviáveis e as falhas no estande reduziram com a presença de palha no rebolo. A presença de palha no rebolo possibilita o aumento do potencial da área plantada. Dessa forma, a presença de palha na muda melhorou a qualidade do plantio de cana de açúcar. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: cartas de controle, distribuidora, plantadora, Saccharum officinarum / ABSTRACT: THE PRESENCE OF STRAW TRASH ON SEEDLINGS AFFECTS THE QUALITY OF SUGARCANE CROP SYSTEMS? ABSTRACT - The process of sugarcane seedlings mechanized harvesting is decisive in the next operation, which is the mechanized crop planting, mainly in the months of October/November, when the plants experience higher water stress and elevated temperatures. Thus, the amount of straw retained in the stalk during the mechanized harvesting process can reduce the number of non-viable buds due to mechanical damage and protect the buds from adverse climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of the sugarcane planting operation using seedlings with and without straw, employing planters and distributors of chopped sugarcane compared to semi-mechanized planting. The experiment was carried out at Santa Clara Farm, located in the city of Pradópolis, SP, Brazil, with five treatments, being: mechanized planter without straw in the seedling, mechanized planter with straw in the seedling, mechanized distributor without straw in the seedling, mechanized distributor with straw in the seedling and semi-mechanized planting. The data collection was performed in 50 sample points for each treatment, according to the premises of the Statistical Process Control. The amount of unviable gems and faults in the stand reduced with the presence of straw on the stalk. The presence of straw in the stalk makes it possible to increase the potential of the planted area. Thus, the presence of straw in the seedling improved the quality of sugarcane cropping. KEYWORDS: control letters, distributor, planter, Saccharum officinarum / Minter: 834320

Submitted by Aycon Tinoco Lisboa Frazao (aycon.lisboa@ifma.edu.br) on 2018-08-16T14:11:15Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertaçao Aycon Final definitiva.pdf: 2201663 bytes, checksum: b6724c23672b5427d5ff9d96216e92ab (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Neli Silvia Pereira null (nelisps@fcav.unesp.br) on 2018-08-17T17:11:27Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 frazao_atl_me_jabo.pdf: 2201663 bytes, checksum: b6724c23672b5427d5ff9d96216e92ab (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-17T17:11:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 frazao_atl_me_jabo.pdf: 2201663 bytes, checksum: b6724c23672b5427d5ff9d96216e92ab (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-07-23 / Outra / O processo de colheita mecanizada de mudas de cana-de-açúcar é decisivo na operação seguinte, a de plantio mecanizado da cultura, principalmente nos meses de outubro/novembro, nos quais há maior estresse hídrico e temperatura elevadas. Assim, a quantidade de palha retida no rebolo durante o processo de colheita mecanizada, pode reduzir a quantidade de gemas inviáveis por danos mecânicos e proteger as gemas das condições climáticas adversas. Objetivou-se, avaliar a qualidade de operação de plantio de cana-de-açúcar utilizando mudas com e sem palhada, com utilização de plantadoras e distribuidoras de cana-de-açúcar picada comparados ao plantio semi-mecanizado. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Santa Clara, localizada no município de Pradópolis - SP, com cinco tratamentos sendo, plantadora mecanizada sem palha na muda, plantadora mecanizada com palha na muda, distribuidora mecanizada sem palha na muda, distribuidora mecanizada com palha na muda e plantio semi-mecanizado. A coleta de dados foi realizada em 50 pontos amostrais para cada tratamento, de acordo com as premissas do Controle Estatístico de Processo. A quantidade de gemas inviáveis e as falhas no estande reduziram com a presença de palha no rebolo. A presença de palha no rebolo possibilita o aumento do potencial da área plantada. Dessa forma, a presença de palha na muda melhorou a qualidade do plantio de cana de açúcar. / The process of sugarcane seedlings mechanized harvesting is decisive in the next operation, which is the mechanized crop planting, mainly in the months of October/November, when the plants experience higher water stress and elevated temperatures. Thus, the amount of straw retained in the stalk during the mechanized harvesting process can reduce the number of non-viable buds due to mechanical damage and protect the buds from adverse climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of the sugarcane planting operation using seedlings with and without straw, employing planters and distributors of chopped sugarcane compared to semi-mechanized planting. The experiment was carried out at Santa Clara Farm, located in the city of Pradópolis, SP, Brazil, with five treatments, being: mechanized planter without straw in the seedling, mechanized planter with straw in the seedling, mechanized distributor without straw in the seedling, mechanized distributor with straw in the seedling and semi-mechanized planting. The data collection was performed in 50 sample points for each treatment, according to the premises of the Statistical Process Control. The amount of unviable gems and faults in the stand reduced with the presence of straw on the stalk. The presence of straw in the stalk makes it possible to increase the potential of the planted area. Thus, the presence of straw in the seedling improved the quality of sugarcane cropping. / Minter: 834320

A relação existente entre as revendas de combustíveis e seu principal fornecedor, aquele do qual carrega a bandeira, é o tema desta dissertação. Este tema, embora já bastante abordado, tanto no ramo acadêmico quanto no empresarial ainda requer uma atenção especial por parte dos gestores dessas distribuidoras, eis que o número de players atuantes no mercado é elevado. A pesquisa aqui apresentada foi desenvolvida junto a revendas de combustíveis dos estados de Santa Catarina e Paraná e nas seguintes bandeiras: Petrobrás, Ipiranga, Shell e Esso. O objetivo principal foi o de verificar o grau de relacionamentos entre essas revendas de combustíveis e o seu principal fornecedor de combustível, o distribuidor, utilizando a escala de mensuração do relacionamento de clientes desenvolvida por Wilson e Vlosky (1997). Após a aplicação do instrumento de Wilson e Vlosky (1997) junto às revendas, concluiu-se que o grau de relacionamento entre as revendas e seus fornecedores é muito bom. Esta avaliação se dá devido ao resultado obtido nas análises de concordância dos seis constructos de relacionamento avaliados na pesquisa. Esta pesquisa trará importante subsídio para as distribuidoras analisadas, no intuito de reforçar o relacionamento com suas revendas. A presente pesquisa poderá servir como ferramenta para mensurar o relacionamento em distribuidoras que atuam regionalmente e que não têm a visibilidade das empresas analisadas. O relacionamento com a revenda poderá ser um diferencial competitivo perante as gigantes do setor. / The existent relation between fuel sellers and their main provider, whose banner they carry, is the theme of this dissertation. This subject, although recurrently approached in the academic field as much as in business, still requires special attention by the managers of these distributors, since the number of players in the market is high. The research here presented was developed among fuel sellers from the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina (Brazil) under the following banners: Petrobras, Ipiranga, Shell and Esso. The main objective was to verify the existence of relationships between these fuel sellers and their main fuel provider, the distributor, using the client relationship measuring scale developed by Wilson & Vlosky (1997). After applying Wilson & Vlosky’s scale among the sellers, it was concluded that the relationship level between the sellers and their distributors is very good. This evaluation is due to the result taken from the analysis of agreement upon the six relationship constructs evaluated in the research. This research will bring significant benefit to the distributors analyzed in order to strengthen the relationship with its fuel sellers. This research could serve as a tool to measure the relationship in distributors that operate regionally and do not have the visibility of companies analysed. The relationship between the distributors with its fuel sellers can be a differential to fight against the biggest players on the market.

A relação existente entre as revendas de combustíveis e seu principal fornecedor, aquele do qual carrega a bandeira, é o tema desta dissertação. Este tema, embora já bastante abordado, tanto no ramo acadêmico quanto no empresarial ainda requer uma atenção especial por parte dos gestores dessas distribuidoras, eis que o número de players atuantes no mercado é elevado. A pesquisa aqui apresentada foi desenvolvida junto a revendas de combustíveis dos estados de Santa Catarina e Paraná e nas seguintes bandeiras: Petrobrás, Ipiranga, Shell e Esso. O objetivo principal foi o de verificar o grau de relacionamentos entre essas revendas de combustíveis e o seu principal fornecedor de combustível, o distribuidor, utilizando a escala de mensuração do relacionamento de clientes desenvolvida por Wilson e Vlosky (1997). Após a aplicação do instrumento de Wilson e Vlosky (1997) junto às revendas, concluiu-se que o grau de relacionamento entre as revendas e seus fornecedores é muito bom. Esta avaliação se dá devido ao resultado obtido nas análises de concordância dos seis constructos de relacionamento avaliados na pesquisa. Esta pesquisa trará importante subsídio para as distribuidoras analisadas, no intuito de reforçar o relacionamento com suas revendas. A presente pesquisa poderá servir como ferramenta para mensurar o relacionamento em distribuidoras que atuam regionalmente e que não têm a visibilidade das empresas analisadas. O relacionamento com a revenda poderá ser um diferencial competitivo perante as gigantes do setor. / The existent relation between fuel sellers and their main provider, whose banner they carry, is the theme of this dissertation. This subject, although recurrently approached in the academic field as much as in business, still requires special attention by the managers of these distributors, since the number of players in the market is high. The research here presented was developed among fuel sellers from the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina (Brazil) under the following banners: Petrobras, Ipiranga, Shell and Esso. The main objective was to verify the existence of relationships between these fuel sellers and their main fuel provider, the distributor, using the client relationship measuring scale developed by Wilson & Vlosky (1997). After applying Wilson & Vlosky’s scale among the sellers, it was concluded that the relationship level between the sellers and their distributors is very good. This evaluation is due to the result taken from the analysis of agreement upon the six relationship constructs evaluated in the research. This research will bring significant benefit to the distributors analyzed in order to strengthen the relationship with its fuel sellers. This research could serve as a tool to measure the relationship in distributors that operate regionally and do not have the visibility of companies analysed. The relationship between the distributors with its fuel sellers can be a differential to fight against the biggest players on the market.

A relação existente entre as revendas de combustíveis e seu principal fornecedor, aquele do qual carrega a bandeira, é o tema desta dissertação. Este tema, embora já bastante abordado, tanto no ramo acadêmico quanto no empresarial ainda requer uma atenção especial por parte dos gestores dessas distribuidoras, eis que o número de players atuantes no mercado é elevado. A pesquisa aqui apresentada foi desenvolvida junto a revendas de combustíveis dos estados de Santa Catarina e Paraná e nas seguintes bandeiras: Petrobrás, Ipiranga, Shell e Esso. O objetivo principal foi o de verificar o grau de relacionamentos entre essas revendas de combustíveis e o seu principal fornecedor de combustível, o distribuidor, utilizando a escala de mensuração do relacionamento de clientes desenvolvida por Wilson e Vlosky (1997). Após a aplicação do instrumento de Wilson e Vlosky (1997) junto às revendas, concluiu-se que o grau de relacionamento entre as revendas e seus fornecedores é muito bom. Esta avaliação se dá devido ao resultado obtido nas análises de concordância dos seis constructos de relacionamento avaliados na pesquisa. Esta pesquisa trará importante subsídio para as distribuidoras analisadas, no intuito de reforçar o relacionamento com suas revendas. A presente pesquisa poderá servir como ferramenta para mensurar o relacionamento em distribuidoras que atuam regionalmente e que não têm a visibilidade das empresas analisadas. O relacionamento com a revenda poderá ser um diferencial competitivo perante as gigantes do setor. / The existent relation between fuel sellers and their main provider, whose banner they carry, is the theme of this dissertation. This subject, although recurrently approached in the academic field as much as in business, still requires special attention by the managers of these distributors, since the number of players in the market is high. The research here presented was developed among fuel sellers from the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina (Brazil) under the following banners: Petrobras, Ipiranga, Shell and Esso. The main objective was to verify the existence of relationships between these fuel sellers and their main fuel provider, the distributor, using the client relationship measuring scale developed by Wilson & Vlosky (1997). After applying Wilson & Vlosky’s scale among the sellers, it was concluded that the relationship level between the sellers and their distributors is very good. This evaluation is due to the result taken from the analysis of agreement upon the six relationship constructs evaluated in the research. This research will bring significant benefit to the distributors analyzed in order to strengthen the relationship with its fuel sellers. This research could serve as a tool to measure the relationship in distributors that operate regionally and do not have the visibility of companies analysed. The relationship between the distributors with its fuel sellers can be a differential to fight against the biggest players on the market.

La thèse a eu comme objectif d'étudier la relation entre les fournisseurs brésiliens et les grands distributeurs dans le canal de distribution alimentaire, afin d'expliquer la satisfaction dans cette relation. Le cadre théorique aborde les concepts du canal de distribution et s'appuie sur les théories comportementales et leurs variables, ainsi que sur le marketing relationnel et les principaux modèles identifiés dans la littérature. En ce qui concerne les variables, nous nous centrons sur le conflit et la coopération qui ont un impact clé sur la satisfaction des acteurs du canal de distribution. Nous avons adopté une approche exploratoire pour observer les grands distributeurs et leurs fournisseurs locaux. Notre recherche conclut à la satisfaction du côté des grands distributeurs, dans les relations de coopération, de partenariat, accentuée par la confiance instaurée avec leurs fournisseurs. Cependant du côté des fournisseurs locaux, deux types de discours ont été relevés. D'un côté les grands fournisseurs qui partagent la même vision que les distributeurs; et d'un autre côté, les discours des petits et moyens fournisseurs locaux qui signalent une relation conflictuelle et de pouvoir avec leurs clients distributeurs, sans coopération ou engagement dans cette relation, conduisant à leur insatisfaction. / This research studies the relationship between the Brazilian suppliers and large food retailers in order to identify whether this relationship results in satisfaction. We present the concept of distribution channel, behavioral theories and their key variables, relational marketing theories and the models found in the literature. Regarding the variables, we emphasize conflict and cooperation, with the aim of identifying the variables that impact on satisfaction of these two actors. We adopted an exploratory approach. Our research concludes that there is satisfaction on the side of large retailers with cooperation and partnership strategies, strengthened by trust between the actors. However from the perspective of local suppliers, two types of speeches were observed. On one hand, the large suppliers share the same vision and on the other hand, the small and medium size local suppliers report an adversarial relationship and power by large retailerss, with no cooperation or compromise in this respect, leading to unsatisfaction.

Background: Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a specific type of direct selling where distribution and sales are facilitated through various levels of independent distributors. The MLM industry has changed through social media and it has become a channel for the distributors to communicate with customers and potential distributors. The downside to this development is that Internet and social media has made lies and exaggerations, digital deception, more common. Purpose and research questions: The purpose of this research is to investigate deceptive social media practices done by distributors of MLM firms operating in Sweden and discuss them from an ethical perspective. 1. What characteristics drive distributors in MLM firms to participate in practices that can be perceived as deceptive? 2. What deceptive practices on social media by distributors can be identified? 3. How do former distributors view the ethics of their own practices versus the practices of other distributors? Is self deception an aspect to consider? Method: The study applies a qualitative method to an explorative, cross-sectional research design. The collection of empirical data was done by conducting 9 semi-structured interviews with former MLM distributors. Result: Characteristics that drive deceptive practices are training, authority, transferal of norms and validating behaviour. Six deceptive practices were identified: pretending to be consumers on other distributors’ posts, manipulating before and after pictures, lying and exaggerating about the benefits of the products, pretending to be potential recruits, falsely describing the benefits of the business opportunity and charging extra for shipping. Former distributors were more willing to blame other distributors for unethical behaviour than themselves, which may be due to self deception. Contribution of the study: This study contributes with a modern perspective of MLM distributors. It extends existing research of ethical issues within MLM and contributes with the addition of self deception to provide deeper understanding.