Search

Eco-innovation is the innovation of products that focuses on the use of renewable energy and meets specific environmental requirements, and is essential for energy conservation and environmental protection. There are recommendations and strategies available for general product development, but there are limited studies when focusing on renewable energy products. A proposal for eco-innovation in renewable energy is developed based on exergy analysis, TRIZ methodology, and knowledge management. The model is demonstrated with a specific case study. This study contributes to the analysis and development of products with renewable energy that help mitigate climate change, consistent with the change in the energy matrix. Furthermore, this study is a transdisciplinary effort that integrates concepts from different topics to achieve a comprehensive model.

Tests of adsorption cooling prototypes with solar energy that use the silica gel–water​ pair have been reported in the literature; however, there is no work that analyzes, compares and integrates them to generate new knowledge from their data and results. In this context, our proposal consists comparing thermodynamic results, determining the characteristics of their parts and functions, and analyzing technical contradictions through the TRIZ methodology, for twelve identified adsorption refrigeration prototypes (including one where a co-author of this paper participated). The results and characteristics of the analyzed prototypes have been systematized, also a diversity of constructive forms was found in the studied prototypes, as well as in the non-standardized results and tests because some aspects were emphasized in each test. The results and simulations are compared using COP and refrigeration capacity as parameters to extrapolate new results consisting of a hybridized conceptual model and projected test results based on those found in the literature.

Sezary syndrome (SS) is a leukemic form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and is chemo-resistant. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a promising therapy for SS; however, relapse is common. Therapeutic options after relapse have not been established. We managed an SS patient with hematological relapse within one month after transplantation. After discontinuation of immunosuppressants, she achieved complete remission and remained relapse-free. The chimeric analyses of Tcells showed that the full recipient type became complete donor chimera after immunological symptoms. This clinical course suggested that discontinuation of immunosuppressants may result in a graftversus- tumor effect, leading to the eradication of lymphoma cells.

We report cases of three patients of refractory ascites without other fluid retention that occurred around five months after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo- HSCT). All three patients expired and postmortem examinations revealed unexpected liver fibrosis lacking histological evidences of graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). The three patients showed normal hepatic function and size before transplantation. During their clinical courses, serum biochemistry test showed no elevation of hepatic enzymes and bilirubin; however, imaging studies demonstrated hepatic atrophy at the onset of ascites. One of the liver specimens showed bile obstruction, which could be seen in hepatic damage by GVHD. Although ascites resulting from venoocclusive disease in early phase allo-HSCT is well documented, ascites associated with hepatic fibrosis in late phase allo-HCST has not been reported. Further clinico-pathological studies on similar patients should be required to ascertain refractory ascites associated with liver fibrosis after allo-HSCT.

This paper examines the dynamics of capabilities in the transition to the socalled Next Generation Network (NGN), in the telecommunications industry. This transition is occurring in major incumbent fixed telecommunications operators likeBT (British Telecom), France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom, among others, where the innovation gap seems to be more challenging compared to mobile operators and cable TV companies. We analyze the capabilities development of BT in the United Kingdom, using documentary and interview data. The main conclusion is that, during the transition, capabilities vary rapidly in intensity: at the very beginning, strategic capabilities infl uence the decision-making and defi ne the transition, andthen project capabilities are put in place to deploy the strategy, until functional capabilities take over and maintain the evolutionary path of the technology until a next major transition may occur.

Resumo: As organizações adotam estratégias complexas para desenvolver a aprendizagem dentro do contexto organizacional. O presente artigo busca avaliar as práticas de Educação Corporativa à Distância por meio do modelo de Kirkpatrick: um estudo de caso numa empresa do ramo de energia no estado do Paraná. Como referencial teórico foram abordados os conceitos de Educação Corporativa, de Educação à Distância, e as formas de avaliação de programas de qualificação à distância. A metodologia utilizada foi apoiada no estudo de caso e os instrumentos empregados para coletas dos dados foram as entrevistas, questionários e a observação direta. O estudo foi efetuado tendo por base o modelo de análise de Kirkpatrick, que define os níveis de avaliação: reação, aprendizado, comportamento (aplicação) e resultado. Os resultados demonstraram que a atividade desenvolvida sensibilizou os colaboradores quanto à continuação da qualificação via EaD, o método de avaliação adotado mostra as impressões dos participantes. Com os resultados da avaliação, torna-se possível efetuar ações corretivas nas qualificações disponibilizadas pela organização, assegurando o êxito do processo de aprendizagem. Abstract: Organizations adopt complex strategies to develop learning in the organizational context. The present paper aims at evaluating the Distance Corporate Education via Kirkpatrick’s model: a case study in an energy company in the state of Parana. As theoretical reference, the Corporate Education concepts were approached as well as the evaluation methods of the Distance Education programs. The case study served as basis to the chosen methodology, and interviews, questionnaires and direct observation were used to collect data. The study was based on Kirkpatrick’s model of analysis, which defines the levels of evaluation: reaction, learning, behavior (use) and results. The results showed that the developed activity made the employees aware of the importance of extending their qualification via Distance Education, while the evaluation method reveals the impressions or the participants. The evaluation results enabled the betterment of the qualification programs offered by the organization, assuring the success of the learning process.

B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (B-LPD) is generally characterized by the proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV-infected B lymphocytes. We here report the development of EBV-negative B-LPD associated with EBV-reactivation following antithymocyte globulin (ATG) therapy in a patient with aplastic anemia. The molecular autopsy study showed the sparse EBV-infected clonal T cells could be critically involved in the pathogenesis of EBV-negative oligoclonal B-LPD through cytokine amplification and escape from T-cell surveillances attributable to ATG-based immunosuppressive therapy, leading to an extremely rare B-cell-rich T-cell lymphoma. This report helps in elucidating the complex pathophysiology of intractable B-LPD refractory to rituximab.

Core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia is known to have a favorable prognosis, however, there have been no detailed analyses on prognostic factors after first relapse. Using a nationwide database, we retrospectively analyzed core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia patients who relapsed after being treated with chemotherapy alone during their first complete remission. Of a total of 397 patients who were diagnosed with core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia, 208 experienced a first relapse, and analyses were performed in 139 patients for whom additional data were available. In the entire cohort, the overall survival rate after relapse was 48% at 3 years. By multivariate analysis, younger age at diagnosis, a longer interval before relapse, and inv(16) were shown to be independently associated with better survival after relapse. Although there was no significant difference in survival after relapse between patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and those who did not in the overall series of relapsed patients, we found that transplantation significantly improved survival among patients who had t(8;21) (54% versus 26% at 3 years, P=0.002). In addition, among patients with t(8;21), those who had different cytogenetics at relapse had a significantly improved survival after transplantation, while those who had same cytogenetics did not. We showed that the prognosis differs significantly and optimal treatment strategies may vary between groups of patients with core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia with different cytogenetic profiles at relapse. These findings may help to guide therapeutic decisions after first relapse.

The aim of this paper was to determine whether the interaction between IGF, IGFBP, and VN modulates the functions of porcine EOE cells. Enamel organs from 6-month-old porcine third molars were dissociated into single epithelial cells and subcultured on culture dishes pretreated with VN, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 (IGF-IGFBP-VN complex). The subcultured EOE cells retained their capacity for ameloblast-related gene expression, as shown by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Amelogenin expression was detected in the subcultured EOE cells by immunostaining. The subcultured EOE cells were then seeded onto collagen sponge scaffolds in combination with fresh dental mesenchymal cells and transplanted into athymic rats. After 4 weeks, enamel-dentin-like complex structures were present in the implanted constructs. These results show that EOE cells cultured on IGF-IGFBP-VN complex differentiated into ameloblasts-like cells that were able to secrete amelogenin proteins and form enamel-like tissues in vivo. Functional assays demonstrated that the IGF/IGFBP/VN complex significantly enhanced porcine EOE cell proliferation and tissue forming capacity for enamel. This is the first study to demonstrate a functional role of the IGF-IGFBP-VN complex in EOE cells. This application of the subculturing technique provides a foundation for further tooth-tissue engineering and for improving our understanding of ameloblast biology.

As organizações adotam estratégias complexas para desenvolver a aprendizagem dentro do contexto organizacional. O presente artigo busca avaliar as práticas de Educação Corporativa à Distância por meio do modelo de Kirkpatrick: um estudo de caso numa empresa do ramo de energia no estado do Paraná. Como referencial teórico foram abordados os conceitos de Educação Corporativa, de Educação à Distância, e as formas de avaliação de programas de qualificação à distância. A metodologia utilizada foi apoiada no estudo de caso e os instrumentos empregados para coletas dos dados foram as entrevistas, questionários e a observação direta. O estudo foi efetuado tendo por base o modelo de análise de Kirkpatrick, que define os níveis de avaliação: reação, aprendizado, comportamento (aplicação) e resultado. Os resultados demonstraram que a atividade desenvolvida sensibilizou os colaboradores quanto à continuação da qualificação via EaD, o método de avaliação adotado mostra as impressões dos participantes. Com os resultados da avaliação, torna-se possível efetuar ações corretivas nas qualificações disponibilizadas pela organização, assegurando o êxito do processo de aprendizagem. Palavras-chave: Conhecimento. Método. Avaliação. Aprendizagem. Abstract: Organizations adopt complex strategies to develop learning in the organizational context. The present paper aims at evaluating the Distance Corporate Education via Kirkpatrick’s model: a case study in an energy company in the state of Parana. As theoretical reference, the Corporate Education concepts were approached as well as the evaluation methods of the Distance Education programs. The case study served as basis to the chosen methodology, and interviews, questionnaires and direct observation were used to collect data. The study was based on Kirkpatrick’s model of analysis, which defines the levels of evaluation: reaction, learning, behavior (use) and results. The results showed that the developed activity made the employees aware of the importance of extending their qualification via Distance Education, while the evaluation method reveals the impressions or the participants. The evaluation results enabled the betterment of the qualification programs offered by the organization, assuring the success of the learning process. Keywords: Knowledge. Method. Evaluation. Learning.

Background Patients with acute myeloid leukemia who are treated with conventional chemotherapy still have a substantial risk of relapse; the prognostic factors and optimal treatments after relapse have not been fully established. We, therefore, retrospectively analyzed data from patients with acute myeloid leukemia who had achieved first complete remission to assess their prognosis after first relapse.Design and Methods Clinical data were collected from 70 institutions across the country on adult patients who were diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and who had achieved a first complete remission after one or two courses of induction chemotherapy.Results Among the 1,535 patients who were treated with chemotherapy alone, 1,015 relapsed. Half of them subsequently achieved a second complete remission. The overall survival was 30% at 3 years after relapse. Multivariate analysis showed that achievement of second complete remission, salvage allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, and a relapse-free interval of 1 year or longer were independent prognostic factors. The outcome after allogeneic transplantation in second complete remission was comparable to that after transplantation in first complete remission. Patients with acute myeloid leukemia and cytogenetic risk factors other than inv(16) or t(8;21) had a significantly worse outcome when they did not undergo salvage transplantation even when they achieved second complete remission.Conclusions We found that both the achievement of second complete remission and the application of salvage transplantation were crucial for improving the prognosis of patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first relapse. Our results indicate that the optimal treatment strategy after first relapse may differ according to the cytogenetic risk.

This paper examines the dynamics of capabilities in the transition to the socalled Next Generation Network (NGN), in the telecommunications industry. This transition is occurring in major incumbent fixed telecommunications operators like BT (British Telecom), France Telecom and Deutsche Telekom, among others, where the innovation gap seems to be more challenging compared to mobile operators and cable TV companies. We analyze the capabilities development of BT in the United Kingdom, using documentary and interview data. The main conclusion is that, during the transition, capabilities vary rapidly in intensity: at the very beginning, strategic capabilities infl uence the decision-making and defi ne the transition, and then project capabilities are put in place to deploy the strategy, until functional capabilities take over and maintain the evolutionary path of the technology until a next major transition may occur.

Este artigo propõe a relação entre os custos e receitas ambientais como o principal indicador do desempenho econômico-ambiental das organizações. Aponta a utilização de índices de produtividade e eficiência das atividades ambientais como indicadores intermediários, possibilitando através deles obter a redução de custo pontual de cada atividade operacional, elegendo para isso o método ABC como ferramenta de custeio. O tema foi contextualizado frente à evolução das tendências ambientalistas e foi feita uma revisão conceitual sobre Gestão Ambiental, Custos Ambientais e suas categorias, Indicadores de Desempenho, Produtividade e Eficiência. A seguir descreve a sequência lógica das atitudes a serem tomadas na empresa, sugere alguns indicadores intermediários através de equações e apresenta a relação entre custos e receitas ambientais. Por sintetizar num só número a relação entre todos os valores ambientais envolvidos no processo, este indicador serve também como parâmetro representativo da competência da gestão econômica da organização frente suas ações ambientais.

O segmento automobilístico é considerado um dos mais representativos no setor industrial, por representar grande fonte de empregos e renda, além de ser o precursor de diversos conceitos/técnicas gerenciais e inovações tecnológicas. No entanto, as indústrias automobilísticas sofrem constantes pressões do mercado, dentre as quais: a redução de custos, a melhoria nos processos de qualidade e de atendimento, a redução dos ciclos de vida dos produtos, o atendimento de novos mercados e mais recentemente a busca incessante pelo sucesso do gerenciamento de sua cadeia de suprimentos. O principal objetivo do presente artigo é apresentar a evolução dos conceitos desenvolvidos na indústria automobilística, até o modelo inovador do condomínio industrial administrado no contexto do GCS. Para isso construiu-se um referencial teórico e apresentaram-se as práticas de uma das maiores montadoras de veículos estabelecida no Brasil, mais especificamente em Gravataí-RS. Trata-se da GMB – General Motors do Brasil, que é considerada modelo mundial na implementação do modelo de condomínio industrial. Através da iniciativa desta empresa, percebe-se que o conceito de GCS é perfeitamente aplicável, pois, no final do processo, todos os componentes da cadeia são beneficiados, o que se reflete na redução de seus custos e no crescimento conjunto da montadora e de seus fornecedores.

This work approaches the difficulty on identifying a LPA - Local Productive Arrangement, as a competitiveness factor in a company of low cooperation atmosphere. The proposal refers to the identification of an Arrangement for the metal mechanic sector, which is located in Southwestern Paraná, and its possible implementation. In this sense, this proposal aims to increase the sector competitiveness by glimpsing a cooperative and interactive process among participants. Key words: Local Productive Arrangements; Clusters; Regional development.

The reverse logistics make possible the return of residues to productive and/or business cycle. The present study has as objective to analyse the practices of a wood industry regarding to the residues and the ecological, lawful, and economic returns, obtained with the application of the reverse logistics concepts in the business environment. The technical procedure adopted was the case study. The data collection was made through the direct observation and interviews with the people in charge of the production and logistics sectors. The main results found were: the residues generated returns to the productive cycle obeying the environmental legislation, transforming itself in raw material again. The lawful revaluing of wood residues obtain competitiveness to company, because solve the residues destination problem providing the return for productive and business cycle, thus aggregating economic, lawful and ecological value to the wood residues.

The objective of this paper is to identify how the automotive industries maximize the competitiveness in supply chain management through the constitution of entrepreneurial productive agglomerations of suppliers. For this purpose, an applied research was carried out, and the technical procedure utilized was bibliographic review based in some researches about Brazilian industrial condominiums. Thus, through the constitution of entrepreneurial agglomerations of suppliers in automotive industry it is possible to obtain logistic advantages in the transporting, stocking and warehousing activities. Besides, it is possible to maximize the supply chain management competitiveness through the establishment of trust and lasting relationships between the components of the whole chain.