bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: Inhibition of SDF-1α/CXCR4 Signalling in Subchondral Bone Attenuates Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis
Authors: Dong Yonghui , Liu Hui , Zhang Xuejun , Xu Fei , Qin Liang , Cheng Peng , Huang Hui , Guo Fengjing , Yang Qing , Chen Anmin
Published: June 2016

Previous studies showed that SDF-1α is a catabolic factor that can infiltrate cartilage, decrease proteoglycan content, and increase MMP-13 activity. Inhibiting the SDF-1α/CXCR4 signalling pathway can attenuate the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Recent studies have also shown that SDF-1α enhances chondrocyte proliferation and maturation. These results appear to be contradictory. In the current study, we used a destabilisation OA animal model to investigate the effects of SDF-1α/CXCR4 signalling in the tibial subchondral bone and the OA pathological process. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) mice models were prepared by transecting the anterior cruciate ligament (ACLT), or a sham surgery was performed, in a total of 30 mice. Mice were treated with phosphate buffer saline (PBS) or AMD3100 (an inhibitor of CXCR4) and sacrificed at 30 days post ACLT or sham surgery. Tibial subchondral bone status was quantified by micro-computed tomography (μCT). Knee-joint histology was analysed to examine the articular cartilage and joint degeneration. The levels of SDF-1α and collagen type I c-telopeptidefragments (CTX-I) were quantified by ELISA. Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) were used to clarify the effects of SDF-1α on osteoclast formation and activity in vivo. μCT analysis revealed significant loss of trabecular bone from tibial subchondral bone post-ACLT, which was effectively prevented by AMD3100. AMD3100 could partially prevent bone loss and articular cartilage degeneration. Serum biomarkers revealed an increase in SDF-1α and bone resorption, which were also reduced by AMD3100. SDF-1α can promote osteoclast formation and the expression oftartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K (CK), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in osteoclasts by activating the MAPK pathway, including ERK and p38, but not JNK. In conclusion, inhibition of SDF-1α/CXCR4signalling was able to prevent trabecular bone loss and attenuated cartilage degeneration in PTOA mice.
Duplication and Remolding of tRNA Genes in the Mitochondrial Genome of Reduvius tenebrosus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: Jiang Pei , Li Hu , Song Fan , Cai Yao , Wang Jianyun , Liu Jinpeng , Cai Wanzhi
Published: June 2016

Most assassin bugs are predators that act as important natural enemies of insect pests. Mitochondrial (mt) genomes of these insects are double-strand circular DNAs that encode 37 genes. In the present study, we explore the duplication and rearrangement of tRNA genes in the mt genome of Reduvius tenebrosus, the first mt genome from the subfamily Reduviinae. The gene order rearranges from CR (control region)-trnI-trnQ-trnM-ND2 to CR-trnQ-trnI2-trnI1-trnM-ND2. We identified 23 tRNA genes, including 22 tRNAs commonly found in insects and an additional trnI (trnI2), which has high sequence similarity to trnM. We found several pseudo genes, such as pseudo-trnI, pseudo-CR, and pseudo-ND2, in the hotspot region of gene rearrangement (between the control region and ND2). These features provided evidence that this novel gene order could be explained by the tandem duplication/random loss (TDRL) model. The tRNA duplication/anticodon mutation mechanism further explains the presence of trnI2, which is remolded from a duplicated trnM in the TDRL process (through an anticodon mutation of CAT to GAT). Our study also raises new questions as to whether the two events proceed simultaneously and if the remolded tRNA gene is fully functional. Significantly, the duplicated tRNA gene in the mitochondrial genome has evolved independently at least two times within assassin bugs.
Novel Double-Hit Model of Radiation and Hyperoxia-Induced Oxidative Cell Damage Relevant to Space Travel
Authors: Pietrofesa Ralph , Velalopoulou Anastasia , Lehman Stacey , Arguiri Evguenia , Solomides Pantelis , Koch Cameron , Mishra Om , Koumenis Constantinos , Goodwin Thomas , Christofidou-Solomidou Melpo
Published: June 2016

Spaceflight occasionally requires multiple extravehicular activities (EVA) that potentially subject astronauts to repeated changes in ambient oxygen superimposed on those of space radiation exposure. We thus developed a novel in vitro model system to test lung cell damage following repeated exposure to radiation and hyperoxia. Non-tumorigenic murine alveolar type II epithelial cells (C10) were exposed to >95% O2 for 8 h only (O2), 0.25 Gy ionizing γ-radiation (IR) only, or a double-hit combination of both challenges (O2 + IR) followed by 16 h of normoxia (ambient air containing 21% O2 and 5% CO2) (1 cycle = 24 h, 2 cycles = 48 h). Cell survival, DNA damage, apoptosis, and indicators of oxidative stress were evaluated after 1 and 2 cycles of exposure. We observed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in cell survival across all challenge conditions along with an increase in DNA damage, determined by Comet analysis and H2AX phosphorylation, and apoptosis, determined by Annexin-V staining, relative to cells unexposed to hyperoxia or radiation. DNA damage (GADD45α and cleaved-PARP), apoptotic (cleaved caspase-3 and BAX), and antioxidant (HO-1 and Nqo1) proteins were increased following radiation and hyperoxia exposure after 1 and 2 cycles of exposure. Importantly, exposure to combination challenge O2 + IR exacerbated cell death and DNA damage compared to individual exposures O2 or IR alone. Additionally levels of cell cycle proteins phospho-p53 and p21 were significantly increased, while levels of CDK1 and Cyclin B1 were decreased at both time points for all exposure groups. Similarly, proteins involved in cell cycle arrest was more profoundly changed with the combination challenges as compared to each stressor alone. These results correlate with a significant 4- to 6-fold increase in the ratio of cells in G2/G1 after 2 cycles of exposure to hyperoxic conditions. We have characterized a novel in vitro model of double-hit, low-level radiation and hyperoxia exposure that leads to oxidative lung cell injury, DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest.
Enriched Astaxanthin Extract from Haematococcus pluvialis Augments Growth Factor Secretions to Increase Cell Proliferation and Induces MMP1 Degradation to Enhance Collagen Production in Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Chou Hsin-Yu , Lee Chelsea , Pan Jian-Liang , Wen Zhi-Hong , Huang Shu-Hung , Lan Chi-Wei , Liu Wang-Ta , Hour Tzyh-Chyuan , Hseu You-Cheng , Hwang Byeong , Cheng Kuo-Chen , Wang Hui-Min
Published: June 2016

Among many antioxidants that are used for the repairing of oxidative stress induced skin damages, we identified the enriched astaxanthin extract (EAE) from Haematococcus pluvialis as a viable ingredient. EAE was extracted from the red microalgae through supercritical fluid carbon dioxide extraction. To compare the effectiveness, EAE wastreated on human dermal fibroblasts with other components, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and doxycycline. With sirius red staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we found that PMA decreased the collagen concentration and production while overall the addition of doxycycline and EAE increased the collagen concentration in a trial experiments. EAE increased collagen contents through inhibited MMP1 and MMP3 mRNA expression and induced TIMP1, the antagonists of MMPs protein, gene expression. As for when tested for various proteins through western blotting, it was seen that the addition of EAE increased the expression of certain proteins that promote cell proliferation. Testing those previous solutions using growth factor assay, it was noticeable that EAE had a positive impact on cell proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) than doxycycline, indicating that it was a better alternative treatment for collagen production. To sum up, the data confirmed the possible applications as medical cosmetology agentsand food supplements.
Stress for Vertebral Bodies and Intervertebral Discs with Respect to Squatting Depth
Authors: Hartmann Hagen , Wirth Klaus , Mickel Christoph , Keiner Michael , Sander Andre , Yaghobi Dennis
Published: June 2016

For the development of speed strength in professional sports, “specific” strength training in the half or the quarter squat have been recommended. Due to the better lever ratios, higher loads have to be used to induce the necessary training stimuli compared to the deep squat. Therefore, intradiscal pressure and compressive forces on vertebral bodies increase. Calculated compressive forces for the L3/L4 vertebral segment were revealed to be 6–10-fold bodyweight when the half or the quarter squat was performed with 0.8–1.6-fold bodyweight. After 10 weeks of training, physical education students have even been able to lift 3.89-fold bodyweight in the one repetition maximum (1-RM) of the quarter squat. The presented dependence of squatting depth, load and their influence on the spinal column have not been discussed before. A search for relevant scientific literature was conducted using PubMed. Concerns about increased risk of injuries in the deep squat have been disproven by plenty of cross-sectional studies with professional athletes. On the contrary, the comparably supramaximal weight loads in the half and the quarter squat should be regarded as increasing injury risks caused by the higher shear and compressive forces in the vertebral column. Therefore, we come to the conclusion that the half and the quarter squat should not further be recommended.
Antispasmodic Effects and Action Mechanism of Essential Oil of Chrysactinia mexicana A. Gray on Rabbit Ileum
Authors: Zavala-Mendoza Daniel , Grasa Laura , Zavala-Sánchez Miguel , Pérez-Gutiérrez Salud , Murillo María
Published: June 2016

The Chrysactinia mexicana A. Gray (C. mexicana) plant is used in folk medicine to treat fever and rheumatism; it is used as a diuretic, antispasmodic; and it is used for its aphrodisiac properties. This study investigates the effects of the essential oil of C. mexicana (EOCM) on the contractility of rabbit ileum and the mechanisms of action involved. Muscle contractility studies in vitro in an organ bath to evaluate the response to EOCM were performed in the rabbit ileum. EOCM (1–100 µg·mL−1) reduced the amplitude and area under the curve of spontaneous contractions of the ileum. The contractions induced by carbachol 1 µM, potassium chloride (KCl) 60 mM or Bay K8644 1 µM were reduced by EOCM (30 µg·mL−1). Apamin 1 µM and charybdotoxin 0.01 µM decreased the inhibition induced by EOCM. The d-cAMP 1 µM decreased the inhibition induced by EOCM. l-NNA 10 µM, Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS 1 µM, d,l-propargylglycine 2 mM, or aminooxyacetic acid hemihydrochloride 2 mM did not modify the EOCM effect. In conclusion, EOCM induces an antispasmodic effect and could be used in the treatment of intestinal spasms or diarrhea processes. This effect would be mediated by Ca2+, Ca2+-activated K+ channels and cAMP.
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Stilbenes from Grape Canes
Authors: Piñeiro Zulema , Marrufo-Curtido Almudena , Serrano Maria , Palma Miguel
Published: June 2016

An analytical ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method has been optimized and validated for the rapid extraction of stilbenes from grape canes. The influence of sample pre-treatment (oven or freeze-drying) and several extraction variables (solvent, sample-solvent ratio and extraction time between others) on the extraction process were analyzed. The new method allowed the main stilbenes in grape canes to be extracted in just 10 min, with an extraction temperature of 75 °C and 60% ethanol in water as the extraction solvent. Validation of the extraction method was based on analytical properties. The resulting RSDs (n = 5) for interday/intraday precision were less than 10%. Furthermore, the method was successfully applied in the analysis of 20 different grape cane samples. The result showed that grape cane byproducts are potentially sources of bioactive compounds of interest for pharmaceutical and food industries.
Estimation of Daily Solar Radiation Budget at Kilometer Resolution over the Tibetan Plateau by Integrating MODIS Data Products and a DEM
Authors: Roupioz Laure , Jia Li , Nerry Françoise , Menenti Massimo
Published: June 2016

Considering large and complex areas like the Tibetan Plateau, an analysis of the spatial distribution of the solar radiative budget over time not only requires the use of satellite remote sensing data, but also of an algorithm that accounts for strong variations of topography. Therefore, this research aims at developing a method to produce time series of solar radiative fluxes at high temporal and spatial resolution based on observed surface and atmosphere properties and topography. The objective is to account for the heterogeneity of the land surface using multiple land surface and atmospheric MODIS data products combined with a digital elevation model to produce estimations daily at the kilometric level. The developed approach led to the production of a three-year time series (2008–2010) of daily solar radiation budget at one kilometer spatial resolution across the Tibetan Plateau. The validation showed that the main improvement from the proposed method is a higher spatial and temporal resolution as compared to existing products. However, even if the solar radiation estimates are satisfying on clear sky conditions, the algorithm is less reliable under cloudy sky condition and the albedo product used here has a too coarse temporal resolution and is not accurate enough over rugged terrain.
Estimating Snow Water Equivalent with Backscattering at X and Ku Band Based on Absorption Loss
Authors: Cui Yurong , Xiong Chuan , Lemmetyinen Juha , Shi Jiancheng , Jiang Lingmei , Peng Bin , Li Huixuan , Zhao Tianjie , Ji Dabin , Hu Tongxi
Published: June 2016

Snow water equivalent (SWE) is a key parameter in the Earth’s energy budget and water cycle. It has been demonstrated that SWE can be retrieved using active microwave remote sensing from space. This necessitates the development of forward models that are capable of simulating the interactions of microwaves and the snow medium. Several proposed models have described snow as a collection of sphere- or ellipsoid-shaped ice particles embedded in air, while the microstructure of snow is, in reality, more complex. Natural snow usually forms a sintered structure following mechanical and thermal metamorphism processes. In this research, the bi-continuous vector radiative transfer (bi-continuous-VRT) model, which firstly constructs snow microstructure more similar to real snow and then simulates the snow backscattering signal, is used as the forward model for SWE estimation. Based on this forward model, a parameterization scheme of snow volume backscattering is proposed. A relationship between snow optical thickness and single scattering albedo at X and Ku bands is established by analyzing the database generated from the bi-continuous-VRT model. A cost function with constraints is used to solve effective albedo and optical thickness, while the absorption part of optical thickness is obtained from these two parameters. SWE is estimated after a correction for physical temperature. The estimated SWE is correlated with the measured SWE with an acceptable accuracy. Validation against two-year measurements, using the SnowScat instrument from the Nordic Snow Radar Experiment (NoSREx), shows that the estimated SWE using the presented algorithm has a root mean square error (RMSE) of 16.59 mm for the winter of 2009–2010 and 19.70 mm for the winter of 2010–2011.
Time Series MODIS and in Situ Data Analysis for Mongolia Drought
Authors: Dorjsuren Munkhzul , Liou Yuei-An , Cheng Chi-Han
Published: June 2016

Drought is a period of abnormally dry weather with a serious shortage of water supply. Drought indices can be an advantageous indicator to assess drought for taking further response actions. However, drought indices based on ground meteorological measurements could not completely reveal the land use effects over a regional scale. On the other hand, the satellite-derived products provide consistent, spatial and temporal comparisons of global signatures for the regional-scale drought events. This research is to investigate the drought signatures over Mongolia by using satellite remote sensing imagery. The evapotranspiration (ET), potential evapotranspiration (PET) and two-band Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI2) were extracted from MODIS data. Based on the standardized ratio of ET to PET (ET/PET) and EVI2, the Modified Drought Severity Index (MDSI) anomaly during the growing season from May–August for the years 2000–2013 was acquired. Fourteen-year summer monthly data for air temperature, precipitation and soil moisture content of in situ measurements from sixteen meteorological stations for four various land use areas were analyzed. We also calculated the percentage deviation of climatological variables at the sixteen stations to compare to the MDSI anomaly. Both comparisons of satellite-derived and observed anomalies and variations were analyzed by using the existing common statistical methods. The results demonstrated that the air temperature anomaly (T anomaly) and the precipitation anomaly (P anomaly) were negatively (correlation coefficient r = −0.66) and positively (r = 0.81) correlated with the MDSI anomaly, respectively. The MDSI anomaly distributions revealed that the wettest area occupied 57% of the study area in 2003, while the driest (drought) area occurred over 54% of the total area in 2007. The results also showed very similar variations between the MDSI and T anomalies. The highest (wettest) MDSI anomaly indicated the lowest T anomaly, such as in the year 2003, while the lowest (driest) MDSI anomaly had the highest T anomaly in 2007. By comparing the MDSI anomaly and soil moisture content at a 10-cm depth during the study period, it is found that their correlation coefficient is 0.74.
Conformal Graphene-Decorated Nanofluidic Sensors Based on Surface Plasmons at Infrared Frequencies
Authors: Wei Wei , Nong Jinpeng , Tang Linlong , Zhang Guiwen , Yang Jun , Luo Wei
Published: June 2016

An all-in-one prism-free infrared sensor based on graphene surface plasmons is proposed for nanofluidic analysis. A conformal graphene-decorated nanofluidic sensor is employed to mimic the functions of a prism, sensing plate, and fluidic channel in the tradition setup. Simulation results show that the redshift of the resonant wavelength results in the improvement of sensitivity up to 4525 nm/RIU. To reshape the broadened spectral lines induced by the redshift of the resonant wavelength to be narrower and deeper, a reflection-type configuration is further introduced. By tuning the distance between the graphene and reflective layers, the figure of merit (FOM) of the device can be significantly improved and reaches a maximum value of 37.69 RIU−1, which is 2.6 times that of the former transmission-type configuration. Furthermore, the optimized sensor exhibits superior angle-insensitive property. Such a conformal graphene-decorated nanofluidic sensor offers a novel approach for graphene-based on-chip fluidic biosensing.
A Thermal Performance Analysis and Comparison of Fiber Coils with the D-CYL Winding and QAD Winding Methods
Authors: Li Xuyou , Ling Weiwei , He Kunpeng , Xu Zhenlong , Du Shitong
Published: June 2016

The thermal performance under variable temperature conditions of fiber coils with double-cylinder (D-CYL) and quadrupolar (QAD) winding methods is comparatively analyzed. Simulation by the finite element method (FEM) is done to calculate the temperature distribution and the thermal-induced phase shift errors in the fiber coils. Simulation results reveal that D-CYL fiber coil itself has fragile performance when it experiences an axially asymmetrical temperature gradient. However, the axial fragility performance could be improved when the D-CYL coil meshes with a heat-off spool. Through further simulations we find that once the D-CYL coil is provided with an axially symmetrical temperature environment, the thermal performance of fiber coils with the D-CYL winding method is better than that with the QAD winding method under the same variable temperature conditions. This valuable discovery is verified by two experiments. The D-CYL winding method is thus promising to overcome the temperature fragility of interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes (IFOGs).
A New Method to Plan the Capacity and Location of Battery Swapping Station for Electric Vehicle Considering Demand Side Management
Authors: Liu Wenxia , Niu Shuya , Xu Huiting , Li Xiaoying
Published: June 2016

Compared to electric vehicle (EV) charging mode, battery swapping mode can realize concentrated and orderly charging. Therefore battery swapping stations (BSS) can participate in the demand side management (DSM) as an integrated form. In this context, a new method to plan the capacity and location of BSS for EV, considering DSM, is proposed in this paper. Firstly, based on the original charging power of BSS with the rule of “First-In First-Out”, a bi-level optimal configuration model of BSS, in which net profit of BSS is maximized in the upper model and operating cost of Distribution Company is minimized in the lower model, is developed to decide the rated power, number of batteries, contract pricing and dispatched power of BSS for DSM. Then, the optimal locating model of BSS with the objective of minimizing network loss is built. A mesh adaptive direct search algorithm with YALMIP toolbox is applied to optimize the bi-level model. Simulation calculation was carried on IEEE-33 nodes distribution system and the results show that participating in DSM can improve the economic benefits of both BSS and distribution network and promote the consumption of distributed generation, verifying the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Strategic Part Prioritization for Quality Improvement Practice Using a Hybrid MCDM Framework: A Case Application in an Auto Factory
Authors: Zhou Fuli , Wang Xu , Lin Yun , He Yandong , Zhou Lin
Published: June 2016

Quality improvement practice (QIP), as a competitive strategy, is increasingly vital for auto factories to improve the product quality and brand reputation. Quality activity on selected automotive parts among a variety of competing candidates is featured by prioritization calculation. It arouses our interest how to select the appropriate auto part to perform quality improvement action based on the collected data from the after-sale source. Managers usually select the QIP part by the rule of thumb that is based on the quantitative criterion or the subjective preference of individuals. The total quality management (TQM) philosophy requires multiple stakeholders’ involvement, regarded as a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) issue. This paper proposes a novel hybrid MCDM framework to select the best quality improvement solution combining the subjective and objective information. The rough set-based attribute reduction (RSAR) technique was employed to establish the hierarchy structure of influential criteria, and the decision information was collected with triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) for its vagueness and ambiguity. In addition, the novel hybrid MCDM framework integrating fuzzy DEMATEL (decision making trial and evaluation laboratory) method, the anti-entropy weighting (AEW) technique and fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) was developed to rank the alternatives with the combined weight of criteria. The results argue that the optimal solution keeps a high conformance with Shemshadi’s and Chaghooshi’s methods, which is better than the existing determination. Besides, the result analysis shows the robustness and flexibility of the proposed hybrid MCDM framework.
Stereoselective synthesis of tricyclic compounds by intramolecular palladium-catalyzed addition of aryl iodides to carbonyl groups
Authors: Saadi Jakub , Bentz Christoph , Redies Kai , Lentz Dieter , Zimmer Reinhold , Reissig Hans-Ulrich
Published: June 2016

Starting from γ-ketoesters with an o-iodobenzyl group we studied a palladium-catalyzed cyclization process that stereoselectively led to bi- and tricyclic compounds in moderate to excellent yields. Four X-ray crystal structure analyses unequivocally defined the structure of crucial cyclization products. The relative configuration of the precursor compounds is essentially transferred to that of the products and the formed hydroxy group in the newly generated cyclohexane ring is consistently in trans-arrangement with respect to the methoxycarbonyl group. A transition-state model is proposed to explain the observed stereochemical outcome. This palladium-catalyzed Barbier-type reaction requires a reduction of palladium(II) back to palladium(0) which is apparently achieved by the present triethylamine.
THE GHOST IN THE CITY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX: LE CORBUSIER AND THE FASCIST THEORY OF URBANISME
Authors: Brott Simone
Published: June 2016

In 1927 le Faisceau’s newspaper Le Nouveau Siècle printed a feature “Le Plan Voisin” on Le Corbusier’s 1922 redesign of Paris, including an extract Le Centre de Paris from his Urbanisme (1925). Le Corbusier’s book was considered the “prodigious” model for the Fascist state that the league’s leader Georges Valois called La Cité Française – after his mentor the French engineer and revolutionary philosopher Georges Sorel, who, originally on the radical left, would eventually be credited as the parent of twentieth-century fascist thought. Valois and Le Corbusier had inherited the longer genealogy of French thought from the turn of the century, namely the bitter opposition to the French revolution, and quarrel with the Enlightenment that was characteristic of many French intellectuals in the early twentieth-century. The final page of Urbanisme features a painting depicting Louis XIV ordering the construction of les Invalides (1670). “Homage to a great urbanist: This despot conceived great things and realized them.” The image was produced at the dawning of the French enlightenment: its contents would become the precise object of the fin de siècle reactionary movements of the 1880s that gave birth to le syndicalisme. Le Corbusier thereby historicises his project for the new Paris.
LE CORBUSIER, THE CITY, AND THE MODERN UTOPIA OF DWELLING
Authors: Rabaça Armando
Published: June 2016

In Le Corbusier’s urban plans, the conventional public space of the city is gradually dismembered until it coalesces with the natural surroundings, giving rise to the concept of tapis-vert. Its ultimate expression is found in the Athens Charter. By investigating Le Corbusier’s formative years, this article aims to clarify issues of form and meaning involved in this process. The focus on this early period reveals that the territorial scale of the alliance between city and nature is a central theme of Le Corbusier’s concerns with urban planning, preceding the influence of Latin America in the 1930s which is often seen as its underlying momentum. The focus on form and meaning reveals the inextricable links between this alliance and Le Corbusier’s existential idea of unity. The tapis vert of the Athens Charter will thus be seen as a conceptual argument of the holistic world-view of Le Corbusier’s urban visions: the binding element of meaningful architectural forms and natural world ultimately rooted in his attempt to realize the modern utopia of dwelling.
COMPOSITION OF PERMANENCES IN URBAN LANDSCAPE. PLAN FOR SAINT-DIÉ 1945–46
Authors: Gorgeri Fabiola
Published: June 2016

The relationship between new and existing in urban design is considered by Le Corbusier an opportunity for poetic composition through sequences of visual frames. The public space constitutes the connective tissue and the measure of perceived distance. The buildings are curtains and visual horizons in the territory: they can define the space in which the collective urban scene takes place.
Project of soil and perceptive paths allow a paratactical composition of pieces, assembled according to the calibrated balance of spatial proportion; organic dynamicity of the nature and geometric sign refer both to the physical location of the settlement and baggage of historical references culturally shared.
From the forties and after Second World War, the urban projects focus more on the consolidated city, or fragments of it, seeking a line of historical continuity with pre-existing environment. There are three kinds of permanences: the geographical aspects, the historical aspects derived from the specific territory and the cultural mnemonic references. So, the plan for Saint-Dié is an expressive example where the city is designed adding analogous shapes: a landscape, an atmosphere, where buildings and environmentterritory resonate mutually.
ENDURANCE AND TRANSFORMATION IN LE CORBUSIER’S REDENT
Authors: Cuber Josefina González
Published: June 2016

The redent is the only generic building of Le Corbusier’s to endure and be transformed over the years between the initial and last designs, while others (immeubles-villas, gratteciel cartésien cruciforme, etc) disappeared altogether and still others arose during his lifespan (Unités, gratteciel «patte de poule» or “y”, etc). The residential redents’s obsessive presence can be attributed to its versatility in composition given that it is both open and closed at the same time. While the open form pools from French military architecture, the French garden, and social reformism, the closed form is highly attributed to Sitte’s tradition. To discover its phy- logeny rather than its achievements, all one needs to do is go back in time from the stale mechanism used in Hauptstadt-Berlin to the incipient form that was inoculated based on Fröbel’s teaching system of learning through play.
SAN MARCO IN LE CORBUSIER, SAN MARCO IN BOGOTA
Authors: O’byrne María Cecilia
Published: June 2016

There are many ties between the monumental compound of San Marco in Venice and Le Corbusier. This article follows, studies and organizes these ties to link them to how he resolves the urban project for the Administrative Centre for Bogotá. In it, Le Corbusier leaves aside the isolated buildings that characterize his way of solving urban space, to use the chaos, the turmoil in the compound and uniformity in the detail, which are the features of San Marco: “An ideal and precise conclusion [that] under the rule of Louis XIV had been alrfeady formulated by Abbé Laugier”, says Le Corbusier in Urbanisme.
CONSIDERAÇÕES METODOLÓGICAS PARA A ESTRUTURAÇÃO DE UMA ABORDAGEM PROJETUAL COERENTE COM O DESIGN SUSTENTÁVEL
Authors: Lucca André De Souza
Published: June 2016

Baseado em uma revisão bibliográfica, o presente texto procura discutir as relações entre o método projetual e o desenvolvimento de produtos e serviços buscando fornecer subsídios para a estruturação de uma abordagem metodológica coerente com a ótica do design sustentável. Um dos pressupostos é que, no design sustentável, as variáveis sociais e ambientais particulares de um território tornam-se o sistema de referência e adquirem a força para endereçar a interpretação dos subproblemas e das subsequentes decisões de projeto. Entre as conexões encontradas, torna-se claro a necessidade da adoção de uma abordagem flexível, capaz de ser modificada, implementada ou periodicamente atualizada em função do tema e do contexto de cada projeto. Este tipo de abordagem deve ser capaz de orientar o projetista na busca por soluções sustentáveis, portanto, as fases analíticas de compreensão dos problemas deverão ser estendidas em relação às tradicionais etapas de projeto. Outrossim, percebeu-se que o objeto do projeto transformou-se num sistema que ao mesmo tempo se desdobrou e se complexificou. Um sistema que compreende também o contexto no qual o produto do projeto vai se colocar. Esta intensa conexão dos problemas com o território requer o uso de ferramentas de investigação adequadas para uma exploração contextual. Neste caminho, o metaprojeto apresenta-se como um momento necessário para a correta percepção e a análise dos problemas identificados. Mais do que encontrar respostas definitivas,o objetivo deste ensaio é fornecer uma contribuição efetiva para a área de pesquisa e desenvolvimento de produtos e serviços, auxiliando na concepção de projetos orientados para a sustentabilidade.
POLÍTICA DE COMPETITIVIDADE E DESENVOLVIMENTO: UMA ANÁLISE DA MATURIDADE DA GESTÃO DE INOVAÇÃO DE EMPRESAS DO SUL DA BAHIA
Authors: Brandao Leidiane Alcântara , Gomes Andréa Da Silva , Amarante Segundo Gesil Sampaio
Published: June 2016

Embutido na lógica de políticas públicas de aumento de competitividade e, desenvolvimento empresarial que visam elevar a qualidade e percepção de valor dos produtos e serviços nacionais, projetos de apoio à atividade de inovação vem sendo estruturados e levados ao mercado nos últimos anos, tornando-se importante identificar as características e desempenho em inovação das empresas envolvidas. Desta forma, este artigo ocupa-se em delinear o comportamento de empresas, localizadas no Sul da Bahia, quanto à gestão da inovação a partir de um método experimental que incluiu aplicação dos indicadores da Matriz JOIN de inovação (2013) e, realização de uma análise comparativa entre um grupo experimental, caracterizado por contratantes do projeto de inovação – JOIN e, um grupo de empresas que possuem características semelhantes, mas que não participam do projeto – denominado empresas Gêmeas (grupo de controle). Os resultados indicam que as empresas JOIN possuem desempenho superior na maturidade na atividade de inovação, confirmando a hipótese de que as empresas que aderem a projetos de inovação tendem a apresentar características diferenciadas, que lhes conferem maiores competências para inovar.
RELACIONAMENTOS INTERORGANIZACIONAIS COMO FONTE DE VANTAGEM COMPETITIVA EM CADEIAS DE SUPRIMENTOS
Authors: Gohr Cláudia Fabiana , Meira Luanna Castro , Reul Lívia Maria Albuquerque , Firmino Priscila Rolim
Published: June 2016

O principal objetivo deste artigo é analisar de que forma os relacionamentos interorganizacionais em cadeias de suprimentos contribuem para o desenvolvimento de vantagens competitivas, utilizando como abordagem teórica a visão relacional. A visão relacional considera que nos relacionamentos interorganizacionais as empresas trocam recursos que permitem o desenvolvimento de rendas relacionais e, tais rendas levam ao desenvolvimento de vantagens competitivas. A abordagem metodológica foi o estudo de caso, em que foram estudadas duas empresas de uma cadeia do setor cerâmico, representado por uma empresa focal e um fornecedor de grande importância para as suas operações. A principal técnica de coleta de dados foi a entrevista semiestruturada dirigida aos gerentes das empresas. Para analisar o relacionamento entre as duas empresas foram definidas as seguintes categorias de análise: contratos, critérios de seleção de parceiros, investimentos em ativos específicos de relacionamento e intercâmbio de recursos e capacidades. Pode-se concluir que as duas empresas procuram ampliar a sua vantagem devido ao forte relacionamento que as duas possuem entre si, principalmente em função da forma em que são feitos os contratos (muitos deles baseados na confiança existente na relação), da forma de seleção dos parceiros, dos investimentos que foram feitos na relação e do compartilhamento de recursos e capacidades. As duas empresas obtiveram ganhos relacionais, pois, por meio do investimento feito pela empresa fornecedora, foi possível ampliar a sua rede de clientes em relação aos seus concorrentes. Já empresa focal reduziu os seus custos e o seu preço de venda, configurando, dessa forma em ganhos relacionais. 
SISTEMA PARA GERAÇÃOAUTOMÁTICA DE REQUISIÇÃO DE COMPRAS E CONTROLE DE ATAS DE REGISTRO DE PREÇOS: UM ESTUDO DE CASO NO SETOR ELÉTRICO
Authors: Gonçalves Marcos , Gonçalves Thiago , Tavares Diego , Melo André , NUNES DENILSON
Published: June 2016

Neste artigo, foram utilizadas técnicas de gerência de materiais no planejamento de ressuprimento de materiais no almoxarifado de uma empresa do setor elétrico, cujo processo de aquisição se dá aos moldes de compras públicas. Este estudo objetivou analisar e propor melhorias ao processo de ressuprimento de materiais, de modo que a empresa tivesse suas solicitações atendidas com redução de capital imobilizado em estoques e aumento da eficiência em seus processos de aquisição de materiais. Para tanto, utilizou-se de uma análise do histórico de Requisições de Compras (RC), Atas de Registro de Preço (ARP) e Documentos Formais de Compras (DFC) que serviram de base para a coleta de dados. A partir desses dados, juntamente com o mapeamento do processo de compras, foram sugeridas alterações na forma de inclusão de novos dados no ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) da empresa, além de definições de famílias de materiais e a criação de ferramentas para geração de sugestões de RC e controle de ARP. Além disso, foi sugerido outro modelo de reposição de estoques para a empresa. A fim de verificar a eficácia do sistema proposto, foi apresentada uma avaliação comparativa entre a situação atual de alguns itens existentes nos estoques e um contexto potencial, obtido com a implementação das melhorias propostas nesta pesquisa. Como resultado, concluiu-se que o sistema proposto apresentaria vantagens significavas em relação ao sistema atual da empresa que considera outras possíveis formas de aquisição contempladas na administração pública.
O PILAR MANUTENÇÃO PLANEJADA DA MANUTENÇÃO PRODUTIVA TOTAL (TPM): APLICAÇÃO DA MANUTENÇÃO CENTRADA EM CONFIABILIDADE (RCM)
Authors: De Menezes Giglliara Segantini , Santos Maiquel Moreira Nunes , Chaves Gisele De Lorena Diniz
Published: June 2016

A confiabilidade de equipamentos ou de sistemas é uma das principais preocupações na gestão da manutenção. Ela proporciona maior disponibilidade e vida útil dos equipamentos, que se traduz em ganhos financeiros para a organização, principalmente quando o equipamento é considerado um gargalo ou um recurso com capacidade restrita (CCRs). Este trabalho trata da aplicação da Manutenção Centrada em Confiabilidade (RCM) como forma de encontrar a melhor estratégia de manutenção do pilar “manutenção planejada” da Manutenção Produtiva Total (TPM). O estudo de caso foi feito nas prensas de fardos de celulose das linhas de enfardamento da Suzano Papel e Celulose (SPC). Atualmente a prensa é um CCR, ou seja, tem capacidade superior à necessária, mas que em função das variabilidades que ocorrem nos sistemas produtivos, podem conjunturalmente apresentar restrições de capacidade. Devido aos elevados números de chamados de manutenção, que demandam grandes tempos de parada de linha, a empresa tem tido perdas de produção. Para encontrar a melhor estratégia de manutenção para as prensas, sua confiabilidade foi obtida com o auxílio do Software Reliasoft Weibull ++, identificando que as prensas se encontram no estágio de falhas aleatórias, da curva da banheira. Para os seus componentes críticos, que são as válvulas e bomba M3, levantou-se os tempos médio para falhas (MTBF) e seus tempos médio para reparo (MTTR), para então estabelecer orientações para elaboração do plano de manutenção da prensa tendo como base as atividades da gestão TPM.
ANÁLISE DA OBTENÇÃO DE VANTAGENS COMPETITIVAS PARA ARRANJOS PRODUTIVOS LOCAIS: UM ESTUDO EXPLORATÓRIO NO SETOR DE EXTRAÇÃO MINERAL DO ESTADO DA PARAÍBA
Authors: Gonçalves Anderson Tiago Peixoto , Cândido Gesinaldo Ataíde
Published: June 2016

Com o acirramento da competitividade, as organizações têm buscado alternativas que possibilitem a obtenção de vantagens competitivas. Em meio às estratégias adotadas está a formação das chamadas relações interorganizacionais, baseadas em práticas de cooperação produtiva, ou arranjos organizacionais, os quais consistem em parcerias entre atores de natureza econômica, política e social, com intuito de proporcionar resultados positivos em contraposição à atuação de modo isolado. Dentre as configurações que estas relações podem constituir estão os Arranjos Produtivos Locais (APLs), que são concentrações geográficas de organizações produtivas e institucionais em torno de um conjunto específico de atividades econômicas. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a obtenção de vantagens competitivas com a estruturação de um APL no setor de extração mineral no Estado da Paraíba. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, exploratória, bibliográfica e documental, a qual utilizou como instrumentos de coleta de dados dois roteiros de entrevista semiestruturados, baseados em modelos pré-existentes, os quais foram aplicados junto aos representantes dos agentes produtivos e dos agentes institucionais que integram o referido APL. Os dados foram analisados e tratados qualitativamente, através da utilização da técnica de análise de conteúdo. A partir dos resultados obtidos, chegou-se a conclusão de que a estruturação do APL apresenta um grande potencial para conduzir ao incremento de vantagens competitivas no setor de mineração local, mesmo com a presença de pontos problemáticos a serem ajustados, em especial a necessidade de mudança na cultura local, de assistencialista e individualista para uma postura mais proativa e coletiva.
APLICAÇÃO DE UM MODELO DO DESEMPENHO AMBIENTAL INDUSTRIAL
Authors: Andrade Camila Souza , De Sousa Claudio Arcanjo , Raupp Fabiana
Published: June 2016

Este artigo apresenta e discute a avaliação da aplicação do modelo de desempenho ambiental industrial, criado a partir da junção da norma ISO 14.031 (2004) e o método FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis). Para o desenvolvimento do mesmo, utilizou-se o levantamento dos aspectos e quantificação dos impactos ambientais, mensurando o risco ambiental de cada atividade, produto e serviço exercido por um determinado empreendimento. O método de pesquisa utilizado foi o estudo caso, aplicando o modelo em uma indústria de embalagens. Este modelo propõem indicadores de desempenho ambiental, denominados IDRA (Indicadores de desempenho e risco ambiental) que são capazes de diagnosticar possíveis falhas e melhorias no processo industrial, considerando que para o desenvolvimento do IDRA foram estabelecidos parâmetros de desempenho relativos a legislações aplicáveis, boas práticas adotadas pelo empreendimento, acordos e parcerias com terceiros e verificação de demandas mercadológicas. A partir dos resultados adquiridos nas avaliações dos parâmetros ambientais, formulou-se o calculo do IDRA determinando o desempenho ambiental da instituição, definindo os principais impactos a serem mitigados e as principais ações corretivas a serem tomadas. Após, a determinação do modelo de avaliação de desempenho ambiental industrial e a aplicação deste na indústria de embalagens flexíveis foi obtido o valor de 61,3% de desempenho ambiental, demonstrando que o empreendimento controla parte das interações da atividade empresarial com meio ambiente, porém apresenta diversas oportunidades de melhorias, e ainda existem riscos a serem reduzidos e impactos a serem mitigados.
PROPOSIÇÃO DE UMA NOVA HEURÍSTICA DE SEQUENCIAMENTO BASEADA NO ATC PARA APLICAÇÃO EM AMBIENTE FARMACÊUTICO COM TAREFAS
Authors: Aydos Thiago Franzen , Anzanello Michel J.
Published: June 2016

A aplicação das ferramentas e princípios Lean na preparação de setups e no sequenciamento da produção faz com que empresas consigam executar tarefas em ambientes mais dinâmicos, com maior variação de mix produtivo, redução de estoques e maior efetividade no atendimento aos prazos. Para atender aos objetivos da Manufatura Enxuta através da programação da produção, este artigo propõe uma nova regra de sequenciamento derivada do Apparent Tardiness Cost (ATC) chamada Apparent Tardiness Cost with Task Complexity (ATCTC). A regra visa reduzir a concentração de tarefas de mesma complexidade no ordenamento sem incorrer em atrasos de entrega. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como aplicada, quantitativa e de caráter experimental, visando desenvolver a adaptação de uma regra de sequenciamento multicriterial já existente para o setor farmacêutico. O ATCTC foi aplicado em uma empresa do setor e simulações foram realizadas em ambiente virtual para verificar o seu comportamento em distintas configurações de cenário produtivo. Os resultados obtidos comprovam a eficácia da nova heurística e sugerem significativo potencial para pesquisas futuras.
ANÁLISE ERGONÔMICA NO PROCESSO DE EXTINÇÃO DA Ca(OH)2
Authors: Pinto Mitaiana Maria De Carvalho
Published: June 2016

Reduzir gastos, associado a um ambiente de trabalho auspicioso é o foco para um produto de mais qualidade e bem-estar, proporcionando assim competitividade e atratividade aos consumidores finais. Na indústria química, a redução dos impactos ergonômicos e ambientais durante um processo é de grande importância por minimizar danos à empresa, trabalhadores, comunidade e meio ambiente, levando a uma qualidade de vida em toda a cadeia. Sendo assim o objetivo do projeto foi avaliar o processo de extinção de Ca(OH)2 para tratamento de água bruta. Dentre os principais problemas, temos a alta exposição do colaborador com o particulado que emana no ar, o excesso de movimentação para realização da atividade e perda de água/produto para a limpeza da área após o processo.

O processo inteiro foi tomado como um estudo de caso e para o seu desenvolvimento aplicou-se a Análise Ergonômica do Trabalho concomitantemente as ferramentas RULA, REBA, NIOSH e NIOSH 0600.
PREVISÃO DE DEMANDA NA INDÚSTRIA DE PETRÓLEO: UM ESTUDO DE CASO NO ESTADO DO ESPÍRITO SANTO
Authors: Perini Noéle Bissoli , Bertolde Adelmo Inácio
Published: June 2016

A previsão de demanda se tornou um dos principais fatores na gestão das empresas, revelando-se como uma alternativa estratégica para enfrentar as oscilações da demanda e, assim, evitar prejuízos. A indústria de petróleo possui grande importância para a economia nacional, contribuindo com a geração de empregos diretos e indiretos. Por isso, estudos sobre o consumo dos derivados combustíveis de petróleo auxiliam nas projeções e planejamentos desse setor. Além de que a previsão de vendas é uma importante ferramenta gerencial. Desta forma, este artigo tem como objetivo ajustar um modelo de previsão da demanda, mais adequado à demanda de gasolina no estado do Espírito Santo, com base nos dados de consumo mensais do período de janeiro de 2000 à março de 2015. Para a realização deste estudo primeiramente foi apresentada a revisão bibliográfica dos principais tipos e técnicas de previsão de demanda. Posteriormente, empregaram-se técnicas quantitativas de previsão da demanda (média móvel, média exponencial móvel, equação linear para a tendência, ajustamento exponencial para a tendência, sazonalidade simples e sazonalidade com tendência), e por meio dos parâmetros referentes ao erro acumulado e Desvio Médio Absoluto (MAD), compararam-se os métodos, e foi possível identificar que as principais técnicas de previsão foram a Média Exponencial Móvel e o Ajustamento Exponencial para a Tendência.