bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Definindo Sucesso em Projetos
Authors: De Farias Filho José Rodrigues , Almeida Norberto Oliveira
Published: June 2011

A disciplina de Gerenciamento de Projetos vem sendo adotada amplamente nos últimos anos por empresas do mundo inteiro e as empresas têm feito altos investimentos em pesquisa, treinamento e consultoria nessa área com a finalidade de trazer benefícios para as organizações que precisam criar vantagens no mercado de alta competitividade e alcançar seus objetivos estratégicos de negócio. Estudos dos principais autores mundiais mostram diversas formas de definir sucesso nas organizações. No Brasil, o Estudo de Benchmarking em GP dos capítulos do PMI de 2009 mostra que no cenário nacional, a grande maioria das empresas investigadas não possui um processo para avaliar se estão alcançando os objetivos de negócio esperados com os investimentos em Gerenciamento de Projetos. O objetivo final desse artigo é demonstrar diversas formas de definir sucesso em projetos, o que facilitará o processo de avaliação do alcance dos benefícios esperados. A metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa bibliográfica a partir de um referencial teórico dos principais periódicos e referências mundiais na respectiva área.
Análise de Gerenciamento de Tempo Aplicado a um Projeto de Petróleo
Authors: Moreira Arielle Meireles , Da Silva Raquel Soares , Palma Manuel Antonio Molina
Published: June 2011

Um gerenciamento de projetos eficiente resulta no aumento da probabilidade de sucesso das atividades e de sua finalização conforme prazos, custos e escopo planejados. Como esta tríade (prazo, custo e escopo) é interligada, qualquer alteração no prazo afetará o escopo e aumentará o custo do projeto. Foi feito um estudo de caso em uma grande empresa exploradora de petróleo e gás. A pesquisa está focada no gerenciamento de tempo em um projeto de petróleo, com o intuito de analisar o cronograma de atividades de acordo com a ferramenta de tempo, o Gráfico de Gantt, no software MS Project 2003. O projeto estudado foi selecionado devido ao seu grande atraso em sua execução e à falta de planejamento e gerenciamento deste. Ao analisar o Gráfico de Gantt, foram identificadas atividades atrasadas. Com isso, os problemas que ocasionaram esses atrasos foram pesquisados (nos documentos do projeto) e seus responsáveis questionados. Assim, foram elaboradas propostas de melhorias para um controle do tempo eficaz nos problemas encontrados.
El Concepto de Marketing Bajo el Paradigma Relacional. Una Agenda para Latinoamérica
Authors: Arroyo Judith Cavazos
Published: June 2011

Este artículo presenta un análisis sobre la situación del marketing en América Latina y sus implicaciones en relación a la globalidad. Se reflexiona en la necesidad de repensar la conceptualización del marketing considerando los avances y los retos para las empresas de la región, así como las características de mercados dinámicos con demandas de un trato más personalizado. Se destaca la necesidad del uso de las nuevas tecnologías y la adopción de nuevos enfoques, tal es el caso del marketing de relaciones, a través del cual se propone un nuevo paradigma en la disciplina.

DOI: 10.5585/remark.v8i1.2124
A Relação dos Distribuidores com uma Marca de Cerveja
Authors: Scharf Edson Roberto , Silveira Amélia
Published: June 2011

As marcas são fatores críticos de sucesso para as organizações e quando bem administradas tornam-se valiosos ativos financeiros e estratégicos. O presente estudo tem como foco a marca, e como objetivo compreender sua importância no processo de compras business-to-business. Mais especificamente, o trabalho buscou conhecer a motivação dos clientes na aquisição da marca, saber se os esforços de comunicação interferem na decisão de compra e compreender a importância da marca no processo de compra. Por meio de pesquisa realizada junto aos distribuidores da cerveja Krill na região Sul do Brasil, concluiu-se que a marca tem importância no processo de compras business-to-business, proporcionando maior volume de vendas e lucratividade. No entanto, ficou evidente que a falta de investimentos na mídia e demais esforços de comunicação dificultam a valorização da marca. Diante deste cenário, conclui-se que o processo de branding pode alavancar o relacionamento entre os distribuidores e a marca, ao proporcionar condições para a criação de vantagens competitivas sustentáveis.

DOI: 10.5585/remark.v8i1.2125
Importância do marketing de relacionamento para a melhoria do atendimento e da vantagem competitiva nos serviços médicos privados
Authors: Magalhães Maria dos Remédios Antunes , Crnkovic Luciana Helena , Moretti Sérgio Luiz do Amaral
Published: June 2011

O objetivo principal deste estudo foi avaliar o grau de intensidade com que as clínicas médicas privadas utilizam e combinam os componentes de seu marketing de relacionamento, sob as perspectivas de seus gerentes e também dos clientes externos. O setor de serviços de saúde privada é um dos que mais crescem no mundo em virtude da, entre outros fatores, maior disponibilidade de serviços de saúde domésticos. Tais interações indicam necessidades de estabelecer relacionamentos mais duradouros com os clientes. Para atender aos objetivos do estudo utilizou-se uma abordagem metodológica exploratória e descritiva. De forma a sustentar na literatura existente, optou-se por aplicar o modelo conceitual de Gordon (1998) que avalia o marketing de relacionamento por meio de oito componentes: cultura e valores; liderança; estratégia; estrutura; recursos humanos; tecnologia; conhecimento e percepção; e processos. Uma amostra de 40 clínicas localizadas em João Pessoa/PB, seus respectivos gerentes e 400 clientes foi utilizada. Os dados foram tratados de forma qualitativa e quantitativa por meio do Mann-Whitney, Análise RIDIT e estatística descritiva. Os resultados sugerem, entre outras coisas, que os componentes do marketing de relacionamento são utilizados moderadamente pelas clínicas médicas privadas. Entretanto, tanto as clínicas quanto os clientes reconhecem a importância da matéria na tentativa de estabelecer relacionamentos longitudinais com os clientes leais.
A Criação de Valor das Franquias Empresariais no Brasil sob a Perspectiva do Franqueador
Authors: Olivo Rodolfo Leandro De Faria , Crivelaro Eduardo , Gozzi Sergio , Cavalcanti Marly
Published: June 2011

O modelo de negócios conhecido como franquia empresarial é amplamente difundido no mundo, e diversas teorias acadêmicas visam explicá-lo enquanto fenômeno organizacional. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo discutir a aplicabilidade dessas teorias no Brasil, considerando-se as evidências empíricas desse setor no país, e, assim, buscar elucidar os motivos que levam os empresários brasileiros cada vez mais a optarem por esse modelo empresarial. O trabalho utilizou a metodologia do estudo da criação de valor econômico das franquias

DOI: 10.5585/remark.v8i1.2128
Atitudes e Fatores que Influenciam o Consumo de Produtos Orgânicos no Varejo
Authors: Rodrigues Ricardo Rossetto , Carlos Camila Castro , Mendonça Paulo Sergio Miranda , Correa Stella Ribeiro Alves
Published: June 2011

O mercado de produtos orgânicos vem crescendo graças à preocupação de consumidores com uma alimentação mais saudável e às pressões do mercado para utilização de meios de produção mais sustentáveis. No Brasil, os produtos orgânicos também se configuram como uma tendência. O presente artigo visa identificar os fatores que influenciam o consumo desses produtos em Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. Para tanto, foca sua análise nos consumidores de produtos orgânicos que optam pelo supermercado como ponto de venda. Empregou-se dois métodos de pesquisa. No primeiro, utilizou-se a pesquisa exploratória e, no segundo, a pesquisa descritiva, mais especificamente o survey. A análise estatística dos dados utilizou a técnica de análise fatorial. Os resultados mostraram que os fatores que levam ao consumo de produtos orgânicos são egocêntricos. Além disso, verificou-se que os consumidores sentem que existem barreiras comerciais que dificultam a compra desses produtos.

DOI: 10.5585/remark.v8i1.2131
O Telemarketing Ativo na Perspectiva do Consumidor
Authors: Mondo Tiago Savi , Costa Jane Iara Pereira da , Santos Aline Regina dos
Published: June 2011

A importância dos call-centers como forma de comunicação de marketing e a sua expansão no mercado conduziram à necessidade de se investigar o telemarketing à luz da percepção dos consumidores. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente estudo é identificar a percepção dos consumidores finais de Florianópolis quanto aos serviços de comunicação do telemarketing ativo. Utilizou-se como referencial teórico abordagens sobre o marketing direto e características e propriedades do telemarketing ativo. A pesquisa caracteriza-se por ser de natureza exploratória, quantitativa do tipo survey. A amostra foi de 400 pessoas residentes na cidade de Florianópolis e o instrumento utilizado foi o questionário. Utilizaram-se procedimentos de estatística descritiva e análise de conteúdo para inferência e análise dos dados.Os resultados demonstram que os respondentes não gostam desse tipo de abordagem. Os motivos alegados por eles para não gostarem da abordagem foram: não concordância em receber contatos com objetivos de divulgação, venda ou pesquisa; falta de necessidade do produto oferecido ou de interesse por ele; sentimento de invasão com esse tipo de abordagem; indisponibilidade para atender a telefonemas com tais intenções; falta de tempo para ocuparem-se desses assuntos; falta de confiança e credibilidade para efetuar compras de produtos e serviços pelo telefone, além da percepção de perigo nesse tipo de transação. Sugestões gerenciais são apresentadas nas conclusões do artigo.

DOI: 10.5585/remark.v8i2.2135
A Publicidade e a Crítica a sua Produção de Sentido no Consumo
Authors: Barreto Filho Eneus Trindade
Published: June 2011

Este texto integra parte da nossa reflexo terica acerca da pesquisa A produo de sentido na recepo da publicidade e nas prticas de consumo de alimentos na cidade de So Paulo, sediada na ECA/USP, que busca definir o papel comunicacional da publicidade, discutindo tambm suas implicaes na construo de sentidos das prticas de consumo, por meio do que aqui iremos considerar como vida material e sua dinmica no cotidiano. Por fim, colocamos algumas consideraes sobre como estudar os sentidos da publicidade nos seus contextos de recepo e sobre a sua presena para a construo dos vnculos que determinam os consumos a partir do olhar da sustentabilidade. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v8i2.2137
Processo de Compra e os Atributos de Loja Valorizados pelos Consumidores: Um Estudo Comparativo com Consumidores Paulistas
Authors: Tamashiro Helenita R. da Silva , Martins Ieda Pelógia , Giraldi Janaina Moura Engracia , Carvalho Dirceu Tornavoi
Published: June 2011

Diante do aumento da competição, aliado às incertezas políticas, econômicas, sociais e tecnológicas, o setor varejista brasileiro vem passando por um processo de transformação conduzido, de um lado, pela própria pressão do mercado e, do outro, pela constante busca por sobrevivência. Nesse cenário, destaca-se a importância de se vislumbrarem preocupações relacionadas à congruência entre os atributos de loja valorizados pelos consumidores e aqueles oferecidos pelo varejista, já que esses atributos constituem fatores relevantes no processo de seleção e escolha da loja. Nessa perspectiva, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi identificar os atributos que sinalizam valor no processo de compra de cosméticos. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa do tipo survey, a partir de uma amostragem não probabilística intencional com 400 respondentes residentes em uma cidade do interior paulista. Os resultados obtidos por meio da análise fatorial e da média aritmética ( ) para os fatores gerados evidenciaram a importância do atributo preço e promoção, tanto para os homens quanto para as mulheres. Mostraram ainda que não existem diferenças significativas entre homens e mulheres em relação aos atributos mais valorizados no processo de compra de cosméticos.

DOI: 10.5585/remark.v8i2.2138
Reflexões sobre as Políticas Públicas Relacionadas ao Programa de Inclusão Bancária para a População de Baixa Renda no Brasil
Authors: Ribeiro Aurea Helena Puga , Furrier Marcio Tadeu , Acevedo Claudia Rosa
Published: June 2011

O objetivo deste ensaio terico propor algumas recomendaes para os formuladores de polticas pblicas quanto ao programa de incluso bancria para o pblico de baixa renda, tomando-se por alvo os beneficirios do Programa Bolsa-Famlia, do Governo Federal. Inicialmente o texto faz uma reviso da literatura sobre impedimentos ao consumo de determinados grupos de consumidores e em uma segunda parte discute os principais aspectos do programa de incluso bancria no Brasil. Em uma terceira parte prope algumas diretrizes para os formuladores de polticas pblicas quanto incluso bancria no Brasil. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v9i1.2153
Raça, Segmentação, Estudos Internacionais e o Contexto de uma Cidade de Afrodescendentes: Um Estudo em Salvador - BA
Authors: Dos Santos Isabela Lacerda , Ladeira Rodrigo , Marques Erica Ferreira
Published: June 2011

Estimulado pelo aumento do poder de compra da populao afrodescendente no Brasil, o mercado vem se preparando para esse grupo de consumidores. Em parmetros atuais, na capital baiana, 12% da populao possui renda acima de dez salrios mnimos. Os afrodescendentes representam apenas 1,7% desse universo; a cor da pele apontada em estudos contemporneos internacionais como elemento que exerce uma influncia predominante na segmentao em outros pases. O objetivo geral deste trabalho analisar a questo da etnia como critrio de segmentao do mercado soteropolitano e, de forma secundria, estudar a existncia de um comportamento de consumo especfico que pode ser encontrada nesse grupo de consumidores. Para tal, uma amostra probabilstica de 400 consumidores foi utilizada e, a partir dela, os hbitos de consumo dos consumidores de Salvador foram analisados. O estudo identificou que a etnia responsvel pela diferenciao de comportamento relativamente a relacionamento dentro dos grupos de influncia, demonstrando que negros preferem se relacionar com pessoas da mesma raa; e, nos motivos que influenciam o momento da compra, aponta que os afrodescendentes so mais sensveis a preo e liquidaes, enquanto, os brancos, a modismo e tendncias. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v9i1.2155
Proposta de Avaliação dos Resultados do Programa de Comunicações de Marketing Sob a Perspectiva da Criação de Valor Para as Organizações
Authors: Guissoni Leandro Angotti , Neves Marcos Fava , Bonizio Roni Cleber
Published: June 2011

Cada vez mais percebida uma ntida ascenso do nvel de exigncia que os administradores recebem para maximizao do retorno do capital investido pelos acionistas. Nesse sentido, os gestores de marketing devem buscar gerar valor s empresas onde atuam e, para isso, a avaliao dos investimentos na rea fundamental. Com a finalidade de contribuir com os estudos que estabelecem a relao entre marketing e a gesto baseada em valor, no presente artigo foi demonstrada uma possibilidade de se avaliar os resultados provenientes das atividades de comunicao de marketing a partir da proposta de indicadores que relacionam os investimentos em comunicaes e as vendas da empresa com a anlise da criao de valor nas organizaes. A partir de uma proposta inicial de indicadores, considerando o embasamento da literatura revisada sobre mtricas em marketing, a pesquisa de campo, exploratria, ocorreu envolvendo entrevistas em profundidade que permitiram validar e incrementar o estudo junto a alguns especialistas da rea de marketing, finanas corporativas e planejamento estratgico. Alm das entrevistas, a pesquisa de campo envolveu, tambm, a elaborao de um estudo de caso para ilustrar a aplicao dos indicadores propostos j revisados conforme os resultados das entrevistas. Como resultado, foi demonstrada a possibilidade de serem aplicados indicadores para a avaliao do plano de comunicao de marketing de maneira a analisar a criao de valor proveniente das aes do plano, principalmente relacionados ao lucro operacional das empresas. A partir do exemplo de aplicao dos indicadores observou-se que, apesar das aes de comunicao de marketing terem alavancado o lucro operacional da empresa em 0,034%, essas aes no contriburam para que houvesse a criao de valor ao negcio da empresa. Portanto, juntamente com os indicadores tambm foram propostos parmetros para se avaliar a criao de valor a partir do nvel de investimento em comunicaes de marketing em um determinado perodo analisado.DOI: 10.5585/remark.v9i2.2170
A Importância Estratégica dos Relacionamentos de Negócios em Redes de Empresas: Uma Visão Baseada no Rbv - Resource Based View
Authors: Alves Carlos Alberto , Pizzinatto Nadia Kassouf , Gonçalves Marcelo Neves
Published: June 2011

Esse trabalho visa discutir a importncia dos relacionamentos estratgicos de negcios de forma cooperativa, pois se tm tornado um importante antecedente de sucesso nos negcios. Estudos mostram que alianas e parcerias possuem um importante papel na moldagem das vantagens competitivas baseadas em recursos da empresa. Para a concretizao dos objetivos propostos nesse estudo, iniciou-se uma investigao em duas redes imobilirias e adotou-se como pilar metodolgico, a tipologia qualitativa de investigao, por fornecer a melhor adequao ao fenmeno observado. Foram utilizados como instrumento: entrevista semi-estruturada, pesquisa bibliogrfica e observao no-participante. Conclui-se que os relacionamentos se mostraram importantes e estratgicos para empresas que esto atuando em formato de redes. Como conseqncia direta, o acesso aos parceiros e aos recursos que esses possuem pode ser considerado, como o mais estratgico dos pontos analisados. Como limite metodolgico deve ser citado o fato de a pesquisa ser de cunho qualitativo. Os resultados tm pouco campo de generalizao se comparados a pesquisas quantitativas. A maior implicao prtica que se pode advir dessa pesquisa levar aos gestores que esto participando de uma rede, a importncia estratgica que os relacionamentos possuem. Os gestores devero considerar, dentro da formulao das suas estratgias, o desenvolvimento e a manuteno de relacionamentos para: terem acessos aos parceiros da rede e aos recursos que esses possuem; e construrem uma posio forte dentro da rede de forma a poderem influenciar outros parceiros.DOI: 10.5585/remark.v9i2.2174
A Complexa Relação entre Marketing Social Corporativo e Consumo Consciente
Authors: Freitas Ane Grasiele Gomes de , Rezende Daniel Carvalho de
Published: June 2011

O ensaio trata de uma reviso histrico-conceitual para a compreenso da evoluo da responsabilidade social e do marketing social corporativo, sob uma perspectiva crtica. Tem-se como objetivo resgatar os termos e identificar as dimenses materialmente condicionantes pelas quais se manifestam, alm de relacion-los com o consumo consciente e seus limitadores. Examinam-se as diferentes vises relativas ao tratamento que se tem dado s iniciativas de marketing no campo social, com ateno s responsabilidades pblica, privada e coletiva. Na sequncia, so apresentadas as barreiras limitantes do comportamento consciente e o potencial dos consumidores para mobilizar intervenes estatais, cobrar seriedade empresarial, conscincia e comprometimento individual. Diante da complexa relao dos temas, uma agenda de pesquisa proposta para a compreenso conjunta dos fenmenos em termos de gaps de informao entre as instituies e a incerteza associada. DOI: 10.5585/remark.v9i3.2179
Radiographic prognosis of finger joint damage predicted by early alteration in synovial vascularity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Potential utility of power doppler sonography in clinical practice
Authors: Fukae Jun , Isobe Masato , Kitano Akemi , Henmi Mihoko , Sakamoto Fumihiko , Narita Akihiro , Ito Takeya , Mitsuzaki Akio , Shimizu Masato , Tanimura Kazuhide , Matsuhashi Megumi , Kamishima Tamotsu , Atsumi Tatsuya , Koike Takao
Published: June 2011

Objective

To investigate the relationship between synovial vascularity and progression of structural bone damage in each finger joint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to demonstrate synovial vascularity as a potential therapeutic marker.

Methods

We studied 250 metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and 250 proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of 25 patients with active RA who were administered adalimumab or tocilizumab. Patients were examined with clinical and laboratory assessments. Power Doppler sonography was performed at baseline and at the fourth and eighth weeks. Synovial vascularity was evaluated according to quantitative measurement. Hand and foot radiography was performed at baseline and the twentieth week.

Results

Clinical indices such as the 28‐joint Disease Activity Score, the Clinical Disease Activity Index, and the Simplified Disease Activity Index were significantly decreased by biologic agents. The MCP and PIP joints with no response in synovial vascularity between baseline and the eighth week (vascularity improvement of ≤70% at the eighth week) showed a higher risk of radiographic progression compared with responsive joints (vascularity improvement of >70% at the eighth week; relative risk 2.33–9). Radiographic progression at the twentieth week was significantly lower in responsive joints than in nonresponsive joints.

Conclusion

The improvement of synovial vascularity following treatment with biologic agents led to suppression of radiographic progression of RA in each finger joint. The alteration in synovial vascularity numerically reflected therapeutic efficacy. Using vascularity as a marker to determine the most suitable therapeutic approach would be beneficial for patients with active RA.
Six‐year course and prognosis of nontraumatic knee symptoms in adults in general practice: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kastelein Marlous , Luijsterburg Pim A. J. , Belo Janneke N. , Verhaar Jan A. N. , Koes Bart W. , Bierma‐Zeinstra Sita M. A.
Published: June 2011

Objective

To examine the 6‐year course of nontraumatic knee symptoms in adults in general practice, to identify prognostic factors for unfavorable outcome, and to develop a clinical prediction rule.

Methods

Adults (ages >35 years) with incident nontraumatic knee symptoms (n = 549) were followed for 6 years. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors associated with an unfavorable outcome, the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was calculated to determine discriminative ability, and a clinical prediction rule was developed. Unfavorable outcome is defined as persistent knee symptoms at 6‐year followup or having undergone knee replacement surgery during followup.

Results

At 6‐year followup, 42.1% of patients had an unfavorable outcome. Having persistent knee symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 5.31, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.27–8.61) and fulfilling the clinical American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for osteoarthritis (OA; OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.48–4.73) at 1‐year followup were significantly associated with unfavorable outcome, while fulfilling the clinical ACR criteria for OA at baseline was not. Baseline factors independently associated with an unfavorable outcome were low/middle education level, comorbidity of the skeletal system, duration of knee symptoms of >3 months, bilateral knee symptoms, self‐reported warm knee, history of nontraumatic knee symptoms, valgus alignment, pain at passive knee flexion/extension, and bony enlargement of the knee joint (AUC 0.80).

Conclusion

Nontraumatic knee symptoms in adults in general practice appear to become a chronic disorder in nearly half of the patients. The developed clinical prediction rule with 10 baseline prognostic factors can be used to select high‐risk patients for an unfavorable outcome at long‐term followup.
Racial and ethnic disparities in disease activity and function among persons with rheumatoid arthritis from university‐affiliated clinics
Authors: Barton J. L. , Trupin L. , Schillinger D. , Gansky S. A. , Tonner C. , Margaretten M. , Chernitskiy V. , Graf J. , Imboden J. , Yelin E.
Published: June 2011

Objective

Health outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have improved significantly over the past 2 decades. However, research suggests that disparities exist by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status, with certain vulnerable populations remaining understudied. Our objective was to assess disparities in disease activity and function by race/ethnicity and explore the impact of language and immigrant status at clinics serving diverse populations.

Methods

We examined a cross‐sectional study of 498 adults with confirmed RA at 2 rheumatology clinics: a university hospital clinic and a public county hospital clinic. Outcomes included the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) and its components, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), a measure of function. We estimated multivariable linear regression models including interaction terms for race/ethnicity and clinic site.

Results

After adjusting for age, sex, education, disease duration, rheumatoid factor status, and medication use, clinically meaningful and statistically significant differences in DAS28 and HAQ scores were seen by race/ethnicity, language, and immigrant status. Lower disease activity and better function was observed among whites compared to nonwhites at the university hospital. This same pattern was observed for disease activity by language (English compared to non‐English) and immigrant status (US‐born compared to immigrant) at the university clinic. No significant differences in outcomes were found at the county clinic.

Conclusion

The relationship between social determinants and RA disease activity varied significantly across clinic setting with pronounced variation at the university, but not at the county clinic. These disparities may be a result of events that preceded access to subspecialty care, poor adherence, or health care delivery system differences.
Efficient Organic Tandem Solar Cells based on Small Molecules
Authors: Riede Moritz , Uhrich Christian , Widmer Johannes , Timmreck Ronny , Wynands David , Schwartz Gregor , Gnehr Wolf‐Michael , Hildebrandt Dirk , Weiss Andre , Hwang Jaehyung , Sundarraj Sudhakar , Erk Peter , Pfeiffer Martin , Leo Karl
Published: June 2011

In this paper, two vacuum processed single heterojunction organic solar cells with complementary absorption are described and the construction and optimization of tandem solar cells based on the combination of these heterojunctions demonstrated. The red‐absorbing heterojunction consists of C60 and a fluorinated zinc phthalocyanine derivative (F4‐ZnPc) that leads to a 0.1–0.15 V higher open circuit voltage Voc than the commonly used ZnPc. The second heterojunction incorporates C60 and a dicyanovinyl‐capped sexithiophene derivative (DCV6T) that mainly absorbs in the green. The combination of both heterojunctions into one tandem solar cell leads to an absorption over the whole visible range of the sun spectrum. Thickness variations of the transparent p‐doped optical spacer between both subcells in the tandem solar cell is shown to lead to a significant change in short circuit current density jsc due to optical interference effects, whereas Voc and fill factor are hardly affected. The maximum efficiency η of about 5.6% is found for a spacer thickness of 150‐165 nm. Based on the optimized 165nm thick spacer, effects of intensity and angle of illumination, and temperature on a tandem device are investigated. Variations in illumination intensity lead to a linear change in jsc over three orders of magnitude and a nearly constant η in the range of 30 to 310 mW cm−2. Despite the stacked heterojunctions, the performance of the tandem device is robust against different illumination angles: jsc and η closely follow a cosine behavior between 0° and 70°. Investigations of the temperature behavior of the tandem device show an increase in η of 0.016 percentage points per Kelvin between −20 °C and 25 °C followed by a plateau up to 50 °C. Finally, further optimization of the tandem stack results in a certified η of (6.07 ± 0.24)% on (1.9893 ± 0.0060)cm2 (Fraunhofer ISE), i.e., areas large enough to be of relevance for modules.
Variations in Atomic Disorder in Biogenic Carbonate Hydroxyapatite Using the Infrared Spectrum Grinding Curve Method
Authors: Asscher Yotam , Weiner Steve , Boaretto Elisabetta
Published: June 2011

Biogenic carbonate hydroxyapatite crystals are inherently disordered at the atomic level due mainly to the substitutions of various ions in the crystal structure, and, in the case of the bone family of materials, to the fact that these very small crystals have a very large surface‐to‐bulk ratio. Characterization of the extent of disorder is of much interest, as this relates to the stability and hence solubility of the crystals. Here the infrared spectrometry grinding curve approach developed for calcite, is adapted to carbonate hydroxyapatites. The infrared splitting factor is plotted against the full width at half height of the strong phosphate absorption peak as a function of increased grinding of the sample. By doing so, the contribution of particle size to the shape of the peaks is better separated from the contribution of atomic disorder to peak shape. It is shown that differences in disorder exist between dentine, cementum, and bone crystals which could reflect crystal size and/or atomic defects within the crystal. It is als shown that systematic differences exist between enamel samples from different taxa, which we assume only reflects atomic disorder differences within these large crystals. The method can be used to characterize atomic disorder in natural hydroxyapatites, as well as in the many different types of synthetic hydroxyapatites used for biomedical implants.
Oxidative Cleavage of the CarbonCarbon σ‐Bond Using Reusable Copper on Iron
Authors: Song Ren‐Jie , Liu Yu , Hu Rui‐Xiang , Liu Yan‐Yun , Wu Ji‐Cheng , Yang Xu‐Heng , Li Jin‐Heng
Published: June 2011

An efficient and resuble copper on iron catalyst has been prepared for the cleavage of the carbon‐carbon σ‐bond in α‐aminocarbonyl compounds leading to the corresponding formylamides and acids with a maximal TON of up to 51,000. It is noteworthy that the copper on iron catalyst can be easily separated from the reaction mixture, and retains its activity after several reuses.
Silica Nanohybrid Membranes with High CO2 Affinity for Green Hydrogen Purification
Authors: Lau Cher Hon , Liu Songlin , Paul Donald R. , Xia Jianzhong , Jean Yan‐Ching , Chen Hongmin , Shao Lu , Chung Tai‐Shung
Published: June 2011

An effective separation of CO2 from H2 can be achieved using currently known polyethylene oxide (PEO)‐based membranes at low temperatures but the CO2 permeability is inadequate for commerical operations. For commercial‐scale CO2/H2 separation, CO2 permeability of these membranes must be significantly enhanced without compromising CO2/H2 selectivity. We report here exceptional CO2/H2 separation properties of a nanohybrid membrane comprising polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGMA) grafts on an organic‐inorganic membrane (OIM) consisting of a low molecular weight polypropylene oxide (PPO)‐PEO‐PPO diamine and 3‐glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GOTMS), an alkoxysilane. The CO2 gas permeability of this nanohybrid membrane can reach 1990 Barrer with a CO2/H2 selectivity of 11 at 35 °C for a mixed gas mixture comprising 50% CO2 ‐ 50% H2 at 3.5 atm. The transformation of the inorganic silica phase from a well‐dispersed network of finely defined nanoparticles to rough porous clusters appears to be responsible for this OIM membrane exceeding the performance of other state‐of‐the‐art PEO‐based membranes.
Effects of Side Chains on Thiazolothiazole‐Based Copolymer Semiconductors for High Performance Solar Cells
Authors: Subramaniyan Selvam , Xin Hao , Kim Felix Sunjoo , Shoaee Safa , Durrant James R. , Jenekhe Samson A.
Published: June 2011

New thiazolothiazole‐dithienosilole copolymer semiconductors bearing side chains of different type, size, and topology were synthesized and used to demonstrate the influence of side chains on morphology, charge transport and photovoltaic properties. The field effect mobility of holes varied from 0.01‐0.03 cm2V−1s−1 in PSOTT and PSEHTT to 0.12 cm2V−1s−1 in PSOxTT. The average power conversion efficiency of solar cells under 1.0 sun illumination could be varied from 2.1% in PSOxTT and 4.1% in PSOTT to 5.0% in PSEHTT. The highest photovoltaic efficiency achieved in PSEHTT, that has all‐branched alkyl side chains and face‐on π‐stacking orientation, was corroborated by its enhanced charge photogeneration observed by transient absorption spectroscopy.
Systemic infections mimicking thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Booth Kristina K. , Terrell Deirdra R. , Vesely Sara K. , George James N.
Published: June 2011

The absence of specific diagnostic criteria, the urgency to begin plasma exchange treatment, and the risk for complications from plasma exchange make the initial evaluation of patients with suspected thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) difficult. Systemic infections may mimic the presenting clinical features of TTP. In the Oklahoma TTP‐HUS (hemolytic‐uremic syndrome) Registry, 1989–2010, 415 consecutive patients have been clinically diagnosed with their first episode of TTP; in 31 (7%) the presenting clinical features were subsequently attributed to a systemic infection. All 31 patients had diagnostic criteria for TTP; 16 (52%) had the complete “pentad” of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neurologic abnormalities, renal failure, and fever. Four (16%) of 25 patients who had ADAMTS13 measurements had <10% activity; three patients had a demonstrable ADAMTS13 inhibitor. Compared with 62 patients with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency (<10%) who had no recognized alternative disorders, patients with systemic infections had more frequent fever, coma, renal failure, and the complete “pentad” of clinical features. Seventeen different infectious etiologies were documented. A systematic literature review identified 67 additional patients with a diagnosis of TTP or HUS and also a systemic infection. Among all 98 patients, infections with 41 different bacteria, viruses, and fungi were documented, suggesting that many different systemic infections may mimic the presenting clinical features of TTP. Initial plasma exchange treatment is appropriate in critically ill patients with diagnostic features of TTP, even if a systemic infection is suspected. Continuing evaluation to document a systemic infection is essential to determine the appropriateness of continued plasma exchange. Am. J. Hematol. 86:743–751, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in an elderly urban Korean population
Authors: Park Hyun‐Kyung , Lee Kyoung‐Ryul , Kim Young‐Jin , Cho Han‐Ik , Eun Kim Jung , Woong Kim Ki , Jung Kim Yu , Lee Keun‐Wook , Hyun Kim Jee , Bang Soo‐Mee , Lee Jong‐Seok
Published: June 2011

Research on the epidemiology of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is limited in Korea. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of MGUS in an elderly urban Korean population. A random sample of 1118 Korean elders was selected from residents aged 65 years or older living in Seongnam, Korea 1 year from August 2005. We obtained plasma samples remaining after scheduled tests for the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging. The mean age of the study population was 72 years (range, 65–97 years). To screen for MGUS, immunofixation and free light‐chain (FLC) assays were performed. Age‐adjusted and gender‐adjusted MGUS prevalence rates in 680 responders were estimated as 3.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.0–4.6%], and the estimated age‐adjusted prevalence of MGUS was 4.3% in men (95% CI = 1.9–6.6%) and 2.6% in women (95% CI = 1.0–4.2%). Abnormal FLC ratios were detected in 10% of MGUS cases. Multivariate analysis of 945 participants revealed that significant risk factors for MGUS included advanced age, male sex, hyperproteinemia, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and abnormal FLC ratio. MGUS is less prevalent among elderly Koreans (3.3%) than other races. This is the first study to estimate the prevalence of MGUS in the Korean elderly population. Our findings should be confirmed with additional studies analyzing follow‐up samples from 2010. Am. J. Hematol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two founder mutations in the SEC23B gene account for the relatively high frequency of CDA II in the Italian population
Authors: Russo Roberta , Gambale Antonella , Esposito Maria Rosaria , Serra Maria Luisa , Troiano Annaelena , De Maggio Ilaria , Capasso Mario , Luzzatto Lucio , Delaunay Jean , Tamary Hannah , Iolascon Achille
Published: June 2011

Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia type II is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by unique abnormalities in the differentiation of cells of the erythroid lineage. The vast majority of CDA II cases result from mutations in the SEC23B gene. To date, 53 different causative mutations have been reported in 86 unrelated cases (from the CDA II European Registry), 47 of them Italian. We have now identified SEC23B mutations in 23 additional patients, 17 Italians and 6 non‐Italian Europeans. The relative allelic frequency of the mutations was then reassessed in a total of 64 Italian and 45 non‐Italian unrelated patients. Two mutations, E109K and R14W, account for over one‐half of the cases of CDA II in Italy. Whereas the relative frequency of E109K is similar in Italy and in the rest of Europe (and is also prevalent in Moroccan Jews), the relative frequency of R14W is significantly higher in Italy (26.3% vs. 10.7%). By haplotype analysis we demonstrated that both are founder mutations in the Italian population. By using the DMLE+ program our estimate for the age of the E109K mutation in Italian population is ≈2,200 years; whereas for the R14W mutation it is ≈3,000 years. We hypothesize that E109K may have originated in the Middle East and may have spread in the heyday of the Roman Empire. Instead, R14W may have originated in Southern Italy. The relatively high frequency of the R14W mutation may account for the known increased prevalence of CDA II in Italy. Am. J. Hematol. 86:727–732, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐dose (40,000 IU twice/week) alpha recombinant human erythropoietin as single agent in low/intermediate risk myelodysplastic syndromes: A retrospective investigation on 133 patients treated in a single institution
Authors: Azzarà Antonio , Carulli Giovanni , Galimberti Sara , Baratè Claudia , Fazzi Rita , Cervetti Giulia , Petrini Mario
Published: June 2011

We investigated the efficacy of alpha recombinant human erythropoietin (α‐rHuEPO) administered as single agent to 133 patients affected by myelodysplastic syndromes referring to our Institution in the last 10 years. WPSS score was “very low” in 67%, “low” in 19%, “intermediate” in 14%. The starting schedule was: 40,000 IU bi‐weekly, with reduction or suspension, when necessary, in responsive patients. According to new IWG criteria, response rate (RR) was 75%, 66%, 59% after 8, 16, 24 weeks, respectively. Comparing “very low” and “low/intermediate” risk, RR was 81% vs. 43% (P < 0.001); 70% vs. 45% (P = 0.040); 63% vs. 42% (P = NS) after 8, 16, 24 weeks. RR was significantly influenced by transfusion dependence (P = 0.039) and basal serum EPO level (P < 0.001). Mean Hb value was 94 ± 11 g/l before therapy; 114 ± 19 after 8 weeks (P < 0.001); 116 ± 18 after 16 weeks (P < 0.001); 114 ± 17 after 24 weeks (P < 0.001). Reduction or suspension of therapy significantly affected Hb level after 4 (P < 0.001) and 8 weeks (P < 0.01). Conversely, restart of full dosage significantly enhanced again Hb level after 4 (P < 0.01) and 8 weeks (P < 0.001). 65% patients are alive (mean survival: 74 weeks). Seventy percent are alive in the “very low risk” group and 38% in “low/intermediate risk” group (P < 0.001). Overall mean follow‐up was 69 weeks (range, 8–376): it was 80 weeks in responsive patients (max 376) and 38 weeks in patients who progressively became unresponsive (max 168) (P < 0.01). Median response was 36 weeks, with 33% of patients still responding after one year. Treatment was well tolerated. Am. J. Hematol. 86:762–767, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The ancient Egyptian dwarfs of the pyramids: The high official and the female worker
Authors: Kozma Chahira , Sarry El Din Azza Mohamed , El Shafy El Banna Rokia Abd , El Samie Kandeel Wafaa Abd , Lachman Ralph
Published: June 2011

The existence of dwarfism is amply documented in ancient Egypt due to the rich biological and artistic legacies. In previous articles published in this journal, I discussed the roles of people with skeletal dysplasia in ancient Egyptian civilization. In this article I, along with my Egyptian and American colleagues, describe two skeletons of dwarfs that date to 2700–2184 BCE and were unearthed from a funerary complex near the Great Pyramids in Giza. The first skeleton belongs to a high official, Per‐ni‐ankh‐w, who died between 45 and 50 years of age. His statue is on display in the Egyptian Museum of Cairo. The second skeleton belongs to a pregnant female worker found with a fetus in situ. Her estimated age at death was 25–30 years. She most likely died during childbirth due to a small pelvic outlet as supported by her narrow sacrum. The fetal bones appear normal. Radiological examination of both skeletons confirmed the clinical diagnosis of achondroplasia.

Ancient Egyptians concerned themselves with the search for spiritual fulfillment through the tradition of moral teachings. Amenemope, a wise man who lived during the reign of Amenhotep III (1391–1354 BCE), advocated respect toward individuals with disabilities:

Do not jeer at a blind man nor tease a dwarf,

Neither interfere with the condition of a cripple.

Do not taunt a man who is in the hand of God,

Nor scowl at him if he errs.

In summary, artistic, biological, and written resources indicate that dwarfs were well integrated in ancient Egyptian society. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of crystallinity and molecular weight on crack behavior in crystalline poly(L‐lactic acid)
Authors: Nurkhamidah Siti , Woo Eamor M.
Published: June 2011

The crack behavior and spherulitic morphology in melt‐crystallized poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) were found to be molecular weight (MW) and crystallinity dependent, along with other key factors. With increasing MW in PLLA, the size of spherulites, band spacing of ring‐banded spherulites, and degree of crystallinity decreased, whereas cracks were increasingly less likely to occur. Multiple types of cracks, that is, circumferential and/or radial cracks, were massively present in low‐MW PLLA (PLLA‐11k), which had a high crystallinity. Upon cooling, in PLLA‐11k at most crystallization temperatures (Tc's), cracks formed, and the crack patterns were dependent on the lamellar morphology within the spherulites. Hexagonal, rather than circular, cracks occurred spontaneously during the cooling process of PLLA of a medium‐MW grade (PLLA‐120k) in PLLA film samples crystallized only at high Tc (135–138°C) and cooled to ambient temperature. However, no cracks of any types at all were present in PLLA films of high enough MWs (PLLA‐152k and PLLA‐258k) upon either slow air cooling or quench cooling when the samples were dipped into liquid nitrogen. Apparently, cooling‐induced contraction differences in different directions were invalid or not sufficient to address the complex cracking behavior in PLLA. In addition, for PLLA‐11k with a substantially high crystallinity, cracks were so prone to occur that even cover constraint imposed another factor in determining the crack and ring‐band patterns. More plausible mechanisms and correlations between the cracks, MW, crystallinity, spherulite size, and spherulite lamellar patterns of PLLA were analyzed in detail and proposed in this study. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Facile preparation and potential application of water‐soluble polymeric temperature/pH probes bearing fluorescein
Authors: Guan Xiaolin , Lai Shoujun , Su Zhixing
Published: June 2011

An unsaturated monomer bearing xanthene groups and allyloxyfluorescein (Al‐Flu), was synthesized from fluorescein and allyl bromide by etherification. The structure of the monomer was confirmed by IR and mass spectroscopy and 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. With azobisisobutyronitrile as a thermal initiator in tetrahydrofuran under 65–70°C, a copolymer of allyloxyfluorescein and acrylamide [poly(Al‐Flu‐co‐AM)] was obtained and was characterized by the methods of IR spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The experimental results show that the fluorescence spectra of water‐soluble poly(Al‐Flu‐co‐AM) was dependent on the pH and temperature in the solution. Moreover, poly(Al‐Flu‐co‐AM) had an excellent linear response between the relative fluorescence intensity and temperature in the range 0–60°C and had a nonlinear response from pH 0.00 to 12.85 between the relative fluorescence intensity and pH. The pH and temperature sensitivities of the fluorescence could be advantageous for it as a multifunctional material to probe pH and temperature. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Water‐based amorphous carbon nanotubes filled polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Yang Xiaoming , Li Liang , Shang Songmin , Tao Xiao‐ming
Published: June 2011

A novel method of making water‐based amorphous carbon nanotubes (ACNTs) for advanced polymer nanocomposites is presented. In this approach, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is introduced onto the amorphous carbon nanotubes to improve the solubility in water and the dispersion in polyvinyl alcohol [PVA] matrix. As a result, the addition of 0.6 wt % ACNTs in the polymer resulted in the significant improvement (167.5 and 175.8%) in the tensile strength and modulus of the polymer, respectively. The improved mechanical property could be ascribed to the load transfer to the nanotubes in the composites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(HEMA‐MAA) hydrogel carrier for oral delivery of insulin
Authors: Tyagi Priyanka , Kumar Amit , Kumar Yougesh , Lahiri Sitanshu S.
Published: June 2011

Poly(HEMA‐MAA) hydrogel particles were synthesized by redox free‐radical polymerization using 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate, different concentration of methacrylic acid as monomer, ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate as crosslinking agent, and APS/TEMED as free‐radical initiator. Fourier transform infrared spectrum of poly(HEMA‐MAA) hydrogels showed intense absorption peak of carbonyl group at ∼ 1700 cm−1 due to carboxylic acid groups of MAA, peak at ∼ 2960 cm−1 due to CH stretching and vinylic peak at 1700 cm−1 independent of MAA concentration. Highest swelling percentage 587% was observed in case of poly(HEMA‐MAA) hydrogel synthesized using 30% of MAA while lowest swelling percentage 413% was observed in hydrogel synthesized 10% of MAA at basic pH (8.0). Scanning electron micrograph of copolymeric particles showed the irregular shape of poly(HEMA‐MAA) particles with conglomeration with each due to ionization of carboxylic groups. Insulin was radiolabeled using technetium‐99m radionuclide and the radiolabeling efficiency was found to be 99%. Poly(HEMA‐MAA) hydrogel having 60% of MAA showed the highest insulin loading efficiency of 68% while lowest 37% was observed in case of 10% MAA hydrogel. Insulin release studies showed only 35–65% of insulin was released into the medium from particles at pH 2.5 in 60 min, while insulin release was significantly higher at pH 7.4. Hypoglycemic effect of the 60 and 80 I.U./kg insulin dose loaded in poly(HEMA‐MAA) copolymeric particles were carried out in fasted diabetic rats and highest decrease in blood glucose level from 506 mg/dL to 170 mg/dL was observed within first 3 h. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.