Capacidades de internet banking e desempenho das pequenas empresas: o valor de negócio da TI na perspectiva de capacidades externas

The purpose of this research is to identify the extent to which Internet Banking Capabilities are related to the performance of small business (bank customers) at the processes and firm levels. As a research method, a survey with small businesses which use internet banking has been conducted. For data analysis, we used Structural Equation Modeling estimated with Partial Least Squares (PLS). The results indicate the direct impact of Internet Banking Capabilities on process performance, which sequentially impacts the performance at the firm level. On the other hand, there is no direct impact of Internet Banking Capabilities on firm performance. Limitations and research opportunities are included in the conclusions.Keywords: IT value, Internet Banking Capabilities, process performance, firm performance.Esta pesquisa objetiva identificar em que medida as capacidades de internet banking estão associadas ao desempenho de pequenas empresas (clientes bancários) nos níveis de processos e de firma. Como método de pesquisa, realizou-se uma survey com pequenas empresas que utilizam internet banking. Para análise de dados, utilizou-se a Modelagem de Equações Estruturais, por estimativa Partial Least Squares (PLS). Os resultados indicam o impacto direto das capacidades de internet banking no desempenho de processos, que, por sua vez, impacta o desempenho no nível de firma. Por outro lado, inexiste relação de impacto direto das Capacidades de Internet Banking no Desempenho de Firma. Limitações e oportunidades de pesquisa constam nas conclusões.Palavras-chave: Valor da TI, capacidades de internet banking, desempenho de processos, desempenho da firma

Evaluation of direct analysis for trace elements in tea and herbal beverages by ICP-MS

In general, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) food analysis requires numerous sample treatment steps that imply an increase of analysis time and the use of chemicals. In this study, the main objective was to evaluate the applicability of the direct analysis by ICP-MS to determine twelve elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn) in tea and herbal beverages. Direct analysis method was compared with two other sample treatments: minimum treatment (acid dilution) and using a destructive method (microwave assisted digestion). Besides the lowest time of analysis, direct analysis provides a reliable response and agrees with the “green chemistry” principles. High sensitivity was also observed by low values of limits of detection and quantification, in general, below 2.5 µg L-1. The method accuracy was evaluated by spiked experiments and values ranged between 82 and 120%. Low values of coefficient of variation were also observed, 2 to 17%, for all analytes. The method exhibited applicability for commercial tea samples as well as for drinks made by herb infusion26612111217CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESPsem informaçãosem informação2012/19142-

Ruthenium(II) Arene Complexes Bearing Tris(pyrazolyl)methanesulfonate Capping Ligands.Electrochemistry, Spectroscopic, and X-ray Structural Characterization

Novel [Ru(L)(Tpms)]Cl and [Ru(L)(Tpms(Ph))]Cl complexes (L = p-cymene, benzene, or hexamethylbenzene, Tpms = tris(pyrazolyl)-methanesulfonate, Tpms(Ph) = tris(3-phenylpyrazoly)methanesulfonate) have been prepared by reaction of [Ru(L)(mu-Cl)(2)](2) with Li[Tpms] and Li[Tpms(Ph)], respectively. [Ru(p-cymene)(Tpms)]BF4 has been synthesized through a metathetic reaction of [Ru(p-cymene)(Tpms)]Cl with AgBF4. [RuCl(cod)(Tpms)] (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) and [RuCl(cod)(Tpms(Ph))] are also reported, being obtained by reaction of [RuCl2(cod)(MeCN)(2)] with Li[Tpms] and Li[Tpms(Ph)], respectively. The structures of the complexes and the coordination modes of the ligands have been established by IR, NMR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (for [RuL(Tpms)]X (L = p-cymene or HMB, X = Cl; L = p-cymene, X = BF4)) studies. Electrochemical studies showed that each complex undergoes a single-electron R-II -> R-III oxidation at a potential measured by cyclic voltammetry, allowing to compare the electron-donor characters of the tris(pyrazolyl)methanesulfonate and arene ligands, and to estimate, for the first time, the values of the Lever E-L ligand parameter for Tmps(Ph), HMB, and cod

The participation of Wajapi women from the State of Amapa (Brazil) in the traditional use of medicinal plants - a case study

Background: the purpose of this study was to analyze the importance of traditional medicinal plants use to Wajapi women in the State of Amapa, Brazil, as well as their practices in the local common illnesses of treatment considering the prevailing practice by non-Indians.Methods: This study was conducted in the Community of the Wajapi Indigenous People, a Brazilian territory located in the central western State of Amapa. Wajapi women were selected for the interview since they have the responsibility to harvest, collect and prepare the preparations. the studied women were residents of four villages. the number of women within these four villages is 24.Results and conclusions: the findings fell into the following three categories: 1) the daily use of medicinal plants by women and main methods of application. in this category, the botanical families found included Leguminosae-Caesalpinoideae, Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae, and Rubiaceae. the main forms of use found were teas, baths, maceration, in natura, and juices; 2) Through analysis of illness and treatment records, a lack of knowledge integration in the health system was shown to be due to a variety of gaps and the need of health professionals to be more aware about the local culture which they intend to work with, what could decrease the prevailing barriers between the social groups involved; 3) Traditional knowledge and possible sustainability can be fostered by stimulating the transmission of traditional knowledge from generation to generation, therefore reducing the dependence on industrialized medicines and also by maintaining an appreciation of those practices among youngsters, who tend to question them.Univ Fed Amapa, Curso Enfermagem, Ctr Ciencias Biol & Saude, BR-68902280 Macapa, Amapa, BrazilUniv Fed Amapa, Lab Estudos Sociais, BR-68902280 Macapa, Amapa, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo Unifesp, DCET, Setor Ciencias Farmaceut, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Amapa, Lab Pesquisa Farm, Ctr Ciencias Biol & Saude, BR-68902280 Macapa, Amapa, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo Unifesp, DCET, Setor Ciencias Farmaceut, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Sealing Capability and SEM Observation of the Implant-Abutment Interface

To evaluate the sealing capability of external hexagon implant systems and assess the marginal fit, two groups (n = 10 each) were employed: SIN (Sistema de Implantes Nacional, Brazil) and Osseotite, (Biomet 3i, USA). Sealing capability was determined by placing 0.7 μL of 1% acid-red solution in the implant wells before the torque of their respective abutments. Specimens were then placed into 2.5 mL vials filled with 1.3 mL of distilled water with the implant-abutment interface submerged. Three samples of 100 μL water were collected at previously determinate times. The absorbance was measured with a spectrophotometer, and the data were analyzed by Two-way ANOVA (P < .05) and Tukey's test. Marginal fit was determined using SEM. Leakage was observed for both groups at all times and was significantly higher at 144 hrs. SEM analysis depicted gaps in the implant-abutment interface of both groups. Gaps in the implant-abutment interface were observed along with leakage increased at the 144 hrs evaluation period

Capacidades de internet banking e desempenho das pequenas empresas: o valor de negócio da TI na perspectiva de capacidades externas

The purpose of this research is to identify the extent to which Internet Banking Capabilities are related to the performance of small business (bank customers) at the processes and firm levels. As a research method, a survey with small businesses which use internet banking has been conducted. For data analysis, we used Structural Equation Modeling estimated with Partial Least Squares (PLS). The results indicate the direct impact of Internet Banking Capabilities on process performance, which sequentially impacts the performance at the firm level. On the other hand, there is no direct impact of Internet Banking Capabilities on firm performance. Limitations and research opportunities are included in the conclusions.Keywords: IT value, Internet Banking Capabilities, process performance, firm performance.Esta pesquisa objetiva identificar em que medida as capacidades de internet banking estão associadas ao desempenho de pequenas empresas (clientes bancários) nos níveis de processos e de firma. Como método de pesquisa, realizou-se uma survey com pequenas empresas que utilizam internet banking. Para análise de dados, utilizou-se a Modelagem de Equações Estruturais, por estimativa Partial Least Squares (PLS). Os resultados indicam o impacto direto das capacidades de internet banking no desempenho de processos, que, por sua vez, impacta o desempenho no nível de firma. Por outro lado, inexiste relação de impacto direto das Capacidades de Internet Banking no Desempenho de Firma. Limitações e oportunidades de pesquisa constam nas conclusões.Palavras-chave: Valor da TI, capacidades de internet banking, desempenho de processos, desempenho da firma

Dehydration of Glucose to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Using LaOCl/Nb2O5 Catalysts in Hot Compressed Water Conditions

The dehydration of fructose and glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural was studied using LaOCl/Nb2O5 in hot compressed water conditions. The catalysts were prepared by impregnation of LaCl3 on Nb2O5 with different loadings. The solids were characterized by EDX, XRD, TGA and N2 physisorption at 77 K and pyridine and CO2 adsorption followed by FTIR; the strength of acidity and basicity was determined by NH3- TPD and CO2- TPD, respectively. The use of acid–base systems for HMF production mainly from glucose requires weak basic sites and moderate acidity condition that is reached with LaOCl/ Nb2O5 as was confirmed by acidity and basicity analyses. The presence of Nb2O5 increase HMF yield (&gt;50%) and prevented the formation of undesirable products in hot compressed water conditions, similar results could be obtained with DMSO.Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias Aplicada

Sympathetic hyperactivity, increased tyrosine hydroxylase and exaggerated corpus cavernosum relaxations associated with oxidative stress plays a major role in the penis dysfunction in townes sickle cell mouse

FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOSickle cell disease patients display priapism that may progress to erectile dysfunction. However, little is known about the pathophysiological alterations of corpus cavernosum in sickle cell disease. Objective Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the functional and molecular alterations of sympathetic machinery and nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling pathway in Townes transgenic sickle cell disease mice. Methods Concentration-response curves to contractile (phenylephrine) and relaxant agents (acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside) were obtained in corpus cavernosum strips from sickle and C57BL/6 (control) mice. Neurogenic contractions and nitrergic relaxations were obtained using electrical-field stimulation. Measurements of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) and a alpha(1A)-, alpha(1B)-and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor mRNA expressions and reactive-oxygen species were performed. Tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylated at Ser-31 and total tyrosine hydroxylase protein expressions in cavernosal tissues were also measured. Results The neurogenic contractions were higher in the sickle cell disease group, in association with elevated tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylated at Ser-31 and total tyrosine hydroxylase protein expression, as well as increased tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA expression. Likewise, phenylephrine-induced contractions were greater in the sickle mice, whereas a alpha(1A)-, alpha(1B)-and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor mRNA expression remained unchanged. Cavernosal relaxations to acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside and EFS were higher in sickle mice, accompanied by decreased eNOS and nNOS, along with lower PDE5 mRNA expression. An increase of about 40% in reactive-oxygen species generation in corpus cavernosum from sickle mice was also detected. Conclusion Our study shows that decreased nitric oxide bioavailability in erectile tissue due to increased oxidative stress leads to both sympathetic hyperactivity and dysregulation of nitric oxide signaling in corpus cavernosum from Townes sickle mice.Sickle cell disease patients display priapism that may progress to erectile dysfunction. However, little is known about the pathophysiological alterations of corpus cavernosum in sickle cell disease. Objective Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the functional and molecular alterations of sympathetic machinery and nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling pathway in Townes transgenic sickle cell disease mice. Methods Concentration-response curves to contractile (phenylephrine) and relaxant agents (acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside) were obtained in corpus cavernosum strips from sickle and C57BL/6 (control) mice. Neurogenic contractions and nitrergic relaxations were obtained using electrical-field stimulation. Measurements of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) and a alpha(1A)-, alpha(1B)-and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor mRNA expressions and reactive-oxygen species were performed. Tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylated at Ser-31 and total tyrosine hydroxylase protein expressions in cavernosal tissues were also measured. Results The neurogenic contractions were higher in the sickle cell disease group, in association with elevated tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylated at Ser-31 and total tyrosine hydroxylase protein expression, as well as increased tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA expression. Likewise, phenylephrine-induced contractions were greater in the sickle mice, whereas a alpha(1A)-, alpha(1B)-and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor mRNA expression remained unchanged. Cavernosal relaxations to acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside and EFS were higher in sickle mice, accompanied by decreased eNOS and nNOS, along with lower PDE5 mRNA expression. An increase of about 40% in reactive-oxygen species generation in corpus cavernosum from sickle mice was also detected. Conclusion Our study shows that decreased nitric oxide bioavailability in erectile tissue due to increased oxidative stress leads to both sympathetic hyperactivity and dysregulation of nitric oxide signaling in corpus cavernosum from Townes sickle mice.1112FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOFAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO2013/19781-2; 2014/00984-