Business incubators as a technological infrastructure for supporting small innovative firms’ activities

In recent years, the subject of technological infrastructures has commanded increasing interest from several socio-economic and political segments, including policy-makers, development agents, entrepreneurs, academic and research communities. The focus of industrial and innovation policies has been gradually shifting away from the exclusive or dominant use of direct instruments of support to other more indirect forms of assistance. In order to improve the competitive environment of firms, huge amounts of money have been pouring into the building and reinforcing of technological infrastructures. Among the infrastructures that have been stimulated, business incubators seem to be a possible policy tool aiming at the constant increment of firms’ competitiveness and economic development, through the promotion of technology-based entrepreneurship, diversification of productive activities and the generation and diffusion of innovation in the economy. Incubators have been implemented all over the world, putting together several social actors and their different sets of purposes and objectives. As a consequence, they have also generated a high level of political and economic expectations in relation to their performance. This paper aims to contextualise and systematise the available information and knowledge on incubators as a technological infrastructure and policy tool, providing background information for the whole set of papers of this Special Issue of the International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management on ‘Business incubators and SMEs: policy and determinants for their success’.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Zika virus infection in pregnancy and adverse fetal outcomes in São Paulo State, Brazil: a prospective cohort study.

Robust epidemiological and biological evidence supports a causal link between prenatal Zika Virus (ZIKV) infection and congenital brain abnormalities including microcephaly. However, it remains uncertain if ZIKV infection in pregnancy also increases the risk for other adverse fetal and birth outcomes. In a prospective cohort study we investigated the influence of ZIKV on the prevalence of prematurity, low birth weight, small-for-gestational-age, and fetal death as well as microcephaly (i.e., overall and disproportionate) in the offspring of women attending a high-risk pregnancy clinic during the recent ZIKV outbreak in Brazil. During the recruitment period (01 March 2016-23 August 2017), urine samples were tested for ZIKV by RT-PCR from all women attending the high-risk pregnancy clinic at Jundiaí University Hospital and from the neonates after delivery. Of the 574 women evaluated, 44 (7.7%) were ZIKV RT-PCR positive during pregnancy. Of the 409 neonates tested, 19 (4.6%) were ZIKV RT-PCR positive in the first 10 days of life. In this cohort, maternal ZIKV exposure was not associated with increased risks of prematurity, low birth weight, small-for-gestational-age, or fetal death. However, relative to ZIKV-negative neonates, ZIKV-positive infants had a five-fold increased risk of microcephaly overall (RR 5.1, 95% CI 1.2-22.5) and a ten-fold increased risk of disproportionate microcephaly (RR 10.3, 95% CI 2.0-52.6). Our findings provide new evidence that, in a high-risk pregnancy cohort, ZIKV RT-PCR positivity in the neonate at birth is strongly associated with microcephaly. However, ZIKV infection during pregnancy does not appear to influence the risks of prematurity, low birth weight, small-for-gestational-age or fetal death in women who already have gestational comorbidities. The results suggest disproportion between neonatal head circumference and weight may be a useful screening indicator for the detection of congenital microcephaly associated with ZIKV infection

An Overview of Polymeric Hydrogel Applications for Sustainable Agriculture.

Abstract: Agriculture, a vital element of human survival, confronts challenges of meeting rising demand due to population growth and product availability in developing nations. Reliance on pesticides and fertilizers strains natural resources, leading to soil degradation and water scarcity. Addressing these issues necessitates enhancing water efficiency in agriculture. Polymeric hydrogels, with their unique water retention and nutrient-release capabilities, offer promising solutions. These superabsorbent materials form three-dimensional networks retaining substantial amounts of water. Their physicochemical properties suit various applications, including agriculture. Production involves methods like bulk, solution, and suspension polymerization, with cross-linking, essential for hydrogels, achieved through physical or chemical means, each with different advantages. Grafting techniques incorporate functional groups into matrices, while radiation synthesis offers purity and reduced toxicity. Hydrogels provide versatile solutions to tackle water scarcity and soil degradation in agriculture. Recent research explores hydrogel formulations for optimal agricultural performance, enhancing soil water retention and plant growth. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of hydrogel technologies as adaptable solutions addressing water scarcity and soil degradation challenges in agriculture, with ongoing research refining hydrogel formulations for optimal agricultural use

CO-INFECTION OF DENGUE VIRUS BY SEROTYPES 1 AND 4 IN PATIENT FROM MEDIUM SIZED CITY FROM BRAZIL

SUMMARY The natural co-infection with dengue virus can occur in highly endemic areas where different serotypes have been observed for many years. We report one case of DENV-1/DENV-4 co-infection in human serum detected by molecular tests. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences obtained indicated the presence of genotype V and II for DENV-1 and DENV-4, respectively

Debonding forces of different pads in a lingual bracket system

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the shear bond strength of lingual orthodontic brackets with resin or metal pads, the location of bond failure and the adhesive remnant index (ARI). Methods: A total of 40 extracted upper premolars were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each: bonding with brackets having (1) pads with extended resin directly on the lingual surface of teeth, and (2) pads with metal custom base on the lingual surface of teeth. The debonding force was measured with an Instron universal testing machine. A Student’s t-test was used to assess the difference between groups (α = 0.05). Results: The results showed a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). The shear bond strength of metal pads was significantly higher than resin pads. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it was concluded that the bond strength of lingual brackets with metal pads was higher than that of brackets with composite resin pads, due to the metal part being a single unit and welded. The failure location in the region between the bracket and the resin pad affected a higher percentage of the resin pads than the metal pads

Evaluation of miniscrew angulation in the posterior maxilla using cone-beam computed tomographic image

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed at evaluating whether changes in the insertion angle is a determining factor in the positioning of the miniscrews body in a region with larger interradicular space in the posterior maxilla. Methods: Analysis of 60 posterior maxillary quadrants were made using images obtained by means of cone-beam computed tomographic image (CBCT), with 0.076-mm voxel, which presented a real miniscrew inserted in the mesial region of the maxillary first molars, serving as reference point for the placement of the virtual miniscrews. Measurements of the distances between roots were made in three points on the body of the virtual miniscrews (A, B and C), at four different angulations, 70o, 60o, 50o and 40o (T1 to T4), in relation to the long axis of the second premolar. This evaluation was made in four groups, selected in accordance with the disposition of the roots of the second premolars and first molars: Group 1 (all types of roots), Group 2 (convergent roots), Group 3 (divergent roots) and Group 4 (parallel roots). Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the measurements of points A, B and C, at the different angles (70o, 60o, 50o and 40o) and in the different groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Changes in the insertion angle is not a determinant factor in the positioning of miniscrews body in regions with larger interradicular space in posterior maxilla

Improving university-industry partnership - the Brazilian experience through the scientific and technological development support program (PADCT III)

Developing countries' scientific and technological development depends on the assistance of several government spheres, in particular from the federal one, in order to formulate policies and generate financial support mechanisms. Aiming to explore better the research results for the benefit of the productive sector, the Brazilian government has implemented programs whose main focus is the promotion of the interaction between academia (universities and public research institutions) and companies. Among these initiatives, it is worth mentioning the Scientific and Technological Development Support Program (PADCT), an initiative undertaken by the Brazilian government and the World Bank. The third version of this Program (PADCT III) was set up during the period 1998-2002 and supported 142 projects through its Technological Development Component (CDT), contemplating four lines of action: Technological Platforms (PLAT), Sectoral and Regional Development (PCRS), Specific Collaborative Projects (CE) and Technological Support to Small and Medium Finns (AMPE). This paper aims at presenting this experience through the exploration of an ex-post evaluation related to a set of results demonstrating the feasibility of this S&T policy option for developing countries.O TEXTO COMPLETO DESTE ARTIGO, ESTARÁ DISPONÍVEL À PARTIR DE FEVEREIRO DE 2015.27547548