Estratégias de internacionalização das micro e pequenas empresas do sector de moda praia de Salvador

Este estudo tem por objectivo conhecer as estratégias de internacionalização das micro e pequenas empresas do sector de moda praia de Salvador, procurando compreender e desenvolver as condições para promover uma cultura de internacionalização. O estudo caracteriza-se por uma abordagem mista, conciliando uma análise qualitativa, com uma quantitativa, sendo o inquérito, o método utilizado para a recolha de dados. Pretende-se obter informações sobre as características destas empresas com intuito de analisa-las e identificar a etapa em que se encontram relativamente ao processo de internacionalização. Como resultado verificou-se que estas empresas ainda estão num processo muito inicial de internacionalização, a exportação configura-se apenas como uma actividade acessória, aquém de uma estratégia consolidada de internacionalização. Estas empresas acabam por não dispor de uma estrutura e dimensão que permita encetar esses esforços sem o apoio de conjunto de políticas de incentivo e suporte à internacionalização. ABSTRACT: The objective of this study is to identify the intemationalization strategies of Salvador's micro and small enterprises of Beachwear, seeking to comprehend and develop the conditions to promote a culture of internationalization. The study is characterized by a mixed approach, combining a qualitative analysis with a quantitative, being the inquiry, the method used to collect the data The aim is to obtain information's about the characteristics of this enterprises, with the goal to analyse them and identify in which stage of the internationalization process their situated in. As a result, it was verified that this enterprise are still in a very primary stage of internationalization, the exportation is viewed only has an accessory activity, lacking in a consolidated strategy of internationalization. This enterprises end up with having no structure and dimension to enable them to accomplish those efforts, without a set of internationalization incentive and support policies.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty: a new animal model.

Background Context Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure and is frequently performed in humans who need surgical treatment of vertebral fractures. PVP involves cement injection into the vertebral body, thereby providing rapid and significant pain relief. Purpose The testing of novel biomaterials depends on suitable animal models. The aim of this study was to develop a reproducible and safe model of PVP in sheep. Study Design This study used ex vivo and in vivo large animal model study (Merino sheep). Methods Ex vivo vertebroplasty was performed through a bilateral modified parapedicular access in 24 ovine lumbar hemivertebrae, divided into four groups (n=6). Cerament (Bone Support, Lund, Sweden) was the control material. In the experimental group, a novel composite was tested—Spine-Ghost—which consisted of an alpha-calcium sulfate matrix enriched with micrometric particles of mesoporous bioactive glass. All vertebrae were assessed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and underwent mechanical testing. For the in vivo study, 16 sheep were randomly allocated into control and experimental groups (n=8), and underwent PVP using the same bone cements. All vertebrae were assessed postmortem by micro-CT, histology, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR). This work has been supported by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme for collaborative projects (600,000–650,000 USD). Results In the ex vivo model, the average defect volume was 1,275.46±219.29 mm3. Adequate defect filling with cement was observed. No mechanical failure was observed under loads which were higher than physiological. In the in vivo study, cardiorespiratory distress was observed in two animals, and one sheep presented mild neurologic deficits in the hind limbs before recovering. Conclusions The model of PVP is considered suitable for preclinical in vivo studies, mimicking clinical application. All sheep recovered and completed a 6-month implantation period. There was no evidence of cement leakage into the vertebral foramen in the postmortem examination.