Offering planning process development: Bridging the Offering Gaps and Consolidating Top Priority Needs in Product Offering

The aim of this Thesis is to study how to manage the front-end of the offering planning process. This includes actual process development and methods to gather and analyze information to achieve the best outcome in customer oriented product offering. Study is carried out in two parts: theoretical part and company related part. Theoretical framework is created introducing different types of approaches to manage product planning processes. Products are seen as platforms and they are broken down to subsystems to show different parts of the development. With the help of the matrix-based approaches product platform related information is gathered and analyzed. In this kind of analysis business/market drivers and cus-tomer/competitor information are connected with product subsystems. This gives possibilities to study product gaps/needs and possible future ideas/scenarios in different customer segments. Company related part consists of offering planning process development in real company environment. Process formation includes documents and tools that guide planning from the information gathering to the prioritization and decision making.

O trabalho do ator : a preparação que antecede a cena

Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Educação Física

JNK regulates dendrite and spine architecture in the central nervous system influencing spatial learning and motor tasks

JNK1 is a MAP-kinase that has proven a significant player in the central nervous system. It regulates brain development and the maintenance of dendrites and axons. Several novel phosphorylation targets of JNK1 were identified in a screen performed in the Coffey lab. These proteins were mainly involved in the regulation of neuronal cytoskeleton, influencing the dynamics and stability of microtubules and actin. These structural proteins form the dynamic backbone for the elaborate architecture of the dendritic tree of a neuron. The initiation and branching of the dendrites requires a dynamic interplay between the cytoskeletal building blocks. Both microtubules and actin are decorated by associated proteins which regulate their dynamics. The dendrite-specific, high molecular weight microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) is an abundant protein in the brain, the binding of which stabilizes microtubules and influences their bundling. Its expression in non-neuronal cells induces the formation of neurite-like processes from the cell body, and its function is highly regulated by phosphorylation. JNK1 was shown to phosphorylate the proline-rich domain of MAP2 in vivo in a previous study performed in the group. Here we verify three threonine residues (T1619, T1622 and T1625) as JNK1 targets, the phosphorylation of which increases the binding of MAP2 to microtubules. This binding stabilizes the microtubules and increases process formation in non-neuronal cells. Phosphorylation-site mutants were engineered in the lab. The non-phosphorylatable mutant of MAP2 (MAP2- T1619A, T1622A, T1625A) in these residues fails to bind microtubules, while the pseudo-phosphorylated form, MAP2- T1619D, T1622D, Thr1625D, efficiently binds and induces process formation even without the presence of active JNK1. Ectopic expression of the MAP2- T1619D, T1622D, Thr1625D in vivo in mouse brain led to a striking increase in the branching of cortical layer 2/3 (L2/3) pyramidal neurons, compared to MAP2-WT. The dendritic complexity defines the receptive field of a neuron and dictates the output to the postsynaptic cells. Previous studies in the group indicated altered dendrite architecture of the pyramidal neurons in the Jnk1-/- mouse motor cortex. Here, we used Lucifer Yellow loading and Sholl analysis of neurons in order to study the dendritic branching in more detail. We report a striking, opposing effect in the absence of Jnk1 in the cortical layers 2/3 and 5 of the primary motor cortex. The basal dendrites of pyramidal neurons close to the pial surface at L2/3 show a reduced complexity. In contrast, the L5 neurons, which receive massive input from the L2/3 neurons, show greatly increased branching. Another novel substrate identified for JNK1 was MARCKSL1, a protein that regulates actin dynamics. It is highly expressed in neurons, but also in various cancer tissues. Three phosphorylation target residues for JNK1 were identified, and it was demonstrated that their phosphorylation reduces actin turnover and retards migration of these cells. Actin is the main cytoskeletal component in dendritic spines, the site of most excitatory synapses in pyramidal neurons. The density and gross morphology of the Lucifer Yellow filled dendrites were characterized and we show reduced density and altered morphology of spines in the motor cortex and in the hippocampal area CA3. The dynamic dendritic spines are widely considered to function as the cellular correlate during learning. We used a Morris water maze to test spatial memory. Here, the wild-type mice outperformed the knock-out mice during the acquisition phase of the experiment indicating impaired special memory. The L5 pyramidal neurons of the motor cortex project to the spinal cord and regulate the movement of distinct muscle groups. Thus the altered dendrite morphology in the motor cortex was expected to have an effect on the input-output balance in the signaling from the cortex to the lower motor circuits. A battery of behavioral tests were conducted for the wild-type and Jnk1-/- mice, and the knock-outs performed poorly compared to wild-type mice in tests assessing balance and fine motor movements. This study expands our knowledge of JNK1 as an important regulator of the dendritic fields of neurons and their manifestations in behavior.

As duas culturas: Antonio Candido e a formação da sociologia e da literatura no Brasil

Antonio Candido, author of fundamental papers to understand Brazil’s cultures process formation, in his works about sociology and literature formation, he draws an explanation of these process of cultural genesis by mean of referential and functional systems, that become possible Brazilian society expression though scientific and literary cultures. These processes and explanations look at for functional correlations between elements and system by mean of relationship between authors-works-receptors, nevertheless, it must to investigate the individual contributions of authors and works to formation of shapes and directions of system.

Lokalisierung der Fortsatz-induzierenden Domäne von Transmembran-Agrin

Aggregation oder Überexpression der Transmembran-Isoform des extrazellulären Matrix-Proteoglycans Agrin in Neuronen führt zur Bildung zahlreicher filopodienartiger Fortsätze auf Axonen und Dendriten. Ähnliche Fortsätze können auch durch Überexpression von Transmembran-Agrin in verschiedenen nicht-neuronalen Zelllinien induziert werden. Untersuchungen zu dieser Fortsatz-induzierenden Aktivität in Neuronen und nicht-neuronalen Zellen zeigen, dass der extrazelluläre Teil von Transmembran-Agrin für die Fortsatzbildung notwendig ist. In dieser Arbeit wurde mittels verschiedener Deletions- und Mutationskonstrukte der Bereich zwischen den Cysteinen C535 und C567 der siebten Follistatin-ähnlichen Domäne von Transmembran-Agrin als essentiell für die Bildung der filopodienartigen Fortsätze identifiziert. Die siebte Follistatin-ähnliche Domäne konnte durch die erste oder sechste, jedoch nicht durch die achte Follistatin-ähnliche Domäne funktionell ersetzt werden, was für eine funktionelle Redundanz bei einigen Follistatin-ähnlichen Domänen Agrins spricht. Zudem scheint eine kritische Distanz der siebten Follistatin-ähnlichen Domäne zur Plasmamembran für die Fortsatzbildung wichtig zu sein. Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, dass unterschiedliche Regionen innerhalb Agrins für die Bildung der Synapse an der neuromuskulären Endplatte und der Fortsätze im Zentralnervensystem verantwortlich sind, und deuten auf eine Funktion der Follistatin-ähnlichen Domänen Agrins bei der Entwicklung des Zentralnervensystems hin.

Neurite Extension Occurs in the Absence of Regulated Exocytosis in PC12 Subclones

We have investigated the process leading to differentiation of PC12 cells. This process is known to include extension of neurites and changes in the expression of subsets of proteins involved in cytoskeletal rearrangements or in neurosecretion. To this aim, we have studied a PC12 clone (trk-PC12) stably transfected with the nerve growth factor receptor TrkA. These cells are able to undergo both spontaneous and neurotrophin-induced morphological differentiation. However, both undifferentiated and nerve growth factor-differentiated trk-PC12 cells appear to be completely defective in the expression of proteins of the secretory apparatus, including proteins of synaptic vesicles and large dense-core granules, neurotransmitter transporters, and neurotransmitter-synthesizing enzymes. These results indicate that neurite extension can occur independently of the presence of the neurosecretory machinery, including the proteins that constitute the fusion machine, suggesting the existence of differential activation pathways for the two processes during neuronal differentiation. These findings have been confirmed in independent clones obtained from PC12-27, a previously characterized PC12 variant clone globally incompetent for regulated secretion. In contrast, the integrity of the Rab cycle appears to be necessary for neurite extension, because antisense oligonucleotides against the neurospecific isoform of Rab-guanosine diphosphate-dissociation inhibitor significantly interfere with process formation.

The novel cytoskeleton-associated protein Neuronal protein 22: Elevated expression in the developing rat brain

Neuronal development and process targeting is mediated by proteins of the cytoskeleton. However, the signaling pathways underlying these mechanisms are complex and have not yet been fully elucidated. Neuronal protein 22 (NP22) has been identified as a cytoskeleton-associated protein. It colocalizes with microtubules and actin, the two major components of the cytoskeleton. It contains numerous signaling motifs and induces process formation in non-neuronal cells. Expression of rat NP22 (rNP22) rises incrementally at specific time points during brain development, with the greatest elevation occurring during synaptogenesis in the rat brain. its neuronal localization is primarily at the plasma membrane of the soma in the embryonic brain and progresses into homogeneous expression in the postnatal rat brain. Data suggest that NP22 may play a role in mediating the molecular events governing development of the neuronal architecture. Furthermore, its sustained expression in postnatal brain implies a function in the maintenance of neuronal morphology.

The study of ternary carbides formation during SPS consolidation process in the WC-Co-steel system

Tungsten carbide has a wide range of applications, mainly cemented carbides made of WC and Co, as wear resistant materials. However, the high cost of WC-Co powders encourages the use of a substrate to manufacture a functionally graded material (FGM) tool made of WC-Co and a tool steel. These materials join the high wear resistance of the cemented carbide and the toughness of the steel. This work deals with the study interaction of the WC-Co and H13 steel to design a functionally graded material by means of spark plasma sintering (SPS). The SPS, a novel sintering technique reaching the consolidation of the powders at relatively low temperatures and short dwell times, is a promising technique in processing materials. In this study, WC, H13 steel, WC-Co, WC-H13 steel and WC-Co-H13 steel bulk samples were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques to evaluate the phase transformations involved during SPS consolidation process. The W(2)C and W(3)Fe(3)C precipitation were identified after the SPS consolidation of the WC and WC-H13 steel samples, respectively. The precipitation Of W(4)Co(2)C was also identified in the WC-Co and WC-Co-H13 steel samples. The WC-H 13 steel and WC-Co-H13 steel were also evaluated after heat treatments at 1100 degrees C for 9 h, which enhanced the chemical interaction and the precipitation of W(3)Fe(3)C and W(4)Co(2)C, respectively. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How middle managers contribute to strategy formation process: connection of strategy processes and strategy practices

The role of middle management is essential when managing integrative and emergent strategy formation processes. We stand out the importance of its role connecting micro and macro organizational level offering a very important contribution when examining the strategy-as-practice perspective and integrative strategy formation process. The main goal of this research is to analyse the relationship between the integrative strategy formation process and the roles of middle management under the strategy-as-practice perspective. To check it out we adopted a qualitative methodology droving a case analysis in a Spanish University. Data was collected by means of personal interviews with members of different levels of the Institution, documents analysis and direct observation. In advance of some results we find out that the University develops an integrative strategy formation process and confers to middle management an important role extended all over the organization.

Numerical Method to Predict Void Formation during The Liquid Composite Molding Process

Void formation during the injection phase of the liquid composite molding process can be explained as a consequence of the non-uniformity of the flow front progression. This is due to the dual porosity within the fiber perform (spacing between the fiber tows is much larger than between the fibers within in a tow) and therefore the best explanation can be provided by a mesolevel analysis, where the characteristic dimension is given by the fiber tow diameter of the order of millimeters. In mesolevel analysis, liquid impregnation along two different scales; inside fiber tows and within the open spaces between the fiber tows must be considered and the coupling between the flow regimes must be addressed. In such cases, it is extremely important to account correctly for the surface tension effects, which can be modeled as capillary pressure applied at the flow front. Numerical implementation of such boundary conditions leads to illposing of the problem, in terms of the weak classical as well as stabilized formulation. As a consequence, there is an error in mass conservation accumulated especially along the free flow front. A numerical procedure was formulated and is implemented in an existing Free Boundary Program to reduce this error significantly.

A Fair and Secure Cluster Formation Process for Ad Hoc Networks

An efficient approach for organizing large ad hoc networks is to divide the nodesinto multiple clusters and designate, for each cluster, a clusterhead which is responsible forholding intercluster control information. The role of a clusterhead entails rights and duties.On the one hand, it has a dominant position in front of the others because it manages theconnectivity and has access to other node¿s sensitive information. But on the other hand, theclusterhead role also has some associated costs. Hence, in order to prevent malicious nodesfrom taking control of the group in a fraudulent way and avoid selfish attacks from suitablenodes, the clusterhead needs to be elected in a secure way. In this paper we present a novelsolution that guarantees the clusterhead is elected in a cheat-proof manner.

Adsorption kinetic investigations of phthalocyanine derivatives self assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold: Temperature influence on the SAM formation process and quality

The ordered nano-structured surfaces, like self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are of a great scientific interest, due to the low cost, simplicity, and versatility of this method. SAMs found numerous of applications in molecular electronics, biochemistry and optical devices. Phthalocyanine (Pc) complexes are of particular interest for the SAM preparation. These molecules exhibit fascinating physical properties and are chemically and thermally stable. Moreover their complex structure is advantageous for the fabrication of switchable surfaces. In this work the adsorption process of Pcs derivatives, namely, subphthalocyanines (SubPcB) and terbium (2TbPc) sandwich complexes on gold has been investigated. The influence of the molecular concentration, chain length of peripheral groups, and temperature on the film formation process has been examined using a number of techniques. The SAMs formation process has been followed in situ and in real time by means of second harmonic generation (SHG) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. To investigate the quality of the SAMs prepared at different temperatures atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)measurements were performed. Valuable information about SubPcB and 2TbPc adsorbtion process has been obtained in the frame of this work. The kinetic data, obtained with SHG and SPR, shows the best conformance with the first order Langmuir kinetic model. Comparing SHG and SPR results, it has been found, that the film formation occurs faster than the formation of chemical bonds. Such, the maximum amount of molecules on the surface is reached after 6 min for SubPcB and 30 min for 2TbPc. However, at this time the amount of formed chemicals bonds is only 10% and 40% for SubPcB and 2TbPc, respectively. The most intriguing result, among others, was obtained at T = 2 °C, where the formation of the less dense SAMs have been detected with SHG.However, analyzing XPS and AFM data, it has been revealed, that there is the same amount of molecules on the surface at both temperature T = 2 °C, and T = 21 °C, but the amount of formed chemicals bond is different. At T = 2 °C molecules form aggregates, therefore many of available anchor groups stay unattached.

A novel study of the polymerisation process involved in the formation of the network component of polymer-stabilised liquid crystals within electro-optic cells using high performance liquid chromatography

Polymer-stabilised liquid crystals are systems in which a small amount of monomer is dissolved within a liquid crystalline host, and then polymerised in situ to produce a network. The progress of the polymerisation, performed within electro-optic cells, was studied by establishing an analytical method novel to these systems. Samples were prepared by photopolymerisation of the monomer under well-defined reaction conditions; subsequent immersion in acetone caused the host and any unreacted monomer to dissolve. High performance liquid chromatography was used to separate and detect the various solutes in the resulting solutions, enabling the amount of unreacted monomer for a given set of conditions to be quantified. Longer irradiations cause a decrease in the proportion of unreacted monomer since more network is formed, while a more uniform LC director alignment (achieved by decreasing the sample thickness) or a higher level of order (achieved by decreasing the polymerisation temperature) promotes faster reactions.

Economic valuation of an offshore wind farm in Greece: the role of individual’s base-state influences and beliefs in the value formation process

The increased concern for the impacts of climate change on the environment, along with the growing industry of renewable energy sources, and especially wind power, has made the valuation of environmental services and goods of great significance. Offshore wind energy is being exploited exponentially and its importance for renewable energy generation is increasing. We apply a double-bound dichotomous Contingent Valuation Method analysis in order to both a) estimating the Willingness to Pay (WTP) of Greek residents for green electricity produced by offshore wind farm located between the islands of Tinos and Andros and b) identifying factors behind respondents’ WTP including individual’s behaviour toward environment and individual’s views on climate change and renewable energy. A total of 141 respondents participated in the questionnaire. Results show that the respondents are willing to pay on average 20€ every two months through their electricity bill in return for carbon-free electricity and water saving from the wind farm. Respondents’ environmental consciousness and their perception towards climate change and renewable energy have a positive effect on their WTP.