Technician components and requirements model for the formation and management of cooperation networks among civil construction companies

A indústria da Construção Civil possui um modo de operação semelhante ao das organizações virtuais, mas de forma não estruturada, deixando de proporcionar vantagens competitivas. Para tanto, o artigo propõe um Modelo de Requisitos e Componentes Técnicos, baseado na metodologia EKD (Enterprise Knwoledge Development), para auxiliar a formação e gerência de redes entre empresas da construção civil. Para a elaboração do modelo proposto, foi conduzida uma análise dos projetos internacionais mais relevantes no setor da construção além de estudo de casos contendo sete obras a fim de detectar seus objetivos e pontos falhos a serem reestruturados e adaptados para a indústria da construção civil brasileira. Não obstante, o modelo proposto baseou-se em uma adaptação das melhores práticas de uma arquitetura de referência para redes. Como resultado, a proposição viabiliza uma visão clara dos requisitos necessários, explora a necessidade de intensa comunicação e troca de informações, além de contribuir com pesquisas futuras no que tange a um futuro desenvolvimento de sistema de informação direcionado para este segmento econômico.The operational method of civil construction can be analyzed by the outlook of virtual organizations, however not yet structuralized, hence not providing competitive advantages. Thus, this article considers a Technical Components and Requirements Model, based on EKD methodology (Enterprise Knowledge Development), to assist in the formation and management of networks in civil construction companies. For the elaboration of the considered model, an analysis of the most important international construction projects was conducted, in addition to a case study from seven construction projects in order to detect their goals and defective points, to then be reorganized and adapted to the Brazilian civil construction industry. Moreover, the considered model was also based on an adaptation of reference architecture for civil construction networks. As a result, the proposal makes possible, to the stakeholders, a clear view of the necessary requirements, exploring the necessity of intense communication and exchange of information, besides contributing to future research works regarding a future development of an information system directed for this economic segment

Morphological and immunohistochemical analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, M2 macrophages, BCL 6 and SOX10 in the tumor microenvironment of nodular cutaneous melanoma

Introduction. Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors, and its nodular form with vertical growth is characterized by unfavorable prognosis. However, in the recent years due to advances in basic oncology, a breakthrough in drug therapy of this pathology was made. To a great extent, it is linked to implementation of new therapy with checkpoint inhibitors. The best and longest response rates of cutaneous melanoma to this treatment were achieved compared to other oncological diseases. This fact can be explained by immunogenicity of cutaneous melanoma, high mutational load, as well as features of its tumor microenvironment, where in most cases high infiltration by immunocompetent cell is observed. However, immune cells vary by their composition and functions. Some of them can even promote tumor growth. Therefore, study of cell composition, degree and distribution of immune infiltration in the tumor can help identify potential factors of favorable and unfavorable prognosis for cutaneous melanoma which is important in clinical practice.Aim. To determine the frequency of CD3+-, CD4+-, CD8+-T-lymphocytes, CD163, BCL6 and SOX10 expression in patients with primary nodular cutaneous melanoma, as well as correlation of these markers with each other and standard morphological parameters for this non-epithelial malignant tumor.Materials and methods. In the study, the expression frequency of CD3+-, CD4+-, CD8+-T-lymphocytes, CD163, BCL6 and SOX10 in the postoperative material of 20 patients with true primary nodular cutaneous melanoma was measured using immunohistological analysis. The correlation of these markers with each other and standard morphological parameters was determined.Results. In most cases of nodular cutaneous melanoma, moderate and marked lymphocytic (immune) infiltration (grade II–III) was observed with no correlation with Breslow tumor thickness. Study of the ratio between CD4-positive T helpers and CD8-positive cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment showed that the number of the latter increased the higher was the degree of immune infiltrate. Markedness of macrophage infiltration directly correlated with markedness of lymphocytic infiltration. BCL6 expression in lymphocytes was observed in all cases of infiltration.Conclusion. Immune infiltrate in nodular cutaneous melanoma is a multicomponent, dynamic microenvironment containing both antitumor and tumor-promoting components with balance shifting to one or other side. Their qualitative, quantitative and, possibly, topographic ratios in the primary lesion of cutaneous melanoma affect the effectiveness of drugs and disease prognosis. Knowledge on the predominance of components negatively affecting tumor growth in the primary lesion can help an oncologist in selection of correct treatment tactics and disease observation

SISU: The Swedish Institute for Systems Development

Part 9: Nordic Research in Software and Systems DevelopmentInternational audienceThe research institute SISU aimed at supporting the public sector as well as Sweden’s business and industry in introducing modern methods and tools when developing information systems within their organizations. SISU was founded in 1984 by support from twenty-four companies and organizations and the Swedish Board for Technical Development (STU). In its peak period around 1993, SISU had forty employees and a turnover of 35 million Swedish crowns. The institute carried out a large number of national as well collaborative, EU-supported projects. One result of the projects was the forming of innovative Swedish companies and development of IT-products. SISU was discontinued in the year 2000 primarily due to lack of financial support

Extending the scope of information modelling

Traditional infonnation modelling methods and techniques have mainly been concerned with promoting various representation formalisms far formally describing information systems, and discussing the expressive power of thern. In this talle we take another o:-ack. Inforrnation systems and their formal descriptions exist for sorne reason. Entities, relationships and rules are defined because there is sorne need and rationale behind it. The problern here is to bridge the gap between ill-defined problem and application situations and specificat:i.on of the formal, precise definition of functional requirements of the informat:i.on system. This gap is wide and spans different "cultures" of thought and scientific inquiry in the field of compu ting and infonnation science. In this paper I outline an extended requirements and information modelling paradigm, based on "enterprise rnodelling", i.e. the capture, negotiations about, and specification of business objectives, concepts, rules activities and actors. This paradigm brings up a nurnber of new problems and issues of scientific inquiry, whicb augrnent the traditional approach and brings it closer to problerns experienced in real-life system development and rnaintenance projects