Evaluación de un modelo de abastecimiento para el comercio internacional de carga masiva en Colombia sobre el sector maderero

Teniendo en cuenta el vertiginoso crecimiento que se ha presentado durante el periodo 2003- 2011 en las importaciones del sector maderero en el país, con el presente trabajo se buscara realizar una pertinente evaluación del sistema de distribución actual que tiene el sector, y a partir de dicho análisis proponer soluciones viables para lograr un aumento de la competitividad y productividad del sector. Este trabajo pretende analizar dos escenarios de distribución diferentes: despacho directo en contenedor puerto-centro de distribución, desconsolidar carga en puerto para su posterior distribución, con el objetivo de presentar al sector el modelo que se adapte a sus necesidades teniendo en cuenta diferentes factores como: a. Costos b. Ventajas y Desventajas c. Tiempos d. Distancias

Propuesta de un modelo de negocio de iluminación para el uso eficiente y sostenible de la energía

La iluminación eficiente consiste en brindar luz a un espacio determinado utilizando recursos que consuman poca energía, produzcan confort para quien las utiliza y reduzcan el costo ambiental de producirlas. Este tipo de iluminación pretende generar valor agregado tanto al usuario como al inversionista que la posee, amortizando su inversión a través del ahorro generado al utilizar nuevas tecnologías y produciendo beneficios a través del tiempo debido a su equilibrio con el medio ambiente y vida útil extendida. La idea del presente estudio es brindar un modelo de iluminación eficiente que incluya los parámetros básicos que necesite un sistema de iluminación para ser considerado de valor agregado y amigable con el medio ambiente demostrando sus ventajas y desventajas en el momento de efectuar la selección a partir de unos criterios que incluyen aspectos económicos, técnicos y ambientales.

Análisis de las implicaciones de las normas internacionales fitosanitarias relacionadas con las exportaciones de productos hortofrutícolas colombianos a Suiza

Durante los últimos años debido a la implementación de TLC’s con diferentes países del mundo, Colombia ha obtenido ventajas y desventajas de estos tratados por cuanto estos permiten la eliminación de barreras comerciales para promover e impulsar la exportación e importación entre los países miembros. Por otro lado, existen desventajas debido a que los países tienen diferentes capacidades económicas, tecnológicas y además se exigen ciertas características fitosanitarias que los productos deben tener para prevenir cualquier daño al bienestar humano, animal y vegetal. Estas medidas fitosanitarias pueden ser establecidas por cada país o si los países miembros del tratado lo desean pueden aceptar las medidas fitosanitarias internacionales determinadas por la Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC), como es el caso del Tratado de Libre Comercio entre Colombia y Suiza, países que aceptaron implementar dichas medidas a sus productos, entre los cuales se encuentran los hortofrutícolas, temas que se analizarán en la presente investigación.

Análisis de la viabilidad de la implementación de compras verdes en una organización teniendo en cuenta la sustentabilidad en la cadena de suministro

Hoy en día las organizaciones buscan ser más sustentables a través de la implementación de prácticas verdes en cadena de suministro; en este documento se busca analizar y desarrollar diferentes métodos, propuestas y estrategias para la incorporación de estas prácticas a lo largo de la cadena de suministro. Esta investigación se llevara a cabo por medio del estudio de la “guía de trazabilidad: un acercamiento practico hacia el avance sustentable en las cadenas de suministro globales” además de la norma ISO PC 20400.3, obteniendo como resultado una propuesta de integración entre las compras verdes y la trazabilidad en la cadena de suministro. Todo esto con el objetivo de establecer los requerimientos mínimos que debe tener una empresa, así como los pasos a seguir para la ejecución exitosa de un programa de compras verdes.

El lobby y sus efectos en la reforma tributaria del 2012

La presente investigación pretende dar respuesta al siguiente interrogante: ¿Cuáles son las formas y los efectos del lobby en la discusión de la reforma tributaria del 2012? Para tal efecto, en primer lugar se hace una contextualización del lobby que permita ubicar histórica y coyunturalmente cual ha sido su evolución y se precisan los antecedentes del proyecto de reforma tributaria. En segundo lugar, se hace una revisión teórica desde los distintos enfoques que estudian el lobby con el fin de comprender cuáles son sus actores, como son sus tácticas y formas y cuales sus efectos. Posteriormente y haciendo uso de la metodología cualitativa se hace estudio de caso frente a la reforma tributaria del 2012 identificando actores, sus demandas, las modificaciones logradas y formas en las que se hizo lobby. Finalmente, se ha comparado la normatividad de países como Estados Unidos, Reino Unido, Escocia y de organizaciones supranacionales como la Unión Europea que regulan el ejercicio el cabildeo, detectando ventajas y desventajas y se hace mención especial al proyecto de ley que cursa en Colombia dando algunas recomendaciones.

An approach to coded structured light to obtain three dimensional information

The human visual ability to perceive depth looks like a puzzle. We perceive three-dimensional spatial information quickly and efficiently by using the binocular stereopsis of our eyes and, what is mote important the learning of the most common objects which we achieved through living. Nowadays, modelling the behaviour of our brain is a fiction, that is why the huge problem of 3D perception and further, interpretation is split into a sequence of easier problems. A lot of research is involved in robot vision in order to obtain 3D information of the surrounded scene. Most of this research is based on modelling the stereopsis of humans by using two cameras as if they were two eyes. This method is known as stereo vision and has been widely studied in the past and is being studied at present, and a lot of work will be surely done in the future. This fact allows us to affirm that this topic is one of the most interesting ones in computer vision. The stereo vision principle is based on obtaining the three dimensional position of an object point from the position of its projective points in both camera image planes. However, before inferring 3D information, the mathematical models of both cameras have to be known. This step is known as camera calibration and is broadly describes in the thesis. Perhaps the most important problem in stereo vision is the determination of the pair of homologue points in the two images, known as the correspondence problem, and it is also one of the most difficult problems to be solved which is currently investigated by a lot of researchers. The epipolar geometry allows us to reduce the correspondence problem. An approach to the epipolar geometry is describes in the thesis. Nevertheless, it does not solve it at all as a lot of considerations have to be taken into account. As an example we have to consider points without correspondence due to a surface occlusion or simply due to a projection out of the camera scope. The interest of the thesis is focused on structured light which has been considered as one of the most frequently used techniques in order to reduce the problems related lo stereo vision. Structured light is based on the relationship between a projected light pattern its projection and an image sensor. The deformations between the pattern projected into the scene and the one captured by the camera, permits to obtain three dimensional information of the illuminated scene. This technique has been widely used in such applications as: 3D object reconstruction, robot navigation, quality control, and so on. Although the projection of regular patterns solve the problem of points without match, it does not solve the problem of multiple matching, which leads us to use hard computing algorithms in order to search the correct matches. In recent years, another structured light technique has increased in importance. This technique is based on the codification of the light projected on the scene in order to be used as a tool to obtain an unique match. Each token of light is imaged by the camera, we have to read the label (decode the pattern) in order to solve the correspondence problem. The advantages and disadvantages of stereo vision against structured light and a survey on coded structured light are related and discussed. The work carried out in the frame of this thesis has permitted to present a new coded structured light pattern which solves the correspondence problem uniquely and robust. Unique, as each token of light is coded by a different word which removes the problem of multiple matching. Robust, since the pattern has been coded using the position of each token of light with respect to both co-ordinate axis. Algorithms and experimental results are included in the thesis. The reader can see examples 3D measurement of static objects, and the more complicated measurement of moving objects. The technique can be used in both cases as the pattern is coded by a single projection shot. Then it can be used in several applications of robot vision. Our interest is focused on the mathematical study of the camera and pattern projector models. We are also interested in how these models can be obtained by calibration, and how they can be used to obtained three dimensional information from two correspondence points. Furthermore, we have studied structured light and coded structured light, and we have presented a new coded structured light pattern. However, in this thesis we started from the assumption that the correspondence points could be well-segmented from the captured image. Computer vision constitutes a huge problem and a lot of work is being done at all levels of human vision modelling, starting from a)image acquisition; b) further image enhancement, filtering and processing, c) image segmentation which involves thresholding, thinning, contour detection, texture and colour analysis, and so on. The interest of this thesis starts in the next step, usually known as depth perception or 3D measurement.

A atitude dos alunos face à inclusão dos seus pares com deficiência

RESUMO: A escola actual encontra-se perante o desafio de responder com afectividade às necessidades educativas especiais de uma população cada vez mais heterogénea, onde se adopte um modelo de atendimento adequado a cada um. Neste contexto, consideramos os alunos, os professores e os encarregados de educação elementos chave de todo o processo, sobre os quais recaem responsabilidades acrescidas na concretização da filosofia inclusiva. O presente estudo tem como objectivo averiguar a atitude dos alunos face à inclusão dos seus pares com deficiência, determinando o modo como estes percepcionam as atitudes dos professores e dos pais face à inclusão de alunos com NEE de carácter permanente, vantagens e desvantagens da inclusão de alunos com NEE de carácter permanente e a cooperação entre alunos com e sem deficiência, tendo em conta a tipologia da deficiência (motora e mental). No caso do nosso estudo, contámos com a participação de 520 alunos (N= 270 género feminino e N=250 do género masculino), uma amostra distribuída pelo 2ºciclo, 3º ciclo e secundário dos distritos de Setúbal e Lisboa. A recolha de dados concretizou-se pela aplicação do AID – EF, questionário da autoria de Ramos Leitão, 2011.Esta metodologia de recolha e tratamento de informação permitiu-nos concluir que, na opinião dos alunos ditos normais a atitude dos professores face à inclusão de alunos com NEE de carácter permanente (dimensão d1), não varia em função da tipologia da deficiência (deficiência motora e mental). Da mesma forma, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos (deficiência motora e mental), na opinião dos alunos ditos normais, no que respeita às vantagens da inclusão dos alunos com NEE de carácter permanente (dimensão d2). Na opinião dos alunos ditos normais os resultados demonstraram que a cooperação entre alunos com e sem deficiência (dimensão d3), varia em função da tipologia da deficiência (deficiência motora e mental), apontando esses resultados para uma maior cooperação entre os alunos ditos normais e os seus pares com deficiência mental. Não foram igualmente encontradas diferenças significativas no que respeita às desvantagens da inclusão dos alunos com NEE de carácter permanente (dimensão 4), quando temos em consideração a tipologia da deficiência (deficiência motora e mental). Da mesma forma, na opinião dos alunos normais ditos normais a atitude dos pais face à inclusão de alunos com NEE de carácter permanente (dimensão d5) não variam em função da tipologia da deficiência (deficiência motora e mental).ABSTRACT: Currently the school is faced with the challenge of responding affectionately to the special educational needs of an increasingly heterogeneous population, where a standard model is adopted for each individual. In this context, we consider the students, teachers and guardians, key elements in the whole process, over which fall increased responsibilities in the implementation of the inclusive philosophy. The present study aims to determine the attitude of students towards the inclusion of peers with disabilities, determining how they perceive the attitudes of teachers and parents towards the inclusion of pupils with permanent special education needs, advantages and disadvantages of including students with permanent special education needs and the cooperation between students with and without disabilities, taking into account the type of disability (mental and motor). In the case of our study, we had the participation of 520 students (N = 270 N = female and 250 male), a sample distributed to the 2nd cycle, 3rd cycle and Secondary schools in the districts of Setúbal and Lisbon. The data collected was enabled by the application of the IDA - EF, questionnaire by Ramos Leitão, 2011. This methodology of collecting and processing information allowed us to conclude that, in the opinion of the so-called normal students the teachers´ attitude towards the inclusion of pupils with permanent special education needs (dimension d1) does not vary according to the type of disability (motor and mental). Likewise, no significant differences were found between the two groups (mental and motor), in the opinion of the so-called normal students, with regard to the benefits of the inclusion of pupils with permanent special education needs (dimension d2). In the opinion of the so-called normal students, the results demonstrated that the cooperation between students with and without disabilities (dimension d3), vary depending on the type of disability (mental and motor), these results pointing to a greater cooperation between the so-called normal students and their peers with mental disabilities. There were also no significant differences with respect to the disadvantages of inclusion of pupils with permanent special education needs (dimension d4), when we take into account the type of disability (mental and motor). Similarly, in the opinion of the so-called normal students, the parents´ attitude towards the inclusion of pupils with permanent special education needs (dimension d5) does not vary according to the type of disability (mental and motor).

Hiperactividade... quando todos aprendem juntos

A inclusão de alunos com Necessidades Educativas Especiais, na especificidade «Distúrbio Hiperactividade com Défice de Atenção» em turmas do Ensino regular, requer alguma prudência, pois as opiniões são muitas e por vezes controversas. A inclusão, é um modelo educacional, que contém vantagens e desvantagens na sua aplicação. No entanto, um modelo educacional que contemple a inclusão deve ser dirigido a todos os alunos, com vista ao sucesso e tendo em conta o ritmo próprio de cada um. Neste âmbito, avaliar o conhecimento dos docentes acerca da hiperactividade, conhecer a opinião dos professores relativa ao processo de inclusão de alunos com DHDA, bem como a utilização de terapias e ainda o modo como os professores olham para a resposta que a escola dará no futuro às crianças hiperactivas foi a meta traçada para a nossa investigação. A amostra foi constituída por 50 professores dos vários níveis de ensino que residem na cidade do Fundão. O questionário foi o instrumento de trabalho utilizado para avaliar os dados do estudo. Como resultados do estudo, verifica-se que de um modo geral todos os docentes conhecem o distúrbio DHDA e as causas que indiciam este distúrbio, sendo o factor hereditário o mais apontado. Na questão da inclusão de alunos portadores de DHDA todos os inquiridos consideram válido o seu percurso no ensino regular. Referem, também que a experiência profissional, a formação e as terapias são também uma mais-valia na relação com estes alunos. O trabalho desenvolvido com estas crianças é caracterizado pelos docentes como difícil mas motivante. Numa panorâmica futura para a Educação Especial os docentes entendem ser necessário produzir mudanças que vão ao encontro destes alunos. O trilho percorrido é positivo, porém, muito mais temos que percorrer para evitar a discriminação a todos aqueles a quem a vida trocou as voltas e nasceram diferentes, oferecendo a todos as mesmas oportunidades, que é uma escola inclusiva.

Nanotecnologia e a sua aplicação à terapêutica oncológica

A nanotecnologia, e a sua aplicação na área da biomedicina, em particular na terapêutica e diagnóstico oncológico, tem sido alvo de um desenvolvimento exponencial, com impacto profundo no que respeita a cuidados de saúde. O cancro é uma das doenças que afecta mais pessoas a nível mundial, com elevados índices de mortalidade, níveis de sofrimento físico e emocional e, encargos para o doente, família e sociedade. É uma doença complexa, e a prática clínica convencional constitui um paradigma, na medida em que se revela insuficiente e extremamente agressiva, expondo o doente a medicamentos citotóxicos, não específicos, com elevada toxicidade sistémica e efeitos adversos. A Nanomedicina, e a exploração das propriedades únicas das nanopartículas, apresenta a potencialidade de melhorar a capacidade de detecção e diagnóstico do cancro e, aumentar a especificidade e efectividade no tratamento das células tumorais. No entanto, o recurso a nanotecnologias continua a ser alvo de alguma controvérsia e cepticismo por parte de alguns elementos das comunidades científicas e académica. Com nanoprodutos já aprovados e utilizados em prática clínica e muitos outros em desenvolvimento e investigação em ensaios clínicos, a realização deste trabalho tem como objectivo compreender os conceitos de nanotecnologia e Nanomedicina, perceber o estado da arte, ponderando as vantagens e desvantagens da abordagem “nano” e a sua real aplicação à terapêutica oncológica.

Bt-cotton boosts the gross margin of small-scale cotton producers in South Africa

This paper explores some of the issues involved in the Genetic Modification (GM) debate by focusing on one crop that has been modified for pest resistance, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), and commercially released to small-scale farmers in the Makhathini Flats, KwaZulu Natal, the Republic of South Africa. This was the first commercial release of a GM variety (Bt-cotton) in Sub-Saharan Africa, and thus provides valuable and timely insights into some of the potential advantages and disadvantages of the technology for small-scale farmers in Africa. Even though there are wider concerns regarding the vulnerability of small-scale farmers in the area, the survey results suggest that Bt-cotton generated higher yields and gross margins than non-Bt-cotton. In addition, Bt-cotton significantly reduced the use of pesticide with consequent potential benefits to human health and the environment.

Stopping clinical trials because of treatment ineffectiveness: a comparison of a futility design with a method of stochastic curtailment

This paper introduces a simple futility design that allows a comparative clinical trial to be stopped due to lack of effect at any of a series of planned interim analyses. Stopping due to apparent benefit is not permitted. The design is for use when any positive claim should be based on the maximum sample size, for example to allow subgroup analyses or the evaluation of safety or secondary efficacy responses. A final frequentist analysis can be performed that is valid for the type of design employed. Here the design is described and its properties are presented. Its advantages and disadvantages relative to the use of stochastic curtailment are discussed. Copyright (C) 2003 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.

Attitudes of landscape professionals towards naturalistic versus formal urban landscapes in the UK

The last 30 years have seen a tide of interest sweeping across Europe in the development of nature in cities, and an increasing amount of landscape development in urban areas has involved the use of 'naturalistic' styles. This is an increasing attempt to find ways for urbanism and nature to co-exist. However, there have been considerable discussions among professionals regarding the advantages and disadvantages of 'naturalistic' styles in urban areas. This research examines professional attitudes to 'naturalistic' landscape styles in Britain, in contrast to more traditional, formal landscape styles, and aims to find out whether the interest in natural landscapes is really a fashion among landscape professionals. A self-administered postal survey was carried out using both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques and analysis. The survey included 500 professionals from parks and recreation departments of local authorities, private landscape practices and conservation trusts, and resulted in a satisfactory response rate of 53 %. The results of this study suggested that professionals recognise most of the values attached to naturalistic landscapes in urban areas. However, possible benefits that natural areas may have for urban people are not attached to naturalistic landscapes alone. The study also revealed that the naturalistic style is highly popular among conservation trusts but is less so among professionals from local authorities and private landscape practices who seem to appreciate both styles and believe that these styles are not separable from each other and should co-exist in an urban environment. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Control of a compliant two-axis robotic arm

In order to ease control, the links between actuators and robotic limbs are generally made to be as stiff as possible. This is in contrast to natural limbs, where compliance is present. Springs have been added to the drive train between the actuator and load to imitate this natural compliance. The majority of these springs have been in series between the actuator and load. However, a more biologically inspired approach is taken, here springs have been used in parallel to oppose each other. The paper will describe the application of parallel extension springs in a robot arm in order to give it compliance. Advantages and disadvantages of this application are discussed along with various control strategies.

Therapeutic potential of computer to cerebral cortex implantable devices

In this article, an overview of some of the latest developments in the field of cerebral cortex to computer interfacing (CCCI) is given. This is posed in the more general context of Brain-Computer Interfaces in order to assess advantages and disadvantages. The emphasis is clearly placed on practical studies that have been undertaken and reported on, as opposed to those speculated, simulated or proposed as future projects. Related areas are discussed briefly only in the context of their contribution to the studies being undertaken. The area of focus is notably the use of invasive implant technology, where a connection is made directly with the cerebral cortex and/or nervous system. Tests and experimentation which do not involve human subjects are invariably carried out a priori to indicate the eventual possibilities before human subjects are themselves involved. Some of the more pertinent animal studies from this area are discussed. The paper goes on to describe human experimentation, in which neural implants have linked the human nervous system bidirectionally with technology and the internet. A view is taken as to the prospects for the future for CCCI, in terms of its broad therapeutic role.

Control of a compliant two-axis robotic arm

It is common to make the links between actuators and robotic limbs as stiff as possible, in complete contrast to natural systems, where compliance is present. In the past, to create some compliance in a drive, springs have been added to the link between the actuator and load. Many of these springs have been in series with the drive, but recently a more 'biological' approach has been taken where two springs have been used in parallel to counteract each other. This paper describes the application of parallel extension springs in a robot arm in order to give it compliance. Advantages and disadvantages of this application are discussed, along with various control strategies.