Towards execution time estimation in abstract machine-based languages

Abstract machines provide a certain separation between platformdependent and platform-independent concerns in compilation. Many of the differences between architectures are encapsulated in the speciflc abstract machine implementation and the bytecode is left largely architecture independent. Taking advantage of this fact, we present a framework for estimating upper and lower bounds on the execution times of logic programs running on a bytecode-based abstract machine. Our approach includes a one-time, programindependent proflling stage which calculates constants or functions bounding the execution time of each abstract machine instruction. Then, a compile-time cost estimation phase, using the instruction timing information, infers expressions giving platform-dependent upper and lower bounds on actual execution time as functions of input data sizes for each program. Working at the abstract machine level makes it possible to take into account low-level issues in new architectures and platforms by just reexecuting the calibration stage instead of having to tailor the analysis for each architecture and platform. Applications of such predicted execution times include debugging/veriflcation of time properties, certiflcation of time properties in mobile code, granularity control in parallel/distributed computing, and resource-oriented specialization.

Experiments in abstract interpretation-based code certification for pervasive systems

Proof carrying code (PCC) is a general is originally a roof in ��rst-order logic of certain vermethodology for certifying that the execution of an un- ification onditions and the checking process involves trusted mobile code is safe. The baste idea is that the ensuring that the certif��cate is indeed a valid ��rst-order code supplier attaches a certif��cate to the mobile code proof. which the consumer checks in order to ensure that the The main practical dif��culty of PCC techniques is in code is indeed safe. The potential benefit is that the generating safety certi��eates which at the same time: i) consumer's task is reduced from the level of proving to allow expressing interesting safety properties, ii) can be the level of checking. Recently, the abstract interpre- generated automatically and, iii) are easy and efficient tation techniques developed, in logic programming have to check. In [1], the abstract interpretation techniques been proposed as a basis for PCC. This extended ab- [5] developed in logic programming1 are proposed as stract reports on experiments which illustrate several is- a basis for PCC. They offer a number of advantages sues involved in abstract interpretation-based certifica- for dealing with the aforementioned issues. In particution. First, we describe the implementation of our sys- lar, the xpressiveness of existing abstract domains will tem in the context of CiaoPP: the preprocessor of the be implicitly available in abstract interpretation-based Ciao multi-paradigm programming system. Then, by code certification to de��ne a wide range of safety propermeans of some experiments, we show how code certifi- ties. Furthermore, the approach inherits the automation cati��n is aided in the implementation of the framework. and inference power of the abstract interpretation en- Finally, we discuss the application of our method within gines used in (Constraint) Logic Programming, (C)LP. the ��rea, of pervasive systems

Nanoinformatics: a new area of research in nanomedicine

Over a decade ago, nanotechnologists began research on applications of nanomaterials for medicine. This research has revealed a wide range of different challenges, as well as many opportunities. Some of these challenges are strongly related to informatics issues, dealing, for instance, with the management and integration of heterogeneous information, defining nomenclatures, taxonomies and classifications for various types of nanomaterials, and research on new modeling and simulation techniques for nanoparticles. Nanoinformatics has recently emerged in the USA and Europe to address these issues. In this paper, we present a review of nanoinformatics, describing its origins, the problems it addresses, areas of interest, and examples of current research initiatives and informatics resources. We suggest that nanoinformatics could accelerate research and development in nanomedicine, as has occurred in the past in other fields. For instance, biomedical informatics served as a fundamental catalyst for the Human Genome Project, and other genomic and ?omics projects, as well as the translational efforts that link resulting molecular-level research to clinical problems and findings.

Potential of the renewable energy development in Jammu and Kashmir, India

The future economic growth for India is likely to result in rapid and accelerated surge in energy demand, with expected shortages in terms of supply. Many of its current policies and strategies are aimed at the improvement and possible maximization of energy production from the renewable sector. It is also clear that while energy conservation and energy efficiency can make an important contribution, renewable energies will be essential to the solution and are likely to play an increasingly important role for providing enhanced energy access, reducing consumption of fossil fuels, and helping India pursue its low-carbon progressive pathway. However, most of the states in India, like the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir, have experienced an energy crisis over a sustained period of time and the government both at center and state level has to embark upon with these pressing issues in a more sustainable manner and accordingly initiate various renewable energy projects within these states. This paper will provide a broad-spectrum view about the energy situation within Jammu and Kashmir and will highlight the current policies along with future strategies for the optimal utilization of renewable energy resources.

Building sustainable capacity for health research in africa through cloud computing applications

Access to information and continuous education represent critical factors for physicians and researchers over the world. For African professionals, this situation is even more problematic due to the frequently difficult access to technological infrastructures and basic information. Both education and information technologies (e.g., including hardware, software or networking) are expensive and unaffordable for many African professionals. Thus, the use of e-learning and an open approach to information exchange and software use have been already proposed to improve medical informatics issues in Africa. In this context, the AFRICA BUILD project, supported by the European Commission, aims to develop a virtual platform to provide access to a wide range of biomedical informatics and learning resources to professionals and researchers in Africa. A consortium of four African and four European partners work together in this initiative. In this framework, we have developed a prototype of a cloud-computing infrastructure to demonstrate, as a proof of concept, the feasibility of this approach. We have conducted the experiment in two different locations in Africa: Burundi and Egypt. As shown in this paper, technologies such as cloud computing and the use of open source medical software for a large range of case present significant challenges and opportunities for developing countries, such as many in Africa.

Development and implementation of a virtual laboratory for training process improvement in the mechanics of continuous media

The project arises from the need to develop improved teaching methodologies in field of the mechanics of continuous media. The objective is to offer the student a learning process to acquire the necessary theoretical knowledge, cognitive skills and the responsibility and autonomy to professional development in this area. Traditionally the teaching of the concepts of these subjects was performed through lectures and laboratory practice. During these lessons the students attitude was usually passive, and therefore their effectiveness was poor. The proposed methodology has already been successfully employed in universities like University Bochum, Germany, University the South Australia and aims to improve the effectiveness of knowledge acquisition through use by the student of a virtual laboratory. This laboratory allows to adapt the curricula and learning techniques to the European Higher Education and improve current learning processes in the University School of Public Works Engineers -EUITOP- of the Technical University of Madrid -UPM-, due there are not laboratories in this specialization. The virtual space is created using a software platform built on OpenSim, manages 3D virtual worlds, and, language LSL -Linden Scripting Language-, which imprints specific powers to objects. The student or user can access this virtual world through their avatar -your character in the virtual world- and can perform practices within the space created for the purpose, at any time, just with computer with internet access and viewfinder. The virtual laboratory has three partitions. The virtual meeting rooms, where the avatar can interact with peers, solve problems and exchange existing documentation in the virtual library. The interactive game room, where the avatar is has to resolve a number of issues in time. And the video room where students can watch instructional videos and receive group lessons. Each audiovisual interactive element is accompanied by explanations framing it within the area of knowledge and enables students to begin to acquire a vocabulary and practice of the profession for which they are being formed. Plane elasticity concepts are introduced from the tension and compression testing of test pieces of steel and concrete. The behavior of reticulated and articulated structures is reinforced by some interactive games and concepts of tension, compression, local and global buckling will by tests to break articulated structures. Pure bending concepts, simple and composite torsion will be studied by observing a flexible specimen. Earthquake resistant design of buildings will be checked by a laboratory test video.

Residential self-selection and geographical scales in trip frequency.

Neighbourhood representation and scale used to measure the built environment have been treated in many ways. However, it is anything but clear what representation of neighbourhood is the most feasible in the existing literature. This paper presents an exhaustive analysis of built environment attributes through three spatial scales. For this purpose multiple data sources are integrated, and a set of 943 observations is analysed. This paper simultaneously analyses the influence of two methodological issues in the study of the relationship between built environment and travel behaviour: (1) detailed representation of neighbourhood by testing different spatial scales; (2) the influence of unobserved individual sensitivity to built environment attributes. The results show that different spatial scales of built environment attributes produce different results. Hence, it is important to produce local and regional transport measures, according to geographical scale. Additionally, the results show significant sensitivity to built environment attributes depending on place of residence. This effect, called residential sorting, acquires different magnitudes depending on the geographical scale used to measure the built environment attributes. Spatial scales risk to the stability of model results. Hence, transportation modellers and planners must take into account both effects of self-selection and spatial scales.

M��quinas o atm��sferas: La est��tica de la energ��a en la arquitectura, 1750-2000 = From Machines to Atmospheres: The Aesthetics of Energy in Architecture, 1750-2000

La energ��a es ya un tema arquitect��nico, pero su incorporaci��n al proyecto ha sido hasta ahora fundamentalmente t��cnica, dando pie a una especie de funcionalismo ecol��gico cuyo destino es acaso repetir los errores de los viejos funcionalismos en su confianza de encontrar modos ���objetivos��� de transmutar la energ��a en forma construida, pero sin que en tal proceso parezca haber hueco para mediaciones de tipo est��tico. Sin embargo, son precisamente tales mediaciones las que necesitan analizarse para que la adopci��n de los temas energ��ticos resulte fruct��fera en la arquitectura, y asimismo para dar cuenta de otras perspectivas complementarias ���filos��ficas, cient��ficas, art��sticas��� que hoy forman el complejo campo sem��ntico de la energ��a. Partiendo de la fecha de 1750 ���que da comienzo simb��licamente al proceso de contaminaciones ���modernas��� entre la arquitectura y otras disciplinas���, esta tesis analiza los diferentes modos con los que proyectos y edificios han expresado literal y anal��gicamente ciertos temas o ideales energ��ticos, demostrando la existencia de una ���est��tica de la energ��a��� en la arquitectura y tambi��n de una tradici��n proyectual e intelectual sostenida en ella. Con este fin, se han seleccionados siete met��foras que vinculan tanto t��cnica como ideol��gicamente a la arquitectura con la energ��a: la met��fora de la m��quina, asociada al ideal de movimiento y la autorregulaci��n; las met��foras del arabesco, del cristal y del organismo, afines entre s�� en su modo de dar cuenta del principio de la morfog��nesis o energ��a creadora de la naturaleza; la met��fora de la actividad interna de los materiales; la met��fora del gradiente, que expresa la condici��n t��rmica y clim��tica de la arquitectura, y, finalmente, la de la atm��sfera que, recogiendo los sentidos anteriores, los actualiza en el contexto de la est��tica contempor��nea. La selecci��n de estas siete met��foras se ha llevado a cabo despu��s de un barrido exhaustivo de la bibliograf��a precedente, y ha estructurado un relato cuyo m��todo combina la perspectiva general ���que permite cartografiar las continuidades hist��ricas��� con la cercana ���que atiende a las problemas espec��ficos de cada tema o met��fora���, complement��ndolas con una aproximaci��n de sesgo iconogr��fico cuyo prop��sito es incidir en los v��nculos que se dan entre lo ideol��gico y lo morfol��gico. El an��lisis ha puesto de manifiesto c��mo detr��s de cada una de estas met��foras se oculta un principio ideol��gico com��n ���la justificaci��n de la arquitectura desde planteamientos externos procedentes de la ciencia, la filosof��a y el arte���, y c��mo en cada uno de los casos estudiados las asimilaciones m��s fruct��feras de la energ��a se han producido seg��n mecanismos de m��mesis anal��gica que inciden m��s en los procesos que en las formas que estos generan, y que en ��ltimo t��rmino son de ��ndole est��tica, lo cual constituye un indicio de los m��todos de la arquitectura por venir. ABSTRACT Although it is already an architectural theme, the matter of incorporating energy into projects has up to now been mainly technical, giving rise to a kind of ecological functionalism which may be bound to old funcionalist mistakes in hopes of finding ���objective��� ways of transmuting energy into built forms without aesthetic considerations. However, it is precisely such considerations that need to be analyzed if the adoption of energy issues in architecture is to bear fruit and also to account for other complementary perspectives ��� philosophical, scientific, artistic ��� which today form the complex fabric of the energy semantic field. Beginning in 1750 ��� symbolic start of ���modern��� contaminations between architecture and other disciplines ���, this thesis analyzes the different ways in which projects and buildings have literally and analogically expressed certain subjects or ideals on energy, and demonstrates the existence of an ���aesthetics of energy��� in architecture, as well as of an intellectual and design tradition based on such aesthetics. For this purpose, seven metaphors are selected to link energy to architecture both technically and ideologically: the machine���s metaphor, associated with the ideal of mouvement and self-regulation; the arabesque, glass and the organism���s metaphors, which account for the morphogenesis principle, i.e. creative energy of nature; the metaphor linked to matter and the ideal of internal activity; the gradient���s metaphor, which expressed the thermal and climatic condition of architecture, and, finally, that of the atmosphere which, collecting the above meanings, updates them in the context of contemporary aesthetics. The selection of these seven metaphors was carried out after a thorough scan of the preceding literature, and has structured a reasoning that combines the overview method ��� which accounts for historical continuities ��� with the nearby one ��� which meets the specifics problems of each theme or metaphor ���, both supplemented with an iconographic bias, the purpose of which is to visually express the links existing between the ideological and the morphological. So presented, the analysis shows how, behind each of these metaphors, lies a common ideological principle ��� the justification of architecture from scientific, philosophical and artistic ���external��� angles ���, and how in each of the studied cases the most successful assimilation of energy were those produced by aesthetic mechanisms of analogical mimesis not focused in forms but in processes that generate them: an indication of the methods of architecture to come.

Analysis of road safety incentives applied in PPP road = An��lisis de incentivos a la seguridad aplicados en concesiones de carreteras

En este art��culo se recoge c��mo se ha regulado este aspecto tradicionalmente en concesiones y c��mo se viene haciendo m��s recientemente, comparando para tres concesiones europeas puestas en servicio en los ��ltimos a��os, las bonificaciones con el beneficio social que corresponden a cada nivel de reducci��n de la accidentalidad en la carretera. Los resultados arrojan que los incentivos aplicados, tanto antiguamente como los m��s recientes, son anodinos por dos motivos: porque son muy inferiores al beneficio social derivado de ellos y porque aparentemente son muy inferiores al coste de las actuaciones de mejora de la seguridad vial. Road safety is one of the most important issues in PPP roads. At this respect, to achieve a property regulation it is necessary to introduce objective and explicit incentives in the contracts. Besides, these incentives must be focused at the net social benefit. This paper explains how road safety has been introduced traditionally in PPP road contracts and how it is been doing it nowadays, comparing for three recent concessions of Europe, the bonuses and the social benefit associated to each reduction of accidents in the roads. As a result, it can be affirmed that the incentives applied, both traditional and the most ones, are unremarkable for two reasons: because they are much lower than the social benefit derived from them and because they apparently are well below the cost of measures to improve road safety.

Islanding detection in Microgrids using Harmonic Signature

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in incorporating microgrids in electrical power networks. This is due to various advantages they present, particularly the possibility of working in either autonomous mode or grid connected, which makes them highly versatile structures for incorporating intermittent generation and energy storage. However, they pose safety issues in being able to support a local island in case of utility disconnection. Thus, in the event of an unintentional island situation, they should be able to detect the loss of mains and disconnect for self-protection and safety reasons. Most of the anti-islanding schemes are implemented within control of single generation devices, such as dc-ac inverters used with solar electric systems being incompatible with the concept of microgrids due to the variety and multiplicity of sources within the microgrid. In this paper, a passive islanding detection method based on the change of the 5th harmonic voltage magnitude at the point of common coupling between grid-connected and islanded modes of operation is presented. Hardware test results from the application of this approach to a laboratory scale microgrid are shown. The experimental results demonstrate the validity of the proposed method, in meeting the requirements of IEEE 1547 standards.

Modelizaci��n del proceso de eliminaci��n de la contaminaci��n de suelos con hidrocarburos mediante desorci��n t��rmica ���in situ��� Comprobaci��n de Modelo

El objetivo definitivo de esta investigaci��n es contribuir con la profundizaci��n del conocimiento en las tecnolog��as de remediaci��n, espec��ficamente las t��rmicas, debido a que la contaminaci��n de suelos es motivo de preocupaci��n por ser uno de los graves impactos ambientales que origina el hombre con sus actividades, especialmente las industriales, afectando a la salud de los seres humanos, y el medio ambiente, representando elevados costes de saneamiento y en ocasiones problemas graves de salud de las comunidades aleda��as. Se establecen tres fases de investigaci��n. En la primera se dise��a el sistema de termodesorci��n a escala piloto, se desarrolla las corridas experimentales, la segunda con corridas en laboratorio para investigar sobre los par��metros que intervienen en el proyecto. Se hacen las corridas respectivas para determinar la eficacia del sistema, y la tercera fase que consiste en comparar los modelos te��ricos de Hartley, con los de Hartley Graham ���Bryce y el de Hamaker para determinar su aproximaci��n con los resultados reales. Apoyado en investigaciones anteriores, se dise���� y construy�� un sistema de desorci��n t��rmica, el cual consiste en un horno tipo caja con 4 calentadores (resistencias), y una campana con un filtro para evitar la contaminaci��n atmosf��rica, as�� mismo, se dise���� un sistema de control que permiti�� hacer las corridas con 1/3 de la potencia, con una relaci��n de encendido apagado 3:1 respectivamente. Para validar los resultados obtenidos en el estudio matem��tico, se compararon dos modelos con la finalidad cu��l de ellos se aproxima m��s a la realidad, se tomaron los ensayos con sus tiempos de operaci��n a las temperaturas y se trabaj�� a distintas bandas de temperaturas para verificar la fiabilidad del proceso matem��tico. La temperatura es un variable importante en los procesos de desorci��n, como los son tambi��n la humedad del suelo, pues esta va influir directamente en el tiempo de remediaci��n, por lo que es importante tomarla en cuenta. De igual forma el tipo de suelo va influir en los resultados, siendo las arenas m��s aptas para este tipo de remediaci��n. Los resultados de la modelizaci��n son presentados para temperaturas constantes, el cual difiere de la realidad, pues el proceso de calentamiento es lento y va en accenso dependiendo del contenido de humedad y de las propiedades del suelo. La experimentaci��n realizada concluye con buenos resultados de la aplicaci��n de sistemas de desorci��n de acuerdo a las variables de Panam��. Con relaci��n al grado de cumplimiento respecto a las normativas actuales relacionadas a los l��mites m��ximos permitidos. Los resultados garantizan las posibilidades del proceso de remediaci��n t��rmica de suelos contaminados con combustibles en rango de di��sel, garantizando niveles aceptables de limpieza en un tiempo menor a otras metodolog��as no destructivas pudieran tomar. ABSTRACT The ultimate goal of this investigation is to enhance the pool of knowledge related to remediation technologies, specifically thermal desorption. The motivation for this study is based on concerns due to pollution of land as one of the most serious environmental impacts caused by anthropogenic effects, specially industrial activities, affecting human health and the environment in general, which represents high reclamation costs, and in some cases, serious health issues in nearby communities. Three phases have been established for this study. The first phase involves the design of a thermal desorption system as a pilot experiment, and associated tests. The second phase consists of laboratory testing to investigate the parameters that affect the investigation, as well as to determine the efficacy of the system. The third phase covers the comparison of theorical models as proposed by Hartley, Hartley Graham ��� Bryce, and Hamaker, as well as the evaluation of these models versus the laboratory results. Supported by previous researches, the thermal desorption system was designed and installed as a ���box��� type oven with four heaters (resistances) and one absorption hood with a filter to avoid atmospheric contamination. In the same way, a control system was designed allowing testing with 1/3 of the power, with an on/off rate of 3:1 respectively. In order to validate the results, two mathematical models were compared to identify which model is closer to the experimental results; test results were documented with respective durations and temperatures; and experiments were executed using different ranges of temperature to validate the consistency of the mathematical process. Temperature is an important variable that should be considered for the desorption processes, as well as the humidity content within the soil, that has direct influence over the required duration to achieve remediation. In the same manner, the type of soil also influences the results, where sands are more efficient for this type of remediation process. The results from this experiment are according to constant temperatures, which is not a complete representation of the reality, as the heating process is slow and the temperature gradually increases according to the humidity content and other properties of the soil. The experiment shows good results for the application of thermal desorption systems according to the variables in Panama, as well as the level of compliance required to fulfill current regulations and mandatory maximum limits. The results guarantee the possibility of soil thermo-remediation as a resource to clean sites that have been polluted with diesel-like combustibles, allowing acceptable levels in a period of time that is lower than with other non-destructive remediation technics.

Business, development and inclusive supply chains. Exploring pathways for the sustainable incorporation of the poor as suppliers in agrifood supply chains

El panorama global est�� cambiando, y esto influye sobre la forma en la que entendemos y tratamos de alcanzar un desarrollo humano sostenible. El crecimiento de la poblaci��n conlleva una mayor presi��n sobre los recursos, pero tambi��n supone una mayor cantidad de mano de obra y de talento; la concentraci��n en ��reas urbanas est�� cambiando las din��micas sociales y desafiando los canales de comercializaci��n tradicionales, pero tambi��n genera nuevos mercados y fomenta la innovaci��n; los cambios en la econom��a global est��n reduciendo los tradicionales desequilibrios de poder entre los pa��ses occidentales y el resto del mundo; y las crecientes interconexiones crean nuevos riesgos pero tambi��n oportunidades para lanzar iniciativas de alcance global. Todas estas tendencias nos est��n obligando a repensar qu�� es el desarrollo humano y de qu�� manera deber��amos afrontar el reto de la pobreza. Es com��nmente aceptado que la globalizaci��n implica interdependencia y que, para conseguir un desarrollo humano sostenible, la colaboraci��n entre actores de distintos ��mbitos es necesaria. Se observa una creciente convergencia de temas, intereses y soluciones en torno al desarrollo sostenible, incluso en diferentes pa��ses y sectores, lo que est�� facilitando la colaboraci��n estrat��gica entre empresas, gobiernos y sociedad civil. Existen pocas duda a d��a de hoy sobre el papel fundamental que las empresas deben desempe��ar en la transici��n mundial hacia la sostenibilidad ambiental y la erradicaci��n de la pobreza. Las empresas est��n evolucionando desde un enfoque tradicional centrado en la maximizaci��n de beneficios econ��micos hacia un enfoque hol��stico que integra la sostenibilidad y la responsabilidad social como parte del n��cleo de negocio de las compa����as. En el ��mbito medioambiental, muchas empresas ya han comenzado a actuar y tratan de reducir sus emisiones, sus desechos y su consumo de energ��a. Sin embargo la contribuci��n de las empresas a la reducci��n de la pobreza no est�� tan clara. Actualmente en torno a 1,2 miles de millones de personas viven en situaci��n de extrema pobreza. La mayor��a de estas personas a��n vive en zonas rurales donde la mayor parte de la poblaci��n activa trabaja en el sector agr��cola. Por lo tanto, mejorar las oportunidades y reducir los riesgos de los productores m��s vulnerables en el sector de la agricultura puede ser un motor de desarrollo rural y reducci��n de la pobreza, especialmente en pa��ses de bajo nivel de desarrollo cuyas econom��as est��n fundamentalmente basadas en la agricultura. Algunas empresas comienzan a incluir a los pobres en sus operaciones como consumidores, proveedores y emprendedores. Esta tesis se centra en las potenciales oportunidades relacionadas con la incorporaci��n sostenible de los pobres como proveedores de productos y/o de mano de obra. La colaboraci��n entre empresas y productores vulnerables de pa��ses en desarrollo es un tema relativamente nuevo y todav��a poco estudiado. La pregunta que gu��a esta tesis es: �����C��mo pueden las empresas facilitar la inclusi��n sostenible en cadenas de suministro de productores vulnerables de los pa��ses menos desarrollados?���. Para responder a la pregunta anterior, la autora ha aplicado una metodolog��a de casos de estudio. Esta metodolog��a se considera apropiada porque la investigaci��n sobre cadenas de suministro inclusivas es todav��a escasa y porque es necesario entender en profundidad un fen��meno de la vida real, y para ello es fundamental conocer su contexto. En primer lugar, se realiza una revisi��n de literatura para identificar las proposiciones y los constructos te��ricos que guiar��n la posterior recogida de datos. La revisi��n de literatura se divide en dos partes: una m��s general que explora la dimensi��n social de la sostenibilidad en cadenas de suministro, y una m��s espec��fica que se centra en la incorporaci��n de los pobres como proveedores en cadenas de suministro. A lo largo de la ��ltima d��cada, ha habido un crecimiento exponencial de los estudios acad��micos sobre la sostenibilidad de las cadenas de suministro, pero la mayor��a de los esfuerzos se han dirigido hacia la dimensi��n medioambiental de la sostenibilidad. Por lo tanto la revisi��n de literatura, que se presenta en la Secci��n 3.1 (p��gina 35) y que profundiza en la sostenibilidad social de las cadenas de suministro, puede considerarse una contribuci��n en s�� misma. Esta revisi��n de literatura revela que la investigaci��n sobre aspectos sociales en cadenas de suministro est�� cobrando impulso en distintas ��reas de conocimiento, principalmente en los ��mbitos de investigaci��n sobre ���gesti��n de cadenas de suministro���, ���responsabilidad social corporativa��� y ���estudios del desarrollo���. La investigaci��n existente sobre sostenibilidad social de cadenas de suministro se centra en tres temas: aclarar la definici��n de sostenibilidad social; analizar la implementaci��n de estrategias de sostenibilidad social en cadenas de suministro; y estudiar el apoyo de las em presas l��deres a proveedores vulnerables para facilitar su transici��n hacia la sostenibilidad. Un marco conceptual que resume los principales hallazgos de esta primera parte de la revisi��n de literatura es planteado en la Figura 7 (p��gina 48). No obstante, en el ��rea de investigaci��n que est�� emergiendo en torno a la sostenibilidad social de las cadenas de suministro, los estudios relacionados con la reducci��n de la pobreza son a��n escasos. Adem��s se aprecia una falta de contribuciones desde y sobre los pa��ses menos desarrollados, as�� como una clara tendencia a reflejar la visi��n de las empresas l��deres de las cadenas de suministro, olvidando la perspectiva de los proveedores. La segunda parte de la revisi��n de literatura presentada en la Secci��n 3.2 (p��gina 51) profundiza en tres l��neas de investigaci��n que exploran, desde distintas perspectivas, la inclusi��n de los pobres en cadenas de suministro. Estas l��neas son ���Global Value Chains��� (GVC), ���Base of the Pyramid��� (BoP) y ���Sustainable Supply Chain Management��� (SSCM). La investigaci��n en GVC analiza las cadenas de suministro desde la perspectiva de la globalizaci��n econ��mica y el comercio internacional, poniendo especial ��nfasis en las implicaciones para los pa��ses en desarrollo y las comunidades vulnerables. GVC caracteriza las cadenas de suministro seg��n la forma en la que son gobernadas, las oportunidades de mejora que existen para los productores que forman parte de la cadena y el grado de inclusi��n o exclusi��n de las comunidades m��s pobres y vulnerables. La investigaci��n en BoP explora las relaciones comerciales entre empresas y comunidades pobres. La premisa fundamental del concepto BoP es la posibilidad de combinar la generaci��n de beneficios con la reducci��n de la pobreza. La propuesta original es que mediante la venta de productos y servicios a las comunidades pobres de pa��ses en desarrollo, la pobreza puede ser reducida al tiempo que las empresas incrementan sus beneficios, especialmente las grandes empresas multinacionales. Esta idea ha ido evolucionando y, a d��a de hoy, los investigadores BoP consideran la incorporaci��n de los pobres no s��lo como consumidores sino tambi��n como empleados, proveedores y co-creadores. La investigaci��n en SSCM ha estado fundamentalmente orientada al estudio de la dimensi��n medioambiental de la sostenibilidad de cadenas de suministro. Sin embargo, la creciente externalizaci��n de la producci��n a pa��ses en desarrollo y las demandas de los grupos de inter��s para que las empresas aborden todos los aspectos de la sostenibilidad han llevado a los acad��micos de SSCM a reconocer la importancia de integrar asuntos relacionados con la reducci��n de la pobreza en sus investigaciones. Algunos estudios comienzan a apuntar los principales retos a los que se enfrentan las empresas para colaborar con productores vulnerables en sus cadenas de suministro. Estos retos son: falta de comunicaci��n, altos costes de transacci��n y el incremento de la complejidad de las operaciones. Las contribuciones de estas tres l��neas de investigaci��n son complementarias para el estudio de las cadenas de suministro inclusivas. Sin embargo, raramente han sido consideradas conjuntamente, ya que pertenecen a ��mbitos de conocimiento distintos. Esta tesis integra las aportaciones de GVC, BoP y SSCM en un marco conceptual para la creaci��n y gesti��n de cadenas de suministro inclusivas. Este marco conceptual para cadenas de suministro inclusivas queda representado en la Figura 9 (p��gina 68). El marco conceptual refleja las motivaciones que llevan a las empresas a colaborar con productores vulnerables, los retos a los que se enfrentan al hacerlo, y los caminos o estrategias que est��n siguiendo para construir y operar cadenas de suministro inclusivas de manera que sean beneficiosas tanto para la empresa como para los productores vulnerables. A fin de validar y refinar el marco conceptual propuesto, tres casos de estudio se llevan a cabo. Las cadenas de suministro analizadas por los casos de estudio pertenecen al sector agr��cola y sus principales proveedores se encuentran en pa��ses de ��frica subsahariana. M��ltiples m��todos de recolecci��n de datos y triangulaci��n son utilizados para mejorar la fiabilidad de los datos. La autora desarroll�� trabajos de campo en Senegal, Etiop��a y Tanzania. Estos viajes permitieron enriquecer el proceso de recogida de informaci��n mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas y conversaciones informales con los principales actores de la cadena de suministro y mediante la observaci��n directa de los procesos y las interacciones entre productores vulnerables y empresas. El Caso de estudio A (Secci��n 5.1 en p��gina 96) es un caso de estudio ��nico. Analiza la cadena de suministro local de verduras en Senegal. La organizaci��n focal es Manobi, una empresa senegalesa que provee servicios de bajo coste a emprendedores locales del sector agr��cola. El Caso de estudio A proporciona un interesante an��lisis del funcionamiento de una cadena de suministro local en un pa��s en desarrollo y muestra como la provisi��n de servicios profesionales puede mejorar el desempe��o de productores vulnerables. El Caso de estudio B (Secci��n 5.2 en p��gina 122) es un caso de estudio ��nico. Analiza la cadena de suministro global de flor cortada con origen en Etiop��a. La organizaci��n focal es EHPEA, la Asociaci��n Et��ope de Productores y Exportadores Hort��colas, cuya misi��n es promover y salvaguardar la posici��n competitiva del sector agr��cola et��ope en el mercado global. El Caso de estudio B ayuda a comprender mejor la perspectiva de los proveedores respecto a los requerimiento de sostenibilidad del mercado global. Tambi��n muestra c��mo la inclusi��n de los productores en el proceso de desarrollo de un est��ndar privado facilita su implementaci��n posterior. El Caso de estudio C (Secci��n 5.3 en p��gina 143) es un caso de estudio m��ltiple. Analiza la cadena de suministro global de caf�� especial con origen en Tanzania. Las organizaciones focales son comerciantes que conectan de manera directa a peque��os agricultores de caf�� en pa��ses en desarrollo con empresas tostadoras de caf�� en pa��ses desarrollados. El Caso de estudio C muestra c��mo un peque��o agricultor puede proveer un producto ���premium��� al mercado global, y participar en un segmento diferenciado del mercado a trav��s de una cadena de suministro transparente y eficiente. Las aportaciones emp��ricas de los casos de estudio ayudan a validar y mejorar el marco conceptual sobre cadenas de suministro inclusivas (ver discusi��n en el Cap��tulo 6 en p��gina 170). El resultado es la propuesta de una nueva versi��n del marco conceptual representado en la Figura 40 (p��gina 195). Los casos de estudio tambi��n proporcionan interesantes aportaciones en relaci��n a la gesti��n de cadenas de suministro inclusivas y muestran las perspectivas de distintos actores implicados. Esta tesis arroja luz sobre el papel de las empresas en la creaci��n y la gesti��n de cadenas de suministro inclusivas llevando a cabo una revisi��n de literatura multidisciplinar y analizando tres casos de estudio en pa��ses africanos. Como resultado, esta tesis presenta una serie de contribuciones emp��ricas y te��ricas al ��mbito de investigaci��n emergente en torno a las cadenas de suministro inclusivas (Cap��tulo 7). Esta tesis tambi��n pretende ser ��til a profesionales que deseen facilitar la incorporaci��n de los pobres como proveedores en condiciones justas y beneficiosas. ABSTRACT The global outlook is changing, and this is influencing the way we understand and try to achieve sustainable human development. Population growth entails increasing pressure over resources, but it also provides greater workforce and talent; concentration in urban areas is changing social dynamics and challenging traditional marketing channels, but also creating news markets and driving innovation; the global economy shift is rebalancing the traditional power imbalance between Western countries and the rest of the world, making new opportunities to arise; and interconnections and global interdependence create new risks but also opportunities for launching initiatives with a global reach. All these trends are impelling us to rethink what development is and in which way poverty alleviation should be approached. It is generally agreed that globalization implies interdependence and, in order to achieve sustainable human development, collaboration of all actors is needed. A convergence of issues, interests and solutions related to sustainable development is being observed across countries and sectors, encouraging strategic collaboration among companies, governments and civil society. There is little doubt nowadays about the crucial role of the private sector in the world���s path towards environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation. Businesses are evolving from a ���business as usual��� stance to a more sustainable and responsible approach. In the environmental arena, many companies have already ���walk the talk���, implementing environmental management systems and trying to reduce emissions and energy consumption. However, regarding poverty alleviation, their contribution is less clear. There are around 1.2 billion people living in extreme poverty. Most of this people still live in rural areas where the agricultural sector employs a big part of the active population. Therefore, improving opportunities and reducing risks for vulnerable producers in the agri-food sector can be a primary engine of rural development and poverty alleviation, particularly in the poor, agriculture-based economies of least developed countries. Some companies are beginning to include the poor into their operations as consumers, suppliers and entrepreneurs. This thesis focuses specifically on the potential opportunities related to the sustainable incorporation of the poor as suppliers of products and/or labor. Business collaboration with vulnerable producers in developing countries is a relatively new trend and it is still understudied. The overall question guiding this thesis is: ���How can businesses facilitate the sustainable inclusion of vulnerable producers from least developed countries into supply chains?���. In order to answer the research question, the author has applied a case study research strategy. This methodology is considered appropriate because research about inclusive supply chains is still at an early stage, and because there is a need to understand a real-life phenomenon in depth, but such understanding encompasses important contextual conditions. First, a literature review is conducted, in order to identify the research propositions and theoretical constructs that will guide the data collection. The literature review is divided in two parts: a more general one that explores the social dimension of sustainability of supply chains, and a more specific one that focuses on the incorporation of the poor as suppliers in supply chains. During the last decade, there has been an exponential growth of studies in the field of supply chain sustainability, but research efforts have traditionally been directed towards the analysis of the environmental dimension. Therefore, the literature review presented in Section 3.1 (page 35) that delves into social sustainability of supply chains can be considered a contribution in itself. This literature review reveals that the investigation of social issues in supply chains is gaining momentum and comes from different academic disciplines, namely Supply Chain Management, Corporate Social Responsibility and Development Studies. Existing research about social sustainability of supply chains focuses on three issues: clarify the definition of social sustainability; analyze the implementation of social sustainability strategies in supply chains; and study lead companies��� support to vulnerable suppliers in their transition towards sustainability. A conceptual framework that outlines the main findings that emerge from this first part of literature review is proposed in Figure 7 (page 48). Nevertheless, in this nascent field of social sustainability of supply chains, studies related to poverty alleviation are still scarce. Moreover, a lack of contributions from and about least developed countries has been observed, as well as a tendency to reflect on the lead firms��� standpoint, neglecting the suppliers��� perspective. The second part of the literature review (Section 3.2 in page 51) delves into three research streams that are exploring the inclusion of the poor into supply chains from different viewpoints. These research streams are Global Value Chains (GVC), Base of the Pyramid (BoP) and Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM). GVC research discusses the dynamics of economic globalization and international trade, putting special emphasis in the implications for developing countries and vulnerable communities. GVC characterizes supply chains by the way they are governed, the upgrading opportunities that exist for producers in the chain and the degree of inclusion or exclusion of impoverished communities. BoP research explores trading relationships between businesses and impoverished communities. The core premise of the BoP concept is the possibility to combine profits with poverty alleviation. The original BoP proposition is that by marketing innovative products and services to poor communities in developing countries, poverty would be reduced and companies would increase their benefits, especially multinational companies. This idea has evolved to consider the incorporation of the poor to business activities not only as consumers, but also as employees, entrepreneurs and co-creators. The SSCM school of thought has mainly focused on studying the environmental dimension of supply chain sustainability, neglecting the consideration of the social perspective. However, in recent years, increasing outsourcing of production to developing countries and stakeholders��� demands for a more holistic approach to business sustainability have led SSCM scholars to acknowledge the importance of integrating poverty concerns in this field���s research agenda. Some SSCM studies identify the main operational challenges for companies which engage with vulnerable suppliers in their supply chains: missing communication, higher transactional and operational costs and increased complexity. Contributions from these three research streams are complementary for the study of inclusive supply chains. However, they have been rarely considered together, since they belong to different research areas. This thesis seeks to play a dovetailing role in this scenario by proposing a conceptual framework for creating and operating inclusive supply chains that builds on contributions from GVC, SSCM and BoP research. This framework for inclusive supply chains is depicted in Figure 9 (page 68), and explains the motivations that drive businesses to collaborate with vulnerable suppliers, the chal lenges they face in doing so, and the pathways they are following in order to build and operate inclusive supply chains profitably for both buying companies and vulnerable suppliers. In order to validate and refine the proposed framework, three case studies are carried out. The supply chains analyzed by the case studies belong to the agri-food sector and source from Sub-Saharan African countries. Multiple data collection methods and triangulation are used in order to improve reliability of findings. The author carried out field work in Senegal, Ethiopia and Tanzania. These travels enriched the data collection process, providing semi-structured interviews and informal conversations with the main actors in the supply chains, as well as direct observation of processes and interactions among companies and vulnerable suppliers. Case study A (Section 5.1 in page 96) is a single case study. It analyzes a local supply chain in Senegal providing vegetables to the local market. The focal organization is Manobi, a Senegalese inclusive business which provides affordable ICT services to local entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector. Case study A provides interesting insights into the dynamics of local supply chains and how professional services can help to improve their performance. Case study B (Section 5.2 in page 122) is a single case study. It analyzes a global supply chain with origin in Ethiopia providing cut flowers to the global commodity market. The focal organization is EHPEA, Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association, whose mission is to promote and safeguard the competitive position of the Ethiopian horticulture sector within the global market. Case study B helps to better understand the suppliers��� perspective regarding global market sustainability requirements and shows how the inclusion of suppliers in the process of development of a private standard has a positive impact in its implementation. Case study C (Section 5.3 in page 143) is a multiple case study. It analyzes a global supply chain with origin in Tanzania providing coffee to the global niche market of specialty coffee. The focal organizations are traders who are directly connecting smallholder coffee farmers in developing countries to coffee roasters in developed countries. Case study C shows how smallholder farmers can supply a premium product and be incorporated in a differentiated market segment through a transparent and efficient supply chain. The empirical findings from the case studies help to validate and refine the conceptual framework (see discussion in Chapter 6). The proposal of a new version of the conceptual framework is depicted in Figure 40 (page 195). The case studies also provide interesting insights related to the management of inclusive supply chains and show the perspectives of the different actors involved. This thesis sheds some light on the role of businesses in the creation and operation of inclusive supply chains by carrying out a cross-disciplinary literature review and analyzing three case studies in African countries. In doing so, this thesis presents a series of theoretical and empirical contributions to the emerging academic field of inclusive supply chains (Chapter 7). This thesis also intends to be useful to practitioners willing to improve the incorporation of the poor as suppliers in fair and profitable conditions.

Lack of cell cycle regulation of telomerase activity in human���cells

Conflicting reports have appeared concerning the cell cycle regulation of telomerase activity and its possible repression during quiescence and cell differentiation. We have reexamined these issues in an attempt to uncover the basis for the discrepancies. Variations in extracted telomerase activity during the cell cycle are not observed in cells sorted on the basis of DNA content. Variations are observed in cells synchronized using some biochemical cell cycle inhibitors, but only with those agents where cellular toxicity is evident. A progressive decline in telomerase activity is observed in cells whose growth rate is reduced from seven to eight population doublings per week to one to two doublings per week. Telomerase is largely absent in cells that truly exit the cell cycle and do not divide over the 7-day period. Although it is not necessary for all cell types to regulate telomerase in the same way, we conclude that in the immortal cultured cell lines examined, extracted telomerase activity does not change significantly during progression through the stages of the cell cycle. Telomerase activity generally correlates with growth rate and is repressed in cells that exit the cell cycle and become quiescent.

Plant biology in the future

In the beginning of modern plant biology, plant biologists followed a simple model for their science. This model included important branches of plant biology known then. Of course, plants had to be identified and classified first. Thus, there was much work on taxonomy, genetics, and physiology. Ecology and evolution were approached implicitly, rather than explicitly, through paleobotany, taxonomy, morphology, and historical geography. However, the burgeoning explosion of knowledge and great advances in molecular biology, e.g., to the extent that genes for specific traits can be added (or deleted) at will, have created a revolution in the study of plants. Genomics in agriculture has made it possible to address many important issues in crop production by the identification and manipulation of genes in crop plants. The current model of plant study differs from the previous one in that it places greater emphasis on developmental controls and on evolution by differential fitness. In a rapidly changing environment, the current model also explicitly considers the phenotypic variation among individuals on which selection operates. These are calls for the unity of science. In fact, the proponents of ���Complexity Theory��� think there are common algorithms describing all levels of organization, from atoms all the way to the structure of the universe, and that when these are discovered, the issue of scaling will be greatly simplified! Plant biology must seriously contribute to, among other things, meeting the nutritional needs of the human population. This challenge constitutes a key part of the backdrop against which future evolution will occur. Genetic engineering technologies are and will continue to be an important component of agriculture; however, we must consider the evolutionary implications of these new technologies. Meeting these demands requires drastic changes in the undergraduate curriculum. Students of biology should be trained in molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecosystem biology, including all living organisms.

Evaluation of online tools as didactic resource in the university education

Recently, many efforts have been made in the academic world to adapt the new degrees to the new European Higher Education Area (EHEA). New technologies have been the most important factor to carry out this adaptation. In particular, the tools 2.0 have been spreading quickly, not just the Web 2.0, but even in all the educational levels. Nevertheless, it is now necessary to evaluate whether all these efforts and all the changes, carried out in order to obtain improved academic performance among students, have provided good results. Therefore, the aim of this paper is focused on studying the impact of the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in a subject belonging to a Master from the University of Alicante in the academic year (2010-2011). In special, it is an elective course called "Advanced Visual Ergonomics" from the Master of Clinical Optometry and Vision. The methodology used to teach this course differs from the traditional one in many respects. For example, one of the resources used for the development of this course is a blog developed specifically to coordinate a series of virtual works, whose purpose is that the student goes into specific aspects of the current topic. Next, the student participates in an active role by writing a personal assessment on the blog. However, in the course planning, there is an attendance to lessons, where the teacher presents certain issues in a more traditional way, that is, with a lecture supported with audiovisual materials, such as materials generated in powerpoint. To evaluate the quality of the results achieved with this methodology, in this work the personal assessment of the students, who have completed this course during this academic year, are collected. In particular, we want to know their opinion about the used resources, as well as the followed methodology. The tool used to collect this information was a questionnaire. This questionnaire evaluates different aspects of the course: a general opinion, quality of the received information, satisfaction about the followed methodology and the student��s critical awareness. The design of this questionnaire is very important to get conclusive information about the methodology followed in the course. The questionnaire has to have an adequate number of questions; whether it has many questions, it might be boring for the student who would pay no enough attention. The questions should be well-written, with a clear structure and message, to avoid confusion and an ambiguity. The questions should be objectives, without any suggestion for a desired answer. In addition, the questionnaire should be interesting to encourage the student�� s interest. In conclusion, this questionnaire developed for this subject provided good information to evaluate whether the methodology was a useful tool to teach "Advanced Visual Ergonomics". Furthermore, the student��s opinion collected by this questionnaire might be very helpful to improve this didactic resource.