INASP: la hora del protagonismo local en la cooperación al desarrollo científico y bibliotecario

La International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP) es una ONG de cooperación al desarrollo, que persigue la mejora del acceso, producción y uso de la información científica, de forma que cada país cuente con recursos en este ámbito para afrontar sus propios retos de desarrollo. Surgió en 1992 por iniciativa del ICSU (International Council of Scientific Unions, actualmente International Council for Science) y contó con el apoyo de UNESCO, TWAS-The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World y AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science).

Nuevos datos magnetoestratigráficos del tránsito Oligoceno-Mioceno en el sector SE de la Cuenca del Ebro (provincias de Lleida, Zaragoza y Huesca, NE de España)

A partir de la obtención del registro de la polaridad magnética en los sedimentos aluviales y lacustres pertenecientes a dos secciones del SE de la Cuenca del Ebro (Mina Pilar y Valcuerna, situadas en el Valle del Ebro, cerca de la población de Mequinenza), se ha realizado una correlación magnetobioestratigráfica con el objetivo de precisar el tránsito Oligoceno-Mioceno establecido antenormente en este sector de la cuenca. Para ello se realizó un muestreo paleomagnético de las dos sucesiones elegidas y, posteriormente, se desmagnetizaron, térmicamente o por campos altemantes, un mínimo de dos especímenes por estación de muestreo, para determinar la polaridad magnética de cada estación. Los resultados obtenidos permitieron complementar la sección de Torrente de Cinca anteriormente estudiada, realizar una correlación con la ETPG (Escala Temporal de Polaridad Geomagnetica) y datar las sucesiones elegidas.

Business potential evaluation of wireless local area networks: Teleoperator’s view

The objective of the thesis was to evaluate business potential of wireless local area networks (WLAN, Wireless LAN). At first, the scope of business potential evaluation of technology was introduced. Next, a general framework of business potential evaluation of technology based on literature was presented. In addition, convergence of cellular networks and data networks was studied in order to get an insight of current situation of mobile telecommunications industry. Finally, wireless local area networks business potential was evaluated. A wireless local area network is a data communication system, which combines data connectivity with mobility and is implemented in unlicensed frequency bands, allowing new business opportunities to emerge. The main markets of WLAN are corporate networks, public area networks and access networks. At the moment the penetration of WLAN terminals is low which derives to low demand of wireless LAN services. In addition, unlicensed spectrum forces the teleoperators to set the service price relatively low. The business potential is in integrating wireless LANs to cellular networks and in offering value added services to end users. The future of wireless LAN is to be complementary network to cellular networks. In this vision cellular networks provide voice and low data services and broadband wireless networks enable multimedia services.

Worldwide Population Structure, Long-Term Demography, and Local Adaptation of Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori is an important human pathogen associated with serious gastric diseases. Owing to its medical importance and close relationship with its human host, understanding genomic patterns of global and local adaptation in H. pylori may be of particular significance for both clinical and evolutionary studies. Here we present the first such whole genome analysis of 60 globally distributed strains, from which we inferred worldwide population structure and demographic history and shed light on interesting global and local events of positive selection, with particular emphasis on the evolution of San-associated lineages. Our results indicate a more ancient origin for the association of humans and H. pylori than previously thought. We identify several important perspectives for future clinical research on candidate selected regions that include both previously characterized genes (e.g., transcription elongation factor NusA and tumor necrosis factor alpha-inducing protein Tipα) and hitherto unknown functional genes.

Local Salmonella immunostimulation recruits vaccine-specific CD8 T cells and increases regression of bladder tumor.

NlmCategory="UNASSIGNED">The efficacy of antitumoral responses can be increased using combinatorial vaccine strategies. We recently showed that vaccination could be optimized by local administration of diverse molecular or bacterial agents to target and augment antitumoral CD8 T cells in the genital mucosa (GM) and increase regression of cervical cancer in an animal model. Non muscle-invasive bladder cancer is another disease that is easily amenable to local therapies. In contrast to data obtained in the GM, in this study we show that intravesical (IVES) instillation of synthetic toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists only modestly induced recruitment of CD8 T cells to the bladder. However, IVES administration of Ty21a, a live bacterial vaccine against typhoid fever, was much more effective and increased the number of total and vaccine-specific CD8 T cells in the bladder approximately 10 fold. Comparison of chemokines induced in the bladder by either CpG (a TLR-9 agonist) or Ty21a highlighted the preferential increase in complement component 5a, CXCL5, CXCL2, CCL8, and CCL5 by Ty21a, suggesting their involvement in the attraction of T cells to the bladder. IVES treatment with Ty21a after vaccination also significantly increased tumor regression compared to vaccination alone, resulting in 90% survival in an orthotopic murine model of bladder cancer expressing a prototype tumor antigen. Our data demonstrate that combining vaccination with local immunostimulation may be an effective treatment strategy for different types of cancer and also highlight the great potential of the Ty21a vaccine, which is routinely used worldwide, in such combinatorial therapies.

Traditional local medicines in the republic of Palau and non-communicable diseases (NCD), signs of effectiveness.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The aim of this survey was to describe which traditional medicines (TM) are most commonly used for non-communicable diseases (NCD - diabetes, hypertension related to excess weight and obesity) in Pacific islands and with what perceived effectiveness. NCD, especially prevalent in the Pacific, have been subject to many public health interventions, often with rather disappointing results. Innovative interventions are required; one hypothesis is that some local, traditional approaches may have been overlooked. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method used was a retrospective treatment-outcome study in a nation-wide representative sample of the adult population (about 15,000 individuals) of the Republic of Palau, an archipelago of Micronesia. RESULTS: From 188 respondents (61% female, age 16-87, median 48,), 30 different plants were used, mostly self-prepared (69%), or from a traditional healer (18%). For excess weight, when comparing the two most frequent plants, Morinda citrifolia L. was associated with more adequate outcome than Phaleria nishidae Kaneh. (P=0.05). In case of diabetes, when comparing Phaleria nishidae (=Phaleria nisidai) and Morinda citrifolia, the former was statistically more often associated with the reported outcome "lower blood sugar" (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Statistical association between a plant used and reported outcome is not a proof of effectiveness or safety, but it can help select plants of interest for further studies, e.g. through a reverse pharmacology process, in search of local products which may have a positive impact on population health.

Local Services in a Fourth Generation Mobile Network

Neljännen sukupolven mobiiliverkot kokoaa kaikki tietoliikenneverkot ja palvelut Internetin ympärille. Tämä mullistus muuttaa vanhat vertikaaliset tietoliikenneverkot joissa yhden tietoliikenneverkon palvelut ovat saatavissa vain kyseisen verkon päätelaitteille horisontaaliseksi malliksi jossa päätelaitteet käyttävät omaa verkkoansa pääsynä Internetin palveluihin. Tämä diplomityö esittelee idean paikallisista palveluista neljännen sukupolven mobiiliverkossa. Neljännen sukupolven mobiiliverkko yhdistää perinteiset televerkkojen palvelut ja Internet palvelut sekä mahdollistaa uuden tyyppisten palveluiden luonnin. TCP/IP protokollien ja Internetin evoluutio on esitelty. Laajakaistaiset, lyhyen kantaman radiotekniikat joita käytetään langattomana yhteytenä Internetiin on käsitelty. Evoluutio kohti neljännen sukupolven mobiiliverkkoja on kuvattu esittelemällä vanhat, nykyiset ja tulevat mobiiliverkot sekä niiden palvelut. Ennustukset palveluiden ja markkinoiden tulevaisuuden kehityksestä on käsitelty. Neljännen sukupolven mobiiliverkon arkkitehtuuri mahdollistaa paikalliset palvelut jotka ovat saatavilla vain yhdessä paikallisessa 4G verkossa. Paikalliset palvelut voidaan muunnella jokaiselle käyttäjälle erikseen käyttäen profiili-informaatiota ja paikkatietoa. Työssä on pohdittu paikallisten palveluiden käyttökelpoisuutta ja mahdollisuuksia käyttäen Lappeenrannan teknillisen korkeakoulun 4G projektin palvelupilotin tuloksia.

Local thermodynamics and the generalized Gibbs-Duhem equation in systems with long-range interactions

The local thermodynamics of a system with long-range interactions in d dimensions is studied using the mean-field approximation. Long-range interactions are introduced through pair interaction potentials that decay as a power law in the interparticle distance. We compute the local entropy, Helmholtz free energy, and grand potential per particle in the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles, respectively. From the local entropy per particle we obtain the local equation of state of the system by using the condition of local thermodynamic equilibrium. This local equation of state has the form of the ideal gas equation of state, but with the density depending on the potential characterizing long-range interactions. By volume integration of the relation between the different thermodynamic potentials at the local level, we find the corresponding equation satisfied by the potentials at the global level. It is shown that the potential energy enters as a thermodynamic variable that modifies the global thermodynamic potentials. As a result, we find a generalized Gibbs-Duhem equation that relates the potential energy to the temperature, pressure, and chemical potential. For the marginal case where the power of the decaying interaction potential is equal to the dimension of the space, the usual Gibbs-Duhem equation is recovered. As examples of the application of this equation, we consider spatially uniform interaction potentials and the self-gravitating gas. We also point out a close relationship with the thermodynamics of small systems.

Local effects and global impact in neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration: The Xi"an International Neurotoxicology Conference

'Neurotoxicity and Neurodegeneration: Local Effect and Global Impact' was the theme of the Xi"an International Neurotoxicology Conference (XINC), held in Xi"an, June 2011. The Conference was a joint event of the 13th Biennial Meeting of the International Neurotoxicology Association (INA-13) and the 11th International Symposium on Neurobehavioral Methods and Effects in Occupational and Environmental Health (NEUREOH-11) of the Scientific Committee on Neurotoxicology and...

Software methods for HTML files protection in local / corporate networks: review and implementation

Tässä luomistyössä on esitetty tutkimus informaation suojaamisen menetelmien osalta paikallisissa ja ryhmäkuntaisissa verkoissa. Tutkimukseen kuuluu nykyaikaisten kryptagraafisten järjestelmien, Internetin/Intranetin ohjelmointikeinojen ja pääsyoikeuksien jakelumenetelmien analyysi. Tutkimusten perusteella on laadittu ohjelmiston prototyyppi HTML-tiedostojen suojaamista varten. Ohjelmiston laatimisprosessi on sisältänyt vaatimusten, järjestelmän ja suojelukomponenttien suunnittelun ja protytyypin testauksen. Ohjelmiston realisoinnin jälkeen kirjoitettiin käyttöohjeet. Ohjelmiston prototyyppi suojaa informaatiota HTML-tiedoston koko käytön aikana ja eri yrityksissä voidaan käyttää sitä pienien laajennuksien jälkeen.

Potential of local bio-geoengineering to mitigate dangerous temperature increases in a global warming scenario

Crops and forests are already responding to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide and air temperatures. Increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations are expected to enhance plant photosynthesis. Nevertheless, after long-term exposure, plants acclimate and show a reduction in photosynthetic activity (i.e. down-regulation). If in the future the Earth"s temperature is allowed to rise further, plant ecosystems and food security will both face significant threats. The scientific community has recognized that an increase in global temperatures should remain below 2°C in order to combat climate change. All this evidence suggests that, in parallel with reductions in CO2 emissions, a more direct approach to mitigate global warming should be considered. We propose here that global warming could be partially mitigated directly through local bio-geoengineering approaches. For example, this could be done through the management of solar radiation at surface level, i.e. by increasing global albedo. Such an effect has been documented in the south-eastern part of Spain, where a significant surface air temperature trend of -0.3°C per decade has been observed due to a dramatic expansion of greenhouse horticulture.

Spatial radial maze procedures and setups to dissociate local and distal relational spatial frameworks in humans.

BACKGROUND: Radial maze tasks have been used to assess optimal foraging and spatial abilities in rodents. The spatial performance was based on a capacity to rely on a configuration of local and distant cues. We adapted maze procedures assessing the relative weight of local cues and distant landmarks for arm choice in humans. NEW METHOD: The procedure allowed testing memory of places in four experimental setups: a fingertip texture-groove maze, a tactile screen maze, a virtual radial maze and a walking size maze. During training, the four reinforced positions remained fixed relative to local and distal cues. During subsequent conflict trials, these frameworks were made conflictive in the prediction of reward locations. RESULTS: Three experiments showed that the relative weight of local and distal relational cues is affected by different factors such as cues' nature, visual access to the environment, real vs. virtual environment, and gender. A fourth experiment illustrated how a walking maze can be used with people suffering intellectual disability. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: In our procedure, long-term (reference) and short-term (working) memory can be assessed. It is the first radial task adapted to human that enables dissociating local and distal cues, to provides an indication as to their relative salience. Our mazes are moveable and easily used in limited spaces. Tasks are performed with realistic and spontaneous though controlled exploratory movements. CONCLUSION: Our tasks enabled highlighting the use of different strategies. In a clinical perspective, considering the use of compensatory strategies should orient towards adapted behavioural rehabilitation.

Local perception and use of the multifunctionality of water tanks in two villages of Tamil Nadu, South India

Using data from free listings and a survey in two villages of Tamil Nadu, India, we discuss local perceptions and uses of water tanks, a traditional irrigation infrastructure. We hypothesize that both farmers and nonfarmers perceive and use water tanks for purposes other than irrigation. We found that informants recognized the importance of water tanks for irrigation, but also acknowledged other socioeconomic uses and ecological functions. Marginal sectors (i.e., Scheduled Castes) use tank resources in more diverse ways than other sectors of the population. Findings are relevant for development. International organizations working on the revival of water tanks aim to transfer water management to farmers for the purpose of irrigation. By recognizing that tanks benefit people other than farmers and in ways other than providing irrigation water, organizations working on tank rejuvenation could achieve a more equitable management of tank resources.