La garantía única en contratos estatales a la luz de la nueva ley de contratación estatal (ley 1150 de 2007)

El crecimiento de la Internet significó para el mundo económico la apertura comercial y la oportunidad de mayores desarrollos tecnológicos. Sin embargo, para el derecho, específicamente para el área de la propiedad industrial, significó el inicio de una carrera por encontrar nuevas formas de protección a los derechos de propiedad industrial, los cuales, al igual que las nuevas tecnologías, propician un positivo funcionamiento del mercado en tanto que permiten la diferenciación empresarial y la perfecta identificación de los agentes del mercado por parte de los consumidores.74 p.Contenido parcial: Los nombres de dominio -- Las marcas -- Conflicto entre marcas y nombres de dominio -- Mecanismos de solución de controversias en nombres de dominio

Geo-social media as a proxy for hydrometeorological data for streamflow estimation and to improve flood monitoring

Floods are one of the most devastating types of worldwide disasters in terms of human, economic, and social losses. If authoritative data is scarce, or unavailable for some periods, other sources of information are required to improve streamflow estimation and early flood warnings. Georeferenced social media messages are increasingly being regarded as an alternative source of information for coping with flood risks. However, existing studies have mostly concentrated on the links between geo-social media activity and flooded areas. Thus, there is still a gap in research with regard to the use of social media as a proxy for rainfall-runoff estimations and flood forecasting. To address this, we propose using a transformation function that creates a proxy variable for rainfall by analysing geo-social media messages and rainfall measurements from authoritative sources, which are later incorporated within a hydrological model for streamflow estimation. We found that the combined use of official rainfall values with the social media proxy variable as input for the Probability Distributed Model (PDM), improved streamflow simulations for flood monitoring. The combination of authoritative sources and transformed geo-social media data during flood events achieved a 71% degree of accuracy and a 29% underestimation rate in a comparison made with real streamflow measurements. This is a significant improvement on the respective values of 39% and 58%, achieved when only authoritative data were used for the modelling. This result is clear evidence of the potential use of derived geo-social media data as a proxy for environmental variables for improving flood early-warning systems

Examining national and district-level trends in neonatal health in Peru through an equity lens:A success story driven by political will and societal advocacy

Abstract Background Peru has impressively reduced its neonatal mortality rate (NMR). We aimed, for the period 2000–2013, to: (a) describe national and district NMR variations over time; (b) assess NMR trends by wealth quintile and place of residence; (c) describe evolution of mortality causes; (d) assess completeness of registered mortality; (e) assess coverage and equity of NMR-related interventions; and (f) explore underlying driving factors. Methods We compared national NMR time trends from different sources. To describe NMR trends by wealth quintiles, place of residence and districts, we pooled data on births and deaths by calendar year for neonates born to women interviewed in multiple surveys. We disaggregated coverage of NMR-related interventions by wealth quintiles and place of residence. To identify success factors, we ran regression analyses and combined desk reviews with qualitative interviews and group discussions. Results NMR fell by 51 % from 2000 to 2013, second only to Brazil in Latin America. Reduction was higher in rural and poorest segments (52 and 58 %). District NMR change varied by source. Regarding cause-specific NMRs, prematurity decreased from 7.0 to 3.2 per 1,000 live births, intra-partum related events from 2.9 to 1.2, congenital abnormalities from 2.4 to 1.8, sepsis from 1.9 to 0.8, pneumonia from 0.9 to 0.4, and other conditions from 1.2 to 0.7. Under-registration of neonatal deaths decreased recently, more in districts with higher development index and lower rural population. Coverage of family planning, antenatal care and skilled birth attendance increased more in rural areas and in the poorest quintile. Regressions did not show consistent associations between mortality and predictors. During the study period social determinants improved substantially, and dramatic out-of-health-sector and health-sector changes occurred. Rural areas and the poorest quintile experienced greater NMR reduction. This progress was driven, within a context of economic growth and poverty reduction, by a combination of strong societal advocacy and political will, which translated into pro-poor implementation of evidence-based interventions with a rights-based approach. Conclusions Although progress in Peru for reducing NMR has been remarkable, future challenges include closing remaining gaps for urban and rural populations and improving newborn health with qualified staff and intermediate- and intensive-level health facilities

Distribution of Glycated Haemoglobin According to Early-Life and Contemporary Characteristics in Adolescents and Adults without Diabetes:The 1982 and 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohorts

AIM:Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), a marker of glucose control in individuals with diabetes mellitus, is also related with the incidence of cardiometabolic risk in populations free of disease. The aim of this study was to describe the distribution of HbA1c levels according to early-life and contemporary factors in adolescents and adults without diabetes mellitus. METHODS:HbA1c was measured in adults aged 30 years and adolescents aged 18 years who are participants in the 1982 and 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohorts, respectively. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to describe the HbA1c mean values according to early-life and contemporary characteristics collected prospectively since birth. RESULTS:The distribution of the HbA1c was approximately normal in both cohorts, with a mean (SD) 5.10% (0.43) in the 1982 cohort, and 4.89% (0.50) in the 1993 cohort. HbA1c mean levels were significantly higher in individuals self-reported as black/brown skin color compared to those self-reported as white in both cohorts. Parental history of diabetes was associated with higher HbA1c mean in adults, while stunting at one year old presented an inverse relation with the outcome in adolescents. No other early and contemporary factors were associated with HbA1c levels in adults or adolescents. CONCLUSIONS:We found a consistent relationship between HbA1c and skin color in both cohorts. Further research is needed to understand the role of genomic ancestry on levels of HbA1c concentrations which may inform policies and preventive actions for diabetes mellitus and cardiometabolic risk

Corporate governance and firm value: empirical evidence from electric utilities

This study analyzes the impact that Corporate Governance has in the firm value of electric utilities in 2018. It develops the description of the role that Corporate Governance plays in an enterprise, making an emphasis in the behaviors that are seen towards the firm innovation capacity and the importance of choosing the electric industry as the sample of analysis. Data availability was a major constraint to assess the proposed relationship. Nevertheless, an OLS regression was performed for a 2018 cross-sectional database evaluating firm value, measured by the Tobin’s Q ratio, against the governance rating of the CSRHub and several other control variables. Our results show a positive and significant relationship between the quality of corporate governance and the value of the company. In view of the restrictions caused by the data availability for an analysis of this kind, suggestions are made for further research that can be held to strengthen the results shown in this study

Indigenous Women and Violence in Colombia: Agency, Autonomy, and Territoriality

The violence and de/reterritorializing strategies used by armed groups in Colombia disproportionally affect indigenous peoples, especially indigenous women, whose ethno-gender roles, forms of territoriality, agency, and autonomy are being altered. Conflict and new forms of territoriality restrict the satisfaction of ethno-gender-based material needs and interests, with negative impacts on women’s own and their families’ lives. At the same time, they offer some women new roles, agency, and autonomy and empowerment through individual and collective action. Policy makers should strive to open up these windows of opportunity for indigenous women while protecting them from the depredations of war

Whole-Exome Sequencing Enables Rapid Determination of Xeroderma Pigmentosum Molecular Etiology

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder haracterized by extreme sensitivity to actinic pigmentation changes in the skin and increased incidence of skin cancer. In some cases, patients are affected by neurological alterations. XP is caused by mutations in 8 distinct genes (XPA through XPG and XPV). The XP-V (variant) subtype of the disease results from mutations in a gene (XPV, also named POLH) which encodes for Polg, a member of the Y-DNA polymerase family. Although the presence and severity of skin and neurological dysfunctions differ between XP subtypes, there are overlapping clinical features among subtypes such that the sub-type cannot be deduced from the clinical features. In this study, in order to overcome this drawback, we undertook whole-exome sequencing in two XP sibs and their father. We identified a novel homozygous nonsense mutation (c.897T.G, p.Y299X) in POLH which causes the disease. Our results demonstrate that next generation sequencing is a powerful approach to rapid determination of XP genetic etiology

Perfil lipídico na adolescência: efeito de exposições pré-natais e neonatais

This study assessed the effects of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and prenatal variables related to fetal growth on blood lipids in adolescence. All hospital births taking place in 1982 in Pelotas were identified and this population has been followed-up since then. All male subjects were identified in 2000 when enrolling in the national army; 79% (n = 2250) were traced and 2089 blood samples were made available. The following outcome variables were studied: Total cholesterol and fractions (VLDL, LDL, and HDL), non-HDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio and serum triglycerides. The explanatory variables were IUGR, maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal smoking during pregnancy. After adjusting for confounding variables, total and LDL cholesterol levels were slightly and significantly higher among adolescents whose mothers were in the 3rd and 4th quartile of pre-pregnancy BMI. However, these associations disappeared after adjusting for adolescent’s diet, schooling and BMI. A similar relation was observed for non-HDL cholesterol. Other associations were not significant (p>0.05). A higher maternal pre-pregnancy BMI seems to have an influence on the lipid profile of their offspring. Yet, this association is mediated by current BMI.Sem bolsaEste estudo avaliou os efeitos do retardo de crescimento intra-uterino (RCIU) e de variáveis pré-natais relacionadas ao crescimento fetal sobre o perfil lipídico em adolescentes. Em 1982, todos os nascimentos hospitalares ocorridos em Pelotas foram identificados e esta população tem sido acompanhada inúmeras vezes. Em 2000, os participantes masculinos da coorte foram identificados no alistamento militar; 79% (n=2250) foram entrevistados e 2089 doaram amostra de sangue. No presente estudo, as variáveis dependentes foram o colesterol total e suas frações (VLDL, LDL, HDL), colesterol não-HDL, razão LDL/HDL e triglicerídeos. As exposições estudadas foram o RCIU, o índice de massa corporal (IMC) materno pré-gestacional e o tabagismo materno na gravidez. Após ajuste para fatores de confusão, o colesterol total e LDL foram maiores entre os adolescentes cujo IMC materno pré-gestacional estava no terceiro e quarto quartil. No entanto, estas associações desapareceram após controle para dieta, escolaridade e IMC do adolescente. Associação similar foi observada para o colesterol não-HDL. O RCIU e o tabagismo materno na gravidez não foram associados com o perfil lipídico aos 18 anos de idade. Um IMC materno pré-gestacional elevado parece influenciar o perfil lipídico dos filhos, mas essa associação é mediada pelo IMC atual do adolescente

Lineamientos de gestión ambiental para la incorporación de la agenda global para hospitales verdes y saludables en la liga contra el cáncer Risaralda

El fortalecimiento del sistema de gestión ambiental es parte clave del mejoramiento continuo de la gestión y desempeño ambiental en las instituciones prestadoras de servicio de salud. La Liga Contra el Cáncer Risaralda, clasificado como un gran generador busca priorizar la implementación de acciones concretas orientadas a la reducción de la generación de residuos como el manejo integral de los mismos..

El contrato entre “XM compañía de expertos en mercados S.A. E.S.P.” y los agentes del mercado de energía mayorista

Hace ya varios años que se han venido presentando controversias en torno al contrato que celebra “XM Compañía de Expertos en Mercados S.A. E.S.P.” –antes ISA- con los agentes del mercado de energía mayorista. Por ello se considera necesario estudiar su naturaleza jurídica, su alcance, y la jurisdicción competente para conocer de los litigios que surjan con ocasión de él.165 p.Contenido parcial: La regulación de los servicios públicos domiciliarios -- Marco general del mercado de energía eléctrica en Colombia -- El mercado de energía mayorista (MEM) -- El contrato entre “XM Compañía de Expertos en Mercados S.A. E.S.P.” y los agentes del mercado de energía mayorista -- Naturaleza jurídica de las funciones cumplidas por el ASIC y el LAC, régimen jurídico de sus actos, jurisdicción competente, recurso de reposición y viabilidad del contrato