Interbank network reconstruction enforcing density and reciprocity

Networks of financial exposures are the key propagators of risk and distress among banks, but their empirical structure is not publicly available because of confidentiality. This limitation has triggered the development of methods of network reconstruction from partial, aggregate information. Unfortunately, even the best methods available fail in replicating the number of directed cycles, which on the other hand play a crucial role in determining graph spectra and hence the degree of network stability and systemic risk. Here we address this challenge by exploiting the hypothesis that the statistics of higher-order cycles is strongly constrained by that of the shortest ones, i.e. by the amount of dyads with reciprocated links. First, we provide a detailed analysis of link reciprocity on the e-MID dataset of Italian banks, finding that correlations between reciprocal links systematically increase with the temporal resolution, typically changing from negative to positive around a timescale of up to 50 days. Then, we propose a new network reconstruction method capable of enforcing, only from the knowledge of aggregate interbank assets and liabilities, both a desired sparsity and a desired link reciprocity. We confirm that the addition of reciprocity dramatically improves the prediction of several structural and spectral network properties, including the largest real eigenvalue and the eccentricity of the elliptical distribution of the other eigenvalues in the complex plane. These results illustrate the importance of correctly addressing the temporal resolution and the resulting level of reciprocity in the reconstruction of financial networks

Laparoscopic repair for perforated peptic ulcers with U-CLIP®

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The literature established that, in patients without Boey's risk factors, laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcers, compared to open repair, is associated to lower wound infection rate, less analgesic use, reduction in post operative pain, shorter hospital stay. Some of the main drawbacks are length of operative time and laparoscopic surgeon's experience in intracorporeal knotting.</p> <p>We, for first, report our preliminary experience of perforated peptic ulcers' laparoscopic repair using Medtronic U-Clip^®.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>From January 2008 to June 2008 we performed laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcers using Medtronic U-Clip^®in 10 consecutive patients (6 men and 4 women, from 20 to 65 years-old of age). All the patients presented with iuxtapyloric perforated peptic ulcer, not greater than 10 mm, without signs of sepsis, free from major illnesses. The mini-invasive procedure was performed both by skilled and non-skilled laparoscopic surgeons under experts' surveillance. After it was recognized, perforation was sutured using U-Clip^®in a full-thickness manner.</p> <p>Results and Discussion</p> <p>We reported no surgical complications in the peri-operative period. The clinical outcome and time needed to perform the intervention didn't change between skilled and non-skilled surgeons. The follow-up at 30 days was good.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In our experience, the anastomotic device U-Clip^®simplifies laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer, avoiding the need to perform knots and making the procedure safe and easier.</p

En medio de la vorágine: representaciones de la población y los docentes estatales bonaerenses sobre la escuela secundaria

En esta sección se presentan los resultados de diversas investigaciones realizadas mediante encuestas telefónicas desarrolladas a partir de fines de 2010, algunas dirigidas a la población de la provincia de Buenos Aires y otras a los docentes estatales de la provincia, con el objetivo de explorar sus percepciones sobre la educación. Una de estas investigaciones, realizada a 1823 personas de 18 años y más, en noviembre de 2010, tuvo como finalidad principal conocer la opinión de la población bonaerense sobre la educación secundaria, mientras que en el resto de los casos (cuyos temas centrales han sido otros), algunas de las preguntas se dirigían a la comparación de la situación de los diferentes niveles y/o hacia tópicos ligados en forma más o menos directa con el nivel medio. Conocer estas percepciones tiene valor no sólo por el propio interés que el tema suscita, sino también porque permite explorar y evaluar el terreno sobre el que se enmarcan las propuestas de reafirmación y/o transformación del sistema educativo dentro del juego de la democracia.In recent years the medium level of the basic education has undergone changes of different kinds. It has widened nits scope and the fact that it is now compulsory, among other facts, challenges the traditional characteristics of the level, mainly those of a selective and meritorious sort. The objective of the present work is to explore the repre- sentations of the population and of the statal teachers of the medium level in the Province of Buenos Aires, taking into account the results of recent surveys about educational subjects. In this way, we reflect on certain perceptions about education and educational policies, trying to contribute to the design and to the implementation of them. After a brief presentation of some tensions that have historically challenged this particular level of education, a deeper thought will be given to the perceptions about secondary education in general and in connection with other levels. Later on, the emphasis will be centered in the analysis of the opinions about specific matters such as its obligatory nature, the objectives and achievements of the level, the relationship between education and work, school desertion and student's centres.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació

En medio de la vorágine: representaciones de la población y los docentes estatales bonaerenses sobre la escuela secundaria

En esta sección se presentan los resultados de diversas investigaciones realizadas mediante encuestas telefónicas desarrolladas a partir de fines de 2010, algunas dirigidas a la población de la provincia de Buenos Aires y otras a los docentes estatales de la provincia, con el objetivo de explorar sus percepciones sobre la educación. Una de estas investigaciones, realizada a 1823 personas de 18 años y más, en noviembre de 2010, tuvo como finalidad principal conocer la opinión de la población bonaerense sobre la educación secundaria, mientras que en el resto de los casos (cuyos temas centrales han sido otros), algunas de las preguntas se dirigían a la comparación de la situación de los diferentes niveles y/o hacia tópicos ligados en forma más o menos directa con el nivel medio. Conocer estas percepciones tiene valor no sólo por el propio interés que el tema suscita, sino también porque permite explorar y evaluar el terreno sobre el que se enmarcan las propuestas de reafirmación y/o transformación del sistema educativo dentro del juego de la democracia.In recent years the medium level of the basic education has undergone changes of different kinds. It has widened nits scope and the fact that it is now compulsory, among other facts, challenges the traditional characteristics of the level, mainly those of a selective and meritorious sort. The objective of the present work is to explore the repre- sentations of the population and of the statal teachers of the medium level in the Province of Buenos Aires, taking into account the results of recent surveys about educational subjects. In this way, we reflect on certain perceptions about education and educational policies, trying to contribute to the design and to the implementation of them. After a brief presentation of some tensions that have historically challenged this particular level of education, a deeper thought will be given to the perceptions about secondary education in general and in connection with other levels. Later on, the emphasis will be centered in the analysis of the opinions about specific matters such as its obligatory nature, the objectives and achievements of the level, the relationship between education and work, school desertion and student's centres.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació

En medio de la vorágine: representaciones de la población y los docentes estatales bonaerenses sobre la escuela secundaria

En esta sección se presentan los resultados de diversas investigaciones realizadas mediante encuestas telefónicas desarrolladas a partir de fines de 2010, algunas dirigidas a la población de la provincia de Buenos Aires y otras a los docentes estatales de la provincia, con el objetivo de explorar sus percepciones sobre la educación. Una de estas investigaciones, realizada a 1823 personas de 18 años y más, en noviembre de 2010, tuvo como finalidad principal conocer la opinión de la población bonaerense sobre la educación secundaria, mientras que en el resto de los casos (cuyos temas centrales han sido otros), algunas de las preguntas se dirigían a la comparación de la situación de los diferentes niveles y/o hacia tópicos ligados en forma más o menos directa con el nivel medio. Conocer estas percepciones tiene valor no sólo por el propio interés que el tema suscita, sino también porque permite explorar y evaluar el terreno sobre el que se enmarcan las propuestas de reafirmación y/o transformación del sistema educativo dentro del juego de la democracia.In recent years the medium level of the basic education has undergone changes of different kinds. It has widened nits scope and the fact that it is now compulsory, among other facts, challenges the traditional characteristics of the level, mainly those of a selective and meritorious sort. The objective of the present work is to explore the repre- sentations of the population and of the statal teachers of the medium level in the Province of Buenos Aires, taking into account the results of recent surveys about educational subjects. In this way, we reflect on certain perceptions about education and educational policies, trying to contribute to the design and to the implementation of them. After a brief presentation of some tensions that have historically challenged this particular level of education, a deeper thought will be given to the perceptions about secondary education in general and in connection with other levels. Later on, the emphasis will be centered in the analysis of the opinions about specific matters such as its obligatory nature, the objectives and achievements of the level, the relationship between education and work, school desertion and student's centres.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació

Traditional alcoholic beverages and their value in the local culture of the Alta Valle del Reno, a mountain borderland between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna (Italy)

BACKGROUND: Traditional alcoholic beverages (TABs) have only received marginal attention from researchers and ethnobotanists so far, especially in Italy. This work is focused on plant-based TABs in the Alta Valle del Reno, a mountainous area on the border between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions. The aims of our study were to document local knowledge about TABs and to analyze and discuss the distribution of related knowledge within the investigated communities. METHODS: Field data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The relative importance of each plant species used to prepare TABs was assessed by calculating a general Use Value Index (UV(general)), a current UV (UV(current)) and a past UV (UV(past)). We also assessed personal experience of use by calculating effective and potential UV (UV(effective,)UV(potential)). A multivariate analysis was performed to compare ingredients in recipes recorded in the Alta Valle del Reno with those reported for neighboring areas. RESULTS: Forty-six plant species, belonging to 20 families, were recorded. Rosaceae was the most significant family (98 citations, 19 species), followed by Rutaceae (15, 3) and Lamiaceae (12, 4). The most important species was Prunus cerasus L. (UV(general) = 0.44), followed by Juglans regia L. (0.38), Rubus idaeus L. (0.27) and Prunus spinosa L. (0.22). Species with the highest UV(current) were Juglans regia (0.254), Prunus cerasus (0.238) and Citrus limon L. (0.159). The highest UV(effective) values were obtained by Prunus cerasus (0.413), Juglans regia (0.254), Rubus idaeus (0.222) and Citrus limon (0.206). We also discuss the results of the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: TABs proved to occupy an important place in the traditional culture and social life of the studied communities. Moreover, data highlight the local specificity and richness of this kind of tradition in the Alta Valle del Reno, compared to other Italian areas. Some plant ingredients used for TABs have potential nutraceutical and even therapeutic properties that are well known by local people. These properties could constitute an additional economic value for TABs' commercialization, which in turn could promote the local rural economy

Comportamiento de los microorganismos de montaña (MM) y microorganismos eficientes (EM) en la producción de compost orgánico urbano, Cacatachi, 2022.

En el presente trabajo de investigación, se ejecutó en el distrito de Cacatachi; tiene por objetivo el determinar los comportamientos individuales de los microorganismos de montaña (MM) y microorganismos eficientes (ME) para la producción de compost orgánico urbano, instalándose en el vivero de la municipalidad distrital de Cacatachi 5 pilas de residuos sólidos orgánicos, donde una pila, fue la pila testigo la cual no tuvo ningún inoculante, mientras que las 4 pilas restantes, fueron inoculadas por microorganismos de montaña (pila 2 y 3) y microorganismos eficientes (pila 4 y 5), con la diferencia en la preparación de los microorganismos, preparándose 4 inoculantes, 2 de microorganismos de montaña y 2 de microorganismos eficientes, con distintas fórmulas de preparación para tener variación de sus composiciones, lo cual nos permitió obtener diferentes resultados en la calidad del compost, siendo algunos de los parámetros a evaluados, pH, materia orgánica, nitrógeno, potasio, fósforo, etc. Se realizó el análisis de las muestras para la obtención de los resultados. Finalmente se concluyó que los microorganismos mejoran la calidad del compost, aceleran la descomposición de los residuos sólidos orgánicos, con la diferencia en los microorganismos eficientes, cuales mostraron mejores resultados frente a los microorganismos de montaña

Overview on Radiolabel-Free in Vitro Assays for GPCRs

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent important targets for drug discovery because they participate in a wide range of cellular signalling pathways that play a role in a variety of pathological conditions. The characterization of the patho-physiological profile and functional roles of new receptors is highly dependent on the availability of potent and selective ligands and new screening assays. The study of the pharmacological profile of new chemical entities is very important in order to predict the activity of drugs and their clinical adverse effect in humans. In the last decade, a large number of new in vitro radiolabel-free assays were developed and relevant information on diseases was upgraded. In particular, radiolabel-free assays led significant easy to handle and safer tools for operators. The aim of this review is to analyze these assays in terms of new drug activity and toxicology prediction and translation of non-clinical findings to humans in order to provide a powerful tool to aid drug development

Application of a Maintenance Management Model Based on LEAN TPM to Increase OEE in Canning SMEs

Regardless of the factory type, the performance of machinery is an important factor to be competitive. To ensure optimal equipment performance, many companies focus on establishing continuous improvement programs. This is the reason why there are methods, with the final purpose to increase the disponibility and operation, additionally, it also produces regulations of order, because it helps to reduce unused times, as is the case of 5S. Likewise, efficiency is also measured through the OEE maintenance KPI (equipment effectiveness) averaging a moderation towards the implementation of management methods. This article presents the implementation of two of the pillars: the TPM (preventive maintenance and autonomous maintenance) and 5s. Further, the most relevant contribution after the application of these methods, is the performance increase on the OEE. For this case study, after the simulation, the result is 6.85%, a plus than the current situation, where the performance is 6.45%