Contrasting signatures of distinct human water uses in regulated flow regimes

In the last century, about 50,000 dams have been constructed all around the world, and regulated rivers are now pervasive throughout the Earth\u2019s landscapes. Damming has produced global-scale alterations of the hydrologic cycle, inducing severe consequences on the ecological and morphological equilibrium of streams. However, a recognizable link between specific uses of reservoirs and their impact on flow regimes has not been disclosed yet. Here, extensive hydrological data are integrated with a physically-based model to investigate hydrological alterations downstream of 47 isolated dams in the Central Eastern U.S. Our results reveal a strong connection between the anthropogenic use and the hydrological impact of dams. Flood control reduces the temporal variability and spatial heterogeneity of river flows proportionally to the specific capacity allocated to mitigate floods (i.e., capacity scaled to the average inflow). Conversely, water supply increases the relative variability and regional heterogeneity of streamflows proportionally to the relative amount of withdrawn inflow. Accordingly, downstream of our multipurpose reservoirs the impact of regulation on streamflow variability is smoothed due to the compensating effect of flood control and water supply. Nevertheless, reservoirs with high storage capacity and overlapping uses produce regulated hydrographs that increase their unpredictability for larger aggregation periods and, thus, resemble an autocorrelated red noise. These findings suggest that the increase of freshwater demand could redefine the cumulative effects of dams at regional scale, reshaping the trajectories of eco-morphological alteration of dammed rivers

Metabolomics application in maternal-fetal medicine

Metabolomics in maternal-fetal medicine is still an "embryonic" science. However, there is already an increasing interest in metabolome of normal and complicated pregnancies, and neonatal outcomes. Tissues used for metabolomics interrogations of pregnant women, fetuses and newborns are amniotic fluid, blood, plasma, cord blood, placenta, urine, and vaginal secretions. All published papers highlight the strong correlation between biomarkers found in these tissues and fetal malformations, preterm delivery, premature rupture of membranes, gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, neonatal asphyxia, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. The aim of this review is to summarize and comment on original data available in relevant published works in order to emphasize the clinical potential of metabolomics in obstetrics in the immediate future

Un Modelo Dinámico que Analiza su Problemática y Permite Explorar Estrategias para Combatirla

El presente trabajo fue motivado por el deseo de profundizar la problemática de la educación universitaria en Argentina, donde sobresalen como relevantes, entre otras dificultades, los elevados índices de deserción y desgranamiento del alumnado universitario, sobre todo al inicio de su carrera. Para estudiar sus posibles causas y las estrategias a seguir para reducir sus efectos negativos ([1] a [5]) se buscó la construcción de un modelo mediante un sistema dinámico ([6] a [15], que reflejase el rendimiento de los alumnos en el primer año de su carrera universitaria y el comportamiento asumido en respuesta a dicho rendimiento; antes del inicio de segundo año. Los pasos principales seguidos en el desarrollo del proceso fueron la aplicación de análisis estadísticos al conjunto de variables, ([16] a [18]) la construcción del modelo que simula la reacción de los alumnos ante hipotéticas variaciones en los parámetros relevantes el planteo y la elaboración de conclusiones y recomendaciones de estrategias procedimentales y actitudinales orientadas a la reducción de los niveles de deserción mediante la retención de indecisos y disconformes, segmento de alumnado con muy elevado índice de abandono

Predictive value of hematological and phenotypical parameters on postchemotherapy leukocyte recovery

Background: Grade IV chemotherapy toxicity is defined as absolute neutrophil count <500/μL. The nadir is considered as the lowest neutrophil number following chemotherapy, and generally is not expected before the 7th day from the start of chemotherapy. The usual prophylactic dose of rHu-G-CSF (Filgrastim) is 300 μg/day, starting 24-48 h after chemotherapy until hematological recovery. However, individual patient response is largely variable, so that rHu-G-CSF doses can be different. The aim of this study was to verify if peripheral blood automated flow cytochemistry and flow cytometry analysis may be helpful in predicting the individual response and saving rHu-G-CSF. Methods: During Grade IV neutropenia, blood counts from 30 cancer patients were analyzed daily by ADVIA 120 automated flow cytochemistry analyzer and by Facscalibur flow cytometer till the nadir. "Large unstained cells" (LUCs), myeloperoxidase index (MPXI), blasts, and various cell subpopulations in the peripheral blood were studied. At nadir rHu-G-CSF was started and 81 chemotherapy cycles were analyzed. Cycles were stratified according to their number and to two dose-levels of rHuG-CSF needed to recovery (300-600 vs. 900-1200 μg) and analyzed in relation to mean values of MPXI and mean absolute number of LUCs in the nadir phase. The linear regressions of LUCs % over time in relation to two dose-levels of rHu-G-CSF and uni-multivariate analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations, CD34+ cells, MPXI, and blasts were also performed. Results: In the nadir phase, the increase of MPXI above the upper limit of normality (>10; median 27.7), characterized a slow hematological recovery. MPXI levels were directly related to the cycle number and inversely related to the absolute number of LUCs and CD34 +/CD45+ cells. A faster hematological recovery was associated with a higher LUC increase per day (0.56% vs. 0.25%), higher blast (median 36.7/μL vs. 19.5/μL) and CD34+/CD45+ cell (median 2.2/μL vs. 0.82/μL) counts. Conclusions: Our study showed that some biological indicators such as MPXI, LUCs, blasts, and CD34 +/CD45+ cells may be of clinical relevance in predicting individual hematological response to rHu-G-CSF. Special attention should be paid when nadir MPXI exceeds the upper limit of normality because the hematological recovery may be delayed. © 2009 Clinical Cytometry Society

Deserción: un modelo dinámico que analiza su problemática y permite explorar estrategias para combatirla

En el análisis de la problemática de la deserción, motivadora de este trabajo, así como en el diseño o mejoramiento de una carrera, la dinámica educativa se efectiviza a través de una secuencia de varios pasos: se inicia con la identificación del problema, la selección de fuentes informativas y el reconocimiento de los factores que aparentemente, al interactuar, son generadores de los síntomas observados. En segunda instancia se encara la elaboración de un modelo matemático de comportamiento. Finalmente para su validación se implementan distintas técnicas, siendo una de las más importantes la comparación de los resultados obtenidos por la simulación a partir del modelo con el conocimiento disponible acerca del sistema real, lo que conduce a la revisión del modelo hasta tanto sea aceptable como representación de dicho sistema, ([19] a [26]). Por cuanto la validez de los resultados obtenidos es tan buena como las presunciones sobre las cuales se basa el estudio, para el desarrollo de los correspondientes sistemas dinámicos o modelos matemáticos se suele partir de observaciones de campo, descripciones verbales, experiencia y cualquier dato disponible que se pueda conseguir.Fil: Ferrazzi de Bressan, Ana Emilia. Universidad Argentina de la Empresa; Argentina.Fil: Lavalle, Germán Guido. Universidad Argentina de la Empresa; Argentina

The ω-3 fatty acids for Prevention of Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation trial—rationale and design

Postoperative atrial fibrillation/flutter (PoAF) commonly complicates cardiac surgery, occurring in 25% to 60% of patients. Postoperative atrial fibrillation/flutter is associated with significant morbidity, higher long-term mortality, and increased health care costs. Novel preventive therapies are clearly needed. In experiments and short-term trials, seafood-derived long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) influence several risk factors that might reduce risk of PoAF. A few small and generally underpowered trials have evaluated effects of ω-3-PUFAs supplementation on PoAF with mixed results. The OPERA trial is an appropriately powered, investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational trial to determine whether perioperative oral ω-3-PUFAs reduces occurrence of PoAF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Additional aims include evaluation of resource use, biologic pathways and mechanisms, postoperative cognitive decline, and safety. Broad inclusion criteria encompass a “real-world” population of outpatients and inpatients scheduled for cardiac surgery. Treatment comprises a total preoperative loading dose of 8 to 10 g of ω-3-PUFAs or placebo divided over 2 to 5 days, followed by 2 g/d until hospital discharge or postoperative day 10, whichever comes first. Based on anticipated 30% event rate in controls, total enrollment of 1,516 patients (758 per treatment arm) will provide 90% power to detect 25% reduction in PoAF. The OPERA trial will provide invaluable evidence to inform biologic pathways; proof of concept that ω-3-PUFAs influence cardiac arrhythmias; and potential regulatory standards and clinical use of this simple, inexpensive, and low-risk intervention to prevent PoAF

CUSTOMER BASE SEGMENTATION AND A BASELINE APPROACH TO MIXED EFFECTS SURVIVAL FOREST

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Objectives and key results as a tool for organizational agility : the case of digital start-ups

LAUREA MAGISTRALEL'ambiente in cui sono immerse le aziende rappresenta dei tratti di continuo cambiamento e di iper competitività. Le organizzazioni in tale contesto da ormai due decenni cercano di adottare un approccio agile. L'approccio agile è stato, ed è ancora, un modello lavorativo che molte organizzazioni cercano di adottare. Contemporaneamente negli ultimi dieci anni è emerso un nuovo strumento implementato inizialmente da Intel e Google, ma che velocemente si sta diffondendo tra le aziende di tutto il mondo; gli 'Objectives and Key Results'” (OKR). L'obiettivo della ricerca è riuscire ad individuare se, e che tipo di legame, può intercorrere tra la metodologia agile e gli OKR. Cercare di capire come il metodo di lavoro agile può essere influenzato e arricchito da uno strumento, che nasce lontano dalle logiche agili ma potrebbe avere delle affinità. La ricerca si è basata su uno studio qualitativo di 5 startup digitali con base a Milano. I risultati qualitativi della ricerca hanno fatto emergere come le organizzazioni siano cambiate dopo l’introduzione degli OKR. L'introduzione degli OKR ha portato un nuovo modello di lavoro all'interno delle organizzazioni, che si è andato perfettamente ad implementare con le metodologie agili. I membri delle organizzazioni, attraverso l'utilizzo degli OKR, hanno sviluppato una maggiore flessibilità di azione individuale, un aumento dell' empowerment ed un maggiore allineamento tra i vari dipendenti; facendo sviluppare negli individui una mentalità agile. Il processo innescato dagli OKR ha condotto le start up ad abbracciare completamente il modello agile, riuscendo in questo modo a sviluppare nelle organizzazioni l'agilità, nella sua visione più olistica. Questa ricerca da una parte studia a livello teorico lo strumento degli OKR, arricchendo di conseguenza la conoscenza riguardo questo modello di lavoro. Mentre da un'altra prospettiva, si suppone come gli OKR possono avere un valore intrinseco inaspettato, cioè la capacità di portare le organizzazioni all'agilità organizzativa. La ricerca potrebbe risultare utile ai manager delle organizzazioni che pur avendo il desiderio di raggiungere adeguate capacità agili, riscontrano delle difficoltà con l'approccio a tale modello lavorativo. L'introduzione degli OKR combinati all'utilizzo dell'approccio agile può portare vantaggi a quelle organizzazioni che sono riuscite solo parzialmente ad adattarsi al contesto competitivo odierno.The environment in which companies are immersed represents features of continuous change and hyper-competitiveness. Organisations in this context have been trying to adopt an agile approach for two decades now. The agile approach has been, and still is, a working model that many organisations are trying to adopt. At the same time, in the last ten years, a new tool has emerged, initially implemented by Intel and Google, but quickly spreading to companies all over the world; the 'Objectives and Key Results' (OKR)". The aim of the research is to identify if, and what kind of link there is between agile methodology and OKRs. Trying to understand how the agile working method can be influenced and enriched by a tool, which was born far from the agile logic but could have some affinities. The research was based on a qualitative study of 5 digital start-ups based in Milan. The qualitative results of the research showed how organisations have changed since the introduction of OKRs. The introduction of OKRs brought a new working model within organisations, which was perfectly implemented with agile methodologies. Members of organisations, through the use of OKRs, have developed greater flexibility of individual action, increased empowerment and alignment between employees, and have developed an agile mindset. The process triggered by OKRs has led start-ups to fully embrace the agile model, thus succeeding in developing agility in organisations in its most holistic vision. On the one hand, this research studies the OKR tool on a theoretical level, thus enriching the knowledge about this working model. While from another perspective, it assumes how OKRs may have an unexpected intrinsic value, i.e. the ability to lead organisations to organisational agility. The research could be useful for managers of organisations who have a desire to achieve adequate agile capabilities but find it difficult to approach such a working model. The introduction of OKRs combined with the use of the agile approach may bring benefits to those organisations that have only partially succeeded in adapting to today's competitive environment