¿Un paso atrás para la hegemonía chavista? Las elecciones legislativas del 26 de septiembre de 2010 en Venezuela

Se analizan las elecciones legislativas venezolanas de septiembre de 2010 teniendo presente la forma en que su resultado pueda incidir en las próximas elecciones presidenciales de 2012. Hugo Chávez ha construido en torno suyo un partido que alcanzó la hegemonía política. El 26 de septiembre de 2010 tuvieron lugar las elecciones para elegir, entre otros cargos, los 165 escaños de la Asamblea Nacional. Sin embargo, no fue posible organizar ningún control electoral que contara con la presencia de observadores internacionales. La jornada electoral transcurrió, en términos generales, en un ambiente de calma relativa, pese a los actos de proselitismo electoral por parte del oficialismo. La participación en los comicios alcanzó el 66,5% de los inscritos (un punto más que en las elecciones regionales de 2008 y tres menos que en el referéndum de 2009). El conjunto de los votos de oposición alcanzó el 52% del total y los del oficialismo el 48%. En base a esos resultados y gracias al sistema electoral vigente, el oficialista Partido Socialista Unificado de Venezuela (PSUV) obtuvo 98 diputados y la oposición sólo 67. Sin embargo, el oficialismo perdió la mayoría calificada de 110 escaños. El resultado supuso un desencanto para el chavismo. Al mismo tiempo la figura de Chávez ha sufrido un grave deterioro. De esta forma, los próximos tres meses, el tiempo que va hasta la toma de posesión de los diputados de la nueva Asamblea Nacional, pueden ser decisivos: o Chávez decide acelerar el proceso de reformas en que se halla inmerso o acepta continuar con un nuevo modo de gobernar, menos polarizado que el del pasado. El análisis de las elecciones de septiembre de 2010 en Venezuela sirve para poner en perspectiva, por una parte, el dilema que debe afrontar Chávez en el futuro inmediato: (1) radicalizar su política a riesgo de un hundimiento acelerado del régimen; o (2) poner en ejecución mecanismos de concertación a riesgo de confirmar y reforzar la oposición. Por la otra, pone de relieve el mayor reto de la oposición: concebir un programa creíble y presentar una nueva cara, más dinámica, para las elecciones presidenciales de 2012, con el riesgo de romper el frágil equilibrio existente en el seno de la alianza opositora

Ipsilateral corticotectal projections from the primary, premotor and supplementary motor cortical areas in adult macaque monkeys: a quantitative anterograde tracing study

Ipsilateral corticotectal projections from the primary, premotor and supplementary motor cortical areas in adult macaque monkey

Endurance training of respiratory muscles improves cycling performance in fit young cyclists

BACKGROUND: Whether or not isolated endurance training of the respiratory muscles improves whole-body endurance exercise performance is controversial, with some studies reporting enhancements of 50 % or more, and others reporting no change. Twenty fit (VO(2 )max 56.0 ml/kg/min), experienced cyclists were randomly assigned to three groups. The experimental group (n = 10) trained their respiratory muscles via 20, 45 min sessions of hyperpnea. The placebo group (n = 4) underwent "sham" training (20, 5 min sessions), and the control group (n = 6) did no training. RESULTS: After training, the experimental group increased their respiratory muscle endurance capacity by 12 %. Performance on a bicycle time trial test designed to last about 40 min improved by 4.7 % (9 of 10 subjects showed improvement). There were no test-re-test improvements in either respiratory muscle or bicycle exercise endurance performance in the placebo group, nor in the control group. After training, the experimental group had significantly higher ventilatory output and VO(2), and lower PCO(2), during constant work-rate exercise; the placebo and control groups did not show these changes. The perceived respiratory effort was unchanged in spite of the higher ventilation rate after training. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that respiratory muscle endurance training improves cycling performance in fit, experienced cyclists. The relative hyperventilation with no change in respiratory effort sensations suggest that respiratory muscle training allows subjects to tolerate the higher exercise ventilatory response without more dyspnea. Whether or not this can explain the enhanced performance is unknown

Performatividade em Arquitetura: A produção de discurso, sentido e ação da atividade arquitetônica contemporânea

Architecture is positioned, from its communicative capacities, as a system of interpretation, representation and transformation of reality. Within the context of contemporary architectural activity, performativity in architecture can be understood as that capacity that starts from its communicational nature, to transcend any function, program or specific context, to become a catalyst for new processes and exceed the transmission of a message, in favor of the construction of an interpretation of reality, the production of meaning or the generation of new relationships with the user. The contemporary context has once again valued the semantic content of architectural work in response to the disciplinary crisis that it has been going through since the end of modernity. As Lorenzo Rocha (2018) states, “Almost all architects agree that their profession is in crisis, but most of them would not know how to explain exactly the reasons for the discomfort in architecture” (p. 12). The concept of performativity in architecture stems from the recognition of one of the many capacities that characterize the discipline, associated with processes that generate actions or pose ideological statements to transcend technical specialization and disciplinary capitalization, perhaps the main drivers of the contemporary crisis. However, it is not a new capacity, but rather one that can be recognized as implicit in the exercise of the discipline. Its study in contemporaneity allows a reinterpretation of the precepts of the exercise of architecture to restore its value as a system of thought and interpretation of reality, capable of translating and transforming the reality in which it is inserted. As it seems impossible to explain performativity without adopting a performative attitude in this regard, this article starts from a brief analysis of Plato’s ‘Allegory of the cave’, which makes it possible to transpose certain concepts to the field of architectural discipline and propose a general approach to what we understand as ‘Performativity in Architecture’, concluding in the exhibition of one of its most representative manifestations, that which we define as architectural performance.  La arquitectura se posiciona, desde sus capacidades comunicativas, como sistema de interpretación, representación y transformación de la realidad. En el marco de la actividad arquitectónica contemporánea, puede entenderse la performatividad en arquitectura como aquella capacidad que parte de su carácter comunicacional, para trascender cualquier función, programa o contexto específico, constituirse como catalizador de nuevos procesos y exceder la transmisión de un mensaje, en favor de la construcción de una interpretación de la realidad, la producción de significado o la generación de nuevas relaciones con el usuario. El contexto contemporáneo ha puesto en valor nuevamente el contenido semántico de la labor arquitectónica atendiendo a la crisis disciplinar que atraviesa desde el fin de la modernidad. Tal como sostiene Lorenzo Rocha (2018), “Casi todos los arquitectos están de acuerdo en que su profesión se encuentra en cisis, pero la mayoría de ellos no sabría explicar con exactitud las razones del malestar en la arquitectura” (p. 12). El concepto de performatividad en arquitectura parte del reconocimiento de una de las tantas capacidades que caracterizan la disciplina, asociada a procesos que generan acciones o plantean declaraciones ideológicas para trascender la especialización técnica y la capitalización disciplinar, quizás los principales motores de la crisis contemporánea. No obstante, no se trata de una capacidad nueva, sino que puede reconocerse como implícita en el ejercicio de la disciplina. Su estudio en la contemporaneidad permite una reinterpretación de los preceptos del ejercicio de la arquitectura para devolverle su valor como sistema de pensamiento e interpretación de la realidad, capaz de traducir y transformar la realidad en la que se inserta. Como parece imposible explicar la performatividad sin adoptar una actitud performativa al respecto, el presente artículo parte de un breve análisis de la ‘Alegoría de la caverna’ de Platón, que permite transponer ciertos conceptos al ámbito de la disciplina arquitectónica y proponer una aproximación general a lo que entendemos como ‘Performatividad en Arquitectura’, concluyendo en la exposición de una de sus manifestaciones más representativas, aquella que definimos como performance arquitectónica.A arquitetura se posiciona, a partir de suas capacidades comunicativas, como um sistema de interpretação, representação e transformação da realidade. No quadro da atividade arquitetónica contemporânea, a performatividade em arquitetura pode ser entendida como aquela capacidade que parte do seu caráter comunicacional, pra transcende qualquer função, programa ou contexto específico, para se tornar no catalisador de novos processos e ultrapassar a transmissão de uma mensagem, em favorecer a construção de uma interpretação da realidade, a produção de sentido ou a geração de novas relações com o usuário. O contexto contemporâneo voltou a valorizar o conteúdo semântico da obra arquitetónica em resposta à crise disciplinar que atravessa desde o fim da modernidade. Como sustenta Lorenzo Rocha (2018), “Quase todos os arquitetos concordam que sua profissão está em crise, mas a maioria deles não saberia explicar exatamente as razões do desconforto na arquitetura” (p. 12). O conceito de performatividade em arquitetura decorre do reconhecimento de uma das muitas capacidades que caracterizam a disciplina, associadas a processos que geram ações ou colocam afirmações ideológicas para transcender a especialização técnica e a capitalização disciplinar, talvez os principais impulsionadores da crise contemporânea. No entanto, não é uma capacidade nova, mas sim uma que pode ser reconhecida como implícita no exercício da disciplina. O seu estudo na contemporaneidade permite uma reinterpretação dos preceitos do exercício da arquitetura para restituir o seu valor como sistema de pensamento e interpretação da realidade, capaz de traduzir e transformar a realidade em que se insere. Como parece impossível explicar a performatividade sem adotar uma atitude performativa a esse respeito, este artigo parte de uma breve análise da ‘Alegoria da caverna’ de Platão, que permite transpor certos conceitos para o campo da disciplina arquitetônica e propor uma abordagem ao que entendemos por ‘Performatividade em Arquitectura’, concluindo na exposição de uma das suas manifestações mais representativas, aquela que definimos como performance arquitectónica

La izquierda latinoamericana y el "nacional-tercermundismo".

En los años recientes se ha producido en América Latina el llamado "vuelco a la izquierda" de sus gobiernos democráticamente electos. La autora distingue el periodo de las revoluciones nacionales (entre los años 20 y 60), los tres decenios de las dictaduras militares (entre los años 60 y 8O), el periodo de las "transiciones a la democracia" (fines de los 70 alas 90) Y finalmente el periodo post-transición.Esta última etapa ha dado lugar a dostiempos: el de la aplicación del "Consenso de Washington" y el del cuestionamiento de éste bajo diferentes modalidades que son objeto de un detallado análisis

160— Classification of unknown deep-sea snailfishes through morphological and genetic evidence

With the high diversity of life on Earth, new species are constantly being discovered. Every species goes through a taxonomic classification process to determine its place in the tree of life. Taxonomy involves examining the morphology of each species and describing its features. However, multiple species can share morphological characteristics, making it difficult to distinguish one species from another based on visual clues alone. Therefore, genetic data can provide powerful insights into relationships between species. Snailfishes (Family Liparidae) live in cold and temperate ocean waters from the intertidal zone to the deep sea. Snailfishes share morphological characteristics including scaleless, tadpole-like bodies and commonly a ventral suction disk, yet they can vary by environment. In this study, we focus on three deep-sea snailfishes that were caught in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, off California. Using micro-CT (microcomputed tomography) scans and physical measurements, we compared characteristics such as body ratios and fin ray counts. We then sequenced barcode genes to position these species in a phylogenetic context. By comparing the morphological and genetic data from our unknown snailfish species to those known, we can discover if they indeed constitute new species, furthering our understanding of the vast biodiversity in our oceans

Among once-daily regimens, single tablet regimens (STRs) are associated with better adherence

Previous published evidences showed that taking HAART once-daily (OD) is associated to better adherence when compared to BID or TID regimens. However, no further studies investigated whether, among OD regimens, adherence levels can be differently influenced. Aim of the study was to evaluate levels of self-reported adherence in HIV+ people according to type of HAART dosing (STR, OD with more than one pill or BID). To limit reporting biases, the study was performed in five different non-clinic settings covering North and Central Italy. A total of 230 patients on stable HAART were asked to complete a semi-structured, anonymous questionnaire reporting their attitude toward HAART, their adherence and the acceptability of their regimen. Self-perception of adherence was also investigated with a single item for comparison with real adherence behavior. Most of the subjects were males (66%) with a mean age of 46 years, with higher education level (72%) and a long history of HIV infection (mean 13.6 years). 17% of patients were on a first-line regimen. 21% reported to miss at least one dose during the past week (STR: 6%; OD >1 pill 23% and BID 21%; p<0.05). People taking STR and BID tend to report less discontinuations (all the drug of the day for at least 3 times in a month) compared to OD>1 pill (6 and 4% vs 11%). People taking therapies other than HAART reported similar adherence levels of people taking only HAART, even when stratified for dosing groups. Even people judging their adherence as ‘optimal’ or ‘very good’, 10 and 17% respectively, reported having missed a dose during the last week. At stepwise regression model, optimal adherence was correlated to being male (OR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.19–4.74), younger (OR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.01–9.13) and with a shorter HIV infection (OR: 3.58; 95% CI: 1.04–12.38). People taking simpler once-daily STR tend to report better adherence than people taking OD>1 pill or BID. Perception of optimal adherence is largely variable among HIV-infected people taking HAART, although only a minority of subjects showing less than perfect adherence do judge their behavior as ‘optimal’

Applications of slow-moving autonomous platforms for passive acoustic monitoring and density estimation of marine mammals

Advances in mobile autonomous vehicles for oceanographic sensing provide new opportunities for passive acoustic monitoring of marine mammals. Acoustically equipped mobile autonomous platforms, including gliders, deep-water profiling floats, and drifting surface buoys can survey for a variety of marine mammal species over intermediate spatiotemporal scales. Additionally, such mobile platforms may provide an effective tool for population density estimation of marine mammals. This dissertation advances our understanding of how gliders, deep-water floats, and surface drifters can be used for passive acoustic monitoring and density estimation of two cetacean species, fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), and Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris). One glider and two drifting deep-water floats were simultaneously deployed in the vicinity of a deep-water cabled hydrophone array offshore of San Clemente Island, California, USA. The glider was able to follow a pre-defined track while float movement was somewhat unpredictable. Fin whale 20 Hz pulses were recorded by all recorders throughout the two-week deployment and presence at hourly and daily scales were comparable across all recorders. Performance of an automated template detector did not differ by recorder type. However, the glider data contained up to 78% fewer fin whale detections per hour compared to the floats or stationary hydrophones because of increased low-frequency flow noise present during glider descents. Flow noise was related to glider speed through water and dive state. Glider speeds through water of 25 cm/s or less are suggested to minimize flow noise. The cabled hydrophone array was also used to estimate fin whale localizations and tracks concurrently with the glider survey. These tracks were used in a trial-based approach to estimate a detection function for six-minute snapshots containing fin whale 20 Hz pulses. Detection probability was strongly dependent on 40 Hz noise levels (flow noise) recorded on the glider. At the median noise level of 97 kHz dB re 1 μPa2/Hz, maximum detection range was nearly 40 km and the estimated effective survey was 870 km2. Density of fin whales was estimated as 2.4 whales per 1000 km2 (coefficient of variation, CV 0.55) using a group size estimate from the tracked whales and an externally derived vocal rate from tagged fin whales. The framework presented here could be applied to other baleen whale species to advance the use of autonomous gliders for density estimation of cetacean species. A second two-week glider and float deployment was conducted concurrently with the deployment of a commonly used deep-water stationary recorder, the High-frequency Acoustic Recording Package (HARP) and an array of drifting near-surface recorders in the Catalina Basin, California, USA. Acoustic recordings were analyzed for the presence of multiple marine mammal species, including beaked whales, delphinids, and minke whales and were compared across the glider, float, and HARPs. Detections of beaked whale echolocation clicks were variable across recorders, likely due to differences in the recording limits of each system, the spatial distribution of the recorders, and the short detection radius of such a high-frequency, directional signal type. Delphinid whistles and clicks were prevalent across all recorders, and at levels that may have masked beaked whale vocalizations. Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) boing sounds were detected almost identically across all recorder types, as was expected given the relatively long detection range of the boing call type. Spatially explicit capture-recapture was used to estimate density of Cuvier’s beaked whales from the near-surface drifting array of acoustic recorders. A snapshot approach was used with presence or absence of echolocation clicks within a 1-minute snapshot acting as the sampling unit. Using external estimates of group size and echolocation probability in a 1-minute snapshot, the density of Cuvier’s beaked whales, from the two best models was estimated at 5.48 animals per 1000 km2 (CV 0.46). This estimate was similar to estimates calculated using trial-based and distance sampling approaches applied to the same data set. Simulation experiments were conducted to investigate potential bias in estimated density caused by the configuration of the drifting array. Bias from the array configuration was found to be negligible, increased array spacing (approximately doubling and tripling between-sensor spacing) decreased bias, and the drifting aspect of the recorders also decreased bias, compared to simulations with stationary sensors. This work provides evidence that animal presence and absence at broad spatial scales such as hours and days are comparable across gliders, deep-water floats, and stationary recorders. The spatial advantage of mobile instruments is most pronounced for species with short acoustic detection ranges, such as beaked whales. Marine mammal density can be estimated from gliders and mobile drifters using either a trial-based or SECR approach examples presented here provide an exciting advance in marine mammal population monitoring

Spin dynamic response to a time dependent field

The dynamic response of a parametric system constituted by a spin precessing in a time dependent magnetic field is studied by means of a perturbative approach that unveils unexpected features, and is then experimentally validated. The first-order analysis puts in evidence different regimes: beside a tailorable low-pass-filter behaviour, a band-pass response with interesting potential applications emerges. Extending the analysis to the second perturbation order permits to study the response to generically oriented fields and to characterize several non-linear features in the behaviour of such kind of systems.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figures, 52 references. Accepted for publication in Applied Physics