Scalable video transcoding for mobile communications

Mobile multimedia contents have been introduced in the market and their demand is growing every day due to the increasing number of mobile devices and the possibility to watch them at any moment in any place. These multimedia contents are delivered over different networks that are visualized in mobile terminals with heterogeneous characteristics. To ensure a continuous high quality it is desirable that this multimedia content can be adapted on-the-fly to the transmission constraints and the characteristics of the mobile devices. In general, video contents are compressed to save storage capacity and to reduce the bandwidth required for its transmission. Therefore, if these compressed video streams were compressed using scalable video coding schemes, they would be able to adapt to those heterogeneous networks and a wide range of terminals. Since the majority of the multimedia contents are compressed using H.264/AVC, they cannot benefit from that scalability. This paper proposes a technique to convert an H.264/AVC bitstream without scalability to a scalable bitstream with temporal scalability as part of a scalable video transcoder for mobile communications. The results show that when our technique is applied, the complexity is reduced by 98 % while maintaining coding efficiency

José Antonio Ibáñez-Martín, “Horizontes para los educadores”

Reseña del libro "Horizontes para los educadores. Las profesiones educativas y la promoción de la plenitud humana", de José Antonio Ibáñez-Martín, por Jose Luis Garcia Garrido. Dykinson, Madrid, 2017, 280 págs

Impact of goal directed therapy in head and neck oncological surgery with microsurgical reconstruction: free flap viability and complications

Background: Surgical outcomes in free flap reconstruction of head and neck defects in cancer patients have improved steadily in recent years; however, correct anaesthesia management is also important. The aim of this study has been to show whether goal directed therapy can improve flap viability and morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. Methods: we performed an observational case control study to analyse the impact of introducing a semi invasive device (Flo Trac®) during anaesthesia management to optimize fluid management. Patients were divided into two groups: one received goal directed therapy (GDT group) and the other conventional fluid management (CFM group). Our objective was to compare surgical outcomes, complications, fluid management, and length of stay between groups. Results: We recruited 140 patients. There were no differences between groups in terms of demographic data. Statistically significant differences were observed in colloid infusion (GDT 53.1% vs. CFM 74.1%, p = 0.023) and also in intraoperative and postoperative infusion of crystalloids (CFM 5.72 (4.2, 6.98) vs. GDT 3.04 (2.29, 4.11), p < 0.001), which reached statistical significance. Vasopressor infusion in the operating room (CFM 25.5% vs. GDT 74.5%, p < 0.001) and during the first postoperative 24h (CFM 40.6% vs. GDT 75%, p > 0.001) also differed. Differences were also found in length of stay in the intensive care unit (hours: CFM 58.5 (40, 110) vs. GDT 40.5 (36, 64.5), p = 0.005) and in the hospital (days: CFM 15.5 (12, 26) vs. GDT 12 (10, 19), p = 0.009). We found differences in free flap necrosis rate (CMF 37.1% vs. GDT 13.6%, p = 0.003). One-year survival did not differ between groups (CFM 95.6% vs. GDT 86.8%, p = 0.08). Conclusions: Goal directed therapy in oncological head and neck surgery improves outcomes in free flap reconstruction and also reduces length of stay in the hospital and intensive care unit, with their corresponding costs. It also appears to reduce morbidity, although these differences were not significant. Our results have shown that optimizing intraoperative fluid therapy improves postoperative morbidity and mortalit

Aspectos de la legislación sobre el Patrimonio Paleontológico en la Argentina referidos a las Colecciones Paleontológicas: su custodia y preservación

Si bien existe un marco normativo nacional e internacional que regla, en general y en lo particular, sobre la protección del Patrimonio Paleontológico, existen cuestiones como las planteadas y otras que hacen a una mejor y más eficaz administración y resguardo de dichos bienes patrimoniales. Toda institución (Museo, Universidad y cualquier otro centro científico) que tenga en custodia las colecciones paleontológicas tiene la responsabilidad de asegurar que las mismas estén protegidas, seguras, cuidadas y preservadas, evitando prácticas de preparación inadecuadas de los especimenes, condiciones ambientales desfavorables y el manejo negligente de las piezas (APA, 2005). Este compromiso, si bien es contemplado en la Ley 25.743 como una responsabilidad de las Autoridades de Aplicación respecto del destino y guarda de los bienes existentes, debería ser legalmente introducida y ampliada a toda institución tenedora de bienes culturales mediante un instrumento legal correspondiente. Pero para ello es imprescindible, asimismo, que cada institución cuente con los recursos (tiempo, dinero, personal calificado, espacio, mobiliario y equipamiento apropiado) necesarios para garantizar la preservación de las colecciones paleontológicas y su documentación asociada ad infinitum. Por lo deberían desarrollar reglamentos de colecciones y procedimientos que provean el marco para el manejo, cuidado y uso de las mismas (incluyendo fines científicos o educativos) y sean similares en las distintas instancias jurisdiccionales (municipal, provincial, nacional) (APA, 2005). En el mismo sentido se considera que el cuidado de las colecciones paleontológicas es una responsabilidad compartida entre las autoridades de la jurisdicción correspondiente, de las instituciones donde están depositadas y del personal de esta última. Por lo que las instituciones depositarias de dicho patrimonio deben tener la suficiente autoridad y recursos para implementar las medidas apropiadas que garanticen su preservación. Se debe destacar que la República Argentina posee una riqueza paleontológica excepcional, una larga tradición en la materia y numerosos recursos humanos (científicos y técnicos profesionales de excelente formación académica y reconocimiento internacional) altamente capacitados para cubrir el soporte científico-tecnológico en aquellas instituciones argentinas que albergan colecciones paleontológicas. Por ello, entendemos en concordancia con la comunidad paleontológica (APA, 2005) que es factible elaborar una política real de colecciones paleontológicas, en la que se contemplen aquellas cuestiones antes mencionadas que hacen a la custodia y resguardo de colecciones de nuestro patrimonio cultural, así como el canje entre las instituciones en la que se comprometa e involucre a profesionales encargados del soporte científico en el manejo de las colecciones paleontológicas y que se formen recursos humanos técnicos para la extracción, preparación, conservación y exhibición de esta riqueza fosilífera.Fil: Garrido, Jose Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: Gutierrez, Pedro Raul. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; Argentin

La percepción de la calidad del servicio en Electricaribe S.A. bajo el modelo servqual en Barranquilla y su área metropolitana

Electricaribe S.A. es la empresa prestadora del servicio eléctrico en 7 (siete) departamentos de la costa Caribe en Colombia. En los últimos años, ha sido investigada e intervenida por la Superintendencia de Servicios Públicos debido a las constantes quejas de sus usuarios, las cuales han sido poco atendidas por parte de esta organización generando pérdida de confianza por parte de estos. En ese orden de ideas, este articulo expone la percepción de la calidad del servicio en Electricaribe S.A. bajo el modelo Servqual con la finalidad de generar un panorama holístico respecto a los principales puntos en los cuales se presentan mayor número de clientes no conformes, a través de la encuesta donde se contemplaron las dimensiones del modelo Servqual para servicio públicos: Fiabilidad, Sensibilidad, Seguridad, Empatía y Elementos Tangibles. En conclusión, los resultados mostraron la no conformidad de los usuarios, tienen una percepción muy baja de estas dimensiones, lo que hace evidente las razones por las cuales fue intervenida por el ente regulatorio. Asimismo, Electricaribe tiene muchas oportunidades de mejora para prestar un servicio de alta calidad

Uso de virtualización como apoyo social para el alumno de informática del Grado de Biología

El presente trabajo muestra el diseño curricular desarrollado para la implantación efectiva de la asignatura de Informática dentro de la titulación del Grado de Biología en la Universidad de Málaga. Esta asignatura se enmarca en el contexto del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior. Se trata de una asignatura de carácter interdisciplinar impartida por 3 áreas de conocimiento. Con el objetivo de que el alumno perciba la asignatura como una única entidad se plantea la incorporación de técnicas de educación virtual en un entorno común. Adicionalmente, esto permitirá que el alumno pueda seguirla usando los recursos suministrados, que realice las prácticas y pruebas de conocimiento programadas, y que pueda conocer el estado de su progresión en la asignatura mediante el libro de calificaciones actualizado en tiempo real. Todo esto supone un refuerzo y un apoyo social al trabajo realizado por el alumno y a la organización del mismo por parte de dicho alumno.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Green Marketing: Drivers in the Process of Buying Green Products—The Role of Green Satisfaction, Green Trust, Green WOM and Green Perceived Value

Green marketing is currently one of the most powerful strategies in the corporate world as it responds to a growing demand for green products. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the influence of green perceived value on green trust and green satisfaction, study how both variables impact green word of mouth in turn and, at the same time, how the three variables influence green purchase intention. Data collection was carried out through a digital survey of buyers of green products. The hypotheses posed were solved with a PLS-SEM model through the Smart-PLS software. The results showed that green perceived value positively affects green trust and green satisfaction. Furthermore, green satisfaction was found to influence green trust and green WOM. Green trust also influences green WOM. Regarding the antecedents of green purchase intention, only green satisfaction and green trust showed a positive relationship. In contrast, green WOM did not show a relationship with green purchase intention. The article shows the importance of green satisfaction for green companies in achieving green purchase intention, green WOM and green trust. Green perceived value is also an important variable, as it is the trigger for the process that leads to green purchase intention

How to Reach Green Word of Mouth through Green Trust, Green Perceived Value and Green Satisfaction

The production and consumption of green food products have become hot topics in marketing. Companies are implementing marketing strategies such as green perceived value, green trust, and green satisfaction to guarantee green word of mouth. An online questionnaire distributed through social media was used to collect the data. The sample consists of 297 people. The 297 responses were coded and analysed with the Software Smart-PLS. The data described include the sample sociodemographic profile, the descriptive analysis of all items, the reliability and validity of the measures of the reflective model and the evaluation of the results of the structural model. Four hypotheses included in the PLS-SEM proposed were validated for a p-value of 0.001. The results confirmed the influence of green perceived value on green trust and green satisfaction. Moreover, the results highlight that green satisfaction and green trust influence green word of mouth

Estradiol Activates β-Catenin Dependent Transcription in Neurons

Estradiol may fulfill a plethora of functions in neurons, in which much of its activity is associated with its capacity to directly bind and dimerize estrogen receptors. This hormone-protein complex can either bind directly to estrogen response elements (ERE's) in gene promoters, or it may act as a cofactor at non-ERE sites interacting with other DNA-binding elements such as AP-1 or c-Jun. Many of the neuroprotective effects described for estrogen have been associated with this mode of action. However, recent evidence suggests that in addition to these “genomic effects”, estrogen may also act as a more general “trophic factor” triggering cytoplasmic signals and extending the potential activity of this hormone. We demonstrated that estrogen receptor alpha associates with β-catenin and glycogen synthase kinase 3 in the brain and in neurons, which has since been confirmed by others. Here, we show that the action of estradiol activates β-catenin transcription in neuroblastoma cells and in primary cortical neurons. This activation is time and concentration-dependent, and it may be abolished by the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182780. The transcriptional activation of β-catenin is dependent on lymphoid enhancer binding factor-1 (LEF-1) and a truncated-mutant of LEF-1 almost completely blocks estradiol TCF-mediated transcription. Transcription of a TCF-reporter in a transgenic mouse model is enhanced by estradiol in a similar fashion to that produced by Wnt3a. In addition, activation of a luciferase reporter driven by the engrailed promoter with three LEF-1 repeats was mediated by estradiol. We established a cell line that constitutively expresses a dominant-negative LEF-1 and it was used in a gene expression microarray analysis. In this way, genes that respond to estradiol or Wnt3a, sensitive to LEF-1, could be identified and validated. Together, these data demonstrate the existence of a new signaling pathway controlled by estradiol in neurons. This pathway shares some elements of the insulin-like growth factor-1/Insulin and Wnt signaling pathways, however, our data strongly suggest that it is different from that of both these ligands. These findings may reveal a set of new physiological roles for estrogens, at least in the Central Nervous System (CNS)

Comparison of three assays for total and free PSA using hybritech and WHO calibrations

Publisher Copyright: © 2021 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.Background/Aim: Lack of interchangeability between prostate-specific antigen (PSA) assays could have a clinical impact. We compared PSA assays from different manufacturers and calibrations. Patients and Methods: A total of 233 men who underwent prostate biopsy (PSA: 2-10 ng/ml; Beckman Coulter Access® Hybritech® as reference) were enrolled. Total (tPSA) and free PSA (fPSA) were also measured using the Roche cobas® and the Abbott Architect® methods. Results: Roche tPSA values were ≈ 1% higher than Beckman, while Abbott values were ~5% lower. Roche had the highest diagnostic sensitivity (92%) compared to Beckman Coulter (87%) and Abbott (85%). Roche fPSA was ≈3% lower and Abbott ≈17% higher than that of Beckman. For the percentage of fPSA, Roche had the highest sensitivity (98%). Conclusion: Roche cobas® and Beckman Coulter Access® Hybritech® tPSA were almost interchangeable. While the agreement was acceptable for tPSA, this did not happen with fPSA and greater efforts for harmonization are required.publishersversionpublishe