Desarrollo de simulador de negocios en la industria de sensores: estrategia y toma de decisiones

El objetivo principal del presente trabajo de obtención de grado es documentar las experiencias vividas por el equipo Baldwin en el simulador de negocios CAPSIM. En la simulación, el equipo debe elegir e implementar una estrategia para una compañía de sensores y se deben tomar decisiones en las áreas de investigación y desarrollo, promociones, ventas, producción, recursos humanos y finanzas durante ocho años fiscales. Al finalizar cada año, se genera un reporte llamado Courier donde se presentan los resultados de la compañía y su competencia. De acuerdo con estos resultados, la empresa debe evaluar si va a seguir con la estrategia elegida o va a hacer modificaciones

Statistička analiza nanokapsuliranja niskomolekularnog heparina

The objective of this study was to use Box-Behnken design (BBD) to investigate the influence of formulation variables on the properties of heparin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-Eudragit-RLPO (E-RLPO) nanoparticles (NP) in terms of mean diameter (as size) and drug encapsulation efficiency. The NPs were prepared by the double emulsion solvent evaporation method. The independent variables were: X1 olymer mass ratio (PLGA:E-RLPO) in the oil phase, X2 concentration of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as emulsion stabilizer, and X3 volume of the external aqueous phase (W2). Particle size (analyzed by dynamic light scattering) and encapsulation efficiency (EE, estimated by spectrophotometry) were the investigated responses. The polynomial equation obtained from regression analysis of the reduced model (p = 0.0002, F = 25.7952 and R2 = 0.96) provided an excellent fit. The optimal size for the NP was found to be 134.2 ± 16.5 nm with formulation variables of 48.2:61.8, 0.321 (%, m/V) and 263 mL for X1, X2 and X3, respectively. Probably, due to electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged drug and the positively charged E-RLPO, the percent EE of heparin was between 74.4 ± 6.5 % (lowest value) and 92.1 ± 5.3 % (highest value). The data suggest that BBD is a useful tool in rational design of heparin-loaded NPs.Box-Behnkenovo dizajniranje (BBD) primijenjeno je za praćenje utjecaja formulacijskih varijabli na svojstva nanočestica (NP) s heparinom. Za izradu nanočestica korišten je kopolimer mliječne i glikolne kiseline (PLGA) i Eudragit-RLPO (E-RLPO). Nanočestice su pripravljene metodom dvostruke evaporacije otapala iz emulzije. Nezavisne varijable bile su: X1 omjer masa polimera (PLGA : E-RLPO) u uljnoj fazi, X2 koncentracija polivinil alkohola (PVA) kao stabilizatora emulzije i X3 volumen vanjske vodene faze (W2). Zavisne varijable bile su veličina čestica (analizirana pomoću dinamičkog rasapa svjetlosti) i učinkovitost inkapsuliranja (EE) (praćena spektrofotometrijski). Polinomska jednadžba dobivena regresijskom analizom reduciranog modela odlično je odgovarala (p = 0,0002, F = 25,7952 i R2 = 0,96). Optimalna veličina nanočestica bila je 134,2 ± 16,5 nm s formulacijskim varijablama 48,2:61,8, 0,321 (%, m/V) i 263 mL for X1, X2 odnosno X3. Vjerojatno je zbog elektrostatskih interakcija između negativno nabijene ljekovite tvari i pozitivno nabijenog E-RLPO učinkovitost inkapsuliranja heparina varirala od 74,4 ± 6,5 % (najniža vrijednost) do 92,1 ± 5,3 % (najviša vrijednost). Rezultati sugeriraju da je BBD vrlo korisno u racionalnom dizajniranju nanočestica s heparinom

Luria’s Syndrome for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation of Adolescents

Neuropsychology, as a science, studies possible relations between psychological processes and brain in cases of normality and diverse pathologies. Such kind of relations might be established and understood by different manners. A.R. Luria proposed unique and particular way of approach by brain units. Such conceptionis not completely understood and even less used in practice of diagnosis and rehabilitation today. Neuropsychologists provide assessments of isolated functions by help of psychometric procedures. The judgment of diagnosis refers to such terms as “attention or memory disorders”, dyslexia and so on. All these terms are really far away from the conception of systemic and dynamic representation of human actions infunctional brain systems. Same or worse is the situation with rehabilitation directed to isolated operations as conductive exercises for isolated functions. The objective of our report is to share opinion of application of Luria’s methodology of syndrome analysis. Procedures of systemic functional diagnosis must conduct to systemic procedures in rehabilitation. An example of qualitative assessment of adolescent patient withbrain injury is presented. Goals, stages and examples of formation of actions in rehabilitation with results are provided. Psychological conceptions of stage by stage formation and orientation base of action and its usage for rehabilitation is taken into account. We conclude that systemic and dynamic approach in neuropsychology might be conducted in reality of assessment and rehabilitation. We discuss the necessity of establishment of bridges between psychological theory of actions instead of functions and systemic representation of actions by functional brain systems. Keywords: neuropsychological rehabilitation, concepts of neuropsychology, functional diagnosis, qualitative neuropsychology, brain injury rehabilitation

Water dispersible microbicidal cellulose acetate phthalate film

BACKGROUND: Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) has been used for several decades in the pharmaceutical industry for enteric film coating of oral tablets and capsules. Micronized CAP, available commercially as "Aquateric" and containing additional ingredients required for micronization, used for tablet coating from water dispersions, was shown to adsorb and inactivate the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), herpesviruses (HSV) and other sexually transmitted disease (STD) pathogens. Earlier studies indicate that a gel formulation of micronized CAP has a potential as a topical microbicide for prevention of STDs including the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The objective of endeavors described here was to develop a water dispersible CAP film amenable to inexpensive industrial mass production. METHODS: CAP and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) were dissolved in different organic solvent mixtures, poured into dishes, and the solvents evaporated. Graded quantities of a resulting selected film were mixed for 5 min at 37°C with HIV-1, HSV and other STD pathogens, respectively. Residual infectivity of the treated viruses and bacteria was determined. RESULTS: The prerequisites for producing CAP films which are soft, flexible and dispersible in water, resulting in smooth gels, are combining CAP with HPC (other cellulose derivatives are unsuitable), and casting from organic solvent mixtures containing ≈50 to ≈65% ethanol (EtOH). The films are ≈100 µ thick and have a textured surface with alternating protrusions and depressions revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The films, before complete conversion into a gel, rapidly inactivated HIV-1 and HSV and reduced the infectivity of non-viral STD pathogens >1,000-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Soft pliable CAP-HPC composite films can be generated by casting from organic solvent mixtures containing EtOH. The films rapidly reduce the infectivity of several STD pathogens, including HIV-1. They are converted into gels and thus do not have to be removed following application and use. In addition to their potential as topical microbicides, the films have promise for mucosal delivery of pharmaceuticals other than CAP

Effects of Neuropsychological Intervention in a Child with Functional Deficit in Programming and Control

Introduction. The brain’s third functional block is considered an important element in the impairment of child development, which has been conceptually linked to ADHD and learning difficulties. Its rehabilitation presents some skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the treatments. This is associated with the lack of relationshipbetween the established diagnosis and the intervention proposal, the lack of knowledge of the basic psychological needs of each age and the design of an intervention program that corresponds to the neuropsychological syndrome. Methodology. The main purpose of this paper is to present the results of a neuropsychological intervention in a 11-year-old schoolgirl from the city of Puebla-México with a functional deficit in programming and control mechanism. The intervention program was scheduled twice a week for 11 months; gauging its effectiveness with pre-post neuropsychological and electroencephalography (EEG) assessment. The EEG data revealed functional bilateral changes of origin in basal ganglia, mesencephalic and of the brainstem. The method of qualitative syndromic analysis of the functional status of the cerebral mechanisms was used, especially in mistakes made at different tasks associated with the mechanism involved. The program was elaborated based on the structure and content of the school learning activity and zone of proximal development. Results. A significant improvement was observed in the functional state of programming and control and improvement in school performance. Conclusion. Approaches to child correction like the cultural-historical are necessary in the neuropsychological field to generate methods that guarantee the psychological and neuropsychological development. Keywords: Neuropsychological syndrome, child neuropsychology, child neuropsychological intervention, developmental problems, subcortical structures

Развитие пространственных функций у школьников на основе нейропсихологического анализа графической деятельности

Original manuscript received February 3, 2020.Revised manuscript accepted March 19, 2020.Child neuropsychology should be considered as a branch of general neuropsychology. Goals and tasks of child neuropsychology depend on a general psychological approach to the development. According to historical and cultural approach, neuropsychology as a science is directed not only towards assessing difficulties and establishing a diagnosis, but also towards creating methods for overcoming developmental problems and preventing such problems. Cultural and historical conception of development allows to study each psychological age according to a predominant type of child’s activity. In case of pre-school age, the predominant activity is a role-play. This activity is extremely useful for child’s development, but not enough for preparation to school. Play activity is performed in groups by communicative and precise material means (toys, objects and symbols). Another kind of useful activity is creative drawing as activity performed at a perceptive level and achieved by perceptive means. The aim of the article is to propose a way for introduction and gradual development of spatial orientation at a perceptive level within the content of original program for drawing. Neuropsychological analysis of drawing activity allows to specify brain mechanisms of the functional system of the action of drawing. The content of the functional system of the drawing action is presented together with the stages for introduction and formation of this action. The authors discuss the usefulness of graphic activity for the development of spatial orientation at a perceptive level. Graphic activity should be broadly used in pre-school institutions as a basic method for formation of spatial analysis and synthesis and prevention of learning disabilities at school.Детская нейропсихология должна рассматриваться как раздел общей нейропсихологии. Цели и задачи детской нейропсихологии зависят от общепсихологического подхода к развитию ребенка. В соответствии с историко-культурологическим подходом нейропсихология как наука направлена не только на оценку трудностей и постановку диагноза, но и на создание методов преодоления проблем развития ребенка и предотвращения таких проблем. Культурно-историческая концепция развития позволяет изучать каждый психологический возраст в соответствии с преобладающим видом деятельности ребенка. В случае дошкольного возраста преобладающей деятельностью является игра. Это занятие чрезвычайно полезно для развития ребенка, но недостаточно для подготовки к школе. Игровая деятельность осуществляется в группах с помощью коммуникативных и конкретных материальных средств (игрушки, предметы и символы). Другим видом полезной деятельности является творческий рисунок. Это деятельность, осуществляемая на уровне восприятия и достигаемая средствами восприятия. Цель статьи — показать способ внедрения и постепенного развития пространственной ориентации на уровне восприятия в рамках содержания оригинальной программы для рисования. Нейропсихологический анализ изобразительной деятельности позволяет уточнить мозговые механизмы функциональной системы выполнения рисунка, а также этапы формирования изобразительной деятельности. Авторы обсуждают полезность графической деятельности для развития пространственной ориентации на уровне восприятия. Графическая деятельность должна широко использоваться в дошкольных учреждениях в качестве основного метода формирования пространственного анализа, синтеза и предотвращения нарушений при дальнейшем обучении в школе

Catalytic Cycle of Multicopper Oxidases Studied by Combined Quantum- and Molecular-Mechanical Free-Energy Perturbation Methods

We have used combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical free-energy perturbation methods in combination with explicit solvent simulations to study the reaction mechanism of the multicopper oxidases, in particular the regeneration of the reduced state from the native intermediate. For 52 putative states of the trinuclear copper cluster, differing in the oxidation states of the copper ions and the protonation states of water- and O2-derived ligands, we have studied redox potentials, acidity constants, isomerisation reactions, as well as water- and O2 binding reactions. Thereby, we can propose a full reaction mechanism of the multicopper oxidases with atomic detail. We also show that the two copper sites in the protein communicate so that redox potentials and acidity constants of one site are affected by up to 0.2 V or 3 pKa units by a change in the oxidation state of the other site