A discussion on the validation tests employed to compare human action recognition methods using the MSR Action3D dataset

This paper aims to determine which is the best human action recognition method based on features extracted from RGB-D devices, such as the Microsoft Kinect. A review of all the papers that make reference to MSR Action3D, the most used dataset that includes depth information acquired from a RGB-D device, has been performed. We found that the validation method used by each work differs from the others. So, a direct comparison among works cannot be made. However, almost all the works present their results comparing them without taking into account this issue. Therefore, we present different rankings according to the methodology used for the validation in orden to clarify the existing confusion.Comment: 16 pages and 7 table

Propuesta de mejora en el área de logística para incrementar la rentabilidad en la empresa Unilap S.A.C.

RESUMEN El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo general proponer mejoras en el área de logística para aumentar la rentabilidad en la Empresa UNILAP S.A.C. Se evaluaron todos los factores que afectan la rentabilidad de la empresa y se reconoció el impacto que ocasionan, entre los factores detectados tenemos que no existe un método eficiente de control de inventarios, no existe un eficiente plan reposición para la importación, el almacén no cuenta con las características requeridas para su certificación de buenas prácticas de almacenamiento. Para determinar las mejoras a proponer se elaboraron diagramas de Pareto, análisis causa efecto y lluvia de ideas. Aumento la Rentabilidad Neta de Ventas de 23%, registrado en el año 2013 al 35% para el año 2014. • Aumento el Margen Bruto de 44%, registrado en el año 2013 al 56% para el año 2014. • Se alcanzó un VAN de S/.61,172.52, siendo favorable. • Se alcanzó un TIR de 39.80%, siendo favorable. • Se alcanzó un ROI de 3.3 años. • Se alcanzó un Beneficio-Costo (B/C) de 1.42. El impacto de las mejoras en el proceso de aumentar la rentabilidad de la empresa UNILAP SA.C. fueron logradas exitosamente, por lo cual es satisfactorio que se haya logrado el objetivo general propuesto en nuestra tesis.ABSTRACT The present study was overall objective to propose improvements in the area of logistics to increase profitability in the Company UNlLAP SAC All factors that affect the profitability of the company and the impact caused, among factors have detected that there is not an efficient method of inventory control, there is not an efficient replacement for the import plan was recognized were evaluated, the store does not have with the characteristics required for certification of good storage practices. To identify improvements to propose Pareto charts, cause-effect analysis and brainstorming were developed. The results achieved are: • Increase Profitability Net Sales 23% recorded in 2013 to 35% by 2014. • Increase Gross Margin of 44% recorded in 2013 to 56% by 2014. • An NPV of S / 61,172.57 was reached, being favorable. • A TIR of 39.80% was achieved, being favorable. • An ROI of 3.3 years was reached. • Ane-Profit Cost (B/C) of 1.42 was achieved. The impact of process improvements to increase the profitability of the company UNILAP SA.C. Were accomplished successfully, so it is pleasing that has been achieved overall objective proposed in our thesis

Gut yeasts do not improve desiccation survival in Drosophila melanogaster

A healthy gut microbiota generally improves the performance of its insect host. Although the effects can be specific to the species composition of the microbial community, the role of gut microbiota in determining water balance has not been well explored. We used axenic and gnotobiotic (reared with a known microbiota) Drosophila melanogaster to test three hypotheses about the effects of gut yeasts on the water balance of adult flies: 1) that gut yeasts would improve desiccation survival in adult flies; 2) that larval yeasts would improve adult desiccation survival; 3) that the effects would be species-specific, such that yeasts closely associated with D. melanogaster in nature are more likely to be beneficial than those rarely found in association with D. melanogaster. We used Saccharomyces cerevisiae (often used in Drosophila cultures, but rarely associated with D. melanogaster in nature), Lachancea kluyveri (associated with some species of Drosophila, but not D. melanogaster), and Pichia kluyveri (associated with D. melanogaster in nature). Adult inoculation with yeasts had no effect on survival of desiccating conditions. Inoculation with P. kluyveri as larvae did not change desiccation survival in adults; however, rearing with L. kluyveri or S. cerevisiae reduced adult desiccation survival. We conclude that adult inoculation with gut yeasts has no impact on desiccation survival, but that rearing with yeasts can have either no or detrimental effect. The effects appear to be species-specific: P. kluyveri did not have a negative impact on desiccation tolerance, suggesting some level of co-adaptation with D. melanogaster. We note that S. cerevisiae may not be an appropriate species for studying the effects of gut yeasts on D. melanogaster

Diseño de un sistema integrado para la producción de filamento para impresora 3D de calidad comercial a partir de plástico reciclado

En el presente trabajo de investigación, se realizó el diseño y simulación de un sistema integrado, comprendido por una trituradora y extrusora para obtener filamento que pueda alimentar a una impresora 3D. Para la obtención de datos de diseño, realizamos cuatro entrevistas dirigidas a dos empresas que trabajan con impresión 3D con la finalidad de conocer los requerimientos del mercado para el filamento. Luego se investigó en distintas bibliografías y normativas referente a ambas máquinas y como sistema integrado, de las cuales, se tomaron algunas recomendaciones de diseño como punto de partida. Posteriormente se elaboró 3 diseños conceptuales que seguidamente de 3 diseños de configuración para dar una posible solución a la investigación planteada, las cuales se evaluaron en una matriz de selección. Posteriormente se realizaron el juego de planos del sistema integrado para poder desarrollar a continuación la simulación. Finalmente se realizó un pequeño análisis económico (Ver tabla N°14

La apendicectomía laparoscópica de incisión única con puerto de guante quirúrgico es rentable y fiable en la apendicitis aguda complicada: Un estudio multicéntrico de casos y controles en Colombia

Antecedentes: El abordaje laparoscópico de puerto único (SPL) y multipuerto (MPL) son el patrón oro del tratamiento de la apendicitis aguda, debido a sus múltiples ventajas sobre la cirugía abierta, principalmente por sus efectos directos sobre la recuperación, la estética y los costes del procedimiento. Sin embargo, en los países del tercer mundo, el abordaje laparoscópico aún no es totalmente reproducible debido a los costes de la técnica. La apendicectomía laparoscópica de incisión única con puerto de guante quirúrgico (SGP-SILA) se ha propuesto como una opción viable. Sin embargo, nunca ha sido estudiada en Colombia. Objetivo: Evaluar el costo-efectividad y la confiabilidad de la SGP-SILA en el manejo de la apendicitis aguda complicada, comparada con el abordaje tradicional MPL. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles comparando pacientes sometidos a apendicectomía laparoscópica por SGP-SILA vs. MPL, evaluando costos operatorios asociados a variables intraoperatorias y postoperatorias en dos centros terciarios de Bogotá, Colombia. Los datos fueron analizados y expresados según su naturaleza y distribución. Resultados: Se incluyeron 116 pacientes (SGP-SILA: 62 y MPL: 54). La mediana del tiempo quirúrgico para SGP-SILA fue de 60 min frente a 39 min para MPL. Se demostró que la SGP-SILA causaba una menor frecuencia de infección del sitio quirúrgico (4 frente a 8 pacientes; p = 0,047). Se encontró una correlación significativa entre la infección del sitio quirúrgico de grado III y el tiempo de cirugía (p = 0,047) en el grupo MPL; también, con la estancia hospitalaria (p < 0,001). Asimismo, se encontró un menor riesgo de infección del sitio quirúrgico con la técnica SGP-SILA (22% frente a 31%). La SGP-SILA generó una reducción de los costes operativos directos e indirectos de aproximadamente el 10% (616 USD frente a 683 USD). Conclusiones: La SGP-SILA y la MPL son procedimientos factibles y comparables en la resolución de la apendicitis aguda complicada. La SGP-SILA resulta ser más rentable que la MPL, debido al uso de instrumentos más fácilmente accesibles. Puede ser una técnica reproducible en países de ingresos bajos y medios.Background: The single-port (SPL) and multi-port (MPL) laparoscopic approach are the gold standard of management of acute appendicitis, due to its multiple advantages over open surgery, mainly because of its direct effects on recovery, esthetics and costs of the procedure. However, in third-world countries, the laparoscopic approach is not yet fully reproducible due to the costs of the technique. The surgical-glove port single incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SGP-SILA) has been proposed as a viable option. However, it has never been studied in Colombia. Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and reliability of SGP-SILA in the management of complicated acute appendicitis, compared to traditional MPL approach. Materials and methods: A retrospective case control study was carried out comparing patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy by SGP-SILA vs. MPL, evaluating operating costs asso- ciated with intraoperative and postoperative variables in two tertiary centers in Bogota, Colombia. The data were analyzed and expressed according to their nature and distribution. Results: 116 patients were included (SGP-SILA: 62 and MPL: 54). The median surgical time for SGP-SILA was 60 min vs. 39 min for MPL. SGP-SILA was shown to cause lower frequency of surgical site infection (4 vs. 8 patients; p = 0.047). It was found a significant correlation between Grade III surgical site infection and surgery time (p = 0.047) in the MPL group; also, with hospital stay (p < 0.001). Also, a lower risk of surgical site infection was found with the SGP-SILA technique (22% vs. 31%). SGP-SILA generated a reduction in both direct and indirect oper- ating costs of approximately 10% (616 USD vs. 683 USD). Conclusion: SGP-SILA and MPL are feasible and comparable procedures in the resolution of complicated acute appendicitis. SGP-SILA turns out to be more cost-effective compared to MPL, due to the use of more easily accessible instruments. This may be a reproducible technique in low- and middle-income countries

Studiapp: Aplicación de temas para escolares

El trabajo de investigación consiste en realizar un aplicativo móvil dirigido a nuestro público objetivo quienes son escolares de secundaria de colegios privados de Lima Metropolitana con una necesidad clara de reforzamiento de clases escolares. Por ese motivo, nuestro servicio tiene como modelo de negocio ofrecer clases grabadas dictadas por universitarios con experiencia en cursos de secundaria y a un precio accesible, además de ofrecer teoría, ejercicios y videollamadas para absolver dudas. Sabemos que son menores de edad, por ello dentro de nuestros elementos tecnológicos diferenciadores está el reconocimiento facial que permitirá velar por la seguridad de los adolescentes. No obstante, se realizará un proceso riguroso de reclutamiento y selección de los colaboradores. Primero, realizamos entrevistas para conocer la problemática. Después, diseñamos y elaboramos el prototipo de alta fidelidad como solución a la necesidad del cliente, de la misma manera con las redes sociales y el landing page para tener un mayor alcance tanto en los escolares quienes demandan el servicio como en los asesores universitarios que ofrecen su servicio. Posteriormente, se elaboraron los diferentes concierge con el objetivo de concretar ventas y de esta manera evaluar la rentabilidad. Para finalizar, se realizó el plan financiero con la finalidad de determinar si nuestro proyecto es viable o no y si nos genera rentabilidad ya que podríamos realizarlo en un futuro no muy lejano.The research work consists of making a mobile application aimed at our target audience who are secondary school students from private schools in Metropolitan Lima with a clear need to reinforce school classes. For this reason, our service's business model is to offer recorded classes taught by university students with experience in high school courses and at an affordable price, in addition to offering theory, exercises and video calls to answer questions. We know that they are minors, so within our differentiating technological elements is facial recognition that will ensure the safety of adolescents. However, a rigorous process of recruitment and selection of collaborators will be carried out. First, we conduct interviews to learn about the problem. Then, we design and develop the hi-fi prototype as a solution to the client's need, in the same way with social networks and the landing page to have a greater reach both in the schoolchildren who demand the service and in the university advisers who offer your service. Subsequently, the different concierges were prepared in order to make sales and thus evaluate profitability. Finally, the financial plan was carried out in order to determine if our project is viable or not and if it generates profitability since we could carry it out in the not too distant future.Trabajo de investigació

The crystal structure of an ‘All Locked’ nucleic acid duplex

‘Locked nucleic acids’ (LNAs) are known to introduce enhanced bio- and thermostability into natural nucleic acids rendering them powerful tools for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. We present the 1.9 Å X-ray structure of an ‘all LNA’ duplex containing exclusively modified β-d-2′-O-4′C-methylene ribofuranose nucleotides. The helix illustrates a new type of nucleic acid geometry that contributes to the understanding of the enhanced thermostability of LNA duplexes. A notable decrease of several local and overall helical parameters like twist, roll and propeller twist influence the structure of the LNA helix and result in a widening of the major groove, a decrease in helical winding and an enlarged helical pitch. A detailed structural comparison to the previously solved RNA crystal structure with the corresponding base pair sequence underlines the differences in conformation. The surrounding water network of the RNA and the LNA helix shows a similar hydration pattern

tRNASec is transcribed by RNA polymerase II in Trypanosoma brucei but not in humans

Nuclear-encoded tRNAs are universally transcribed by RNA polymerase III (Pol-III) and contain intragenic promoters. Transcription of vertebrate tRNASec however requires extragenic promoters similar to Pol-III transcribed U6 snRNA. Here, we present a comparative analysis of tRNASec transcription in humans and the parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma brucei, two evolutionary highly diverged eukaryotes. RNAi-mediated ablation of Pol-II and Pol-III as well as oligo-dT induced transcription termination show that the human tRNASec is a Pol-III transcript. In T. brucei protein-coding genes are polycistronically transcribed by Pol-II and processed by trans-splicing and polyadenylation. tRNA genes are generally clustered in between polycistrons. However, the trypanosomal tRNASec genes are embedded within a polycistron. Their transcription is sensitive to α-amanitin and RNAi-mediated ablation of Pol-II, but not of Pol-III. Ectopic expression of the tRNASec outside but not inside a polycistron requires an added external promoter. These experiments demonstrate that trypanosomal tRNASec, in contrast to its human counterpart, is transcribed by Pol-II. Synteny analysis shows that in trypanosomatids the tRNASec gene can be found in two different polycistrons, suggesting that it has evolved twice independently. Moreover, intron-encoded tRNAs are present in a number of eukaryotic genomes indicating that Pol-II transcription of tRNAs may not be restricted to trypanosomatids

Transplante hepático em sarcoma embrionário indiferenciado de fígado em adultos: relato de caso

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) consists of a rare malignant neoplasm with a still poorly known etiopathogenesis, affecting mostly children between the ages of 6 and 10 years. It corresponds to 7% of primary liver tumors, and is the fourth most common liver cancer in pediatrics. The diagnosis of UESL is based on a set of imaging findings, age and level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which is usually normal, as well as liver function tests. Early diagnosis is hampered by non-specific symptoms, such as abdominal pain, a rapidly growing palpable abdominal mass, fever, weight loss, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The most characteristic image finding is that of a large, unique, and well-defined mass. Ultrasonography shows a predominantly solid and echogenic mass. Computed tomography, on the other hand, shows a mass that takes on a mainly cystic characteristic. Histologically, myxoid tissue with spindle-shaped neoplastic cells is evidenced. Some immunohistochemical studies indicate UESL mesenchymal origin. The macroscopic aspect of the tumor appears as a large hepatic mass, with a predominantly solid component, with some cystic areas, hemorrhage, and necrosis in up to 80% of its surface. The best approach for the treatment of primary liver sarcoma is not yet well defined. Therapeutic options include surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and liver transplantation (LT). However, in cases of unresectable tumors, LT is an option that must be considered, since in this histological type both chemotherapy and radiotherapy have questionable benefits. This article aims to report a case of giant UESL, with vascular invasion, submitted to LT with good postoperative evolution and without signs of recurrence after nine months of LT.O sarcoma embrionário indiferenciado de fígado (SEIF) consiste em uma neoplasia maligna rara com etiopatogenia ainda pouco conhecida, acometendo em sua maioria crianças na faixa etária entre 6 e 10 anos. Corresponde a 7% dos tumores primários de fígado, e é a quarta neoplasia hepática mais frequente na pediatria. O diagnóstico do SEIF se dá em um conjunto de achados de imagem, idade e nível de alfa-fetoproteína (AF), que geralmente está normal, assim como as provas de função hepática. O diagnóstico precoce é prejudicado pelos sintomas inespecíficos, como dor abdominal, massa abdominal palpável de rápido crescimento, febre, perda de peso e sintomas gastrintestinais. O achado de imagem mais característico é o de massa grande, única e bem-delimitada. A ultrassonografia mostra massa predominantemente sólida e ecogênica. Já a tomografia computadorizada evidencia uma massa que assume característica principalmente cística. Histologicamente é evidenciado tecido mixoide com células neoplásicas fusiformes. Alguns estudos imuno-histoquímicos indicam origem mesenquimal do SEIF. O aspecto macroscópico do tumor se apresenta como grande massa hepática, de componente sólido predominantemente, com algumas áreas císticas, hemorragia e necrose em até 80% de sua superfície. Ainda não é bem-definida a melhor abordagem para o tratamento do sarcoma primário de fígado. As opções terapêuticas incluem ressecção cirúrgica, quimioterapia, radioterapia e transplante hepático (TH). Porém, nos casos de tumores irressecáveis, o TH é uma opção que deve ser considerada, uma vez que nesse tipo histológico tanto quimioterapia como radioterapia têm benefício questionável. Este artigo tem por objetivo relatar um caso de SEIF gigante, com invasão vascular, submetido a TH com boa evolução pós-operatória e sem sinais de recidiva após nove meses de TH