To drive innovation, you must understand your ecosystem

An innovation ecosystem's many elements must work in sync for growth to happen, write Cris Beswick, Dan Toma and Ricardo Varga

Geopolítica del petróleo en litigios territoriales : las dimensiones marítimas del caso Esequibo entre la república bolivariana de Venezuela y la república cooperativa de Guyana

Esta tesis discute el papel ejercido por actores geopolíticos que han confluido e influido en el curso de una controversia limítrofe-fronteriza, dinamizando la búsqueda de una solución definitiva al caso. Tal influencia será analizada mediante la revisión de agendas basadas en la extracción de recursos estratégicos; la promoción del desarrollo económico; y la securitización de asuntos inherentes a un proceso de negociaciones entre Estados nacionales que transitaban por una de las mayores etapas de cooperación en el histórico de sus relaciones diplomáticas. La investigación consideró un caso de estudio que permitió evidenciar cómo el descubrimiento de importantes yacimientos de petróleo en áreas submarinas no delimitadas, localizadas entre el Delta del Orinoco y las Desembocaduras del río Esequibo ocasionó la ruptura del statu quo que durante décadas prevaleció en torno a la controversia limítrofefronteriza entre Venezuela y Guyana sobre los territorios de la Guayana Esequiba, siendo ese el litigio territorial de mayores dimensiones espaciales válidamente reconocido por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas, cuyas negociaciones han permanecido regidas por el Acuerdo de Ginebra de 1966, pero que a partir del descubrimiento de petróleo registraron un cambio de paradigmas que alteró el curso del caso, provocando una serie de incidentes que fueron determinantes en el anuncio de una decisión controvertida por parte de la Secretaría General de las Naciones Unidas (SGONU), que ordenó la remisión del caso a la Corte Internacional de Justicia (CIJ). La investigación se centró en un período temporal comprendido entre los años 2000-2020. En su desarrollo, esta tesis se apoyó en categorías conceptuales como la territorialización de espacios (RAFFESTIN) y en la teoría de la securitization (WAEVER), centrándose en el estudio de la Geopolítica del petróleo, entendiendo esta como el ejercicio de juegos de influencia y el establecimiento de alianzas políticas y económicas para la prospección, exploración y territorialización de espacios, en virtud del valor estratégico concedido por actores interesados en controlar yacimientos de petróleo localizados bajo cualquier latitud geográfica, por medio de la comprensión y la manipulación de los intereses existentes entre los sujetos del Derecho Internacional Público.Esta tese discute o papel desempenhado por atores geopolíticos que convergiram e influíram no percurso de uma controvérsia de limítrofe fronteiriça, dinamizando assim a busca de uma solução definitiva para o caso. Essa influência será analisada por meio da revisão de agendas baseadas na extração de recursos estratégicos; na promoção do desenvolvimento econômico; e na securitização de questões inerentes a um processo de negociações entre Estados-nação que estavam passando por um dos maiores estágios de cooperação na história de suas relações diplomáticas. A pesquisa considerou um estudo de caso que mostrou como a descoberta de importantes jazidas de petróleo em áreas submarinas não delimitadas, localizadas entre o Delta do Orinoco e a foz do rio Essequibo causou a ruptura do status quo que prevaleceu durante décadas no contencioso fronteiriço entre a Venezuela e a Guiana sobre os territórios da Guiana Essequiba ou Guaiana Essequiba, a disputa territorial de maiores dimensões espaciais validamente reconhecida pelas Nações Unidas, cujas negociações permaneceram regidas pelo Acordo de Genebra de 1966, mas, que diante da descoberta de petróleo registraram uma mudança de paradigma que alterou o curso do caso, levando a uma série de incidentes que foram decisivos para o anúncio de uma decisão controversa do Secretariado Geral das Nações Unidas (SGNU), que ordenou o encaminhamento do caso à Corte Internacional de Justiça (CIJ). A pesquisa se concentrou no período compreendido entre os anos 2000 a 2020. Em seu desenvolvimento, esta tese se baseou em categorias conceituais como a territorialização de espaços (RAFFESTIN) e a teoria da securitização (WAEVER), com foco no estudo da geopolítica do petróleo, entendida como o exercício de jogos de influência e o estabelecimento de alianças políticas e econômicas para a prospecção, exploração e territorialização de espaços, em virtude da valorização estratégica concedida por atores interessados no controle de jazidas petrolíferas localizadas em qualquer latitude geográfica, por meio da compreensão e manipulação dos interesses existentes entre os sujeitos do Direito Internacional Público.This thesis discusses the role played by geopolitical actors that have converged and influenced the course of a boundary controversy, thereby accelerating a definitive solution. Such influence will be analyzed through the review of agendas seeking the extraction of strategic resources; the promotion of economic development; and the securitization of issues inherent to a negotiation process between states undergoing one of the greatest periods of cooperation in the history of their diplomatic relations. The research considered the case study involving the discovery of significant oil deposits in submarine areas not yet delimited between the Orinoco Delta and the mouth of the Essequibo River. This development disrupted the status quo that had prevailed for decades in the border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana over the territory of Guayana Esequiba, the largest territorial dispute by spatial dimensions validly recognized by the United Nations. Negotiations had remained governed by the Geneva Agreement of 1966 but, after the discovery of oil, there was a paradigm shift that altered the course of the case, causing a series of incidents that were definitive in the controversial decision by the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) to refer the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The research focused on the period from 2000 to 2020. In its development, this thesis considered conceptual categories including the territorialization of spaces (RAFFESTIN) and the theory of securitization (WAEVER). The thesis focuses on the study of oil geopolitics, understood as the exercise of influence games and the establishment of political and economic alliances for the prospection, exploration, and territorialization of spaces by virtue of of the strategic valuation determined by actors interested in controlling oilfields located in any geographical latitude by understanding and manipulating the interests among the subjects of international public law

Meningoencefalite associada ao Mycoplasma pneumoniae

We report a case of a child with meningoencephalitis of atypical etiology. The patient developed the disease after an infection in the upper airways with unfavorable evolution. The clinical recovery was only possible after the administration of adequate antibiotic therapy for the etiological agent. This case report describes a child with meningoencephalitis of atypical etiology. The patient developed the disease after an infection in the superior airways with negative evolution. The clinical recovery was possible only after the introduction of adequate antibiotic therapy for the etiological agent.Este relato de caso descreve uma criança com menignoencefalite de etiologia atípica. A paciente desenvolveu a doença após infecção de vias aéreas superiores, com evolução desfavorável. Houve recuperação clínica somente após introdução de antibioticoterapia adequada para o agente etiológico.Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina Instituto da CriançaHospital Israelita Albert EinsteinUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Laboratory of Pediatric Gastroenterology Experimental SurgeryHospital Israelita Albert Einstein Pediatric DepartmentUNIFESP, Laboratory of Pediatric Gastroenterology Experimental SurgerySciEL

Antioxidant Action of Mangrove Polyphenols against Gastric Damage Induced by Absolute Ethanol and Ischemia-Reperfusion in the Rat

Rhizophora mangle, the red mangrove, has long been known as a traditional medicine. Its bark has been used as astringent, antiseptic, hemostatic, with antifungic and antiulcerogenic properties. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of a buthanolic fraction of the R. mangle bark extract (RM) against experimental gastric ulcer in rats. Unib-Wh rats received pretreatment of R. mangle after the induction of gastric injury with absolute ethanol and ischemia-reperfusion. Gastric tissues from both methods were prepared to the enzymatic assays, the levels of sulfhydril compounds (GSH), lipid peroxides (LPO), and the activities of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured. The RM protected the gastric mucosa in both methods used, ethanol-induced gastric ulcer and ischemia-reperfusion, probably, by modulating the activities of the enzymes SOD, GPx, and GR and increasing or maintaining the levels of GSH; in adittion, LPO levels were reduced. The results suggest that the RM antioxidant activity leads to tissue protection; thus one of the antiulcer mechanisms present on the pharmacological effects of R. mangle is the antioxidant property

Genetic and phenotypic variation of the malaria vector Anopheles atroparvus in southern Europe

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is a growing concern that global climate change will affect the potential for pathogen transmission by insect species that are vectors of human diseases. One of these species is the former European malaria vector, <it>Anopheles atroparvus</it>. Levels of population differentiation of <it>An. atroparvus </it>from southern Europe were characterized as a first attempt to elucidate patterns of population structure of this former malaria vector. Results are discussed in light of a hypothetical situation of re-establishment of malaria transmission.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Genetic and phenotypic variation was analysed in nine mosquito samples collected from five European countries, using eight microsatellite loci and geometric morphometrics on 21 wing landmarks.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Levels of genetic diversity were comparable to those reported for tropical malaria vectors. Low levels of genetic (0.004 <<it>F</it>_{<it>ST </it>}<0.086) and phenotypic differentiation were detected among <it>An. atroparvus </it>populations spanning over 3,000 km distance. Genetic differentiation (0.202 <<it>F</it>_{<it>ST </it>}<0.299) was higher between the sibling species <it>An. atroparvus </it>and <it>Anopheles maculipennis </it>s.s. Differentiation between sibling species was not so evident at the phenotype level.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Levels of population differentiation within <it>An. atroparvus </it>were low and not correlated with geographic distance or with putative physical barriers to gene flow (Alps and Pyrenées). While these results may suggest considerable levels of gene flow, other explanations such as the effect of historical population perturbations can also be hypothesized.</p

Insufflation of Carbon Dioxide versus Air During Colonoscopy Among Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background/Aims: Carbon dioxide is increasingly used in insufflation during colonoscopy in adult patients; however, air insufflation remains the primary practice among pediatric gastroenterologists. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate insufflation using CO2 versus air in colonoscopies in pediatric patients. Methods: Individualized search strategies were performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and LILACS databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Cochrane working methodology. Randomized control trials (RCTs) were selected for the present meta-analysis. Pooled proportions were calculated for outcomes including procedure time and abdominal pain immediately and 24 hours post-procedure. Results: The initial search yielded 644 records, of which five RCTs with a total of 358 patients (CO2: n=178 versus air: n=180) were included in the final analysis. The procedure time was not different between the CO2 and air insufflation groups (mean difference, 10.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.55 to 24.22; p=0.11). Abdominal pain immediately post-procedure was significantly lower in the CO2 group (risk difference [RD], -0.15; 95% CI; -0.26 to -0.03; p=0.01) while abdominal pain at 24 hours post-procedure was similar (RD, -0.05; 95% CI; -0.11 to 0.01; p=0.11). Conclusions: Based on this systematic review and meta-analysis of RCT data, CO2 insufflation reduced abdominal pain immediately following the procedure, while pain was similar at 24 hours post-procedure. These results suggest that CO2 is a preferred insufflation technique when performing colonoscopy in pediatric patients

Poor Sleep quality and health-related quality of life impact in adolescents with and without chronic immunosuppressive conditions during COVID-19 quarantine

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possible factors that influence sleep quality in adolescents with and without chronic immunosuppressive conditions quarantined during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 305 adolescents with chronic immunocompromised conditions and 82 healthy adolescents. Online surveys were completed, which included questions on socio-demographic data and self-rated healthcare routine during COVID-19 quarantine and the following validated questionnaires: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL4.0), and Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). RESULTS: The median current age [14 (10-18)&nbsp;vs. 15 (10-18) years,&nbsp;p=0.847] and frequency of female sex (62%&nbsp;vs. 58%,&nbsp;p=0.571) were similar in adolescents with chronic conditions compared with healthy adolescents. The frequency of poor sleep quality was similar in both groups (38%&nbsp;vs. 48%,&nbsp;p=0.118). Logistic regression analysis, including both healthy adolescents and adolescents with chronic conditions (n=387), demonstrated that self-reported increase in screen time (odds ratio [OR] 3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-6.8;&nbsp;p=0.008) and intrafamilial violence report (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2-3.5;&nbsp;p=0.008) were independently associated with poor sleep quality in these adolescents. However, the PODCI global function score was associated with a lower OR for poor sleep quality (OR 0.97; 95% CI 0.94-0.99;&nbsp;p=0.001). Further logistic regression, including only adolescents with chronic conditions (n=305), demonstrated that self-reported increase in screen time (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.4-6.8;&nbsp;p=0.006) and intrafamilial violence report (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.4;&nbsp;p=0.011) remained independently associated with poor quality of sleep, whereas a lower PODCI global function score was associated with a lower OR for sleep quality (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.94-0.98;&nbsp;p&lt;0.001). CONCLUSION: Self-reported increases in screen time and intrafamilial violence report impacted sleep quality in both healthy adolescents and those with chronic conditions. Decreased health-related quality of life was observed in adolescents with poor sleep quality

Measurement of the cosmic ray spectrum above 4×10184{\times}10^{18} eV using inclined events detected with the Pierre Auger Observatory

A measurement of the cosmic-ray spectrum for energies exceeding $4{\times}10^{18}$ eV is presented, which is based on the analysis of showers with zenith angles greater than $60^{\circ}$ detected with the Pierre Auger Observatory between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2013. The measured spectrum confirms a flux suppression at the highest energies. Above $5.3{\times}10^{18}$ eV, the "ankle", the flux can be described by a power law $E^{-\gamma}$ with index $\gamma=2.70 \pm 0.02 \,\text{(stat)} \pm 0.1\,\text{(sys)}$ followed by a smooth suppression region. For the energy ($E_\text{s}$) at which the spectral flux has fallen to one-half of its extrapolated value in the absence of suppression, we find $E_\text{s}=(5.12\pm0.25\,\text{(stat)}^{+1.0}_{-1.2}\,\text{(sys)}){\times}10^{19}$ eV.Comment: Replaced with published version. Added journal reference and DO