Identidad, cultura y cimarronaje en la insurgencia/emergencia del pueblo afroecuatoriano: 1980-2011

Durante más de cinco siglos de victimización, en el continente americano, con la conquista occidental primero y la creación del Estado-nación después, se ha venido promoviendo un discurso homogeneizador, obligando a todo el mundo a reconocerse parte de una única realidad cultural. En este contexto, el pueblo de origen africano, se ha visto negado por el poder hegemónico blanco-mestizo, su derecho a existir, con su identidad y humanidad más profunda, llegando a ser considerado un pueblo sin cultura; bueno solo para estar al servicio de aquellos que se consideraban ontológicamente superiores. Sin embargo, el pueblo de la diáspora africana nunca se conformó con la mentalidad opresiva y esclavizadora de los colonizadores de turno, más bien, desde su llegada a suelo americano hasta nuestros días, gracias a su espíritu insurgente y rebelde, ese pueblo ha sabido mantener viva la memoria de su propia herencia cultural. En los últimos treinta años el pueblo afroecuatoriano ha logrado activarse y organizarse de forma más estable contra la discriminación racial y cultural, promoviendo, de manera paulatina, la construcción de procesos identitarios como estrategia social al fin de afirmarse como sujeto político y exigir el respeto de sus derechos económicos, políticos, sociales y culturales. En la actualidad, el pueblo afroecuatoriano cuenta con varias expresiones organizativas presentes a nivel nacional, tanto de la sociedad civil como también del mundo académico, estatal y religioso; esto demuestra que su espíritu cimarrón sigue vivo y rebelde. Ash

Optimal interpolation of satellite and ground data for irradiance nowcasting at city scales

We use a Bayesian method, optimal interpolation, to improve satellite derived irradiance estimates at city-scales using ground sensor data. Optimal interpolation requires error covariances in the satellite estimates and ground data, which define how information from the sensor locations is distributed across a large area. We describe three methods to choose such covariances, including a covariance parameterization that depends on the relative cloudiness between locations. Results are computed with ground data from 22 sensors over a 75×80 km area centered on Tucson, AZ, using two satellite derived irradiance models. The improvements in standard error metrics for both satellite models indicate that our approach is applicable to additional satellite derived irradiance models. We also show that optimal interpolation can nearly eliminate mean bias error and improve the root mean squared error by 50%

Dynamic changes of mmp-9 plasma levels correlate with jvc reactivation and immune activation in natalizumab-treated multiple sclerosis patients

The aim of the study was to investigate the changes of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 plasma levels during natalizumab treatment and their correlation with JC virus (JCV) reactivation and T-lymphocyte phenotypic modifications in peripheral blood samples from 34 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. MMP-9 levels were assessed by zymography in plasma samples. JCV-DNA was detected through quantitative real time PCR in plasma samples. T-lymphocyte phenotype was assessed with flow cytometry. MMP-9 plasma levels resulted increased from 12 to 24 natalizumab infusions. Stratifying plasma samples according to JCV-DNA detection, MMP-9 plasma levels were significantly increased in JCV-DNA positive than JCV-DNA negative samples. MMP-9 plasma levels resulted positively correlated with JCV viral load. CD4 immune senescence, CD8 immune activation and CD8 effector percentages were positively correlated to MMP-9 plasma levels, whereas a negative correlation between CD8 naïve percentages and MMP-9 plasma levels was found. Our data indicate an increase of MMP-9 plasma levels between 12 and 24 natalizumab infusions and a correlation with JCV-DNA detection in plasma, T-lymphocyte immune activation and senescence. These findings could contribute to understand PML pathogenesis under natalizumab treatment, suggesting a potential role of MMP-9 as a predictive marker of PML in RRMS patients

Assortativity Decreases the Robustness of Interdependent Networks

It was recently recognized that interdependencies among different networks can play a crucial role in triggering cascading failures and hence system-wide disasters. A recent model shows how pairs of interdependent networks can exhibit an abrupt percolation transition as failures accumulate. We report on the effects of topology on failure propagation for a model system consisting of two interdependent networks. We find that the internal node correlations in each of the two interdependent networks significantly changes the critical density of failures that triggers the total disruption of the two-network system. Specifically, we find that the assortativity (i.e. the likelihood of nodes with similar degree to be connected) within a single network decreases the robustness of the entire system. The results of this study on the influence of assortativity may provide insights into ways of improving the robustness of network architecture, and thus enhances the level of protection of critical infrastructures

Modeling Resilience in Electrical Distribution Networks

Electrical distribution networks deliver a fundamental service to citizens. However, they are still highly vulnerable to natural hazards as well as to cyberattacks; therefore, additional commitment and investments are needed to foster their resilience. Toward that, this paper presents and proposes the use of a complex simulation model, called reconfiguration simulator (RecSIM), enabling to evaluate the effectiveness of resilience enhancement strategies for electric distribution networks and the required resources to implement them. The focus is, in particular, on one specific attribute of resilience, namely, the readiness, i.e., the promptness and efficiency to recover the service functionality after a crisis event by managing and deploying the available resources rapidly and effectively. RecSIM allows estimating how and to what extent technological, topological, and management issues might improve electrical distribution networks’ functionality after the occurrence of accidental faults, accounting for interdependency issues and reconfiguration possibilities. The viability of implementing RecSIM on a real and large urban network is showcased in the paper with reference to the study case of the electrical distribution network (EDN) of Rome city

Stem Cell Fate and Immunomodulation Promote Bone Regeneration via Composite Bio-Oss®/AviteneTM Biomaterial

Bone defects in maxillofacial regions lead to noticeable deformity and dysfunctions. Therefore, the use of biomaterials/scaffolds for maxillofacial bone regrowth has been attracting great interest from many surgical specialties and experts. Many approaches have been devised in order to create an optimal bone scaffold capable of achieving desirable degrees of bone integration and osteogenesis. Osteogenesis represents a complex physiological process involving multiple cooperating systems. A tight relationship between the immune and skeletal systems has lately been established using the concept of “osteoimmunology,” since various molecules, particularly those regulating immunological and inflammatory processes, are shared. Inflammatory mediators are now being implicated in bone remodeling, according to new scientific data. In this study, a profiler PCR array was employed to evaluate the expression of cytokines and chemokines in human adipose derived-mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) cultured on porous hydroxylapatite (HA)/Collagen derived Bio-Oss® /Avitene scaffolds, up to day 21. In hASCs grown on the Bio-Oss® /Avitene biomaterial, 12 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found to be up-regulated, together with 12 DEG downregulated. Chemokine CCL2, which affects bone metabolism, tested down-regulated. Interestingly, the Bio-Oss® /Avitene induced the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory interleukin IL-6. In conclusion, our investigation carried out on the Bio-Oss® /Avitene scaffold indicates that it could be successfully employed in maxillofacial surgery. Indeed, this composite material has the advantage of being customized on the basis of the individual patients favoring a novel personalized medicine approach

Cascades in interdependent flow networks

In this manuscript, we investigate the abrupt breakdown behavior of coupled distribution grids under load growth. This scenario mimics the ever-increasing customer demand and the foreseen introduction of energy hubs interconnecting the different energy vectors. We extend an analytical model of cascading behavior due to line overloads to the case of interdependent networks and find evidence of first order transitions due to the long-range nature of the flows. Our results indicate that the foreseen increase in the couplings between the grids has two competing effects: on the one hand, it increases the safety region where grids can operate without withstanding systemic failures; on the other hand, it increases the possibility of a joint systems’ failure

A Robust DNA Isolation Protocol from Filtered Commercial Olive Oil for PCR-Based Fingerprinting

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has elevated commercial value due to its health appeal, desirable characteristics and quantitatively limited production, and thus it has become an object of intentional adulteration. As EVOOs on the market might consist of a blend of olive varieties or sometimes even of a mixture of oils from different botanical species, an array of DNA-fingerprinting methods have been developed to check the varietal composition of the blend. Starting from a comparison between publicly available DNA extraction protocols, we set up a timely, low-cost, reproducible and effective DNA isolation protocol, which allows an adequate amount of DNA to be recovered even from commercial filtered EVOOs. Then, in order to verify the effectiveness of the DNA extraction protocol herein proposed, we applied PCR-based fingerprinting methods starting from the DNA extracted from three EVOO samples of unknown composition. In particular, genomic regions harboring nine simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and eight genotyping-by-sequencing-derived single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were amplified for authentication and traceability of the three EVOO samples. The whole investigation strategy herein described might favor producers in terms of higher revenues and consumers in terms of price transparency and food safety

energy retrofit and environmental sustainability improvement of a historical farmhouse in southern italy

Abstract This paper proposes an integrated rehabilitation project of an abandoned farmhouse in a rural area in Southern Italy. The building underwent a functional recovery to become a tourist accommodation. The use of natural materials can reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints considering environmental sustainability aspects. A proper selection of interventions targeted for the specific warm climate has led to benefits for heating, cooling and lighting in the interior spaces. The project also includes the integration of hydraulic facilities and landscaping, such as planting hedges, green barriers and native trees