Gobierno Corporativo Internacional en Bellsouth: escándalo corporativo en Nicaragua

This article arises from research of a course in International Corporate Governance of our Ph.D. from the University of St. Gallen (Switzerland) and applied in a company that has suffered a scandal which would affect its operations in Nicaragua. The analysis applied from the KISS Principles of the professor Dr. Martin Hilb of University of St.Gallen. The violations of law that underlie the case described in this paper stem from actions and omissions relating to BellSouth’s subsidiary in Nicaragua, Telefonía Celular de Nicaragua, S.A. This is a reflexion article is only for academic purposes. Este artículo surgió a partir de una investigación de un curso de International Corporate Governance de nuestro doctorado en la Universidad de St. Gallen (Suiza) y se aplicó en una compañía que hubiese sufrido un escándalo, el cual afectó sus operaciones en Nicaragua. Para el análisis se aplicaron los principios KISS del profesor Dr. Martin Hilb, profesor de la mencionada universidad. Las violaciones del derecho y de la ley que subyacen en el caso descrito en este documento son producto de las acciones y omisiones relativas a la filial de BellSouth en Nicaragua, Telefonía Celular de Nicaragua, S.A. Este artículo de reflexión es solo para fines académicos

Predicting growing stock volume of Eucalyptus plantations using 3-D point clouds derived from UAV imagery and ALS data

Estimating forest inventory variables is important in monitoring forest resources and mitigating climate change. In this respect, forest managers require flexible, non-destructive methods for estimating volume and biomass. High-resolution and low-cost remote sensing data are increasingly available to measure three-dimensional (3D) canopy structure and to model forest structural attributes. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the individual tree volume estimates derived from high-density point clouds obtained from airborne laser scanning (ALS) and digital aerial photogrammetry (DAP) in Eucalyptus spp. plantations. Object-based image analysis (OBIA) techniques were applied for individual tree crown (ITC) delineation. The ITC algorithm applied correctly detected and delineated 199 trees from ALS-derived data, while 192 trees were correctly identified using DAP-based point clouds acquired fromUnmannedAerialVehicles(UAV), representing accuracy levels of respectively 62% and 60%. Addressing volume modelling, non-linear regression fit based on individual tree height and individual crown area derived from the ITC provided the following results: Model E ciency (Mef) = 0.43 and 0.46, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) = 0.030 m3 and 0.026 m3, rRMSE = 20.31% and 19.97%, and an approximately unbiased results (0.025 m3 and 0.0004 m3) using DAP and ALS-based estimations, respectively. No significant di erence was found between the observed value (field data) and volume estimation from ALS and DAP (p-value from t-test statistic = 0.99 and 0.98, respectively). The proposed approaches could also be used to estimate basal area or biomass stocks in Eucalyptus spp. plantationsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Metabolic Profile of Holstein Cows: Reference Values in Herds of Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil

Background: Assessing data from metabolic profile is a complex task depending on individual factors such as breed, age, sex and physiological status and environmental factors such as climate and management. Therefore, reference intervals produced in herds from different geographic regions are not always precise in the local reality. The aim of this study is to compile results of values of the most used parameters in the metabolic profile of healthy Holstein cows, grouped by lactation stage, obtained from studies in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, as an effort for the elaboration of regional reference intervals for dairy cattle in this geographic area.Materials, Methods & Results: The research was defined through the PICO strategy, considering multiparous Holstein cows from scientific studies carried out in Rio Grande do Sul, during the period 1996-2021, in which the nitrogen, glycidic, lipidic, enzymatic or mineral metabolic profile was determined. Google Scholar, Scientific Electronic Library and PubMed were the electronic databases selected for the search, using the following descriptors: "profile" and "metabolic" and "metabolic profile" and "dairy" or "cattle" or "cow" and "Brazil" and "southern" or "Rio Grande do Sul". Studies in Portuguese, English and Spanish languages were considered. The references of the articles initially selected were also verified, through ResearchGate and Google Scholar, in addition to unpublished data, unfinished studies or data in the so called "gray literature". It was possible to identify a total of 34 publications, which were tabulated to assess the scientific quality and bias risk. Studies were evaluated by a pair of independent reviewers, in order to compare results. Eligibility confirmation was given after the complete reading of the articles, evaluating the presence of all the inclusion selection criteria, such as adequate population and the intervention made. Examples of exclusion criteria for studies were studies or data duplication and methodological flaws that could compromise reliability. Thus, of the 34 studies selected in the initial screening, 14 remained. Thereafter, observational studies were preferably sought for data extraction. In the case of clinical trials, only data from control groups were used, in order to avoid disturbances due to interventions or treatments that could be applied. The reference intervals or means of the evaluated metabolites extracted from these studies were grouped in tables, in order to facilitate the comparison with research results obtained in different regions or even for comparison with future studies in the region of interest.Discussion: This retrospective study obtained mean values and standard deviation of the most used parameters in the metabolic profile of Holstein cows, grouped by lactation stage, obtained from studies performed in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Divergences were observed in several evaluations, especially in values of albumin, beta-hydroxybutyrate, aspartate transaminase and calcium, in spite of all data represented healthy animals from research trials with adequate environment and diet. It is important to consider the risk of time bias in this study, as within this 25-year period there was a very large evolution in dairy farming and some values may not be fully representative of current management systems in Holstein herds. Nevertheless, the results reinforce the importance of using regional reference values for the proper interpretation of metabolic profile results in dairy cows. In addition, the proposing of database index for regional averages or reference intervals, is useful for comparing results of metabolic profiles carried out in different geographic regions, in future studies to be performed in this particular region, or even to be utilized by field practitioners of this particular region.Keywords: biochemical blood profile, regional reference, healthy cows.Título: Perfil metabólico de vacas da raça Holandesa:valores de referência em rebanhos do Rio Grande do Sul - BrasilDescritores: perfil bioquímico sanguíneo, referência regional, vacas sadias

Material flow accounting in Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru (1980-2000)

In this paper we compare the resource flows of Chile, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru between 1980 and 2000. In this time span, the domestic extraction of materials increased in the four countries, mainly due to the mining sector in Chile and Peru, biomass and oil in Ecuador and construction minerals in Mexico. Imports and exports increased too, due to the increasing integration in the international markets, prompted by the liberalization policies undertaken by the four countries between the late 1970s and the late 1990s. The four countries had a negative physical trade balance for most of the period analyzed, meaning that their exports exceeded their imports in terms of weight. However, the increase of imports reduced the physical deficit in Chile, Mexico and Peru. Ecuador’s physical deficit was the highest and did not decrease in the period analyzed. Also, a diversification of exports away from bulk commodities could be observed in Chile and Mexico, and to a lesser extent in Peru, whereas in Ecuador the export sector remained mainly based on oil and biomass. More research is needed to explore the environmental effects of this phenomenon. Also, the indirect flows associated to the direct physical flows deserve to be subject to further analysis.

Effects of physical warm-up on the attention of adolescent students

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of two different types of physical warm-up on selective attention (AS) and concentration of physical education (PE) students. Warm-up was used as a tool for this optimization; different variables were applied to compare their effects on students' attention and concentration. Attention is a frequently studied variable that is associated with success in different settings including academic and sports. The participants of this study were 160 students (77 girls and 83 boys), who were between 12 and 17 years old. The students were randomly divided into two experimental groups (n = 106) and a control group (n = 54). As a study procedure, an experimental group (n = 55) performed a physical warm-up based on 10 min of repetitive exercises of moderate intensity that were directed by a direct command and had low cognitive demands. The other group (n = 51) performed a physical warm-up of equal duration and intensity; however, the warm-up was based on an open and playful task with many stimuli and a high need for fast decision-making. Then, the D2 test was used to observe students' attention and concentration. The obtained results showed no significant differences in attention and concentration according to the type of performed warm-up (p > .05). However, differences were observed in the effects of these cognitive functions with respect to other variables such as sex, age, or school year (p < .05). The lack of effectiveness in testing the proposed warm-ups suggests the need to continue experimenting with different variables (e.g., volume, intensity, teaching style, and stimuli) to determine their possible effects on students' attentional capacities.Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deport

El sector gráfico español: una aproximación histórica, tecnológica y económica

En este trabajo se describen los principales hitos tecnológicos que han ido marcando y configurando el sector gráfico, y se aborda la compleja problemática de su delimitación. Asimismo, se lleva a cabo un análisis comparativo con el sector manufacturero español, estudiando el comportamiento de ambos sectores en los ámbitos de la atomización y dispersión empresarial, inversiones en tecnología, subvenciones recibidas, capacidad de generación de empleo, y demografía. Finalmente, también se aborda la singularidad que el sector gráfico español representa en el ámbito del comercio exterior, y algunos de los retos que las actuales fuerzas globalizadoras de la economía le plantean.In this paper, main technological milestones which have marked and formed the graphical sector are described, and the complex problematic of its delimitations is approached. Likewise, a comparative analysis with the Spanish manufacturing sector is carried out to study the behaviour of both sectors with regard to the managerial atomization and dispersion, technology investments, received subsidies, employment creation capacity, and demography. Finally, both the Spanish graphical sector singularity in the foreign trade and some of the challenges current economy global forces exert on it also are approached

Morbilidad Asistida y morbilidad real por infecciones respiratorias agudas

ResumenEl presente trabajo aborda el estudio de la morbilidad por Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas (IRA) en áreas del municipio Lisa en Ciudad Habana, así como en localidades del municipio Isla de la Juventud (Cuba), con objeto de caracterizar algunos aspectos de la morbilidad por demanda de consultae identificar la morbilidad real. Alrededor del 90% de las consultas por IRA fueron por primera vez y en general la razón de éstas, respecto al seguimiento fue de 5,3. A través de la búsqueda activa de enfermos se obtuvieron las tasas de morbilidad real (TMR) entre valores de 110,4 y 163,4 casos por 1000 habitantes, que fueron muy superiores a las tasas de morbilidad por demanda de consulta (TMDC) en iguales periodos de tiempo. Resultado de la división de ambas tasas se obtuvo el«índice de morbilidad real» (IMR) cuyo cociente osciló entre 5 y 15, aproximadamente. Una alta proporción (47,6%) de enfermos refirieron no haber solicitado atención médica. Estos resultados permiten hacer estimaciones aproximadas del comportamiento real de las IRA en el universo de estudio y establecer bases para un nuevo programa de control, perfeccionando ademcis la vigilancia epidemiolóigica en la atención primaria de salud.SummaryThe present work presents the study of morbidity due to acute respiratory infections (ARI) in areas of the town of Lisa in Ciudad Habana, and Isla Juventud (Cuba), to caracterise different aspects of morbidity measured by health care attendance and to measure true morbidity. About 90% of consultations for ARI were first-time consultations, while their ratio to further consultations was 5.3. True morbidity rates (TMR), obtained trough active research, ranged from 110.4 to 163.4 cases per 1000 inhabitants, considerably higher than morbidity rates measured by primary care consultations (MRPCC) in the same time period. The true morbidity index (TMI), as measured by the ratio of the two previous rates, ranged from 5 to 15. Ahigh proportion (47.6%) of cases reported no medical careattendance. These results provide approximate estimates of true morbidity in the study area, and allow the establishment of a new control program, also improving epidemiologic surveillance within primary care activities

Computational and experimental studies on Cu/Au-catalyzed stereoselective synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted allenes

Cu- and Au-mediated formation of allenes from terminal alkynes and aldehydes via propargylamine intermediates is hampered by reversibility in the propargylamine formation. The use of a stable Au(I) catalyst in the reaction using a chiral propargylamine provided clues to disentangle the mechanism of the whole process that would have been otherwise hidden. Additionally, the process was observed to be stereoselective when an enantiomerically pure chiral propargylamine was used as starting substrate providing the corresponding 1,3-disubstituted allenes with high enantiomeric ratio.Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. CTQ2017-85919-RAgencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. CTQ2016-75023-C2-2-PXunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2017/7

Estudio comparativo del desempeño de los elementos SHELL63 y BEAM4 ANSYS 5.5 para el modelamiento de paneles navales

A continuación se realiza un estudio de dos tipos de elementos para modelar un panel naval y elegir que elemento es el más acertado para modelar por el método de elementos finitos (MEF). Se realiza un análisis de convergencia donde las variables son los esfuerzos transversales y numero de elementos, este diagrama darán el numero de elementos adecuado para realizar un estudio con mayor precisión del panel, para luego comparar los valores obtenidos computacional mente con los obtenidos teóricamente y definir el error que presenta el modelo para los distinto s elementos empleados.Incluye bibliografí

Graffiti Identification System Using Low-Cost Sensors

This article introduces the possibility of studying graffiti using a colorimeter developed with Arduino hardware technology according to the Do It Yourself (DIY) philosophy. Through the obtained Red Green Blue (RGB) data it is intended to study and compare the information extracted from each of the graffiti present on different walls. The same color can be found in different parts of a single graffiti, but also in other graffiti that could a priori be of different authorship. Nevertheless, graffiti may be related, and it may be possible to group graffiti artists and "gangs" that work together. The methodology followed for the construction of the colorimeter and its real application in a practical case are described in four case studies. The case studies describe how graffiti were identified and recognized and they provide a comparison of the collected color samples. The results show the added value of the colorimeter in the graffiti recognition process, demonstrating its usefulness on a functional level. Finally, the contributions of this research are outlined, and an analysis is carried out of the changes to be made to the proposed method in the future, for improved graffiti color identification