Expansion of the current methodology for the study of the short-term liquidity problems in a sector

Purpose: The aim of this work consists of defining and applying a new methodology for the calculation of short-term financial ratios that more reliably approximate the solvency of a sector. Design/methodology: We begin with a classic sector analysis and propose the creation of ratios that limit the debt repayment on an individual level and that do not imply the compensation of aggregate balances, as occurs with the current formulas of calculation. Findings: The new methodology more reliably approximates the solvency of a sector by being able to estimate with greater precision its global capacity for short-term debt repayment. Research limitations: The limitations to the proposed sector ratios are the same as the limitations of the customary individual ratios. Therefore, to offer an example, the ratios do not correct the assumption that the only source of resources to meet current liabilities is made up by available and liquid assets. In other words, no new tools are proposed to include future income from sales by the companies. Practical implications: To be able to study the solvency of the different sectors that make up the economy with more uniform criteria. Social implications: The information provided by the new ratios obtained in this work proves to be relevant information in the case of wanting to determine the degree of dependence of companies in a sector on financial institutions, or in the case of wanting to determine the degree of dependence on aid in a subsidized sector. Originality/value: The proposal of new tools that go beyond the current limitations.Peer Reviewe

Conception and performance of IViST : a novel platform for real-time In Vivo Source Tracking in brachytherapy

La curiethérapie à haut débit de dose (HDR pour High Dose Rate) est une modalité de traitement du cancer qui délivre au volume cible la dose prescrite avec un débit de dose élevé. Malgré les distributions de doses hautement conformes obtenues avec cette modalité de traitement, le traitement lui-même n’est pas exempt d’erreurs. En raison des forts gradients de dose, typique de la curiethérapie, de petites erreurs dans le positionnement de la source peuvent entraîner des conséquences néfastes pour les patients. L’utilisation systématique de systèmes de vérification en temps réel est le seul moyen de savoir quelles doses ont été réellement données à la tumeur et aux organes à risque. Cette thèse présente les démarches effectuées pour créer et valider un système de dosimétrie à scintillateurs plastiques multipoints (mPSD pour Multipoint Plastic Scintillation Detector) capable d’effectuer avec précision des mesures in vivo en curiethérapie HDR. Un prototype a été optimisé, caractérisé et testé dans des conditions typiques de la curiethérapie HDR. Une analyse exhaustive a été réalisée pour obtenir un modèle optimisé du détecteur, capable de maximiser la collection de lumière de scintillation produite par l’interaction des photons ionisants. Il a été constaté que le scintillateur de longueur d’onde plus courte devrait toujours être placé plus près du photodétecteur, alors que le scintillateur émettant dans la longueur d’onde la plus élevée doit être en position distale. Si la configuration, comme mentionnée précédemment, n’est pas utilisée, des effets d’excitation et d’auto-absorption entre les scintillateurs peuvent se produire, et en conséquence, la transmission de la lumière à travers la fibre collectrice n’est pas optimale. Le détecteur a été rendu étanche à la lumière. Son noyau de 1 mm de diamètre permet son utilisation dans la majorité des applicateurs utilisés pour le parcours de la source en curiethérapie HDR avec l’192Ir. Pour la meilleure configuration du détecteur multipoints (3 mm de BCF10, 6 mm de BCF12, 7 mm BCF60), une optimisation numérique a été effectuée pour sélectionner les composants optiques (miroir dichroïque, filtre et tube photomultiplicateur (PMT pour Photomultiplier Tube)) qui correspondent le mieux au profil d’émission recherché. Ceci permet la déconvolution du signal en utilisant une approche multispectrale, en extrayant la dose de chaque élément tout en tenant compte de l’effet de tige Cerenkov. Le système de luminescence optimisé a été installé dans une boîte protectrice pour assurer la stabilité des composantes optiques lors de la manipulation. Les performances dosimétriques du système IViST (In Vivo Source Tracking) ont été évaluées en curiethérapie HDR, sur une plage clinique réaliste allant jusqu’à 10 cm de distance entre la source et les capteurs du mPSD. IViST peut simultanément mesurer la dose, trianguler la position et mesurer le temps d’arrêt de la source. En effectuant 100 000 mesures/s, IViST échantillonne suffisamment de données pour effectuer rapidement des tâches QA / QC clés, telles que l’identification d’un mauvais temps d’arrêt individuel ou des tubes de transfert interchangés. En utilisant 3 capteurs colinéaires et des informations planifiées pour une géométrie d’implant provenant des fichiers DICOM RT, la plateforme peut également trianguler la position de la source en temps réel avec une précision de positionnement de 1 mm jusqu’à 6 cm de la source. Le détecteur ne présentait aucune dépendance angulaire. Un essai clinique est actuellement en cours avec ce système.High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a cancer treatment modality that delivers to the target volume high doses in short amount of time in a few fractions. Despite the highly conformal dose distributions achieved with this treatment modality, the treatment itself is not free from errors. Because of the high dose gradient characteristics of the brachytherapy techniques, small errors in the source positioning can result in harmful consequences for patients. The routine use of a real-time verification system is the only way to know what dose was actually delivered to the tumor and organs at risk. This thesis presents the investigation done to obtain a Multi-point Plastic Scintillation Detector (mPSD) system capable of accurately performing in vivo dosimetry measurements in HDR brachytherapy. A first system’s prototype was optimized, characterized, and tested under typical HDR brachytherapy conditions. An exhaustive analysis was carried out to obtain an optimized mPSD design that maximizes the scintillation light collection produced by the interaction of ionizing photons. We found that the shorter wavelength scintillator should always be placed closer to the photodetector and the longer wavelength scintillator in the distal position for the best overall light-yield collection. If the latter configuration is not used, inter-scintillator excitation and self-absorption effects can occur, and as a consequence, the light transmission through the collecting fiber is not optimal. The detector was made light-tight to avoid environmental light, and its 1 mm diameter core allows their usage in most applicator channel used in 192Ir HDR brachytherapy. For the best mPSD design (3 mm of BCF10, 6 mm of BCF12, 7 mm BCF60), a numerical optimization was done to select the optical components (dichroic mirror, filter and Photomultiplier Tube (PMT)) that best match the light emission profile. It allows for signal deconvolution using a multispectral approach, extracting the dose to each element while taking into account the Cerenkov stem effect. The optimized luminescence system was enclosed into a custom-made box to preserve the optical chain stability and easy manipulation. The In Vivo Source Tracking (IViST) system’s dosimetric performance has been evaluated in HDR brachytherapy, covering a range of 10 cm of source movement around the mPSD’s sensors. IViST can simultaneously measure dose, triangulate source position, and measure dwell time. By making 100 000 measurements/s, IViST samples enough data to quickly perform key QA/QC tasks such as identifying wrong individual dwell time or interchanged transfer tubes. By using 3 co-linear sensors and planned information for an implant geometry (from DICOM RT), the platform can also triangulate source position in real-time with 1 mm positional accuracy up to 6 cm from the source. The detector further exhibited no angular dependence. A clinical trial is presently on-going using the IViST system

A Framework For TV Logos Learning Using Linear Inverse Diffusion Filters For Noise Removal

Different logotypes represent significant cues for video annotations. A combination of temporal and spatial segmentation methods can be used for logo extraction from various video contents. To achieve this segmentation, pixels with low variation of intensity over time are detected. Static backgrounds can become spurious parts of these logos. This paper offers a new way to use several segmentations of logos to learn new logo models from which noise has been removed. First, we group segmented logos of similar appearances into different clusters. Then, a model is learned for each cluster that has a minimum number of members. This is done by applying a linear inverse diffusion filter to all logos in each cluster. Our experiments demonstrate that this filter removes most of the noise that was added to the logo during segmentation and it successfully copes with misclassified logos that have been wrongly added to a cluster

Tango y paella. Porteñas y valencianos en el comisariado de exposiciones con acento educativo

El presente trabajo introduce un nuevo planteamiento de gestión y comisariado de exposiciones, analizando dos proyectos expositivos con un marcado acento participativo, incidiendo en la vertiente social y educativa de dichas propuestas.En ambos casos los curadores han elaborado un discurso educativo que recorre elconjunto. La muestra valenciana «Caligrafías de la enfermedad» y la bonaerense «Cuando digo escuela» consideran a los visitantes como protagonistas, intérpretes y constructores de significados. Esto implica crear condiciones de apropiación de los bienes patrimoniales comunes y ofrecer experiencias de calidad para que diversos tipos de usuarios pongan en juego sus perspectivas, conocimientos, narrativas y emociones. his paper proposes a new approach to managing and curating exhibitions, analyzing two exhibition projects with a strong participatory emphasis, focusing on the social aspect of these proposals. In both cases, the curators have prepared a joint educational discourse. he Valencian «Disease"s Calligraphy» and the Buenos Aires «When I say School» consider the visitors as actors, performers and builders of meanings. he exhibitions create conditions of appropriation of heritage and ofer quality experiences for diferent users developing their perspectives, knowledge, narrative and emotions. Este artigo apresenta uma nova abordagem para a gestão e curadoria de exposições, analisando dois projetos com um forte enfoque participativo, com foco nos aspectos sociais e educacionais dessas propostas. Em os dos casos, os curadores têm desenvolvido um discurso educacional que atravessa o conjunto. A exposição «Caligraia da doença» ea mostra «Quando eu digo escola» consideran os visitantes como atores, artistas e construtores signiicados. Isto signiica criar condições de propriedade dos bens patrimoniais comuns e proporcionar experiências de qualidade para diferentes tipos de usuários a pôr em jogo a sua perspectiva, suo conhecimento, sua narrativa e suas emoções

A renorming in some Banach spaces with applications to fixed point theory

AbstractWe consider a Banach space X endowed with a linear topology τ and a family of seminorms {Rk(⋅)} which satisfy some special conditions. We define an equivalent norm ⦀⋅⦀ on X such that if C is a convex bounded closed subset of (X,⦀⋅⦀) which is τ-relatively sequentially compact, then every nonexpansive mapping T:C→C has a fixed point. As a consequence, we prove that, if G is a separable compact group, its Fourier–Stieltjes algebra B(G) can be renormed to satisfy the FPP. In case that G=T, we recover P.K. Lin's renorming in the sequence space ℓ1. Moreover, we give new norms in ℓ1 with the FPP, we find new classes of nonreflexive Banach spaces with the FPP and we give a sufficient condition so that a nonreflexive subspace of L1(μ) can be renormed to have the FPP

Examining Cervical Cancer Screening Utilization Among African Immigrant Women: A Literature Review

Background: Globally, 530,000 women per year are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and approximately 275,000 die from the disease. Routine cervical cancer screening may reduce the burden of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality through early detection and improved treatment outcome. Immigrant women in the United States (U.S.) may be disproportionately affected by cervical cancer; however, there is scarce literature addressing cervical cancer screening in African immigrants (AIs) when compared to other immigrant groups. This systematic review evaluates the state of cervical cancer screening research in AIs and identifies current gaps. Materials and methods: Through a comprehensive literature search, we identified 16 studies published between 2005 and 2015 that focused on cervical cancer screening among AIs. Results: From this review, we found a low screening adherence rate among AIs. The common factors influencing cervical cancer screening practices among AIs included immigration status, health care interactions, knowledge deficiency, religiosity and certain personal characteristics. Discussion: A multilevel approach to address the factors influencing screening practices among AIs is essential for improving adherence to screening guidelines. Implementation of grassroots enlightenment and screening programs are warranted in this population to decrease the screening disparity experienced by this burgeoning population. Conclusions: Based on the findings from this review, African Immigrant (AI) women should be targeted for education about the importance of cervical cancer screening to bridge the knowledge gaps and multilevel initiatives could lead to improved access and utilization of screening services among this growing immigrant population

Variation of color with baking time in snacks made with pregelatinized cassava

Color is an importantaspect when formulating products, as the consumer will evaluate this aspect in the first instance. There is a growing interest in non-wheat producing regions to replace it with local sources of starches. However, the substitution of wheat flour affects characteristics such as texture, flavor, and color of the intermediate and final products. The objective of this work was to determine if the variation of the baking time allows reducing the color difference that the replacement of flour generates by dehydrated cassava puree (DCP). For that, four replacement levels were evaluated using the CIE-L * a * b * and CIE-L * C * H * methodology. The browning index and total color difference (ΔE) between samples with different replacement levels and between different stages of production were also evaluated. It was proved that the decrease in the baking time allowed the development of a similar coloring between snacks made with DCP and those made without substitution. Also, moisture values of less than 5% (dry basis) were obtained in the snacks. The browning index increased with the proportion of DCP in flour and doughs, but not in baked snacks. The pregelatinization of starches could be a mechanism to improve the quality of products with substitutions of wheat flour.Fil: Cazzaniga, Amanda. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Cs.exactas Químicas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnol. de Los Alimentos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste; ArgentinaFil: Brousse, Maria Marcela. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Cs.exactas Químicas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnol. de Los Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Linares, Ramón Andrés. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Cs.exactas Químicas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnol. de Los Alimentos; Argentin

Thermostable glycoside hydrolases in Biorefining

Glycoside hydrolases, which are responsible for the degradation of the major fraction of biomass, the polymeric carbohydrates in starch and lignocellulose, are predicted to gain increasing roles as catalysts in biorefining applications in the future bioeconomy. In this context, thermostable variants will be important, as the recalcitrance of these biomass-components to degradation often motivates thermal treatments. The traditional focus on degradation is also predicted to be changed into more versatile roles of the enzymes, also involving specific conversions to defined products. In addition, integration of genes encoding interesting target activities opens the possibilities for whole cell applications, in organisms allowing processing at elevated temperatures for production of defined metabolic products. In this review, we overview the application of glycoside hydrolases related to the biorefining context (for production of food, chemicals, and fuels). Use of thermostable enzymes in processing of biomass is highlighted, moving from the activities required to act on different types of polymers, to specific examples in today’s processing. Examples given involve (i) monosaccharide production for food applications as well as use as carbon source for microbial conversions (to metabolites such as fuels and chemical intermediates), (ii) oligosaccharide production for prebiotics applications (iii) treatment for plant metabolite product release, and (iv) production of surfactants of the alkyl glycoside class. Finally future possibilities in whole cell biorefining are shown

\u3cem\u3eLas Dos Cosas\u3c/em\u3e versus Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Culturally and Linguistically Exploratory Intervention Study in Hispanic Mothers Living in Kentucky

INTRODUCTION: Formula supplementation among infants of breastfeeding Hispanic immigrants is common practice known as las dos cosas. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability of a culturally and linguistically diverse intervention to promote exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months. METHODS: A sample of 39 Hispanic pregnant women was recruited and randomly assigned to intervention (n = 20) and control groups (n = 19). The intervention included a peer counselor and professional support, and mothers were followed from pregnancy to 6 months after birth. RESULTS: After the study, women assigned to the intervention group were over three times more likely to EBF their baby through all four postpartum assessed time points (odds ratio = 3.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-8.7). DISCUSSION: This culturally and linguistically diverse intervention contributed to increased EBF duration and decreased formula supplementation in Hispanic mothers up to 6 months postpartum

Neural Connectivity with Hidden Gaussian Graphical State-Model

The noninvasive procedures for neural connectivity are under questioning. Theoretical models sustain that the electromagnetic field registered at external sensors is elicited by currents at neural space. Nevertheless, what we observe at the sensor space is a superposition of projected fields, from the whole gray-matter. This is the reason for a major pitfall of noninvasive Electrophysiology methods: distorted reconstruction of neural activity and its connectivity or leakage. It has been proven that current methods produce incorrect connectomes. Somewhat related to the incorrect connectivity modelling, they disregard either Systems Theory and Bayesian Information Theory. We introduce a new formalism that attains for it, Hidden Gaussian Graphical State-Model (HIGGS). A neural Gaussian Graphical Model (GGM) hidden by the observation equation of Magneto-encephalographic (MEEG) signals. HIGGS is equivalent to a frequency domain Linear State Space Model (LSSM) but with sparse connectivity prior. The mathematical contribution here is the theory for high-dimensional and frequency-domain HIGGS solvers. We demonstrate that HIGGS can attenuate the leakage effect in the most critical case: the distortion EEG signal due to head volume conduction heterogeneities. Its application in EEG is illustrated with retrieved connectivity patterns from human Steady State Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEP). We provide for the first time confirmatory evidence for noninvasive procedures of neural connectivity: concurrent EEG and Electrocorticography (ECoG) recordings on monkey. Open source packages are freely available online, to reproduce the results presented in this paper and to analyze external MEEG databases