Showing papers by "United Nations Industrial Development Organization published in 2012"

Review of sparse methods in regression and classification with application to chemometrics

Abstract: High-dimensional data often contain many variables that are irrelevant for predicting a response or for an accurate group assignment. The inclusion of such variables in a regression or classification model leads to a loss in performance, even if the contribution of the variables to the model is small. Sparse methods for regression and classification are able to suppress these variables. This is possible by adding an appropriate penalty term to the objective function of the method. An overview of recent sparse methods for regression and classification is provided. The methods are applied to several high-dimensional data sets from chemometrics. A comparison with the non-sparse counterparts allows us to acquire an insight into their performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Determinants of national innovation systems: Policy implications for developing countries

Abstract: The importance of National Innovation Systems (NIS) for the economic performance of a country is widely acknowledged. In order to close the development gap, it is crucial for developing countries to identify the degree to which knowledge institutions, governments and business corporations determine NIS and deduce relevant innovation policies from this. We model and estimate their relationship from a network perspective for NIS of 46 developed economies and emerging markets at the macro level using secondary data from a series of international measures. We find that, while the structural dynamics of knowledge management, decision-making, government-business relations and the market are crucial to NIS behaviour, overall innovation in this context is dominated by market forces. This implies developing economies should focus on establishing an institutional environment that supports markets and market transactions which, subsequently, supports the domestic NIS and economic growth.

The chest and aging: radiological findings

Abstract: In the elderly (conventionally defined as individuals ≥ 60 years of age), it is often difficult to establish what normality is, because of the numerous anatomical and physiological modifications that occur during the aging process. As a result, the greatest challenge is to differentiate between the normal aging process and the onset of disease. Healthy elderly people commonly present borderline findings on chest imaging. We systematically reviewed the medical literature on the subject, covering the period between 1950 and 2011, including articles in Portuguese, English, French, Italian, and Spanish. We searched the PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases, using the search terms "age", "aging", "lung", "thorax", "chest", "X-ray", "radiography", "pulmonary", and "computed tomography"-as well as their corresponding translations-in various combinations. We included only original or review articles on aging-related chest imaging findings. In broad terms, aging results in physiological modifications that must be recognized so as not to be erroneously interpreted as pathological.

Creating the Future We Want

Abstract: Introduction In June 2012, corporate, nongovernmental (NGO), and government leaders will converge in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for a conference on sustainable development. Occurring twenty years after the first Rio conference, the "Earth Summit," the 2012 meeting is a chance to examine and reaffirm commitments to global sustainability.As articulated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the meeting provides a timely opportunity to ensure a "shared and common understanding of [sustainability] and what it means to improve the lives of ordinary people in developing countries and countries with economies in transition" (UNIDO, 2011). The title of the initial draft of the conference outcome document, "The Future We Want," is the inspiration for the title of thisarticle (UNCSD, 2011).Over the next two decades, governments and businesses will face serious environmental and social changes that hold both risks and opportunities (KPMG, 2012). We are optimistic that we have the capacity to meet these challenges and achieve a strong global economy while advancing social well-being and protecting human health and the environment.Several trends inspire our hopefulness: leaders in corporations and financial institutions are moving toward sustainable operations and globally responsible investing; advances in science, technology, innovation, and social marketing via the Internet are creating new economic opportunities for sustainability; and national, state, and local governments around the world are taking leadership roles in pursuing sustainability.Some commentators are less optimistic about the future. As The Economist (2011) observed in a recent review of the planet's growing population and its potential impacts, "Once upon a time, the passing of population milestones might have been a cause of celebration. Now it gives rise to jeremiads" (emphasis in original). Population growth, along with increasing affluence in developing nations, is seen as a primary driver of the growing, unsustainable global demand for energy and natural resources.The future is indeed fraught with environmental, economic, and social risks that could derail progress. For example, the ecological footprint measure assembled by the Global Footprint Network (2011) notes that humanity's ecological footprint has more than doubled since 1966. The Network'scalculations indicate that if every human today were consuming resources at a level typical of developed countries, we would need three or four planets with natural resources equivalent to Earth.The challenge ahead is to meet the needs of the growing population in a way that restores and maintains the Earth's natural resources while promoting economic prosperity. This is what "sustainable development" is all about. Sustainability has in turn been widely characterized as resting on three pillars: social well-being, economic prosperity, and environmental protection.From the perspective of public policy, sustainability is aimed at meeting society's basic economic and social needs without undermining the natural resource base and environmental quality necessary for continuing to meet those needs in the future. From the standpoint of business and finance, sustainability is evolving into a platform for innovation and value creation at a global market scale for shareholders and society while efficiently using resources and minimizing adverse effects on the environment. The traditional tension between corporate environmental responsibility and profitability is giving way to a convergence between public and private sector interests, as illustrated by numerous examples cited in this article.Today, government, business, and civil society are developing a shared view of sustainability as a force for spurring innovation, strengthening competitiveness, and enhancing quality of life through transformed leadership of our major institutions. But fundamental changes in institutional approaches are necessary to make this happen. …

Return on Investment from Industrial Energy Efficiency: Evidence from Developing Countries

Abstract: Energy efficiency is a foundation of any good energy policy. The economic, security, and environmental benefits of energy efficiency have been recognized for decades. We explore energy efficiency policy insights derived from survey work in developing countries in 119 projects across nine manufacturing sub-sectors. The methodology utilizes financial return calculations to highlight gaps and opportunities for meeting the potential of energy efficiency projects in the manufacturing sector. We find a generally very high level of internal rates of return at a project level - with payback periods ranging from 0.9 to 2.9 years; but note that these metrics do not always appropriately influence corporate decision-making for a number of well-understood reasons.

La versión española del CORE-OM: Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Outcome Measure

Abstract: Articulo aceptado para publicacion en la Revista de Psicoterapia. (con autorizacion de la propia revista para su difusion online)

Ressonância magnética de pulmão: um novo passo no estudo das doenças pulmonares*

Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lung has progressed tremendously in recent years. Because of improvements in speed and image quality, MRI is now ready for routine clinical use. The main advantage of MRI of the lung is its unique combination of structural and functional assessment in a single imaging session. We review the three major clinical indications for MRI of the lung: staging of lung tumors; evaluation of pulmonary vascular disease; and investigation of pulmonary abnormalities in patients who should not be exposed to radiation.

The pollution and ecological risk of endosulfan in soil of Huai’an city, China

Abstract: Endosulfan, a persistent organic pollutant newly listed under the Stockholm Convention, is currently widely produced and used as a pesticide in China. Concentrations of endosulfans (including α-, β-isomers, and their metabolite endosulfan sulfate) were determined in surface soil collected from Huai’an city, where the largest endosulfan producer is located. The concentrations of Σendosulfan (sum of α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, and endosulfan sulfate) at all sites ranged from 0.28 to 44.81 ng/g dry weight (dw), following a lognormal distribution. The geometric mean was 1.09 ng/g dw, and the geometric standard deviation was 3.02. The β-endosulfan levels were consistently greater than those of α-isomer. The concentration ratios of α-endosulfan to β-endosulfan ranged from 0.03 to 0.70, which were much lower than the commercial endosulfan mixture. This is because that α-endosulfan is more volatile and degrades faster than β-endosulfan in soil. The contour map of Σendosulfan levels in soil indicates that the factory was the point pollution source with the highest endosulfan level in its surrounding area, especially the southern area. However, the non-point agricultural sources are more important. Based on Monte Carlo simulation, the Σendosulfan inventory in soil in Huai’an is estimated to be 0.8–3.0 tons. In order to understand the potential ecological risk of endosulfan, the Monte Carlo-based hazard quotient distribution was estimated and showed that Σendosulfan posed a potentially high risk to soil organisms. To our knowledge, this study is the first that reports soil pollution and risk of endosulfan around the manufacturer in China. This study will help China’s implementation of Stockholm Convention for the reduction and elimination of endosulfan in future.

Effects of storage on the chemical composition and food quality of yam

Abstract: The effects of storage (4 months) on the chemical composition of yam tubers and its relation to textural quality of a major yam food product (pounded yam) were studied using six varieties of Dioscorea rotundata and D. alata. Chemical compositionof bothfreshlyharvestedtubersandthosestoredfor4 monthsweredetermined by standard methods of analysis. Sugar, nonstarchy carbohydrate and dry matter contentsof thetubersincreasedduringstoragewhilethestarch,fatandproteincontents decreased.Pounded yam made from stored yam tubers were of better textural quality than those from freshly harvested ones. Storage of yam tubers could be an effective way of improving the textural quality of pounded yam. This is important for processing yam tubers into value-added products.

A screening assay for neuraminidase inhibitors using neuraminidases N1 and N3 from a baculovirus expression system

Abstract: Context: Development of inexpensive and safe enzymatic assays to screen for putative neuraminidase inhibitors.Objective: Validate the use of recombinant neuraminidase expressed in baculovirus located on the viral surface capsule to develop a neuraminidase inhibitor screening assay.Materials and methods: Recombinant baculovirus particles displaying neuraminidase N1 and N3 were used as enzyme sources. The assay set-up required the use of 2′-(4-methylumbelliferyl)-α-D-acetyl neuraminic acid as substrate and oseltamivir carboxylate as benchmark inhibitor.Results: The assay was set up in a standard 96-well plate. The within- and between-assay coefficients of variation were, on average, less than 10%. The 50% inhibitory concentration values of the inhibitor were in good agreement with those determined by independent kinetic experiments.Discussion and conclusions: The assay showed satisfactory within- and between-assay repeatability. The obtained results suggest that recombinant baculovirus expressing neuraminid...

Tratamiento prehospitalario de los pacientes con IAMCEST. Una declaración científica del Working Group Acute Cardiac Care de la European Society of Cardiology

Abstract: Resumen En el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevacion del ST (IAMCEST), la fase prehospitalaria es la mas critica, puesto que la rapida administracion del tratamiento mas apropiado permite reducir la mortalidad. Los sistemas de asistencia del IAMCEST basados en redes de centros medicos conectados mediante un servicio de emergencias medicas eficiente tienen una importancia crucial. Los primeros pasos se centran en reducir al minimo el tiempo que tarda el paciente en solicitar asistencia, desplazar con rapidez una ambulancia bien equipada y con el personal adecuado para realizar el diagnostico in situ, aplicar el tratamiento farmacologico inicial y trasladar al paciente al centro de asistencia cardiaca mas apropiado (que no es necesariamente el mas proximo). La intervencion coronaria percutanea primaria (ICPp) es el tratamiento de eleccion, pero la trombolisis seguida de angiografia coronaria y posiblemente ICP constituye una alternativa valida, en funcion del riesgo inicial del paciente, el tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de los sintomas y el retraso asociado a la ICPp. El personal paramedico y de enfermeria desempena un papel importante en la asistencia prehospitalaria del IAMCEST, y asignarle las responsabilidades adecuadas es esencial para aumentar la efectividad del sistema. Una colaboracion intensa entre cardiologos y medicos de emergencias es imprescindible para una asistencia prehospitalaria optima en el IAMCEST. Las sociedades cientificas tienen un papel importante que desempenar tambien en la aplicacion de las guias de practica clinica, asi como en el desarrollo de indicadores de calidad y medidas del rendimiento; los profesionales de la salud deben superar los obstaculos existentes para la prestacion de una asistencia optima, en colaboracion con los responsables de la toma de decisiones politicas y administrativas.

Índice de enfisema pulmonar em coorte de pacientes sem doença pulmonar conhecida: influência da idade

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of age on pulmonary emphysema, based on the values of the emphysema index (EI) in a cohort of patients who had never smoked and who had no recognizable lung disease. METHODS: We reviewed the CT scans, reported as normal, of 315 patients. Exclusion criteria were a history of smoking, cardiorespiratory disease, and exposure to drugs that could cause lung disease. From this cohort, we selected 32 patients (16 men and 16 women), matched for gender and body mass index, who were divided equally into two groups by age ( 50 years). We quantified emphysema using a computer program specific to that task. The EI was calculated with a threshold of -950 HU. We also evaluated total lung volume (TLV) and mean lung density (MLD). RESULTS: The overall means for TLV, MLD, and EI were 5,027 mL, -827 HU, and 2.54%, respectively. Mean values in the older and younger groups, respectively, were as follows: for TLV, 5,229 mL vs. 4,824 mL (p > 0.05); for MLD, -846 HU vs. -813 HU (p < 0.04); and for EI, 3.30% vs. 1.28% (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were found between EI and age (r = 0.66; p = 0.001), EI and TLV (r = 0.58; p = 0.001), and EI and MLD (r = -0.67; p < 0.001). The predicted EI per age was defined by the regression equation (r2 = 0.43): p50(EI) = 0.049 × age - 0.5353. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to consider the influence of age when quantifying emphysema in patients over 50 years of age. Based on the regression analysis, EI values of 2.6%, 3.5%, and 4.5% can be considered normal for patients 30, 50, and 70 years of age, respectively.

Multilateralism and Energy for Development

Abstract: The lack of access to affordable and reliable energy services is a key obstacle to human, social and economic development. Yet billions of people worldwide lack access to electricity and still rely on traditional biomass as their primary source of energy. This chapter presents a vision for scaling up efforts to provide the poor with modern, safe and efficient energy services in the context of energy–­development linkages, climate change and the geopolitics of energy security. Energy for development strategies should aim at transformative changes that bring about sustainable development and address climate change in a holistic manner because a transition to low-carbon economies is a pressing imperative. Energy security and reliable access to relatively inexpensive energy supplies is a prerequisite for economic development and competitiveness. New institutional arrangements are needed to address these challenges.

Binational collaboration to study Gulf of Mexico's harmful algae

Abstract: Blooms of the toxic marine dinoflagellate Karenia brevis cause massive fish kills and other public health and economic problems in coastal waters throughout the Gulf of Mexico [Steidinger, 2009]. These harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a gulf-wide problem that require a synoptic observing system for better serving decision-making needs. The major nutrient sources that initiate and maintain these HABs and the possible connectivity of blooms in different locations are important questions being addressed through new collaborations between Mexican and U.S. researchers and government institutions. These efforts were originally organized under the U.S./Mexico binational partnership for the HABs Observing System (HABSOS), led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf of Mexico Program (EPAGMP) and several agencies in Veracruz, Mexico, since 2006. In 2010 these efforts were expanded to include other Mexican states and institutions with the integrated assessment and management of the Gulf of Mexico Large Marine Ecosystem (GoMLME) program sponsored by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Ponderación de resultados para la evaluación global de centros de hemodiálisis

Abstract: En la actualidad, no disponemos de un sistema de evaluacion de centros de dialisis adecuado. Objetivos: Construir una estructura de ponderacion global de resultados de hemodialisis, aceptable por los diferentes agentes y que permita la comparacion de centros mediante un indicador compuesto. Metodos: El Grupo de Trabajo de Gestion de la Calidad de la Sociedad Espanola de Nefrologia (GT) establecio un conjunto de indicadores preseleccionados. Se constituyo un Grupo Focal (GF), independiente del GT, compuesto por nueve individuos; tres pacientes, tres clinicos y tres gestores sanitarios, que con una metodologia reglada valoro dichos indicadores y establecio los indicadores seleccionados. Posteriormente, realizo una ponderacion de los indicadores mediante tres rondas de ponderacion, separadas cada una de ellas por dos periodos de debate, consistentes en la distribucion de 100 puntos entre cada variable, de acuerdo con sus valores personales y el debate sostenido. Resultados: Los resultados clinicos incluyeron: dosis de hemodialisis, anemia, calcio y fosforo plasmatico, tipo de acceso vascular y dias de hospitalizacion. El peso otorgado a cada variable tras la tercera ponderacion, expresado como la media de todos los agentes, fue: resultados clinicos, 38,9; mortalidad anual, 25,0; satisfaccion con el centro, 12,2; calidad de vida relacionada con salud, 15,6; y costes, 8,3 (total 100). Conclusiones: La estructura de ponderacion abarca resultados relevantes y globales e incluye la perspectiva de los agentes involucrados; todo ello puede incrementar su aceptabilidad y difusion, asi como contribuir al analisis del valor producido por los centros y a la mejorara de los resultados.

Consistent and Transparent? The Problem of Longitudinal Poverty Records

Abstract: The World Bank and leading donors have emphasized the importance of evidence-based policy making in addressing entrenched poverty. Adoption of Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers has also required establishing and updating poverty baselines, typically through Living Standards Measurement Surveys. Although the conceptual basis of these surveys has been questioned, little attention has been paid to whether frequent revisions to the longitudinal record have undermined their value. This article argues that changes to the poverty record have been sufficiently frequent and often sufficiently large to compromise the creation of a sound longitudinal poverty record. The lack of transparency also weakens national debate and ownership and undermines the construction of evidence-based policy.

Adaptação cultural e reprodutibilidade do questionário para problemas respiratórios em pacientes portadores de DPOC no Brasil

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To translate the Breathing Problems Questionnaire (BPQ) into Portuguese and adapt it to the Brazilian culture, as well as to evaluate its reproducibility in patients with COPD. METHODS: After the BPQ had been translated and adapted to the Brazilian culture, it was administered to a subgroup of 8 patients in order to identify their uncertainties and difficulties. The questionnaire was reviewed by an expert committee, and its final version was arrived at. A second translator back-translated the final version into English, which was sent to the original author in order to verify that the original meaning of the questionnaire had been maintained. After the approval of the original author, the final Portuguese-language version of the questionnaire was administered to 50 patients with COPD, in order to evaluate its reproducibility. RESULTS: The mean response time was 9.5 min. Of the 50 patients, 21 were female and 29 were male. The mean age was 65.8 ± 7.5 years. Most of the patients were classified as having moderate COPD (29.16%) or severe COPD (52%). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the total score was 0.94. The ICCs for the eleven BPQ domains and its two subscales were also above 0.70. Moderate correlations were found between the BPQ domains and subscales. CONCLUSIONS: The translation and cultural adaptation of the BPQ for use in Brazil was deemed appropriate, because the patients could easily understand and answer the questions. In addition, the Brazilian version of the BPQ questionnaire was found to be reliable, showing good reproducibility.

Micro-naciones del sí-mismo en tiempos de guerra: análisis de discurso y psicología

Abstract: This paper outlines problems with contemporary discourse analysis – a focus on everyday conversation, interpersonal interaction, formal sequences, correct ex...

La televisión pública en 2011: TVE sin publicidad

Abstract: On August 28, 2009 was published in BOE the „Ley 8/2009, de financiacion de la Corporacion de Radiotelevision Espanola‟ with a new format to finance public television that did not come from the sale of commercial advertising spaces. This law has brought much criticism, positions and comments, as well as any complaints by political organizations, consumer and user associations and private individuals. In the present article we conducted a study whose objectives are to verify the perception that the surveyed students have about the new policy of legislation and its effective implementation of the Law on Financing of RTVE. To this end, we selected a sample consisting of 324 subjects to whom we conducted a questionnaire then extract some data according with the hypotheses that we propose.

“The Cape Verdean Race”: Identity-building in a suburban council estate

Abstract: This article explores local articulations of identity among Cape Verdean descendants in a council estate near Lisbon. The argument addresses their notions of ‘Cape Verdeanness’ and ‘Africanness’, analysing how these are built and sustained in opposition to the “Portuguese”. It begins by pinpointing weak transnational (material and symbolic) ties with Cape Verde, moving to highlight widespread racism in Portugal’s political, media and social responses to African immigrants. Finally, it examines Cape Verdeans’ identity constructions, arguing that the categories, tacit meanings and group attributes they forge speak less of feelings of belonging to Cape Verde than of a “looping effect” whereby discursive elements of racism and segregation in Portuguese society are appropriated and reworked by the subjects themselves.

Effects of Substitution of Al and Bi for Ni on Structure and Hydrogen Storage Properties of LaNi4.7-xAl0.3Bix (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3) Alloy

Abstract: In this research, the effects of Al and Bi substitution for Ni on the microstructure and hydrogen absorption/desorption properties of LaNi4.7-xAl0.3Bix (x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3) alloys were investigated. The results showed that substituting Ni with Al led to a desirable decrease in absorption/desorption plateau pressure as well as to hysteresis without a reduction in hydrogen capacity. However, Bi substitution reduced the hydrogen capacity and increased the absorption/desorption plateau pressure of the samples. The formation of the (Al,Ni) intermetallic and Bi phases at grain boundaries was found to be the main reason for the changes in hydrogen storage properties.

Prescrição ou Performance: Quando? Porquê? Como? Quem?

Abstract: Durante varias decadas a Seguranca Contra Incendio em edificios foi projectada somente com base em normas prescritivas. As normas foram desenvolvidas de forma a garantir uma solucao robusta, muitas vezes conservadora, com um consideravel factor de seguranca. No entanto, as passadas duas decadas evidenciaram um acentuado nivel de inovacao no sector da construcao, redifinindo varios conceitos que consistiam parte integral da actual estrategia de seguranca contra incendio prescritiva. A nivel arquitectonico o conceito de espaco hoje varia consideravelmente da compartimentacao sistematica utilizada durante varias decadas. A criacao de espacos âmplios e muitas vezes facilitada pelo desenvolvimento de novos materiais de construcao, que por sua vez possibilitam tambem solucoes estruturais nao convencionais. Infelizmente, no sector da seguranca contra incendio, o desenvolvimento do conhecimento generalizado, aplicavel a normas prescritivas, necessario para garantir a seguranca de estructuras inovadoras, nao tem acompanhado o actual ritmo de inovacao na area da construcao. Consequentemente, tornou-se perigosa a confianca generalizada nas normas e metodologias prescitivas e, por sua vez, tornou-se essencial saber identificar casos em que as normas prescritivas nao sao aplicaveis. Nos casos nao abrangidos pelas normas prescritivas (que sao cada vez mais) e necessario recorrer a uma abordagem com base no desempenho, para a qual e essencial um conhecimento profundodos objectivos da estrategia de seguranca contra incendio e das ferramentas disponiveis para a elaborar adequadamente.