What indicators do (or do not) tell us about Regional Innovation Systems

This paper analyses some of the methodologies and R&D and innovation indicators used to measure Regional Innovative Capacity in Spain for the period 1996–2000. The results suggest that the approaches examined are not sufficiently rigorous; they vary depending on the methodology and indicators employed. Therefore, we would suggest that the right balance between quantitative and qualitative approaches could produce a better evaluation of innovation system performance which would be more useful to policy makers and other stakeholders.     

A global simulated annealing heuristic for the three-parameter lognormal maximum likelihood estimation

It is well known that the inclusion of the threshold parameter in a lognormal distribution creates serious complications for parameter estimation; several parameterized schemes and global optimization procedures have been proposed to solve the problem in the maximum likelihood framework. A global Simulated Annealing optimization heuristic is proposed to solve the problem of maximum likelihood estimation in any parameterization scheme for the three-parameter lognormal distribution, as well as for the extended lognormal distribution. Positively and negatively skewed lognormal distributions are considered by introducing a one-parameter conditional estimation procedure in the classical parameterization for the three-parameter lognormal distribution, and a dual reparameterization is introduced for parameters estimation in the extended lognormal distribution. Simulated and real data are analyzed to test the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.     

Acute cholestasis-induced renal failure: effects of antioxidants and ligands for the thromboxane A2 receptor

BACKGROUND: Acute biliary obstruction is associated with the development of renal impairment and oxidative stress. The F2-isoprostanes, formed during oxidant injury, are renal vasoconstrictors acting via thromboxane (TX)-like receptors. We determined whether the formation of F2-isoprostanes is increased in experimental cholestasis and whether thiol containing antioxidants or ligands for the TXA2 receptor could improve renal function. METHODS: The effects on renal function of acute bile duct ligation (BDL) in the rat were studied for two days. The consequences of administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), alpha-lipoic acid (LA), the TX receptor antagonist (TXRA) BAYu3405, or placebo were then examined. RESULTS: BDL caused a reduction in creatinine clearance from 1.10 +/- 0.05 to 0.55 +/- 0.05 ml/min and sodium excretion from 52 +/- 3 to 17 +/- 3 micromol/hr. Urinary F2-isoprostanes increased from 14 +/- 2 to 197 +/- 22 pg/ml following BDL. Renal functional changes were ameliorated by NAC (creatinine clearance 0.73 +/- 0.05 ml/min), LA (0.64 +/- 0.03 ml/min), and a TXRA (0.90 +/- 0.15 ml/min); P < 0.05. Similarly, sodium excretion was increased from 17 +/- 3 micromol/hr (placebo) to 34 +/- 3 micromol/hr (NAC), 29 +/- 3 micromol/hr (LA), and 38 +/- 5 micromol/hr (TXRA); P < 0.005. Hepatic glutathione concentrations increased from 6.5 +/- 0.3 micromol/g (normal liver) to 8.8 +/- 0.5 micromol/g (NAC) and 7.7 +/- 0.3 micromol/g (LA), P < 0.01. However, only LA markedly inhibited F2-isoprostane formation (197 +/- 22 to 36 +/- 11 pg/ml creatinine clearance; P < 0.05). Urinary TXB2 excretion was elevated after BDL (2.2 +/- 0.5 to 111.1 +/- 20.3 pg/min) but was unaffected by NAC and LA. CONCLUSION: NAC, LA, and TXRA can partially prevent renal dysfunction in experimental cholestasis. The effects of the antioxidants are independent of their ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation or TX synthesis.     

Molecular circuits for associative learning in single-celled organisms

We demonstrate how a single-celled organism could undertake associative learning. Although to date only one previous study has found experimental evidence for such learning, there is no reason in principle why it should not occur. We propose a gene regulatory network that is capable of associative learning between any pre-specified set of chemical signals, in a Hebbian manner, within a single cell. A mathematical model is developed, and simulations show a clear learned response. A preliminary design for implementing this model using plasmids within Escherichia coli is presented, along with an alternative approach, based on double-phosphorylated protein kinases.     

Virtual Reconstruction of Medieval Monastery Using Computer-Aided Design Model

A three-dimensional computer-aided design virtual reconstruction of the medieval monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas (Portugal) is presented. This monastery is the second largest Cistercian monastery of Portugal. However, the majority of the monastery disappeared after the extinction of the religious orders in the Age of Enlightenment without letting any vestige, and with almost no existing documentation. In order to allow visitors to better understand the monument and to assist the current conservation works, a virtual reconstruction of the medieval monastery is presented. The adopted approach for reconstruction includes the identification of an ideal plan of the Cistercian Order, comparison with similar buildings of the same period and architectonic styles, a historic study and in situ survey to detect parts from the previous building, and definition of the modeling unit or proportion used by the builders.     

Homogenised finite element for transient dynamic analysis of unconstrained layer damping beams involving fractional derivative models

This paper presents a homogenised finite element formulation for the transient dynamic analysis of asymmetric and symmetric unconstrained layer damping beams in which the viscoelastic material is characterised by a five-parameter fractional derivative model. This formulation is based on the weighted residual method (Galerkin’s approach) providing a fractional matrix equation of motion. The application of Grünwald-Letnikov’s definition of the fractional derivatives allows to solve numerically the fractional equation by means of two different implicit formulations. Numerical examples for a cantilever beam with viscoelastic treatment are presented comparing the response provided by the proposed homogenised formulation with that of Padovan, based on the principle of virtual work. Different damping levels and load cases are analysed, as well as the influence of the truncation and time-step. From the numerical applications it can be concluded that the presented formulation allows to reduce significantly the degrees of freedom and consequently the computational time and storage needs for the transient dynamic analysis of structural systems in which damping treatments have been applied by means of viscoelastic materials characterised by fractional derivative models.     

Exploring Training Needs and Development of Construction Language Courses for American Supervisors and Hispanic Craft Workers

This study explores the training needs of American supervisors and Hispanic construction craft workers and describes the development, delivery, and evaluation of construction-focused training courses intended to facilitate accommodation for American supervisors and assimilation of Hispanic craft workers to the United States (U.S.) industry. A survey was conducted to better understand the adaptation issues between American supervisors and their Hispanic craft workers. As a result of the survey, two unique construction language courses were developed: English as a second language (ESL) and Spanish as a second language (SSL) for construction. Evaluation feedback from initial course offerings suggest that they were useful in terms of increased confidence and improved ability to communicate. It is anticipated that the courses developed and the training provided will improve the communication channels between American supervisors and Hispanic workers, as well as strengthen the supervisor-worker relationship as the American supervisor grows aware of the existent communication differences. A model for transferring these research findings to other cultural groups and a technology-based approach for delivering these courses to the construction site are also discussed.     

Multimedia group and inter-stream synchronization techniques: A comparative study

This paper presents the most comprehensive analysis and comparison of the most-known multimedia group and inter-stream synchronization approaches. Several types of multimedia synchronization are identified but only inter-stream and group synchronization algorithms are considered. This is the first survey including group synchronization techniques. A classification of the main synchronization techniques included in most of the analyzed algorithms complements the paper. Finally, a table is presented summarizing the main characteristics of each analyzed algorithm according to those techniques and other critical issues.     

Activated Carbon Supported Metal Catalysts for Nitrate and Nitrite Reduction in Water

Ten monometallic and 13 bimetallic catalysts supported on activated carbon were assessed, the former in the reduction of nitrate or nitrite and the latter in the nitrate reduction. Under the conditions used, nitrite was shown to be reduced by monometallic catalysts. With exception of Ru, only some of the bimetallic catalysts were able to reduce nitrate. Rh–Cu shows the highest conversion, but Pd–Cu is the most promising catalyst if selectivity into nitrogen is also considered.