During these years, novel Distributed Satellite Systems (DSS) have disrupted traditional space segment paradigms. In particular, Federated Satellite Systems and fractionated spacecraft have explored ...the benefits of interacting satellite networks and are envisioned to improve Earth observation performance while maximizing mission utility. Inter-Satellite Communications capabilities and spacecraft coordination mechanisms are cornerstone aspects that need be designed and evaluated to achieve many of the envisioned DSS characteristics (e.g. in-orbit data services, autonomous mission planning). Given the system complexity, heterogeneity and large-scale, the design of these critical features has to be grounded on simulation-based frameworks. Consequently, this paper presents the design of a highly modular and reconfigurable software that enables the emulation of DSS. The paper motivates the design and discusses its adaptability to future user needs.
The Central University of Venezuela, as part of its efforts for adapting its academic offer to national and international needs, is conducting a project to review, evaluate and modify the Computer ...Science program, in order to form the professional required by the country. In this paper we present the results of the first stage of the project: an assessment of the Computer Science program based on the use of various data collection instruments used to determine the professor and student perception of the program as well as deficiencies and potential of our graduates, according to the companies and organizations that hire them. The results show that there exist a gap between the perception of our professors about the program and the opinion of the employers. We also present information about student performance during the last decade, which is an input to the next stage of the program redesign.
En Venezuela, se han cerrado varias empresas y el venezolano, ha buscado otras alternativas; entre ellas el comercio eventual o ambulante, creciendo de forma acelerada, y los comerciantes formales se ...ven afectados, pues ellos no cancelan impuestos. En el año 2005 en materia local nace la Ley Orgánica de Poder Público Municipal, y como novedad consagra la cancelación del Impuesto sobre actividades económicas por parte del comercio eventual o ambulante. Los municipios venezolanos dependen financieramente de este impuesto, del situado constitucional y otras transferencias nacionales. En este sentido se busca abordar la inquietud que existe sobre la dependencia financiera de los municipios de los ingresos provenientes de la tributación del comercio eventual o ambulante para poder sufragar sus gastos.
BACKGROUNDAlthough return of function has been reported in patients undergoing proximal forearm transplantations (PFTs), reports of long-term function are limited. In this study, we evaluated the ...clinical progress and function 7 years postoperatively in a patient who underwent bilateral PFT. CASE PRESENTATIONA 58-year-old man underwent bilateral PFT in May 2012. Transplantation involved all of the flexor and extensor muscles of the forearm. Neurorrhaphies of the median, ulnar, and radial nerves were epineural and 7 cm proximal to the elbow. Immunosuppressive maintenance medications during the first 3 years postoperatively were tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and steroids, and later, tacrolimus, sirolimus, and steroids. Forearm function was evaluated annually using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; Carroll; Hand Transplantation Score System; Short Form-36; and Kapandji scales. We also evaluated his grip and pinch force. RESULTSPostoperatively, the patient developed hypertriglyceridemia and systemic hypertension. He experienced 6 acute rejections, and none were resistant to steroids. Motor function findings in his right/left hand were: grip strength: 10/13 kg; key pinch: 3/3 kg; Kapandji score: 6/9 of 10; Carroll score: 66/80; Hand Transplantation Score System score: 90/94. His preoperative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 50 versus 18, postoperatively; his Short Form-36 score was 90. This function improved in relation with the function reported in the second year. CONCLUSIONSSeven years following PFT, the patient gained limb strength with a functional elbow and wrist, although with diminished digital dexterity and sensation. Based on data presented by other programs and our own experience, PFT is indicated for select patients.
The number of publications on environmental footprint indicators has been growing rapidly, but with limited efforts to integrate different footprints into a coherent framework. Such integration is ...important for comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, policy formulation and assessment of trade-offs between different environmental concerns. Here, we systematize published footprint studies and define a family of footprints that can be used for the assessment of environmental sustainability. We identify overlaps between different footprints and analyse how they relate to the nine planetary boundaries and visualize the crucial information they provide for local and planetary sustainability. In addition, we assess how the footprint family delivers on measuring progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), considering its ability to quantify environmental pressures along the supply chain and relating them to the water-energy-food-ecosystem (WEFE) nexus and ecosystem services. We argue that the footprint family is a flexible framework where particular members can be included or excluded according to the context or area of concern. Our paper is based upon a recent workshop bringing together global leading experts on existing environmental footprint indicators.
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