2469 research outputs found
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Lessons from the ITAIPU Binational Power Plant in South America : a negotiation framework for transboundary hydropower governance
No full textCorrespondence: [email protected] article is a revised and expanded version of a paper published in Oxilia, V.; Ortigoza, E.; Blanco, G.; Ríos, R.; Fariña, R. Harnessing natural resources with shared sovereignty for power generation in the parana river basin: Systematization of lessons learned. In Proceedings of the 2017 CHILEAN Conference on Electrical, Electronics Engineering, Information and Communication Technologies (CHILECON 2017), Pucon, Chile, 18–20 October 2017.This article belongs to the Special Issue Governance and Management of Major Water Projects: Strategies, Challenges, and Solutions.The equitable use and distribution of shared water resources is a topic of renewed regional debate in Latin America, especially given the recent review of the Binational ITAIPU Treaty between Brazil and Paraguay. Building more equitable and transparent agreements in this context requires an understanding of the historical trends of negotiations. This study analyzes five decades of negotiations on the shared use of water resources in the Paraná River Basin, drawing on interviews with former negotiators and officials from Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The complex interaction between internal dynamics and geopolitical factors in establishing state-owned transboundary hydroelectric plants is highlighted. Based on these findings, we propose a conceptual framework that identifies the key elements to consider when negotiating strategic resources at national and regional levels. This study, extending beyond the Paraná basin, offers an applicable model for managing other shared natural resources, providing useful insights into negotiation strategies for transboundary resource and infrastructure management.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de investigación y desarrolloPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Programa Nacional de Incentivo a los Investigadore
ClusterONE Web: a tool for discovering and analyzing overlapping protein complexes
No full textTo whom correspondence should be addressed. Email [email protected]–protein interactions (PPIs) are central to many cellular processes, and the assembly of proteins into complexes is essential for biological function. Clustering with overlapping neighborhood expansion (ClusterONE) has been successfully used to detect overlapping protein complexes in both weighted and unweighted PPI networks. Here, we present ClusterONE Web, a freely available, web-based tool that brings the functionality of ClusterONE into an accessible, user-friendly environment. The platform includes a database of preprocessed PPI datasets covering multiple organisms, reducing the need for manual data collection and preprocessing, while also allowing users to upload their own interaction data. Detected complexes are presented through an interactive interface, facilitating their exploration without requiring specialized software installation. The server also provides built-in Gene Ontology enrichment analysis to aid in the functional interpretation of identified complexes. ClusterONE Web is platform-independent and available at https://paccanarolab.org/clusteroneweb/.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de investigación y desarroll
Analyzing MoWebA's adaptability across architectures
No full textSpecifying architectural properties is still an open issue for Model Driven Web Engineering to address portability, adaptability, and evolution. Several Model-Driven Web methods and methodologies consider extensions that enrich the Platform Independent Model (PIM) or the Platform Specific Model (PSM) to include elements of a particular platform or architecture. However, the degree of independence of the model is critical to achieving adaptability and evolution. Therefore, some authors have proposed a new layer called an Architecture Specific Model (ASM) to model architectural properties. Some evidence suggests that adopting ASM as an intermediate stage between PIM and PSM is a way to facilitate the evolution of web system. This paper focuses on the Architecture Specific Model (ASM) of MoWebA (Model Oriented Web Approach), and analyzes its impact on adaptability across different architectural styles. A case study is presented to validate this issue by extending MoWebA to three different architectures. In such extensions, we analyze the degree of adaptability of MoWebA and the automation of PIM-ASM, as well as the degree of independence of the PIM metamodel. In addition, through three types of questionnaire and other quantitative data, the study analyzes user satisfaction with the adoption of MoWebA.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de investigación y desarroll
Serological. anti PGL I and anti LID-1 profile in paraguayan patients infected with Mycobacterium leprae and household contacts
No full textCorrespondencia a: Chyntia Carolina Díaz Acosta; [email protected]; [email protected]ón: La Enfermedad de Hansen es crónica y puede ocasionar trastornos motores graves por ausencia de tratamiento o diagnóstico tardío. La prevalencia en Paraguay se mantiene igual hace décadas. La serorreactividad ante antígenos específicos de Mycobacterium leprae (PGL I y LID-1) puede indicar un mayor riesgo de desarrollar la enfermedad, especialmente en contactos. Objetivo: Evaluar el nivel de anticuerpos mediante una prueba de ELISA in house en diferentes poblaciones de interés. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transverso, donde se analizaron sueros de 28 pacientes al momento del diagnóstico y 22 contactos intradomicilio, que acudieron al Programa Nacional de Control de la Lepra de Paraguay durante 2018 al 2023. También fueron analizados sueros de 11 voluntarios sanos de nivel socioeconómico medio a elevado provenientes de zonas no endémicas. Resultados: La serorreactividad ante PGL I fue 89,5% y 66,6% en pacientes multibacilares (MB) y paucibacilares (PB) respectivamente. En contactos intradomicilio (HC) resultaron serorreactivos 40% de contactos de multibacilares (HCMB) y 42,9% de los paucibacilares (HCPB). En cuanto al LID-1, hubo serorreactividad de 78,9% en MB, 44,4% en PB y 16,6% en HCPB. Se observó correlación significativa (p<0,0001) con el índice baciloscópico. Un tamizaje de sueros anonimizados de pacientes sin antecedentes clínicos de lepra (n=81) ha detectado 12,3% positivos para PGL I; los mismos provenientes de la capital y departamentos circundantes. Un tamizaje de sueros de un banco de sangre (n=100) de Asunción detectó una serorreactividad de 6,7% ante LID-1. Conclusión: La aplicación del ELISA in house puede beneficiar la vigilancia de la lepra en Paraguay.Background: Hansen’s Disease is chronic and can cause severe motor disorders, due to lack of treatment or late diagnosis. The prevalence in Paraguay has remained the same for decades. Seroreactivity to specific antigens of M. leprae (PGL I and LID-1); may indicate an increased risk of developing the disease, especially in contacts. Aim: To evaluate the level of antibodies using an in-house ELISA test for different target populations. Methods: Descriptive observational cross-sectional study, in which sera from 28 patients at the time of diagnosis and 22 household contacts who attended the National Leprosy Control Program of Paraguay between 2018 and 2023 were analyzed. Additionally, sera from 11 healthy volunteers of middle to high socioeconomic status from non-endemic areas were also analyzed. Results: Seroreactivity to PGL I was 89.5% and 66.6% of multibacillary (MB) and paucibacillary (PB) patients, respectively. In household contacts (HC), 40% of multibacillary contacts (HCMB) and 42.9% of paucibacillary contacts (HCPB) were seroreactive. Regarding LID-1, 78.9% in MB, 44.4% in PB and 16.6% in HCPB. A significant correlation (p < 0.0001) was observed with the smear index. Screening of anonymized sera of patients without a clinical history of leprosy (n = 81) has detected 12.3% positivity for PGL I; all residents of the capital and surrounding departments. Screening of sera from a blood bank (n = 100) in Asunción detected a seroreactivity of 6.7% against LID-1. Conclusion: The use of the in house ELISA could benefit leprosy surveillance in Paraguay.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de investigación y desarroll
Evaluación de Impacto del Programa PROCIENCIA
No full textPresentación expositiva de la Evaluación de Impacto del Programa Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología (PROCIENCIA).
La presentación aborda los objetivos del programa, la metodología aplicada en la evaluación de impacto, un resumen de los principales hallazgos, la identificación de oportunidades de mejora y las conclusiones generales del estudio
A paradigm shift in the commercialization of Paraguay’s surplus electricity from Itaipu : from a bilateral agreement to potential entry into the Brazilian electricity market
No full textCorrespondence: Email: [email protected] (R. Richard).Paraguay is a country with sustainable characteristics in terms of its power system, which is today 100% hydropower generation thanks to ITAIPU, YACYRETA, and ACARAY power plants. Paraguay has an energy export profile in the binational power plants, but this export (actually, energy cession) is restricted only to its partners (Brazil and Argentina) by the provisions of the respective bilateral treaties. These agreements also require the signing of power purchase contracts with the energy companies of the partner countries. The state-owned company, ANDE, is the Paraguayan part of these contracts. This work contributes to the analysis of the best options to harness the ANDE’s power purchase from ITAIPU's Bi-National Hydropower Plant. The regulatory framework of this analysis is the regional and bilateral energy integration agreements, and the criteria to define the best options are the results of a financial evaluation of two hypothetical scenarios of energy surplus sales into the Brazilian short-term power market, based on historical data (2014-2017). The questions which guide this paper are: i) What are the options to commercialize 20 ITAIPU's Paraguayan energy under better conditions than the current ones? ii) How to improve the benefits of Paraguay's energy surplus? The cases of CAN and SIEPAC were analyzed to identify the mechanisms and degree of integration of their markets, and concerning the region, it was identified that both MERCOSUR and UNASUR do not propose the means to overcome the barriers to the commercialization of Paraguayan energy from ITAIPU in other markets in the region. An alternative was proposed in the Lula-Lugo Agreement (2009), which allows ANDE to gradually access the Brazilian electricity market. The results achieved in this study showed that the Paraguayan company can go from about USD 300 million to about USD 1,500 million in terms of income by installing an electricity marketer in Brazil (in the period analyzed).Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Incentivos para la formación de investigadores en postgrados nacionalesPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de creación y fortalecimiento de maestrías y doctorados de excelenciaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de investigación y desarrolloPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Programa Nacional de Incentivo a los Investigadore
Determination of the method of induction of mutations by gamma radiation in soybeans (Glycine max L. Merrill) for tolerance to carbonic rot produced by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi Goid.)
Full text linkCorresponding authors. E-mail addresses: [email protected] (A. Samudio-Oggero), [email protected] (H.D. Nakayama N.).In recent years, there has been an increase in the appearance of charcoal root rot disease in soy- beans crops (Glycine max L. Merril). Charcoal rot is caused by the soil-borne fungus Macrophomina phaseolina. This disease is typically exacerbated by water deficiency and high temperatures. To evaluate the soybean genotypes’ response to this pathogen, novel genotypes developed through gamma irradiation of 150 Gy and 200 Gy were tested under, in field and greenhouse conditions. Additionally, total phenol content was analyzed as a potential indicator of plant tolerance. The results indicate that the incidence of disease in non-irradiated genotypes was 100 %, in genotypes irradiated with a dose of 150 Gy it was 87 %, and those irradiated with a dose of 200 Gy a 100 %. An increase in the level of total phenols was observed in the tolerant genotypes as well as some mutant genotypes with characteristics that show tolerance to the charcoal root rot disease. The results suggest that gamma radiation-induced mutation may be an effective method for breeding disease-resistant soybean varieties. • This variability method can be applied to any plant species. • This method can cause mutations in any part of the genome, this allows its application to be unlimited. • It is a method that can be used in a complementary way to other plant breeding methods.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de investigación y desarroll
Quedan pocos
No full textFotografía ganadora de una Mención Especial en la Categoría Profesional, temática Suelo, del V Concurso Nacional de Fotografía Científica, organizado por el Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT). Este concurso es una iniciativa del CONACYT, desarrollada a través del Programa PROCIENCIA II, con el apoyo del Fondo para la Excelencia de la Educación y la Investigación (FEEI).Los cultivos de soja y otros cereales están reemplazando el bosque natural del Paraguay. Algunos ejemplares nativos sobreviven a esta devastación, pero ¿para qué? Son mártires en una tierra donde no hay protección de la selva y si la hay son muy pocas hectáreas.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Concursos de divulgación de ciencia y periodismo científic
Navigating the energy transition in South America : regulatory challenges and trends in Chile’s evolving energy legal landscape
No full textCorresponding author. E-mail addresses: [email protected] (F. Skewes), [email protected] (Ó. Guzmán), [email protected] (J. Cortés), [email protected] (M. Rivera).The Chilean electricity system is undergoing a profound transformation driven by climate goals and the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This transition, characterized by significant state intervention and regulatory reforms, addresses the gaps left by market dynamics in achieving swift and comprehensive change. However, these changes bring challenges such as transitional risks and regulatory uncertainties that require the energy sector to integrate clean technologies while reshaping institutional frameworks. This article examines the regulatory challenges and trends in Chile’s energy law, focusing on four pivotal areas: the just energy transition, the right to energy, market regulation for the transition, and frameworks for emerging technologies. Through a thorough review of these dimensions, the paper highlights recent legal advances, regulatory innovations, and critical areas for reform. By offering a comprehensive analysis, it aims to illuminate how legal and regulatory tools can support Chile’s transition towards a sustainable and equitable energy system. This study contributes to the global discourse on the transition of energy by providing relevant insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de investigación y desarroll
Interventions to improve antibiotic use among dentists : a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textCorresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]: To analyse the effectiveness of various strategies, such as audits, education and digital tools, in reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescription by dentists. This study provides a comprehensive overview of how such interventions can contribute to improving clinical practice and combatting antimicrobial resistance in the dental setting.
Methods: An electronic search of articles published until 2023 in the following databases was performed: MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, COCHRANE CENTRAL, LILACS and BBO. Systematic data synthesis and meta-analysis was carried out. A total of 23 studies regarding interventions to reduce antibiotic prescription among dentists were included. The studies were mostly published in the UK between 1997 and 2023. Of the 23 studies, three were trials and 20 were pre–post studies.
Results: In general, interventions among dentists resulted in a 70% reduction in the inappropriate prescription of antibiotics (95% CI: 33.3% to 86.4%), which is an extremely high percentage. In the pre–post studies, the reduction was 71% (95% CI 28.8%–88.1%) I2 99.2%. In randomized controlled trial studies, a 63.9% (95% CI 41%–78.1%) I2 0% reduction was achieved. The greatest magnitude of effect was found in audit-based interventions with audit and education intervention at 73.3% (95% CI 44%–87.4%) and audit and feedback 75% (95% CI 33%–91.4%), respectively. However, the quality of the evidence is low, mostly due to the study design.
Conclusion: Given the magnitude of the effect found, it has been shown that dentists are receptive to improving their prescription of antibiotics. However, it is clear that there is ample room for improvement.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Financiamiento de estancias de investigació