bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivation von Lehrkräften
Authors: Daumiller Martin
Published: February 2019

Motivation von Lehrkräften gilt als wichtige Bedingung der Unterrichtsqualität, des Kompetenzzuwachses der Schüler(innen) sowie des Lernens und Wohlbefindens der Lehrkräfte. In den letzten Jahren ist dieses theoretische Konstrukt vermehrt in den Blick der empirischen Forschung gerückt und es wird vielfach mehr Forschung dazu gefordert. Es liegen verschiedene theoretische Konzepte und unterschiedliche Zugänge zur Motivation von Lehrkräften vor, zu denen der vorliegende Beitrag einen Überblick gibt und sie in ein übergeordnetes Modell einordnet. Durch diese Übersicht der Forschung zu Berufswahlgründen, Interesse, Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen, der Zielorientierungstheorie sowie der Selbstbestimmungstheorie werden Bedingungsfaktoren, Korrelate und Folgen der Lehrkraftmotivationen expliziert, integrativ eingeordnet und kritisch diskutiert, was essenziell für deren empirische und praktische Nutzbarmachung ist.
The interactions of rational, pragmatic agents lead to efficient language structure and use
Authors: Peloquin Benjamin
Published: February 2019

Despite their diversity, languages around the world share a consistent set of properties and distributional regularities. For example, the distribution of word frequencies, the distribution of syntactic dependency lengths, and the presence of ambigu- ity are all remarkably consistent across languages. We dis- cuss a framework for studying how these system-level proper- ties emerge from local, in-the-moment interactions of rational, pragmatic speakers and listeners. To do so, we derive a novel objective function for measuring the communicative efficiency of linguistic systems in terms of the interactions of speakers and listeners. We examine the behavior of this objective in a series of simulations focusing on the communicative func- tion of ambiguity in language. These simulations suggest that rational pragmatic agents will produce communicatively effi- cient systems and that interactions between such agents pro- vide a framework for examining efficient properties of lan- guage structure and use more broadly.
Comparing Theories of Selection Tasks: A Critical Assessment of Boundaries and Benchmarks
Authors: Kellen David , Klauer Karl Christoph
Published: February 2019

The Wason selection task is one of the most prominent paradigms in the psychology of reasoning, with hundreds of published investigations in the last fifty odd years. Butdespite its central role in reasoning research, there has been little to no attempt tomake sense of the data in way that allows us to discard potential theoretical accounts. In fact, theories have been allowed to proliferate without any comprehensive evaluation of their relative performance. In an attempt to address this problem, Ragni, Kola, and Johnson-Laird (2018) reported a meta-analysis of 228 experiments using the Wason selection task. This data corpus was used to evaluate sixteen different theories on the basis of three predictions: 1) the occurrence of canonical selections, 2) dependencies in selections, and 3) the effect of counter-example salience. Ragni et al. argued that all three effects cull the number of candidate theories down to only two, which are subsequently compared in a model-selection analysis. The present comment argues against the diagnostic value attributed to some of these predictions. Moreover, we revisit Ragni et al.’s model-selection analysis and show that the model they propose is non-identifiable and often fails to account for the data. Altogether, the problems discussed here suggest that we are still far from a much-needed theoretical winnowing.
Mind as Selective Process System
Authors: Laasonen Raimo Juhani
Published: February 2019

AbstractFirst, the objective of the current research was to widen the model of the mind dynamic.Second, the objective was to develop elaboration because its development appeared to haveremained incomplete, especially with probabilities. Three processes were definable: Selector,Opter, and Chooser in the mind. It was hypothesized that gender, socioeconomic status,occupational class, and social environment regulate action of Selector, Opter, and Chooser.The number of the participants was 186, 130 males, and 56 females. There were 34 self-employedpersons; 47 upper level employees; 83 lower level employees, and 22 manualworkers. The distribution of the occupational class was 68 leaders, 62 experts, 16 officers,and 40 servants. The causal analysis the processes comprised of elaboration, and of utilizingmatrix calculus with probabilities. The hypothesis corroborated, and the results indicated thatthe causation included in one to one, many to one, and one to many causal mappings.KEY WORDS: Selector, Opter, Chooser, elaboration, percept, matrix power
University Instructors’ Achievement Goals for Teaching
Authors: Daumiller Martin , Dickhäuser Oliver , Dresel Markus
Published: February 2019

Achievement goals of university instructors for teaching were examined. We investigated the structure of these goals, the stability of this structure across different groups of instructors, and the relations of these goals to teaching-related outcomes. Achievement goals, positive affect, attitudes toward help, and self-reported teaching quality were assessed in a sample of 1,066 German university instructors from three different status groups (221 full professors, 370 postdoc staff members, 427 staff members without a PhD). The results confirmed that the well-established mastery, performance approach, and performance avoidance goals are likewise valid for university instructors, and that an appearance and a normative component of performance goals can be distinguished. Learning avoidance goals could be distinguished from learning approach goals and task goals could be separated from learning and performance goals. Also, work avoidance and relational goals were distinct from all previous goals. A model representing all differentiations adequately fitted the data. The goal structure was found to be completely invariant across different status groups of instructors—however, groups differed by mean levels of goals. Structural equation modeling pointed to the relevance of the goals: Theoretically sensible relationships with positive affect, attitudes toward help, and teaching quality affirmed the predictive validity of each goal class. Again, these relations were identical for all groups of instructors, highlighting the importance of the addressed goals independent of instructor status. Taken together, this sheds light on the structure of university instructors’ achievement goals, and emphasizes the importance of this concept for analyzing instruction and learning in higher education.
Measuring habit formation through goal-directed response switching
Authors: Luque David , Molinero Sara , Watson Poppy , López Francisco J. , Le Pelley Mike
Published: February 2019

Reward-learning theory views habits as stimulus–response links formed through extended reward training. Accordingly, animal research has shown that actions that are initially goal-directed can become habitual after operant overtraining. However, a similar demonstration is absent in human research, which poses a serious problem for translational models of behavior. We propose that response-time (RT) switch cost after operant training can be used as a new, reliable marker for the operation of the habit system in humans. Using a new method, we show that RT switch cost demonstrates the properties that would be expected of a habitual behavior: (1) it increases with overtraining; (2) it increases when rewards are larger, and (3) it increases when time pressure is added to the task, thereby hindering the competing goal-directed system. These results offer a promising new pathway for studying the operation of the habit system in humans.
Evidence-based training of wisdom in business and management: Use of scientific insights about malleability of practical wisdom for rigorous interventions
Authors: Grossmann Igor
Published: February 2019

Cultivation of practical wisdom in business depends on understanding of malleability of wisdom-related characteristics. Recent experimental evidence suggests dramatic malleability in core features of wisdom, which has implications for assessment as well as external and personal training. The present chapter aims to provide a systematic review of evidence concerning the malleability of critical features of practical wisdom – intellectual humility, consideration of change, as well as perspective-taking and integration. A particular focus is devoted to the role of situational factors in inhibiting or promoting practical wisdom. Results indicate that social contexts (e.g., being together with friends/work-colleagues) promote more practical wisdom than non-social situations, self-focused contexts inhibit practical wisdom, and contexts promoting ego-decentered mindsets (e.g., self-distancing) sustain practical wisdom in self-focused situations. Within-person (state) differences in wisdom across situations are at least as large if not larger than between-person (trait) differences. Insights about the malleability of practical wisdom also resulted in a novel state-sensitive approach to measure practical wisdom across both state and trait-level, allowing for ecological measurement of meta-cognitive processes in a cost-efficient and reliable fashion. The chapter concludes with speculation about implications for evidence-based intervention programs to foster practical wisdom in people’s lives.
A simple method for computing sprint acceleration kinetics from running velocity data: replication study with improved design
Authors: Morin Jean-Benoit , Samozino Pierre , Murata  , Cross Matthew , Nagahara Ryu
Published: February 2019

Measuring the ground reaction forces (GRF) underlying sprint acceleration is important to understanding the performance of such a common task, but until recently, direct measurements of GRF during sprinting were limited to only a few steps per trial. A simple method (SM) based on displacement- or velocity-time data fitted by an exponential model and basic computations applied to the runner’s center of mass was developed to estimate GRF across an entire sprint acceleration. The SM was validated against compiled force plate (FP) measurements, but because multiple-trials were required to generate a single acceleration profile fatigue and error may have introduced noise into the analyses. In this study, we replicated the original validation by comparing the main sprint kinetics and force-velocity-power variables (e.g. GRF and its horizontal and vertical components, mechanical power output, ratio of horizontal component to resultant GRF) between synchronized FP data and SM data derived from running velocity measured with a 100 Hz laser. This was made possible thanks to a newly developed 50 m FP system providing seamless GRF data during a single sprint acceleration. 16 trained male sprinters performed 2 all-out 60-m sprints. We observed good agreement between the two methods for kinetic variables (e.g. grand average absolute bias of 4.08%, range 0.6920.536 – 6.333.45%), and high inter-trial reliability (grand average standard error of measurement of 2.50% for FP and 2.36% for the SM). This replication study clearly confirms the initial validation study: when implemented correctly, this method accurately estimates sprint acceleration kinetics.
Hydropower Dams, Environment and Politics
Authors: Uddin A.G.M. Niaz , Uddin Md Kamal
Published: February 2019

Renewable energy sources are vital to fulfill the high demands of energy in the present world. The common renewable energy sources are wind, hydropower, nuclear and biomass. However, hydropower is considered the most flexible and consistent renewable energy source because it is comparatively cheaper and more available. Besides hydroelectricity production, hydropower dams can also be useful for irrigation. Though hydropower energy is considered as green energy due to its less carbon emission, still other environmental impacts of hydropower dams are many. Hydropower dams are built based on political ground. Research into the politics of building hydropower dams and environment remains underdeveloped in many ways. Thus, this paper focuses on the issues of politics of building hydropower dams and its impacts on environment. This paper has critically reviewed the extensive literature to examine the argument and counter argument. This paper argues that the building hydropower dams on international river for renewable energy has political as well as environmental impacts. Most of the literature argued that hydropower dams provide renewable energy which produces less carbon emission, but it is argued in this paper that hydropower dams have huge political and environmental impacts nationally and internationally. Displacement of the people and dispute for water distribution among countries due to the building hydropower dams are also considered to be significant for discussion in this paper. Thus, the paper critically examines the impacts and role of hydropower dams on environment, international relations and politics.
Shades of Sovereignty: Understanding Sovereignty in International Politics
Authors: Shah Apekshya
Published: February 2019

Correction: On 29th June 2020, the author's name was changed from Apkeshya Shah TO Apekshya Shah.

This paper analyses the concept of Westphalian sovereignty and its practices among states, particularly in the bilateral relationship between Nepal and India. The notion of Westphalian sovereignty, basically a principle of non-intervention in the internal matters of other states, has been a contested concept since the beginning of its inception. Despite numerous international agreements, system-affecting and system-influencing countries have not refrained from meddling into the internal affairs of system-ineffectual states. Taking the issue of alleged Indian interference in Nepal's internal affairs into consideration, this paper examines levels and degrees of correction in accusations and assertions. And if it is correct then how can we understand it better. The first part of the paper discusses the conceptual frame of state sovereignty and its evolution over time. Then, the issue of the exercise of sovereignty is explored and, concurrently, the compromise of state sovereignty is also explained before analysing Nepal-India relations. Next, the Nepal-India relations are analysed.
A Small State between Two Major Powers: Nepal’s Foreign Policy Since 1816
Authors: Adhikari Dhruba Raj
Published: February 2019

Nepal is a small state situated in a geo-strategic location between two major powers—China and India, the former being a great state, and the latter a middle state. Nepal has asymmetric relations with both India and China in terms of national power. Nepalese psyche has been shaped by the very geostrategic situation since the time immemorial. However, Nepal as a modern state was born only in 1768, since then it has adopted different strategies for its survival according to the changes in international, regional and domestic power equations. During the initial phase (1768-1814), Nepal was called Gorkha empire and it had pursued a grand strategy of sub-regional hegemony while being mindful of the sensibilities of the big powers in the North and the South. Nepal made a transition from imperial grand strategy to small power diplomacy in 1816 when it was defeated in Anglo-Nepal War (1814-16). From 1848, when Jung Bahadur came to power, Nepal started to fully bandwagon with the British colonialists in India. After that, Nepal had followed strategies of ‘special relationship’ with its neighbors, non-alignment, balancing, balking, neutrality, equidistance, equiproximity and trilateral cooperation depending upon changes in domestic, and regional as well as international politics.
Nepal’s Search for Prosperity through Transit Diplomacy
Authors: K.C. Khadga , Bhattarai Gaurav
Published: February 2019

This article traces out the causes for why Nepal’s search for prosperity through transit diplomacy appears to be an un accomplished venture. Identifying different indicators of Nepal’s transit diplomacy, it specifies to what extent Nepal can execute its transit diplomacy and to what extent it cannot. This article also argues that Nepal’s proposal of trilateral ism to its immediate neighbours, India to the South and China to the North, itself, so far has not been institutionalized through any means of trilateral dialogues or ministerial-level meetings. It has only been reduced to the status of a metaphor merely inferring Nepal’s possibilities to bridge two emerging economies in the neighbourhood, which are, however, deemed as the prime actors of Easternization process itself. Hypothesizing that the venture of transit diplomacy has not gained sufficient momentum, this article does not only assess the reluctance of India in providing momentum to trilaterialism, but underlines Nepal’s lack of preparation and assertiveness which have actually sidelined her plausible role to make it happen at Nepal’s larger interest. The idea of trilateralism should, therefore, bear an institutional reality. Without such an institutionalization, Nepal’s quest for prosperity through transit diplomacy might not yield expected results, and shall always dwell on the status of an un accomplished venture.
China-led BRI and its Impact on India with Specific Reference to CPEC
Authors: Awasthi Soumya
Published: February 2019

Given China’s proactive international diplomacy today, it continues to make its presence felt in the region. The ambitious project of Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI) stands among the widest reaching of all other initiatives. It not only represents a renewed, stronger and better co-ordinated push to expand China’s influence overseas but is also coupled with a domestic investment drive, in which nearly every Chinese province has a stake. BRI is a set of two outward-facing models introduced by the Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 to promote economic engagement and investment along two main routes: the New Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Route. The proposed countries under the BRI framework are close to 68 countries, with up to 40 per cent of the Global GDP (Griffiths, 2017). This article looks at four major issues. First, what comprises BRI and what it has for the partners in the project? Second, what does it mean for India with specific reference to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CEPC)? Third, major concerns in BRI and CEPC. Finally, the article also discusses the available options for India reluctant to join BRI.
Variable length pendulum analyzed by a comparative Fourier and wavelet approach
Authors: Magazù S. , Caccamo M. T.
Published: February 2019

The motion of a pendulum with a variable length is analyzed by means of a comparative Fourier and Wavelet approach. In particular Fourier and continuous Wavelet transforms have been jointly employed to investigate the non stationary signal of a variable length pendulum in an easy-to-interpret scenario addressed to undergraduate and graduate students. The comparison between the two data analysis protocols allowsto easily show that while the Fourier transform is able to extract only an average frequency value for the variable length pendulum motion, Wavelet analysis furnishes information on the time behaviour of the motion spectral content, i.e. provides a joint time-frequency analysis.
VARIABILIDADE DA PRECIPITAÇÃO PLUVIAL E PRODUTIVIDADE DO MILHO NO SEMIÁRIDO BRASILEIRO ATRAVÉS DA ANÁLISE MULTIVARIADA
Authors: Lopes José Ricardo Ferreira , Dantas Milena Pereira , Ferreira Francisco Edson Paulo
Published: February 2019

A produtividade de diversas culturas agrícolas é intensamente dependente da oferta pluvial, bem como de sua frequência e intensidade, por isso, objetivou-se avaliar o comportamento espacial da precipitação e da produtividade do milho no semiárido brasileiro. Para isso foram utilizadas as técnicas da análise dos componentes principais (ACP) e a análise de correlação de Pearson das variáveis para o período de 1990 a 2014. Através dessas técnicas constatou-se a alta variabilidade dos dados em escala interanual, revelando as áreas mais propícias ao cultivo do milho, como também, as áreas com as menores produtividades e assim, mais afetadas pelo estresse hídrico. Na maior parte do território a produtividade do milho é inferior a 1000 kg ha-1. A variabilidade do rendimento do milho, nas últimas décadas, está intimamente relacionada com a variabilidade climática, haja vista que se trata de uma agricultura de subsistência e em sistema sequeiro. O efeito das chuvas sobre a produtividade do milho foi estatisticamente positivo, ou seja, na maior parte da região semiárida brasileira, a eficiência da produção do grão é dependente das precipitações pluviais locais.Palavras-chave: ACP, rendimento agrícola, Zea mays L. VARIABILITY OF RAINFALL AND YIELD OF MAIZE AT THE BRAZILIAN SEMIARID THROUGH MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS ABSTRACT: The productivity of several agricultural crops is highly dependent on the rainfall supply, as well as their frequency and intensity. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the spatial behavior of maize precipitation and yield in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The main components analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation analysis of the variables for the period from 1990 to 2014 were used. Through these techniques, the high variability of the data on a year-to-year scale was verified, revealing the most important areas. Propitious to maize cultivation, as well as areas with the lowest yields and thus, more affected by water stress. In most of the territory corn yield is less than 1000 kg ha-1. The variability of maize yield in the last decades is closely related to climatic variability, since it is subsistence agriculture and a dry land system. The effect of rainfall on maize productivity was statistically positive, that is, in most of the Brazilian semi-arid region, grain production efficiency is dependent on local rainfall.Keywords: PCA, crop yield, Zea mays L.
DESSECAÇÃO QUÍMICA E RETARDAMENTO DE COLHEITA EM SOJA VISANDO À PRODUÇÃO DE SEMENTES
Authors: Barbosa Adriano Silveira , Pelúzio Joênes Mucci , Nascimento Ildon Rodrigues do , Fidelis Rodrigo Ribeiro , Sousa Sorane Moraes de
Published: February 2019

Estudos sobre o efeito da dessecação e retardamento de colheita, nas qualidades das sementes de soja, são escassos em cultivos sob baixa latitude. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da aplicação de dessecante em soja, avaliando o retardamento da colheita em duas cultivares, observando as respostas fisiológicas, químicas e produtividade das sementes. No ano agrícola 2016/17, foi realizado experimento em Gurupi-TO, em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com três repetições, sendo os tratamentos dispostos em esquema de parcelas subsubdivididas, alocados nas parcelas duas cultivares com tipos de crescimento diferentes (NA 8015 RR-indeterminado; M 8349 IPRO-determinado), nas subparcelas dois sistemas de manejo (com dessecação e testemunha) e nas subsubparcelas quatro épocas de colheita (R8, R8+7, R8+14, R8+21). O dessecante utilizado foi herbicida com princípio ativo paraquat, na dosagem recomendada para a soja (1,5 L ha-1), aplicado no estádio R7.2 da cultura. Após a colheita, as sementes foram submetidas aos testes de germinação em laboratório, emergência em campo, produtividade, teores de óleo e proteína dos grãos. Não houve efeito da dessecação química e do retardamento de colheita na composição química dos grãos. O retardamento da colheita afeta negativamente a germinação, emergência e produtividade das sementes. A cultivar M 8349 IPRO é mais tolerante ao retardamento de colheita.Palavras-chave: épocas de colheita, Glycine max, herbicida dessecante. CHEMICAL DETERMINATION AND DELAY OF HARVESTING IN SOYBEANS FOR SEED PRODUCTION ABSTRACT: Studies on the effect of desiccation and crop delay on the qualities of soybean seeds are scarce in crops under low latitude. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of desiccant in soybean, evaluating the delay of the harvest in two cultivars, observing the physiological, chemical and seed productivity responses. In the agricultural year 2016/17, an experiment was carried out in Gurupi-TO, a randomized complete block design, with three replications. The treatments were arranged in a sub-split plots scheme, with two cultivars with different growth types (NA 8015 RR-undetermined; M 8349 IPRO-determined) in the subplots two management systems (with desiccation and control) and in sub-subplots four harvest times (R8, R8+7, R8+14, R8+21). The desiccant used was herbicide with paraquat active ingredient, at the recommended dosage for soybean (1.5 L ha-1), applied at the R7.2 stage of the crop. After the harvest, the seeds were submitted to germination tests in the laboratory, field emergence, yield, oil content and grain protein. There was no effect of chemical desiccation and crop delay on the chemical composition of the grains. Harvest delay negatively affects seed germination, emergence and yield. The cultivar M 8349 IPRO is more tolerant to crop delay.Keywords: harvest time, Glycine max, desiccant herbicide.
CONVOLUCION OPTICA UTILIZANDO FOTODETECTORES
Authors: PAGANINI I.E. , PALAU G.A. , LEDESMA S.
Published: February 2019

When evaluating an intensity profile by using a photodector of finite area, the convolution between the function to be
measured and the function which describes the photodetector response is obtained. To obtain the original function a
deconvoluion operation must be performed. Another approach to the problem is to use a diaphragm or pupil against the
sensible area on the front of the photodector. We present here an estimation of the error introduced for different sizes of
the pupil by considering the measuremet of a typical gaussian intensity profile.Otherwise, it is possible to take profit on
the capability of the photodetectors to easily obtain the optical convolution. As example, we show the optical
convolution for a rectangle and a triangle function.
MÉTODOS PARA TRANSFORMAR COEFICIENTES ZERNIKE AL
VARIAR LA PUPILA DE UN SISTEMA ÓPTICO ABERRADO
METHODS TO TRANSFORM ZERNIKE COEFFICIENTS WHEN THE
PUPIL OF AN ABERRATED OPTICAL SYSTEM VARIES
Authors: Comastri S. A. , Perez L. I. , Pérez G. D. , Martin G. , Bianchetti A.
Published: February 2019

The wavefront aberration for a given field point is often expanded in Zernike polynomials and varies when pupil is
modified. In many cases the coefficients pattern corresponding to a pupil is known and one needs to calculate the one
for a rotated, contracted or decentred pupil. In this paper we review the most important concepts which we present in
recent articles concerning the development of an analytical and a graphical method to carry out this transformation.
Using our analytical method we find explicit expressions for the elements of a matrix which transforms Zernike
coefficients of up to 7th order computed for a circular original pupil into those corresponding to a contracted,
decentred and rotated new pupil. Our graphical method is useful to identify qualitatively new coefficients in terms of
original ones or vice versa for any order of Zernike´s expansion. As an example, we show an application of both
methods. Finally, we synthesize some works of other authors which develop numerical or analytical methods for the
coefficients conversion and we compare their more relevant results to ours.
Quels risques pour les enfants sportifs ? Épidémiologie des traumatismes sportifs en pédiatrie
Authors: Bilger M. , Wiest B. , Becmeur F. , Gicquel P.
Published: February 2019

Les accidents de la vie quotidienne, fréquents chez les enfants, représentent la principale cause de décès prématuré. Cependant, les sources épidémiologiques portant sur les accidents sportifs sont peu détaillées en France, souvent incluses dans de plus larges études. L’objectif de notre étude était d’analyser la répartition des traumatismes sportifs infantiles et de mettre en évidence les sports associés à des lésions sévères. Il s’agit d’une étude épidémiologique qui recueille l’ensemble des traumatismes induits par l’activité physique sur avril 2014 et 2015 aux urgences pédiatriques chirurgicales du CHU de Strasbourg. Cinq cent cinquantetrois enfants âgés de 11 mois à 18 ans ont été inclus dont 62 % de garçons et 38 % de filles et 26 activités physiques répertoriées. Les principaux sports pourvoyeurs de lésions étaient le football, le vélo, l’aire de jeux et la trottinette. La lésion la plus fréquente était la contusion. Une lésion sur quatre était une fracture/luxation ou une entorse. Quatorze pour cent des lésions étaient des plaies, prédominantes chez l’enfant de moins de dix ans (p< 0,01). Dans plus de 70 % des cas, les membres étaient lésés. Les atteintes céphaliques représentaient 15 % des lésions. Le tronc et le rachis étaient touchés dans 5 % des cas chacun. Le score AIS médian de notre cohorte était de 1 [1–2]. Le taux d’hospitalisation était de 8 %. Le roller, le BMX et le skateboard présentaient un fort potentiel en faveur de lésions sévères.
Diagnóstico situacional de los pequeños productores del banano orgánico de la provincia del oro hacia el mercado europeo
Authors: Ortega Tambaco Michael , Noroña Alarcón Janeth , Noroña Alarcón Carolina
Published: February 2019

El presente trabajo de investigación se debe a la necesidad de realizar un diagnóstico a la situación de la agricultura Orgánica en el Ecuador. Dentro de este contexto el Ecuador ha experimentado un rápido crecimiento en la producción y exportación de banano orgánico; sin embargo la sociedad exige cambios en la comercialización mundial del producto; para ello es importante dar solución a este problema estableciendo un modelo de Comercio Justo, el cual contempla un precio mínimo garantizado por el producto que se exporta, más un premio que consiste en dinero que las organizaciones de productores deberán usar para mejorar las condiciones de la comunidad. La modalidad de la investigación es cualitativa y cuantitativa y el tipo de investigación es documental, de campo, descriptiva y de proyecto factible; con el ánimo de cumplir los requisitos de comercio justo en función de las necesidades e intereses de las personas y grupos de agricultores que exportan directamente sus productos haciendo del comercio una excelente opción de comercialización para sus productos, permitiendo coadyuvar positivamente en la generación de divisas y en la formación de eslabones dinámicos a lo largo de la cadena de producción, con su firme generación de empleos y dinamización de la economía rural. Se realizará encuesta a cien productores, usando como instrumento el cuestionario. Los datos que se obtengan en el proceso investigativo determinarán que existe una gran falencia para desarrollar un comercio justo entre la provincia del Oro y el mercado europeo. El Marco Teórico estará constituido por fundamentación teórica sobre agricultura orgánica, banano orgánico, Comercio Justo, exportación, producción, precios, sellos de certificación. En tal virtud, se propone el Diagnóstico situacional de la Agricultura orgánica en el Ecuador, para contribuir al Comercio Justo como alternativa socioeconómica sostenible para los pequeños productores de banano orgánico de la provincia del Oro hacia el mercado Europeo.
Cytogenetic Analysis of Down Syndrome
Authors: Kadakol G S , Bagoji Ishwar , Patil S V , Bulagouda R S
Published: February 2019

Objective: Down syndrome is a common genetic disease, diagnosed with congenital malformation/mental retardation. Down syndrome occurs in all races & economic levels. It is caused by third copy of chromosome 21, there are there forms of DS. Simple Trisomy 21, Translocation Trisomy and Mosaic Trisomy. The aim of the study is to know cause of Down syndrome. Chromosomal analysis was carried out by G banding technique. Materials and Methods: 1 ml of peripheral blood samples were collected in Out Patient Department of pediatrics and Cytogenetic analysis was performed. Results: out of 28, 3 female cases, 2 male cases were Down syndrome, All the 5 cases were free trisomy 21, which is common type of Down syndrome; we have not identified Robertsonian translocation and mosaic type of DS. Conclusion: The present analysis shows that genetic risk factors are responsible for the incidence of Down syndrome.
Simply the Best!? – Kulturelle Einflussfaktoren zum „intensive mothering“ bei Müttern von Kleinkindern in Deutschland
Authors: Diabaté Sabine , Beringer Samira
Published: February 2019

Although young couples often want an egalitarian division of paid and family work, this changes after starting a family. Beside economic reasons, cultural perceptions of a “good mother” can also contribute to this effect. This article investigates how mothers think about “intensive mothering” and live it. This is an ideal which defines the child (and its care) as a woman’s highest priority. A logistic regression analyses is carried out on the basis of the data from the survey about Familienleitbilder to find out who is in favor of “intensive mothering”. It becomes evident, that this is particularly true for West German or religious mothers. A structural equation model shows how this disposition influences the behavior. The belief that the mother is the best caregiver for the child has no direct influence on the actual care, but acts indirect over distrust against external child care. East German or highly educated mothers are less likely to look after their children themselves. This persistent difference between Eastern and Western Germany can be explained by historically grown and intergenerationally transmitted norms. Zusammenfassung Obwohl sich junge Paare oft eine egalitäre Aufteilung der Erwerbs- und Familienarbeit wünschen, ändert sich dies nach der Familiengründung häufig. Neben ökonomischen Gründen können auch kulturelle Vorstellungen von einer „guten Mutter“ diesen Effekt mitverursachen. Im Beitrag wird untersucht, wie Mütter von Kleinkindern zum „intensive mothering“ stehen und dieses leben. Darunter versteht man ein Ideal, welches das Kind (und dessen Betreuung) als höchste Priorität der Frau definiert. Es werden die Daten der Leitbildstudie verwendet und in einer logistischen Regression analysiert, wer das „intensive mothering“ befürwortet. Es zeigt sich u.a., dass dies insbesondere bei westdeutschen und religiösen Müttern der Fall ist. In Strukturgleichungsmodellen wird dargestellt, wie diese Disposition das Verhalten begünstigt. Die Überzeugung, als Mutter die beste Betreuung zu sein, hat keinen direkten Einfluss auf die tatsächliche Betreuung, sondern wirkt indirekt durch das Misstrauen gegenüber der Fremdbetreuung. Ostdeutsche oder höher gebildete Mütter betreuen ihre Kinder seltener selbst. Historisch gewachsene Normen, verstärkt durch intergenerationale Transmission, erklären den persistierenden Ost-West-Unterschied.
Die Unerzwingbarkeit des Wesentlichen
Authors: Herzog Lisa
Published: February 2019

Der Aufsatz untersucht, wie neuere Ansätze der Kritischen Theorie von Axel Honneth (2011, 2015) und Hartmut Rosa (2016a) sich zur Strömung der nicht-idealen Theorie in der angelsächsischen politischen Theorie verhalten. Honneth und Rosa legen mit „sozialer Freiheit“ und „Resonanz“ zwei Schlüsselbegriffe vor, die sich zwar in vielen Hinsichten unterscheiden, jedoch die Strukturmerkmale dessen teilen, was hier als ‚Wesentlichkeitsbegriffe‘ charakterisiert wird. Sie beschreiben Zielpunkte gelingenden Lebens innerhalb von Institutionen, die typischerweise im persönlichen Nahbereich stattfinden, ohne dabei inhaltliche Vorgaben zu machen, und ohne dass diese Zielpunkte institutionell erzwungen werden könnten. Vielmehr können sie durch einen geeigneten institutionellen Rahmen ermöglicht werden; die genaue Ausgestaltung dieses Rahmens bleibt bei Honneth und Rosa jedoch vage, während sie in nicht-idealen Theorien im Mittelpunkt steht. Zwischen den beiden Theoriesträngen herrscht somit ein Komplementaritätsverhältnis, insbesondere in Bezug auf formale Institutionen und informelle soziale Normen, die bei beiden für das Zustandekommen „moralischer Revolutionen“ im Sinne Appiahs (2011) zentral sind.
Die Saint-Simonistinnen
Authors: Krause Skadi Siiri
Published: February 2019

Obwohl die Saint-Simonistinnen fast vergessen sind, sind sie doch eine der ersten, wenn auch kurzlebigen autonomen Frauenbewegungen, deren Ideen bis heute für nicht abgegoltene politische Forderungen und uneingelöste Einsichten stehen. Im bewussten Gegensatz zu den bürgerlichen Anhängerinnen der Bewegung formulieren sie Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts das Ideal der finanziell und rechtlich unabhängigen Frau. Was sie verbindet, ist die Ablehnung eines Ideals von „Häuslichkeit“, welches für sie die Rolle der Frau als Ehefrau und Mutter und die damit verbundenen sozialen, rechtlichen und politischen Schranken zwischen den Geschlechtern in doppelter Weise zementiert. Doch ihre Ansätze gehen weit darüber hinaus. Sie kritisieren den sozialen und politischen Ausschluss von Frauen der Arbeiterklasse, der zur Marginalisierung ihrer sozialen Handlungsfähigkeit und zur Verhinderung ihrer politischen Teilhabe führt. Ihr kurzlebiges Sprachrohr sind die Zeitschriften La Femme libre. Apostulat des Femmes (1832-1833) und La Femme nouvelle. La Tribune de Femme (1833-1834), die in diesem Artikel vorgestellt werden.
Zwischen dem páthos des Negativen und politischer Selbstgerechtigkeit
Authors: Liebsch Burkhard
Published: February 2019

Diskutiert wird in diesem Aufsatz, ob die Politisierung negativer Erfahrungen (die zur Artikulation von politischen und rechtlichen Ansprüchen Anlass geben) letztlich antipolitische Konsequenzen hat, wenn sie in selbstgerechter Art und Weise erfolgt. Der Beitrag bezieht sich zunächst auf die gegenwärtige Renaissance von Konzeptionen politischer (thymotischer) Vitalität und stellt in Frage, ob und wie sie sich auf derartige Erfahrungen berufen können beziehungsweise sollten.
Auditory Brainstem Dysfunction, Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis and Monitoring of Alzheimer’s Disease in Young Urban Residents Exposed to Air Pollution
Authors: Mansour Yusra , Blackburn Kaitlyn , González-González Luis Oscar , Calderón-Garcidueñas Lilian , Kulesza Randy J.
Published: February 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a biological construct defined by abnormal deposits of hyperphosphorylated tau and amyloid-β. The 2050 projection for AD in the USA is 14 million. There is a strong association between AD, air pollution, and traffic. Early diagnosis is imperative for intervention in the initial disease stages. Hearing and, specifically, the ability to encode complex sounds are impaired in AD. Nuclei in the auditory brainstem appear to be sensitive to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Specifically, sustained exposure to air pollution is harmful to the brainstem; young residents of Metropolitan Mexico City (MMC) exposed to fine particulate matter and combustion-derived nanoparticles develop AD pathology in infancy. MMC clinically healthy children and teens have significant central delays in brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs). Herein, we review evidence that the auditory pathway is a key site of AD early pathology associated with air pollution and is significantly involved in AD patients. We strongly suggest electrophysiological screening, including BAEPs, be employed to screen individuals for early delays and to monitor progressive decline in patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and AD. Understanding auditory dysfunction in early AD in pediatric and young adult populations may clarify mechanisms of disease progression. Air pollution is a risk factor for the development of AD and as the number of Americans with AD continues to grow without a cure, we need to focus on preventable, early causes of this fatal disease and intervene appropriately.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: Effect of Body Mass Index on Clinical Outcomes in Patients Diagnosed with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bergerot Paulo Gustavo , Bergerot Cristiane Decat , Philip Errol J. , Meza Luis , Dizman Nazli , Hsu JoAnn , Pal Sumanta Kumar
Published: February 2019

Background:

Previous research has identified an association between high body mass index (BMI) and better overall survival (OS) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients treated with vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKIs).

Objective:

The current study sought to determine whether the effect of BMI on OS extends beyond VEGF-TKIs to mTOR inhibitors or immunotherapy (IO).

Design, Setting and Participants:

A retrospective study was conducted among patients diagnosed with mRCC treated at a single institution from 2009 to 2017. Demographic and clinical variables were collected. BMI was characterized as high (≥25 kg/m2) versus low (<25 kg/m2).

Outcomes Measurement and Statistical Analysis:

The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the difference in OS, with comparisons based on BMI and by treatment type.

Results and Limitations:

Among 353 patients ( M = 64 years old, 73% male) 66% were overweight or obese (BMI≥25 kg/m2). Patients were treated with VEGF-TKI (65%), mTOR (23%), or IO (12%). Among patients treated with VEGF-TKI with low BMI, median OS was 24.0 months (95% CI, 20.7–27.2) versus 36.0 months (95% CI, 18.6–53.3) among patients with high BMI ( P = 0.02). The median OS for patients with low BMI treated with mTOR was 18.0 months (95% CI, 2.8–33.1), versus 25.0 months (95% CI, 16.6–33.4) among patients with high BMI ( P = 0.04). In contrast, patients with low BMI treated with IO had a median OS of 23.6 months (95% CI, 17.5–29.7) versus 19.9 months (95% CI, 10.6–29.2) among patients with high BMI ( P = 0.26). The retrospective nature and the small sample size are the main limitations of this study.

Conclusions:

High-BMI was associated with improved OS in patients with mRCC treated with VEGF-TKI and mTOR, but the inverse trend was observed among patients receiving IO. Our data highlight the need to reassess this phenomenon in the context of IO-based regimens.
Anthropometric measures as biomarkers of neurodevelopmental outcomes of newborns with moderate to severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Preeti S. , Kadam A. , Kadam S. , Vaidya U. , Kumar P. , Bhagat I. , Pandit A. , Chouthai N.S.
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND:

Perinatal asphyxia is a prominent cause of neonatal mortality in the developing world. Growth in head circumference is associated with improved neurodevelopment. Previous studies found a positive correlation between additional dietary supplementation and growth in head circumference among newborns with perinatal brain injury. This study aims to evaluate the association between anthropometric parameters and developmental outcomes in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

METHODS:

Newborns at ≥36 weeks gestation with moderate to severe HIE were included in the study and growth parameters were monitored. Newborns with life-threatening anomalies were excluded. None of the study participants received therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII) was used to evaluate neurodevelopmental outcomes at 1 year of age.

RESULTS:

Of 76 study participants, 46 were followed for 12 months, 28 died, and 2 were lost to follow-up. HIE stage III, Apgar score <5 at 5 minutes of age, pH ≤ 7.1 on first blood gas and base deficit > – 16 was associated with death or disability at 1 year of age. All anthropometric parameters were significantly lower in presence of death or disability. pH ≤ 7.1 at birth (odds ratio: 11.835, 95% CI 2.273–61.629, p = 0.003) and weight gain at one year (odds ratio 1.001, 95% CI 1.000–1.002, p = 0.03) were significantly associated with death and disability.

CONCLUSION:

pH > 7.1 at birth, and weight gain were associated with better neurodevelopmental outcomes at 1 year of age. Thus, in addition to TH, nutritional interventions may potentially improve outcomes among newborns with HIE.
Stress during pregnancy affected neonatal outcomes and changed cortisol and leptin levels both in mothers and newborns
Authors: Rabiepoor S. , Abedi M. , Saboory E. , Khalkhali H.R.
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND:

The present study aimed to determine the effect of perceived stress during pregnancy on neonatal outcomes and cortisol and leptin levels in mothers and their newborns.

METHODS:

This longitudinal study was carried out on 110 pregnant women in Miandoab city, Iran. Mothers, who had singleton pregnancies and gestational age of 24 to 28 weeks, were included in the study. The participants were asked to fill out Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The mothers were then tracked in gestational ages of 28–32 weeks, 32–36 weeks, and the time of delivery. The maternal and umbilical cord blood samples were obtained during labor in order to measure leptin and cortisol levels.

RESULTS:

Umbilical cortisol level was significantly higher in newborns who had meconium stained amniotic fluid than those who did not. Maternal blood leptin levels at delivery were significantly higher in the mothers whose neonates had respiratory distress, low birth weight, low head circumference, low Apgar score, and were premature than those whose neonates did not have such problems. The level of leptin in umbilical cord blood was significantly higher in neonates who had respiratory distress than those who did not. The results also showed a significant correlation between maternal cortisol levels and PSS during weeks 24–28 and the entire pregnancy. A significant relationship was observed between umbilical leptin and maternal leptin levels.

CONCLUSIONS:

It can be concluded that stress during pregnancy is accompanied by fetal distress. The probable reason for newborns distress may be related to increased maternal leptin levels.
Is a combination of progesterone and chloroquine more effective than either alone in the treatment of cerebral ischemic injury?
Authors: Qin Aiping , Zhang Qian , Wang Jun , Sayeed Iqbal , Stein Donald G.
Published: February 2019

Background:

In this proof-of-concept paper, we investigated whether combination treatment with progesterone (P4) and chloroquine (CQ) would reduce ischemic injury more effectively than either agent alone in a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model in male rats.

Methods:

P4 (8 mg/kg) and CQ (25 mg/kg) were given alone or in combination beginning at different times during surgery and for 3 days post-occlusion. Locomotor activity and grip strength were evaluated as measures of impairment and recovery. Infarct size was assessed by TTC staining. Markers of autophagy (LC3 and SQSTM1/p62) and apoptosis (Bcl-2 and Bax) were evaluated with western blotting.

Results:

At the doses we employed, the combination was not more effective than either drug given separately on measures of grip strength or locomotor activity. However, combination therapy substantially reduced infarct size, and significantly increased Bcl-2 protein levels and suppressed Bax expression. Progesterone decreased the expression of LC3-II 24 h and SQSTM1/p62 after ischemia.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that combination therapy with P4 and CQ is not detrimental and has a small-to-moderate additive neuroprotective effect on ischemic injury in rats without substantively affecting behavioral outcomes. CQ and P4 may help to regulate the expression of both autophagy-related and apoptosis-related proteins.