bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development of Electronic Book with QR Code Technology and Interactive Exhibition Entitled “Media Literacy” for Undergraduate Students
Authors: Peekeaw Niranuch , Princhankol Pornpapatsorn , Thamwipat Kuntida
Published: April 2020

This research was aimed 1) to survey the needs, 2) to develop electronic book with QR code technology and interactive exhibition entitled “Media Literacy” for undergraduate students, 3) to examine the quality, 4) to examine the learning achievement and 5) to examine the satisfaction. The tools in this study consisted of needs survey form, electronic book with QR code technology and interactive exhibition entitled “Media Literacy” for undergraduate students, quality evaluation forms for contents and media presentation, learning achievement test, and satisfaction questionnaire. The sampling group in this study consisted of 40 third-year undergraduate students who enrolled in the ETM 314 Professional Experiences in Educational Technology and Mass Communication, Department of Educational Communications and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in the first semester of the academic year 2019. They were chosen using purposive sampling method. There were 9 experts in contents, media presentation as well as measurement and evaluation. The statistical methods were percentage, mean score, standard deviation and t-test. The research findings showed that the sampling group expressed the highest level of needs ( = 4.68, S.D.= 0.47). The quality evaluation results showed that the quality of the contents was at a very good level ( = 4.73, S.D. = 0.42) and the quality of the media presentation was at a good level ( = 4.42, S.D. = 0.40). The learning achievement test results showed that their average post-test score was higher than their average pre-test score with statistical significance at the .05 level (t-test = 7.23). The sampling group expressed the highest level of satisfaction towards the media ( = 4.68, S.D. = 0.49). Therefore, the developed media could be distributed for further use.
Effect of Timing of Urea Application or Red Clover Incorporation on Forage and Animal Production
Authors: Scaglia Guillermo
Published: April 2020

Efficient use of land resources is a major objective for beef cattle producers. Incorporating high nutritive value forages into warm perennial grasses, increases animal production and reduces hay feeding, hence reducing production costs. The moment of chemical fertilizer application or the use of clovers to provide N in pastoral systems can be possible strategies to reduce inputs and decrease negative effects in the environment (N losses through leaching or evaporation) without affecting animal performance and gains per unit of land. In the conditions of the present experiment, the treatment with one application of N (as urea) in January (after grazing started) produced the same amount of forage, average daily gains (ADG), and gain per hectare than the treatment with two applications (November and January) at a lower cost of production. When red clover (legume) was used with annual ryegrass without any chemical fertilizer, forage and animal performance were reduced when compared to the other two treatments and cost of production was the greatest. Strategically applying N based on plant growth patterns and grazing management strategies, reduced cost of production without any impact on the animal-plant subsystem. Legumes as a source of N for annual pastures may not be enough to maintain appropriate production while seed cost should also be considered.
Evaluation of the Quality of Robust Clustering Algorithm TCLUST on the Example of Dataset of Air Pollutants Emission in Krakow
Authors: Szlachtowska Ewa , Kosiorowski Daniel , Mielczarek Dominik
Published: April 2020

Acquisition and data collection is currently a very dynamic processes. In order to obtain from data useful information, when huge quantities of data, the processing of the data is not a trivial task. Cluster analysis is very helpful in this and the result of grouping the result of grouping allows us to comprehend the available information and look at it from a different perspective. In any case, we are not able to show the entire spectrum of issues related to data analysis. Therefore we limit our discussion to the analysis of clusters, then we describe the TCLUST algorithm. The authors of the algorithm are H. Fritz, L. A. García-Escudero, A. Mayo-Iscar (see Fritz et al. 2011, 2012). In the paper we present the pros and cons robust clustering algorithm, and we discuss the available functions in the package tclust. Then on the example of dataset of air pollutants emission in Krakow we try to evaluate the quality of robust clustering algorithm.
Application of ROC Curves in Poverty Analysis of Urban and Rural Households
Authors: Sączewska-Piotrowska Anna
Published: April 2020

The article analyses poverty determinants of urban and rural households using binomial logit model. There were used ROC curves and area under ROC curves (AUC) to evaluate the predictive power of estimated risk models of urban and rural households poverty. Based on ROC curves there were chosen cut-off points (level of probability below which a household is considered not poor). On the basis of ROC curves and areas under ROC curves for simplified logit models (containing subsets of determinants) there was pointed the best poverty indicator. In urban and in rural areas the best targeting indicator is socio-economic group of household.
Assessment of the impact of the reduction of the gaseous emissions on growth in Poland. Assumptions and preliminary results
Authors: Gadomski Jan
Published: April 2020

The paper presents a model aimed at assessing the process of technology conversion imposed by limits of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. These limits are being introduced in order to stop climate warming, but by themselves they also inevitably curb economic growth. The change signifies choosing cleaner but economically less efficient technologies. In effect, the nature of the long-term economic growth is thus changed from a relatively free growth constrained by the availability of resources, production factors and technical progress, to that codetermined by the new constraint: the emission limit. The analysis is performed by using a model based on assumptions different from those applied in the CGE modelling. The model consists of the following sectors: a) consuming (both households and public); b) producing non-energy goods purchased by the consuming sector; c) producing inter-mediary non-energy inputs used in all producing sectors; d) producing energy consumed in all sectors; and e) producing investment (capital) goods purchased by all producing sectors. All economic agents pursue a common goal of achieving maximum total discounted consumption over the whole period of analysis, while the outputs in sectors and technologies, investment in sectors and technologies, as well as net foreign trade in sectors are decision variables. The model is solved using linear optimization. The model results constitute a benchmark; no economic tools are indicated for achieving the optimum.
Financial Services Input as a Source of Economic Growth in the European Union Countries
Authors: Wyszkowska-Kuna Joanna
Published: April 2020

The aim of this paper is to study and compare the importance of intermediate demand for financial services for the growth of production in the European Union countries. In the study the methodology introduced by Jorgenson et al. (1987) is used. This assumes that changes in the production (in real terms) result from changes in intermediate inputs of raw and manufacturing materials and services, as well as in factor inputs (labour and capital) and in total factor productivity. The advantage of this method is the ability to calculate the contributions of different components of intermediate inputs (including service inputs – total or with respect to particular service categories) to production growth in the whole economy and in individual industries. The study is carried out with respect to financial services, but their contribution to economic growth is compared with the contribution of knowledge--intensive business services that have been already recognized as affecting economic and productivity growth. The data used in the study come from the World Input-Output Database. The analysed period covers the years 1995–2009, owing to the availability of relevant data.
The Copula-Based Total Claim Amount Regression Model with an Unobserved Risk Factor
Authors: Wolny-Dominiak Alicja
Published: April 2020

Nowadays a common practice of any insurance company is ratemaking, which is defined as the process of classification of the mass risk portfolio into risk groups where the same premium corresponds to each risk. As generalised linear models are usually applied, the process requires the independence between the average value of claims and the number of claims. However, in literature this assumption is called into question. The interest of this paper is to propose the copula-based total claim amount model taking into account an unobservable risk factor in the claim frequency model. This factor, called also as unobserved heterogeneity, is treated as a random variable influencing the number of claims. The goal is to estimate the expected value of the product of two random variables: the average value of claims and the number of claims for a single risk assuming the dependence between the average value of claims and the number of claims for a single risk and the dependence between the number of claims for a single risk and the unobservable risk factor. We give details of the theoretical aspects of the model as well as the empirical example. To acquaint the reader with the model operation, every step of the process of the expected value estimation in described and the R code is available for download, see http://web.ue.katowice.pl/woali/.
Distribution of Selected Bootstrap Median Estimators and Application of the Exact Percentile Method for its Interval Estimating
Authors: Kisielińska Joanna
Published: April 2020

The article presents the results of the use of exact percentiles methods for estimating median. For a sample with an odd number of observations used estimator in the form of the sample median (standard estimator), and for a sample with an even number of observations, used estimator in the form of the sample median and standard estimator. It presents a formula defining the distribution of standard estimator and describes how you can determine the distribution of the estimator in the form of the sample median for sample with an even number of observations. The study was conducted for the selected distributions and selected sample size. It was estimated standard deviation and confidence intervals for selected estimators. The study shows, that the use of exact percentiles method for standard estimators is much simpler than using the classical method with the resampling.
Security Environment of Contemporary Family, its Percepction by Poles and the Need for Security
Authors: Domagała Kamil
Published: April 2020

The dynamic development of humanity and globalization have led to changes in understanding the family, both by ordinary people and scientists. The article deals with the perception of the contemporary family by Poles, as well as with its security environment and fulfilling the need for security of its members. To discuss this issues, the author points out the inaccuracies and terminological differences concerning the concept of family. Then he characterizes the security environment of the contemporary family according to the eight-element concept of Juliusz Piwowarski. Finally, he analyzes several selected reports from the CBOS research from 2017–2019 regarding the family and its perception by Poles. This allows the author to propose his own definition of a (contemporary) family. The analysis also leads to the conclusion that despite changes and differences in perceiving the family, it invariably remains the most important value for Poles, and its main tasks include fulfilling the need for security of its members.
The Impact of CEO Image on the Consumer Trust in the Organization
Authors: Stravinskiene Jurgita , Hopenienė Rimantė , Levickyte Indre
Published: April 2020

Corporate image entails several elements of which the image of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) is regarded as one of the most significant in building the consumer opinion about the organisation. The study of academic literature has shown that the role of a leader, the impact of management styles for the achievements of the organisation are investigated quite extensively by researchers of leadership, psychology or sociology. However, from the prospect of marketing, the effect of CEO image and its elements on consumer behaviour and establishment of long-term relationships has not been analysed. The aim of the paper was to evaluate an impact of CEO image and its elements on consumer trust in the organisation. The empirical data was collected from 186 respondents who are potential consumers of successful Lithuanian business companies. The survey has showed that the psychological traits and verbal/non-verbal behaviour of the CEOs have the highest impact, and the leadership has the lowest impact on consumer trust on the organisation. The impact on the consumer trust with organisation varies and depends on the assessment of the overall image of CEOs, i.e. the CEO image has the most influence when the consumers are neutral about the overall image of the CEO and the lowest influence when the CEO is evaluated negatively.
Foresight Development Strategy of the Financial Capacity: Comparative Study of the Ukrainian Agricultural Sector
Authors: Radchenko Oksana , Semenyshena Nataliia , Sadovska Iryna , Nahirska Kateryna , Pokotylska Nataliia
Published: April 2020

The system of foresight methods is most often used to solve research problems that are distinguished from the continuity of historical chronology. The aim of our study is to search for new approaches to measuring, assessing and forecasting the economic and financial potential of the agricultural sector, in order to develop an adequate public administration strategy. We have set the task to answer what effect this trend will have for the agricultural sector and the economy of Ukraine in the coming years. We used normative-system analysis - an approach that allows to identify measures that stimulate or limit the implementation of a particular scenario for a particular research subject. This method is aimed at formulating policies and foresight strategies, which are implemented by calculating the financial potential of the agricultural industry. The basis of the research was the hypothesis that the financial potential of the macro level should be analyzed according to the current foresight strategy method, which involves (i) identifying the object of forecasting (agrarian sector), (ii) determining the essential conditions (targets that the financial potential for sustainable development should correspond to), (iii) scanning the environment (what resources and types of potential are related to financial), and (v) identifying alternatives and possible future scenarios (building a balance sheet of financial resources). The results of the statistical analysis suggested that the main determinants of the financial potential are:  the volumes, structure, and proportions of reproduction. Furthermore, the efficiency and strength of financial potential are compared with the main macroeconomic indicators of rural development. The results revealed that the necessity of state regulation of financial flows connected with the agrarian sector is substantiated by monitoring the process of forming financial flows in a number of key parameters with the aim of observing the equivalence of all management forms to financial resources. This research contributes to the previous literature on Ukraine context, where we proposed ways to improve the quality of financial potential, the conditions for its formation and distribution and redistribution in accordance with the National Concept for the Development of the Agrarian Sector (2015). Additionally, this research will pave the way for the adaptation of foreign experience, including international comparisons of financial flows and state support.
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Published: April 2020

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Strategie als Beruf
Authors: Terhalle Maximilian
Published: April 2020

Thinking and making strategy serve states’ vital interests. Innately bound up with power, strategy devises a future that reflects vital interests, using its willpower to protect them. Unprecedented, “Strategy as Vocation” introduces Strategic Studies while also offering Germany practical strategies.

The book contains articles in German and in English.
Moments of Catalan Triangle Numbers
Authors: J. Miana Pedro , Romero Natalia
Published: April 2020

In this chapter, we consider the Catalan numbers, C n = 1 n + 1 2 n n , and two of their generalizations, Catalan triangle numbers, B n , k and A n , k , for n , k ∈ N . They are combinatorial numbers and present interesting properties as recursive formulae, generating functions and combinatorial interpretations. We treat the moments of these Catalan triangle numbers, i.e., with the following sums: ∑ k = 1 n k m B n , k j , ∑ k = 1 n + 1 2 k − 1 m A n , k j , for j , n ∈ N and m ∈ N ∪ 0 . We present their closed expressions for some values of m and j . Alternating sums are also considered for particular powers. Other famous integer sequences are studied in Section 3, and its connection with Catalan triangle numbers are given in Section 4. Finally we conjecture some properties of divisibility of moments and alternating sums of powers in the last section.
Evaluation of chemical control for nonnative crayfish at a warm-water fish production hatchery
Authors: Allert Ann L. , McKee Michael J. , DiStefano Robert J. , Fairchild James F.
Published: April 2020

Invasive crayfish are known to displace native crayfish species, alter aquatic habitat and community structure and function, and are serious pests for fish hatcheries. White River Crawfish (WRC; Procambarus acutus) were inadvertently introduced to a warm-water fish hatchery in Missouri, USA, possibly in an incoming fish shipment. We evaluated the use of chemical control for crayfish to ensure incoming and outgoing fish shipments from hatcheries do not contain live crayfish. We conducted acute (≤ 24 hr) static toxicity tests to determine potency, dose-response, and selectivity of pesticides to WRC, Virile Crayfish (VC; Orconectes virilis), and Fathead Minnow (FHM; Pimephales promelas). Testing identified a formulation of cypermethrin (Cynoff®) as the most potent of five pesticides evaluated for toxicity to crayfish. A 4-hr exposure to a cypermethrin concentration of 100 μg·L-1 was found to kill 100% of juvenile and adult WRC; however, adult VC were not consistently killed. Concentrations of cypermethrin ≤ 100 μg·L-1 did not cause significant (> 10%) mortality in juvenile FHM. Additional testing is needed to examine selectivity between crayfish and hatchery fish species. Biosecurity protocols at hatcheries that use chemical control have the potential to reliably prevent inadvertent transfers of live crayfish in fish shipments.
Basic psychological needs and subjective well-being in Portuguese older people
Authors: Couto Nuno , Antunes Raul , Monteiro Diogo , Moutão João , Marinho Daniel A. , Cid Luís
Published: April 2020

El objetivo de este estudio es la validación de la versión en portugués de la Escala General de Satisfacción de Necesidades Básicas (BNSG-S: Sousa, Pais Ribeiro, Palmeira, Teixeira, y Silva, 2012) en una muestra de personas mayores portuguesas, y analizarlas mediante ecuaciones estructurales modelar el efecto de la percepción global de los ancianos portugueses sobre la satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas en el bienestar subjetivo. En este estudio se recorreou dos muestras de ancianos portugueses de entre 60 y 90 años de edad.

Los resultados revelan que solo el Modelo 3 del BNSG-S (3 factores, 11 ítems) mostró buenos resultados de ajuste a los datos (χ² = 103,16, df = 41, SRMR = .05, TLI = .90, CFI = .93, RMSEA = .07, 90% CI = .05-.08). En la segunda parte del estudio, verificamos que la satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas tiene un efecto positivo en el bienestar subjetivo en los ancianos portugueses.

En presencia de esta evidencia, llegamos a la conclusión de que la versión portuguesa del BNSG-S puede utilizarse como un medio para evaluar la satisfacción de las necesidades psicológicas básicas de la población de mayor edad y su satisfacción tiene un efecto positivo sobre el bienestar subjetivo en La población portuguesa de más edad.

This study’s goal is the validation of the Portuguese version of the Basic Need Satisfaction General Scale (BNSG-S: Sousa, Pais Ribeiro, Palmeira, Teixeira, & Silva, 2012) in a sample of Portuguese older people, and analyze through a structural equations model the effect of the Portuguese elderly individuals’ global perception about the satisfaction of basic psychological needs on subjective well-being. Two samples of Portuguese elderly people aged between 60 and 90 years old were considered in this study.

The results reveal that only Model 3 of the BNSG-S (3 factors, 11 items) showed good results of adjustment to the data (χ²=103,16, df=41, SRMR=.05, TLI=.90, CFI=.93, RMSEA=.07, 90% CI=.05-.08). In the second part of the study, we verified that satisfaction of basic psychological needs has a positive effect on subjective well-being in Portuguese elderly people.

In the presence of this evidence, we concluded that the Portuguese version of the BNSG-S can be used as a means to evaluate the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs of the older population and their satisfaction has a positive effect on subjective well-being in the Portuguese older population.
Social Support, Self-Esteem and Quality of Life among People Living With HIV/AIDS in Jammu & Kashmir India
Authors: Wani Mohammad Amin
Published: April 2020

Background: The cardinal aim of the present study was to assess the level of social support, self esteem and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in Jammu and Kashmir State of India. Further, the study strived to explore the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Method: The study consists a sample of 460 AIDS patients selected through purposive sampling technique, out of them 177 (38.3%) were male, 283 (61.5%) were female patients; 295 (64.1%) were married and 165 (35.9%) were unmarried. Measures included Enriched Social Support Inventory by Mitchell et al., (2003), Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (1965) and Quality of Life Scale by Sharma & Nasreen (2014). For the statistical analysis of data Mean, Standard deviation, Frequency distribution, t-test, one way analysis of variance, correlation analysis and Scheffe’s post hoc test was applied by SPSS 20.0 version. Findings: The findings illustrated that majority of patients have poor social support, lower self-esteem and poor quality of life; also it reveals that patient’s social support, and self-esteem differs by age, occupation, duration of illness, gender, and marital status. However their quality of life differs only by their age, occupation, duration of illness, and marital status. Further the result shows social support and self-esteem are positively correlated with quality of life.

Background: The cardinal aim of the present study was to assess the level of social support, self esteem and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in Jammu and Kashmir State of India. Further, the study strived to explore the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Method: The study consists a sample of 460 AIDS patients selected through purposive sampling technique, out of them 177 (38.3%) were male, 283 (61.5%) were female patients; 295 (64.1%) were married and 165 (35.9%) were unmarried. Measures included Enriched Social Support Inventory by Mitchell et al., (2003), Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (1965) and Quality of Life Scale by Sharma & Nasreen (2014). For the statistical analysis of data Mean, Standard deviation, Frequency distribution, t-test, one way analysis of variance, correlation analysis and Scheffe’s post hoc test was applied by SPSS 20.0 version. Findings: The findings illustrated that majority of patients have poor social support, lower self-esteem and poor quality of life; also it reveals that patient’s social support, and self-esteem differs by age, occupation, duration of illness, gender, and marital status. However their quality of life differs only by their age, occupation, duration of illness, and marital status. Further the result shows social support and self-esteem are positively correlated with quality of life.
The effect of perception of organizational politics on professionals’ engagement: the moderating role of the psychological safety climate
Authors: Chinelato Renata Silva de Carvalho , Tavares Susana Maria de Oliveira e Mota , Ferreira Maria Cristina , Valentini Felipe
Published: April 2020

El propósito de esta investigación fue probar empíricamente la hipótesis de que el clima de seguridad psicológica de la organización y la percepción de las políticas de la organización predicen hasta qué punto los empleados se sienten comprometidos con su trabajo. El uso de modelos jerárquicos lineales y los datos recopilados de 1,244 empleados en 64 organizaciones, el clima de seguridad psicológica a nivel organizativo y la percepción de la política organizacional a nivel de los empleados predijo la participación laboral de los empleados. También hubo una interacción significativa en todos los niveles, de modo que el efecto negativo de la percepción de las políticas organizacionales se amplificó en organizaciones con un clima de seguridad psicológica positivo. En otras palabras, la seguridad psicológica organizacional beneficia más el compromiso laboral de los individuos cuando perciben la existencia de políticas organizacionales bajas. Los resultados ofrecen información sobre los mecanismos por los cuales el contexto organizativo percibido puede influir en el compromiso laboral de los empleados y resaltar la importancia de la coherencia organizativa percibida en la promoción del compromiso laboral dentro de su organización. Los profesionales y gerentes de Recursos Humanos deben promover reuniones frecuentes con los trabajadores y aplicar otras prácticas que puedan impulsar un clima seguro para los empleados.

The purpose of this research was to empirically test the hypothesis that the organizational psychological safety climate and the perception of organizational politics predict the extent to which employees feel engaged in their work. Using hierarchical linear modeling and data collected from 1,244 employees in 64 organizations, organizational level psychological safety climate and employee-level perception of organizational politics predicted employee work engagement. There was also significant cross-level interaction, so that the negative effect of the perception of organizational politics was amplified in organizations with a positive psychological safety climate. In other words, organizational psychological safety benefits the work engagement of individuals more when they perceive the existence of low organizational politics. The results offer insight into the mechanisms by which the perceived organizational context may influence employees’ work engagement and highlight the importance for the perceived organizational consistency in the promotion of work engagement within their organization. Human Resource professionals and managers should promote frequent meetings with the workers and apply other practices that can boost a safe climate for the employees.
BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATING INFLUENCE OVER THE RESULTS OF DOMESTIC HOT WATER PARAMETER
Authors: LOPEZ ASIAIN JUAN , GONZALEZ GARCIA MARIA DE LAS NIEVES , MORON FERNANDEZ CARLOS , PAYAN DE TEJADA ALEJANDRO
Published: April 2020

In order to improve the energy efficiency, energy certification plays an essential role allowing us to evaluate and compare buildings and their features related to demand, consumption and emissions.
The aim of this work is to analyse the methodology used by current regulation to estimate the energy consumption from domestic hot water systems and its subsequent energy rating.
The relationship of the results obtained with the different types of homes is studied according to their area and number of bedrooms, justifying how the area of the house has an excessive influence on the qualification obtained in the sanitary hot water parameter, favouring a better certification to larger homes.
GEOMETRIES WOVEN WITH BAMBOO FIBERS FOR THEIR MATERIALIZATION AS STABLE STRUCTURES
Authors: MUSCIO EUGENIA , ALMEIDA CHICAIZA BYRON SEBASTIAN , ANAYA JESUS
Published: April 2020

For the materialization of a specific geometry that conforms a resistant structure, different parameters that constitute a whole are related in a dependent way, such as: the characteristics of the bamboo species and the cut of the cane, the geometry that defines the woven, the interlacing knot and its degree of friction, as well as the geometry itself and its generatrices. The cut of the bamboo cane defines the resistance of the strip obtained and is intrinsically linked to the possible patterns of interlacing. By means of the analytical study of the admissible deflection and curvature of different cuts of the bamboo cane and of the overlapping of cuts, the influence of the geometric section of the cut on its behavior could be observed.
This article is an analytical study that enunciates the most relevant parameters, the interrelation of two or three of them, allowing to clarify and quantify the possibilities for the constitution of frameworks with bamboo fibers with potential to be used in architecture.
VALIDATION OF SIZING THE CAPACITIVE INPUT FILTER IN AN ISOLATED PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM WITHOUT BATTERIES FOR AC LOADS
Authors: BERISTÁIN JIMÉNEZ JOSÉ ANTONIO , PEREZ RAMIREZ JAVIER , GAMEZ ELIZALDE GUILLERMO
Published: April 2020

Using photovoltaic systems without battery storage is a viable option for water supply in communities isolated from the electricity grid. The system is environmentally friendly, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and reducing the cost of the pumping system and increasing its lifetime. The system consists of the direct interconnection of a photovoltaic array, an H bridge inverter with Mosfet's, an LC low-pass filter and an alternating current (AC) load.
EVOLUTION OF INDOOR TEMPERATURE IN WARM-HUMID CLIMATE HOUSING THROUGH DYNAMIC SIMULATION IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS OF VENTILATION AND SHADING
Authors: DE IGNACIO VICENS GUILLERMO , SOUTULLO CASTRO SILVIA , LOPEZ ZALDIVAR OSCAR , LOZANO DIEZ RAFAEL VICENTE
Published: April 2020

This article focuses upon the environmental conditioning of housing in warm and humid climates, and on obtaining thermal comfort conditions through predominantly passive means. The experimental analysis centers upon a representative example of the type of housing found in Havana (Cuba), a typical example of the warm-humid climate. Evolution of indoor temperatures for different natural ventilation and shading strategy scenarios are analyzed using dynamic simulation software.
Comparing the indoor temperatures of the house, resulting from the simulation carried out, with the outdoors hour by hour and day to day provided by the model, the damping and amplitudes of the thermal wave are quantified in winter and summer conditions, depending on the different strategies adopted, and the thermal situations obtained in order to better housing habitability of the model are assessed.
ALTERNATIVE TEST FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE SETTING TIME. CAPACITIVE AND RESISTIVE METHOD
Authors: FERRANDEZ VEGA DANIEL , YEDRA ALVAREZ ENGERST , MORON FERNANDEZ CARLOS , MORON BARRIOS ALBERTO
Published: April 2020

The hardening of the conglomerates’ materials is characterized by the change in the state of the paste, from a fluid state -after mixing- to its solid-state. At present, the well-known Vicat Needle Method is used to determine the hardening times, following the UNE-EN 13279-2 and UNE-EN 196-3 standards, depending on whether they are gypsum, plaster or cement. In this work, two alternative low-cost methods and easily applicable are proposed, based on capacitive and resistive sensors, which can help to improve the production process of prefabricated construction. The results show how it is possible to relate the setting times conventionally measured with the variations in the response of the sensors implemented. On the other hand, the behavior of the material can be monitored in real-time without having to rely on a manual test. This work, therefore, validates two alternative methods for the testing of conglomerates’ materials.
Entre méfiance et défiance : les Autochtones et la justice pénale au Canada
Authors: Jaccoud Mylène
Published: April 2020

L’auteure fait ressortir un certain nombre de limites quant à la manière dont la confiance du public dans le système de justice est généralement abordée. La mise en évidence de ces limites l’amène à suggérer d’analyser la confiance sous l’angle d’un rapport social, c’est-à-dire d’un rapport coconstruit dans des relations de pouvoir entre groupes vulnérabilisés et systèmes de régulation sociopénale et dans lesquelles une méfiance réciproque se forge et se renforce. Ainsi, l’auteure tente de démontrer que la méfiance est constitutive du fonctionnement du système pénal à l’égard des Autochtones qui, configurés en figures de risque, font l’objet d’une pénalité de contrôle et de surveillance. La méfiance est parallèlement ancrée dans l’expérience collective et individuelle des Autochtones avec un système de justice qui a constitué, de l’histoire coloniale jusqu’à nos jours, une source importante de discrimination, d’oppression et de sous-protection.
L’instauration de tribunaux spécialisés en matière de crimes sexuels : un pas de plus vers la reconstruction d’une confiance brisée
Authors: Cloutier Maude
Published: April 2020

Le système de justice criminelle québécois, malgré toutes les réformes dont il a fait l’objet, continue de traiter de manière inappropriée les victimes d’agression sexuelle. L’attrition, l’influence du modèle du « vrai viol » et la victimisation secondaire sont autant d’obstacles rencontrés par les victimes qui participent à leur perte de confiance envers ce système. Pour rétablir cette confiance, des décideurs proposent l’implantation de tribunaux spécialisés en matière de crimes sexuels. Les modèles sud-africain et néo-zélandais ont eu un impact positif sur leur juridiction : augmentation des taux de condamnation, amélioration de la qualité des témoignages, diminution des délais et de la victimisation secondaire, amélioration de la connaissance des juges sur la réalité des victimes, etc. Ils représentent donc une initiative prometteuse pour l’amélioration de l’expérience des victimes et, conséquemment, un espoir pour le rétablissement de leur confiance envers le système de justice canadien et québécois.
L’influence des médias sur la formation de la confiance du public en l’administration de la justice pénale
Authors: Dzierlatka Benjamin
Published: April 2020

La prolifération et la modernisation des moyens de communication par voie écrite ou audiovisuelle, ou plus récemment les communications au public en ligne, par l’entremise du réseau Internet, n’ont eu de cesse que d’accroître la médiatisation des affaires pénales, ces dernières occupant dorénavant une place singulière dans la sphère médiatique. La publicisation de certaines affaires judiciaires poursuit deux objectifs : l’un de transparence, attribut nécessaire à toute société libre et démocratique ; l’autre pédagogique, permettant aux citoyens, profanes du fonctionnement de l’administration de la justice, de se familiariser avec cette technicité. Ces attributs sont tous deux essentiels à la promotion de la confiance du public.

La procédure en matière criminelle et pénale, vulgarisée par les médias pour en faciliter la compréhension, reflète un cheminement complexe et pluriel, allant de la comparution à la détermination de la peine en passant par la communication de la preuve. Sans remettre en question la nécessité d’une visibilité et d’une transparence des affaires judiciaires, il faut néanmoins se préserver d’en simplifier irréductiblement la complexité, et ce, pour éviter toute dénaturation prêtant à confusion dans l’esprit du public. Galvanisant l’activité judiciaire en cultivant le « sensationnel », les médias font courir le risque de ternir l’image de l’administration de la justice pénale, ce qui entretient alors la défiance et le scepticisme du public à l’égard du système judiciaire. L’auteur a choisi d’analyser le rapport entre les médias et la justice sous l’angle de la confiance du public : il présente ainsi un regard croisé sur le droit et le journalisme à travers une étude des systèmes judiciaires de la France et du Canada.
¿Para qué sirve la escuela? Reflexiones sociológicas en tiempos de pandemia global
Authors: Tarabini Aina
Published: April 2020

La pandemia global generada por el Covid-19 y las medidas de confinamiento obligatorio de la población que de ella se derivan suponen retos sin precedentes para los sistemas educativos a nivel global. El cierre generalizado de todos los centros educativos a nivel presencial pone de relieve una pregunta clave: ¿Para qué sirve su escuela? El objetivo del artículo es reflexionar sobre esta cuestión desde una mirada sociológica y, en particular, desde un enfoque de la justicia educativa y social. Se argumenta que la función principal de la escuela como institución especializada debe ser la transmisión y adquisición de conocimientos profundos, relevantes y con sentido para todos y todas las estudiantes. Asimismo, se establecen dos requisititos para garantizar el ejercicio de este rol: la presencia física como base para poder desarrollar una interacción plena; y el rol de los y las docentes como acompañantes. En conjunto, el artículo presenta una reflexión no sólo sobre los impactos de la situación actual sobre las funciones de la escuela, sino también sobre el sentido de la institución escolar en pleno siglo XXI, representando un aporte clave dentro de los debates de la sociología de la educación.
Polar pattern formation induced by contact following locomotion in a multicellular system
Authors: Hayakawa Masayuki , Hiraiwa Tetsuya , Wada Yuko , Kuwayama Hidekazu , Shibata Tatsuo
Published: April 2020

Biophysical mechanisms underlying collective cell migration of eukaryotic cells have been studied extensively in recent years. One mechanism that induces cells to correlate their motions is contact inhibition of locomotion, by which cells migrating away from the contact site. Here, we report that tail-following behavior at the contact site, termed contact following locomotion (CFL), can induce a non-trivial collective behavior in migrating cells. We show the emergence of a traveling band showing polar order in a mutant Dictyostelium cell that lacks chemotactic activity. We find that CFL is the cell–cell interaction underlying this phenomenon, enabling a theoretical description of how this traveling band forms. We further show that the polar order phase consists of subpopulations that exhibit characteristic transversal motions with respect to the direction of band propagation. These findings describe a novel mechanism of collective cell migration involving cell–cell interactions capable of inducing traveling band with polar order.
Principles of operation of a cerebellar learning circuit
Authors: Herzfeld David J , Hall Nathan J , Tringides Marios , Lisberger Stephen G
Published: April 2020

We provide behavioral evidence using monkey smooth pursuit eye movements for four principles of cerebellar learning. Using a circuit-level model of the cerebellum, we link behavioral data to learning’s neural implementation. The four principles are: (1) early, fast, acquisition driven by climbing fiber inputs to the cerebellar cortex, with poor retention; (2) learned responses of Purkinje cells guide transfer of learning from the cerebellar cortex to the deep cerebellar nucleus, with excellent retention; (3) functionally different neural signals are subject to learning in the cerebellar cortex versus the deep cerebellar nuclei; and (4) negative feedback from the cerebellum to the inferior olive reduces the magnitude of the teaching signal in climbing fibers and limits learning. Our circuit-level model, based on these four principles, explains behavioral data obtained by strategically manipulating the signals responsible for acquisition and recall of direction learning in smooth pursuit eye movements across multiple timescales.
SKAP2 is required for defense against K. pneumoniae infection and neutrophil respiratory burst
Authors: Nguyen Giang T , Shaban Lamyaa , Mack Matthias , Swanson Kenneth D , Bunnell Stephen C , Sykes David B , Mecsas Joan
Published: April 2020

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a respiratory, blood, liver, and bladder pathogen of significant clinical concern. We show that the adaptor protein, SKAP2, is required for protection against K. pneumoniae (ATCC 43816) pulmonary infections. Skap2-/- mice had 100-fold higher bacterial burden when compared to wild-type and burden was controlled by SKAP2 expression in innate immune cells. Skap2-/- neutrophils and monocytes were present in infected lungs, and the neutrophils degranulated normally in response to K. pneumoniae infection in mice; however, K. pneumoniae-stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in vitro was abolished. K. pneumoniae-induced neutrophil ROS response required the activity of SFKs, Syk, Btk, PLCγ2, and PKC. The loss of SKAP2 significantly hindered the K. pneumoniae-induced phosphorylation of SFKs, Syk, and Pyk2 implicating SKAP2 as proximal to their activation in pathogen-signaling pathways. In conclusion, SKAP2-dependent signaling in neutrophils is essential for K. pneumoniae-activated ROS production and for promoting bacterial clearance during infection.
Phylogeography of the widespread Caribbean spiny orb weaverGasteracantha cancriformis
Authors: Chamberland Lisa , Salgado-Roa Fabian C. , Basco Alma , Crastz-Flores Amanda , Binford Greta J. , Agnarsson Ingi
Published: April 2020

Background

Modern molecular analyses are often inconsistent with pre-cladistic taxonomic hypotheses, frequently indicating higher richness than morphological taxonomy estimates. Among Caribbean spiders, widespread species are relatively few compared to the prevalence of single island endemics. The taxonomic hypothesisGasteracantha cancriformiscircumscribes a species with profuse variation in size, color and body form. Distributed throughout the Neotropics,G. cancriformisis the only morphological species ofGasteracanthain the New World in this globally distributed genus.

Methods

We inferred phylogenetic relationships across Neotropical populations ofGasteracanthausing three target genes. Within the Caribbean, we estimated genetic diversity, population structure, and gene flow among island populations.

Results

Our findings revealed a single widespread species ofGasteracanthathroughout the Caribbean,G. cancriformis, while suggesting two recently divergent mainland populations that may represent separate species, diverging linages, or geographically isolated demes. The concatenated andCOI(Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) phylogeny supported a Caribbean clade nested within the New World. Genetic variability was high between island populations for ourCOIdataset; however, gene flow was also high, especially between large, adjacent islands. We found structured genetic and morphological variation withinG. cancriformisisland populations; however, this variation does not reflect genealogical relationships. Rather, isolation by distance and local morphological adaptation may explain the observed variation.
Deciphering MET‐dependent modulation of global cellular responses to DNA damage by quantitative phosphoproteomics
Authors: Bensimon Ariel , Koch Jonas P. , Francica Paola , Roth Selina M. , Riedo Rahel , Glück Astrid A. , Orlando Eleonora , Blaukat Andree , Aebersold Daniel M. , Zimmer Yitzhak , Aebersold Ruedi , Medová Michaela
Published: April 2020

Increasing evidence suggests that interference with growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling can affect DNA damage response (DDR) networks, with a consequent impact on cellular responses to DNA‐damaging agents widely used in cancer treatment. In that respect, the MET RTK is deregulated in abundance and/or activity in a variety of human tumors. Using two proteomic techniques, we explored how disrupting MET signaling modulates global cellular phosphorylation response to ionizing radiation (IR). Following an immunoaffinity‐based phosphoproteomic discovery survey, we selected candidate phosphorylation sites for extensive characterization by targeted proteomics focusing on phosphorylation sites in both signaling networks. Several substrates of the DDR were confirmed to be modulated by sequential MET inhibition and IR, or MET inhibition alone. Upon combined treatment, for two substrates, NUMA1 S395 and CHEK1 S345, the gain and loss of phosphorylation, respectively, were recapitulated using invivo tumor models by immunohistochemistry, with possible utility in future translational research. Overall, we have corroborated phosphorylation sites at the intersection between MET and the DDR signaling networks, and suggest that these represent a class of proteins at the interface between oncogene‐driven proliferation and genomic stability.
RAF dimer inhibition enhances the antitumor activity of MEK inhibitors in K‐RAS mutant tumors
Authors: Yuan Xi , Tang Zhiyu , Du Rong , Yao Zhan , Cheung Shing‐Hu , Zhang Xinwen , Wei Jing , Zhao Yuan , Du Yunguang , Liu Ye , Hu Xiaoxia , Gong Wenfeng , Liu Yong , Gao Yajuan , Huang Zhiyue , Cao Zongfu , Wei Min , Zhou Changyou , Wang Lai , Rosen Neal , Smith Paul D. , Luo Lusong
Published: April 2020

The mutation of K‐RAS represents one of the most frequent genetic alterations in cancer. Targeting of downstream effectors of RAS, including of MEK and ERK, has limited clinical success in cancer patients with K‐RAS mutations. The reduced sensitivity of K‐RAS‐mutated cells to certain MEK inhibitors (MEKi) is associated with the feedback phosphorylation of MEK by C‐RAF and with the reactivation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Here, we report that the RAF dimer inhibitors lifirafenib (BGB‐283) and compound C show a strong synergistic effect with MEKi, including mirdametinib (PD‐0325901) and selumetinib, in suppressing the proliferation of K‐RAS‐mutated non‐small‐cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. This synergistic effect was not observed with the B‐RAFV600E selective inhibitor vemurafenib. Our mechanistic analysis revealed that RAF dimer inhibition suppresses RAF‐dependent MEK reactivation and leads to the sustained inhibition of MAPK signaling in K‐RAS‐mutated cells. This synergistic effect was also observed in several K‐RAS mutant mouse xenograft models. A pharmacodynamic analysis supported a role for the synergistic phospho‐ERK blockade in enhancing the antitumor activity observed in the K‐RAS mutant models. These findings support a vertical inhibition strategy in which RAF dimer and MEKi are combined to target K‐RAS‐mutated cancers, and have led to a Phase 1b/2 combination therapy study of lifirafenib and mirdametinib in solid tumor patients with K‐RAS mutations and other MAPK pathway aberrations.