bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributive rainfall–runoff modelling to understand runoff-to-baseflow proportioning and its impact on the determination of reserve requirements of the Verlorenvlei estuarine lake, west coast, South Africa
Authors: Watson Andrew , Miller Jodie , Fink Manfred , Kralisch Sven , Fleischer Melanie , de Clercq Willem
Published: June 2019

Abstract. River systems that support high biodiversity profiles are conservation
priorities worldwide. Understanding river ecosystem thresholds to low-flow
conditions is important for the conservation of these systems. While
climatic variations are likely to impact the streamflow variability of many
river courses into the future, understanding specific river flow dynamics
with regard to streamflow variability and aquifer baseflow contributions is
central to the implementation of protection strategies. While streamflow is
a measurable quantity, baseflow has to be estimated or calculated through
the incorporation of hydrogeological variables. In this study, the
groundwater components within the J2000 rainfall–runoff model were
distributed to provide daily baseflow and streamflow estimates needed for
reserve determination. The modelling approach was applied to the
RAMSAR-listed Verlorenvlei estuarine lake system on the west coast of South
Africa, which is under threat due to agricultural expansion and climatic
fluctuations. The sub-catchment consists of four main tributaries, Krom
Antonies, Hol, Bergvallei and Kruismans. Of these, Krom Antonies was
initially presumed the largest baseflow contributor, but was shown to have
significant streamflow variability attributed to the highly conductive
nature of the Table Mountain Group sandstones and Quaternary sediments.
Instead, Bergvallei was identified as the major contributor of baseflow. Hol
was the least susceptible to streamflow fluctuations due to the higher
baseflow proportion (56 %) as well as the dominance of less conductive
Malmesbury shales that underlie it. The estimated flow exceedance
probabilities indicated that during the 2008–2017 wet cycle average lake
inflows exceeded the average evaporation demand, although yearly rainfall is
twice as variable in comparison to the first wet cycle between 1987 and 1996.
During the 1997–2007 dry cycle, average lake inflows are exceeded 85 % of
the time by the evaporation demand. The exceedance probabilities estimated
here suggest that inflows from the four main tributaries are not enough to
support Verlorenvlei, with the evaporation demand of the entire lake being
met only 35 % of the time. This highlights the importance of low-occurrence events for filling up Verlorenvlei, allowing for regeneration of
lake-supported ecosystems. As climate change drives increased temperatures
and rainfall variability, the length of dry cycles is likely to increase
into the future and result in the lake drying up more frequently. For this
reason, it is important to ensure that water resources are not over-allocated
during wet cycles, hindering ecosystem regeneration and prolonging the
length of these dry cycle conditions.
The Intricacies of Female Successors in Family Owned Businesses
Authors: Ezimma K. Nnabuife , Ifeanyi Emmanuel Okoli , Augustine Ebuka Arachie , Nnenne Ifechi Adani
Published: June 2019

As a result of shortage of female successor due in part to gender bias succession practices, this study was necessitated to look at encumbrances against women successors of Family Owned Businesses (FOBs) in Anambra State. The broad objective of this study was to examine female successors and sustainability of family owned businesses. The work adopted a survey research design. The population of the study was 415 FOBs in Anambra State. Complete enumeration method was adopted so as to get the full opinion of all firms on gender issues and female succession. The data for the study was collected through structured questionnaire. A combination of descriptive (mean) and inferential statistics (chi-square) were deployed in the data analysis. The result showed that there are obstacles that have substantial effect on women becoming successors of FOBs in Anambra State and that sexism play a statistically significant role in determining successors in Anambra State. Sequel to this, it was concluded that women and men in Anambra State do not have a level playing ground in determining who becomes a successors of FOBs in Anambra state as there are hurdles women face and these obstacles have significant effect on who becomes a successors. Hence, the recommendation was that successors of FOBs should not be based on gender but on capability and the provision of level playing ground for both the female and male genders in the succession dynamics.
Quirks of subject (non-)extraction in Igbo
Authors: Amaechi Mary , Georgi Doreen
Published: June 2019

In this paper we present new data on a subject/non-subject extraction asymmetry in Igbo constituent questions. We provide evidence that the superficially morphological phenomenon reflects a deeper syntactic asymmetry: Unlike wh-non-subjects, wh-subjects cannot undergo local Ā-movement to the left periphery (SpecFoc); rather, they have to stay in their canonical position SpecT. The same constraint also leads to the that-trace effect (absence of the complementizer) in the embedded clause of long subject wh-movement. We argue that what is responsible for the special status of wh-subjects is their high structural position. We provide an optimality-theoretic analysis of the asymmetry that is based on anti-locality: Local subject Ā-movement is excluded because it is too short. Moreover, we address the nature of apparent wh-in-situ in Igbo.
The syntax of comparison constructions in diachronic and dialectal perspective
Authors: Jäger Agnes
Published: June 2019

The paper discusses the internal and external syntax of comparison constructions in the light of diachronic as well as dialectal German data. As far as the syntactic position of comparison particles is concerned, the data present evidence against the widespread analysis as prepositions or complementizers and in favour of a syntactic position above the standard-of-comparison CP. This is demonstrated in detail for the German comparison particles als and wie. Concerning the syntactic status of the standard of comparison, diachronic and dialectal data support the so-called direct analysis, according to which the standard of comparison may consist of the comparison particle and a mere DP, PP etc. without assuming an elided full clause in all cases. With respect to their link to the remainder of the clause comparisons show characteristics both of subordinate clauses, notably relative clauses, as well as of coordination. The diachronic and dialectal data underline this Janus-headed nature of comparison constructions which is tentatively attributed to a historically underlying correlative construction and syntactic reanalysis as an embedded clause on this basis.
Understanding Cruise Tourists' Satisfaction by Analysing Their Online Ratings and Reviews
Authors: Jia Susan (Sixue)
Published: June 2019

Associating online ratings with reviews provides a potentially cost-effective way for cruise tourism managers to capture satisfaction and quality improvement information from customers so as to facilitate the sustainable development of the tourism industry. For this purpose, this study proposes an integrated approach that leverages text mining and empirical modeling to quantitatively correlate online ratings with reviews. From TripAdvisor.com, 4248 pairs of rating and review regarding Chicago’s First Lady Cruises were examined, with major topics identified. Subsequently, multilinear regression was employed to screen out the most impactful factors that influence overall ratings. Managerially, the idea of triggering the synergistic benefit from customer ratings and reviews is referential for market practitioners both within and beyond the tourism industry.
Populismo, mídia educacional e escolas em tempos de crise
Authors: Kohl Christoph
Published: June 2019

Em vários países europeus e no exterior, partidos e movimentos políticos populistas – tanto de esquerda quanto de direita – experienciaram uma popularidade crescente nos últimos anos. Estes desenvolvimentos são devidos a uma incerteza pronunciada entre as partes vitais das populações, devido a complexidades crescentes nas sociedades e à aceleração de mudanças e desafios na vida diária, incluindo o setor de educação. Muitos desses movimentos e partidos têm a reputação de usar uma retórica nacionalista exclusiva, retratando-se como supostamente "verdadeiros" defensores dos interesses operários e da classe média. Além disso, eles pretendem representar a voz do "povo" mais autêntica do que "as elites" fazer, desafiando as culturas de memória estabelecidos e parcialmente tentativa de substituí-los por versões supostamente mais autênticas do passado. Usando exemplos de diferentes países, o presente trabalho pretende examinar as formas em que eles estão sendo discutidos no setor de educação e livros escolares. O documento gostaria de discutir, como e em que medida nos contextos póscoloniais em outros lugares. Gostaríamos de discutir como os discursos hegemônicos são contestados pelos populistas, caso e em que medida eles tentam influenciar e reconstruir a identidade, a memória e a história, e as estruturas do escolar através da educação contra tradições anteriores ou prevalecentes e como eles – para esse propósito – influenciam a produção de mídia educacional.
La palabra de los represores y el problema de la verdad en Argentina: reflexiones a partir de los dichos de Eduardo “Tucu” Costanzo
Authors: Salvi Valentina Isolda
Published: June 2019

Com base nas declarações do arguido Eduardo Tucu Costanzo, no âmbito do caso Guerrieri I, primeiro julgamento por crimes contra a humanidade na cidade de Rosário, Província de Santa Fé (2009-2010), este artigo propõe, sobre de um lado, para analisar o que realmente foi dito por um repressor que rompeu o "pacto do silêncio" e suas condições de possibilidade; e, por outro lado, dar conta dos efeitos que aquela palavra causou ao ser colocada em circulação, a forma como foi tratada, o caráter que lhe foi atribuído, os debates suscitados e as respostas e reações geradas entre os atores sociais envolvidos. pessoal e politicamente no processo judicial em Rosário. O conteúdo das falas de Costanzo, bem como os efeitos e reações por elas provocadas, permitem levantar uma série de questões mais gerais sobre o lugar que os repressores ocupam e sua palavra nos processos memoriais, bem como os sentidos da concepção de verdade que a circulação pública desta palavra condensa
Apresentação do Dossiê: Estado, economia e classes sociais na América Latina contemporânea
Authors: Piva Adrián Marcelo , Martuscelli Danilo Enrico
Published: June 2019

Entre o final dos anos 1990 e o momento histórico atual, a América Latina passou por significativas mudanças políticas, econômicas e sociais que, se não lograram pôr em questão a sua condição de subalternidade no âmbito das relações capitalistas internacionais, não deixaram de produzir efeitos sobre: a) o modo de acumulação e a forma de Estado consolidados até então no continente; b) a relação entre Estado, economia e classes sociais; c) a estrutura e as relações de classe constituídas historicamente; d) os regimes políticos e as formas de representação existentes; e) a política econômica, social e externa implementada pelos governos da região, etc. No plano político-eleitoral, candidaturas que se apresentavam como críticas da ortodoxia do livre mercado e que se encontravam em franco processo de isolamento político nos anos 1990, passaram a obter, com o apoio popular, vitórias políticas importantes nos pleitos presidenciais dos anos 2000, como atestam as vitórias de Hugo Chávez na Venezuela, de Lula no Brasil ou de Evo Morales na Bolívia. Passadas quase duas décadas desde o início desse movimento, impõe-se realizar um balanço crítico dessas experiências políticas que se ergueram sobre o discurso de que se constituiriam como alternativas ao neoliberalismo. Nesse sentido, o dossiê Estado, economia e classes sociais na América Latina contemporânea propõe-se a estimular a elaboração de análises que reflitam sobre as mudanças ocorridas nos últimos vinte anos em sete países específicos do continente latino-americano: Argentina, Brasil, Bolívia, Equador, Paraguai, Uruguai e Venezuela. O dossiê acolherá estudos de caso ou comparativos, que se situem principalmente na interface entre Ciência Política, Sociologia, Economia e História e outras áreas afins, e priorizará trabalhos que realizem uma análise mais global das sete formações sociais indicadas no intervalo de tempo que compreende o final dos anos 1990 e o momento atual.
Os efeitos da crise econômica e da operação Lava Jato sobre a indústria da construção pesada no Brasil: falências, desnacionalização e desestruturação produtiva
Authors: Campos Pedro Henrique
Published: June 2019

O presente artigo versa sobre os efeitos da crise econômica brasileira recente e da operação Lava Jato sobre a indústria da construção pesada no país. Trazendo dados econômicoseinformaçõessobreoperaçõesdeempresas, otextoapresentaumprocesso de falências e concordatas de empreiteiras, alémde uma significativadesestruturação do setor, com intensa desnacionalização do segmento de infraestrutura no Brasil. A análise se detém em especial sobre os ramos de eletricidade, petróleo e concessões públicas. Ao final do artigo, é levantada a hipótese de um reforço no período recente de um padrãode acumulaçãode capital centrado predominantemente na valorização financeira, com acentuação dos processos de reprimarização, desindustrialização, enxugamento do mercado interno e desnacionalização da economia brasileira, nos marcos de uma nova inserção da economia capitalista brasileira na Divisão Internacional do Trabalho.
Sistema de proteção social no governo Lula (2003-2010): mudança ou continuidade no padrão de intervenção do estado na sociedade?
Authors: Lopes Edmar Aparecido de Barra e
Published: June 2019

Esse artigo insere-se no âmbito do debate sobre Estado e Política Social e analisa o legado do governo Lula (2003-2010) enquanto continuísmo ou mudança relativa ao modelo neoliberal implementado pelo governo de Fernando Henrique Cardoso (modelo regressivo), no que concerne ao sistema de proteção social compreendido como forma de intervenção do Estado na sociedade. Com base em bibliografia especializada, dialogamos com representantes das teses da “continuidade” e da “descontinuidade” da política social e do modelo de Estado no governo em questão. Sustentamos que, no mesmo, no que concerne ao embate entre forças progressistas (defensoras de princípios associados a um regime específico de um Estado de bemestar social) e forças conservadoras (defensoras de princípios associados ao Estado mínimo), foram vitoriosas as últimas na determinação da política social dos governos Lula, consolidando, através dessas, um modelo de intervenção neoliberal do Estado nas suas relações com a sociedade.
Ética e pesquisa em ciências sociais: reflexões sobre um campo conectado
Authors: Facioli Lara Roberta Rodrigues , Padilha Felipe André
Published: June 2019

O crescente aprofundamento da mediação tecnológica em nosso cotidiano, cada vez mais, mostra seus reflexos nas agendas das Ciências Sociais renovando as ferramentas e a logística das pesquisas. Objetiva-se discutir como princípios consolidados da ética em pesquisa em Ciências Sociais podem ser incorporados à prática das investigações qualitativas em que o digital é parte do campo, do desenho da pesquisa, da seleção das técnicas, de coleta, de análise e de exposição de dados e resultados. Inicialmente, analisamos as diretrizes éticas para a pesquisa nas Ciências Sociais, com base nas cartas da International Sociology Association (ISA) e da Sociedade Brasileira de Sociologia (SBS); em seguida, apresentamos as especificidades das relações digitalmente mediadas com atenção especial às dimensões do consentimento das informações e dados recolhidos em páginas semipúblicas mantidas em serviços de redes sociais; e, por fim, considerando a vulnerabilidade dos sujeitos conectados, abordamos um conjunto de orientações para práticas de pesquisa mediadas.
O artesão sem-abrigo. O trabalho como resistência à vida na rua
Authors: Aldeia João
Published: June 2019

Viver na rua é uma experiência de dominação que reduz os sem-abrigo a uma situação de menoridade político-ontológica que diminui de forma brutal as suas possibilidades de vida. Face a isto, diversos destes sujeitos resistem, desenvolvendo processos de subjetivação subalterna pelos quais recusam esta desqualificação político-ontológica e tentam produzir-se a si mesmos de outros modos. Uma das técnicas desta subjetivação é o trabalho artesanal. A prática do artesanato permite a vários sem-abrigo criarem linhas de fuga relativa à dominação da vida na rua, minimizando-a por alguns instantes. Apesar disto, a prática artesanal é fundamentalmente limitada como meio de resistência, sendo incapaz de dar origem a processos de transformação estrutural que eliminem a vida na rua.
Criatividades e instantes: etnografia das práticas de compartilhamento de plataformas de streaming “piratas” no Reddit
Authors: Soilo Andressa Nunes
Published: June 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as práticas criativas que permeiam o acesso a plataformas de streaming de áudio e vídeo consideradas “piratas” – plataformas que afrontam a lógica da propriedade intelectual – a partir de subreddits (comunidades) da mídia social Reddit. Esta etnografia foi realizada no ciberespaço no primeiro semestre de 2018, juntamente a 158 cibernautas que participam de subreddits dedicados a discussões envolvendo “pirataria” digital, torrents e streaming. Foi possível concluir que, apesar de a tecnologia streaming corresponder a um meio de reprodução que opera através da instantaneidade de transmissões e da supressão de mediadores para o acesso ao conteúdo – o usuário não precisa de outro usuário para acessar o entretenimento que lhe interessa, dinâmica comum às estruturas P2P –, tal meio de reprodutibilidade, através de cibernautas, é reexplorado e rearranjado de modo a se apropriar da prática do compartilhamento comum à “pirataria” do começo dos anos 2000.
Voces que gritan fuerte: posiciones del bloque de poder durante el gobierno de Cambiemos
Authors: Cantamutto Francisco , López Emiliano
Published: June 2019

Desde 2008, fruto do conflito com o "el campo", várias fracções de quarteirões de energia convergiram na instalação de demandas públicas. expressando-se a através de suas organizações corporativas, conseguiram definir uma agenda para o processo eleitoral de 2015. Este artigo analisa as intervenções do empresariado concentrado em relação às decisões de política econômica do governo Vamos mudar. Para isso, analisamos as manifestações públicas da Associação Empresarial Argentina, o Fórum de Convergência Empresarial e o Colóquio IDEA. Conclui que, pelo menos dessas organizações e durante este período, o operações ideológicas sobre demandas corporativas.
Effect of Helichrysum italicum on the Electrochemical Corrosion Behaviour of Iron in Simulated Acid Rain Solution
Authors: Pilić Zora , Martinović Ivana , Pavlinović Marija , Zlatić Gloria
Published: June 2019

The aqueous extract of the Helichrysum italicum leaves (HI) is tested as a corrosion inhibitor of an iron in a simulated acid rain using potentiodynamic polarisation, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results of all electrochemical methods indicate an increase of a corrosion inhibition efficiency of the iron with the HI extract concentration. Maximum inhibition efficiency (~ 50 %) is obtained at 2.0 g L–1 HI extract. The inhibitive action is assumed to occur via an adsorption of the HI extract on the iron surface. Results indicate that the adsorption process is spontaneous and follows the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. According to the calculated ΔG value (~ 15 kJ mol–1), the corrosion inhibition of the iron occurs predominantly via a physisorption of the HI extract. The concentration of iron ions released into a solution, measured by atomic absorption spectrometry, is in accordance with the electrochemical results.
Simulation of Alternative Differential Multi-pulse Voltammetry. Evaluation of the Electrochemical Reversibility by the Voltammogram Symmetry
Authors: Jadreško Dijana
Published: June 2019

A theoretical analysis of reversible and kinetically controlled electrode reactions in conditions of alternative differential multi-pulse voltammetry (ADMPV) is presented. The degree of reversibility, as well as symmetry of the electron transfer reaction, can be estimated by visual inspection of the ADMP voltammogram. The values of electron transfer coefficient and the standard rate constant of a simple electrode reaction Ox + ne− ⇄ Red, can be determined from the slope of linear dependence of the peak currents ratio on the logarithm of pulse duration. The criteria for recognition of reversible and kinetically controlled electrode reactions by alternative differential multi-pulse voltammetry are given.
Corporate governance in the European context
Authors: Gantenbein Pascal , Volonté Christophe
Published: June 2019

The purpose of corporate governance is to ensure that the owners of companies are protected against value-decreasing activities by corporate insiders. The way this protection is pursued, however, varies among countries and legal systems. While most research so far has focused on Anglo-Saxon countries, little is known about the specific differences and drivers of corporate governance structures in countries belonging to the Civil Law legal system. We examine the differences in corporate governance of blue-chip companies in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, and analyze the influence of the institutional framework and the operating environment on corporate ownership and board structures. Despite convergence trends and the fact that all included countries apply the Civil Law legal system, we find that corporate governance structures differ in many aspects and depend both on the institutional framework and the operating environment. The institutional framework is important to explain the distribution of ownership and the independence of the board of directors, while the operating environment explains the size of the board and differences in ownership between the financial services industry and the consumer goods industry.
Flüchtlingskriminalität – Die Bedeutung des Aufenthaltsstatus für die kriminelle Auffälligkeit. Eine Untersuchung der Deliktbelastung von Geflüchteten in den Jahren 2013 bis 2016.
Authors: Glaubitz Christoffer , Bliesener Thomas
Published: June 2019

Kaum ein Thema polarisierte in den letzten Jahren die deutsche Gesellschaft ähnlich stark wie die Kriminalität von Zuwanderern. Dabei ist der Zuwandererbegriff weit gefasst und enthält höchst unterschiedliche Personengruppen, sodass pauschale Beurteilungen des Kriminalitätsniveaus auch im Hinblick auf die Möglichkeit besonderer kriminalpräventiver Anstrengungen als nicht sinnvoll erscheinen. An der Differenzierung der Zuwanderergruppe scheitert bislang auch die Polizeiliche Kriminalstatistik (PKS), sodass Hellfelddaten bisher nur bedingt zur Klärung der kriminellen Auffälligkeit beitragen konnten. In der vorliegenden Untersuchung wurden daher Daten der PKS mit ausländerbehördlichen Daten verknüpft, um erstmals in Deutschland die deliktische Belastung in monatlicher Auflösung getrennt nach Aufenthaltstiteln und Aufenthaltszwecken darzustellen. Die Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass Kontextfaktoren des Asylverfahrens einen entscheidenden Einfluss auf die kriminelle Auffälligkeit ausüben.
Sind die Ausländer generell krimineller?
Authors: Schellhoss Hartmut
Published: June 2019

Wenn in der deutschen Öffentlichkeit von Ausländern die Rede ist, dann steht eindeutig ein Thema im Vordergrund: Kriminalität. Die Rede ist dann von begangenen Straftaten und von Strafverfahren. Hierüber kann man selbstverständlich reden und berichten. Aber die Rede ist auch davon, dass in Deutschland lebende Ausländer generell krimineller seien als Deutsche. Mit solchen Thesen nimmt das Thema "Ausländerkriminalität" eine bedrohliche politische Dimension an. Eine detaillierte Prüfung der Datenlage (amtliche Statistiken, bessere Quellen sind nicht vorhanden) zeigt jedoch: Empirische Belege für eine vergleichsweise generell größere kriminelle Belastung Nichtdeutscher gibt es nicht. Bleibt, dass es durch Ethnozentrismus und Xenophobie "begründet" ist, wenn Ausländern eine überhöhte Kriminalitätsrate attestiert wird.
Das Stimmvolk als Richter – vom fast unlösbaren Schweizer Dilemma bei der Umsetzung von Volksinitiativen am Beispiel der "Ausschaffungsinitiative"
Authors: Vetterli Luzia
Published: June 2019

In der Schweiz werden immer wieder Volksinitiativen lanciert, die direkte Auswirkungen auf das Strafrecht haben und dabei nicht selten wichtige Grundpfeiler des Strafrechts tangieren sowie mit dem Völkerrecht in Konflikt geraten. Die Umsetzung der 2010 angenommenen sogenannten "Ausschaffungsinitiative" zeigt, wie schwierig der Umgang mit solchen Volksinitiativen für Gesetzgeber und Gerichte ist. Erste Entscheide weisen darauf hin, dass sich auch das Bundesgericht schwer tut, eine einheitliche und völkerrechtskonforme Linie zu finden. Wichtige Fragen, etwa wenn EU-Bürgerinnen und -Bürgern oder Flüchtlingen eine Landesverweisung droht, sind nach wie vor stark umstritten.
Pavimentos flexíveis: estudo de caso da marginal oeste da rodovia BR-010, região metropolitana do município de Palmas/TO.
Authors: Costa Taís da Silva , Silva Júnior Flávio Vieira da
Published: June 2019

Com a crescimento populacional e econômica, a necessidade de expansão do setor de transporte se torna essencial. No Brasil o principal modo de transportes de cargas e passageiros é o rodoviário, com isso, é imprescindível que o projeto bem como a execução dos pavimentos seja realizado com estudos e técnicas adequadas. Os pavimentos flexíveis, objetivo deste estudo, possuem requisitos técnicos que precisam ser atendidos para a sua eficácia. A escolha da mistura asfáltica e dos materiais que compõe as camadas deve ser compatível com o tipo de solicitação exigidas em projeto. Para que um pavimento disponha de um desempenho operacional estável, é de fundamental importância o uso correto das espessuras das camadas, uma vez que uma camada executada de forma correta prolonga a vida útil do pavimento, melhora as condições de trafegabilidade e reduz os custos de manutenção dos veículos. O presente estudo tem por objetivo verificar a qualidade do projeto executado na Marginal Oeste da BR-010 no perímetro urbano de Palmas/TO, e averiguar se o projeto executado inicialmente obedecia às normas mínimas exigidas pelos órgãos competentes, no que tange espessuras mínimas, bem como diagnosticar se o pavimento que hoje existente suporta a solicitação atual.
Monitoring site-specific conformational changes in real-time reveals a misfolding mechanism of the prion protein
Authors: Sengupta Ishita , Udgaonkar Jayant
Published: June 2019

During pathological aggregation, proteins undergo remarkable conformational re-arrangements to anomalously assemble into a heterogeneous collection of misfolded multimers, ranging from soluble oligomers to insoluble amyloid fibrils. Inspired by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements of protein folding, an experimental strategy to study site-specific misfolding kinetics during aggregation, by effectively suppressing contributions from inter-molecular FRET, is described. Specifically, the kinetics of conformational changes across different secondary and tertiary structural segments of the mouse prion protein (moPrP) were monitored independently, after the monomeric units transformed into large oligomers OL, which subsequently disaggregated reversibly into small oligomers OS at pH 4. The sequence segments spanning helices α2 and α3 underwent a compaction during the formation of OL and elongation into β-sheets during the formation of OS. The β1-α1-β2 and α2-α3 subdomains were separated, and the helix α1 was unfolded to varying extents in both OL and OS.
Exercise-induced enhancement of synaptic function triggered by the inverse BAR protein, Mtss1L
Authors: Chatzi Christina , Zhang Yingyu , Hendricks Wiiliam D , Chen Yang , Schnell Eric , Goodman Richard H , Westbrook Gary L
Published: June 2019

Exercise is a potent enhancer of learning and memory, yet we know little of the underlying mechanisms that likely include alterations in synaptic efficacy in the hippocampus. To address this issue, we exposed mice to a single episode of voluntary exercise, and permanently marked activated mature hippocampal dentate granule cells using conditional Fos-TRAP mice. Exercise-activated neurons (Fos-TRAPed) showed an input-selective increase in dendritic spines and excitatory postsynaptic currents at 3 days post-exercise, indicative of exercise-induced structural plasticity. Laser-capture microdissection and RNASeq of activated neurons revealed that the most highly induced transcript was Mtss1L, a little-studied I-BAR domain-containing gene, which we hypothesized could be involved in membrane curvature and dendritic spine formation. shRNA-mediated Mtss1L knockdown in vivo prevented the exercise-induced increases in spines and excitatory postsynaptic currents. Our results link short-term effects of exercise to activity-dependent expression of Mtss1L, which we propose as a novel effector of activity-dependent rearrangement of synapses.
Impact of precisely-timed inhibition of gustatory cortex on taste behavior depends on single-trial ensemble dynamics
Authors: Mukherjee Narendra , Wachutka Joseph , Katz Donald B
Published: June 2019

Sensation and action are necessarily coupled during stimulus perception – while tasting, for instance, perception happens while an animal decides to expel or swallow the substance in the mouth (the former via a behavior known as ‘gaping’). Taste responses in the rodent gustatory cortex (GC) span this sensorimotor divide, progressing through firing-rate epochs that culminate in the emergence of action-related firing. Population analyses reveal this emergence to be a sudden, coherent and variably-timed ensemble transition that reliably precedes gaping onset by 0.2–0.3s. Here, we tested whether this transition drives gaping, by delivering 0.5s GC perturbations in tasting trials. Perturbations significantly delayed gaping, but only when they preceded the action-related transition - thus, the same perturbation impacted behavior or not, depending on the transition latency in that particular trial. Our results suggest a distributed attractor network model of taste processing, and a dynamical role for cortex in driving motor behavior.
Single-cell sequencing of neonatal uterus reveals an Misr2+ endometrial progenitor indispensable for fertility
Authors: Saatcioglu Hatice Duygu , Kano Motohiro , Horn Heiko , Zhang Lihua , Samore Wesley , Nagykery Nicholas , Meinsohn Marie-Charlotte , Hyun Minsuk , Suliman Rana , Poulo Joy , Hsu Jennifer , Sacha Caitlin , Wang Dan , Gao Guangping , Lage Kasper , Oliva Esther , Morris Sabatini Mary E , Donahoe Patricia K , Pépin David
Published: June 2019

The Mullerian ducts are the anlagen of the female reproductive tract, which regress in the male fetus in response to MIS. This process is driven by subluminal mesenchymal cells expressing Misr2, which trigger the regression of the adjacent Mullerian ductal epithelium. In females, these Misr2+ cells are retained, yet their contribution to the development of the uterus remains unknown. Here, we report that subluminal Misr2+ cells persist postnatally in the uterus of rodents, but recede by week 37 of gestation in humans. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we demonstrate that ectopic postnatal MIS administration inhibits these cells and prevents the formation of endometrial stroma in rodents, suggesting a progenitor function. Exposure to MIS during the first six days of life, by inhibiting specification of the stroma, dysregulates paracrine signals necessary for uterine development, eventually resulting in apoptosis of the Misr2+ cells, uterine hypoplasia, and complete infertility in the adult female.
Light-dependent single-cell heterogeneity in the chloroplast redox state regulates cell fate in a marine diatom
Authors: Mizrachi Avia , Graff van Creveld Shiri , Shapiro Orr H , Rosenwasser Shilo , Vardi Assaf
Published: June 2019

Diatoms are photosynthetic microorganisms of great ecological and biogeochemical importance, forming vast blooms in aquatic ecosystems. However, we are still lacking fundamental understanding of how individual cells sense and respond to diverse stress conditions, and what acclimation strategies are employed during bloom dynamics. We investigated cellular responses to environmental stress at the single-cell level using the redox sensor roGFP targeted to various organelles in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. We detected cell-to-cell variability using flow cytometry cell sorting and a microfluidics system for live imaging of oxidation dynamics. Chloroplast-targeted roGFP exhibited a light-dependent, bi-stable oxidation pattern in response to H2O2 and high light, revealing distinct subpopulations of sensitive oxidized cells and resilient reduced cells. Early oxidation in the chloroplast preceded commitment to cell death, and can be used for sensing stress cues and regulating cell fate. We propose that light-dependent metabolic heterogeneity regulates diatoms’ sensitivity to environmental stressors in the ocean.
Do human screams permit individual recognition?
Authors: Engelberg Jonathan W. M. , Schwartz Jay W. , Gouzoules Harold
Published: June 2019

The recognition of individuals through vocalizations is a highly adaptive ability in the social behavior of many species, including humans. However, the extent to which nonlinguistic vocalizations such as screams permit individual recognition in humans remains unclear. Using a same-different vocalizer discrimination task, we investigated participants’ ability to correctly identify whether pairs of screams were produced by the same person or two different people, a critical prerequisite to individual recognition. Despite prior theory-based contentions that screams are not acoustically well-suited to conveying identity cues, listeners discriminated individuals at above-chance levels by their screams, including both acoustically modified and unmodified exemplars. We found that vocalizer gender explained some variation in participants’ discrimination abilities and response times, but participant attributes (gender, experience, empathy) did not. Our findings are consistent with abundant evidence from nonhuman primates, suggesting that both human and nonhuman screams convey cues to caller identity, thus supporting the thesis of evolutionary continuity in at least some aspects of scream function across primate species.
Sevoflurane postconditioning alleviates hypoxia-reoxygenation injury of cardiomyocytes by promoting mitochondrial autophagy through the HIF-1/BNIP3 signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Long , Wu Jianjiang , Xie Peng , Yu Jin , Li Xin , Wang Jiang , Zheng Hong
Published: June 2019

Background

Sevoflurane postconditioning (SpostC) can alleviate hypoxia-reoxygenation injury of cardiomyocytes; however, the specific mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether SpostC promotes mitochondrial autophagy through the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)/BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) signaling pathway to attenuate hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in cardiomyocytes.

Methods

The H9C2 cardiomyocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation model was established and treated with 2.4% sevoflurane at the beginning of reoxygenation. Cell damage was determined by measuring cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and apoptosis. Mitochondrial ultrastructural and autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscope. Western blotting was used to examine the expression of HIF-1, BNIP3, and Beclin-1 proteins. The effects of BNIP3 on promoting autophagy were determined using interfering RNA technology to silence BNIP3.

Results

Hypoxia-reoxygenation injury led to accumulation of autophagosomes in cardiomyocytes, and cell viability was significantly reduced, which seriously damaged cells. Sevoflurane postconditioning could upregulate HIF-1α and BNIP3 protein expression, promote autophagosome clearance, and reduce cell damage. However, these protective effects were inhibited by 2-methoxyestradiol or sinBNIP3.

Conclusion

Sevoflurane postconditioning can alleviate hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in cardiomyocytes, and this effect may be achieved by promoting mitochondrial autophagy through the HIF-1/BNIP3 signaling pathway.
Osteology and phylogeny ofRobustichthys luopingensis, the largest holostean fish in the Middle Triassic
Authors: Xu Guang-Hui
Published: June 2019

The extinct ray-finned fish taxonRobustichthys luopingensisfrom Luoping, eastern Yunnan, China represents the largest holostean known in the Middle Triassic. Despite its potential significance for investigating the holostean phylogeny and reconstructing the Triassic marine ecosystems,Robustichthyshas so far not been described in detail and its phylogenetic position within the Holostei was controversy. This study provides a redescription and revision ofRobustichthysbased upon a comparative study of eight type specimens and nine new specimens. Newly recognized information includes a toothed parasphenoid, a pair of premaxillae not pierced by the olfactory nerve, a splint-like quadratojugal, a hatchet-shaped hyomandibula, an hourglass-shaped symplectic, anterior and posterior ceratohyals, a complete series of branchiostegal rays, and sclerotic bones. A revised reconstruction ofRobustichthysis presented. Results of a cladistic analysis confirmedRobustichthysas an ionoscopiform within the Halecomorphi; the previous placements ofRobustichthysas a basal ginglymodian and Ionoscopidae as a basal amiiform clade are not supported. The sister group relationship between Sinamiinae (SinamiaandIkechaoamia) and Amiinae (AmiaandCyclurus) within the Amiidae is newly recognized. This revised topology provides new insights into the evolution and historical paleoecology of halecomorph fishes.
Assessoria executiva em arquivos: relato das percepções acadêmicas de um projeto de extensão universitária
Authors: Silva Luciane Fontana Matoso
Published: June 2019

Além de possibilitar a formação do profissional cidadão, a extensão universitária credencia-se, cada vez mais, junto à sociedade, como espaço privilegiado de produção do conhecimento significativo para a superação das desigualdades sociais existentes. Com vistas ao aprendizado acadêmico das práticas secretariais, o projeto de extensão Assessoria Executiva em Arquivos procurou incentivar os acadêmicos do curso de Secretariado Executivo a disseminar conhecimentos pertinentes às técnicas de arquivamento por meio da assessoria nas organizações. Nesse sentido, um processo de assessoria executiva foi implementado nos arquivos de um departamento de uma universidade pública do estado do Paraná e, a partir do projeto citado, indagou-se: Como a assessoria em arquivos pode contribuir para a formação do profissional de secretariado executivo? Esse questionamento direcionou para o objetivo geral deste artigo, que foi relatar a percepção dos acadêmicos de Secretariado Executivo de uma universidade pública do Paraná durante a participação do Projeto de Extensão Assessoria Executiva em Arquivos. Os objetivos específicos do estudo foram: a) identificar as percepções acadêmicas a respeito da experiência da assessoria em arquivos; e b) evidenciar o profissional de secretariado executivo como gestor documental nas organizações. Para tanto, a partir de um estudo de caso, a pesquisa contou com uma metodologia qualitativa e de natureza descritiva, em que foram coletados relatos dos discentes participantes do projeto a partir da técnica de observação participante, da triangulação dos dados e da análise de conteúdo. A assessoria prestada evidenciou que a prática do secretariado possibilita ao profissional de secretariado executivo orientar e acompanhar a implementação de planos de arquivo, além de compartilhar seus conhecimentos adquiridos no ambiente acadêmico.
Mobilidade internacional profissional: uma revisão bibliométrica
Authors: Zago Ágson Aquino , Domingues Carlos Roberto , Silva Adrianne Marina dos Santos
Published: June 2019

O debate sobre mobilidade internacional de profissionais e suas implicações para as empresas e para os indivíduos apresenta-se como um tema atual e importante. Assim, a sistematização do que tem sido pesquisado e quem são os principais autores são questões fundamentais para que o campo venha a ser melhor compreendido. O presente artigo teve por objetivo a realização de uma pesquisa bibliométrica, com um recorte nos Estudos Organizacionais Interculturais, com trabalhos publicados em periódicos nacionais que relatam o processo de mobilidade internacional. Foram analisados 53 artigos encontrados nas bases de dados Portal de Periódicos Capes e Spell, entre os anos 2000 e 2017, os quais foram escolhidos pela significância dos achados nesse período. Por meio da análise desses artigos, chegou-se à conclusão que o número cada vez maior de pesquisas produzidas denota o crescente interesse e a relevância do tema, ainda que esse número seja baixo quando comparado com os de bases internacionais. Observou-se, também, uma evolução dos assuntos relacionados ao assunto: desde a preocupação inicial sobre os elementos motivadores e o papel da família no processo de mobilidade, passando por questões mais processuais e chegando à discussão sobre a importância desse tipo de mobilidade profissional para a estratégia das empresas. Observaram-se, por fim, lacunas a serem exploradas e discutidas sobre os tipos de mobilidade internacional e as configurações organizacionais que têm surgido por transformações também da área de Recursos Humanos.
Time Series Analysis on Monthly Stock Market Returns of the Nigerian Stock Exchange: An Arima Modeling Approach
Authors: N. Eke, Charles
Published: June 2019

This research work studied the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model that best fitted monthly stock market returns of the Nigerian Stock Exchange between January, 2008 to September, 2018. The study collected secondary data from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin 2018 on monthly stock market index of NSE to compute the monthly stock market returns. The Box-Jenkins ARIMA modeling was adopted for this work. The series was tested for stationarity using Augmented Dickey Fuller test. Several ARIMA (p, d, q) models were applied to the monthly stock market returns to ascertain the best fit model for the series. The ARIMA (2, 0, 3) model was selected as the best fit for the data since it has minimum values of Akaike Information Criteria and Mean Squared Errors. The forecasted period showed a market with an unstable monthly stock market returns. Therefore, investors were advised to weigh the risks before venturing into the market to invest.
Musculo-skeletal Symptoms and Its Severity among Radiographers and Sonographers in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Udoh Benjamin Effiong , Ulu Ulu Okoro , Eze Joseph Chukwuemeka , Chiegwu Hyacienth Uche
Published: June 2019

Background: A lot of activities have been found to contribute to musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among different professionals such as lifting of heavy objects, prolonged sitting or standing, long schedule of duties equipment manipulation and others. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence and severity as well as risk factors of musculoskeletal symptoms among practicing radiographers and sonographers in the southern part of Nigeria.

Methods: This study involved distribution of questionnaire to radiographers and sonographers within the southern part of Nigeria. A total of 48 radiographers and 45 sonographers were involved in this study. Information collected from the participants included categories of work performed, schedule/ duration of duty, types of equipment used, work organizational factors, prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms to mention a few.

Results: Out of the 48 Radiographers and 45 sonographers that participated in the study, 76.3% complained of at least one episode of symptom. Low back pain was the most frequent complaint (52.6%), followed by neck pain, shoulder pain and hand/wrist pain. Reports showed that some of the respondents were prevented from performing their duties as a result of the symptoms experienced. The major risk factors were prolonged standing/sitting during prolonged duration of duty, lifting of patients and heavy equipment, overstretching of the neck following heavy work schedules. 

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among radiographers and sonographers in Southern Nigeria. Work schedule/duration of duty and lifting of heavy loads are important factors to be controlled in order to reduce the prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms among radiographers and sonographers in Southern Nigeria.
Genetic Variability and Heritability among Sugarcane Genotypes in Plant Crop for Some Agronomic Traits under Tropical Dry Climate of Ferké, Ivory Coast
Authors: Béhou M. Y. , Péné C. B.
Published: June 2019

Aims: The study aimed to determine the best performing cane genotypes among 29 clones tested under sprinkler irrigation, in comparison with a check variety (R579).

Study Design: The experimental design used was a randomized complete block (RCB) with 30 cane genotypes in three replications. Every plot consisted of two dual rows of five meters with 0.5 and 1.90 m of inter-row spacing, i.e. 19 m² per plot and about 600 m² for the whole experiment.

Place and Duration of Study: It was carried out on a commercial sugarcane plantation of Ferké 2 located in the northern part of the country, over 10 months as a late season crop from late May 2018 to late March 2019.

Methodology: Over each micro-plot, data were collected at harvest from both dual rows consisted of millable stalk number/ha, cane yield, juice quality traits (sucrose, purity, and recoverable sucrose), fiber content, and damaged internodes by stem borer Eldana saccharina.

Results: Based on sugar yields, seven cane genotypes were equivalent to the check variety R579 which gave 17.6 t/ha. Their yield performances ranged from 12.2 to 15.4 t of sugar/ha and from 134.2 to 160.8 t of cane/ha compared to 176.0 t/ha for the check. Higher heritability values ranging from 52 to 85% were observed in traits like sugar yield, juice purity, juice sucrose, recoverable sucrose, sucrose percent, fiber content and stem borer infestations. Differences between PCV and GCV for most traits were small, indicating high prospects for genetic progress through selection under conditions of this study.

Conclusions: Findings obtained need to be confirmed over the 2019-20 cropping season in first ratoon crop to determine promising cane genotypes for the advanced selection stage.
Early alteration of the locus coeruleus in phenotypic variants of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Olivieri Pauline , Lagarde Julien , Lehericy Stéphane , Valabrègue Romain , Michel Adeline , Macé Pierre , Caillé Fabien , Gervais Philippe , Bottlaender Michel , Sarazin Marie
Published: June 2019

Neuropathological studies showed early locus coeruleus (LC) neuronal loss associated with tauopathy in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We used the LC signal intensity (LC‐I) on 3T MRI to assess the LC integrity in AD (n = 37) and controls (n = 17). The LC‐I was decreased in AD regardless of typical (amnesic) and atypical presentation (logopenic aphasia/visuo‐spatial deficit), from the prodromal stage, and independently of the amyloid load measured by PiB‐PET. The LC‐I was correlated with memory performance of typical AD. This supports the pathophysiological model in which the LC plays a critical role in AD and may thus be a potential therapeutic target.