bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time probabilistic seismic hazard assessment based on seismicity anomaly
Authors: Sun Yu-Sheng , Li Hsien-Chi , Chang Ling-Yun , Ye Zheng-Kai , Chen Chien-Chih
Published: July 2019

Abstract. The real-time Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA) is developed for considering the practicability for daily life and the rate of seismic activity with time. The real-time PSHA follows the traditional PSHA framework, but the statistic occurrence rate is substituted by time-dependent seismic source probability. Pattern Informatics method (PI) is a proper time-dependent probability model of seismic source, which have been developed over a decade. Therefore, in this research, we chose the PI method as the function of time-dependent seismic source probability and selected two big earthquakes in Taiwan, the 2016/02/05, Meinong earthquake (ML 6.6) and the 2018/02/06, Hualien earthquake (ML 6.2), as examples for the real-time PSHA. The forecasting seismic intensity maps produced by the real-time PSHA present the maximum seismic intensity for the next 90 days. Compared to real ground motion data from the P-alert network, these forecasting seismic intensity maps have considerable effectiveness in forecasting. It indicates that the real-time PSHA is practicable and can provide a useful information for the prevention of earthquake disasters.
Distribution of phosphorus fractions with different plant availability in German forest soils and their relationship with common soil properties and foliar P contents
Authors: Niederberger Jörg , Kohler Martin , Bauhus Jürgen
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Repeated, grid-based forest soil inventories such as the
National Forest Soil Inventory of Germany (NFSI) aim, among other things, at
detecting changes in soil properties and plant nutrition. In these types of
inventories, the only information on soil phosphorus (P) is commonly the
total P content. However, total P content in mineral soils of forests is
usually not a meaningful variable with respect to predicting the availability of P to trees.
Here we tested a modified sequential P extraction according to Hedley (1982) to
determine the distribution of different plant-available P fractions in soil
samples (at depths of 0–5 and 10–30 cm) from 146 NFSI sites, encompassing a wide
variety of soil conditions. In addition, we analyzed relationships between
these P fractions and common soil properties such as pH, texture, and
soil organic carbon content (SOC). The total P content among our samples ranged from
approximately 60 to 2800 mg kg−1. The labile, moderately labile, and
stable P fractions contributed to 27 %, 51 %, and 22 % of the total P
content, respectively, at a depth of 0–5 cm. At a depth of 10–30 cm, the labile P
fractions decreased to 15 %, whereas the stable P fractions increased to
30 %. These changes with depth were accompanied by a decrease in the
organic P fractions. High P contents were related to high pH values.
While the labile Hedley P pool increased with decreasing pH in absolute
and relative terms, the stable Hedley P pool decreased in absolute and
relative terms. Increasing SOC in soils led to significant increases in all
Hedley P pools and in total P. In sandy soils, the P content across all
fractions was lower than in other soil texture types. Multiple linear
regression models indicated that Hedley P pools and P fractions were
moderately well related to soil properties (with r2 values that were mostly above
0.5), and that the sand content of soils had the strongest influence. Foliar P
contents in Pinus sylvestris were reasonably well explained by the labile and moderately
labile P pool (r2 = 0.67) but not so for Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica. Foliar P
contents in all three species could not be related to specific Hedley P
pools. Our study indicates that soil properties such as pH, SOC content, and
soil texture may be used to predict certain soil Hedley P pools with different
plant availability on the basis of large soil inventories. However, the foliar P
contents of tree species cannot be sufficiently well predicted by the soil
variables considered here.
Massive Simplification of the Wind Farm Layout Optimization Problem
Authors: Stanley Andrew P. J. , Ning Andrew
Published: July 2019

Abstract. The wind farm layout optimization problem is notoriously difficult to solve because of the large number of design variables and extreme multimodality of the design space. Because of the multimodality of the space and often discontinuous models used in wind farm modeling, the wind industry is heavily dependent on gradient-free techniques for wind farm layout optimization. Unfortunately, the computational expense required with these methods scales poorly with increasing numbers of variables. Thus, many companies and researchers have been limited in the size of wind farms they can optimize. To solve these issues, we present the boundary-grid parameterization. This parameterization uses only five variables to define the layout of a wind farm with any number of turbines. For a 100 turbine wind farm, we show that optimizing the five variables of the boundary-grid method produces wind farms that perform within 0.5 % of farms where the location of each turbine is optimized individually, which requires 200 design variables. Our presented method unlocks the ability to optimize and study large wind farms, something that has been mostly infeasible in the past.
Firm Value Improvement Strategy, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Institutional Ownership
Authors: Chabachib M. , Fitriana Tyana Ulfa , Hersugondo Hersugondo , Pamungkas Imang Dapit , Udin Udin
Published: July 2019

The study is intended to appraise return on assets (ROA), debt/equity ratio (DER), and firm size(SIZE) on price-to-book-value (PBV) with corporate social responsibility as an intervening variable and institutional proprietorship as a moderating variable. By using purposive sampling, 267 manufacturing companies are determined from the Indonesia Stock Exchange in the period of 2013-2017. Data are analyzed using multiple and bivariate regression analysis. The results show that ROA and firm size have a positive effect on corporate society awareness, while DER has no significant effect respectively. Profit gain, firm scope, and corporate social responsibility have a positive effect on firm utility. It came into a conclusion that corporate social awareness can be used to mediate the influence on leverage and firm scope toward the firm value, but cannot be used to mediate the effect of profit gain on firm utility.
Understanding the Usage of Social Networks Apps Among Organizations and Its Impact on Team Performance: Empirical Study
Authors: Almuraqab Nasser A. Saif
Published: July 2019

Nowadays in the digital era the development of applications influences the process of group collaboration. And social networks apps usage among enterprises and institutions is growing enormously. Most of the researches on social networks technologies usage are focused on the individual viewpoint, while others are from the organizational viewpoint. Nevertheless, not many research works have examined the actual influence of social networks apps usage via smart devices on team’s performance. The need of communication in group teamwork while doing tasks or projects, forces the team to plan their meetings to finish tasks given. Therefore, using the quantitative approach, this research aims to reveal the predictors that drive the employees to use social networks technologies, and the consequences of using these technologies in team performance. This research model was validated using Partial Least Squares approach with on 110 respondents. The results disclosed that perceived ease of use, perceived compatibility, perceived usefulness, and perceived interactivity of the social network applications, drive the employees to use these applications when performing their group projects. In addition, collaborative working is also a significant predictor for the employees to use social networks applications. Also, the use of social networks technologies also showed a positive impact on team performance.
Academic Procrastination Behaviors of Preservice Teachers in Turkish Context
Authors: Ataş Akdemir Öznur
Published: July 2019

Current study aims at investigating the academic procrastination behaviors of preservice teachers in terms ofdifferent variables. The research is conducted with 211 undergraduate students studying at the faculty of education ata public university in Turkey. The study is designed in descriptive survey model in which the data is collected withthe instrument of Academic Procrastination Scale. Standard deviation, arithmetic mean, frequency, percentage, t test,one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe and Tukey test are used as data analysis procedures. The resultsshowed that preservice teachers do not mostly exhibit behaviors of academic procrastination, irresponsibility, qualityof perceived academic task, negative perceptions regarding instructors and academic perfectionism. Additionally,there are some differences between preservice teachers’ behaviors of academic procrastination in terms of gender,departments and class level. The findings are discussed in the light of relevant literature and implications for theoryand practice have been presented along with concluding remarks.
High-Tech versus High-Tech: hoe digitale discriminatie digitaal te detecteren
Authors: Thijs Claartje
Published: July 2019

High-Tech versus High-Tech: hoe digitale discriminatie digitaal te detecteren

De manier waarop vraag naar en aanbod van arbeid bij elkaar komen, is met de komst van het internet en sociale media drastisch veranderd. Dit brengt kansen met zich mee: werkgevers kunnen zich bij de werving veel directer op potentiële werknemers richten en zijn niet meer gebonden aan de doelgroep van bijvoorbeeld een dagblad. Het geeft echter ook risico’s, omdat het tot uitsluiting van groepen kan leiden. De positieve keerzijde van deze technologische medaille is dat algoritmes en big data weliswaar nieuwe manieren van discriminatie in de hand werken, maar dat ze tevens kunnen worden ingezet om deze discriminatie te traceren en te bestrijden. In dit artikel worden beide zijden van de medaille toegelicht.
Persuasión y neurociencias. Apelar al cerebro
Authors: Puentes-Rivera Iván
Published: July 2019

En la presente reseña se reflexiona sobre el contenido y utilidad, tanto profesional como académica, del libro “Persuasión y Neurociencias. Apelar al Cerebro” (Comunicación Social, 2018). Los autores, José Rúas-Araújo y Francisco Javier García-Sanz, aportan una visión interdisciplinar - superando la clásica división entre “ciencias y letras”- del funcionamiento del cerebro humano y las aplicaciones que de su conocimiento se pueden derivar desde el punto de vista de la eficacia comunicativa, fundamentalmente en el ámbito de la publicidad, la creatividad, el marketing y la comunicación política.
Publicidad de sensaciones
Authors: Álvarez Rodríguez Víctor
Published: July 2019

El sector publicitario es un medio en constante evolución. Los publicitarios siempre deben adaptar sus mensajes y conceptos al día a día de los consumidores. Hacer presente a la publicidad en sus vidas para que la reconozcan de manera integrada y, también en los últimos años, entretenida. Es un nuevo modelo de comunicación comercial en el que el protagonismo recae en la interacción entre consumidor y marca al mismo tiempo que se construye la identidad y valores. Toda esta estrategia de marketing queda recogida y analizada en el libro reseñado aportando una visión innovadora y de futuro del medio publicitario.
Responsabilidad social corporativa. De la noción a la gestión
Authors: Barrio Fraile Estrella
Published: July 2019

Este libro consiste en un manual dirigido a estudiantes, investigadores y profesionales del ámbito de la RSC (Responsabilidad Social Corporativa) en el que la autora realiza un repaso teórico y práctico de la RSC y su gestión. La obra se divide en cinco capítulos. Los tres primeros dedicados a aclarar, desde un enfoque didáctico, el propio concepto de RSC y las principales razones de su auge. En los dos últimos capítulos se trabaja la gestión de dicho valor intangible, exponiendo un modelo de gestión de la RSC y detallando los pasos necesarios para una conseguir una aplicación de la RSC transversal a toda la organización.
Principles of the express method for controlling interelectrode space condition during wire electrochemical processing
Authors: Osypenko Vasyl , Plakhotnyi Oleksandr , Timchenko Oleksii
Published: July 2019

In the practical implementation of the sequential wire electrical discharge machining – pulsed electrochemical machining (WEDM – PECM) technology and in order to perform high quality electrochemical processing, there is a need for the real-time operational control of electrical parameters of inter-electrode space and corresponding adaptive correction of amplitude-frequency power supply parameters (AFPSP). In the context presented by the authors, a mathematical apparatus and an algorithm of operational galvanostatic mode monitoring of anode dissolution using wire electrode-tool are proposed. This will allow adaptive adjustment of AFPSP to ensure controlled passage of electrochemical reactions and significantly increase process stability, dissolved surface layer thickness uniformity along entire electrode tool movement trajectory and resulting surface quality.
Formation and reduction of anodic film on polycrystalline Bi electrode in pure methanol solutions
Authors: Anastopoulos Anastos George , Papaderakis Athanasios A.
Published: July 2019

The processes of film formation and reduction of bismuth in pure methanol are phenomenologically studied by means of cyclic, ac voltammetric and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic methods. Film formation takes place under low electrode potentials within the potential range from -0.1 to about 0.2 V vs. Ag|AgCl resulting in the development of Bi(CH3O)ads layer. The scan rate effect on the anodic current profile is interpreted in terms of a gradual variation of uncompensated resistance, accompanying the processes of film formation and reduction. Phase sensitive ac voltammetry measurements suggest leaky insulating character of a thin anodic film in agreement with the results of electrochemical impedance experiments.
Sol-gel synthesis and electrochemical performance of NiCo2O4 nanoparticles for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Zhang Yong , Ru Yi , Gao Hai-Li , Wang Shi-Wen , Yan Ji , Gao Ke-Zheng , Jia Xiao-Dong , Luo He-Wei , Fang Hua , Zhang Ai-Qin , Wang Li-Zhen
Published: July 2019

In this work, NiCo2O4 nanoparticles with enhanced supercapacitive performance have been successfully synthesized via a facile sol-gel method and subsequent calcination in air. The morphology and composition of as-prepared samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray dif­fraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy (Raman). The electrochemical per­formances of NiCo2O4 nanoparticles as supercapacitor electrode materials were evalu­ated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) tests in 3 mol L-1 KOH aqueous solution. The results show that as-prepared NiCo2O4 nanoparticles have diameters of about 20-30 nm with uniform distribution. There are some interspaces between nanoparticles observed, which could increase the effective contact area with the electrolyte and provide fast path for the insertion and extraction of electrolyte ions. The electrochemical tests show that the prepared NiCo2O4 nanoparticles for supercapacitors exhibit excellent electrochemical performance with high specific capacitance and good cycle stability. The specific capacitance of NiCo2O4 electrode has been found as high as 1080, 800, 651, and 574 F g-1 at current densities of 1, 4, 7, and 10 A g-1, respectively. Notably, the capacitance retention rate (compared with 1 A g-1) is up to 74.1 %, 60.3 %, and 53.1 % at current densities of 4, 7, and 10 A g-1, respectively. After 100 cycles, higher capacitance retention rate is also achieved. Therefore, the results indicate that NiCo2O4 material is the potential electrode material for supercapacitors.
How do preschool children justify the use of figurative language. Data from research with irony comprehension task
Authors: Banasik-Jemielniak Natalia , Bokus Barbara Wydział Psychologii
Published: July 2019

The aim of the described study was to check how preschool children justify using ironic statements. In the Irony Comprehension Task adopted for examining young children, the participants were asked to explain the use of six examples of verbal irony. There were 231 participants – 77 four-year-olds, 89 five-year-olds and 65 six-year-olds. The data revealed that with increasing age, children are more likely to indicate the duality of ironic statements. Younger children stop at noticing a dissonance between literal and intended meaning, whereas six-year-olds refer also to the inner states of the story’s main character or they introduce interesting metalinguistic explanations.
Personality traits and locus of control in situations of successes and failures among first grade junior high school students
Authors: Filipiak Sara , Łubianka Beata
Published: July 2019

The situation of the change of education stage is an important moment in life of school children. Finishing elementary school education and transition into the first grade of junior high school is parallel to developmental psychophysiological changes which occur in the early adolescence. The need of acceptance of these changes and the necessity of adaptation to new environment and school demands, may be interpreted by students as a developmental chance or a risk. The article presents the results of research conducted on 560 students from first grades of junior high schools in the school year 2016/2017. The analysis pertained to estimate connections between personality traits in Big Five Model measured with Obrazkowy Pomiar Cech Osobowości Dzieci OPCO-D (Maćkiewicz, Cieciuch, 2012), and locus of control in the situations of successes and failures measured with Kwestionariusz do Badania Poczucia Kontroli KBPK (Krasowicz, Kurzyp-Wojarska, 1990). Boys are more extravert, eager to engage and experience more positive emotions in social interactions than girls. Girls, in turn, scored higher in features linked with anxiety than boys. In terms of locus of control, results indicate it is not formed yet, both in the situations of successes and failures. There is no difference between boys and girls in the way how they explain causes of events which they experience. The strongest correlations between personality traits and locus of control were reported in links between locus of control and consciousness, openness to experience and agreeableness. Moreover, the results revealed interaction effect between gender and openness to experience, only in the situations of successes.
Multiculturalism in the work of psychologists: ethics and practice in a context of clinical diagnosis and therapeutic work
Authors: Anczyk Adam , Grzymała-Moszczyńska Halina , Krzysztof-Świderska Agnieszka , Prusak Jacek
Published: July 2019

The article contains a review of basic notions connected with the consequences of an increasing multiculturalism of Polish society for the professional ethics of a psychologist in a clinical context. In the first part the issues connected with a psychological diagnosis of people of different cultural background are presented. Also, a notion of a culturally sensitive diagnosis and a specificity of interpersonal communication in a multicultural environment are described. In the second part, issues regarding psychotherapy and psychological help for people of different cultural backgrounds, with a particular attention drawn to a therapy of families culturally diverse, where the rules of communicative school of the system therapy gain an additional value are described. In both parts of the article, a particular attention is given to the contemporary understanding of the notion of cultural competency in the work of psychologists-practitioners.
Konstanz Method of Dilemma-Discussion (KMDD®) an its application in the process of ethical education of psychologists
Authors: Steć Małgorzata
Published: July 2019

Psychologist are the representatives of a profession in which a wellbeing of a person is the paramount. Helping activity requires of psychologists to follow not only professional ethics but also moral norms. Not rarely do psychologists face the necessity to consider moral dilemmas connected with the practice of delivering psychological services. In such cases, a psychologist should be able to use not only professional knowledge, but also a moral competency allowing him or her to put in practice the assumptions of autonomous morality which is in agreement with his or her personal and professional identity. It is hard to find formal programs of stimulation of moral competence dedicated directly for psychologists. However, there is a possibility of using Konstanz Method of Dilemma-Discussion (KMDD®) in order to achieve this goal. Konstanz Method of Dilemma-Discussion developed by professor Georg Lind from the University of Konstanz – a student and a critic of L. Kohlberg – is used in many countries all over the world in order to increase the level of moral development by developing moral competency mainly in the area of education. An increasing interest of researchers in the method also results in searching for new possibilities of applications of the method. An example of such application would be an area of psychologists’ work. The article aims to promote the KMDD® method in the course of ethical and professional education and self-development of psychologists.
Chosen ethical aspects in the work of psychotherapists – a review of ethical rules and elaborations regarding conducting psychotherapy in Poland on the basis of the regulations’ analysis
Authors: Śliwińska Katarzyna
Published: July 2019

The aim of the article is to present the chosen ethical aspects of psychotherapy. In the present moment in Poland there are no statutory regulations regarding the profession of psychotherapists, and the rules present in psychotherapy result from other regulations and ethical codes of certain psychotherapy associations. Despite several differences resulting from the assumptions of given psychotherapy schools, among psychotherapists there is a consensus regarding basic ethical rules in psychotherapy. They consider a care of clients’ wellbeing, respect of their subjectivity and autonomy, an obligation of an ongoing professional development of psychotherapists and keeping of professional secrecy. The article is devoted to the above issues, it should be noted, however, that it does not fully elaborate on a given topic, it merely signals some of its aspects basing on the current regulations which refer to psychologists practice and chosen essays.
Complexos convectivos de mesoescala sobre o Nordeste do Brasil e fenômenos adversos associados
Authors: Lyra Matheus José Arruda , Cavalcante Lucas Carvalho Vieira , Levit Vladimir , Fedorova Natalia
Published: July 2019

A previsão dos Complexos Convectivos de Mesoescala (CCM) tem extrema importância para a população da região Nordeste do Brasil (NEB), pois provocam vários fenômenos adversos como precipitações intensas e trovoadas, consequentemente causando enchentes, alagamentos e deslizamento de terra, trazendo perdas sociais e econômicas. O principal objetivo do presente estudo é analisar a formação dos CCM e seus fenômenos adversos associados para o período entre 2013 e 2015. A identificação dos casos foi feita através da análise de imagens do satélite GOES-13 no canal infravermelho realçado. Dados de reanálise II do National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) foram utilizados para análise sinótica através dos campos de linhas de corrente com o auxílio do software GrADS. O estudo termodinâmico foi feito através da plotagem de perfis verticais simulados da atmosfera, com a análise baseada nos índices de instabilidade LI e CAPE+. Imagens do satélite Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) e dados do Departamento de Controle do Espaço Aéreo (DECEA) foram utilizados para a detecção de trovoadas. O registro de precipitação foi coletado das estações automáticas e convencionais da rede de postos pluviométricos do Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET). Durante o período de estudo foram identificados 16 casos de CCM, com registro de trovoada associada em 6 eventos. Quatro diferentes padrões sinóticos foram associados à formação dos CCM: Vórtice Ciclônico em Altos Níveis (VCAN), Zona de Convergência Intertropical (ZCIT), Perturbações Ondulatórias dos Alísios (POAs) e um caso associado à um centro de baixa pressão, classificado como Circulação Ciclônica. Nos casos de CCM com trovoadas os valores do CAPE+ dos Perfis simulados permitiram classificar a atmosfera como moderadamente instável, enquanto o valor do índice LI representou possibilidade de trovoadas moderadas a trovoadas severas.
Análise da variação termo-higrométrica entre a área urbana e rural da região metropolitana de Cuiabá/MT
Authors: Chegury Juliana Queiroz Borges de Magalhães , Nogueira Marta Cristina de Jesus Albuquerque , Siqueira Flávia Regina Pereira Santos de , Valin Júnior Marcos de Oliveira , Ribeiro Karyn Ferreira Antunes , Santos Flávia Maria de Moura
Published: July 2019

As atividades antrópicas associadas ao processo de urbanização das cidades brasileiras refletem diretamente na qualidade de vida da população. A remoção da cobertura natural e a impermeabilização do solo modificam os elementos climáticos que compõem a atmosfera local, favorecendo a formação de anomalias termo-higrométricas na área urbana. O objetivo do artigo é analisar a variação termo-higrométrica no período quente-seco da região metropolitana de Cuiabá/MT. Foram utilizados dados relativos à temperatura e umidade relativa do ar, de duas estações micrometeorológicas fixas, localizadas nos municípios de Santo Antônio do Leverger (rural) e Cuiabá (urbana). Os resultados apontam diferenças entre médias horárias de temperatura mais significativas no período noturno, chegando a 3,42 °C e umidade em 16,19%. Apesar de receberem a mesma insolação, a área rural arrefece rapidamente durante a noite devido à baixa capacidade de armazenamento térmico da vegetação, ocasionando as maiores diferenças de temperatura entre ambientes urbanos e rurais.
La protección en la jurisdicción penal internacional del derecho a la cultura: los crímenes internacionales de destrucción del patrimonio cultural | The protection under international criminal jurisdiction of the right to culture: internacional crimes regarding destruction of cultural heritage
Authors: Torres Pérez María
Published: July 2019

Resumen: El presente artículo pretender dar una visión global de la protección del derecho a la cultura a través del derecho internacional penal y en concreto, a través de la tipificación de los crímenes de destrucción del patrimonio cultural. La persecución de tales delitos internacionales ha seguido la senda de otros crímenes en derecho internacional penal, englobándose en un primer momento entre los crímenes de guerra para de forma posterior superar dicha tipificación para poder ser tratado como crímenes de lesa humanidad de persecución e incluso, como indicios de una conducta genocida. En el presente contexto internacional, la denegación del derecho a la cultura como método de guerra es innegable en los conflictos protagonizados por los nuevos actores internacionales por lo que la solución final del derecho internacional penal debe progresar para erigirse en un método de protección privilegiado.
Abstract:  The present article intends to give a global vision of the protection of the right to culture through international criminal law and in particular, through the tipification of crimes of destruction of cultural heritage. The prosecution of such international crimes has followed the path of other crimes in international criminal law, initially included in the type of war crimes and later overcoming such tipification in order to be treated as a crime against humanity of persecution and even, as indications of a genocidal behavior. In the present international context, the denial of the right to culture as a method of warfare is undeniable in conflicts involving new international actors, so the final solution of international criminal law must progress to become a privileged method of protection.
Crimen en la playa de los Molles. La construcción de la verdad a propósito de una estudio de caso sobre la violación de Derechos Humanos en Chile | Crime on Playa Los Molles. The Crafting of Truth Based on a Case Study of Human Rights Violations in Chile
Authors: Rodrigo Mateu Berta
Published: July 2019

Resumen: Los medios de comunicación tienen una responsabilidad indiscutible en la defensa y promoción de los Derechos Humanos. Más aún: tiene la obligatoriedad moral y ética de proporcionar informaciones basadas en la verdad y la objetividad. ¿Qué ocurre con los medios de comunicación en las dictaduras donde se ejerce de manera sistemática la violación de Derechos Humanos? ¿Qué responsabilidad social tienen estos en el sustento y pervivencia de las dictaduras? Este artículo ahonda en esta cuestión a propósito de un estudio de caso, el de la desaparición de la joven chilena Marta Hugarte durante la Dictadura del general Pinochet.
Abstract: The Mass Media have an unquestionable responsibility in the defense and promotion of Human Rights. Moreover, they have the moral and ethical obligation to provide information based on truth and objectivity. What happens with the Media in dictatorships where the violation of Human Rights is systematically practiced? What social responsibility do these have in the sustenance and survival of dictatorships? This article delves into this question with regard to a case study, the disappearance of the young Chilean Marta Hugarte during the dictatorship of General Pinochet.
Índice de autores/as y estadísticas del número | List of authors and issue statistics
Authors: Editorial CEFD Gestión
Published: July 2019

Índice de autores/as y estadísticas del número | List of authors and issue statistics
Meta-SourceTracker: Application of Bayesian source tracking to shotgun metagenomics
Authors: McGhee Jordan J , Rawson Nick , Bailey Barbara A , Fernandez-Guerra Antonio , Kelley Scott T
Published: July 2019

Background. Microbial source tracking methods are used to determine the origin of contaminating bacteria and other microorganisms, particularly in contaminated water systems. The Bayesian SourceTracker approach uses deep-sequencing marker gene libraries (16S ribosomal RNA) to determine the proportional contributions of bacteria from many potential source environments to a given sink environment simultaneously. Since its development, SourceTracker has been applied to an extensive diversity of studies, from beach contamination to studying human behavior.

Methods. Here, we developed metagenomic-SourceTracker (mSourceTracker), an expanded SourceTracker approach for shotgun metagenomic datasets. We tested mSourceTracker using sink samples from coastal marine environment metagenomes and source environment metagenomes collected from freshwater, marine, soil, sand and gut environments. We also implemented features for determining the stability of source proportion estimates using new techniques that split metagenomic data for domain-specific analyses (i.e., Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya and viruses). The added features allow users to visualize the precision of mSourceTracker and assess ways to optimize performance.

Results.Our results found mSourceTracker to be highly effective at predicting the composition of known sources using shotgun metagenomic libraries. In addition, we showed that different taxonomic domains sometimes presented highly divergent pictures of source origins. These findings indicated that applying mSourceTracker to separate domains may provide a deeper understanding of the microbial origins of complex, mixed-source environments, and further suggested that certain domains may be preferable for tracking specific sources of contamination.
Optimization-by-design of hepatotropic lipid nanoparticles targeting the sodium-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide
Authors: Witzigmann Dominik , Uhl Philipp , Sieber Sandro , Kaufman Christina , Einfalt Tomaz , Schöneweis Katrin , Grossen Philip , Buck Jonas , Ni Yi , Schenk Susanne H , Hussner Janine , Meyer zu Schwabedissen Henriette E , Québatte Gabriela , Mier Walter , Urban Stephan , Huwyler Jörg
Published: July 2019

Active targeting and specific drug delivery to parenchymal liver cells is a promising strategy to treat various liver disorders. Here, we modified synthetic lipid-based nanoparticles with targeting peptides derived from the hepatitis B virus large envelope protein (HBVpreS) to specifically target the sodium-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP; SLC10A1) on the sinusoidal membrane of hepatocytes. Physicochemical properties of targeted nanoparticles were optimized and NTCP-specific, ligand-dependent binding and internalization was confirmed in vitro. The pharmacokinetics and targeting capacity of selected lead formulations was investigated in vivo using the emerging zebrafish screening model. Liposomal nanoparticles modified with 0.25 mol% of a short myristoylated HBV derived peptide, that is Myr-HBVpreS2-31, showed an optimal balance between systemic circulation, avoidance of blood clearance, and targeting capacity. Pronounced liver enrichment, active NTCP-mediated targeting of hepatocytes and efficient cellular internalization were confirmed in mice by 111In gamma scintigraphy and fluorescence microscopy demonstrating the potential use of our hepatotropic, ligand-modified nanoparticles.
Mitochondrial phylogeny and comparative mitogenomics of closely related pine moth pests (Lepidoptera:Dendrolimus)
Authors: Qin Jie , Li Jing , Gao Qiang , Wilson John-James , Zhang Ai-bing
Published: July 2019

Background

Pine moths,Dendrolimusspp. (Lasiocampidae), are serious economic pests of conifer forests. Six closely related species (Dendrolimus punctatus,D. tabulaeformis,D. spectabilis,D. superans,D. houi, andD. kikuchii) occur in China and cause serious damage to coniferophyte. The complete mito genomes ofDendrolimusgenus are significant to resolve the phylogenetic relationship and provide theoretical support in pest control.

Methods

The complete mitogenomes of three species (D. superans,D. houi, andD. kikuchii) were sequenced based on PCR-amplified with universal primers, which were used to amplify initial fragments. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out with 78 complete mitogenomes of lepidopteran species from 10 superfamilies.

Results

The complete mitochondrial genomes of these three species were 15,417, 15,381, and 15,377 bp in length, separately. The phylogenetic analyses produced consistent results for sixDendrolimusspecies based on complete mitogenomes, two major clades were formed, one containingD. spectabilisclustered withD. punctatus+D. tabulaeformis, andD. superansas the sister group to this three-taxon clade, the other containingD. kikuchiiandD. houi. Comparative analyses of the congeneric mitochondrial genomes were performed, which showed that non-coding regions were more variable than the A+T rich region. The mitochondrial nucleotide diversity was more variable when compared within than among genus, and the concatenated tRNA region was the most conserved and the nd6 genes was the most variable.
Statistical Measure of Second Order Response Surface Rotatability Using an Infinite Class of Supplementary Difference Sets
Authors: Mutai Ng’eno Haron , Tum Isaac Kipkosgei
Published: July 2019

Rotatability is a desirable feature of a response surface experimental design. In case a design is non rotatable or exhibit surface of constant prediction variances that are nearly spherical then an attempt is made to make the design rotatable. In this paper, a measure of rotatability of five level second order rotatable designs using an infinite class of supplementary difference sets is suggested. The variance function of a second-order response design and an infinite class of supplementary difference sets is used in coming up with the design.
A Study on Phytochemical and Anticancer Activities of Epiphytic Orchid Aerides odorata Lindl.
Authors: Katta Jhansi , Rampilla Venkatesh , Khasim S. M.
Published: July 2019

Aim: The present study was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical composition and anticancer activities of leaf extract of Aerides odorata Lour., a widely distributed epiphytic herb found in the Eastern Ghats of Vizianagram district.

Methodology: The solvents like n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol were used to extract dried leaf material of A. odorata. These extracts were analysed for phytochemical constituents by GC-MS analysis and in vitro anticancer activity was done against two cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and HeLa cell line) by using MTT assay.

Results: Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, and terpenoids. GC-MS analysis determines presence of 15 compounds in ethyl acetate and 14 compounds in methanol extracts respectively. Among                    two extracts a total 13 compounds have anticancer activity. Both the solvent extracts exhibit significant cancer cell growth inhibition with IC50 value ranging between 26.211 µg/mL to 59.061 µg/mL.

Conclusion: Methanol about the best solvent and its activity. Our result showed A. odorata is a promising source of anticancer drugs.
Yield Response Factor to Water (Ky) of FMX 993, FMT 701 and FMX 910 Cotton Varieties in Campo Verde, MT
Authors: Costa Patrícia Monique Crivelari , Bianchini Aloisio , Júnior José Holanda Campelo , Vargas Sharmely Hilares , Ferri Marcelo , Orrillo Hipólito Murga
Published: July 2019

Production of herbaceous cotton in rainfed is subject to water-deficit risks due to climatic variations, such as precipitation with non-homogeneous spatial-temporal distribution. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the yield response factor to water of FMX 993, FMT 701 and FMX 910 cotton varieties, in Campo Verde County, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Real yield data of the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons of the three varieties were obtained. Meteorological data were used to estimate the maximum yield and to calculate the daily water balance for each variety and seasons. From these values the yield response factor to water (Ky) was obtained. Ky values ranged from 0 to 0.9, with the lowest and highest values for FMX 910 for the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons, respectively. These values obtained from Ky indicate that all varieties studied present increasing tolerance to water-deficit. The FMX 993 variety had a lower variation in Ky values between 0.3 and 0.5 for the 2009/10 and 2010/11 seasons, in that order. Therefore, among the cotton varieties evaluated in this study, recommend FMX 993 for the conditions of Campo Verde County, Mato Grosso State, due to its greater tolerance to the water-deficit.
ER import of small human presecretory proteins: components and mechanisms
Authors: Haßdenteufel Sarah , Nguyen Duy , Helms Volkhard , Lang Sven , Zimmermann Richard
Published: July 2019

Protein transport into the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum (ER) used to be seen as strictly cotranslational, that is temporarily and mechanistically coupled to protein synthesis. In the course of the last decades, however, several classes of precursors of soluble and membrane proteins were found to be post‐translationally imported into the ER, without any involvement of the ribosome. The first such class to be identified were the small presecretory proteins; tail‐anchored membrane proteins followed next. In both classes, the inherent address tag is released from the translating ribosome before the initiation of ER import, as part of the fully synthesized precursor. In small presecretory proteins, the information for ER targeting and ‐translocation via the polypeptide‐conducting Sec61‐channel is encoded by a classical N‐terminal signal peptide, which is released from the ribsosome before targeting due to the small size of the full‐length precursor. Here, we discuss the current state of research on targeting and translocation of small presecretory proteins into the mammalian ER. In closing, we present a unifying hypothesis for ER protein translocation in terms of an energy diagram for Sec61‐channel gating.
Structural and functional analysis of an l‐serine O‐phosphate decarboxylase involved in norcobamide biosynthesis
Authors: Keller Sebastian , Wetterhorn Karl M. , Vecellio Alison , Seeger Mark , Rayment Ivan , Schubert Torsten
Published: July 2019

Structural diversity of natural cobamides (Cbas, B12 vitamers) is limited to the nucleotide loop. The loop is connected to the cobalt‐containing corrin ring via an (R)‐1‐aminopropan‐2‐ol O‐2‐phosphate (AP‐P) linker moiety. AP‐P is produced by the l‐threonine O‐3‐phosphate (l‐Thr‐P) decarboxylase CobD. Here, the CobD homolog SMUL_1544 of the organohalide‐respiring epsilonproteobacterium Sulfurospirillum multivorans was characterized as a decarboxylase that produces ethanolamine O‐phosphate (EA‐P) from l‐serine O‐phosphate (l‐Ser‐P). EA‐P is assumed to serve as precursor of the linker moiety of norcobamides that function as cofactors in the respiratory reductive dehalogenase. SMUL_1544 (SmCobD) is a pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate (PLP)‐containing enzyme. The structural analysis of the SmCobD apoprotein combined with the characterization of truncated mutant proteins uncovered a role of the SmCobD N‐terminus in efficient l‐Ser‐P conversion.
The diverse structural landscape of quadruplexes
Authors: Lightfoot Helen L. , Hagen Timo , Tatum Natalie J. , Hall Jonathan
Published: July 2019

G‐quadruplexes are secondary structures formed in G‐rich sequences in DNA and RNA. Considerable research over the past three decades has led to in‐depth insight into these unusual structures in DNA. Since the more recent exploration into RNA G‐quadruplexes, such structures have demonstrated their in cellulo existence, function and roles in pathology. In comparison to Watson‐Crick‐based secondary structures, most G‐quadruplexes display highly redundant structural characteristics. However, numerous reports of G‐quadruplex motifs/structures with unique features (e.g. bulges, long loops, vacancy) have recently surfaced, expanding the repertoire of G‐quadruplex scaffolds. This review addresses G‐quadruplex formation and structure, including recent reports of non‐canonical G‐quadruplex structures. Improved methods of detection will likely further expand this collection of novel structures and ultimately change the face of quadruplex‐RNA targeting as a therapeutic strategy.
Cellular calcification induced by inorganic polyphosphate involves ATP depletion and opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP)
Authors: Tsutsumi Kaori , Sasase Tatsuya
Published: July 2019

Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a linear polymer containing tens to hundreds of orthophosphate residues linked by high‐energy phosphoanhydride bonds. PolyP promotes osteocalcification and bone mineralization in both mouse and human osteoblastic cells. In the present study, we examined the molecular mechanism by which polyP affects mitochondrial metabolism to promote cellular calcification in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells. The cellular content of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was diminished one day after polyP treatment, and this was accompanied by increased conversion to adenosine diphosphate. Furthermore, mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly decreased in polyP‐treated cells. These results suggest that the depletion of intracellular ATP and the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential induced by polyP treatment may be a trigger to promote cell calcification.
Associations Between Calcaneal Enthesophytes and Osteoarthritis of the Hands and Feet
Authors: Menz Hylton B. , Marshall Michelle , Thomas Martin J. , Rathod‐Mistry Trishna , Peat George M. , Roddy Edward
Published: July 2019

Objective

To examine associations between calcaneal enthesophytes and osteoarthritis (OA) in the hands and feet, and to provide insights into the role of biomechanical and systemic processes in the development of OA.

Methods

Adults ages ≥50 years who were registered with 4 general practices were mailed a Health Survey. Responders reporting foot pain within the last 12 months underwent a detailed assessment, including hand and foot radiographs. Calcaneal enthesophytes (plantar and posterior) and OA features (osteophytes and joint space narrowing) were documented. Associations between enthesophytes and hand and foot OA (including OA phenotypes and OA features at individual joints) were explored using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index.

Results

Data were available from 532 participants (298 women, mean ± SD age 64.9 ± 8.4 years). Calcaneal enthesophytes were not associated with hand OA phenotypes or OA at individual hand joints. In contrast, plantar calcaneal enthesophytes were positively associated with polyarticular foot OA (odds ratio [OR] 1.80 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.02–3.17]). When individual foot joints were examined, posterior enthesophytes were associated with talonavicular joint OA (OR 1.58 [95% CI 1.02–2.44]) and plantar enthesophytes were associated with first metatarsophalangeal joint OA (OR 0.67 [95% CI 0.49–0.98]) and navicular‐cuneiform joint OA (OR 2.30 [95% CI 1.40–3.79]). Patterns of association were similar for osteophytes and joint space narrowing.

Conclusion

Calcaneal enthesophytes are associated with foot OA but not hand OA. The pattern of association is indicative of a local, biomechanical rather than systemic bone‐forming process.
C−N Cross‐Coupling Reactions Under Mild Conditions Using Singlet Di‐Radical Nickel(II)‐Complexes as Catalyst: N‐Arylation and Quinazoline Synthesis
Authors: Sikari Rina , Sinha Suman , Chakraborty Gargi , Das Siuli , van Leest Nicolaas Petrus , Paul Nanda D.
Published: July 2019

Herein we report a cost‐effective synthetic approach for C−N cross‐coupling reactions of a broad array of nitrogen nucleophiles and aryl halides under mild conditions. These reactions are catalyzed by an inexpensive, air‐stable, earth‐abundant and easy‐to‐prepare singlet di‐radical nickel(II)‐catalyst containing two antiferromagnetically coupled single‐electron oxidized diiminosemiquinonato type ligands. This protocol provides an alternative method for C−N cross‐coupling reactions avoiding nickel(0)/nickel(II) or nickel(I)/nickel(III) redox processes via cooperative participation of metal and ligand‐centered redox events. Besides a wide range of N‐arylation reactions, by judicious choice of aryl halides and nitrogen nucleophiles the synthesis of a variety of polysubstituted quinazolines has been achieved in moderate to good yields under relatively mild reaction conditions. Our catalyst has been found to be almost equally effective in quinazoline synthesis via C−N cross‐coupling of (i) 2‐bromobenzylamine with benzamide, and (ii) 2‐bromobenzylbromide with amidine. Control experiments and DFT studies were performed to improve the understanding of the cooperative participation of ligand and metal (nickel)‐centered redox events during oxidative addition/reductive elimination processes of the catalytic cycle and to shed light on the plausible mechanistic pathway of the C−N cross‐coupling reactions.

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CO‐Free Enantioselective Hydroformylation of Functionalised Alkenes: Using a Dual Catalyst System to Give Improved Selectivity and Yield
Authors: Pittaway Rachael , Dingwall Paul , Fuentes José. A. , Clarke Matthew. L.
Published: July 2019

The scope of carbon monoxide‐free Asymmetric Transfer HydroFormylation (ATHF) procedures using a highly active single catalyst system derived from 1,2‐bis‐((2,5)‐diphenylphospholano)ethane as chiral ligand has been studied. This reveals some highly successful reactions, but also significant limitations. The development of a new protocol in which a catalyst for formaldehyde decomposition to CO and H2 is combined with the catalyst of choice for the subsequent asymmetric hydroformylation is described. This enables ATHF reactions that were problematic to be significantly improved. The new method has been used in the synthesis of several key precursors to biologically active molecules.

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