bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new set-membership estimation method based on zonotopes and ellipsoids
Authors: You Fuqiang , Zhang Hualu , Wang Fuli
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a new approach for guaranteed state estimation based on zonotopes and ellipsoids for linear discrete-time systems with unknown but bounded perturbations and noises. At each sample time, a predicted state set is calculated by zonotopes and an outer bounding ellipsoid of the predicted state set is calculated. State estimation is calculated directly by intersects with an outer bounding ellipsoid and strip. The precision of the state estimation will increase as output order improves by this method. Two examples have been provided to clarify the algorithm.
A reduction in CD90 (THY-1) expression results in increased differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Moraes Daniela A. , Sibov Tatiana T. , Pavon Lorena F. , Alvim Paula Q. , Bonadio Raphael S. , Da Silva Jaqueline R. , Pic-Taylor Aline , Toledo Orlando A. , Marti Luciana C. , Azevedo Ricardo B. , Oliveira Daniela M.
Published: July 2016

Background

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells used in several cell therapies. MSCs are characterized by the expression of CD73, CD90, and CD105 cell markers, and the absence of CD34, CD45, CD11a, CD19, and HLA-DR cell markers. CD90 is a glycoprotein present in the MSC membranes and also in adult cells and cancer stem cells. The role of CD90 in MSCs remains unknown. Here, we sought to analyse the role that CD90 plays in the characteristic properties of in vitro expanded human MSCs.

Methods

We investigated the function of CD90 with regard to morphology, proliferation rate, suppression of T-cell proliferation, and osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation of MSCs by reducing the expression of this marker using CD90-target small hairpin RNA lentiviral vectors.

Results

The present study shows that a reduction in CD90 expression enhances the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro and, unexpectedly, causes a decrease in CD44 and CD166 expression.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that CD90 controls the differentiation of MSCs by acting as an obstacle in the pathway of differentiation commitment. This may be overcome in the presence of the correct differentiation stimuli, supporting the idea that CD90 level manipulation may lead to more efficient differentiation rates in vitro.
Critical importance of appropriate fixation conditions for faithful imaging of receptor microclusters
Authors: Stanly Tess A. , Fritzsche Marco , Banerji Suneale , García Esther , Bernardino de la Serna Jorge , Jackson David G. , Eggeling Christian
Published: July 2016

Receptor clustering is known to trigger signalling events that contribute to critical changes in cellular functions. Faithful imaging of such clusters by means of fluorescence microscopy relies on the application of adequate cell fixation methods prior to immunolabelling in order to avoid artefactual redistribution by the antibodies themselves. Previous work has highlighted the inadequacy of fixation with paraformaldehyde (PFA) alone for efficient immobilisation of membrane-associated molecules, and the advantages of fixation with PFA in combination with glutaraldehyde (GA). Using fluorescence microscopy, we here highlight how inadequate fixation can lead to the formation of artefactual clustering of receptors in lymphatic endothelial cells, focussing on the transmembrane hyaluronan receptors LYVE-1 and CD44, and the homotypic adhesion molecule CD31, each of which displays their native diffuse surface distribution pattern only when visualised with the right fixation techniques, i.e. PFA/GA in combination. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) confirms that the artefactual receptor clusters are indeed introduced by residual mobility. In contrast, we observed full immobilisation of membrane proteins in cells that were fixed and then subsequently permeabilised, irrespective of whether the fixative was PFA or PFA/GA in combination. Our study underlines the importance of choosing appropriate sample preparation protocols for preserving authentic receptor organisation in advanced fluorescence microscopy.
A role for the yeast CLIP170 ortholog, the plus-end-tracking protein Bik1, and the Rho1 GTPase in Snc1 trafficking
Authors: Boscheron Cécile , Caudron Fabrice , Loeillet Sophie , Peloso Charlotte , Mugnier Marine , Kurzawa Laetitia , Nicolas Alain , Denarier Eric , Aubry Laurence , Andrieux Annie
Published: July 2016

The diversity of microtubule functions is dependent on the status of tubulin C-termini. To address the physiological role of the C-terminal aromatic residue of α-tubulin, a tub1-Glu yeast strain expressing an α-tubulin devoid of its C-terminal amino acid was used to perform a genome-wide-lethality screen. The identified synthetic lethal genes suggested links with endocytosis and related processes. In the tub1-Glu strain, the routing of the v-SNARE Snc1 was strongly impaired, with a loss of its polarized distribution in the bud, and Abp1, an actin patch or endocytic marker, developed comet-tail structures. Snc1 trafficking required dynamic microtubules but not dynein and kinesin motors. Interestingly, deletion of the microtubule plus-end-tracking protein Bik1 (a CLIP170 ortholog), which is preferentially recruited to the C-terminal residue of α-tubulin, similarly resulted in Snc1 trafficking defects. Finally, constitutively active Rho1 rescued both Bik1 localization at the microtubule plus-ends in tub1-Glu strain and a correct Snc1 trafficking in a Bik1-dependent manner. Our results provide the first evidence for a role of microtubule plus-ends in membrane cargo trafficking in yeast, through Rho1- and Bik1-dependent mechanisms, and highlight the importance of the C-terminal α-tubulin amino acid in this process.
Integration of leadership competencies in a community health simulation
Authors: R Martin Dana , B Furr Susan , Hayes Lane Susan , Bramlett Martha
Published: July 2016

Aim:

The purpose of this article is to address ways in which a nursing faculty can build nursing leadership competencies into a nursing programme. This article describes the use of simulation as a compelling learning strategy.

Background:

Nurses need to be prepared to meet the demands of mass casualty events. With the growing need for major incident training, leadership competency development is a critical gap in the literature.

Evaluation:

A collaborative simulation was used to help students apply classroom knowledge. In this simulation, students participated in major incident triage and the application of leadership competencies to appropriately manage victims' care.

Conclusion:

Collaboration among faculty members when designing simulation scenarios is a powerful approach to nursing education. Students were able to engage in necessary skills for their future nursing practice.
Ensuring the safe discharge of older patients from hospital
Authors: Tingle John
Published: July 2016

John Tingle, Reader in Health Law at Nottingham Trent University, discusses two reports that consider hospital discharge, the failures that they highlight and recommendations to improve care for older patients
Good practice for one-to-one care
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: July 2016

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, reflects on the patient and carer experience of one-to-one care
The difference growth and development of army worm (Spodoptera litura) on five host plants
Authors: BAYU MARIDA SANTI YUDHA IKA , KRISNAWATI AYDA
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Bayu MSYI, Krisnawati A. 2016. The difference growth and development of armyworm (Spodoptera litura) on five host plants. Nusantara Bioscience 8: 161-168. Spodoptera litura is the important pest on soybean in Indonesia. The objective of this study was to determine the best feed that supports the development of S. litura and can be used for mass rearing of S. litura. This research was conducted in the Laboratory of Entomology, Indonesian Legume and Tuber Crops Research Institute on March-April 2014 using randomized complete design, five treatments, and 30 replicates. The treatments were Glycine max, Jatropha curcas, Ricinus communis, Ipomoea aquatica, and Amaranthus viridis. One leaf of each host plant was entered into test tube and was infested by one larva of S. litura 0 days after emergence. The result showed that feeds significantly affected the body size, survival rate, developmental time, reproduction, and longevity of S. litura. The longest and heaviest larvae were found on I. aquatica, 28.5 mm and 0.42 g respectively. The longest and heaviest pupae were found on I. aquatica, 19.3 mm, and 0.36 g respectively. The faster developmental time was found on I. aquatica (22.2 days) and R. communis (22.4 days). Furthermore, total egg masses produced by female were high on I. aquatica (11.6 egg masses). In conclusion, I. aquatica and R. communis leaves were found to be preferred for S. litura life which shown the best growth and development of this pest, so it can be used as feed for mass rearing of S. litura.
The effect of fiber-rich milk and equi-carbohydrate snack on glycemic and insulin response and satiety feeling
Authors: Chandra Dian N. , Bardosono Saptawati
Published: July 2016

Background: Additional dietary fibers which can decrease the glycemic response by slowing down digestion whilst maintaining the available carbohydrate content is one approach of healthy diet. This study aimed to compare post-prandial glycemic and insulin response, hunger and satiety feeling after consuming fiber-rich milk compare with equi-carbohydrate food as morning snack in healthy adults.Methods: Cross-over study was conducted on 12 healthy subjects who fulfilled the criteria.  Each test food was given after consuming standard breakfast. Venous blood samples for insulin and glucose level were taken before consuming test food, at 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes after, and plotted against time to generate a curve. Hunger and satiety assessments were taken by visual analog scale (VAS) after each blood sampling.Results: In average, age was 30.8+4.3 years old, body mass index was 20.6±1.6 kg/m2. Seven of twelve subjects were females. There were significantly differences in postprandial glycemic response (p<0.001), insulin response (p=0.045) and hunger feeling (p=0.021) between the two foods. However, postprandial satiety feelings were not different significantly (p=0.357). The glycemic response area under the curve of fiber-rich milk was significantly lower than the equi-carbohydrate snack (p=0.010). Conclusion: Differences in glycemic and insulin response, and hunger feeling between two test foods, suggesting that fiber-rich milk can be used as an alternative snack for healthy adults. Further study is needed for the use of fiber-rich milk as an alternative snack for pre-diabetic patients.
Synthesis and Characterization of a New Coordinative Compound of Cu(II) with 1-(3 Bromo, 2 Hydroxy, 4 Methylphenyl)- 2-(4 Bromo-Phenyl-Sulphanyl)- Etanone
Authors: Antighin Simona , Chirilă Laura
Published: July 2016

Continuing the research in the field of complex compounds, the authors present in this paper the synthesis and characterization of a new compound of Cu(II) with the ligand 1-(3 bromo, 2 hydroxy, 4 methyl-phenyl)-2-(4 bromophenyl- sulphanyl)-etanone. Different methods were used, such as chemical elemental analysis, thermal-gravimetry, infrared absorption spectroscopy and electronic spin resonance (ESR). From chemical analysis resulted that the combination ratio ligand-central atom is 2:1. The new compound can also be used for gravimetric determination of Cu(II).
Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry for Mercury Determination
Authors: Vereștiuc Paul C. , Tucaliuc Oana-Maria , Breabăn Iuliana G. , Crețescu Igor , Nemțoi Gheorghe
Published: July 2016

Abstact

In the present work voltammetric investigations have been performed on HgCl2 aqueous solutions prepared from a Cz 9024 reagent. Carbon paste electrode (CPE), eriochrome black T modified carbon paste electrode (MCPE/EBT) and KCl 1M as background electrolyte, were involved within the experimental procedures. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) has been performed in order to compare the behaviour of the two electrodes in both K3[Fe(CN)6] and mercury calibration aqueous solution. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) was used to determine the most suitable parameters for mercury determination. All experiments were performed at 25 ± 1 ℃, using an electrochemical cell with three-electrodes connected to an Autolab PG STAT 302N (Metrohm-Autolab) potentiostat that is equipped with Nova 1.11 software. The measured potential values were generated by using the silver chloride electrode (AgClE) as reference and a platinum wire electrode as auxiliary. A series of time depending equations for the pre-concentration and concentration steps were established, with the observation that a higher sensitivity can be obtained while increasing the pre-concentration time. DPASV were drawn using the CPE in 11.16 % coriander, as mercury complex, the voltamograms signals indicating mercury oxidation, with signal intensity increasing in time.
Comparative Study of Creatinine and Urea in the Case of Well and Poorly Controlled Diabetes
Authors: Mihaela Gonțea , Elena Olteanu Grigoruț , Dănuț Cozma G.
Published: July 2016

The glycosylated hemoglobin is useful in monitoring diabetes regardless of its type allowing a retroactive evaluation over a period of 45 days according to the last studies, being a suggestive mirror for the glycemic status. The protein metabolism is evaluated through biochemical determinations of creatinine and urea. The medical practice is interested in how ensuring a good control or a less good control, of diabetes, will generate changes in the case of these biochemical parameters.
Mapping civic experiences in Estonia
Authors: Kaun Anne
Published: July 2016

The article concerns civic experiences beyond or prior to civic action. Approaching questions of civic culture and democracy by way of the rather broad notion of civic experience, the author suggests that democratic values and processes involving citizens’ participation should be understood as deeply anchored in the lifeworld. The article establishes a view in which civic culture is understood from a holistic perspective as an experience. At the same time, the author is interested in the ways in which media are involved in that process, without assuming their predominance in fostering civic engagement and public connection. Drawing mainly on 20 solicited, open-ended online diaries with young adults from Narva, Tartu, and Tallinn in Estonia and the European Social Survey Round 5, the article proposes civic experience as a helpful notion to overcome the generic divide between utopian and dystopian views on the relationship between media and civic culture.
“True” black metal: The construction of authenticity by Dutch black metal fans
Authors: Kuppens An H. , van der Pol Frank
Published: July 2016

In the black metal subculture, authenticity is a central concept. While there are ample academic studies devoted to authenticity in hip hop, rock, country, punk, and other music genres, black metal authenticity remains relatively under-researched. This manuscript discusses how black metal fans construct authenticity. In-depth interviews with Dutch black metal fans reveal that they define authenticity along four highly interrelated dimensions: sincerity, commerciality, country of origin, and extremeness. While these dimensions are highly similar to those found in other music genres, our respondents’ constructions of authenticity are far from predictable. More specifically, they are much more complex and flexible than they might appear to outsiders to the subculture. We argue that this complexity is strongly related to the central role invocations of authenticity play in the drawing of boundaries around the subculture, as they ensure that authenticity cannot be easily staged but rather requires a profound investment in the subculture.
A novel plant enzyme with dual activity: an atypical Nudix hydrolase and a dipeptidyl peptidase III
Authors: Karačić Zrinka , Vukelić Bojana , Ho Gabrielle H. , Jozić Iva , Sučec Iva , Salopek-Sondi Branka , Kozlović Marija , Brenner Steven E. , Ludwig-Müller Jutta , Abramić Marija
Published: July 2016

In a search for plant homologues of dipeptidyl peptidase III (DPP III) family, we found a predicted protein from the mossPhyscomitrella patens(UniProt entry: A9TLP4), which shared 61% sequence identity with theArabidopsis thalianauncharacterized protein, designated Nudix hydrolase 3. Both proteins contained all conserved regions of the DPP III family, but instead of the characteristic hexapeptide HEXXGH zinc-binding motif, they possessed a pentapeptide HEXXH, and at the N-terminus, a Nudix box, a hallmark of Nudix hydrolases, known to act upon a variety of nucleoside diphosphate derivatives. To investigate their biochemical properties, we expressed heterologously and purifiedPhyscomitrella(PpND) andArabidopsis(AtND) protein. Both hydrolyzed, with comparable catalytic efficiency, the isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP), a universal precursor for the biosynthesis of isoprenoid compounds. In addition, PpND dephosphorylated four purine nucleotides (ADP, dGDP, dGTP, and 8-oxo-dATP) with strong preference for oxidized dATP. Furthermore, PpND and AtND showed DPP III activity against dipeptidyl-2-arylamide substrates, which they cleaved with different specificity. This is the first report of a dual activity enzyme, highly conserved in land plants, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of a peptide bond and of a phosphate bond, acting both as a dipeptidyl peptidase III and an atypical Nudix hydrolase.
Structural analysis and interaction studies of acyl-carrier protein (acpP) of Staphylococcus aureus, an extraordinarily thermally stable protein
Authors: Volk Kathrin , Breunig Sven D. , Rid Raphaela , Herzog Julia , Bräuer Maria , Hundsberger Harald , Klein Christian , Müller Norbert , Önder Kamil
Published: July 2016

Acyl-carrier-protein (acpP) is an essential protein in fatty acid biosynthesis ofStaphylococcus aureus[Cronan, J.E. and Thomas, J. (2009). Complex enzymes in microbial natural product biosynthesis, part B: polyketides, aminocoumarins and carbohydrates. Method. Enzymol.459, 395–433; Halavaty, A.S., Kim, Y., Minasov, G., Shuvalova, L., Dubrovska, I., Winsor, J., Zhou, M., Onopriyenko, O., Skarina, T., Papazisi, L., et al. (2012). Structural characterization and comparison of three acyl-carrier-protein synthases from pathogenic bacteria. Acta Crystallogr. Sect. D Biol. Crystallogr.68, 1359–1370]. The inactive apo-form is converted to the active holo-enzyme by acyl-carrier protein synthase (acpS) through addition of a 4′-phosphopantetheine group from coenzyme A to a conserved serine residue of acpP [Flugel, R.S., Hwangbo, Y., Lambalot, R.H., Cronan, J.E., and Walsh, C.T. (2000). Holo-(acyl-carrier protein) synthase and phosphopantetheinyl transfer inEscherichia coli. J. Biol. Chem.275, 959–968; Lambalot, R.H. and Walsh, C.T. (1995). Cloning, overproduction, and characterization of theEscherichia coliholo-acyl-carrier protein synthase. J. Biol. Chem.270, 24658–24661]. Once activated, acpP acts as an anchor for the growing fatty acid chain. Structural data from X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals that, despite its small size (8 kDa), acpP adopts a distinct, mostly α-helical structure when complexed with acpS [Halavaty, A.S., Kim, Y., Minasov, G., Shuvalova, L., Dubrovska, I., Winsor, J., Zhou, M., Onopriyenko, O., Skarina, T., Papazisi, L., et al. (2012). Structural characterization and comparison of three acyl-carrier-protein synthases from pathogenic bacteria. Acta Crystallogr. Sect. D Biol. Crystallogr.68, 1359–1370; Byers, D.M. and Gong, H. (2007). Acyl carrier protein: structure–function relationships in a conserved multifunctional protein family. Biochem. Cell Biol.85, 649–662]. We expressed and purified recombinant, activeS. aureusacpP fromEscherichia coliand mimicked the beginning of fatty acid biosynthesis by employing an [14C]-acp loading assay. Surprisingly, acpP remained functional even after heat treatment at 95°C for up to 10 min. NMR data from 2D-HSQC experiments as well as interaction studies with acpS confirmed that acpP is structured and active both before and after heat treatment, with no significant differences between the two. Thus, our data suggest thatS. aureusacpP is a highly stable protein capable of maintaining its structure at high temperatures.
Compatibility assessment between four ethanolic plant extracts with a bug predator Orius horvathi (Reuter) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) used for controlling the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)
Authors: Razavi Nooshin , Ahmadi Kamal
Published: July 2016

The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) attacks a large number of crop plants. The current insecticides have caused resistance in insects and have caused outbreaks of thrips. In many instances, alternative methods of insect management and natural products, offer adequate pest control and pose fewer hazards. Several species of minute pirate bugs of the genus Orius play a significant role in the biological control of a large number of thrips species, such as F. occidentalis. In this study, the insecticidal activity of four ethanolic plant extracts (Cercis siliquastrum L., Calendula officinalis L., Peganum harmala L., Melia azedarach L.) in integration with Orius horvathi (Reuter) were evaluated for controlling F. occidentalis. The present research aimed to find plant extracts with a good impact on F. occidentalis but which have fewer side effects on O. horvathi. The results showed that P. harmala extract can be considered compatible with the natural enemy for controlling thrips. When the predatory bugs O. horvathi, were released three days after P. harmala extract spraying, the integration was more effective. While the P. harmala plant extract plays an important role in thrips control, it is necessary to consider the specified time interval between the application of the P. harmala plant extract and the release of the O. horvathi predatory bugs. The ethanolic extract of M. azedarach caused a balance between the pest population and the natural enemy. This result is very important in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program because this ethanolic extract of M. azedarach had lower side effects on the natural enemy. This means that an integration of plant derived chemicals and the natural enemy, O. horvathi, can effectively control thrips.
Medizinisch assistierter Suizid – Regulierungsbedarf im Strafrecht?
Authors: Kreß Hartmut
Published: July 2016

Die Gesetzgebung der Bundesrepublik Deutschland zur Biomedizin ist von zahlreichen Restriktionen geprägt. Am 6. November 2015 hat der Deutsche Bundestag durch den neu gefassten § 217 Strafgesetzbuch nun die „geschäftsmäßige Förderung der Selbsttötung“ unter Strafe gestellt. Das Gesetz richtet sich gegen Sterbehilfeorganisationen, beeinträchtigt aber zugleich die Suizidbegleitung schwer erkrankter Patienten durch einzelne Ärzte. Es wurde mit Argumenten begründet, die nicht triftig sind, setzt sich über die Meinungsbildung und den Wertepluralismus in der Bevölkerung hinweg und trägt moralpaternalistische Züge. Sinnvoll wäre gewesen, wenn der Gesetzgeber hinsichtlich der Beihilfe zum Suizid schwer kranker Menschen Kriterien benannt sowie Rahmenbedingungen geschaffen hätte, durch die Betroffene bei einer gewissenhaften Entscheidungsfindung unterstützt werden. Sofern Patienten einen Suizid erwägen, sollte ihnen ergebnisoffene psychosoziale Beratung zur Verfügung stehen. Das Gesetz bricht mit der neuzeitlich-modernen Rechtstradition, die Suizidbeihilfe straffrei zu stellen. Die restriktive Linie der neueren Biopolitik ist verfestigt und das Selbstbestimmungsgrundrecht weiter in die Defensive gedrängt worden.
Enhancing the sorption efficiency of polystyrene by immobilizing MgO and its application for uranium (VI) removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Elhefnawy O. A. , Elabd A. A.
Published: July 2016

Magnesium oxide immobilized polystyrene (PS/MgO) was prepared by the thermal attachment method for the removal of U(VI) from aqueous solutions. PS/MgO was characterized by different techniques [scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD)]. The effects of pH, adsorbent amount, contact time, initial U(VI) concentration, temperature and co-existing cations on the removal process were investigated by using batch technique. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity was 163 (mg g−1) at pH 6 and 293 K. The adsorption kinetics of U(VI) onto PS/MgO followed pseudo-second order and intra-particle kinetic models. The adsorption isotherms obeyed the Freundlich isotherm model. The thermodynamic parameters show that the process is endothermic and spontaneous. PS/MgO is an attractive adsorbent for U(VI) removal from aqueous solutions due to its accessibility, low preparation cost and high removal capacity
2 The Current Situation of Chinese Philosophy: Problems and Tasks
Authors: Dikun Xie
Published: July 2016

The cause of Chinese philosophy has made significant progress since it began to reform three decades ago. However, Chinese philosophy also faces many problems. Shaken by current market economic forces, it now confronts a huge challenge in taking on its mission of raising questions, both theoretical and practical, and responding to them using the methods of philosophy. This article analyzes developments and problems in the three sub-disciplines of philosophy: Marxist philosophy, the history of Chinese philosophy and foreign philosophies. Using this framework, it will purposefully address the great historical responsibility facing Chinese philosophers.
7 Kant on the Public Sphere and Some Reflections on Hannah Arendt and the Contemporary Intercultural Discussion
Authors: Esser Andrea Marlen
Published: July 2016

Kant’s famous motto of enlightenment, “Sapere aude!”, is inseparably entwined with the demand for the “public use of reason”. There is no doubt that this also embraces the notion of a free and unrestricted exchange of ideas and indicates the potential beginning of a process in which “subjects” of the state and passive citizens are capable of developing into citizens of the world, and in which nation states are capable of developing into a kind of world community. This conception of the public sphere also receives further concrete articulation in Kant’s Critique of Judgement, as Hannah Arendt already clearly recognized. In particular, the doctrine of reflective judgement, which is developed in that work, also allows us to derive several critical insights from Kant’s conception of enlightenment and the public sphere which are highly relevant to the contemporary intercultural discussion regarding the issue of the “Public Sphere”.
9 On Political Freedom in Public Sphere in View of the Contrast Between Téchne and Túche – A Comparison Between Arendt and Heidegger
Authors: Wen-Sheng Wang
Published: July 2016

This paper begins with a discussion of the thesis that politics is a kind of téchne (art), as Aristotle states. He defines téchne as being the opposite of túche (chance). Hence, politics is neither an exact science nor an accidental opinion; it is, rather, a teachable art or skill (Kunstlehre). Based on this theme, the paper investigates how Hannah Arendt interprets political freedom in the public sphere as the will of the plural citizens, facing an uncertain future, attempting to still the disquiet of the collective ego. A comparison between Arendt and Heidegger could be made if we further investigate Heidegger’s understanding of political freedom in the public sphere based on his comprehension of the will of Da-sein and the enowning (Ereignis) of Being.
11 Republicity
Authors: Zöller Günter
Published: July 2016

The essay places the modern Euro-American (“Atlantic”) conception of publicity (Öffentlichkeit) into the historical and systematic context of the Western political tradition of republicanism. Section 1 features the state as the public realm of political deliberation and decision in the twin traditions of the Greek city state (polis) and the Roman republic (res publica). Section 2 analyzes the redrawing of the boundaries between the public and the private in early modern political thought. Section 3 examines the transformation of the distinction between the public and the private in politico-philosophical reflection on high modern commercial and civil society. The focus throughout is on the republican requisites of the rule of law and of self-rule in political society
19 Privacy and/in the Public Sphere
Authors: Roessler Beate
Published: July 2016

Talking about privacy in the public prima facie seems to be a contradiction: why should privacy have to play a role within the public sphere? What could possibly be private in the public? However, quite a number of theories of privacy conceptualize privacy as a protective shield which we carry with us wherever we are: respect for privacy in public then means, for instance, not listening in on private conversations between friends on the street or in a cafe. The most important form of privacy in public, however, which has gained a lot of attention during the last decade or so, is privacy as anonymity: the form of privacy in the public sphere, online as well as offline, which means invisibility, nontraceability, not being identifiable as an individual person. Theories of privacy differ as to the possibility as well as to the desirabilty of anonymity in public contexts, online as well as offline.

In my paper, I investigate the complicated relations between privacy, anonymity, and the public sphere. I will, firstly, clarify the conceptual relation between privacy and anonymity, drawing on theories which define privacy in terms of (contextually varying) conditions enabling individual freedom and autonomy. I will also review some normatively relevant differences between the online and the offline world. In the second part, I will discuss possible normative conflicts between a moral or legal right to privacy and anonymity, and considerations of security, accountability, or moral responsibility. One of the important questions will concern the ethical consequences of the technical possibilities of identification and de-anonymization in the online world.
Wakaf Uang Dalam Perspektif Hukum Islam dan Hukum Positif di Indonesia
Authors: Hidayatullah Syarif
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Money occupies an important position in the activities of economic transactions in various countries in the world because it not only serves as a medium of exchange, but is already regarded as a thing despite the differences of opinion among jurists as a commodity that can be traded. The provisions of the endowment money held in Indonesia are regulated in Law No. 2004 regarding the Waqf 4l. Endowments money to basically encourage Islamic banks to be a Nazarite professionals. The bank as a surrogate recipient waqf property can be investing the money in legitimate business sectors that produce benefits. The bank itself as nazir entitled to a maximum of 10% of the remuneration, benefits.Keywords: Money Waqf, Islamic Law, Positive Law  Abstrak.Uang menempati posisi penting dalam kegiatan transaksi ekonomi di berbagai Negara di dunia karena tidak hanya berfungai sebagai alat tukar, tetapi sudah dianggap sebagai benda meskipun terjadi perbedaan pendapat di antara ulama fikih sebagai komoditi yang dapat diperdagangkan. Ketentuan tentang wakaf uang yang dilaksanakan di lndonesia yang diatur dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 4l Tahun 2004 Tentang Wakaf. Wakaf uang pada dasarnya mendorong bank Syariah untuk menjadi nazir yang profesional. Pihak bank sebagai penerima titipan harta wakaf dapat menginvestasikan uang tersebut pada sektor-sektor usaha halal yang menghasilkan manfaat. Pihak bank sendiri sebagai nazir berhak mendapat imbalan maksimum 10% dari, keuntungan yang diperoleh.Kata Kunci: Wakaf Uang, Hukum Islam, Hukum Positif
Developmental Assessments in Preterm Children: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Wong Hilary S. , Santhakumaran Shalini , Cowan Frances M. , Modi Neena ,   Medicines for Neonates Investigator Group
Published: July 2016

CONTEXT:

Developmental outcomes of very preterm (gestational age ≤32 weeks) or very low birth weight (<1500 g) children are commonly reported before age 3 years although the predictive validity for later outcomes are uncertain.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the validity of early developmental assessments in predicting school-age cognitive deficits.

DATA SOURCES:

PubMed.

STUDY SELECTION:

English-language studies reporting at least 2 serial developmental/cognitive assessments on the same population, 1 between ages 1 and 3 years and 1 at ≥5 years.

DATA EXTRACTION:

For each study, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of early assessment for cognitive deficit (defined as test scores 1 SD below the population mean). Pooled meta-analytic sensitivity and specificity were estimated by using a hierarchical summary receiver operator characteristic curve.

RESULTS:

We included 24 studies (n = 3133 children). Early assessments were conducted at 18 to 40 months and generally involved the Bayley Scales of Infant Development or the Griffiths Mental Development Scales; 11 different cognitive tests were used at school-age assessments at 5 to 18 years. Positive predictive values ranged from 20.0% to 88.9%, and negative predictive vales ranged from 47.8% to 95.5%. The pooled sensitivity (95% confidence interval) of early assessment for identifying school-age cognitive deficit was 55.0% (45.7%–63.9%) and specificity was 84.1% (77.5%–89.1%). Gestational age, birth weight, age at assessment, and time between assessments did not explain between-study heterogeneity.

LIMITATIONS:

The accuracy of aggregated data could not be verified. Many assessment tools have been superseded by newer editions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Early developmental assessment has poor sensitivity but good specificity and negative predictive value for school-age cognitive deficit.
Llyn Clywedog reservoir – ‘50 years of reliable service’
Authors: Highfield Jonathan , Hughes Noel
Published: July 2016

By the early 1950s, the increasing demand for water in the Midlands gave rise to concerns over the long-term sustainability of flows in the River Severn. This paper outlines the design and construction of the Llyn Clywedog reservoir and its performance since completion.
Bayesian estimation of the orthogonal decomposition of a contingency table
Authors: Ortego M.I. , Egozcue J. J.
Published: July 2016

In a multinomial sampling, contingency tables can be parametrized by probabilities of each cell. These probabilities constitute the joint probability function of two or more discrete random variables. These probability tables have been previously studied from a compositional point of view. The compositional analysis of probability tables ensures coherence when analysing sub-tables. The main results are:(1) given a probability table, the closest independent probability table is the product of their geometric marginals;(2) the probability table can be orthogonally decomposed into an independent table and an interaction table;(3) the departure of independence can be measured using simplicial deviance, which is the Aitchison square norm of the interaction table.In previous works, the analysis has been performed from a frequentist point of view. This contribution is aimed at providing a Bayesian assessment of the decomposition. The resulting model is a log-linear one, which parameters are the centered log-ratio transformations of the geometric marginals and the interaction table.Using a Dirichlet prior distribution of multinomial probabilities, the posterior distribution of multinomial probabilities is again a Dirichlet distribution. Simulation of this posterior allows to study the distribution of marginal and interaction parameters, checking the independence of the observed contingency table and cell interactions.The results corresponding to a two-way contingency table example are presented.
La rebelión de las palabras en la poesía de Rafael Ballesteros
Authors: Barrero Pérez Óscar
Published: July 2016

La rebelión de las palabras en la poesía de Rafael Ballesteros
Las mujeres del teatro de Miguel Hernández: Construcción dramatúrgica del personaje
Authors: Serrano García Virtudes
Published: July 2016

This paper pays attention to an aspect in the drama of Miguel Hernández that has so far not been the subject of much analysis. Here the dramaturgical analysis of his female characters is made bearing in mind the world view of the poetplaywright in two aspects: one based on his personal experience, and the other deriving from the literary tradition he assimilated. This double vision leads him to the building of a feminine typology of archetypal behaviours determined by a canonically patriarchal world view, and qualified by the characters of the literary heroines stemming from the playwright's reading. The result is the fiancées/wives, sisters an mothers, women defending the honour that would be taken from them by force, or beloved women whose resistance makes their ardent lovers suffer. However, in En Labrador de más aire there is a feminine character that is spontaneous and authentic in her emotions, and whom the author hes endowed with an outspoken vehement nature.
La descripción en inglés: un medio de comunicación
Authors: Díaz Prieto Petra
Published: July 2016
Complexidade, identidade e informação: uma valoração da identidade social
Authors: Alves Marcos Antonio , Faria Sílvia Helena Guttier
Published: July 2016

Neste trabalho, propomos uma valoração da identidade social a partir da noção quantitativa de informação, tal como sugerida no contexto da Teoria Matemática da Comunicação. Consideramos a sociedade como um sistema complexo, cujas invariantes, que caracterizam a sua identidade, são mantidas ou alteradas por meio dos parâmetros de ordem e de controle. Inicialmente, expomos uma concepção de sistema e de sistema complexo. Depois de explicar em que sentido consideramos uma sociedade como um sistema deste tipo, mostramos como os parâmetros de ordem e os de controle influenciam na manutenção ou alteração de hábitos sociais. Em seguida, apresentamos a nossa proposta de valoração da identidade. Expomos, em linhas gerais, a noção de informação adotada, o conceito de fonte de informação e definimos a quantidade de informação em uma fonte. Introduzimos uma associação entre uma fonte e uma sociedade, a partir da qual construímos nossa proposta. Para finalizar, apresentamos alguns resultados e observações sobre a ideia de uma valoração da identidade e da própria concepção de identidade social.
Matemática e Complexidade
Authors: Soares Marcelo Reicher
Published: July 2016

Discorre brevemente sobre a noção de sistemas complexos, é apresentada uma caracterização de tais sistemas a partir de algumas de suas propriedades inerentes comumente aceitas. A partir daí é traçado um paralelo entre essa abordagem dos sistemas complexos e o ceticismo metodológico de Descartes, descrito pelas regras de pensar corretamente que ele apresentou em seu Discours de la methode. Trataremos da abordagem matemática de complexidade de um sistema, que é feita, em geral, por meio do estudo de sistemas dinâmicos, nestes a modelagem dos fenômenos se dá basicamente utilizando-se os sistemas de equações diferenciais. Para ilustrar esse processo de modelagem fazemos uma apresentação, na qual se procura ser o mais intuitivo possível, do conceito de atrator estranho que está fundamentalmente associado às equações de Lorenz.
La biotecnología en Argentina: nuevos productos, nuevos desafíos multilaterales
Authors: Donadio Linares Luciano M.
Published: July 2016

Desde hace 20 años, una alianza multisectorial público-privada ha transformado a Argentina en un actor global destacado en el desarrollo de productos biotecnológicos destinados a la alimentación y a la producción de energías renovables. Esta alianza estratégica se tradujo en el impulso del conocimiento científico-tecnológico, en la ampliación de la frontera de producción, en el crecimiento del comercio internacional vinculado al sector y en el desarrollo económico integral. Asimismo, dadas las características de este nuevo fenómeno tecnológico, la OMC se ha constituido como el ámbito donde se sustancian una serie de controversias en las que se debaten, no sólo términos comerciales, sino también los límites de la capacidad estatal para el diseño y la aplicación de políticas públicas sobre la materia. En consecuencia, este artículo busca no sólo describir el proceso de construcción de la política biotecnológica doméstica en Argentina y sus efectos en términos de crecimiento económico, sino también analizar los desafíos que ella enfrenta dentro del sistema multilateral de comercio.
La consulta previa desde la perspectiva de la negociación deliberativa
Authors: Santamaría Ortiz Alejandro
Published: July 2016

La consulta previa, como una de las herramientas de protección de los derechos de los grupos étnicos más emblemáticas por su talante participativo, presenta sin embargo una construcción normativa y doctrinal que no comulga con la democracia deliberativa, principalmente porque supone, primero, la expresión de intereses individuales por parte de los participantes y, segundo, la posibilidad de que una de las partes ejerza algún tipo de poder sobre la otra para influir en el resultado. No obstante lo anterior, la reformulación del ideal deliberativo clásico por parte de una corriente de pensamiento que ve la posibilidad de hallar en este concepto un espacio para la expresión de intereses individuales y el ejercicio de poder bajo ciertas circunstancias, permite proponer una nueva visión de la consulta previa que la puede conducir a ser un escenario de intercambio cultural, que supere los escollos que esta figura presenta en la práctica cotidiana.
Una cuestión de interés. Sobre la justificación del discurso práctico de Robert Alexy
Authors: Villa Rosas Gonzalo
Published: July 2016

Dentro de los diversos intentos por justificar las normas del discurso práctico son de consideración la teoría universal pragmática de HABERMAS (HABERMAS 1995 (1976); 1983) y la fundamentación última pragmático trascendental de APEL (APEL 1973; 1998 (1976)). ALEXY responde con su fundamentación de las normas constitutivas del discurso a una necesidad sistémica de su teoría de la argumentación práctica (ALEXY 1991; 1993; 1995), que él define como una teoría kantiana (ALEXY 1995). Es por ello que la fundamentación de ALEXY adquiere características propias diversas a los intentos de fundamentación precedentes. Dos niveles de fundamentación componen el argumento alexiano dirigido a sustentar las normas constitutivas del discurso. Un primer nivel dirigido a la fundamentación de la validez universal de dichas normas en el plano pragmático o de la comunicación, y un segundo nivel complementario dirigido a la fundamentación de su validez universal en el plano de la acción. Dado que el argumento que sirve de punto de partida al argumento trascendental que ALEXY usa para la fundamentación de las normas constitutivas del discurso en el nivel pragmático se fundamenta en razones empíricas, dicho argumento no es aceptado por el escéptico en razón a su carácter verdadero sino en razón a su carácter plausible. Una fundamentación tal parece demasiado débil como para sustentar la pretensión ontológica asociada a la revelación de las normas constitutivas de nuestras prácticas discursivas. Con el objeto de complementar la fundamentación de la validez universal de los principios de la razón desde el nivel práctico, ALEXY ha introducido la distinción en el campo del habla entre la validez subjetiva y la validez objetiva de las normas (ALEXY 1995). Respecto a la primera, ALEXY ha afirmado la validez categórica de los principios de la razón. Respecto de la segunda, al justificar la validez universal de los principios de la razón en el campo práctico a partir de la generación de motivaciones e intereses de los sujetos en relación con su conducta externa, ALEXY ha aceptado de manera implícita la validez hipotética de estas normas. Dado que los principios de la razón son condición suficiente para el logro del fin de la práctica argumentativa ideal (ALEXY 1995), el carácter categórico o hipotético que se predique de ellos se predicará también del principio de universalización. En este sentido, de acuerdo a la fundamentación alexiana, el principio de universalización tiene un doble carácter. Desde el punto de vista práctico subjetivo el principio de universalización tiene validez categórica. Desde el punto de vista práctico objetivo el principio de universalización tiene validez hipotética. No obstante, si se predica el carácter hipotético del principio de universalización este ya no será una regla moral en sentido kantiano y de esta forma la teoría del discurso práctico racional habrá perdido su carácter distintivo.
La responsabilidad del Estado en Argentina y el alcance de la reparación por su actividad lícita
Authors: Ylarri Juan Santiago
Published: July 2016

El trabajo examina el alcance de la reparación de los daños ocasionados por el Estado por su actividad lícita. En primer lugar, se estudian los precedentes más importantes de la Corte Suprema sobre el tema y se analiza la opinión de la doctrina. Luego, se analizan las disposiciones del Código Civil y Comercial y de la ley de responsabilidad del Estado recientemente sancionadas. Se concluye que los tribunales de justicia, en un caso particular, podrían declarar la inconstitucionalidad de la ley de responsabilidad del Estado por violar los derechos constitucionales de igualdad y de propiedad.