bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of learning management system quality, satisfaction, and usage: Differences among students of the arts
Authors: Hwee Ling Joyce Hwee Ling , Kan Rebecca Yen Pei
Published: January 2020

The model of information system success has been used to evaluate students’ satisfaction with the system quality, information quality, and service quality of learning management systems. This study extends the model by considering the pedagogical dimensions of instructional quality, learning quality, and interaction quality as well as how perceived usage frequency influences students’ quality perceptions. Through a sample of 376 higher education students, this study validated a five-factor quality structure for the evaluation of learning management systems with respect to the perceptions of students of the arts. Regression analyses showed differences among the quality factors that predicted satisfaction for arts students perceiving infrequent, average frequency, and frequent use. Although the quality of instructional experiences predicted satisfaction for all student groups, information quality significantly predicted satisfaction for only infrequent and average frequency users. System quality was a significant predictor of satisfaction for only average frequency and frequent users, whereas only frequent users perceived the quality of learning outcomes to be a significant predictor of satisfaction. The theoretical, instructional, and institutional implications for higher education institutions are discussed.
Książka jako „złoty standard” w naukach humanistycznych i społecznych
Authors: Melosik Zbyszko
Published: January 2020

The article is devoted to the role of monographs in university humanisties and social sciences. The various contexts of the main problem are analysed with the special attention to the academic promotion and the „writing as a thinking” thesis. At the end the pedagogical role of the bookas a source of linea thinking is considered.against the backgroung of the growing dominance of virtual culture.
Eugenika – aspekty historyczne, biologiczne i edukacyjne
Authors: Binnebesel Józef , Baczała Ditta , Błajet Piotr
Published: January 2020

Eugenics is the selection of desired heritable characteristics in order to improve future generations, typically in reference to humans. The article is about eugenics in historical, biological and educational aspects. The historical aspect is elaborated on and includes early eugenics, eugenics organizations, popular support for eugenics, and anti-eugenics sentiments. Despite the dropping of the term eugenics, eugenic ideas remained prevalent in many issues concerning human reproduction and genetic intervention. “New Eugenics” is a fact. “New Eugenics” includes education. Does it really?
Przywództwo i zaufanie w środowisku szkolnym. Uwagi na kanwie rozwoju szkoły
Authors: Łukasik Joanna M. , Nowosad Inetta
Published: January 2020

Having the right potential as well as the desire to develop yourself, students or school is not possible in the absence of conditions that favor (self) development and development of entities and institutions. It is not just the material conditions that are extremely important; the immaterial space of school is more important, which is formed by the relations between the subjects based on fundamental human values. The subject matter discussed in the article is focused on the importance of the school development category and the entities operating in it. The text discusses selected work of researchers sensitizing to the possibilities and limitations of the development of schools that emphasize the importance of leadership and trust in school everyday life as those that significantly contribute to the improvement of schoolwork and efficiency increase. Teachers’ leadership is understood here as the essence and competence leading to development and trust as a value decisive for the moral space of the school, its culture conducive to learning.
(Re)konstrukcja kryteriów przyjmowania do pracy w warunkach neoliberalnego społeczeństwa
Authors: Sobczak Anna
Published: January 2020

The aim of the article is to indicate the criteria for hiring in the current neoliberal society and the requirements of modern employers towards people applying for employment. The text discusses the main assumptions of neoliberal ideology in the context of the functioning of individuals in the labor market and their careers. The notions of academic diploma inflation and overeducation are also defined. The article indicates that today in many cases formal qualifications are an absolute minimum in the recruitment process, and for employers, apart from formal credentials, crucial are the behavioural and personality aspects of potential candidates.
Wybór dyrektora szkoły – wymagania i procedura konkursowa w Polsce i Ukrainie. W kierunku dobrych praktyk
Authors: Szafran Joanna , Hrybiuk Olena
Published: January 2020

Modern school requires modern leaders. These are adequately educated people with necessary skills and ability to perform the responsible work of the principal. These indisputable statements and criteria are not taken into account when selecting school principals; nor are they taken into consideration in the existing competition requirements and procedures for the headmaster’s position. The article discusses and analyzes the criteria, provides recommendations to improve existing requirements and procedures. Critical reflection concerns the procedure of choosing a school principal within the framework of the current legal regulation in Poland and Ukraine. Special attention is paid to the requirements and procedures, including the qualification, psychological predisposition and skills of future school principals. The result of a critical analysis of existing standards and the proposal of changes are aimed at a more professional selection of managers in education.
The Characteristics of Court Probation Service for Adults in Poland
Authors: Silecka-Marek Ewelina
Published: January 2020

For many years, there has been a tendency in Poland to organize preventive and rehabilitation activities for offenders as much as possible in environment of freedom.This results, among other things, from criticizing the penalty of deprivation of liberty, which does not fully implement the goals set for it, disappointing with its results and thus searching for more effective ways of transforming, modifying or modeling the attitudes and behaviors of socially maladjusted people. The probation officer is an important instrument of social control and social rehabilitation impact on both minors and adults. He faces new challenges resulting from socio-economic changes, and in the changing social reality, the behavior of defendants also changes. This requires the probation officer to be mindful, flexible, and respond quickly to the rehabilitation needs of supervised.
Konflikty destruktywne – trudno rozwiązywalne w perspektywie „wychowania do wartości”
Authors: Cywińska Małgorzata
Published: January 2020

Postmodernity born as a result of the crisis of civilization culture is characterized by pluralism, a “category” of difference, reflected, among others, in social (interpersonal, group) conflicts with a constructive and/or destructive impact. Special attention should be paid to difficult-to-solve conflicts due to their extremely unfavorable social consequences. They are characterized by a great complexity of disputable issues, aggression, violence, mutual harm, desire to destroy the opponent, a very escalating character. The persistence of such conflicts causes a sense of hopelessness on the part of the parties involved. Extinguishing or trying to resolve these situations requires extraordinary measures, as traditional dispute resolution strategies such as negotiation and mediation are not effective. “Education for values”, which focuses on identifying fundamental values, cannot be overestimated in the prevention of conflicts that are difficult to resolve. Large differences in values often trigger a conflict process, which is why it is so important to identify a universe accepted by all, which may become a significant inhibitor of hostilities and antagonisms.
Beneath the Tip of the Iceberg: The Teacher’s Changing Role in Light of the Israeli ‘Meaningful Learning’ Reform
Authors: Fahoum Ima
Published: January 2020

To cope with the challenges of the 21st century, a new Israeli educational reform, “Israel is moving up a grade” (known as Israel Ola Kita), was announced in 2014 by the former Minister of Education, Shai Piron, with the aim of assimilating the principles of meaningful learning in schools. A publication of the Ministry of Education, Something Good is Happening Now (2014) presented the policy and milestones for realizing the reform across the educational continuum.The current article highlights the complexities involved in the underlying reform principles concerning the change in the teacher’s role and argues the urgent need for considerations of these complexities through an expanded view of teachers’ professional development (TPD)with the aim of promoting deep-seated change rather than a superficial ‘signaling’ of the reform.
Wysokie obcasy i konstrukcje tożsamości kobiet. Dynamika asymetrii płciowej, seksualności i emancypacji
Authors: Gromkowska-Melosik Agnieszka
Published: January 2020

The article is devoted to the role of high heels in the construction of feminine identity. The various contexts of the main problem are analysed. The first one refers to the use of high heels as a confirmation of men’s domination over the feminine body, and identity. The second one is connected with sexual connotations of high heels. And the third one with the paradoxical use of the high heels as a source of women’s emancipation. The main thesis of the article is based on the assumption that every, even smallest feminine (or masculine) thing is involved into contradictory values and practical consequences.
Dobrostan dzieci wychowywanych przez kohabitujących rodziców. Co wynika z badań dotyczących znaczenia struktury rodziny dla rozwoju dzieci?
Authors: Jankowiak Barbara
Published: January 2020

Due to the changes in the modern family, many children are brought up in non-traditional families. Cohabitation is one of the alternative forms of the family. The results of the studies on the welfare of children raised in cohabitation relationships are not conclusive, yet the data indicate poorer developmental achievements of these children in comparison with children brought up by married couples are predominant. The article presents the results of research which compares the welfare of children in different forms of relationships and points to three possible reasons for lower developmental achievements of children raised by cohabiting partners. These include: characteristics of the partners, characteristics of the cohabitation relationships and the way of selecting a group for a study which compares the welfare of children in different forms of families, connecting cohabiting partners who are the child’s biological parents with those persons forming cohabitation relationships in which only one of the partners is the child’s natural parent.
Neuro-Edu-Techno (NET) Approach in Studies on Educational Therapy for Developmental Delays: A Case of Focal Cortical Dysplasia
Authors: Przybyła Tomasz , Klichowski Michał
Published: January 2020

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) may vary in size and be located in any area of the human brain. In general, FCD causes epilepsy and it is usually associated with mental retardation. Even in case of epilepsy various types of treatment are identified, there is no complete educational therapy for developmental delays caused by FCD. Moreover, there are no works that synthetically discuss the possibilities of supporting such therapy by technology-based solutions. Method: Here, we investigate this issue using a systematic literature review. Results: Despite the fact that we were dealing with the lack of studies on technology-based educational therapy for students with cognitive problems due to FCD, we point out several potential benefits of this type of assistance. Discussion and conclusions: Our study clearly demonstrates that technology may strongly enhance educational therapy for developmental delays caused by focal cortical dysplasia and that there is a need for further neuro-edu-techno (NET) studies on this topic.
O znaczeniu więzi społecznych w procesie resocjalizacji
Authors: Muskała Maciej
Published: January 2020

In this article the author analyzes the significance of social bonds in the process of social rehabilitation. The present analysis focuses on three main areas in which “accumulation of social ties” takes place,as a result of which a violation of the law may take place. First of all, marriage (family), good work and, depending on the author of the study, hobbies and interests, military service and education are mentioned. The text ends with the presentation of models showing the relationship between individual predispositions (internal factors) and life events (external factors) in the process of moving away from crime.
TÜRKİYE’DE PERAKENDE SEKTÖRÜNDE DAĞITIM KANALLARININ PERFORMANSLARININ KARŞILAŞTIRILMASINDA VERİ ZARFLAMA ANALİZİ VE BİR UYGULAMA
Authors: ÇAKIR ZEYTİNOĞLU Filiz , UYDACI Mert
Published: January 2020

Ekonomik gelişme ve kalkınma düzeylerindeki yükseliş ve globalleşmenin etkisiyle ortaya çıkan hızlı değişimler hayatın her alanını olduğu gibi perakende sektörünü de etkilemektedir. Günümüz işletmelerinin en önemli sorunu rekabet ortamında ayakta kalabilmek için kaynakların verimli bir şekilde kullanılmasın sağlamaktır. Perakendeciler, hem kendi hedef müşterilerinin gereksinimlerini karşılamak, hem de en iyi koşulları elde edebilmek için mağazalarını en iyi biçimde yönetmekten sorumludurlar. Bu bağlamda perakende sektöründe performans işletmelere stratejik rekabet üstünlüğü sağlayan bir unsur haline gelmiştir. Bu nedenle de perakende sektöründe ölçme ve değerlendirme çalışmaları yapılmalıdır. Bu çalışmada bir süpermarket zincirinin şubeleri arasındaki performansının ölçümleri ve etkinlikleri veri zarflama analizi ile belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır.
ÇOK AMAÇLI KARAR ALMA’DA BULANIK MANTIK VE BULANIK ANALİTİK HİYERARŞİ YÖNTEMİYLE BİR SİYASİ PARTİ İÇİN ADAY BELİRLEME ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: DİNÇER S. Erdal
Published: January 2020

Gerçek hayatta karşılaşılan problemlerin çok büyük bir kısmı birden fazla amacı ve bu amaçlara ulaşmak için kullanılacak pek çok kriter ve alt kriterleri içermektedir. Karar alıcı çoğu zaman birbiri ile çelişen amaçları kesin bir değeri olmayan ve belirsiz veriler ile optimize etmeye çalışır. Bu çalışmada, çok amaçlı karar almada bulanık mantık sürecinin açıklanmasına ve Bulanık Analitik Hiyerarşi Prosesi (BAHP) yöntemiyle siyasi partiler için aday belirleme çalışması probleminin çözümüne yönelik bir algoritma önerilmiştir. Önerilen algoritma 29 Mart 2009 tarihinde gerçekleştirilecek olan yerel seçimlerde yerel yönetime aday gösterilecek olan adayın belirlenmesine yönelik olarak oluşturulmuştur. Aday adaylarının faktörler temelinde değerlendirilmesinde dilsel değişkenler kullanılmış ve bulanık ağırlıkların durulaştırılması a-kesme ve iyimserlik indeksi temelinde geliştirilen bir durulaştırma işlemi ile yapılmıştır.
ENFORMASYON TEKNOLOJİLERİ PROJELERİNDE KRİTİK BAŞARI FAKTÖRLERİ - YAZIN TARAMASI
Authors: EDİN İbrahim
Published: January 2020

Çalışmada IT projelerinde başarıyı sağlayacak kritik faktörlerin belirlenmesine yönelik bir yazın taraması sunulmaktadır. Tarama bilimsel dergileri, konferans bildirilerini ve doktora tezlerini kapsamaktadır. Yazın taraması sonucunda tüm IT projelerinde geçerli 20 kritik başarı faktörü saptanmış; örgütsel, kullanıcı odaklı, proje odaklı ve teknolojik olmak üzere 4 grupta sınıflandırılmıştır. Bu çalışmanın bulgularına göre “üst yönetimin projeye desteği ve aktif katılımı”, “proje ekibinin yetkinliği”, “etkin proje yönetimi”, “net hedeflerin konulması, görevlerin belirlenmesi”, “proje içi ve dışı etkin iletişim”, “değişim yönetimi”, “uygun teknoloji kullanımı, sistem altyapısı”, “kullanıcının sürece aktif katkısı”, “proje hamisi”, “kullanıcı eğitimi” kritik başarı faktörleri en sık atıf alan faktörler olarak belirlenmiştir.
TÜKETİCİLERİN KİTAP SATIN ALMA SÜRECİNDE ROL OYNAYAN UNSURLAR VE BU UNSURLARIN TÜKETİCİLERİN DEMOGRAFİK ÖZELLİKLERİ AÇISINDAN İNCELENMESİ: İSTANBUL İLİNDE BİR PİLOT ÇALIŞMA
Authors: KORKUT ALTUNA Oylum , AYSUNA Ceyda
Published: January 2020

Pazarlamanın temelini oluşturan tüketicilerin satın alma davranışları, yazında büyük önem taşıyan konulardan biridir. Hangi mal veya hizmet olursa olsun satın alma kararı verilirken basit veya karmaşık bir satın alma karar süreci yaşanır. Pazarlamacılar içinse önemli olan, bu süreçte tüketicilerin kararlarını etkileyen faktörleri bilmek ve bunlara göre pazarlama çabalarını yönlendirebilmektir. Bu çalışmada tüketici satın alma karar sürecine konu olan ürün olarak kitap seçilmiştir. Kültürel pazarlamanın öneminin artışıyla, farklı bir boyut kazanan kitapların satın alınmasında etkili olan pek çok unsur bulunmaktadır. Çalışmayla bu unsurlar belirlenmeye çalışılıp, bu unsurların tüketicilerin demografik özelliklerine göre farklılık gösterip göstermediğine bakılarak kitap pazarlamacıları için yol gösterici olabileceği düşünülen öneriler sunulacaktır.
TÜRKİYE’DE ÜRETİM ÜZERİNE HETEROJEN İSTİHDAM VE PATENT ETKİSİ TAHMİNİ
Authors: AKAR Mustafa , BAKIRTAŞ Tahsin
Published: January 2020

Bu çalışma; heterojen beşeri sermaye istihdamının, brüt sabit sermaye ve izin verilen patentlerin gayri safı yurt içi hasıla (GSYIl)’ya etkisini açıklamaktadır. Çalışmada, önceki çalışmalardan farklı olarak istihdam edilen emeği heterojen kabul edip; okuma yazma bilmeyen-ilköğrenim mezunu ve ortaöğrenim-üniversite mezunu olarak ikiye ayrıştırılıp, bunların GSYH’ya olan etkisi araştırılmıştır. Okullaşmış istihdam GSYH’yı artırıcı bulunmuştur. Orta öğrenim ve üniversite diplomasına sahip istihdamdaki %1’lik bir artış, GSYH’yı %0.39 artırmakta, okuma-yazma bilmeyen- ilköğretim mezunundaki %1’lik bir artış ise GSYH’yı %0.37 azaltmaktadır. Diğer faktörler değişmezken, brüt sabit sermaye yatırımlarındaki ve verilen patent sayısındaki %1’lik artış GSYH’yı sırasıyla %0.18 ve % 0.04 artırmaktadır. Kurulan model, seriler arasında uzun dönem bir ilişkinin istatistiksel olarak anlamlı olduğu ve ölçeğe göre azalan getiri ile üretim yapıldığını işaret etmiştir.
KÜRESELLEŞMENİN MALİYETİ: FİNANSAL KRİZLER ÜZERİNE BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: AK Rengin , ÇİNKO Levent
Published: January 2020

Finansal küreselleşme, ulusal piyasaların uluslararası piyasalara bağlanmasıdır. Finansal küreselleşme ile birlikte uluslararası fon hareketlerinin önündeki bütün engeller ortadan kaldırılmıştır. Fon hareketlerinin serbestleşmesinin en önemli maliyeti bir ülkede başlayan bir finansal dalgalanmanın çok kısa sürede diğer piyasalara sıçramasıdır. Ulusal finansal piyasalarda ortaya çıkan dalgalanma eğilimleri kriz kavramı ile ifade edilmektedir. Bölgesel ya da küresel düzeyde yayılan kriz eğilimleri makroekonomik dengeleri tahrip ederek çok önemli sorunlara yol açmaktadır. Yabancı sermayenin sınır tanımadan ülkeler arasındaki kontrolsüz hareketliliği krizin boyutunu ve etkisini artırmaktadır. Finansal krizlere son yıllarda yalnızca gelişmekte olan ülkelerde değil aynı zamanda gelişmiş ülkelerde de rastlanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, küreselleşmenin etkisiyle son yıllarda artan finansal krizlerin yol açtığı etkiler üzerinde durulacaktır.
İNSANİ YOKSULLUKLA MÜCADELEDE PROJE ÖRNEĞİ ÜZERİNE AMPİRİK BİR UYGULAMA
Authors: ACI Esra , SEZGİN Funda H.
Published: January 2020

İnsani yoksulluk, insanın yaşamını sürdürebilmesi için gerekli olan gelirin yanısıra, toplumsal hayatın gerektirdiği temel imkanlardan yoksun olmasıdır. İnsani yoksulluk, insani gelişme anlayışına dayanmaktadır. İnsani gelişme, azgelişmiş ülkelerin gelişmişliklerini ifade etmede kullanılan ekonomik gelişme kavramından farklı olarak, toplumların yaşam kalitesinin iyileştirilmesini esas almaktadır. İnsani gelişme, gelir artışının ötesinde iyi bir eğitimi, sağlıklı bir yaşamı, insanın her alanda yaratıcılığını kullanmasına olanak sağlayan bir ortamı ve demokratik hakların güvence altına alınmasını kapsayan çok boyutlu bir kavramdır. Demokratikleşme, sivil toplumun yaygınlaştırılması, bu anlayışın temel öğeleri arasında yer almaktadır. Bu çalışmada, insani yoksullukla mücadele örneği olan İnsanca Yaşam Projesi ele alınmaktadır. Projenin hedef gruplarından biri olan işsiz ve eğitimsiz kadınların, insan haklarının korunması, demokrasinin geliştirilmesi ve sivil toplumun yaygınlaştırılması temelinde insani yoksulluğun giderilmesi açısından gelişimleri, yapılan anketler ve odak grup toplantıları sonucunda ulaşılan istatistiksel verilere dayandırılarak, ki-kare ve lojistik regresyon analizi çerçevesinde değerlendirilmiş, ayrıca sonuçlar yorumlanarak çıkarımlar sunulmuştur.
TÜRKİYE’DE ENFLASYON SÜREKLİLİĞİNİN ABKBHO MODELLERİYLE ANALİZİ
Authors: TUNAY K. Batu
Published: January 2020

Politika yapıcılar, ekonomik şokların gelecekte ekonomiyi nasıl etkileyeceğini tahmin etmek isterler. Bu tür şoklar zaman içinde süreklilik gösterebilir. Şokların enflasyon üzerinde süreklilik etkilerinin düzeyi, enflasyonun zaman serisi özelliklerine bağlıdır. Süreklilik enflasyonun önemli bir istatistiksel özelliğidir ve cari enflasyonun kendi geçmiş değerlerinden etkilenmesini ifade eder. Enflasyon sürekliliği, parametrik, parametrik olmayan ve yapısal istatistiksel yöntemlerle analiz edilebilir. Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’deki enflasyon sürekliliği olgusu parametrik bir yöntem olan ABKBHO modeliyle analiz edilmektedir. Elde edilen bulgular zayıf bir enflasyon sürekliliği süreci olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu sonuçlar son dönemdeki açık enflasyon hedeflemesi sürecinin başarısının bir kanıtı olabilir.
The Highlighted Role of GAPDH and Nitric-Oxide Synthase Regulator Activity in Proton Beam Irradiated Melanoma BLM Cells
Authors: Zadeh-Esmaeel Mohammad-Mehdi , Shahrokh Shabnam , Zamanian Azodi Mona , Ahmadi Nayebali
Published: January 2020

Introduction: The human melanoma is a type of invasive tumor the treatment of which is challenging. To better understand the proton irradiation mechanisms as one of the widely applied therapy for this type of cancer, bioinformatics analysis of proteomics outcome could be beneficial. Methods: Protein-protein interaction network analysis of the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of melanoma BLM (BRO lung metastasis) cells in the treatment of 3 Gy dosage proton therapy was performed in this study via Cytoscape V.3.7.2. and its integrated plug-ins. Results: Eighteen DEPs were searched for network constructions and limited numbers of query +neighbor proteins were found central. The hub-bottlenecks (i.e. central nodes) were GAPDH, ACTB, ALB, AKT1, TP53, and EGFR. The fist mentioned proteins were from DEPs. The enrichment analysis of these elements identified nitric-oxide synthase regulator activity and the positive regulation of the norepinephrine uptake that may be the key to the mechanisms of proton therapy. Conclusion: In conclusion, the identified central nodes (EGFR, TP53, ALB, AKT1, GAPDH, and ACTB) and the related biological terms are the critical affected genes and biological terms in the irradiated melanoma cells.
The Temporal Confounding Effects of Extra-cerebral Contamination Factors on the Hemodynamic Signal Measured by Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Zarei Mehrdad , Ansari Mohammad Ali , Zare Kourosh
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has been broadly applied for optical brain imaging. This method is hemodynamic-based functional brain imaging relying on the measurement of the neurovascular coupling to detect changes in cerebral neuronal activities. The extra-cerebral hemodynamic changes are important contaminating factors in fNIRS measurements. This error signal can be misinterpreted as cerebral activities during fNIRS studies. Recently, it was assumed that temporal changes in deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration [HHb] was hardly affected by superficial blood flow, and it was proposed that the activation maps could be determined from [HHb] at large source-detector separation. Methods: In the current study, we measured the temporal changes in [HHb] using a continueswave fNIRS device at large source-detector separation, while superficial blood flow was stimulated by infrared lasers. A mesh-based Monte Carlo code was applied to estimate fNIRS sensitivity to superficial hemodynamic changes in a realistic 3D MRI-based brain phantom. Results: First, we simulated photon migration in a four-layered human-head slab model to calculate PPLs and fNIRS sensitivity. Then, the localization of the infrared laser inside a realistic brain model was studied using the Monte Carlo method. Finally, the changes in [HHb] over the prefrontal cortex of six adult males were measured by fNIRS at a source-detector separation of 3 cm. The results demonstrated that the relation between fNIRS sensitivity and an increase in S-D separation was nonlinear and a correlation between shallow and deep signals was observed. Conclusion: The presented results demonstrated that the temporal changes in the superficial blood flow could strongly affect HHb measurement at large source-detector separation. Hence, the cerebral activity map extracted from the [HHb] signal was mainly contaminated by superficial blood flow.
Light at Night Exposure Effects on Differentiation and Cell Cycle in the Rat Liver With Autonomic Nervous System Denervation
Authors: Heidari Mohammad Hossein , Zamanian Azodi Mona , Zali Mohammad Reza , Akbari Zahra
Published: January 2020

Introduction: N Exposure to artificial light at night (LAN) affects human health and causes several functional modifications in the body. Obesity, diabetes, and hormonal changes are reported after exposure to LAN in humans. This study aims to highlight the critical features of biological terms that are affected in the liver of rats which received autonomic nervous system denervation. Methods: The liver gene expression profiles of 8 male Wistar rats that received sympathetic plus parasympathetic hepatic denervation and were exposed to LAN from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) for 1 hour were compared with 5 controls. The significant differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis STRING database (an application of Cytoscape software). Also, CuleGO and CleuDedia, the 2 applications of Cytoscape software, were used for more analysis. Results: Among 250 DEGs, 173 characterized genes with fold change more than 2 plus 100 added relevant genes were included in the PPI network. The analysis of the main connected component (MCC) led to introducing 15 hubs and 15 bottlenecks. CCT2, COPS7A, KAT2A, and ERCC1 were determined as hub-bottlenecks. Among hubs and bottlenecks, DHX15, KAT2A, CCT2, HSP90AB1, CCNE1, DHX16, LSM2, WEE1, CWC27, BAZ1B, RAB22A, DNM2, and DHX30 were linked to each other by various kinds of actions. CCT2 and KAT2A, the 2 hub-bottlenecks, were included in the interacted genes in the action map. Four classes of biological terms including negative regulation of non-motile cilium assembly, negative regulation of transforming growth factor beta activation, alpha-tubulin acetylation, and histamine-induced gastric acid secretion were identified as the critical biochemical pathways and biological processes. Conclusion: Several essential functions such as differentiation, cell cycle, ribosome assembly, and splicing are affected by LAN in rat livers with autonomic nervous system denervation.
Divorce, Taxes, Royalties: a Text and a Commentary on Russell’s Finances, c.1950
Authors: Bone Andrew G.
Published: January 2020

As he neared 80 Russell was more financially secure than he had been for decades. But to remain so he needed to maintain his prodigious output as a writer, broadcaster and lecturer (see Papers  26, forthcoming). Meanwhile, the breakdown of his third marriage threatened to undermine his much-improved financial position. The monetary concerns addressed in both the text prepared by Russell and the related commentary hint at a lifetime’s scrupulous regard for his personal finances.
Challenge Based Learning como modelo de aprendizaje profesionalizante. Caso del programa Universidad Europea con Comunica +A
Authors: Agüero Pérez María Mercedes , López Fraile Luis Antonio , Pérez Expósito Javier
Published: January 2020

El tradicional paradigma educativo, donde el profesor es centro del aprendizaje y proveedor de conocimiento, ha sido desplazado por nuevos métodos que ponen al alumno en el centro del proceso a través del aprendizaje experiencial, situándole ante casos y desafíos reales para que genere soluciones, donde el profesor pasa a ser un facilitador del proceso. Dentro de esta nueva visión se enmarca el Challenge Based Learning (CBL), centro de esta investigación que indaga acerca de si su utilización ayuda a mejorar los aspectos académicos, competenciales y de empleabilidad de los egresados en Publicidad. En esta línea de modernización de los procesos educativos, la facultad de CC. Sociales y de la Comunicación de la Universidad Europea de Madrid puso en marcha un programa basado en CBL en colaboración con la prestigiosa agencia de publicidad Comunica +A. Se trata de averiguar si esta metodología educativa es valorada e incorporada positivamente por los estudiantes. Para conseguirlo, se lleva a cabo una investigación consistente en una revisión bibliográfica y en un análisis descriptivo de los cuestionarios cumplimentados por los estudiantes participantes, para recabar su percepción sobre la utilidad y eficacia del programa en los aspectos académicos, competenciales y de empleabilidad. Como conclusión, la hipótesis queda confirmada, con lo que se sientan las bases para un nuevo paradigma educativo (CBL) que permitirá adecuar las habilidades de los estudiantes a las nuevas necesidades del mercado.
Medios étnicos, adaptación al ecosistema digital y usos de la diáspora migrante
Authors: Vaquerizo Enrique
Published: January 2020

El artículo aborda la situación actual de los medios étnicos, espacios tradicionalmente destinados a las comunidades migrantes, que lejos de su preconizada extinción, han sobrevivido y encuentran nuevas posibilidades a través de la conservación y en muchos casos renovación de su papel como gratificadores identitarios. Hoy conservan aún un espacio de importancia en cuanto a las preferencias de consumo por parte de estos colectivos, aunque han debido adaptarse al ecosistema digital introduciendo cambios sustanciales en su modelo de negocio, estructuras y producción de contenidos adecuados al entorno digital. Estas páginas exploran y comparan de forma cualitativa contenidos, estructuras organizacionales, herramientas y líneas editoriales de dos medios étnicos relacionados con la comunidad migrante de mexicanos en Estados Unidos, uno nacido con vocación exclusivamente digital y transnacional como Conexión Migrante y el otro adaptado desde un formato impreso a la comunidad de mexicanos en Nueva York como Diario de México en U.S.A. El artículo pretende definir las nuevas estructuras, líneas de contenidos y modelos de negocios adoptados por los nuevos medios étnicos y qué conexiones guardan con sus funciones tradicionales. Del mismo modo investiga si estos medios estarían privilegiando el mantenimiento por parte de los migrantes de sus vínculos con la sociedad de origen o por el contrario la asimilación cultural en su nuevo destino, y de qué forma, el paso a un formato digital con estructuras más interactivas y horizontales ayuda en ese proceso.
Democracia, esfera pública y medios de comunicación
Authors: Del Rosario González Luisa
Published: January 2020

Este trabajo parte de una pregunta: ¿Se puede sostener una teoría de la democracia deliberativa como la que postulan Seyla Benhabib y Jürgen Habermas sin una teoría normativa de los medios de comunicación? Para responder a esta cuestión hemos ahondado en el concepto de esfera pública en las sociedades tardocapitalistas contrastando los trabajos de ambos filósofos junto a las aportaciones críticas de Nancy Fraser, autora que entendemos complementa la definición más adecuada. La esfera pública es el espacio tradicional de la deliberación y en ella incluimos a los medios de comunicación. Por eso sostenemos que, efectivamente, la democracia deliberativa debe contar con una teoría normativa de los medios de comunicación, pues a estos les corresponde el rol de intermediarios y propagadores de la deliberación, pero su estatus híbrido público-privado nos obliga a que esta teoría normativa garantice su servicio al interés general. En este marco expondremos algunos de los elementos que pueden contribuir a la formulación de esta teoría normativa y pondremos énfasis en dos de las cuestiones que creemos fundamentales, a saber, el establecimiento de la agenda de temas que se tratan en los medios de comunicación de amplias audiencias y el encuadre en el que se muestran los contenidos informativos.
Análisis y regulación del lobby en la Unión Europea
Authors: Oliver González Ana Belén
Published: January 2020

Actualmente hay miles de grupos de lobbies registrados en Bruselas. El registro de lobbies en la UE es voluntario, no establece sanciones para aquellos grupos que decidan no hacerlo. Factor determinante en la política de transparencia y ética en el proceso de toma de decisiones. El lobby es una actividad opaca por su propia naturaleza, que aunque necesaria para el ejercicio de la democracia, está mediada por el manejo de información –algunas veces de forma privilegiada– que reducen la maniobrabilidad democrática de actores que de por sí no han sido electos para el cargo que ocupan y son más susceptibles a presiones.  El objetivo general de este estudio es analizar la regulación del lobby en la UE. Los objetivos específicos son describir las principales características de los lobbies en las instituciones comunitarias, identificar el marco regulatorio comunitario para el ejercicio de lobbies en dichas instituciones. La regulación del lobby ha sido más una respuesta política a la desafección ciudadana que una medida de coerción institucional. No existe un marco homogéneo ni de evaluación ni de sujeción que no sea susceptible de vulneración por parte del ejército lobista permanente en Bruselas, como tampoco hay un marco único en cada Estado. Se trata en general de mecanismos novedosos para regular un oficio que hasta no emerger como parte de la crisis de 2008 no constituyó un problema; muy por el contrario, sigue siendo visto como parte fundamental.
Health Ramifications of Smart Devices
Authors: LaPlaca David A. , Turner Heidi
Published: January 2020

Smart devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets, have rapidly become more popular in the fitness industry and provide a variety of benefits ranging from tracking barbell velocity to displaying online training programs. These devices use cellular data and Wi-Fi to transmit information, which have shown to potentially pose risks to our health. The purpose of this article is to both (a) provide the reader with researched information on how the use of smart devices may pose a risk to our health and (b) provide practical applications for how to reduce the health risks from using these devices. For a video abstract of this article, see Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/SCJ/A274.
Persistent Cyfip1 Expression Is Required to Maintain the Adult Subventricular Zone Neurogenic Niche
Authors: Habela Christa Whelan , Yoon Ki-Jun , Kim Nam-Shik , Taga Arens , Bell Kassidy , Bergles Dwight E. , Maragakis Nicholas J. , Ming Guo-li , Song Hongjun
Published: January 2020

Neural stem cells (NSCs) persist throughout life in the subventricular zone (SVZ) neurogenic niche of the lateral ventricles as Type B1 cells in adult mice. Maintaining this population of NSCs depends on the balance between quiescence and self-renewing or self-depleting cell divisions. Interactions between B1 cells and the surrounding niche are important in regulating this balance, but the mechanisms governing these processes have not been fully elucidated. The cytoplasmic FMRP-interacting protein (Cyfip1) regulates apical-basal polarity in the embryonic brain. Loss of Cyfip1 during embryonic development in mice disrupts the embryonic niche and affects cortical neurogenesis. However, a direct role for Cyfip1 in the regulation of adult NSCs has not been established. Here, we demonstrate that Cyfip1 expression is preferentially localized to B1 cells in the adult mouse SVZ. Loss ofCyfip1in the embryonic mouse brain results in altered adult SVZ architecture and expansion of the adult B1 cell population at the ventricular surface. Furthermore, acute deletion ofCyfip1in adult NSCs results in a rapid change in adherens junction proteins as well as increased proliferation and number of B1 cells at the ventricular surface. Together, these data indicate that Cyfip1 plays a critical role in the formation and maintenance of the adult SVZ niche; furthermore, deletion ofCyfip1unleashes the capacity of adult B1 cells for symmetric renewal to increase the adult NSC pool.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNeural stem cells (NSCs) persist in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles in adult mammals, and the size of this population is determined by the balance between quiescence and self-depleting or renewing cell division. The mechanisms regulating these processes are not fully understood. This study establishes that the cytoplasmic FMRP interacting protein 1 (Cyfip1) regulates NSC fate decisions in the adult subventricular zone and adult NSCs that are quiescent or typically undergo self-depleting divisions retain the ability to self-renew. These results contribute to our understanding of how adult NSCs are regulated throughout life and has potential implications for human brain disorders.
Urinary steroid profiling in diagnostic evaluation of an unusual adrenal mass
Authors: Lenders N F , Greenfield J R
Published: January 2020

Adrenal oncocytomas are rare tumours, with only approximately 160 cases reported in the literature. We report the use of urinary steroid profiling as part of their diagnostic evaluation and prognostication. A 45-year-old woman presented with clinical features of hyperandrogenism. Serum biochemistry confirmed androgen excess and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a 3.2 cm adrenal tumour with density 39 HU pre-contrast. Urine steroid profiling showed elevated tetrahydro-11 deoxycortisol (THS), which is associated with adrenal malignancy. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed, and histopathology diagnosed adrenal oncocytoma. Serum and urinary biochemistry resolved post-operatively and remained normal at 1-year follow-up.

Learning points:

Differential diagnosis of adrenal masses is challenging. Current techniques for differentiating between tumour types lack sensitivity and specificity.

24-h urinary steroid profiling is a useful tool for reflecting steroid output from adrenal glands. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of urinary steroid metabolites has sensitivity and specificity of 90% for diagnosing adrenocortical carcinoma.

Adrenal oncocytoma are rare tumours. Differentiating between benign and malignant types is difficult. Data guiding prognostication and management are sparse.
Concomitant medullary thyroid carcinoma with paraganglioma-like pattern and papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Greco C , Brigante G , Taliani E , Corrado S , Simoni M , Madeo B
Published: January 2020

A 74-year-old man was referred to the Endocrinology Unit because of multinodular goiter. The dominant nodule (1.7 × 1.9 × 2.4 cm), at the medium-superior third of the left lobe, was inhomogeneously hypoechoic, with irregular margins, macrocalcifications and intranodular vascularization. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was performed. The cytological diagnosis was TIR 2, benign, according to the 2013 Italian thyroid cytology classification system. Moderately high serum calcitonin (s-Ct) (61.5 pg/mL, n.r. 0–7.5) and normal CEA were detected. The Ct level in FNAB wash-out fluid (Ct-FNAB) was 1450 pg/mL. Based on s-Ct and Ct-FNAB levels, patient underwent total thyroidectomy. Macroscopically, a dominant circumscribed nodule of 2 ecm was described; the histological and immunohistochemical features identified medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) with paraganglioma (PG)-like pattern positive for Ct, CEA and chromogranin and negative for S-100 sustentacular cells (SC). Moreover, papillary carcinoma of 3 mm in the right lobe was also associated. No areas of hyperaccumulation of the tracer were documented at Ga68 PET/CT. No RET-proto-oncogene mutations were found. Post-surgery s-Ct levels were within normal range (4 pg/mL). Two years after thyroidectomy, the patient is still disease-free. We reported a case of sporadic and rare variant of MTC: this is the ninth described case of PG-like MTC. In this case, cytologically benign, the clinical suspicion arose from high Ct values at FNAB wash-out fluid. Even if clinical behavior of this variant seems indolent, additional studies are necessary to understand prognoses and predictive factors.

Learning points:

Several unusual histological variants of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) have been described such as spindle cell, giant cell, clear cell, melanotic, squamous, angiosarcoma-like variants; even rarer is the paraganglioma (PG)-like pattern.

We here describe a case of medullary PG-like thyroid carcinoma in a 74-year-old man. This is a rare histological variant of MTC hardly diagnosed by cytology, since immunohistochemical investigations are necessary.

Measurement of calcitonin both in serum and in wash-out fluid from fine-needle aspiration could be an additional tool for an early and non-invasive identification of these variants.
Complex management decisions in a woman with concurrent primary hyperparathyroidism and metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma, both presenting during pregnancy
Authors: Arnez Lorena , Lawrence Victor
Published: January 2020

A 40-year-old woman was hospitalised at 25-week gestation following a diagnosis of severe symptomatic hypercalcaemia (adjusted serum calcium 3.02 mmol/L). A diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) was made on the basis of elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) 11.2 pmol/L (reference range 1.5–6.9) and exclusion of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia. Ultrasound examination of the neck did not convincingly demonstrate an abnormal or enlarged parathyroid gland and parathyroid scintigraphy was not performed due to maternal choice relating to perceived radiation risk to the foetus. At neck exploration during the 28th week of pregnancy a right lower pole parathyroid lesion was excised together with two abnormal lymph nodes (largest 1.6 cm). Histology confirmed a parathyroid adenoma and also papillary thyroid carcinoma deposits in the two resected lymph nodes. Post-operatively, levels of adjusted serum calcium normalised and pregnancy progressed uneventfully to term. Total thyroidectomy was performed 2 weeks after delivery revealing two small foci of papillary micro-carcinoma (largest 2.3 mm, one in each thyroid lobe) with no evidence of further metastatic tumour in lymph nodes removed during functional neck dissection. Radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) was performed 2 months post thyroidectomy to allow for breast involution. The patient remains in full clinical and biochemical remission 9 years later. We present and review the difficult management decisions faced in relation to the investigation and treatment of PHP in pregnancy, further complicated by incidentally discovered locally metastatic pT1aN1aM0 papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Learning points:

PHP may have serious consequences during pregnancy and usually requires surgical management during pregnancy to reduce the risk of maternal and foetal complications. The indications for and optimal timing of surgical management are discussed.

Localisation by parathyroid scintigraphy is controversial during pregnancy: modified dose regimes may be considered in preference as an alternative to unguided neck exploration.

Breastfeeding is contraindicated for 6–8 weeks before radioactive-iodine remnant ablation (RRA) to prevent increased breast uptake. Breastfeeding is further contra-indicated until after a subsequent pregnancy.

Incidentally discovered differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) in cervical lymph nodes in some cases may be managed expectantly because in one quarter of thyroidectomies the primary tumour remains occult.
Serum insulin levels are associated with vulnerable plaque components in the carotid artery: the Rotterdam Study
Authors: Mujaj Blerim , Bos Daniel , Kavousi Maryam , van der Lugt Aad , Staessen Jan A , Franco Oscar H , Vernooij Meike W
Published: January 2020

Background

To investigate the association between fasting serum insulin and glucose levels with atherosclerotic plaque composition in the carotid artery. Impaired insulin and glucose levels are implicated in the etiology of cardiovascular disease; however, their influence on the formation and composition of atherosclerotic plaque remains unclear.

Methods

In 1740 participants (mean age 72.9 years, 46% women, 14.4% diabetes mellitus) from the population-based Rotterdam Study, we performed carotid MRI to evaluate the presence of calcification, lipid core, and intraplaque hemorrhage in carotid atherosclerosis. All participants also underwent blood sampling to obtain information on serum insulin and glucose levels. Using logistic regression models, we assessed the association of serum insulin and glucose levels (per s.d. and in tertiles) with the different plaque components, while adjusting for sex, age, intima-media thickness, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

Serum insulin levels were associated with the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.42 (95% CI: 1.12–1.7)) We found no association with the presence of calcification or lipid core. Sensitivity analyses restricted to individuals without diabetes mellitus yielded similar results. No associations were found between serum glucose levels and any of the plaque components.

Conclusions

Serum insulin levels are associated with the presence of vulnerable components of carotid plaque, specifically with intraplaque hemorrhage. These findings suggest a complex role for serum insulin in the pathophysiology of carotid atherosclerosis and in plaque vulnerability.
Epigenetic modifications in the GH-dependent Prlr, Hnf6, Cyp7b1, Adh1 and Cyp2a4 genes
Authors: Brie Belen , Ornstein Ana , Ramirez Maria Cecilia , Lacau-Mengido Isabel , Becu-Villalobos Damasia
Published: January 2020

Many sex differences in liver gene expression originate in the brain, depend on GH secretion and may underlie sex disparities in hepatic disease. Because epigenetic mechanisms may contribute, we studied promoter methylation and microRNA abundance in the liver, associated with expression of sexual dimorphic genes in mice with selective disruption of the dopamine D2 receptor in neurons (neuroDrd2KO), which decreases hypothalamic Ghrh, pituitary GH, and serum IGFI and in neonatally androgenized female mice which have increased pituitary GH content and serum IGFI. We evaluated mRNA levels of the female predominant genes prolactin receptor (Prlr), alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (Adh1), Cyp2a4, and hepatocyte nuclear transcription factor 6 (Hnf6) and the male predominant gene, Cyp7b1. Female predominant genes had higher mRNA levels compared to males, but lower methylation was only detected in the Prlr and Cyp2a4 female promoters. In neuroDrd2KO mice, sexual dimorphism was lost for all genes; the upregulation (feminization) of Prlr and Cyp2a4 in males correlated with decreased methylation of their promoters, and the downregulation (masculinization) of Hnf-6 mRNA in females correlated inversely with its promoter methylation. Neonatal androgenization of females evoked a loss of sexual dimorphism only for the female predominant Hnf6 and Adh1 genes, but no differences in promoter methylation were found. Finally, mmu-miR-155-5p, predicted to target Cyp7b1 expression, was lower in males in association with higher Cyp7b1 mRNA levels compared to females and was not modified in neuroDrd2KO or TP mice. Our results suggest specific regulation of gene sexually dimorphic expression in the liver by methylation or miRNAs.