bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of present ground temperatures and relict stone stripes in the Ethiopian Highlands for the palaeoclimate of the tropics
Authors: Groos Alexander R. , Niederhauser Janik , Wraase Luise , Hänsel Falk , Nauss Thomas , Akçar Naki , Veit Heinz
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Large sorted patterned grounds are the most prominent features of periglacial and permafrost environments of the mid and high latitudes, but have not yet been verified for the tropics. Here, we report on relict large sorted polygons (up to 8 m in diameter) and large sorted stone stripes (up to 1000 m long, 15 m wide, and 2 m deep) on the ~ 4000 m high Sanetti Plateau in the Bale Mountains, southern Ethiopian Highlands. For a systematic investigation of past and present frost-related processes and landforms in the Bale Mountains, we conducted geomorphological mapping both in the field and on satellite images. The sorted stone stripes were studied in more detail by applying aerial photogrammetry, ground-penetrating radar measurements, and 36Cl surface exposure dating. In addition, we installed 29 ground temperature data loggers between 3493 and 4377 m to analyse present frost occurrence and seasonal temperature variations from 2017 to 2020. Finally, we ran a simple experiment and combined recent ground temperature measurements with meteorological data in a statistical model to assess the air temperature depression needed for the past formation of deep seasonal frost and cyclic freezing and thawing on the plateau. Our results show that relict and modern periglacial landforms are common in the Bale Mountains. Nocturnal superficial ground frost on the plateau occurs at 35–90 days per year, but the mean annual ground temperature (~ 11 °C) is far off from seasonal or permanent frost conditions. The modelling experiment suggests a minimum air temperature depression on the plateau of 7.6 ± 1.3 °C for the emergence of several decimetre deep seasonal frost. The stone stripes probably formed under periglacial conditions in proximity of a palaeo ice cap on the plateau during the coldest period(s) of the last glacial cycle. We hypothesise that the slightly inclined and unglaciated areas of the plateau, the coexistence of regolith and large blocks, the occurrence of deep seasonal frost, as well as relatively dry conditions beyond the ice cap provided ideal conditions for frost heave and sorting and the formation of large sorted patterned grounds. The presence of these landforms and the associated air temperature depression provide further evidence for an amplified cooling of high tropical mountains during the last glacial period that is yet not well captured in global climate models.
Impact of scale-aware deep convection on the cloud liquid and ice water paths and precipitation using the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS-v5.2)
Authors: Fowler Laura D. , Barth Mary C. , Alapaty Kiran
Published: June 2020

Abstract. The cloud liquid water path (LWP), ice water path (IWP),
and precipitation simulated with uniform- and variable-resolution numerical
experiments using the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) are compared
against Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) and Tropical
Rainfall Measuring Mission data. Our comparison between monthly-mean model
diagnostics and satellite data focuses on the convective activity regions of
the tropical Pacific Ocean, extending from the Tropical Eastern Pacific
Basin where trade wind boundary layer clouds develop to the Western Pacific Warm Pool characterized by deep convective updrafts capped with extended
upper-tropospheric ice clouds. Using the scale-aware Grell–Freitas (GF) and
Multi-scale Kain–Fritsch (MSKF) convection schemes in conjunction with the
Thompson cloud microphysics, uniform-resolution experiments produce large
biases between simulated and satellite-retrieved LWP, IWP, and
precipitation. Differences in the treatment of shallow convection lead the
LWP to be strongly overestimated when using GF, while being in relatively
good agreement when using MSKF compared to CERES data. Over areas of deep
convection, uniform- and variable-resolution experiments overestimate the
IWP with both MSKF and GF, leading to strong biases in the
top-of-the-atmosphere longwave and shortwave radiation relative to
satellite-retrieved data. Mesh refinement over the Western Pacific Warm Pool
does not lead to significant improvement in the LWP, IWP, and precipitation
due to increased grid-scale condensation and upward vertical motions.
Results underscore the importance of evaluating clouds, their optical
properties, and the top-of-the-atmosphere radiation budget in addition to
precipitation when performing mesh refinement global simulations.
New measures of deep soil water recharge during vegetation restoration
process in semi-arid regions of northern China
Authors: Cheng Yiben , Zhan Hongbin , Yang Wenbin , Jiang Qunou , Wang Yunqi , Shi Mingchang
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Desertification in semi-arid regions is currently a global environmental and societal problem. This research attempts to understand whether a 40-year-old rain-feed Artamisia sphaerocephala Krasch sand-fixing land in Three North Shelterbelt Program (3NSP) of China can be developed sustainably or not, using a newly designed lysimeter to monitor the precipitation-induced deep soil recharge (DSR) at 220 cm depth. Evapotranspiration is calculated through a water balance equation when precipitation and soil moisture data are collected. Comparison of soil particle sizes and soil moisture distributions in artificial sand-fixing land and neighboring bare land is made to assess the impact of sand-fixing reforestation. Results show that such a sand-fixing reforestation results in a root system being mainly developed in the horizontal direction and the changed soil particle distribution. Specifically, the sandy soil with 50.53 % medium sand has been transformed into a sandy soil with 68.53 % fine sand. Within the Artamisia sphaerocephala Krasch sand-fixing experimental area, the DSR values in bare sand plot and Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch plot are respectively 283.6 mm and 90.6 mm in wet years, reflecting a difference of more than three times. The deep soil layer moisture in semi-arid sandy land is largely replenished by precipitation-induced infiltration. The DSR values of bare sandy land plot and Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch plot are respectively 51.6 mm and 2 mm in dry years, a difference of more than 25 times. The proportions of DSR reduced by Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch is 68.06 % and 96.12 % in wet and dry years, respectively. This research shows that Artamisia sphaerocephala Krasch in semi-arid region can continue to grow and has the capacity of fixing sand. It consumes a large amount of precipitated water, and reduces the amount of DSR considerably.
Are new open building data useful for flood vulnerability modelling?
Authors: Cerri Marco , Steinhausen Max , Kreibich Heidi , Schröter Kai
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Flood risk modelling aims to quantify the probability of flooding and the resulting consequences for exposed elements. The assessment of flood damage is a core task that requires the description of complex flood damage processes including the influences of flooding intensity and vulnerability characteristics. Multi-variable modelling approaches are better suited for this purpose than simple stage-damage functions. However, multi-variable flood vulnerability models also often have problems to predict damage for regions other than those for which they have been developed. A transfer of vulnerability models usually results in a drop of model predictive performance. Here we investigate the question of whether data from the open data source OpenStreetMap is suitable to model flood vulnerability of residential buildings and whether the underlying standardized data model is helpful to transfer models across regions. We develop a new data set by calculating numerical spatial measures for residential building footprint geometries and combine these variables with an empirical data set of observed flood damage. From this data set random forest regression models are learned using regional sub-sets and are tested for predicting flood damage in other regions. This regional split-sample validation approach reveals that the predictive performance of models based on OpenStreetMap data is comparable to alternative multi-variable models, which use comprehensive and detailed information about preparedness, socio-economic status and other aspects of residential building vulnerability. However, our results show that using numerical spatial measures derived from OpenStreetMap building geometries does not resolve all problems of model transfer. Still, we conclude that these variables are useful proxies for flood vulnerability modelling, because these data are consistent, openly accessible, and thus make it easier and more cost-effective to transfer vulnerability models to other regions.
First report of ultra-high pressure metamorphism in the Paleozoic Dunhuang orogenic belt (NW China): Constrains from P-T paths of garnet clinopyroxenite and SIMS U-Pb dating of titanite
Authors: Li Zhen M. G. , Wang Hao Y. C. , Zhang Qian W. L. , Shi Meng-Yan , Lu Jun-Sheng , Liu Jia-Hui , Wu Chun-Ming
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphism is recorded by garnet clinopyroxenite enclaves enclosed in an undeformed, unmetamorphosed granitic pluton, northeastern Paleozoic Dunhuang orogenic belt, northwest China. Three to four stages of metamorphic mineral assemblages have been found in the garnet clinopyroxenite, and clockwise metamorphic pressure-temperature (P-T) paths were retrieved, indicative of metamorphism of a possible subduction environment. Peak metamorphic P-T conditions (790~920 °C/28~41 kbar) of garnet clinopyroxenite suggest that they experienced high pressure to UHP metamorphism, and the UHP metamorphism occurred in the coesite- or diamond-stability field. The UHP metamorphic event is further confirmed by the occurrence of high-Al titanite enclosed in the garnet, along with at least three groups of aligned rutile lamellae exsolved from within the garnet. SIMS U-Pb dating of metamorphic titanite indicates that the post peak, subsequent tectonic exhumation of the UHP rocks occurred in the Devonian (~ 389~370 Ma). These data suggest that part of the Paleozoic Dunhuang orogenic belt experienced UHP metamorphism, and diverse metamorphic facies series prevailed in this orogen in the Paleozoic. It can be further inferred that most of the UHP rocks of this orogen are now buried in the depth.
Physically based model of the contribution of red snow algal cells to temporal changes in albedo in northwest Greenland
Authors: Onuma Yukihiko , Takeuchi Nozomu , Tanaka Sota , Nagatsuka Naoko , Niwano Masashi , Aoki Teruo
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Surface albedo of snow and ice is substantially reduced
by inorganic impurities, such as aeolian mineral dust (MD) and black carbon
(BC), and also by organic impurities, such as microbes that live in the
snow. In this paper, we present the temporal changes of surface albedo, snow
grain size, MD, BC and snow algal cell concentration observed on a snowpack
in northwest Greenland during the ablation season of 2014 and our attempt to
reproduce the changes in albedo with a physically based snow albedo model.
We also attempt to reproduce the effects of inorganic impurities and the red
snow algae (Sanguina nivaloides) on albedo. Concentrations of MD and red snow algae in the
surface snow were found to increase in early August, while snow grain size
and BC were found to not significantly change throughout the ablation
season. Surface albedo was found to have decreased by 0.08 from late July to
early August. The albedo simulated by the model agreed with the albedo
observed during the study period. However, red snow algae exerted little
effect on surface albedo in early August. This is probably owing to the
abundance of smaller cells (4.9×104 cells L−1) when
compared with the cell abundance of red snow reported by previous studies in the
Arctic region (∼108 cells L−1). The simulation of
snow albedo until the end of the melting season, with a snow algae model,
revealed that the reduction in albedo attributed to red snow algae could
equal 0.004, out of a total reduction of 0.102 arising from the three
impurities on a snowpack in northwest Greenland. Finally, we conducted
scenario simulations using the snow albedo model, coupled with the snow
algae model, in order to simulate the possible effects of red snow blooming
on snow albedo under warm conditions in northwest Greenland. The result
suggests that albedo reduction by red snow algal growth under warm
conditions (surface snow temperature of +1.5 ∘C) reached 0.04,
equivalent to a radiative forcing of 7.5 W m−2 during the ablation
season of 2014. This coupled albedo model has the potential to dynamically
simulate snow albedo, including the effect of organic and inorganic
impurities, leading to proper estimates of the surface albedo of snow cover
in Greenland.
Un recorrido pedagógico por algunos programas de divulgación científica de la televisión en España
Authors: Grande-López Víctor
Published: June 2020

La televisión como medio de comunicación se ha acercado a la ciencia con la intención de aportar información rigurosa y relevante. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar algunos programas de divulgación científica de la televisión en España para que puedan emplearse como material audiovisual. Se efectúa una selección de programas de televisión que sirven como catálogo audiovisual para que puedan ser utilizados por los docentes. Desde una metodología cualitativa se desarrolla un análisis del conjunto de signos transmisores de mensajes emitidos a través del discurso audiovisual, se elabora una descripción y se procede a su clasificación en función de la tipología de programa científico según Lehmkuhl et al. (2012). Dicha propuesta está dirigida a la Educación Secundaria Obligatoria que comprende edades entre los doce y dieciséis años. Y finalmente, a través de la alfabetización científica, el alumnado se familiariza con el lenguaje científico, obtiene valores morales y adquiere un mayor interés por descubrir nuevos conocimientos.
Clinical Factors Associated With the Feeling of Incomplete Bladder Emptying in Women With Little Postvoided Residue
Authors: Lee Kwang Suk , Koo Kyo Chul
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the clinical factors associated with the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying in female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).Methods: Records were obtained from a prospectively maintained database for 353 female patients without a history of treatment for LUTS. Patients with comorbidities that may affect voiding function and with postvoid residual (PVR) volume >20 mL or PVR volume-to-bladder capacity ratio of >10% were excluded. Finally, 211 patients were eligible for the study.Results: Patients were stratified according to the severity of the feeling of incomplete emptying: non-severe group (n=147, 69.7%) and severe group (n=64, 30.3%). The severe group showed longer time to maximum flow rate (Qmax) and greater total overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS). No differences in age, PVR volume, and diagnosis of overactive bladder (OAB) were found between the 2 severity groups. Multivariable analysis identified the severity of the feeling of incomplete emptying to be significantly associated with time to Qmax and minimum volume of voids. Time to Qmax was identified as a significant predictor of severe symptoms in women with OAB. In addition, the feeling of incomplete emptying, total OABSS, and minimum volume of voids were significantly associated with quality of life.Conclusions: Female patients with the feeling of incomplete emptying who have insignificant PVR volume exhibited severe voiding symptoms and low quality of life. The treatment strategy should be focused on improving the minimum volume of voids and shortening the time to Qmax.
Imagens de referência e sua potência pedagógica no ensino de Artes Visuais
Authors: Brum Lucas Pacheco
Published: June 2020

O presente texto é um recorte da minha pesquisa de mestrado, desenvolvida no Programa de Pós-graduação em Arte – PPG-ARTE, da Universidade de Brasília – UnB.  O artigo trata sobre o conceito de imagens de referência, o qual está relacionado às imagens mais importantes e significativas dos/as estudantes que circulam em suas mídias sociais e que, de algum modo, produzem sentidos e influências em suas vidas cotidianas. A discussão realizada aqui é a respeito da formulação do conceito, bem como de sua potência pedagógica, para o processo de ensino/aprendizagem em Artes Visuais, tendo como bases teóricas as concepções da Cultura Visual e da Educação da Cultural Visual.
An Analysis of Implementing Total Quality Management in Education: Succes and Challenging Factors
Authors: Khurniawan Arie Wibowo , Sailah Illah , Muljono Pudji , Indriyanto Bambang , Maarif M. Syamsul
Published: June 2020

Quality of education nowadays isthe main concern for those who are involved and plunge into education. In recent years, TQM has been applied in the world of education to improve the quality of education since it is believed as an effective management philosophy for dynamic improvement, customer satisfaction, and organizational excellence. However, this notion has begun to be developed in the manufacturing sector. Therefore, this study used a qualitative approach through extensive literature to provide a better comprehension in implementing TQM in education. This research is expected to conclude the crucial factors supporting the successful implementation of TQM in education to reach the advantage of its application maximally. This paper also discussed the challenges faced in implementing TQM in education so that schools can take appropriate steps when actively implementing TQM in education. Besides, we explained about the implementation of TQM in Indonesia, particularly in vocational schools.
Environmental Perceptions of Primary School Fourth Grade Students
Authors: Peker Ramazan , Ceylan Salih
Published: June 2020

This study aims to identify environmental perceptions of primary school fourth grade students. The population of this study, which is designed as a descriptive survey model, consists of 97 male and 142 female 239 fourth grade students who are attending public primary schools in Kocaeli Province in the second term of 2018-2019 academic year. Data of research were evaluated by content analysis and descriptive analysis methods. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated by inter-rater reliability formula and Cohen’s Kappa Coefficient. According to the findings of the research, inter-rater reliability was high and acceptable in both statistics. Fourth grade students created 45 different and acceptable metaphors about the environment. These metaphors were analyzed in terms of their common features and were collected under 5 different conceptual categories. It was revealed that fourth grade students mostly referred to the environment with the metaphors of ‘Life’, ‘Home’, ‘Paradise’, and that students’ perceptions of the environment are related to a good world. The majority of students perceived the concept of ‘Environment’ as ‘Environment as Expression of Vitality’. As a result of research, in the process of teaching environmental issues, it can be said that emphasizing that ‘Environment as a Liveliness Expression’, factor of environment supporting the vitality can increase the rate of educational access on environmental issues.
The Impact of 8-Week Deceleration Training on Dynamic Balance Skills of Young Soccer Players
Authors: Akyuz Cem , Camliguney Asiye Filiz
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of deceleration training method on improving dynamic balance skills of young soccer players in comparison with the conventional training methods. This study included 26 young soccer players (mean age: 13.54±1.48, height: 154.98±12.44, weight: 46.16±11.06, Body Mass Index 18.96±2.21 kg/m2, fat percentile 18.22%±3.22). Thirteen players participated in the deceleration training group (DTG) group and thirteen players participated in the conventional training group (CTG). The training programs were executed on three nonconsecutive days in a week for a total of eight weeks. Y-balance tests were conducted both before and after the eight week training programs. The differences between the averages were analyzed with Wilcoxon, comparison between the groups were analyzed with Mann-Whitney-U post hoc analyses. There was no difference in left-right balance variation (p > 0.05) performance measurements between DTG and CTG before the exercise program. However, after the 8 week training programs, the performance measurements between DTG and CTG were significantly different (p < 0.05) and the dynamic balance skill development of the DTG were more advanced. Based on these results, the deceleration training method seems to be a more effective method in developing dynamic balance skills than conventional training methods.
Censo subacuático preliminar de peces asociados a fondos rocosos en el lago de Ilopango
Authors: Barraza José Enrique , Melara Verónica
Published: June 2020

Con el objetivo de registrar las especies de peces que habitan en fondos rocosos del lago de Ilopango, El Salvador, se realizaron seis censos subacuáticos mediante buceo, entre diciembre de 2018 a marzo de 2019. Los censos se hicieron principalmente en el área denominada Cerros Quemados, donde se establecieron dos transeptos de 50 m de longitud por dos de ancho aproximadamente, a 4-5 y 8-9 m de profundidad, en los que se registró la cantidad de especies observadas a ambos lados. Los resultados indicaron la dominancia numérica de Amatilania nigrofasciata, otras especies con mucha menor abundancia fueron: Astatheros macracanthus, Cichlasoma trimaculatum, Parachromis managuensis. Se considera que la metodología utilizada permitió la observación de especies asociadas a fondos rocosos durante el día; sin embargo, existen otros hábitats como vegetación sumergida (Hydrilla verticillata), flotante y fondos blandos que no se exploraron.
Las TIC como nexo cultural entre salvadoreños migrantes y su país
Authors: Carballo William
Published: June 2020

Las tecnologías están cambiando la forma en que los migrantes se relacionan con sus países. La diáspora salvadoreña, que suma 2.1 millones de personas solo en Estados Unidos, las ha utilizado para estar en contacto con sus familiares. Sin embargo, páginas web de radios y canales televisivos, los streaming y las redes sociales han propiciado procesos de hibridación cultural que complejizan la relación con su país de origen y con el que los recibió. A partir de una metodología mixta (cualitativa y cuantitativa) que implicó el uso de una encuesta y entrevistas a profundidad, la investigación presentada busca entender cómo esos procesos de identidad y transnacionalización de los salvadoreños residentes en Estados Unidos se reconfiguran a partir de su consumo de medios digitales. Los resultados sugieren que las TIC permiten a los migrantes ampliar el acceso a productos culturales salvadoreños, sobre todo noticias y música, lo que los ha vuelto actores importantes en los procesos de consumo, apropiación e incluso creación
Business Strategy and R&D Expenditures
Authors: Li Han
Published: June 2020

This research testifies that there is a positive relationship between business strategy and R&D expenditures based on the data from the listed firms in China. The paper also finds that the management myopic behaviour would make the firms reduce the R&D spending when the strategy score is in the higher level. Furthermore, the research shows the positive relationship between strategy and R&D expenditures still exits when the firms are SOEs and the firms have medium or high level of internal control quality. The result is robustness even after making the endogeneity tests.
Social Studies Teachers’ Homework Practices in Oman
Authors: Al-Maamari Saif
Published: June 2020

This study aims at discovering the homework practices of ten social studies teachers in basic education schools of the second cycle (grades 5-10) in Muscat governorate, Oman. The sample comprised of (10) teacher’ planning books (5 male teachers and 5 female teachers) distributed in ten schools. The researchers designed a check list for analyzing the planning books of teachers consists of four domains: the types of homework tasks, the levels of knowledge of homework according to Bloom's taxonomy, the resources required to answer homework tasks, and the nature of working on homework. Findings of the study showed that social studies teachers assigned conventional homeworks, which might not be consistent with new goals of social studies in Oman.
The Discourse Analysis of Discourse Information Function Features in Interest Contention of Business Dispute Settlement Courtroom Discourse: A Discourse Information Perspective
Authors: Guo Tingting
Published: June 2020

Interest contention constitutes the major concern of both conflicting litigants in the courtroom discourses concerning business dispute settlement. This paper, by analyzing the features of discourse information units, studies how the discourse information functions work in the interest contention of courtroom trials concerning business dispute settlement. The present study shows that discourse information functions in interest contention of business dispute settlement can be classified into four types. Based on the previous studies concerning discourse information functions (Du, 2009), the present study finds out another new type of discourse information function, namely, the compound category. Moreover, it can be found that the realization of different discourse information functions rely on the use of different information units in the interest contention of the disputing litigants.
Role of Focus Strategy in Performance of NHIF Accredited Hospitals in Kenya
Authors: Ochodo Grace K. A. , Oloko Margaret , Yabs John
Published: June 2020

The mandate of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) is to enable all Kenyans to access quality and affordable services. Consequently, NHIF accredited hospitals are positioned to facilitate the fulfilment of the said mandate, necessitating identification of competitive strategies employed by the hospitals for them to remain competitive. This study aimed at establishing the role of focus strategy on the performance of NHIF accredited hospitals within Kenya. A mixed research design was adopted based on non-experimental, descriptive and causal approaches taking into account both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The population of study comprised NHIF accredited hospitals with a bed capacity of 100 and above which stood at 150 hospitals as at July 2016. A sample of 109 hospitals was selected through stratified and convenient sampling techniques. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaires and interviewing schedules and administered to hospital administrators and CEO’s respectively of the sampled hospitals. Quantitative data collected from the questionnaires was analysed by the help of SPSS while the qualitative data from the CEOs was analysed using thematic content analysis. The results of the study revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the focus study and performance of hospitals based on the regression coefficient estimate found to be β= 0.646, P value of the coefficient estimate of the focus study which is less than 0.05 level of significance. The quantitative result was further validated by the CEOs responses that indicated that they focus on niche market that remained unexploited.
Board Independence and Earnings Management: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Lippolis Stella , Grimaldi Francesco
Published: June 2020

This research aims to analyze the relationship between the characteristics of the Board of Directors (BoD) and the effectiveness of the monitoring of earnings manipulation activities in family – controlled companies in Italy. In particular, specific hypotheses relating to the link between those aspects of the Board, that substantiate its independence, and earnings quality have been formulated to verify whether the mechanisms for monitoring management activity are less effective in these companies.

This study applies a univariate and multivariate methods on a sample of Italian listed company over the period 2014-2016.  Earnings management is defined by the proxy of abnormal working capital accrual (AWCA) estimed model according to DeFond and Park (2001). Proxies for corporate governance mechanism are the board size, the level of board independence, the CEO non-duality and the interaction between the last two variables.

The research shows that independent directors are not, as in other contexts, a factor that contributes to earnings quality, in the same way that the separation of the offices of Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief executive Officer (CEO) does not appear to be relevant to this end.

The study aims to provide a double contribution. First, the research represents one of the few studies concerning the Italian context with its peculiarities, taking into consideration the earnings management issue in companies with a high concentration of family ownership.

Secondly, this study aims to further stimulate the debate on the most effective features of structure and composition of the BoD in family-controlled companies: specifically, the conclusions could lead to a reconsideration of the validity of certain characters of the boards that defines independence.
Het concordantiebeginsel en het internationaal privaatrecht van Aruba, Curaçao en Sint Maarten
Authors: Snel M.V.R.
Published: June 2020

Het concordantiebeginsel en het internationaal privaatrecht van Aruba, Curaçao en Sint Maarten

Aruba, Curaçao en Sint Maarten kennen, anders dan Nederland, geen uitgebreid stelsel van geschreven regels van commuun internationaal privaatrecht. In deze bijdrage wordt onderzocht in hoeverre de Caribische rechtspraktijk bij het in Nederland geldend commuun internationaal privaatrecht te rade kan, mag of moet gaan om de leemtes in de eigen rechtsorde op te vullen.
‘Private enforcement’ van nalatigheid bij financieel-economische criminaliteit
Authors: Erkens F.J.
Published: June 2020

‘Private enforcement’ van nalatigheid bij financieel-economische criminaliteit

Nederland heeft, net als ieder ander land, groot belang bij goed werkende, gereguleerde handelsplatformen. De aantrekkelijkheid van handelsplatformen is mede afhankelijk van de kwaliteit van ‘public and private enforcement’ en juridische mogelijkheden om geschillen te beslechten. De afgelopen periode hebben grote Nederlandse ondernemingen de voorpagina’s van de kranten gehaald door hun (mogelijke) betrokkenheid bij financieel-economische criminaliteit. In deze bijdrage wordt de vraag beantwoord of ‘private enforcement’ van financieel-economische criminaliteit bij ondernemingen wel voldoende resultaat kan opleveren om effectief te zijn en om benadeelde partijen te ondersteunen bij het verhalen van hun schade.
Religión y nación en la Argentina. La problemática construcción del mito del país católico
Authors: Di Stefano Roberto
Published: June 2020

Este artículo ofrece una lectura general de los cambios que sufrió el vínculo conceptual entre nacionalidad argentina y catolicismo a través del análisis de la relación entre el lugar que ocupó la Iglesia en la vida pública y los discursos sobre el pasado que propusieron los católicos. Se detiene en tres momentos históricos: la segunda mitad del siglo XIX, el Centenario de la Revolución de independencia en 1910 y el primer gobierno peronista (1946-1952). Intenta mostrar que la lectura de la historia argentina que los católicos elaboraron en ese último contexto fue el fundamento ideológico de un proyecto de confesionalización del Estado que proponía la restricción de los derechos políticos, civiles y religiosos de que gozaban los no católicos.
Development of 100 μmol mol−1 Cl2 Standard Gas Mixture for Accurate Calibration of Ambient Cl2 Sensors and Stack Emission Monitors
Authors: Jung Jinsang , Kim ByungMoon , Oh Sanghyub
Published: June 2020

To accurately measure Cl2 mixing ratio using stack emission monitors and leak monitoring sensors in a workplace, it is essential calibrating monitors and sensors periodically using a Cl2 standard gas mixture. Because there is no reliable analytical technique for Cl2, an international standard for high-pressure Cl2 gas mixtures has not been established. A novel approach for the quantification of Cl2 was developed using quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) with an expanded uncertainty of 0.7 μmol mol−1. A 100 μmol mol−1 chlorine (Cl2)/N2 gas mixture was produced through a two-step procedure involving dilution of Cl2 with N2 in high-pressure aluminum cylinders. To check the consistency between 100 μmol mol−1 Cl2 gas mixtures in different cylinders, Cl2 gas mixtures were quantified using the QMS based approach. It was found that four cylinders of 100 μmol mol−1 Cl2 gas mixtures prepared in 2016 agreed within 0.7 μmol mol−1. The long-term stability of 100 μmol mol−1 Cl2 gas mixtures was assessed through changes in the Cl2 mixing ratio over a one-year. It was found that the 100 μmol mol−1 Cl2 gas mixture was stable within ±0.7 μmol mol−1 over one year. Finally, 100 μmol mol−1 Cl2/N2 gas mixture was successfully developed in a high pressure cylinder with an expanded uncertainty of 2.0 μmol mol−1 (k = 2; 95% confidence level).
In vitro release studies of furosemide reference tablets: influence of agitation rate, USP apparatus and dissolution media
Authors: Medina-López Raúl , Guillén-Moedano Sergio , Hurtado Marcela
Published: June 2020

Furosemide is a diuretic drug widely used in chronic renal failure. The drug has low solubility and permeability, which cause clinical problems. Studying the in vitro release performance elucidates the rate and extent of drug dissolved from dosage forms under different conditions. Furosemide reference tablets were tested using USP Apparatuses 1 and 2 as well as the flow-through cell method (USP Apparatus 4), a dissolution apparatus that simulates the human gastrointestinal tract better than the other methods. Dissolution profiles were created with USP Apparatuses 1 and 2 at 25, 50, and 75 rpm and 900 mL of 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, acetate buffer (pH 4.5), and phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). USP Apparatus 4 with a laminar flow of 16 mL/min and 22.6 mm cells was used. Drug dissolution was quantified at 274 nm for 60 min. Mean dissolution time, dissolution efficiency, time to 50 % dissolution, and time to 80 % dissolution data were used to compare dissolution profiles. Additionally, zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, Hixson-Crowell, Makoid-Banakar, and Weibull models were used to adjust furosemide dissolution data. Between USP Apparatus 1 and 2, significant differences were observed in almost all parameters at 50 and 75 rpm (p < 0.05). A similar dissolution profile (f2 > 50) with a pharmacopoeial dissolution method (USP Apparatus 2 at 50 rpm and 900 mL of phosphate buffer pH 5.8) and USP Apparatus 4 (laminar flow of 16 mL/min, 22.6 mm cells, and pH 6.8) was observed. The Weibull function was the best mathematical model to describe the in vitro release performance of furosemide in the three USP dissolution apparatuses. These results could be used to manufacture better furosemide dosage forms and decrease the negative clinical impact of current furosemide formulations.
Consumer Facing Artificial Intelligence Challenges in the Insurance Market
Authors: Łańcucki Jerzy
Published: June 2020

The Polish Insurance Distribution Act implementing the IDD Directive imposed on all insurance distributors a duty to ascertain customers’ demands and needs on the basis of information obtained from them. Legal doctrine holds that the distributor shall not refuse to conclude the insurance contract if the customer does not provide relevant information. Some authors claim that the refusal to provide a distributor with relevant information is tantamount to the customer’s waiver of demands and needs analysis. The article criticises not only this viewpoint but also practices developed by some insurance distributors who persuade their clients to sign the standard waiver form. According to the author, distributors should explain to their clients the importance of the demand and needs test rather than try to release themselves from the obligation to carry out such an analysis. In the author’s opinion, the refusal to provide the distributor with certain information may release him from the liability for failing to ensure that the insurance contract meets the customer’s demands and needs only in respect of this particular piece of information. Persuading the client to sign the standard waiver form without trying to elicit the relevant information should be treated as contrary to law or principles of social coexistence (good commercial practices). In such a situation, the client’s signature will not produce any legal effects.
On Waiver of Demands and Needs Analysis in Insurance Distribution
Authors: Kucharski Bartosz
Published: June 2020

The Polish Insurance Distribution Act implementing the IDD Directive imposed on all insurance distributors a duty to ascertain customers’ demands and needs on the basis of information obtained from them. Legal doctrine holds that the distributor shall not refuse to conclude the insurance contract if the customer does not provide relevant information. Some authors claim that the refusal to provide a distributor with relevant information is tantamount to the customer’s waiver of demands and needs analysis. The article criticises not only this viewpoint but also practices developed by some insurance distributors who persuade their clients to sign the standard waiver form. According to the author, distributors should explain to their clients the importance of the demand and needs test rather than try to release themselves from the obligation to carry out such an analysis. In the author’s opinion, the refusal to provide the distributor with certain information may release him from the liability for failing to ensure that the insurance contract meets the customer’s demands and needs only in respect of this particular piece of information. Persuading the client to sign the standard waiver form without trying to elicit the relevant information should be treated as contrary to law or principles of social coexistence (good commercial practices). In such a situation, the client’s signature will not produce any legal effects.
Preventive Duties under Private and Public Law scilicet spei permultum sed rei paulum
Authors: Fuchs Dariusz
Published: June 2020

The article aims at discussing preventive obligations incumbent on the insurer and other entities of the insurance relationship, in particular on the policyholder. The analysis takes into account comparative legal aspects, and therefore refers to the Principles of European Insurance Contract Law (PEICL). The author emphasizes the evolution of the provision of Article 826 of the Civil Code, which has changed his views on the scope of the preventive obligation under insurance contract. He points out the possible differences of interpretation as to the scope of the prevention as well as the issue of the insurer's reimbursement of costs due to its implementation by the policyholder. What is more, the relationship between public and private law standards has been presented, with a particular focus on Article 826 of the Civil Code. Finally, de lege ferenda conclusions have been presented.
Education Through Play
Authors: Szymaniak Jadwiga
Published: June 2020

In the article the autor focuses on the educational nature of fun, not only during lessons, but also sports exercises. The autor refers to the principles of positive pedagogy and pedagogy of experience.
Fake news. Distortions and Manipulations as a Threat to Democracy. The Role of the School
Authors: Szymaniak Jadwiga
Published: June 2020

Young people are growing up to democracy. The trend of carelessness und untruth, sometimes also visible at school, is not conductive to this. That is why it is necessary to teach wise adoption, conscious participa-tion and verification of distortions. An active polemic with manipulation is needed, which requires reliable knowledge from teachers and creating space for student’s activity. Such forms of work as organizing meetings with witnesses of history, cooperation with the press and its systematic, critical learning, enabling various forms of self-education may be useful. The Polish constitution, the broadcasting act, as well as the convention on the rights of the child impose an obligation to protect adolescents against harmful content.
Kashubian National Awareness – Selected Issues
Authors: Sommer Hanna , Sommer Hubert , Zakrzewski Grzegorz
Published: June 2020

The Kashubian community is recently experiencing some sort of re-vival. This group, which is recognized outside Poland as Polonia, lives in the Pomeranian Voivodship. Kashubians didn’t dissociate themselves from Polish society, they are still an integral part of it, so they are also affected by the same problems as Poles.
This article is an attempt to find an answer to the question of the im-portance of tradition for the survival and development of the only such community in Poland. In Kashubia – just like in the rest of Poland – the definition of national identity creates many difficulties. For centuries, culture and religion defined the national affiliation. And what is it like today? The authors of this article are trying to answer this question by examining selected issues, which in their opinion, are the most impor-tant. No position has been taken whether we are facing the process of changing the definition of national identity (for example due to cultural globalization, especially mass culture), the unification and accelerated social changes, among both large and small societies, whose identity is at risk. The presented research results illustrate only selected factors affect-ing the daily life of Kashubians, eg: who they are, how they perceive themselves, how they define Kashubian identity.
Health security of Poles
Authors: Czuba Beata
Published: June 2020

In recent years, the sense of security of Poles in various areas of life has increased, but this does not apply to health security. The aim of the article is to answer the question: How has the sense of health security of Poles changed in the last decade? The subject of the analysis are the results of the research conducted by the Centre for Social Opinion Research and data from the Central Statistical Office, relating to social security and health security, in the perspective of the last dozen or so years.
Development trends in armored weaponry
Authors: Kunz Adam
Published: June 2020

The article presents the current state and the directions of development of contemporary tanks. Trends in the development of armored weaponry as a structure were considered in four areas: firepower, mobility, protection and situational awareness of the crew. Examples of combat vehicles used in various armies of the world and their upgrading and planned construction works were described herein. Combat vehicles used in the German, Israeli, Russian and Polish armies were assumed to be the most representative for the purpose of this study. An attempt has also been made to assess the adopted and planned technical solutions.
Air security of NATO’s eastern flank: threats and challenges
Authors: Michalski Daniel , Bernat Paweł
Published: June 2020

The focal point of the paper is to assess the air security on the NATO’s eastern flank in the context of the dynamic changes that have occurred in its immediate vicinity. The authors, beginning with an overview of the current framework of the air security situation in the region, have analysed the developments that have taken place in that regard. The modernisation of missile systems, as well as air and space forces by the Russian Federation, both in qualitative and quantitative terms, have been the subject of thorough scrutiny. The challenges generated by the new situation have been weighed against the current and future NATO’s defence capabilities against air threats.
The Effect of Varieties of Capitalism on the Relationship of Institutional Gearing and Economic Growth
Authors: Borges Marisol , Saucedo-Acosta Edgar Juan , Diaz-Pedroza Jesús
Published: June 2020

The ways the firm solves coordination problems with the different stakeholders (or the varieties of capitalism of nations) affect economic performance. Institutional gearing is one of the main determinants of economic growth. Nevertheless, there are no studies that analyse the effect of varieties of capitalism on the relationship of institutional gearing and economic growth. The objective of the paper is to estimate the effect of the variety of capitalism on the relationship between the institutional gearing index and other macroeconomic control variables on the GDP per capita in a group of developed and developing countries. To do that 3 panel data models were estimated: one with fixed effects and two with random effects, for 31 countries for the period 2011-2015. We used 16 Coordinated Market Economies and Liberal Market Economies and 15 Hierarchical Market Economies. The results showed the varieties of capitalism affect the relationship between institutional gearing and economic growth. In the Coordinated Market Economies and Liberal Market Economies this effect is higher than in Hierarchical Market Economies. Governments of Hierarchical Market Economies should not only apply public policies to build functional institutions, but also encourage the positive complementarities among them.
Wage Level as One of the Most Important Indicators of the Quantitative Aspect of the Standard of Living of the Population and Selected Indicators of Economic Maturity in OECD Member Countries
Authors: Bílková Diana
Published: June 2020

The present paper focuses on the comparison of wage levels across OECD countries, the research data coming from an official OECD website. The following eight variables are employed in this study – the average wage, minimum wage, GDP per capita, tertiary education attainment, employment ratio, trade unions, labour productivity and inflation rate. The average wage represents the main explained variable in regression and correlation analysis, the remaining seven variables being used as potential explanatory ones. In order to compare living standards in different countries, average and minimum wages as well as per capita GDP data were adjusted to relative purchasing power parity. The principal objective was to identify which explanatory variables statistically significantly affect the average wage. The analysis showed that only three of them – namely the employment ratio, GDP per capita and labour productivity – have a significant effect at a 5% statistical level. The regression hyperplane with a forward stepwise selection was applied. Nine clusters of OECD countries were created based on both all the eight variables and four of them selected in regression analysis (the average wage and three explanatory ones) with the aim to identify the countries that coexist in the same cluster. Ward's method and Euclidean distance are utilized in cluster analysis, the number of clusters being determined with the use of the Dunn index. The study also aims at the prediction of the average wage by 2022, which was made via exponential smoothing of time series. (The greatest purchasing power is reported by Luxembourg, Switzerland, Iceland, the U.S., the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Austria, the highest average wage growth rate by 2022 being expected in the Baltic and some other post-communist countries.)