Perceptual mapping of practical ethics along the value chain: A multiple correspondence analysis with industry and cultural indices as supplementary variables

This paper presents findings from a study investigating a firm’s ethical practices along the value chain. In so doing we attempt to better understand potential relationships between a firm’s ethical stance with its customers and those of its suppliers within a supply chain and identify particular sectoral and cultural influences that might impinge on this. Drawing upon a database comprising of 667 industrial firms from 27 different countries, we found that ethical practices begin with the firm’s relationship with its customers, the characteristics of which then influence the ethical stance with the firm’s suppliers within the supply chain. Importantly, market structure along with some key cultural characteristics were also found to exert significant influence on the implementation of ethical policies in these firms.Practical Ethics, Value Chain, Multiple Correspondence Analysis

Diseño de un sistema de monitoreo de modos de falla para transformadores de tipo poste, empleados en la red de distribución de la Región Huetar (Caribe) del ICE (Cóncavas)

Proyecto de Graduación (Licenciatura en Mantenimiento Industrial) Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Escuela de Ingeniería Electromecánica, 2021La red de distribución eléctrica conforma una parte medular en lo que concierne al negocio de producción y transmisión eléctrica, principalmente para el Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad que se encarga de abastecer a un 77.5% del territorio nacional de Costa Rica. Con el fin de evaluar los distintos componentes de la red de distribución se realiza un análisis de modo de falla, efectos y criticidad, con datos de averías brindados por el ICE de los últimos 5 años. En este análisis se evidencia que el elemento con mayor número de criticidad es el transformador y la principal causa de falla corresponde a las sobrecargas del elemento. El proyecto se enfoca en el desarrollo de un sistema de monitoreo de la condición de sobrecarga del transformador, por medio del desarrollo de un sistema electrónico capaz de sensar y procesar las respectivas variables eléctricas por medio de un microcontrolador, el cual se encarga de evaluarlas con mecanismos de lógica difusa programados con los parámetros establecidos en la norma IEC 60076-2. Las alertas de condición se activan en el momento que la carga supere los valores permisibles según dicha norma. El funcionamiento tanto del sistema de lógica difusa como del dispositivo son puestos a prueba. Primeramente, los valores sensados son comparados con las mediciones registradas por instrumentos de laboratorio, una vez calibrados y verificados los parámetros captados, se establecen distintos valores de entrada simulando varias condiciones de sobrecarga aleatorias con el fin de evaluar y comparar con el algoritmo de lógica difusa programado en Fuzzy Logic Desing de Matlab que permiten corroborar el adecuado funcionamiento del procesamiento del microcontrolador. A su vez las mismas variables aleatorias son evaluadas de forma manual en el gráfico propuesto por la norma IEC 60076-2, dando como resultado que el sistema proporciona una condición fiel a los modelos propuesto por esta norma. Ya corroborado el funcionamiento del dispositivo es instalado en un transformador en operación en la red de distribución del ICE durante un periodo de 7 días, almacenando los datos en la memoria SD. A partir de estos datos se elaboraron gráficas del comportamiento del transformador y se captaron tres eventos de sobrecarga los cuales se mantuvieron dentro de los límites permitidos. Una vez conformado el sistema, se analiza financieramente su viabilidad, contemplando la disminución de costos correspondientes a fallas relacionadas con la sobrecarga en transformadores, resultando un proyecto viable para la institución, recuperando la inversión en tres años y medio.The electric power distribution forms a core part of the electricity production and transmission business, mainly for the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), which is in charge for supplying electricity to 77,5 % of the Costa Rican territory. To evaluate the different components of the distribution system, an analysis of failure mode, effects and criticality is carried out, with failure data provided by ICE in the last 5 years. This analysis shows that the most critically element is the distribution transformer, and the main cause of failure are overloads. The project focuses on the development for a transformer overload condition monitoring system, through the development of an electronic device capable of sensing and processing electrical variables by a microcontroller, which oversees evaluating them with fuzzy logic mechanisms that are programmed with parameters established in the standard IEC 60076-2. The condition alerts are activated when the transformer’s load exceeds allowable values according to this standard. The functioning of both the fuzzy logic system and the device are put to test. First, the sensed values are compared with measurements obtained by laboratory instruments, and once the parameters are calibrated and verified, different input values are established simulating random overload conditions with the purpose of evaluating and compare with a fuzzy logic algorithm programmed in MatLab’s Fuzzy Logic Design the proper functioning of the microcontroller processing. In other hand, the same random variables are evaluated manually based on the graph proposed by the IEC 60076-2. As a result, the system provides a faithful model based on the standard. Once the operation of the device has been confirmed, it is installed in an operating transformer in ICE’s electric power distribution for 7 days, storing data in a SD memory. Based on the data, graphs of the behavior of the transformer were elaborated and three overload events were capture, which were kept in the allowed limits. To conclude the project, the device viability is financially analyzed, considering the reduction of the failures related with transformer’s overload. As a result, the project is viable for the institution, recovering the investment in three and a half years

Nuevos registros de abejas megachilidas (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) para Colombia

The bee family Megachilidae consists of solitary species, some of which are important pollinators of cultivated plants. Although literature records indicate the existence of about 50 species of 10 genera of megachilid bees in Colombia, taxonomic studies are lacking and thus limited information is available on their identity as well as their distribution in the country. Herein, we provide new geographical records for the following ten species: Anthidium sanguinicaudum Schwarz, Chelostomoides otomita (Cresson), Hoplostelis bilineolata (Spinola), Megachile amparo Gonzalez, M. kalina Gonzalez et al., M. lorenziensis Mitchell, M. moderata Smith, M. simillima Smith, Pseudomegachile lanata (Fabricius), and Stelis costaricensis Friese. We report M. kalina for the first time for the country.Las abejas de la familia Megachilidae son especies solitarias, algunas de ellas importantes polinizadores de cultivos. Aunque en la literatura se registran cerca de 50 especies de 10 géneros de abejas megachilidas en Colombia, faltan estudios taxonómicos y, por lo tanto, se dispone de información limitada sobre la identidad y la distribución de este grupo en el país. En este trabajo proporcionamos nuevos registros geográficos para 10 especies poco conocidas [Anthidium sanguinicaudum Schwarz, Chelostomoides otomita (Cresson), Hoplostelis bilineolata (Spinola), Megachile amparo Gonzalez, M. kalina Gonzalez et al., M. lorenziensis Mitchell, M. moderata Smith, M. simillima Smith, Pseudomegachile lanata (Fabricius), y Stelis costaricensis Friese]. Megachile kalina se registra por primera vez para Colombia

EFFECT OF NECTAR-FORAGING ANTS AND WASPS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE FITNESS OF TURNERA ULMIFOLIA (TURNERACEAE) IN A COASTAL SAND DUNE IN MEXICO

We evaluated over two years the effect of different ant species on the reproductive fitness (estimated as end-of-season fruit set per treatment) of Turnera ulmifolia. Research was done on a sand dune matorral located on the coast of Veracruz, México. The results show that (i) plants associated with the larger ant species (Camponotus abdominalis) produced more fruits than plants associated with the smaller ant species, and (ii) plants associated with ants were subject to lower levels of herbivory, than plants without ants. Consequently, ant presence is not synonymous of plant protection, and the level of protection by ants will depend on the size of the worker ants in a guild of ant visitors. Moreover, when ants were excluded, wasps and bees increased their visits, exerting a higher level of protection than that offered by the smaller ant species. However, the differential effect of wasps needs further attention.Evaluamos durante dos años el efecto de diferentes especies de hormigas sobre el éxito reproductivo (estimado como número total de frutos por temporada) de Turnera ulmifolia. El estudio se llevó a cabo en el matorral de duna costera en la costa central del estado de Veracruz, México. Los resultados muestran que (i) plantas asociadas con la especie de hormiga más grande (Camponotus abdominalis) produjeron más frutos que plantas asociadas con las especies de hormiga más pequeñas, y (ii) plantas asociadas con las hormigas sufrieron niveles de herbivoría menores, que plantas sin hormigas. Consequentemente, la presencia de hormigas no es sinónimo de protección para una planta, y el nivel de protección por hormigas dependerá del tamaño de las hormigas obreras en un gremio de hormigas visitantes. Más aún, cuando se excluyeron a las hormigas, aumentaron las visitas de avispas y abejas, las que efectuaron un nivel de protección mayor que aquel ofrecido por las especies pequeñas de hormigas. Sin embargo, el efecto diferencial de las avispas requiere atención futura

Disentangling the excitation conditions of the dense gas in M17 SW

We probe the chemical and energetic conditions in dense gas created by radiative feedback through observations of multiple CO, HCN and HCO$^+$ transitions toward the dense core of M17 SW. We used the dual band receiver GREAT on board the SOFIA airborne telescope to obtain maps of the $J=16-15$, $J=12-11$, and $J=11-10$ transitions of $^{12}$CO. We compare these maps with corresponding APEX and IRAM 30m telescope data for low- and mid-$J$ CO, HCN and HCO$^+$ emission lines, including maps of the HCN $J=8-7$ and HCO$^+$ $J=9-8$ transitions. The excitation conditions of $^{12}$CO, HCO$^+$ and HCN are estimated with a two-phase non-LTE radiative transfer model of the line spectral energy distributions (LSEDs) at four selected positions. The energy balance at these positions is also studied. We obtained extensive LSEDs for the CO, HCN and HCO$^+$ molecules toward M17 SW. The LSED shape, particularly the high-$J$ tail of the CO lines observed with SOFIA/GREAT, is distinctive for the underlying excitation conditions. The critical magnetic field criterion implies that the cold cloudlets at two positions are partially controlled by processes that create and dissipate internal motions. Supersonic but sub-Alfv\'enic velocities in the cold component at most selected positions indicates that internal motions are likely MHD waves. Magnetic pressure dominates thermal pressure in both gas components at all selected positions, assuming random orientation of the magnetic field. The magnetic pressure of a constant magnetic field throughout all the gas phases can support the total internal pressure of the cold components, but it cannot support the internal pressure of the warm components. If the magnetic field scales as $B \propto n^{2/3}$, then the evolution of the cold cloudlets at two selected positions, and the warm cloudlets at all selected positions, will be determined by ambipolar diffusion.Comment: 26 pages, 13 figures, A&A accepte

Avaliação da interação de citral, geraniol e timol no ácaro-vermelho-das-aves Dermanyssus gallinae (DE GEER, 1778) em condições in vitro

The control of Dermanyssus gallinae in small productions of laying hens is carried out by using chemical methods. However, its indiscriminate use has generated resistance and environmental pollution problems. This problem has encouraged the use of natural substances to control mites. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the acaricidal activity of the bioactive citral (Ci), geraniol (Ge) and thymol (Thy) on D. gallinae under in vitro conditions using six concentrations (0.05, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5g/mL). In addition, the interactions of the mixtures of the three bioactive were evaluated through binary (1:1) and tertiary (1:1:1) combinations. The interaction between of the combination of bioactive was performed by using CompuSyn software and calculating the combination index (CI). LC50, LC90, and LC99 with 95% confidence limits were estimated by Probit analysis. The bioactive Ci, Ge and Thy show acaricidal activity on the poultry red mite. The combination of Ge:Thy and Ci:Ge showed very strong synergism with CI of 0.084 and 0.052, whereas Ci:Thy showed strong synergism with CI of 0.122 at a concentration of 0.05g/mL. The tertiary combination in 1:1:1 showed a higher toxic effect and strong synergistic effects at low concentrations with 100% mortality at 1g/mL concentration with a CI of 0.147. The combination of natural bioactive could be an additional way to control D. gallinae without putting the welfare of the birds at risk and would be an environmentally friendly measure.    O controle de Dermanyssus gallinae em pequenas produções de poedeiras é realizado por métodos químicos. No entanto, seu uso indiscriminado tem gerado problemas de resistência e poluição ambiental. Este problema tem incentivado o uso de substâncias naturais para o controle de ácaros. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade acaricida dos bioativos citral (Ci), geraniol (Ge) e timol (Thy) sobre D. gallinae em condições in vitro utilizando seis concentrações (0,05, 1, 2, 3, 4 e 5g/mL). Além disso, as interações das misturas dos três bioativos foram avaliadas por meio de combinações binárias (1:1) e terciárias (1:1:1). O sinergismo da combinação dos bioativos foi realizado utilizando o software CompuSyn e calculando o índice de combinação (CI). LC50, LC90 e LC99 com limites de confiança de 95% foram estimados por análise Probit. Os bioativos Ci, Ge e Thy apresentam atividade acaricida sobre o ácaro-vermelho-da-aves. A combinação de Ge:Thy e Ci:Ge apresentou sinergismo muito forte com CI de 0,084 e 0,052, enquanto Ci:Thy apresentou forte sinergismo com CI de 0,122 na concentração de 0,05g/mL. A combinação terciária em 1:1:1 apresentou maior efeito tóxico e fortes efeitos sinérgicos em baixas concentrações com 100% de mortalidade em concentração de 1g/mL com CI de 0,147. A combinação de bioativos naturais poderia ser uma forma adicional de controle de D. gallinae sem colocar em risco o bem-estar das aves e seria uma medida ecologicamente correta

Comparison of 3D scan matching techniques for autonomous robot navigation in urban and agricultural environments

Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is the standard solution for solving the localization problem in outdoor environments, but its signal might be lost when driving in dense urban areas or in the presence of heavy vegetation or overhanging canopies. Hence, there is a need for alternative or complementary localization methods for autonomous driving. In recent years, exteroceptive sensors have gained much attention due to significant improvements in accuracy and cost-effectiveness, especially for 3D range sensors. By registering two successive 3D scans, known as scan matching, it is possible to estimate the pose of a vehicle. This work aims to provide in-depth analysis and comparison of the state-of-the-art 3D scan matching approaches as a solution to the localization problem of autonomous vehicles. Eight techniques (deterministic and probabilistic) are investigated: iterative closest point (with three different embodiments), normal distribution transform, coherent point drift, Gaussian mixture model, support vector-parametrized Gaussian mixture and the particle filter implementation. They are demonstrated in long path trials in both urban and agricultural environments and compared in terms of accuracy and consistency. On the one hand, most of the techniques can be successfully used in urban scenarios with the probabilistic approaches that show the best accuracy. On the other hand, agricultural settings have proved to be more challenging with significant errors even in short distance trials due to the presence of featureless natural objects. The results and discussion of this work will provide a guide for selecting the most suitable method and will encourage building of improvements on the identified limitations.This project has been supported by the National Agency of Research and Development (ANID, ex-Conicyt) under Fondecyt grant 1201319, Basal grant FB0008, DGIIP-UTFSM Chile, National Agency for Research and Development (ANID)/PCHA/Doctorado Nacional/2020-21200700, Secretaria d’Universitats i Recerca del Departament d’Empresa i Coneixement de la Generalitat de Catalunya (grant 2017 SGR 646), the Span ish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (project RTI2018- 094222-B-I00) for partially funding this research. The Spanish Ministry of Education is thanked for Mr. J. Gene’s pre-doctoral fellowships (FPU15/03355). We would also like to thank Nufri (especially Santiago Salamero and Oriol Morreres) for their support during data acquisitio

Evaluation of Fattening Efficiency of Grazing Bulls through Panel Data Envelop Analysis

The purpose of this paper was to assess fattening efficiency changes in grazing bulls, using panel data envelop analysis in two periods of time. The panel data were compiled by DEAP 2.1, which included the results of a 3-year period from 38 private farms (beef farms) in cooperatives of credits and services. The farms were on prairie savannahs, located on 21.4831 latitude, and -77.3174 longitude, less than 300 meters above sea level, province of Camagüey, mideastern Cuba. The output variable was total sold kg (TSKG), and the input variables were cost of Norgold (CN), fuel kg per ha (FKGXHA), fuel kg per livestock unit (FKGXLU), and unit of human labor force (UHL), which were highly correlated to the output variable. Table 2 shows that technical efficiency (TE), pure efficiency (PEC), and scale sufficiency (SEC), underwent 0.2%, 0.4, and 0.5%, respectively, by the third year of fattening. Technological change (TC) between the second and third years rose to almost 14%, and the total productivity factor (TPF) spiked as farmers became more skilled and experienced, with a 4.9% increase in comparison to the first year, and 13.7% in the second year

Markovian Chemicals “in silico” Design (MARCH-INSIDE), a Promising Approach for Computer-Aided Molecular Design III: 2.5D Indices for the Discovery of Antibacterials

The 9th International Electronic Conference on Synthetic Organic Chemistry session Computational ChemistryThe present work continues our series on the use of MARCH-INSIDE molecular descriptors [parts I and II: J. Mol. Mod. (2002) 8: 237-245 and (2003) 9: 395-407]. These descriptors encode information regarding to the distribution of electrons in the molecule based on a simple stochastic approach to the idea of electronegativity equalization (Sanderson’s principle). Here, 3D-MARCH-INSIDE molecular descriptors for 667 organic compounds are used as input for a Linear Discriminant Analysis. This 2.5D-QSAR model discriminates between antibacterial compounds and non-antibacterial ones with a 92.9 % of accuracy in training sets. On the other hand, the model classifies correctly 94.0 % of the compounds in test set. Additionally, the present QSAR performs similar-to-better than other methods reported elsewhere. Finally, the discovery of a novel compound illustrates the use of the method. This compound, 2-bromo-3-(furan-2-yl)-3-oxo-propionamide have MIC50 of 6.25 and 12.50 µg/mL against Ps. Aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and E. Coli ATCC 27853 respectively while ampicillim, amoxicillim, clindamycin, and metronidazole have, for instance, MIC50 values higher 250 µg/mL against E. Coli. Consequently, the present method may becomes a useful tool for the in silico discovery of antibacterialsWe thank the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology (SAF2003-02222), for partial financial support. Molina RR, Castañedo C, and Almeida SM, acknowledges support from the Universität Rostock, German

Follicle Wave and Natural Estrus Synchronization Superovulation in Holstein Cows.

The effects of two superovulation protocols were compared (synchronization of the follicle wave SFW and natural estrus  NE) in embryos collected from Holstein cows. Twenty cows were chosen as donors, body condition of 2.75  -3.5; between 40 and 60 months, with normal cycles and no breeding problems. The cows were randomly assigned to SFW treatment (n=10), and the NE treatment (n=10). The SFW group was synchronized with intravaginal progester-one plus estradiol  benzoate, on day 0, and increasing doses  of FSH for 4 days, twice a day, from  the 4th on. The im-plant was removed on the 6thday, and prostaglandin was applied. On the 8th day, insemination was made at 6 am and 6 pm. The NE group received  increasing doses of FSH twice a day, during 4 days, from the 10th day. On the 12th day prostaglandin was administered, and insemination took place on the 14th day, at 6 am and 6 pm.  The em-bryos were recovered from the two groups without surgery, 7 days after the first artificial insemination. The values of embryos for transference were 5.7 + 0.76 and 2.8 + 0.31 (P < 0.05) for SFW and NE, respectively