A free-energy stable nodal discontinuous Galerkin approximation with summation-by-parts property for the Cahn-Hilliard equation

We present a nodal Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) scheme for the Cahn-Hilliard equation that satisfies the summation-by-parts simultaneous-approximation-term (SBP-SAT) property. The latter permits us to show that the discrete free-energy is bounded, and as a result, the scheme is provably stable. The scheme and the stability proof are presented for general curvilinear three-dimensional hexahedral meshes. We use the Bassi-Rebay 1 (BR1) scheme to compute interface fluxes, and an IMplicit-EXplicit (IMEX) scheme to integrate in time. Lastly, we test the theoretical findings numerically and present examples for two and three-dimensional problems

Evaluación de capacidades para testificar en víctimas con discapacidad intelectual

ResumenLas habilidades para testificar de las víctimas con discapacidad intelectual (DI) suelen ser consideradas de acuerdo con estereotipos más que con su realidad, teniendo en cuenta que se observa una gran heterogeneidad en este colectivo. Por ello es necesario un procedimiento que permita conocer específicamente las características cognitivas de cada víctima con DI con el fin último de adaptar los procedimientos policiales y judiciales a sus capacidades y evaluar adecuadamente la información que aportan en sus testimonios. Con este objetivo se desarrolló el protocolo de entrevista CAPALIST, que evalúa las capacidades cognitivas que intervendrían en la aportación de testimonio. En el presente trabajo se describe la herramienta y se aportan datos sobre su aplicación a cuatro víctimas reales de abuso sexual con DI. Los resultados muestran mínimas diferencias en los acuerdos interjueces. Se concluye que el CAPALIST podría ser de utilidad en la evaluación de las habilidades para testificar en víctimas con DI.AbstractThe ability to testify in victims with intellectual disabilities is commonly based on stereotypes, rather than on its reality–there is a big heterogeneity within this collective. This is the reason why there is a need for a procedure that allows us to specifically know the cognitive characteristics of ID victims with the aim to adapt the police and judicial procedures to their capacities and properly evaluate the information given in their testimonies. CAPALIST, an interview protocol, was developed with the goal of evaluating the cognitive capacities that would intervene in testimony. In this paper, this tool is described and specific data is given about its use with four victims of sexual abuse. The results show small differences in between-judges resolution. In conclusion, CAPALIST could be a useful tool in the evaluation of testimony in victims with intellectual disabilities

Entropy-stable discontinuous Galerkin approximation with summation-by-parts property for the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with variable density and artificial compressibility

We present a provably stable discontinuous Galerkin spectral element method for the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with artificial compressibility and variable density. Stability proofs, which include boundary conditions, that follow a continuous entropy analysis are provided. We define a mathematical entropy function that combines the traditional kinetic energy and an additional energy term for the artificial compressiblity, and derive its associated entropy conservation law. The latter allows us to construct a provably stable split-form nodal Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) approximation that satisfies the summation-by-parts simultaneous-approximation-term (SBP-SAT) property. The scheme and the stability proof are presented for general curvilinear three-dimensional hexahedral meshes. We use the exact Riemann solver and the Bassi-Rebay 1 (BR1) scheme at the inter-element boundaries for inviscid and viscous fluxes respectively, and an explicit low storage Runge-Kutta RK3 scheme to integrate in time. We assess the accuracy and robustness of the method by solving the Kovasznay flow, the inviscid Taylor-Green vortex, and the Rayleigh-Taylor instability

Relationship of Udder Morphometric Traits to Mothering Ability of Landrace X Large White Primiparous Sows

The use of udder morphometry is often neglected during the selection of replacement gilts. This study was aimed to characterize the udder morphometry of primiparous Landrace x Large White sows across different production stages; and to show its relationship to some mothering ability traits. A total of 20 primiparous Landrace x Large White sows were bred. For each sow, the udder morphometry was characterized by measuring traits like teat tip diameter (DIA), teat length (LEN), inter-teat distance on the same row (SAMER), adjacent teat base distance on opposite row (OPPR), and teat tip to floor distance (FLO) during pre-breeding, post-breeding, and post-farrowing stages. A comparison of observed traits was also made between left and right udders as well as between anterior and posterior udders. Furthermore, the relationship between mothering ability and udder morphometry was evaluated using correlation and regression analyses. Across stages, udder traits were symmetric; however, higher values were measured for traits in posterior than in anterior udders. In the pre-breeding stage, OPPR and FLO of the anterior part had moderate negative correlations to average weaning weight (AWWt) and average daily gain (ADG). On the other hand, in the post-breeding stage, OPPR of the posterior part had a moderate positive correlation to litter size born alive (LSBA) but had a moderate negative correlation to average birth weight (ABWt). Furthermore, IgG content in the colostrum had a strong positive correlation to SAMER of the anterior part but had a strong negative correlation to FLO of the anterior part. It can be concluded that the pre-breeding combined with post-breeding udder morphometry measurements in gilts is useful as a predictor of sow mothering ability. These traits can be included in the criteria when selecting replacement gilts to enhance the productivity of sow herd

Specific binding of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry2A insecticidal proteins to a common site in the midgut of Helicoverpa species

For a long time, it has been assumed that the mode of action of Cry2A toxins was unique and different from that of other three-domain Cry toxins due to their apparent nonspecific and unsaturable binding to an unlimited number of receptors. However, based on the homology of the tertiary structure among three-domain Cry toxins, similar modes of action for all of them are expected. To confirm this hypothesis, binding assays were carried out with 125 I-labeled Cry2Ab. Saturation assays showed that Cry2Ab binds in a specific and saturable manner to brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) of Helicoverpa armigera. Homologous-competition assays with 125 I-Cry2Ab demonstrated that this toxin binds with high affinity to binding sites in H. armigera and Helicoverpa zea midgut. Heterologous-competition assays showed a common binding site for three toxins belonging to the Cry2A family (Cry2Aa, Cry2Ab, and Cry2Ae), which is not shared by Cry1Ac. Estimation of Kd (dissociation constant) values revealed that Cry2Ab had around 35-fold less affinity than Cry1Ac for BBMV binding sites in both insect species. Only minor differences were found regarding Rt (concentration of binding sites) values. This study questions previous interpretations from other authors performing binding assays with Cry2A toxins and establishes the basis for the mode of action of Cry2A toxins

Mutations in the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ca toxin demonstrate the role of domains II and III in specificity towards Spodoptera exigua larvae

Several mutants of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ca toxin affected with regard to specific activity towards Spodoptera exigua were studied. Alanine was used to replace single residues in loops 2 and 3 of domain II (mutant pPB19) and to replace residues 541– 544 in domain III (mutant pPB20). Additionally, a Cry1Ca mutant combining all mutations was constructed (mutant pPB21). Toxicity assays showed a marked decrease in toxicity against S. exigua for all mutants, while they retained their activity against Manduca sexta, confirming the importance of these residues in determining insect specificity. Parameters for binding to the specific receptors in BBMV (brush border membrane vesicles) of S. exigua were determined for all toxins. Compared with Cry1Ca, the affinity of mutant pPB19 was slightly affected (2-fold lower), whereas the affinity of the mutants with an altered domain III (pPB20 and pPB21) was approx. 8-fold lower. Activation of Cry1Ca protoxin by incubation with S. exigua or M. sexta BBMV revealed the transient formation of an oligomeric form of Cry1Ca. The presence of this oligomeric form was tested in the activation of the different Cry1Ca mutants, and we found that those mutated in domain II (pPB19 and pPB21) could not generate the oligomeric form when activated by S. exigua BBMV. In contrast, when oligomerization was tested using BBMV prepared from M. sexta, all of the Cry1Ca mutants showed the formation of a similar oligomeric form as did the wild-type toxin. Our results show how modification of insect specificity can be achieved by manipulation of different parts of the toxin structure involved in different steps of the mode of action of B. thuringiensis [email protected]; [email protected]

Psicología Jurídica en España: Delimitación Conceptual, Campos de Investigación e Intervención y Propuesta Formativa dentro de la Enseñanza Oficial / Legal Psychology in Spain: Conceptual Boundary, Fields of Investigation and Intervention and Formative Proposal of Official Education

La Psicología Jurídica como especialidad profesional del psicólogo ha tenido un desarrollo exponencial desde finales de los años ochenta hasta la actualidad, considerándose un campo consolidado dentro de la Psicología Aplicada. Inexplicablemente, sin embargo, esta madurez de la Psicología Jurídica no se ha visto reflejada con su incursión en los nuevos itinerarios curriculares elaborados a partir del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior. En el presente trabajo se maneja como hipótesis explicativa de esta situación la dificultad de vertebrar este campo disciplinar debido a los diversos ámbitos de interés investigador y de intervención. Se pretende, por tanto, generar debate entre académicos y profesionales de la Psicología Jurídica con el fin de buscar el consenso que impulse un firme afianzamiento no sólo de perfiles profesionales específicos dentro del ámbito de la Psicología Jurídica sino de ésta como disciplina dentro de la Psicología. Se propone así, un concepto único para definir el campo, distintas áreas en las que agrupar la investigación y prácticas profesionales, a la vez que se sugiere un proyecto de Master Oficial en Psicología Jurídica como punto de partida para el debate. El reconocimiento académico de la Psicología Jurídica además de garantizar la proyección futura de la disciplina tanto en su vertiente aplicada como de investigación permitirá seguir ofreciendo a la sociedad en general y al mundo de la ley en particular una actuación profesional de calidad y adaptada a los retos futuros. [ABSTRACT]Legal Psychology as psychologist´s professional specialty has had an exponential development since the end of the Eighties until the present time, considering itself a consolidated field within Applied Psychology. Inexplicably, nevertheless, this maturity of Legal Psychology has not been reflected with its incursion in the new curricular itineraries elaborated from the European Space of Superior Education. This paper handles, as an explanatory hypothesis of this situation, the difficulty of integrating this disciplinary field due to the diverse scopes of investigative interest and intervention. It is intended, therefore, to generate debate between academics and professionals of Legal Psychology in altars to the search of the consensus that impels a firm reinforcement not only of specific professional profiles within the scope of Legal Psychology but also as a discipline within Psychology. A unique concept to define the field, different areas in which to group the professional investigation and practices, are being proposed, as well as it is being suggested a project of Official Masters in Legal Psychology as departure point for the debate. The academic recognition of Legal Psychology, along with guaranteeing the future projection of this discipline in its applied and investigative areas, will allow to continue offering a professional and qualified performance adapted to future challenges, to the mainly society and specifically the world of the law

Indicadores de trata de personas en mujeres que ejercen la prostitución en locales de alterne de la Comunidad de Madrid (España)

The objective of the present study was to carry out a study on the situation of women practicing prostitution in the community of Madrid (Spain), within the specific context of strip clubs and the possibility of them being victims of human trafficking networks. A total of 180 interviews were conducted on women practicing prostitution in strip clubs across the periphery of Madrid. The results analyzed show that, on average, women who engage in prostitution are 32.57 years of age; from Latin America, Europe or, from Africa (less frequently); and have generally undertaken some type of study/course. Around 80.5% of these women reported having a family, indicating that approximately 68% had between 1 and 4 children. Moreover, the present study analyzed the questions answered or avoided by these women, concluding that most of them omit relevant information regarding questions about trafficking and exploitation indicators. This finding leads to the suspicion that these women could be instructed / taught not to facilitate sensitive information, thus blocking the possibilities of help. A relationship of dependence between the testimony’s credibility estimation and the possibility of being a victim of human trafficking was found. A 94.4% of women whose testimony was believed to be credible were not considered to be victims of human trafficking; 72.8% of those estimated as non-credible were considered to be victims of human trafficking. The possibility of the interviewees being victims of human trafficking, according to interviewers, depended on their social isolation, fear or concern shown throughout the interview, their lack of collaboration, and their avoidance of certain relevant issues or being susceptible. Overall, the present study alerts about the situation of vulnerability of the interviewed women. ResumenEl objetivo general del presente trabajo fue la realización de un estudio sobre la situación de las mujeres que ejercen la prostitución en el entorno de la Comunidad de Madrid (España) en el contexto específico de los locales de alterne y la posibilidad de que estén siendo víctimas de redes de trata de personas.. Se analizaron 180 entrevistas a mujeres que ejercían la prostitución en locales de la periferia de Madrid (España). Los resultados analizados mostraron que la mujer que se dedica a la prostitución tiene una media de 32,57 años; proceden de Latinoamérica, Europa y en menor número de África;  en su mayoría han realizado algún tipo de estudio. Un 80,5% dijo tener familia, indicando que  aproximadamente un 68% tenían entre 1 y 4 hijos. Así mismo, se procedió al análisis de las preguntas respondidas o evitadas por estas mujeres, pudiéndose concluir que éstas omiten información relevante sobre muchas de las preguntas realizadas sobre los indicadores de trata y explotación, lo que permite sospechar que pudieran estar instruidas para no facilitar información sensible, bloqueando así las posibilidades de ayuda. Todo ello, permite alertar sobre la situación de vulnerabilidad de las mujeres entrevistadas.  AbstractThe objective of the present study was to carry out a study on the situation of women practicing prostitution in the community of Madrid (Spain), within the specific context of strip clubs and the possibility of them being victims of human trafficking networks. A total of 180 interviews were conducted on women practicing prostitution in strip clubs across the periphery of Madrid. The results analyzed show that, on average, women who engage in prostitution are 32.57 years of age; from Latin America, Europe or, from Africa (less frequently); and have generally undertaken some type of study/course. Around 80.5% of these women reported having a family, indicating that approximately 68% had between 1 and 4 children. Moreover, the present study analyzed the questions answered or avoided by these women, concluding that most of them omit relevant information regarding questions about trafficking and exploitation indicators. This finding leads to the suspicion that these women could be instructed / taught not to facilitate sensitive information, thus blocking the possibilities of help. A relationship of dependence between the testimony’s credibility estimation and the possibility of being a victim of human trafficking was found. A 94.4% of women whose testimony was believed to be credible were not considered to be victims of human trafficking; 72.8% of those estimated as non-credible were considered to be victims of human trafficking. The possibility of the interviewees being victims of human trafficking, according to interviewers, depended on their social isolation, fear or concern shown throughout the interview, their lack of collaboration, and their avoidance of certain relevant issues or being susceptible. Overall, the present study alerts about the situation of vulnerability of the interviewed women