Precipitation Type Specific Radar Reflectivity-Rain Rate Relationships for Warsaw, Poland

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peningkatan penguasaan konsep dan kemampuan literasi sains siswa dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran kontekstual berbantuan multimedia. Metode dan desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah quasi experiment dengan pretest-posttest control group design. Subjek penelitiannya adalah kelas XI di kabupaten Subang, Jawa-Barat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Model Pembelajaran Kontekstual berbantuan multimedia secara signifikan mampu meningkatkan penguasaan konsep dan kemampuan literasi sains siswa. Peningkatan penguasaan konsep siswa dengan nilai N-Gain 0.50 (kategori sedang) untuk kelas eksperimen dan 0,30 (kategori sedang) untuk kelas kontrol. Peningkatan kemampuan literasi sains siswa dengan nilai N-Gain 0.45 (kategori sedang) untuk kelas eksperimen dan 0,30 (kategori sedang) untuk kelas kontrol. This study aims to determine the concepts mastery and skills increase scientific literacy of students by using multimedia-assisted contextual learning model. The method used quasi experiment with pretest-posttest control group design. Subjects of study are class XI in Subang districts, West-Java. The result of study showed that contextual model’s aided by multimedia significantly enhance student’s concepts mastery and skills scientific literacy. The enhancement of student’s concepts mastery with N-Gain value is 0.50 (medium category) for experiment class and 0,30 (medium category) for control class. The enhancement of student's skills scientific literacy with N-Gain value is 0.45 (medium category) for experiment class and 0,30 (medium category) for control class

Large needle aspiration biopsy and galectin-3 determination in selected thyroid nodules with indeterminate FNA-cytology

Thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA)-cytology is widely used for the preoperative characterisation of thyroid nodules but this task is difficult for follicular lesions, which often remain undefined. We propose a strategy for improving the preoperative characterisation of selected follicular thyroid proliferations, which is based on large needle aspiration biopsy (LNAB) and galectin-3 expression analysis. Eighty-five thyroid specimens were obtained by LNAB (20-gauge needles) from thyroid nodules with indeterminate follicular FNA-cytology. Aspirated material was processed as a tissue microbiopsy to obtain cell blocks for both cyto/histo-morphological evaluation and galectin-3 expression analysis, by using a purified monoclonal antibody to galectin-3 and a biotin-free immunoperoxidase staining method. Preoperative diagnosis was compared to the final histology. LNAB and cell-block technique allow a preliminary distinction between nodules with a homogeneous microfollicular/trabecular structure, as frequently observed in tumours, and lesions with mixed normo–micro–macrofollicular architecture, as observed in goitre. Furthermore, LNAB provides optimal substrates for galectin-3 expression analysis. Among 85 cases tested, 14 galectin-3-positive cases were discovered preoperatively (11 thyroid cancers and three adenomas confirmed at the final histology), whereas galectin-3-negative cases were 71 (one carcinoma and 70 benign proliferations at the final histology). Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of this integrated morphologic and phenotypic diagnostic approach were 91.6, 97.2 and 95.3%, respectively. In conclusion, LNAB plus galectin-3 expression analysis when applied preoperatively to selected thyroid nodules candidate to surgery can potentially reduce unnecessary thyroid resections

Tensions in the periphery: Dependence and the trajectory of a low-cost productive model in the Central and Eastern European automotive industry

This article analyses the productive strategy adopted by Renault for its Dacia plant in Romania. It proposes a detailed analysis of the conditions for the success of the Logan project – Renault’s radical approach to the concept of the low-cost automobile. We look into both market- and production-related aspects that have made the Logan work and highlight the tensions sparked by Renault’s drive to capitalize on its favourable market situation as well as the success achieved by Dacia’s workers in defending their interests. In particular, we emphasize the company governance compromises that have shaped industrial relations at Dacia over the past decades and show how in recent years the maintaining of such a compromise has come increasingly into question due to threats by automation and relocation in a context of constantly rising wages and improving working conditions. Finally, we discuss the strategic dilemmas facing both management and labour and their possible resolutions, as well as the relevance of the Dacia case for understanding the future of Central and Eastern Europe as a peripheral region attracting automotive foreign direct investments

The Exstrophy-epispadias complex

Exstrophy-epispadias complex (EEC) represents a spectrum of genitourinary malformations ranging in severity from epispadias (E) to classical bladder exstrophy (CEB) and exstrophy of the cloaca (EC). Depending on severity, EEC may involve the urinary system, musculoskeletal system, pelvis, pelvic floor, abdominal wall, genitalia, and sometimes the spine and anus. Prevalence at birth for the whole spectrum is reported at 1/10,000, ranging from 1/30,000 for CEB to 1/200,000 for EC, with an overall greater proportion of affected males. EEC is characterized by a visible defect of the lower abdominal wall, either with an evaginated bladder plate (CEB), or with an open urethral plate in males or a cleft in females (E). In CE, two exstrophied hemibladders, as well as omphalocele, an imperforate anus and spinal defects, can be seen after birth. EEC results from mechanical disruption or enlargement of the cloacal membrane; the timing of the rupture determines the severity of the malformation. The underlying cause remains unknown: both genetic and environmental factors are likely to play a role in the etiology of EEC. Diagnosis at birth is made on the basis of the clinical presentation but EEC may be detected prenatally by ultrasound from repeated non-visualization of a normally filled fetal bladder. Counseling should be provided to parents but, due to a favorable outcome, termination of the pregnancy is no longer recommended. Management is primarily surgical, with the main aims of obtaining secure abdominal wall closure, achieving urinary continence with preservation of renal function, and, finally, adequate cosmetic and functional genital reconstruction. Several methods for bladder reconstruction with creation of an outlet resistance during the newborn period are favored worldwide. Removal of the bladder template with complete urinary diversion to a rectal reservoir can be an alternative. After reconstructive surgery of the bladder, continence rates of about 80% are expected during childhood. Additional surgery might be needed to optimize bladder storage and emptying function. In cases of final reconstruction failure, urinary diversion should be undertaken. In puberty, genital and reproductive function are important issues. Psychosocial and psychosexual outcome depend on long-term multidisciplinary care to facilitate an adequate quality of life

Advances in Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs): challenges and road-map for future development

Recent advances in wireless communication technologies and auto-mobile industry have triggered a significant research interest in the field of vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) over the past few years. A vehicular network consists of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications supported by wireless access technologies such as IEEE 802.11p. This innovation in wireless communication has been envisaged to improve road safety and motor traffic efficiency in near future through the development of intelligent transportation system (ITS). Hence, governments, auto-mobile industries and academia are heavily partnering through several ongoing research projects to establish standards for VANETs. The typical set of VANET application areas, such as vehicle collision warning and traffic information dissemination have made VANET an interesting field of mobile wireless communication. This paper provides an overview on current research state, challenges, potentials of VANETs as well as the ways forward to achieving the long awaited ITS

Managing technological innovation at the initial stage of its development – case study

Problematyka prezentowanego opracowania dotyczy wdrażania nowych produktów innowacyjnych, będących efektem procesu komercjalizacji wyników badań naukowych. Globalizacja gospodarki i rozwój technologii sprawiają, że współcześnie bardzo szybko zmieniają się oczekiwania klientów wobec dostarczanych produktów. Wśród najistotniejszych czynników sukcesu przy wdrażaniu nowego przedsięwzięcia wymienia się innowacyjność produktu, orientację na rynek, jak również umiejętność dostrzeżenia przez przedsiębiorcę oraz wykorzystania pojawiających się szans rynkowych. Wprowadzanie nowych produktów technologicznych oraz zarządzanie nimi wymaga także specyficznych kompetencji samego przedsiębiorcy i zaangażowanego w proces zespołu. Celem prezentowanych badań była identyfikacja czynników wpływających na zainicjowanie współpracy pomiędzy uczelnią a przedsiębiorcą w oparciu o innowacyjny pomysł opracowany przez naukowców. Badania empiryczne zrealizowano w 2018 r. w Lublinie, metodą case study z techniką wywiadu oraz obserwacji uczestniczącej. Poszukując odpowiedzi na postawione pytania badawcze, analizie poddano dwa przedsiębiorstwa, współpracujące z uczelnią w procesie komercjalizacji wyników badań naukowych. Wywiady przeprowadzono z trzema osobami, tj. dyrektorem działu badawczego w dwóch spółkach z branży farmaceutycznej zainteresowanym wdrażaniem innowacyjnych rozwiązań w swojej działalności oraz kierownikami zespołów naukowych biorących udział w projektach badawczych. Analiza wyników badań umożliwiła zaproponowanie rekomendacji dla dalszego rozwoju tego typu przedsięwzięć realizowanych we współpracy z centami transferu technologii w uczelniach.The topic of the article concerns the implementation of new innovative products resulting from commercialization process of scientific research. Globalization of the economy and the development of technologies mean that today's customers' expectations are changing rapidly. Among the most important success factors in the implementation of the new venture there are product innovations, market orientation and the ability recognise emerging market opportunities. The introduction and management of new technological products also requires specific competences of the entrepreneur himself and the team involved in the process. The aim of the presented research was to identify factors influencing the initial stages of cooperation between the university and the entrepreneur based on an innovative idea developed by the researchers. Empirical research was carried out in 2018 in Lublin, using a diagnostic survey with an interview technique. Seeking answers to the research questions posed, two enterprises were analyzed, cooperating with the university in the process of commercialization of the research results. Interviews were conducted with three persons, i.e. the director of the R&D department in two pharmaceutical companies involved in implementing innovative solutions and managers of research teams involved in research projects. The analysis of the research results allowed to propose recommendations for further development of such projects carried out in cooperation with technology transfer centers at universities

Aggregate planning in manufacturing company – linear programming approach

The authors take into consideration the process of translating demand forecasts (or sale plans) into production plan. In the first part of the paper the characteristics and parameters of a aggregate planning are summarized. The main part contains the proposal of integer programming model which supports aggregate planning decisions. In the proposed model production quantities, timing of inputs, inventory levels and workloads are considered. The last part of the paper contains the presentation of computational result obtained by using the introduced model

Iplementation of innovative products as a result of business – university cooperation

Problematyka prezentowanego opracowania dotyczy komercjalizacji wyników badań naukowych, w efekcie których w przedsiębiorstwach wdrażane są nowe produkty innowacyjne. Celem badań była próba identyfikacji czynników sukcesu przy wdrażaniu innowacji. Autorzy podjęli próbę praktycznego zilustrowania popytowego i podażowego podejścia do komercjalizacji z perspektywy dwóch stron zaangażowanych w proces, tj. uczelni (pracowników naukowych) oraz przedsiębiorstw. Do realizacji badań empirycznych wykorzystano metodę case study. Przeprowadzono wywiady z naukowcami i pracownikami przedsiębiorstw z branży technologicznej. Analiza wyników przeprowadzonych badań umożliwiła prezentację kluczowych czynników sukcesu we wdrażaniu innowacji ze strony obu stron procesu.The subject of the present article concerns commercialization of the results of R&D projects that generates implementation of new innovative products in companies. The aim of the study was to identify success factors that have impact on innovation implementation. The authors made an attempt to illustrate supply and demand approach to commercialisation, i.e. from the perspective of two key actors: the university (researchers) and companies. The methods used included a case stud method. The authors interviewed researchers and entrepreneurs from medium technology sector. The analysis of the results allowed to identify key success factors for both actors of the process