An Analysis of the Long-Term Sustainability of the Large Companies Included in the Original Standard and Poor’s 500 Index.

e changes generated by the natural economic and social development have con­gured a scenario where the companies’ survival is gradually decreasing. is process is also impacting on the big corporations that were strongly consolidated for many years. is research has analysed that which of these major companies of the Fortune 500 Index have adapted themselves over the years and have survived. After locating the surviving companies, this paper studied the presence of elements of business quality in each of these ­rms. en, using a fuzzy set methodology, this study obtained results that identi­ed some of the main elements that might be considered as inductors of the business durability in the case of the big corporations: the e ectiveness of the companies, the coherence with the mission, and the capacity of organisation are essential for the long-term sustainability of the companies especially if they are associated with a formalised structure of governance. e results also conclude that the simple presence of these elements is not enough for the permanence of the companies and only the progresses and improvements in these variables can guarantee the sustainability of the companies.post-print828 K

Acogimiento familiar en familia educadora en la provincia de Alicante, España: características de los recursos disponibles

Foster care is a determining resource for the child protection system. The scientific evidence shows that the psychosocial benefits of foster care for minors within the protection system are superior to those that can be provided by residential resource centres. Hence, during the last decade in Spain, work has been done to establish foster care as a priority resource. The objective of our work is focused on describing what type of families make up the Family Foster Care resource of the Province of Alicante and their parenting styles. A total of 207 people (72 minors and 132 foster parents) were evaluated, applying the following: 1) an ad hoc questionnaire composed of 12 questions; and 2) The Alabama Parenting Questionnaire consisting of 42 items (Spanish adaptation from Servera, 2007). More than 50% of the families are nuclear families and do not have biological children, with the duration of the foster care exceeding two years. The reconstituted families stand out due to its parental involvement and positive upbringing, while the nuclear and single-parent families show higher scores in consistent discipline. It is essential to know the profile of the foster families in order to achieve an adequate foster care process for minors

Fouling characterisation in PVDF membrane contactors for dissolved methane recovery from anaerobic effluents: effect of surface organofluorosilanisation

Characterisation of the fouling attached to PVDF membranes treating an anaerobic effluent for dissolved CH4 recovery was carried out. A commercial flat-sheet PVDF membrane and a PVDF functionalised by grafting of organofluorosilanes (mPVDF) that increased its hydrophobicity were subjected to a continuous flux of an anaerobic reactor effluent in long-term operation tests (> 800 h). The fouling cakes were studied by the membrane autopsy after these tests, combining a staining technique, FTIR, and FESEM-EDX, and the fouling extraction with water and NaOH solutions. Both organic and inorganic fouling were observed, and the main foulants were proteins, polysaccharides, and different calcium and phosphate salts. Also, a significant amount of live cells was detected on the fouling cake (especially on the non-modified PVDF). Although the fouling cake composition was quite heterogeneous, a stratification was observed, with the inorganic fouling mainly in the bulk centre of the cake and the organic fouling mainly located in the lower and upper surfaces of the cake. The mPVDF suffered a more severe fouling, likely owing to a stronger hydrophobic-hydrophobic interaction with the foulants. Irreversible fouling remained on both membranes after the extraction, although a higher irreversible fouling was detected in the mPVDF; however, a complete polysaccharide removal was observed. Regarding the operation performance, PVDF showed a lower stability and suffered a severe degradation, resulting in a lower thickness and perforations. Finally, the decrease in the methane recovery performance of both membranes was associated with the fouling depositions

Cytotoxic activity of Thelesperma megapotamicum (Spreng.) Kuntnze on cell MCF-7 (human breast carcinoma cells)

“In vitro” viability tests were done with organics extracts and organics fractions of Thelesperma megapotamicum in search of compounds with antitumoral activity. Human breast tumor cell line (MCF-7) was incubated (6 h) in vitro with whole plant and stoloniferous stem extracts at 0, 50 and 100 ug/ml. Cell viability was determinate by the staining crystal violet. The stoloniferous stem hexane extract was purified by means of chromatography on a Silica gel-60 column with solvents gradient, the fractions obtained were newly incubated on the cell and the viability percentage was calculated. The active fraction (hexane:ethyl ether 1:1 v/v) was submitted to new separation on Silica gel column and three fraction with antiproliferativity activity were found. In future, the active fraction of Thelesperma megapotamicum that have shown pronounced cytotoxic activity in this study will be further evaluated for the possible isolation of any active antitumor compounds.Fil: Figueroa, Ana. Provincia de Córdoba. Ministerio de Ciencia y Técnica. Centro de Excelencia en Productos y Procesos de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Soria, Elio Andres. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Biología Celular; Argentina. Provincia de Córdoba. Ministerio de Ciencia y Técnica. Centro de Excelencia en Productos y Procesos de Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Cátedra de Biología Celular; ArgentinaFil: Bongiovanni, Guillermina Azucena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ingeniería de Procesos, Biotecnología y Energías Alternativas. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ingeniería de Procesos, Biotecnología y Energías Alternativas; ArgentinaFil: Goleniowski, Marta Ester. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Provincia de Córdoba. Ministerio de Ciencia y Técnica. Centro de Excelencia en Productos y Procesos de Córdoba; Argentin

Demethanization of aqueous anaerobic effluents using a polydimethylsiloxane membrane module: Mass transfer, fouling and feasibility

The performance, fouling and feasibility of a polydimethylsiloxane hollow fibre membrane module for in situ methane degasification from the effluent of an Expanded Granular Sludge Bed anaerobic reactor has been investigated. Experiments at different operational conditions were carried out (liquid flow, sweep gas flow and vacuum pressure) with maximum removal efficiency (77%) at lowest flow-rate (0.4 L h-1), highest vacuum gauge pressure (-800 mbar) and liquid flowing in lumen side. Mass transport analysis denoted a considerably higher methane transfer than that predicted (attributed to liquid over- saturation). An enhancement factor for liquid phase has been proposed to correlate the experimental results. Long-term experiments were also performed in order to determine the possible influence of fouling on the module performance, and it showed that relatively frequent cleaning with water might be carried out to ensure preservation of the membrane efficiency. Characterization of water quality before and after membrane module was carried out to elucidate fouling causes. Energy balance analysis evidenced that energy production exceeded the system energy requirements. A substantial reduction of CO2 equivalent emissions showed the positive environmental impact of this technology

Medición por cromatografía gaseosa de coeficientes con actividad de hidrocarburos a dilución infinita en dicloro dioctilestaño: comparación con resultados obtenidos en otros solventes alquilestannicos

The gas chromatographic method was employed to measure the infinite dilution activity coefficients of twenty-eight hydrocarbons of different types in di-n-octyltin dichloride between 50 and 80°C, and of seven branched alkanes in tri-n-octyltin chloride between 40 and 60°C. A comparison is made between the results obtained for all the solutes in both solvents and in tetra-n-octyltin.Facultad de Ciencias Exacta

Early detection of learning difficulties using the BADyG-E2r Battery during primary education

The aim of the present study was to assess the predictive capacity of several of the most relevant cognitive skills in the academic field that were evaluated using Differential and General Skills Battery(BADyG-E2r). Particular attention was focused on the variables that need to be overcome regarding the curricular objectives related to pass/fail grading as evaluated by the teachers in the instrumental disciplines of Mathematics and Language. The psychometric battery was applied to the 3rd year students in primary education (a total of 512 students) at 4 public schools that were randomly selected in the province of Alicante (Spain). A follow-up of their academic evolution was under taken until the end of primary education. The obtained results show that high scores in Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, and Verbal Syllogisms positively and significantly predict academic success at the end of primary education in the subjects of Language and Mathematics

The biological function of the proto-oncogene Cot/tpl-2

Capítulo 2.-- Editor: Pedro A. Lazo.Cot, as well as its murine homologue tpl-2, was discovered in a COOH–terminal truncated form that unmasks the transformation capacity of the protein. The COOH-terminal domain of wt Cot contains an amino acid sequence that is a recognition signal for degradation via proteasome, besides, this domain of wt Cot is also an autoinhibitory domain of the specific activity of the wild type form. These data explain the transformation capacity of trunc-Cot/tpl-2, that when overexpressed is capable of activating several MAP kinases pathways as well as AP-1, NFAT, and NF-κB2 transcriptional activities. Earlier sobreexpression experiments lead to the proposal that Cot/tpl-2 could be involved in proliferative signalling, but the use of new technologies such as genetically modifies mice and interference RNA end up with the already accepted hypothesis that Cot/tpl-2 is involved in immune innate and adaptive processes. Cot/tpl-2 is activated in response to the activation of the TLR/IL-1 receptor superfamily as well as in response to the activation of some receptors of the TNF family. Independently of the cell system it is accepted that in resting cells Cot/tpl-2 forms a stable and inactive complex with p105 NF-κB among other proteins to protect it from degradation, adequate TLR/IL-1R stimulation induces the activation of the IKK complex that targets p105 NF-κB to be rapidly degraded by the proteasome pathway to p50 NF-κB, a subunit of the NF-κB transcription factor. Consequently Cot/tpl-2 is released from the complex and susceptible to transduce the activatory signal, leading to the activation of the MEK1-Erk1/Erk2 pathway. However, actually it is not completely understood all the requests that Cot/tpl-2 needs to be fully active and to this end it is also accepted that Cot/tpl2 requires to be phosphorylated. In addition the possibility that the requirements vary from cell system to cell system cannot be excluded. Physiologically, Cot/tpl-2 is involved in provoking innate immunity to establish adaptive immunity. In fact it is the unique MAP3K that activates Erk1/Erk2 when the TLRs/IL-1 receptors are activated and mediates the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNFα, IL-1, or IL-6. More recently it has been shown that Cot/tpl-2 has the capacity to regulate the balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines. All these data indicate that, although mutations in Cot gene result in the expression of a protein linked with cell malignancies, physiologically wt Cot/tpl-2 is involved in innate and adaptive immunity.Our research is supported by the Plan Nacional (SAF 2008-00819) and Mutua Madrileña.Peer Reviewe

El testamento mancomunado en Alemania y en Aragón : algunas cuestiones de derecho comparado

Se trata de un breve estudio sobre el testamento mancomunado según lo regula el CDFA y el BGB. Los objetivos del estudio que se va a llevar a cabo son evidentes: se trata de conseguir una comparativa de los aspectos más relevantes en torno a la institución del testamento mancomunado tal y como se concibe y regula en los ordenamientos aragonés y alemán. Así las cosas, se va a estudiar en un primer capítulo el concepto de testamento mancomunado, así como también, se pretende ofrecer unas breves notas acerca de su origen y razón de ser. En el segundo capítulo, se procederá a analizar ésta institución desde el punto de vista de sus posibles otorgantes, haciendo referencia a las reglas de capacidad y aptitud para testar y a la problemática de derecho interregional que pueden suscitar algunas normas, especialmente en el ámbito del derecho aragonés. A continuación, en un tercer capítulo se analizarán las cuestiones de forma del testamento, sin olvidar el estudio de algunos problemas derivados de la unidad de instrumento, prestando especial interés al derecho alemán en este aspecto. No puede ignorarse el hecho de que existan algunas cuestiones que merezcan especial atención en relación con este tipo de testamento; tal es el caso de la llamada institución recíproca de herederos o de las disposiciones correspectivas. En cuanto a la primera, será tratada en el Capítulo IV, en el que se hará especial hincapié en su función y funcionamiento. Atendiendo a las segundas, se procederá a su análisis en el Capítulo V, siendo de especial interés las diferencias entre los conceptos de “correspectividad” y “reciprocidad”, y el tratamiento que se otorga a ésta distinción tanto en nuestro derecho foral como en el derecho alemán. Obligado es también dedicar algunas páginas al contenido posible de las disposiciones correspectivas, así como al tratamiento de la presunción de correspectividad. La revocación de este tipo de disposiciones será además merecedora de nuestra atención en este capítulo. Para finalizar, se pretende abordar la cuestión de las crisis matrimoniales y de pareja, esto es, como influyen en la institución del testamento mancomunado estas situaciones, poniendo ello en relación con la razón de ser que la misma tiene en cada ordenamiento jurídico. Finalmente, el lector se encontrará con unas conclusiones cuya finalidad no es otra que reflejar de forma resumida y sistemática las cuestiones esenciales que haya resultado del presente trabaj

Ingeniería social estadounidense a través de cortometrajes educativos infantiles (1945-1953)

Esta investigación analiza los cortometrajes educativos estadounidenses, dirigidos a niños que cursaban educación infantil y primaria, durante la presidencia del demócrata Harry S. Truman (1945-1953). De los 11.000 documentales que constan en la Educational Film Guide (1953), se lleva a cabo una selección de aquellas producciones que tienen como finalidad la educación social de los más pequeños, tanto referidos a su comportamiento y actitudes en la escuela y en el hogar, como a los valores e ideología que se esperaba de ellos como ciudadanos estadounidenses. Se realiza un análisis de contenido del conjunto para cuantificar los temas tratados, el público al que estaban dirigidos y se valoran los recursos técnicos utilizados. También se lleva a cabo un análisis textual que tiene en cuenta el concepto de infancia y la distinción de géneros, así como las enseñanzas políticas, sociales y morales difundidas. Se concluye que este tipo de cortometrajes constituyeron una herramienta auxiliar a la que se confió el moldeado de la ideología de un país en la postguerra precisamente por la experiencia propagandística de la guerra. Se adoctrinó a los más pequeños en ideas, comportamientos y valores conservadores y nacionalistas similares, en algunos aspectos, a las ideologías que se habían combatido, como consecuencia del concepto que se tenía de la infancia y del contexto en el que se produjeron: la Guerra FríaThis research analyzes the American educational films aimed at children attending primary and elementary education during the administration of the democrat Harry S. Truman (1945-1953). Of the 11,000 documentaries included in the Educational Film Guide (1953), the author performed a selection of productions available online, which aim to the social education of the young in regard to their behavior and attitudes in school and at home, and to the values and ideologies that were expected of them as U.S. citizens. A content analysis is implemented to quantify the subject matters of the films and the audience they were targeted to; technical resources are considered as well. It also incorporates a textual analysis that takes into account the concept of childhood, gender distinction, and the widespread political, social, and moral teachings. It is concluded that these types of films were an aid in the shaping of an ideology for a country in the postwar period, based on the war propaganda experience itself. The youngsters were indoctrinated in ideas, values and behaviors of conservative and nationalist nature, as a consequence of the concept of childhood during that period and the context in which these films were made: the Cold Wa