Density and reproductive characteristics of female brown bears in the Cantabrian Mountains, NW Spain

Here we present annual nearest-neighbour distances (as a proxy of density) between females with cubs-of-the-year (hereafter FCOY) and reproductive characteristics of brown bears Ursus arctos in the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain), from 1989 to 2017. FCOY nearest-neighbour distances and reproduction parameters of 19 focal females followed over several consecutive years (from 2004 to 2017) were obtained from bears inhabiting the western sector of the Cantabrian Mountains, where most of the bear population resides. In contrast, general reproductive characteristics were studied in the whole Cantabrian Mountains (western and eastern sectors together) on a sample of 362 litter sizes and 695 cubs. Mean nearest-neighbour distance between FCOY was 2559 ± 1222 m (range = 1305–4757 m). Mean litter size was significantly larger in the west (1.8 ± 0.2 cubs) than in the east (1.3 ± 0.6 cubs). Mean litter size for the whole of the Cantabrian Mountains was 1.6 ± 0.3 cubs. Litter sizes of one, two and three cubs represented 33.4, 56.1 and 10.5% of observed family groups, respectively. Interannual variations in litter size were not significant for both the western and the eastern areas. Mean cub mortality was 0.2 ± 0.5 cubs and did not vary among years. Cub mortality per litter size was 3.9% for one cub, 69.2% for two cubs and 26.9% for three cubs. Mean reproductive rate of the 19 focal females was 1.5 ± 0.6 cubs (n = 58 litters). Litter size of focal FCOY did not differ from the litter size obtained from systematic observations in the whole Cantabrian Mountains. During this period, cub mortality occurred in 24.1% of the 58 litters. Females usually bred every second year (average litter interval = 2.2 years). The estimated reproductive rate for the bear population was 0.7 young born/year/reproductive adult female

Electro-optical Simulation of a-Si Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display Pixels

An analysis of an amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT-LCD) pixel is presented. The electro-optical model combines the electrical properties of the switching element and the optical performance of a twisted nematic (TN) liquid-crystal cell.Publicad

Caveolin-1 Modulates Mechanotransduction Responses to Substrate Stiffness through Actin-Dependent Control of YAP

The transcriptional regulator YAP orchestrates many cellular functions, including tissue homeostasis, organ growth control, and tumorigenesis. Mechanical stimuli are a key input to YAP activity, but the mechanisms controlling this regulation remain largely uncharacterized. We show that CAV1 positively modulates the YAP mechanoresponse to substrate stiffness through actin-cytoskeleton-dependent and Hippo-kinase-independent mechanisms. RHO activity is necessary, but not sufficient, for CAV1-dependent mechanoregulation of YAP activity. Systematic quantitative interactomic studies and image-based small interfering RNA (siRNA) screens provide evidence that this actin-dependent regulation is determined by YAP interaction with the 14-3-3 protein YWHAH. Constitutive YAP activation rescued phenotypes associated with CAV1 loss, including defective extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. CAV1-mediated control of YAP activity was validated in vivo in a model of pancreatitis-driven acinar-to-ductal metaplasia. We propose that this CAV1-YAP mechanotransduction system controls a significant share of cell programs linked to these two pivotal regulators, with potentially broad physiological and pathological implications. Moreno-Vicente et al. report that CAV1, a key component of PM mechanosensing caveolae, mediates adaptation to ECM rigidity by modulating YAP activity through the control of actin dynamics and phosphorylation-dependent interaction of YAP with the 14-3-3-domain protein YWHAH. Cav1-dependent YAP regulation drives two pathophysiological processes: ECM remodeling and pancreatic ADM. © 2018 The Author

Marco teórico y metodológico para la validación cualitativa de un modelo explicativo de las responsabilidad social en sociedades cooperativas

En este trabajo se presenta un marco teórico y una propuesta metodológica para la validación cualitativa de un modelo explicativo de la Responsabilidad Social en las Sociedades Cooperativas. La variable central de análisis, la llamada Orientación a la Responsabilidad Social en Cooperativas (ORSCOOP), no es directamente observable, siendo necesario medirla a través de un conjunto de indicadores. Igualmente ocurre con el resto de variables estratégicas con las que la ORSCOOP está relacionada en el modelo que proponemos (satisfacción de los socios, innovación, calidad del servicio y resultado cooperativo o desempeño). Para la validación de los indicadores se recurre a una metodología cualitativa en base a la valoración y acuerdo de un grupo de profesionales expertos quienes, por aplicación de la técnica Delphi, colaborarán para lograr una definición única y consensuada. A partir de sus opiniones y recomendaciones se llevarán a cabo las modificaciones oportunas con el fin de unificar los criterios procedentes de los distintos expertos. Como resultado se obtendrá una escala consensuada para cada variable del modelo propuesto. Esta unanimidad de opiniones en el resultado final será la base para un posterior tratamiento cuantitativo del modelo conceptual propuesto

Marco téorico y metodológico para la validación cualitativa de un modelo explicativo de la responsabilidad social en sociedades cooperativas

This paper presents a theoretical framework and a methodological proposal for qualitative validation of a model explaining Social Responsibility in Cooperative Societies. The main variable of analysis, called Orientation to Social Responsibility in Cooperatives (OSRCOOP), is not directly observable, and it is necessary to measure it through a set of indicators. Likewise with the other strategic variables with which OSRCOOP is related to the model we propose (member satisfaction, innovation, quality of service and cooperative outcome or performance). For validation of the indicators we use a qualitative methodology based on the assessment and agreement of a group of experts who, by application of the Delphi technique, will work together to achieve a single and agreed definition. From its views and recommendations the necessary changes will be implemented in order to unify the criteria from the various experts. As a result a consensus scale for each variable of the proposed model will be obtained. This unanimity in the opinions in the final result will be the basis for further quantitative treatment of the proposed conceptual model.En este trabajo se presenta un marco teórico y una propuesta metodológica para la validación cualitativa de un modelo explicativo de la Responsabilidad Social en las Sociedades Cooperativas. La variable central de análisis, la llamada Orientación a la Responsabilidad Social en Cooperativas (ORSCOOP), no es directamente observable, siendo necesario medirla a través de un conjunto de indicadores. Igualmente ocurre con el resto de variables estratégicas con las que la ORSCOOP está relacionada en el modelo que proponemos (satisfacción de los socios, innovación, calidad del servicio y resultado cooperativo o desempeño). Para la validación de los indicadores se recurre a una metodología cualitativa en base a la valoración y acuerdo de un grupo de profesionales expertos quienes, por aplicación de la técnica Delphi, colaborarán para lograr una definición única y consensuada. A partir de sus opiniones y recomendaciones se llevarán a cabo las modificaciones oportunas con el fin de unificar los criterios procedentes de los distintos expertos. Como resultado se obtendrá una escala consensuada para cada variable del modelo propuesto. Esta unanimidad de opiniones en el resultado final será la base para un posterior tratamiento cuantitativo del modelo conceptual propuesto

On the meaning of the transmissivity values obtained from recovery tests

      Recovery tests are based on estimating transmissivity, T, from the heads that rebound after pumping has stopped. Recovery tests can be performed in wells where conventional constant-rate pumping tests would not be possible. Test interpretation is based on the simple Theis recovery method, related to late time drawdown in an infinite homogeneous aquifer. Yet, field data often cannot be explained by the homogeneous theory. Because T is heterogeneous over an evolving range of scales, it is important to evaluate the support scale of hydraulic tests. Numerical simulations are performed to show that heterogeneity in T can explain these field observations. It is also shown that the local T value around the well can be inferred from early time-recovery data, assuming ideal conditions, whereas late time data yield a large-scale (regional) representative value. Even when recovery is observed for a short time, indirect information about the regional value can also be obtained. A method for the interpretation of recovery tests is proposed based on the Theis recovery method that takes into account the heterogeneity of aquifers. Finally, some guidelines are provided for best test performance depending on the scale of the problem. &nbsp

Validation of a measurement scale for the relationship between the orientation to corporate social responsibility and other business strategic variables

The importance of Social Responsibility (SR) is higher if this business variable is related with other ones of strategic nature in business activity (competitive success that the company achieved, performance that the firms develop and innovations that they carries out). The hypothesis is that organizations that focus on SR are those who get higher outputs and innovate more, achieving greater competitive success. A scale for measuring the orientation to SR has defined in order to determine the degree of relationship between above elements. This instrument is original because previous scales do not exist in the literature which could measure, on the one hand, the three classics sub-constructs theoretically accepted that SR is made up and, on the other hand, the relationship between SR and the other variables. As a result of causal relationships analysis we conclude with a scale of 21 indicators, validated scale with a sample of firms belonging to the Autonomous Community of Extremadura and it is the first empirical validation of these dimensions we know so far, in this context

Links between ease of use, perceived usefulness and attitudes towards technology in older people in university: A structural equation modelling approach

Technological resources have the potential to improve the quality of life in a context in which social pressure for the use of these tools is increasing. In this sense, the adoption of technological resources by the elderly is a highly complex issue because numerous and varied factors are involved. Precisely for this reason, this study aims to analyze the effects that exist between a series of dimensions related to the perception of older people regarding the ease of use, the perceived usefulness of technological tools, attitudes towards technology and their intention to use them in everyday life. To do this, 415 adults (M = 66.27 years) enrolled in a program at the University of Experience in the Spanish context completed an online questionnaire. The application of a Structural Equations Model for data analysis highlights that the perceived ease of use of the technology has a positive effect on the perceived usefulness of these resources. Similarly, an indirect effect of the perceived usefulness of technology on the intention to use these resources is observed through the manifestation of positive attitudes towards the use of digital tools

Complete and versatile remote controller for PV systems

The promotion of the distributed generation and the photovoltaic (PV) energy great potential put this technology in the spotlight of investors. Thus, the optimization of its efficiency is made a priority. In this paper, a complete and versatile remote controller (C&VRC) for PV systems is presented, scalable to any kind and size of installations (with or without partial shading, with or without connection to the grid, housing, small plants or even large-scale solar plants) and valid for any weather conditions. The C&VRC involves the controller itself, which is constituted by a set of sensors and actuators connected to the converters Direct Current (DC)/DC and DC/Alternating Current (AC), if necessary, and a control unit communicated with them through the third-generation mobile telecommunications technology (3G) network. The control strategies can be changed according to the different weather conditions and installations characteristics, which guaranties the optimum performance of the system. The use of the 3G network as communication platform makes the C&VRC useful in remote and low accessibility places, because it is the most extended worldwide. The C&VRC is also based on free software, open hardware and low-cost electronic devices. Experimental results are presented in this paper to show the C&VRC optimum usability.This paper is framed in the project “Integral control system to optimize the microgrids energy demand” funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, call for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation 2020-2023. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Huelva / CBUA.This paper is framed in the project “Integral control system to optimize the microgrids energy demand” funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, call for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation 2020-2023. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Huelva / CBUA