bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Muscular Fatigue with Electromyography on Lower Back and Leg Muscles during Continuous Uphill and Downhill Load Carriage Task
Authors: Chatterjee Tirthankar , Paul Sohini , Pramanik Anilendu , Pal Madhusudan , Majumdar Dhurjati
Published: July 2017

Soldiers of Indian Army need to carry moderate to heavy load in complex terrain conditions as their routine activity, which may prove to be highly tiring for leg and back muscles. Soldiers’ regular movement at hilly area was simulated in a study consisting of a continuous uphill (UH) and downhill (DH) load carriage task to monitor state of fatigue at back and lower limb muscles. Twelve Indian soldiers walked at a fixed speed on five UH and five DH gradients with three loads (0, 10.7 kg and 21.4 kg). Electromyographic (EMG) recording was carried out throughout the experimentation on four groups of muscles- left and right Erector spinae (ESR and ESL), Vastus medialis (VMR and VML), Gastrocnemius medialis (GMR and GML), and Soleus (SOR and SOL) muscles. Median frequency (MDF) responses of tested muscles were derived from raw (EMG) data. Higher level of muscle fatigue was observed at highest UH inclination as the MDF response in GMR, GML and VMR was lowest at this point. The MDF response were found to be lower at DH gradients as the physical demand of that stage is less than the UH gradients.
Physical Fitness of Soldiers in the Armed Forces of Slovakia
Authors: Papay Jan , Simonek Jaromir
Published: July 2017

The paper deals with physical preparation of professional soldiers. It is focused on the development of aerobic endurance within practical physical preparation lessons at military units. In order to fulfil the goals of the research, the authors organised a natural pedagogical experiment to find out which of the 7 typical aerobic activities implemented in the experimental and reference couples (n=28) during the 6-week-long experimental period have the most effective impact on the development of aerobic endurance in professional soldiers in the Slovak Armed Forces. The results showed that the most effective means for the development of endurance were found obstacle track, terrain running in combination with fast road marches, various types of shuttle runs and jumping and acrobatic exercises. Swimming, cycling, ski running and sport games can be recommended as suitable complementary activities. From the point of view of methodology, the most effective organisation pattern represented the one in which exercises were organised in 4 training sessions during 20 minutes each, performed for 6 weeks in a row. Statistically significant changes in the level of aerobic endurance proved the hypothesis that physical fitness and psychic resistibility of professional soldiers can be improved by the selected most effective means also in shorter time period of physical preparation.
Nonlinear Free Vibration Analysis of Laminated Carbon/Epoxy Curved Panels
Authors: Hirwani C.K. , Mahapatra T.R. , Panda S. K. , Sahoo S.S. , Singh V.K. , Patle B.K.
Published: July 2017

Nonlinear frequency responses of the laminated carbon/epoxy composite curved shell panels have been investigated numerically and validated with in-house experimentation. The nonlinear responses have been computed numerically via customised computer code developed in MATLAB environment with the help of current mathematical model in conjunction with the direct iterative method. The mathematical model of the layered composite structure derived using various shear deformable kinematic models (two higher-order theories) in association with Green-Lagrange nonlinear strains. The current model includes all the nonlinear higher-order strain terms in the formulation to achieve generality. Further, the modal test has been conducted experimentally to evaluate the desired frequency values and are extracted via the transformed signals using fast Fourier transform technique. In addition, the results are computed using the simulation model developed in commercial finite element package (ANSYS) via batch input technique. Finally, numerical examples are solved for different geometrical configurations and discussed the effects of other design parameters (thickness ratio, curvature ratio and constraint condition) on the fundamental linear and nonlinear frequency responses in details.
Design and Development of Compact Hand Held Target Acquisition Device
Authors: Altaf Eyneen , Kumar Ajay
Published: July 2017

A compact, lightweight hand held target acquisition device, comprising of an infra red imager, colour CCD camera, eye safe laser range finder, global positioning system and digital magnetic compass has been developed. The aim was to develop a compact, lightweight, modular and man-portable multi function electro-optical system with a recognition range of 1 km for vehicles and 500 m for human movement enabling day and night time surveillance, target ranging capability, ability to generate coordinates of the operator and estimation of target coordinates. Hand Held target acquisition device operates on 12 V DC, has integrated signal processing for all the sensors and display electronics with a weight of 3 kg. Overview of the system, design methodology, performance modeling, range simulation of both the IR imager and colour CCD camera and field results have been presented.
Computational study of Staggered and Double Cross Flow Heat Exchanger
Authors: Krishnan Annur Srinivasan , Gowtham Palanivelu
Published: July 2017

The preliminary findings of a comparative study of heat transfer rate and pressure drop between conventional staggered flow and double cross flow heat exchanger is reported. Excepting for the tube arrangements, the shell and tube dimensions, materials and inlet conditions are retained the same for the two configurations. While in the conventional arrangement, adjacent rows of tubes are normal only to the fluid flow in the shell, in the double cross-flow arrangement, they are normal to both fluid flow direction in the shell as well as to each other. Shell dimensions are 100 cm × 20 cm × 20 cm and tube outside and inside diameters are 1 cm and 0.8 cm. The shell and tube materials are steel and copper. Water and air were considered as tube and shell side fluids respectively, with an overall arrangement of parallel flow. The tube flow Reynolds number was fixed at 2200 and the shell flow Reynolds number was varied from 20 to 120 in the laminar regime and 360 to 600 in the turbulent zone. The study reveals that the proposed configuration gives a maximum increase of about 27 per cent in the heat transfer rate per unit pressure drop over the conventional one.
Simulation of a Diesel Engine with Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Parametric Study of Variable Vane Position on Engine Performance
Authors: Thomas Anand Mammen , Samuel J. Jensen , Pramod M. Paul , Ramesh A. , Murugesan R. , Kumarasamy A.
Published: July 2017

Modelling of a turbocharger is of interest to the engine designer as the work developed by the turbine can be used to drive a compressor coupled to it. This positively influences charge air density and engine power to weight ratio. Variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) additionally has a controllable nozzle ring which is normally electro-pneumatically actuated. This additional degree of freedom offers efficient matching of the effective turbine area for a wide range of engine mass flow rates. Closing of the nozzle ring (vanes tangential to rotor) result in more turbine work and deliver higher boost pressure but it also increases the back pressure on the engine induced by reduced turbine effective area. This adversely affects the net engine torque as the pumping work required increases. Hence, the optimum vane position for a given engine operating point is to be found through simulations or experimentation. A thermodynamic simulation model of a 2.2l 4 cylinder diesel engine was developed for investigation of different control strategies. Model features map based performance prediction of the VGT. Performance of the engine was simulated for steady state operation and validated with experimentation. The results of the parametric study of VGT’s vane position on the engine performance are discussed.
Configuration Study of Hybrid Electric Power Pack for Tracked Combat Vehicles
Authors: Sivakumar P. , Reginald Rajaseeli , Venkatesan G. , Viswanath Hari , Selvathai T.
Published: July 2017

In recent years, there is growing interest in hybridisation of military vehicles due to the features and advantages offered by the technology. Generally, the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is propelled by a combination of electric motors and internal combustion engine (ICE). Hybrid electric combat vehicles, when compared with conventional vehicles, have the advantages of improved fuel efficiency and drivability due to optimal operation of ICE, regenerative braking and silent operation capability. Limitations related to key technologies such as compact electric motors/generators, power electronics and energy storage systems that are required to operate under extreme environmental conditions pose challenges to the development of hybrid electric power pack. Technical challenges of HEV technologies considering futuristic applications of combat vehicles is described. The configuration specification of hybrid electric power train architecture suited to deliver high automotive performance and power demands for infantry combat vehicles (ICV) is also discussed.
Optimisation of Diesel Engine for Hybrid Military Tracked Vehicles using Matlab-Simulink
Authors: Viswanath Hari , Kumaraswamy A. , Sivakumar P.
Published: July 2017

The demand in the technology requirements for diesel engines is growing keeping hybrid vehicles in mind. In future the diesel engine no longer drives the wheels directly; as a result the engine can be engaged at a limited number of operating points, thus, offering an opportunity to optimise the fuel efficiency and performance at those operating points. The extent to which this optimisation is possible is limited by practical considerations. Also if the positive and negative power peaks in vehicle during mobility (e.g. acceleration and regenerative braking respectively) can be accommodated by high-power batteries, then the size of the engine can be considerably reduced. The engine’s operating points depend on the power-control strategy. The consequences of modifications to these operating points will have an effect on performance and efficiency. As in series hybrid only a limited number of operating points are involved and dynamic performance requirements are not imposed on the diesel engine, significant improvements can be achieved by the optimisation of the diesel engine at these operating points. The feasibility of optimisation of the engine at these operating points can be done by modification on the injection systems, the valve timings and other such parameters. This kind of approach requires the use of complex and repeated experimental analysis of the engine which is costly, cumbersome and time consuming. An alternative to this kind of experimental approach is to develop a simulation model of the engine with the generator in Matlab- Simulink.
Development of Mathematical Models, Simulating Vibration Control of Tracked Vehicle Weapon Dynamics
Authors: Jakati Ambarish , Banerjee Saayan , Jebaraj C.
Published: July 2017

Focuses upon development of the mathematical model, simulating the tracked vehicle weapon dynamics, integrated over a half car platform. Governing differential equations have been formulated for the weapon system using state space approach, simulating the elevation dynamics over a half vehicle chassis, and coded using Matlab. The elevation model of the weapon comprises 3 degrees of freedom, arising from the rotational dynamics of the drive, breech and muzzle, which has sequentially been coupled to the half car model. Thereafter, the backstepping, LQR and PID control techniques have been derived and incorporated into the state space matrix for the coupled dynamics model, in which the control parameters have been arrived at through various iterations. Comparative weapon dynamics response studies have been carried out between that obtained from the above control strategies and the passive model, over standard terrain conditions at specified speeds. The above study would form a very useful framework for implementation of alternate control strategies for weapon stabilisation in the full tracked vehicle.
The Roles and Dimensions of Science and Technology in India’s Foreign Policy
Authors: Siddhartha V.
Published: July 2017

The new millennium perspectives on science and technology and its role in India’s foreign policy can be ascertained from a variety of instances. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during his visit to the US in September 2000 talked about the ‘repositioning’ of India in regional and world affairs. In January 2015, during his address to the Indian Science Congress,  Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about a growing trend of international collaboration in research and development that India should be able to take advantage of. It was primarily for this reason that PM Modi had placed science and technology at the forefront of India’s diplomatic engagement. The fact that this address was made at the Indian Science Congress and not at a meeting of Indian ambassadors was in itself significant. Besides, the recent discourse in newspapers on India’s membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) has been led by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), rather than by the country’s scientific community. This substantive involvement is indicative of the noticeable diffusion of science and technology into India’s foreign policy-making.
Planar Multi-body Dynamics of a Tracked Vehicle using Imaginary Wheel Model for Tracks
Authors: Mahalingam Ilango , Padmanabhan Chandramouli
Published: July 2017

Off-road vehicles achieve their mobility with the help of a track system. A track has large number of rigid bodies with pin joints leading to computational complexity in modelling the dynamic behaviour of the system. In this paper, a new idea is proposed, where the tracks are replaced by a set of imaginary wheels connected to the road wheels using mechanical links. A non-linear wheel terrain interaction model considering longitudinal slip is used to find out the normal and tangential contact forces. A linear trailing arm suspension, where a road arm connecting the road wheel and chassis with a rotational spring and damper system is considered. The differential algebraic equations (DAEs) from the multi-body model are derived in Cartesian coordinates and formulated using augmented formulation. The augmented equations are solved numerically using appropriate stabilisation techniques. The novel proposition is validated using experimental measurements done on a tracked vehicle.
High Temperature Calibration of Thermal Imagers for Infrared Measurements on Military Platforms
Authors: Singh Ravindra , R. Nagarajan , Poonia Karuna , Mohan Hari , Mangalhara Jagdish Prasad
Published: July 2017

Calibration of thermal imaging system is not a straight forward process and hence manufacturers suggest re-calibration at factory itself. However, it is time consuming and expensive. A few research papers refer various approaches to perform low temperature calibration considering the wide requirement of low temperature measurements (typically less than 150 °C). However, no reference is available in open literature about high temperature calibration of thermal imagers. Hence, the possibility of high temperature calibration of thermal imaging systems has been explored using high temperature blackbody sources available at laboratory. With the use of neutral density filters, calibration has been performed in mid-wave (3.7 μm - 4.8 μm) and long-wave (7.7 μm - 9.5 μm) bands of imagers for IR measurements. The developed calibration has also been tested for field measurements.
Resumos do XII Congresso Mundial de Farmacêuticos de Língua Portuguesa; V Simpósio de Plantas Medicinais e Fitoterápicos no Sistema Público de Saúde; Congresso Internacional de Fitoterapia; I Congresso Brasileiro de Farmácia Estética e I Simpósio Farmacêutico de Nutracêuticos (Parte 2)
Authors: Jorge João Walter da silva , Santi Valmir de
Published: July 2017

O Conselho Federal de Farmácia (CFF), a Associação de Farmacêuticos dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (AFPLP) e a Fundação Brasileira de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FBCF) têm a satisfação de apresentar a você, leitor, o suplemneto 2 dos anais do XII Congresso Mundial de Farmacêuticos de Língua Portuguesa.
Influence of Morphology and Strength on Front Crawl Swimming Speed in Junior and Youth Age-Group Swimmers
Authors: Strzała Marek , Stanula Arkadiusz , Krężałek Piotr , Ostrowski Andrzej , Kaca Marcin , Głąb Grzegorz
Published: July 2017

Strzała, M, Stanula, A, Krężałek, P, Ostrowski, A, Kaca, M, and Głąb, G. Influence of morphology and strength on front crawl swimming speed in junior and youth age-group swimmers. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2836–2845, 2019—This study, conducted in 2 male age groups, was aimed at analyzing the influence of body properties, dry-land strength and swimming strength on 50-m crawl (VCrawl). We examined 2 competitive groups, Youth (20.6 ± 1.05) and Junior (17.3 ± 0.59), based on (a) body mass (BM) and lean body mass (LBM), body height (BH) and total body length (TBL), and arm span (AS); (b) countermovement jump (CMJ) and maximum isometric strength of elbow and knee joints; and (c) tethered crawl strength. We hypothesized that a higher relationship of strength indices in younger swimmers in VCrawl and tethered swimming would be a better sprint performance predictor. The Junior group revealed a significant relationship between somatic traits (BM r = 0.63; BH r = 0.55; TBL r = 0.58; AS r = 0.52 with p ≤ 0.05 LBM r = 0.78; with p < 0.01) and VCrawl, whereas such interplay was not found in the Youth group. General dry-land strength indices CMJ (cm), CMJ (J) or isometric strength of knee joint muscle flexors and extensors (r = 0.57; r = 0.69; r = 0.56; r = 0.57, respectively) also significantly correlated with VCrawl only in the Junior group. The Junior group's tethered swimming strength had a higher but not a significant relationship with VCrawl. The Youth group instead achieved significantly higher VCrawl and stroke rate (SR). The SR revealed (r = 0.41, p = 0.014) a relationship with VCrawl only after the combination of both groups. This study demonstrates a better strength relationship with VCrawl in the younger Junior group. In the future, the evaluation of sprint swimming aptitudes, besides on the basis of somatic traits and properties of dry-land or water strength measurement, should be complemented by measurements of real sprint swimming technique parameters.
Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Versus Continuous Endurance Training: Effects on Hematological and Cardiorespiratory System Adaptations in Professional Canoe Polo Athletes
Authors: Sheykhlouvand Mohsen , Gharaat Mohammadali , Khalili Erfan , Agha-Alinejad Hamid , Rahmaninia Farhad , Arazi Hamid
Published: July 2017

Sheykhlouvand, M, Gharaat, M, Khalili, E, Agha-Alinejad, H, Rahmaninia, F, and Arazi, H. Low-volume high-intensity interval versus continuous endurance training: effects on hematological and cardiorespiratory system adaptations in professional canoe polo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 1852–1860, 2018—The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 2 paddling-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and continuous endurance training (CET) on hematological, immunological, and cardiorespiratory adaptations in professional canoe polo athletes. A total of 21 male canoe polo athletes were randomly divided into 1 of 3 groups (N = 7): (a) HIIT with variable intensity (VIHIIT) (6 × 60 seconds at 100, 110, 120, 130, 130, 130, 120, 110, 100% vV̇o
2peak from first to ninth session, respectively, 1:3 work to recovery ratio); (b) HIIT with variable volume (VVHIIT) (6, 7, 8, 9, 9, 9, 8, 7, 6 repetitions/session from first to ninth session, respectively) × 60 seconds at lowest velocity that elicited V̇o
2peak (vV̇o
2peak), 1:3 work to recovery ratio); and (c) the CET group performed 3 times × 60 minutes paddling sessions (75% vV̇o
2peak) per week for 3 weeks. Significant increases in V̇o
2peak (ml·kg−1·min−1) (VIHIIT = 7.6%, VVHIIT = 6.7%), ventilation (V̇E) at V̇o
2peak (VIHIIT = 11.5%, VVHIIT = 15.2%), respiratory frequency (R
f) at V̇o
2peak (VVHIIT = 21.1%), V̇o
2 at ventilatory threshold (VT) (VIHIIT = 10.5%, VVHIIT = 25.1%), V̇E at VT (VIHIIT = 12.4%, VVHIIT = 34.0%), tidal volume at VT (VIHIIT = 11.7%, VVHIIT = 33.3%), R
f at VT (VIHIIT = 9.7%), V̇E/V̇o
2 at VT (VVHIIT = 13.1%), V̇o
2/heart rate (HR) at VT (VIHIIT = 12.9%, VVHIIT = 21.4%), and V̇E/HR at VT (VIHIIT = 7.8%, VVHIIT = 27.2%) were seen compared with pretraining. Training interventions resulted in significant increases in mean platelet volume (VIHIIT = 2.7%, VVHIIT = 1.9%), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (CET = 3.3%), and significant decrease in red blood cell distribution width (VVHIIT = −4.3), and cell numbers of lymphocyte (CET = −27.1) compared with pretraining. This study demonstrated that paddling-based HIIT enhances aerobic capacity and respiratory makers, without negatively affecting the immune system over 3 weeks.
Changes in the Muscle Activity of Gymnasts During a Handstand on Various Apparatus
Authors: Kochanowicz Andrzej , Niespodziński Bartłomiej , Mieszkowski Jan , Marina Michel , Kochanowicz Kazimierz , Zasada Mariusz
Published: July 2017

Kochanowicz, A, Niespodziński, B, Mieszkowski, J, Marina, M, Kochanowicz, K, and Zasada, M. Changes in the muscle activity of gymnasts during a handstand on various apparatus. J Strength Cond Res 33(6): 1609–1618, 2019—Gymnasts perform handstands on various apparatus, both in stable and unstable conditions. Such performances require specific muscle activation, which should differ depending on the condition and expertise of the gymnast. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate (a) the difference in electromyography (EMG) between handstands performed on 3 apparatus (floor, rings, and parallel bars); and (b) the difference between young and well-trained adult gymnasts. Ten adult (25 ± 3.94 years) and 15 young (13.9 ± 0.7 years) gymnasts participated in the study. We investigated EMG amplitude in 13 muscles normalized by arbitrary angle maximal isometric voluntary contraction (normalized root mean square [NRMS]). In comparison with the handstand on the floor (61 ± 28%), the wrist flexor muscles of gymnasts exhibited a decreased NRMS on the parallel bars (44 ± 25%; p = 0.017), and rings (46 ± 32%; p = 0.029), whereas no changes were observed in the triceps brachii. The rest of the investigated muscles showed a higher NRMS in rings. Differences between young and adult gymnasts were seen in the triceps brachii and anterior deltoid muscles, where more experienced gymnasts showed 19.1% (p = 0.014) and 17.6% (p = 0.048) lower NRMS, respectively. The different gymnastic apparatus led to specific muscle activation. This activation predominantly depended on hand support conditions, which alternated the primary wrist strategy of the handstand balance control, and in consequence, the activation of other muscles controlling balance. Training focused on the development of motor control and strength of the anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, biceps brachii, and trapezius descendens muscles to improve handstand performance.
Validity of Real-Time Data Generated by a Wearable Microtechnology Device
Authors: Weaving Dan , Whitehead Sarah , Till Kevin , Jones Ben
Published: July 2017

Weaving, D, Whitehead, S, Till, K, and Jones, B. Validity of real-time data generated by a wearable microtechnology device. J Strength Cond Res 31(10): 2876–2879, 2017—The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of global positioning system (GPS) and micro-electrical-mechanical-system (MEMS) data generated in real time through a dedicated receiver. Postsession data acted as the criterion as it is used to plan the volume and intensity of future training and is downloaded directly from the device. Twenty-five professional rugby league players completed 2 training sessions wearing an MEMS device (Catapult S5, firmware version: 5.27). During sessions, real-time data were collected through the manufacturer receiver and dedicated software (Openfield v1.14), which was positioned outdoors at the same location for every session. The GPS variables included total-, low- (0–3 m·s−1), moderate- (3.1–5 m·s−1), high- (5.1–7 m·s−1), and very high-speed (>7.1 m·s−1) distances. Micro-electrical-mechanical-system data included total session PlayerLoad. When compared to postsession data, mean bias for total-, low-, moderate-, high-, and very high-speed distances were all trivial, with the typical error of the estimate (TEE) small, small, trivial, trivial and small, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients for total-, low-, moderate-, high- and very-high-speed distances were nearly perfect, nearly perfect, perfect, perfect, and nearly perfect, respectively. For PlayerLoad, mean bias was trivial, whereas TEE was moderate and correlation nearly perfect. Practitioners should be confident that when interpreting real-time speed-derived metrics, the data generated in real-time are comparable with those downloaded directly from the device postsession. However, practitioners should refrain from interpreting accelerometer-derived data (i.e., PlayerLoad) or acknowledge the moderate error associated with this real-time measure.
Agility and Vertical Jump Performances Are Impacted by Acute Cool Exposure
Authors: Carlson Lara A. , Fowler Cara , Lawrence Michael A.
Published: July 2017

Carlson, LA, Fowler, C, and Lawrence, MA. Agility and vertical jump performances are impacted by acute cool exposure. J Strength Cond Res 33(6): 1649–1653, 2019—Outdoor sports teams may be exposed to acute cold stress during competition, which may affect performance. Limited research has explored the effects of cold exposure on athletic components. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an acute whole-body cool exposure on pro-agility, vertical jump, and sprint performances. Eleven lightly clothed (∼0.3 clo) and not cold acclimatized volunteers (10/1 women/men: age 20.5 ± 0.5 years; height 1.65 ± 0.09 m; mass 63.3 ± 8.9 kg; body fat 21.3 ± 7.6%) completed performance tests in both thermoneutral (17.2° C, 36% relative humidity, Biddeford, ME, USA) and cool (6.1° C, 72% relative humidity, Thorsmörk, Iceland) ambient temperatures. Before completing the performance tests, subjects engaged in a 5-minute stretching routine and were subsequently exposed to either a thermoneutral or cool ambient environment for 15 minutes. Performance tests included 3 trials of maximal vertical jumps, and 2 trials of both the 36.6-m sprint and pro-agility tests. Mean performance and lactate values were compared via paired t-tests. Pro-agility completion time was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) slower in the cool (5.63 ± 0.33 seconds) than thermoneutral (5.43 ± 0.26 seconds) environment. Vertical jump was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower in the cool (0.36 ± 0.07 m) than thermoneutral (0.41 ± 0.10 m) environment. Sprint performance and lactate values were unaffected by the cool exposure. Brief cool exposure seems to influence agility and vertical jump performances. Our results suggest that it would be prudent for athletes and coaches to consider the ambient environment when preparing for competition.
Impact of keyboard typing on the morphological changes of the median nerve
Authors: Loh Ping Yeap , Yeoh Wen Liang , Nakashima Hiroki , Muraki Satoshi
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The primary objective was to investigate the effects of continuous typing on median nerve changes at the carpal tunnel region at two different keyboard slopes (0° and 20°). The secondary objective was to investigate the differences in wrist kinematics and the changes in wrist anthropometric measurements when typing at the two different keyboard slopes.

Methods

Fifteen healthy right-handed young men were recruited. A randomized sequence of the conditions (control, typing I, and typing II) was assigned to each participant. Wrist anthropometric measurements, wrist kinematics data collection and ultrasound examination to the median nerve was performed at designated time block.

Results

Typing activity and time block do not cause significant changes to the wrist anthropometric measurements. The wrist measurements remained similar across all the time blocks in the three conditions. Subsequently, the wrist extensions and ulnar deviations were significantly higher in both the typing I and typing II conditions than in the control condition for both wrists (p<0.05). Additionally, the median nerve cross-sectional area (MNCSA) significantly increased in both the typing I and typing II conditions after the typing task than before the typing task. The MNCSA significantly decreased in the recovery phase after the typing task.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the immediate changes in the median nerve after continuous keyboard typing. Changes in the median nerve were greater during typing using a keyboard tilted at 20° than during typing using a keyboard tilted at 0°. The main findings suggest wrist posture near to neutral position caused lower changes of the median nerve.
Mannose-Binding Lectin Levels Could Predict Prognosis in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Guo Wei-yi , Zhu Li , Meng Si-jun , Shi Su-fang , Liu Li-jun , Lv Ji-cheng , Zhang Hong
Published: July 2017

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is characterized by infections followed by episodic gross hematuria. Deficiency of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is associated with recurrent infection in many diseases, but controversy exists regarding the role of MBL in IgAN. Here, we measured MBL2 variants and MBL levels in 749 patients with IgAN and 489 healthy controls. Overall, 5.2% (39 of 749) of patients with IgAN had MBL deficiency (MBL levels <100 ng/ml), among whom LYPB/LYPB and LXPA/LYPB were the predominant MBL2 haplotypes (82%; 32 of 39). We found a nonlinear association between MBL levels and renal outcome in IgAN. Patients with IgAN and MBL deficiency had a higher incidence of prodromic infections and gross hematuria than those with sufficient MBL levels (100–3540 ng/ml). Moreover, MBL deficiency independently associated with poor renal outcome in IgAN after multiple adjustments (hazard ratio, 5.18; 95% confidence interval, 2.50 to 10.72; P<0.001). Patients with high MBL levels (>3540 ng/ml) had more severe proteinuria and a higher proportion of crescents, although the association with IgAN progression did not reach statistical significance after adjustments. In conclusion, MBL deficiency and MBL excess may both have deleterious effects on IgAN progression, which suggests that MBL contributes to IgAN pathogenesis through multiple mechanisms.
Urinary Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 Predicts Severe AKI and Poor Outcomes after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Yang Xiaobing , Chen Chunbo , Teng Siyuan , Fu Xiaorui , Zha Yan , Liu Huafeng , Wang Li , Tian Jianwei , Zhang Xiangyan , Liu Youhua , Nie Jing , Hou Fan Fan
Published: July 2017

Urinary matrix metalloproteinase-7 (uMMP-7) levels consistently reflect the activity of intrarenal Wnt/β-catenin, which is activated in AKI models. To test the hypothesis that uMMP-7 is a predictor for severe AKI in patients after cardiac surgery, we performed a prospective, multicenter, two-stage cohort study in 721 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. In stage 1, we enrolled 323 children from three academic medical centers. In stage 2, we enrolled 398 adults at six centers. We analyzed levels of uMMP-7 and other injury biomarkers during the perioperative period. Severe AKI was defined as Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes stage 2 or 3. uMMP-7 level peaked within 6 hours after surgery in patients who subsequently developed severe AKI. After multivariate adjustment, the highest quintile of postoperative uMMP-7 level, compared with the lowest quintile, associated with 17-fold (in adults) and 36-fold (in children) higher odds of severe AKI. Elevated uMMP-7 level associated with increased risk of composite events (severe AKI, acute dialysis, and in-hospital death) and longer stay in the intensive care unit and hospital. For predicting severe AKI, uMMP-7 had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81 (in children) and 0.76 (in adults), outperforming urinary IL-18, angiotensinogen, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2·IGF-binding protein-7 and the clinical model. uMMP-7 significantly improved risk reclassification over the clinical model alone, as measured by net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement. In conclusion, uMMP-7 is a promising predictor for severe AKI and poor in-hospital outcomes in patients after cardiac surgery.
Relocalización por dobles diferencias del cluster sísmico de Pisayambo
Authors: Araujo Sebastián , Troncoso Liliana , Ruiz Mario
Published: July 2017

En este artículo se presentan los resultados de la relocalización de sismos relacionados con el cluster sísmico de Pisayambo, provincia de Tungurahua en Ecuador. Se utiliza el programa hypoDD basado en el método de dobles diferencias. Los resultados obtenidos ofrecen evidencia sobre eventos en Pisayambo que definen una región caótica de focos sísmicos superficiales. Este trabajo es una muestra importante del funcionamiento del program hypoDD para el caso de problemas sísmicos altamente no lineales y subdeterminados.
Las Gentianaceae: botánica, toquímica y actividad biológica
Authors: Vidari Giovanni , VitaFinzi Paola
Published: July 2017

Este artículo es una revisión actualizada sobre los metabolitos secundarios de la familia de las Gentianaceae. Estas plantas se emplean en la medicina tradicional de numerosos países y presentan actividad biológica interesante. Después de haber detallado botánicamente esta familia de plantas, que ha sido y que sigue siendo muy estudiada, se recogen los estudios toquímicos sobre numerosas especies. Los metabolitos característicos son los xantonas, una clase de compuestos no muy difundidos en el mundo vegetal. Son característicos también derivados de los seco-iridoides, y algunos alcaloides.
Importancia de la actividad antioxidante y evaluación de extractos en etanol del género Oryctanthus
Authors: Coba Pablo , Mayacu Tivi Lee , Vidari Geovanni
Published: July 2017

La presente es una investigación que evalúa la actividad antioxidante de extractos en etanol del Género Orycathus, la muestra se recolectó en la comunidad de Macuma al nororiente de la provincia de Morona Santiago; en la amazonía del Ecuador por alumnos Shuar de la Carrera de Ingeniería en Biotecnología de la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana. Los extractos presentan una actividad antioxidante frente a la actividad del BHA, en un coe ciente de proporción de 1,1 para OS, 1,4 para OA, en 1,2 para PP y 1,4 para OF. Presentando relevancia para OA Y OF, que presentan coe cientes mayores en relación al BHA. Además se denota una concentración de principios activos en la planta, ya que se utilizo las hojas y las ores, presumiendo la presencia de polifenoles, taninos y avonoides, ya que la coloración de los extractos era amarillento.
Digestión de lodos residuales de las lagunas de oxidación de Ucubamba, Cuenca
Authors: Arévalo Moscoso Pablo , Lituma Vintimilla Paulina
Published: July 2017

La digestión anaerobia de biosólidos es un proceso que mejora sus características como fertilizante o mejorador de suelos, debido a que existe un grupo de microorganismos bacterianos anaeróbicos presentes en el material fecal que al actuar sobre los desechos orgánicos de origen vegetal y animal, producen una mezcla de gases con alto contenido de metano (CH4) llamado biogás, sumamente e ciente si se emplea como combustible. Así, generando residuos con un alto grado de concentración de nutrientes y materia orgánica, ideales como fertilizantes pueden ser aplicados en estado frescos, pues el tratamiento anaerobio elimina patógenos y malos olores. La presenta investigación, muestra cómo se trabajó con un digestor de biosólidos, con un volumen efectivo de tratamiento de 50 litros, con 37,5 de volumen útil bajo condiciones de termofília (53 °C) y meso las (23°C); el cual se alimentó con biosólidos biológicos de la Planta de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales PTAR de la Cuidad de Cuenca. Éste fue operado a tiempos de retención hidráulica (TRH) de 39 días y el biosólido alimentado se caracteriza por tener un promedio de coliformes fecales de 2,06 E+6, sólidos totales volátiles del 2,8 % y huevos de helmintos de 21 H.H/4g.ST. Se obtuvo una reducción de coliformes fecales (97,2 NMP /g ST) por debajo de lo establecido en la normativa mexicana (1000.NMP/ g ST) con referente a la cuenta de huevos de helmintos, alcanzando valores de 2,4 H.H/4g.ST.
Edulcorantes naturales
Authors: Alonso Jorge Rubén
Published: July 2017

Los edulcorantes naturales constituyen, en la actualidad, una excelente alternativa en la industria alimenticia. Si bien esta industria emplea desde hace varios años productos químicos como el aspartame, acelsufame-K, sacarina o ciclamato, la inocuidad de estas sustancias ha estado siempre como tema de discusión en los principales foros académicos alimenticios, generando desconcierto entre los consumidores de productos bajos en calorías, e incluso múltiples dudas entre las propias autoridades regulatorias, en especial cuando se habla del largoplacismo de toma de estas sustancias. En las plantas medicinales se ha investigado en los últimos años alternativas edulcorantes mucho más seguras, y que a la vez, mantengan el índice de dulzor en niveles adecuados para el consumo humano. Entre las sustancias más estudiadas guran la taumatina, monellina o los esteviósidos, los cuales ya forman parte de muchos productos alimenticios. 
Piezoelectricidad y ferroelectricidad en biomateriales
Authors: Heredia Alejandro , Bdikin Igor , Colín-García María
Published: July 2017

En este artículo se presenta una revisión de los conceptos de piezoelectricidad y ferroelectricidad, así como sus aplicaciones en materiales complejos e híbridos orgánico-inorgánicos mediante el uso de las técnicas de microscopía de fuerza atómica (AFM) y de fuerza de piezorespuesta (PFM). Aunque este tipo de estudios son escasos en las áreas biológicas, se sugiere el uso de estas técnicas para analizar las propiedades de piezorespuesta en péptidos debido a su relevancia en las reacciones prebióticaspero y en el diseño de máquinas nanomoleculares. 
Evaluación de la eficacia cosmética de cremas elaboradas con aceites extraídos de especies vegetales Amazónicas: Mauritia Flexuosa (Morete), Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) y Oenocarpus Bataua (Ungurahua)
Authors: Mosquera Tatiana , Noriega Paco , Tapia Wilson , Pérez Silvia H.
Published: July 2017

Investigaciones anteriores demuestran la actividad antioxidante de los aceites de Mauritua flexuosa (Morete), Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha inchi) y Oenocarpus bataua (Ungurahua), se realizaron formulaciones de cremas de aplicación cosmética y emulsiones básicas, evitando que el uso de demasiados ingredientes puedan interferir en lo que se consideran como “activos” dentro de la formulación cosmética (aceites con potencial antioxidante).

Las muestras fueron evaluadas en un estudio in vivo no invasivo, utilizando una muestra de 30 mujeres que presentaban cierto grado de fotoenvejecimiento. Se realizó una evaluación clínica dermatológica y una evaluación instrumental utilizando el Cutometer MPA580, equipo que permite visualizar las modificaciones en la elasticidad y firmeza cutánea. La evaluación se la hizo al inicio y luego de cuatro semanas de utilizar el producto y los datos fueron sometidos al análisis de varianza.

Los resultados del estudio demuestran que a los 28 días de tratamiento, la evaluación clínica las cremas muestran una mejorara significativa en la luminosidad y suavidad de la piel, y la evaluación instrumental indica que se logró una mejoría en la firmeza y elasticidad de la piel. 
Análisis estadístico de datos meteorológicos mensuales y diarios para la determinación de variabilidad climática y cambio climático en el Distrito Metropolitano de Quito
Authors: Serrano Vincenti Sheila , Zuleta Diana , Moscoso Viviana , Jácome Pablo , Palacios Enrique , Villacís Marcos
Published: July 2017

El objetivo de la presente investigación es establecer el impacto que ha tenido el cambio climático y la variabilidad climática sobre el Distrito Metropolitano de Quito (DMQ) y sus alrededores en los últimos años. De esta manera, se han realizado dos tipos de análisis de tendencias sobre 30 años de datos proporcionados por el INAMHI (Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología): el primero busca evidenciar cambios graduales, a través del análisis de datos mensuales de temperaturas máximas, mínimas, precipitación, heliofanía, humedad relativa y nubosidad; utilizando una regresión lineal por el método de mínimos cuadrados más una prueba F para determinar su significancia estadística. El segundo estudio se realizó con el objetivo de analizar el comportamiento de los eventos extremos, sobre datos diarios en las variables de temperaturas máximas, mínimas y de precipitación, a través del paquete computacional RClimDex para el cálculo de índices de cambio climático recomendados por el ECTCCDI (Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices). Los resultados muestran incrementos en las tendencias y comportamientos anómalos que pueden considerarse consecuencia del cambio climático o variabilidad climática.
Correlación de niveles de urea en leche con características físico-químicas y composición nutricional de dietas bovinas en ganaderías de la provincia de Pichincha
Authors: Bonifaz Nancy , Gutiérrez Francisco
Published: July 2017

El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar los niveles de urea en leche (MUN por Milk Urea Nitrogen) como metabolito que permite determinar si la relación energía/proteína es la correcta, y su incidencia sobre los parámetros productivos. La urea es el producto final del metabolismo de las proteínas, cuando se produce esta se difunde a todos los tejidos del cuerpo de la vaca y aparece en orina, saliva y leche. La proteína de los pastos y los niveles de fibra bruta en el suplemento tienen una relación directa con los niveles de MUN. Los niveles de MUN presentan una relación inversa con el contenido de proteína láctea y se relacionan también con la producción de leche (litros leche/vaca/día) y el periodo de lactancia. 
El valor del agua en la agricultura
Authors: Avilés-Landívar Hernán
Published: July 2017

La creciente necesidad de lograr el equilibrio hidrológico que asegure el abasto suficiente de agua a la población se logrará armonizando la disponibilidad natural con las extracciones del recurso mediante el uso eficiente del agua.

La obtención del agua se da través de fuentes (2) tales como ríos, arroyos y acuíferos del subsuelo. Estos acuíferos se recargan de forma natural en época de lluvias.

Sin embargo, la época de lluvias tiene una duración promedio de cuatro meses, lo que propicia una escasa captación. Sumado a esto, del total de agua captada por las
lluvias, aproximadamente el 70% se evapora.

La desproporción que existe entre la cantidad de agua que se capta por escurrimiento y las extensiones territoriales que comprenden asociadas a la corta temporada de lluvias, hacen que la disponibilidad de agua sea cada vez menor.

Bajo este panorama se enfrentan actualmente graves problemas de disponibilidad, desperdicio y contaminación del agua.

Parte de esta problemática, se enfrenta con la construcción de la Infraestructura Hidráulica, la misma que permite satisfacer de agua a los diferentes sectores de la población: el agrícola, el industrial, el doméstico y de servicios y para la generación de energía eléctrica, entre otros.
Estudio de la concentración de cadmio y plomo en el aire de la ciudad de Quito, empleando briofitas como biomonitores
Authors: Noriega Rivera Paco , Medici Alessandro , Murillo Antón , Bedón Juan , Haro Fernando , Galecio Galo
Published: July 2017

El presente estudio analizó las concentraciones de cadmio y plomo en diecisiete sitios distribuidos a lo largo y ancho de la ciudad de Quito, además de un sector en la ciudad de Sangolquí, y dos más en las parroquias de Carapungo y Calderón. La metodología utilizada es el Biomonitoreo, la cual emplea organismos vivos, en este caso briofitas (musgo), debido a que al no contar con una pared celular se facilita la absorción de los contaminantes del aire. Este musgo fue recolectado en el refugio de vida silvestre el Molinuco para asegurar niveles mínimos de contaminación y luego fue sembrado en los sitios establecidos dentro de las ciudades, permaneciendo en éstos por cincuenta días. Posteriormente, las concentraciones de contaminantes se determinaron en el laboratorio mediante un equipo de absorción atómica marca Varian, modelo spectrAA 50. Finalmente, se empleó una ecuación matemática que transforma la concentración en ppm del musgo a microgramos por metro cúbico de aire Los resultados encontrados indican la presencia de Plomo en todos los puntos analizados, el Cadmio se halla sólo en las cercanías del intercambiador de Zámbiza.
Valorización y defensa de la biodiversidad como fuente de desarrollo humano
Authors: Saro Katia , Coba Santamaría Pablo
Published: July 2017

La Universidad de Ferrara UNIFE, el Voluntariado para el Desarrollo VIS y la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana UPS del Ecuador, trabajan conjuntamente en la valoración y defensa de la biodiversidad en la Amazonía ecuatoriana, específicamente en la provincia de Morona Santiago. En este proceso la UPS salvaguarda el conocimiento ancestral de comunidades Shuar y Achuar a través de el programa académico “Tecnología en Procesamiento de Recursos Biológicos Amazónicos”, complementando de esta manera la investigación y transferencia técnico-científica con el conocimiento milenario de estas etnias. Asimismo, este trabajo se ha realizado con la intervención del Centro de Investigación y Valoración de la Biodiversidad CIVABI a través de los análisis químicos de las muestras vegetales encontradas. Nuestros principales beneficiarios son los estudiantes de las comunidades shuar y achuar, quienes además de formarse en las áreas científicas, técnicas y humanas brindan soluciones eficaces a las demandas de sus comunidades.
Las revistas electrónicas: una salida oportuna hacia la difusión de la ciencia ecuatoriana
Authors: Contreras-Torres Flavio F.
Published: July 2017

Concepción de una idea clara, nacimiento de un proyecto, desarrollo de los métodos para el estudio, análisis de los resultados, conclusiones y resumen escrito del trabajo son los principales pasos que encuadran a cualquier proceso de la investigación científica. No obstante este proceso es solamente la primera mitad del camino que conduciría a los resultados hacia la aplicación (o no) de los mismos. El trabajo de un investigador puede terminar en este punto, para orgullo del mismo y de sus colaboradores. Sin embargo, si los resultados no son prontamente difundidos será como si absolutamente nada hubiese pasado y los resultados del proyecto no podrán ser compartidos, discutidos y mejorados por la comunidad.
Political Instability, Institutions and Mortgage Credit in Lima, Peru
Authors: Zegarra Luis F.
Published: July 2017

This article analyzes the evolution of the mortgage credit market in Lima between 1835 and 1865. In particular, it explores the effects of political instability and institutional change on the allocation of mortgage credit. By relying on a sample of more than 1 400 notarized records, the article suggests that political instability and institutional uncertainties led to the stagnation of credit markets in the 1830s and early 1840s. As Peru became more stable after 1845 and the risk of lending declined, the credit market expanded more rapidly and interest rates declined.