bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El rompimiento del encanto electoral
Authors: Díaz Rafael Loyola
Published: January 2018

The new federal administration headed by President Felipe Calderon emerged from an electoral process that generated several doubts and questions about its legality and transparency. The ideological and political confrontation that occurred doesn’t allow an adequate comprehension of the complex set of transformations undergone by the country. We require new obser vation points that enable us to trasced any unyielding ideological positions. The General Council of the IFE (Federal Electoral Institute) didn’t live up thoroughly to its responsibilities. The Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación (The Federal Judiciar y Electoral Tribunal) rendered an ambiguous and contradictor y ruling that resembled more a bargaining document that reflected the magistrate’s own divisions, rather than an unequivocal answer to the legal challenges filed by the PRD (Par ty of the Democratic Revolution). Today it’s necessar y to under take the political agenda that was abandoned six years ago, that is, to place in center stage the required governmental and social actions required to achieve a new definition of the National State in this era of the information technolog y revolution
and political democracy.
Crónica de una muerte anunciada: el ocaso del partido de Estado en Oaxaca
Authors: Recondo David
Published: January 2018

The popular movement that emerged on June the 14th, 2006, in the city of Oaxaca de Juárez and the opposition’s victor y on the elections held on July the 2nd of the same year are connected. Both processes reflect the terminal crisis of a political regime based on traditional clientele and authoritarian relationships as forms of domination. However, the electoral shift that favored the opposition during the last presidential and legislative elections isn’t entirely new. After a detailed analysis of the evolution of the electoral results in the 570 districts of Oaxaca, one can conclude that the PRI (Institutional Revolutionar y Party) has been loosing votes since the end of the eighties decade . The opposition (PRD, PAN, and recently the Convergencia) have gained ground during the last 20 years. Oaxaca has gradually ceased to be a stronghold of the PRI.
Elecciones en Chiapas y paralelismos con la elección federal. Sobre "la calidad de la ciudadanía"
Authors: Apreza Inés Castro
Published: January 2018

This paper analyzes the gubernatorial election in Chiapas and establishes some similarities with the presidential election. It examines certain relevant indicators: the transition governments that fail to meet the citizen’s expectations, the political alliances formed before and after the elections, the lack of confidence towards the electoral institutions and the vote-tallying process; this last issue was the center of all debates in 2006. Based on evidences, this paper ponders on the poor quality of the
citizen’s rights enjoyed in Mexico and studies the possibility of questioning the political transition itself.
La construcción de la identidad maya en Guatemala. Historia e implicaciones de un proceso político
Authors: Bastos Santiago
Published: January 2018

For some decades now and especially after the worst days of the internal armed conflict were over, along with the army’s genocidal policies, Guatemala’s indigenous organizations have taken on a project that seeks to redefine the unfair social and political relations suffered by that country’s population. The construction process of a “maya” identity, amidst the tumultuous Guatemalan political context, shows the transformations and changes in content undergone by the term itself. This process also allows us to reflect on the repercussions that this form of self-understanding might have on the ethnic construction in Guatemala and the whole of Latin America.
Carmen Castañeda (1941-2007): mentora y formadora de jóvenes generaciones de historiadores
Authors: Aceves MaríaTeresa Fernández
Published: January 2018

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Cruzando miradas
Authors: Velasco María Isabel Blanco
Published: January 2018

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Dinámicas de la "consolidación" democrática en América Latina
Authors: MillAckerman John
Published: January 2018

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De fronteras agrícolas, pioneros y gambusinos de oro verde
Authors: Chávez Humberto González
Published: January 2018

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El Archivo Histórico del Instituto Nacional de Migración
Authors: Yankelevich Pablo , Alazraki Paola Chenillo
Published: January 2018

This paper examines the process undergone in order to preserve what is known today as the Historical Archive of the National Institute of Migration. It studies the legislative process that enabled the Archive’s restoration, as well as the legal and administrative obstacles that have hampered its availability for academic research. It also analyzes the characteristics of the documental sources and explains their thematic classification. Finally, it outlines a research agenda focused on a broad universe of sources that will allow a reexamination of the history of migration in Mexico.
El Archivo Histórico del Centro Coordinador Tzeltal-Tzotzil de Chiapas: Memoria del laboratorio del indigenismo en México
Authors: Fenner Justus , Infante Dolores Palomo
Published: January 2018

This paper attempts to show the wealth of information kept in the archive of Mexico’s first Indigenist Coordination Center, founded in 1951 in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. It describes the implementation of a preservation project and highlights the difficulties found during its application, its stated goals and their degree of fulfillment, the criteria and methodology adopted, as well as the final results obtained, which have made available to all those interested an extraordinary amount of information about the history of the Tzeltal-Tzotzil region of Chiapas over the past halfcentury.
¿Podemos escuchar las voces de los grupos subalternos en los archivos?
Authors: Mentz Brígida Von
Published: January 2018

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Reflexiones sobre los retos feministas ante la globalización
Authors: Castillo Rosalva Aída Hernández
Published: January 2018

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De tradiciones y métodos: investigaciones pictográficas
Authors: Oudijk Michel R.
Published: January 2018

Research on pictographic documents has strongly evolved during the last few decades. Even though their differences have become less clear, five schools of thought can be distinguished, each one with its own objectives and methodologies.This paper makes a general description of the schools and traditions on this field, and reflects on their methods.Without pretending to be an exhaustive analysis, due to space constraints, the author’s goal is to shed some light on the evolution of research and to point out some problems and a few guidelines for future studies.
Comentario. Reflexiones críticas sobre el estudio de la escritura pictográfica en México*
Authors: Joyce Arthur A.
Published: January 2018

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Sociedad compleja: ¿cómo se integra?
Authors: Millán René
Published: January 2018

The tension between integration and differentiation has been a classic concern of both Sociology and Political Systemic Analysis. Along those lines and under the guidance of Luhmann’s Social Systems Theory, this paper analyses the way in which one can formulate the link between integration and differentiation regarding social complexity. It concludes that the idea of a fully coherent and integrated order under a single functional principle cannot be sustained. The unity between social complexity and differentiation determines a more flexible, segmented, fragmented, and less centrally guided integration.
François Jacob y la integración de biología, filosofía y antropología
Authors: Ferrer Sergio Alcántara
Published: January 2018

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Nuevas perspectivas de la historia oaxaqueña. Francie Chassen y su mirada desde el sur
Authors: Machuca Laura
Published: January 2018

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Acerca de los laicos en México: Guadalajara
Authors: Calzato Walter Alberto
Published: January 2018

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Three Faience Rosette Discs in the Museo Egizio in Turin: The Early Ramesside Pharaohs in the Eastern Delta, and Their Glittering Palaces
Authors: Webb Virginia
Published: January 2018

Three small faience rosette discs now in the Museo Egizio of Turin, one of which has a given provenance from Heliopolis, while another bears the inscription ‘Tel el-Yahoudeh’, form an intriguing introduction to a certain type of Egyptian palace architectural decoration. They also trace the sorry story of the pillage of Ramesside sites in the Delta. Not only was it possible for near contemporary Pharaonic activity to transport and relocate the majority of the stone monuments of a whole city (Qantir-Piramesses to Tanis), to the extreme puzzlement of Egyptologists, but the smallest elements of certain ritual buildings also proved irresistible, since for the sebakhin they were highly portable and saleable. The renewed commercial opportunities offered by European travellers in the nineteenth century sounded the death knell for buildings decorated with these attractive decorative elements. Here I shall take a detailed look at the rosette tiles, their possible sources, and the light they throw on techniques of faience manufacture.

ملخص البحث:

ترتكز الدراسة فى هذا المقال على دراسة ثلاثة أقراص صغيرة من الفاينس الوردى موجودة حاليا بالمتحف المصرى بتورينو، إحداهما وفقاً للسجل فهى من هليوبوليس، فى حين أن آخرى من تل اليهودية، حيث تشكل هذه القطع الثلاث مقدمة مثيرة للإهتمام لنوع معين من الزخارف المعمارية في القصر المصري. كما أنها تتبع القصة المؤسفة لنهب مواقع الرعامسة فى الدلتا. على جانب واحد كان من الممكن للنشاط الفرعونى المعاصر نقل معظم المعالم الحجرية لمدينة بأكملها (على سبيل المثال قنطير-بررمسيس إلى تانيس)، مما أدى إلى حيرة علماء المصريات، ليس لهذا السبب فقط بل أيضاً عن كيفية نقل العناصر الصغيرة للغاية من زخرفة بعض المبانى الطقسية، فى الواقع هذا قد يكون راجعاً للسباخين الذين كانو قادرين على حملها وبيعها. وقد أتاحت الفرص التجارية المتجددة التى ظهرت للمسافرون الأوربيون فى القرن التاسع عشر بداية النهاية للمبانى المزخرفة بهذة العناصر الزخرفية الجذابة. هنا ومن خلال البحث سوف يلقى المؤلف نظرة مفصلة على البلاط الوردى، مصادرة المحتملة، وعلى ضوء معرفة تقنيات تصنيع الفاينس.
Optimizing Distributed Machine Learning for Large Scale EEG Data Set
Authors: Shaikh M Bilal , Rehman M Abdul , Sahito Attaullah
Published: January 2018

Distributed Machine Learning (DML) has gained its importance more than ever in this era of Big Data. There are a lot of challenges to scale machine learning techniques on distributed platforms. When it comes to scalability, improving the processor technology for high level computation of data is at its limit, however increasing machine nodes and distributing data along with computation looks as a viable solution. Different frameworks   and platforms are available to solve DML problems. These platforms provide automated random data distribution of datasets which miss the power of user defined intelligent data partitioning based on domain knowledge. We have conducted an empirical study which uses an EEG Data Set collected through P300 Speller component of an ERP (Event Related Potential) which is widely used in BCI problems; it helps in translating the intention of subject w h i l e performing any cognitive task. EEG data contains noise due to waves generated by other activities in the brain which contaminates true P300Speller. Use of Machine Learning techniques could help in detecting errors made by P300 Speller. We are solving this classification problem by partitioning data into different chunks and preparing distributed models using Elastic CV Classifier. To present a case of optimizing distributed machine learning, we propose an intelligent user defined data partitioning approach that could impact on the accuracy of distributed machine learners on average. Our results show better average AUC as compared to average AUC obtained after applying random data partitioning which gives no control to user over data partitioning. It improves the average accuracy of distributed learner due to the domain specific intelligent partitioning by the user. Our customized approach achieves 0.66 AUC on individual sessions and 0.75 AUC on mixed sessions, whereas random / uncontrolled data distribution records 0.63 AUC.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Complementary Stochastic Quadratic Operators of Finite-Dimensional Simplex
Authors: Abdulghafor Rawad , Turaev Sherzod , Zeki Akram
Published: January 2018

We define a complementary stochastic quadratic operator on ﬁnite-dimensional space as a new sub-class of quadratic stochastic operator. We give necessary and sufﬁcient conditions for complementary stochastic quadratic operator.
Comparative Study of Load Testing Tools: Apache JMeter, HP LoadRunner, Microsoft Visual Studio (TFS), Siege
Authors: Abbas Rabiya , Sultan Zainab , Bhatti  Shahid Nazir
Published: January 2018

Software testing is the process of verifying and validating the user’s requirements. Testing is ongoing process during whole software development. Software testing is characterized into three main types. That is, in Black box testing, user doesn’t know domestic knowledge, internal logics and design of system. In white box testing, Tester knows the domestic logic of code. In Grey box testing, Tester has little bit knowledge about the internal structure and working of the system. It is commonly used in case of Integration testing.Load testing helps us to analyze the performance of the system under heavy load or under Zero load. This is achieved with the help of a Load Testing Tool. The intention for writing this research is to carry out a comparison of four load testing tools i.e. Apache JMeter, LoadRunner, Microsoft Visual Studio (TFS), Siege based on certain criteria  i.e. test scripts generation , result reports, application support, plug-in supports, and cost . The main focus is to study these load testing tools and identify which tool is better and more efficient . We assume this comparison can help in selecting the most appropriate tool and motivates the use of open source load testing tools.
Theoretical Insights into Coverage Analysis of Cellular Networks
Authors: Marvi Murk , Khurram Muhammad
Published: January 2018

Recently, tools from stochastic geometry have gained much attention for modeling and analysis of dense cellular networks. Although, extensive studies are available in literature in this respect however, the approaches are generalized and often lack significance towards practical scenarios where network conditions vary dynamically. The main objective of this research is to provide some insights into the stochastic geometry based analysis of cellular networks, through suitable modifications, so that it can be used to estimate parameters of interest i.e., intensity and coverage probability for different tiers and scenarios under consideration. The main definition for probability of coverage has been re-defined and complete closed form expression is derived. The intensity for different tiers have been estimated, with the help of proposed approach, beyond which no more gain in coverage probability can be achieved. Monte-Carlo simulations have been performed for validation of proposed approach and results are also compared with state-of-the-art approach.
Effects of Icon Design and Styles On Human-Mobile Interaction: Case Study on e-Literate vs. Non e-Literate user
Authors: Memon Zulfiqar A. , Siddiqi Jawaid A. , Shahani Javed A.
Published: January 2018

Cell phones have turn out to be the most central communication gadget in our daily life. This results in an enormously intense competition between almost all the mobile phone vendors. Despite of manufacturer’s diverse types of advertising strategies such as exceptional price cut offers or modern attractive functions, what really matter is whether this everyday communication gadget has been designed according to the preference and requirements of all types of users. The miniature type screen interface design is one of the recent research themes of the Human-Computer Interaction domain. Because of the restricted screen size, “icons” have been considered as the prevailing style in the functional course of action of a cell phone. This article investigates the effects of icon designs and styles employed by different vendors on the perception of both the e-literate users and non e-literate users. We have explored various articles from the literature, summarizing their results of experimental validations and a comparative analysis is described at the end. It was found that designers of mobile phone icons have to balance a trade-off between the need, requirements and understanding of both e-literate and non e-literate users.
Registration of the Louise/Alpowa Wheat Recombinant Inbred Line Mapping Population
Authors: Martinez Shantel A. , Thompson Alison L. , Wen Nuan , Murphy Lesley , Sanguinet Karen A. , Steber Camille M. , Garland Campbell Kimberly A.
Published: January 2018

A mapping population was developed from the cross of soft white spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars ‘Louise’ and ‘Alpowa’ for use in investigating the genetic architecture of drought tolerance in the US Pacific Northwest. The Louise/Alpowa (Reg. No. MP‐8, NSL 520824 MAP) recombinant inbred line mapping population was developed through single seed descent from the F2 generation to the F5 generation. The population consists of 141 F5:6 recombinant inbred lines, of which 132 were used to construct the genetic linkage map. The 32 linkages groups included 882 single nucleotide polymorphism markers and one simple sequence repeat marker spanning 18 of 21 chromosomes. The Louise/Alpowa population was characterized for variation in agronomic traits, phenology, and end‐use quality traits. This population will be used for identification and introgression of multiple loci providing resistance to environmental stress such as drought, stripe rust, and high temperatures.
Pharmacological effects of Cnicus arvensis on the gastrointestinal system
Authors: Saqib Fatima , Hassan Sakeena , Imran Imran , Aleem Ambreen , Janbaz Khalid Hussain
Published: January 2018

The current study was conducted to screen the possible pharmacological activity of Cnicus arvensis on the gastrointestinal system. The methanolic extract exerted concentration-dependent (0.01–3.0 mg/mL) spasmolytic effect using isolated tissue preparations of rabbit jejunum and caused relaxation of K+(80 mM)-induced spastic contractions. There was non-parallel shift in Ca++ concentration response curves towards right at tissue bath concentrations of 0.3 and 1.0 mg/mL. The solvent-solvents fractionation revealed domination of spasmolytic effects in petroleum ether fraction as compared to aqueous fraction. The methanolic extract also found to reduce the retching in chicks at 150 mg/kg as compared to chlorpromazine. The methanolic crude extract also found to reduce the number of wet spots using castor oil-induced diarrhea in rat as compare to loperamide. Our results reflected the presence of Ca++ channel blocking activity in methanolic extract, thus rationalizing the medicinal use of C. arvensis in diarrhea and vomiting.
Selection of drought tolerant wheat genotypes by osmotic stress imposed at germination and early seedling stage
Authors: Saha RR , Hannan A , Nessa A , Malek MA , Islam MR
Published: January 2018

An experiment on hundred wheat genotypes under different levels of osmotic stress was carried out during 2014 to select the genotype(s) tolerant to drought at germination and early seedling stage. Different levels of osmotic stress were imposed by using polyethylene glycol (PEG). Three osmotic stress levels viz. control (distilled water), 15% PEG solution and 25% PEG solution were used. Among the 100 genotypes the rate of germination percentage, final germination (%), root and shoot dry weight, amount of respiration and vigour index under PEG treatment was found significantly lower than that of control condition. Compared to control condition relative decrease in rate of germination, final germination, amount of respiration and vigour index among the wheat genotypes were found more at 25% PEG than that of 15% PEG treatment. However, the seed metabolic efficiency was significantly higher in wheat genotypes under both 15% PEG and 25% PEG treatment compared to the control condition. A significant positive correlation exists between the important growth parameters like rate of germination (%), final germination (%), shoot dry weight, root dry weight and vigour index. On the basis of these physiological traits against osmotic stress, nine genotypes of wheat such as BD-480, BD-498, BD- 501, BD-513, BD-514, BD-519, BD-592, BD-618 and BD- 633 were selected as drought tolerant.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 177-192 (2017)
Effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and soil properties
Authors: Hossain MB , Ryu KS
Published: January 2018

A Greenhouse experiment was conducted to identify the suitable dose of organic fertilizer for lettuce production. Different doses of organic fertilizer (6.5, 13 and 26 t ha-1) and the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (RDCF) as standard were selected for this experiment. Application of 13 t ha-1 organic fertilizer significantly increased leaf size (length and breadth) of lettuce. This treatment also increased 14, 25, 21, 32, 24, 27, 36 and 168% fresh weight, dry weight, N, P, K, Ca, Mg & Na uptake over RDCF, respectively. Organic matter content was increased of 17.79, 43.82 and 89.89% in 6.5, 13 and 26 t ha-1 organic fertilizer treated plots respectively over recommended dose of chemical fertilizers. Data also indicated that organic fertilizer @ 26 t ha-1 resulted in significant increase in pH, total nitrogen (24%), organic matter (90%) and Zn (29%) compared to RDCF and decreased electrical conductivity, mineral nitrogen (NH4 +-N & NO3 --N) and cadmium and lead (Cd & Pb) in soil. Positive and significant correlation was observed on yield and yield attributes of lettuce and soil nitrogen, organic matter with pH, total nitrogen with mineral nitrogen and negative correlation was found with applied organic fertilizer with cadmium and lead. Based on these results, organic fertilizer @ 13 t ha-1 without chemical fertilizer could be recommended to increase lettuce yield as well as mitigate heavy metals in soil.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 93-102 (2017)
Integrated use of manure and fertilizers increases rice yield, nutrient uptake and soil fertility in the boro-fallow-t.aman rice cropping pattern
Authors: Bilkis S , Islam MR , Jahiruddin M , Rahaman MM
Published: January 2018

The effect of integrated use of manure and fertilizers on crop yield, nutrient uptake and soil fertility was studied in the Boro-fallow-T. Aman cropping pattern over two years. The experiment was set up at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) farm, Mymensingh under the AEZ 9 (Old Brahmaputra Floodplain). The field trial consisted of eight treatments and control (no fertilizer or manure), 100% chemical fertilizers (CF), and IPNS based six treatments with six types of manure. Cowdung (CD), CD slurry, Trichocompost (TC) and vermicompost (VC) were added to soil at 5 t ha-1 and poultry manure (PM) and PM slurry applied at 3 t ha-1. For all IPNS treatments, nutrient supply from manure was adjusted with that from chemical fertilizers. In each crop cycle, manure was applied to the first crop (Boro rice) and the residual effect was evaluated on the succeeding crop (T.Aman rice). The IPNS based treatments significantly increased the grain and straw yields of Boro rice and it had also positive residual effect on T.Aman rice. Trichocompost and vermicompost, among the six IPNS treatments, demonstrated higher crop yield and that was followed by poultry manure slurry and cowdung slurry. Integrated use of manure with fertilizers gave on an average 8.3-33.8% and 2.9-18.3% higher grain yield in Boro and T. Aman rice, respectively over sole fertilizers treatment. Higher nutrient uptake by crops (N, P, K & S) was also observed in IPNS treated plots. The IPNS treatments improved soil fertility in terms of increasing organic matter, N, P and S contents of soil after two crop cycles. The study suggests that manure and fertilizers should be used in an integrated manner to achieve sustainable crop yield, without incurring loss to soil fertility.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 147-161 (2017)
An exertion of enhance milk yield of native Pabna cattle through using different types of calcium salt of fatty acid
Authors: Yeasmin D , Islam N , Sarker NR , Huda N , Habib A , Tabassum F
Published: January 2018

Keeping consideration on increasing quality milk production through addition of conventional fat, an experiment accords CRD design was conducted at Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka for a period of 30 days including 5 days of digestibility trial. Twenty lactating Pabna cattle of average 250.1 ± 13.64 kg (Bos indicus) of initial body weight with average milk yield of 2.88 ± 0.38 kg were selected and divided into four groups randomly having five cows in each. The imposed treatments were T0, T1, T2, and T3; in where To= German grass + Concentrate mixture without Ca salt of fatty acid + 2.5 % DCP, T1= German grass + Concentrate mixture + 2.5 % soybean based Ca salt of fatty acid, T2= German grass + Concentrate mixture + 2.5 % mustard based Ca salt of fatty acid and T3= German grass + Concentrate mixture + 2.5% palm-oil based Ca salt of fatty acid. The result showed that, calcium salt of fatty acid influenced to increase of milk yield significantly among (P<0.001) the treatments; in where highest yield gained in T1 (3.53 kg d-1) followed by T2, T0 and T3 (3.33, 2.44 and 2.24, respectively). Besides this, all other parameters analytically examined in this experiment i.e. intake, apparent digestibility, gained body weight and chemical composition of milk showed non-significant difference among the treatments. From the analytical value and discussion, it may be suggested that, calcium salt of fatty acid formulated from soybean oil or mustard oil could be used for enhancing better quality milk yield.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 137-146 (2017)
Chemo-induced pod and seed mutants in mungbean (Vigna Radiata L. Wilczek)
Authors: Wani MR , Dar AR , Tak A , Amin I , Shah NH , Rehman R , Baba MY , Raina A , Laskar R , Kozgar MI , Khan S
Published: January 2018

Mungbean is one of the most important pulse crops due to its nutritive value and maintaining soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation. Genetic variability is one of the pre-requisite for crop improvement. The present investigation was aimed at to enhance the genetic variability for three quantitative traits viz. pod length, number of seeds per pod and 100-seed weight in M2 and M3 generations of mungbean following mutagenesis with ethylmethane sulphonate (EMS), hydrazine hydrate (HZ) and sodium azide (SA). Mean pod length did not differ significantly in most of the mutagenic treatments in M2. However, significant improvement for the trait was exhibited with lower and moderate concentrations in M3 generation. The mean number of seeds per pod and 100-seed weight increased with lower and moderate concentrations of the mutagens in M2, whereas M3 generation showed a complete positive trend of shift. Long pod and bold seeded mutants may be exploited to increase the number of seeds per pod and seed size leading to increased yield potential. The genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance increased manifold in the treated population for all these traits suggesting that mutagen induced variability has the substantial scope to improve the mungbean crop.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 57-67 (2017)
Reproductive performance of spiralling whitefly on guava and impact of weather parameters on its immature stages
Authors: Hossain I , Khan MMH , Jahan SMH
Published: January 2018

The study was conducted to know the reproductive performance of spiralling whitefly on guava. Number of colony, eggs, 1st instar, 2nd instar, 3rd instar and 4th instar nymphs per five leaves ranged from 6 to 15, 8 to 32, 0 to 44, 0 to 22, 0 to 45 and 0 to 28, respectively. Maximum number of adults and nymphs were found in the month of January. Highest longevity of Aleurodicus dispersus (21.5 days) was recorded in adult while the lowest was in 2nd instar nymph (6.4 days). The number of colony/leaf and number of 3rd and 4th instar nymphs of A. dispersus had significant positive correlation with minimum and maximum temperature while non-significant positive correlation is observed between the number of egg/colony, the number 1st and 2nd instar nymphs with minimum and maximum temperature. A. dispersus showed nonsignificant positive correlation with minimum and maximum relative humidity regarding number of colony/leaf, 2nd instar nymph while nonsignificant negative correlation with 4th instar nymph.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 207-214 (2017)
Characteristics of Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs: Current Status of the Sharing Antimicrobial Reports for Pediatric Stewardship (SHARPS) Collaborative
Authors: McPherson Christopher , Lee Brian , Terrill Cindy , Hersh Adam , Gerber Jeffrey , Kronman Matthew , Newland Jason
Published: January 2018

In response to the growing epidemic of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) have been rapidly implemented in the United States (US). This study examines the prevalence of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) seven core elements of a successful ASP within a large subset of US Children’s Hospitals. In 2016, a survey was conducted of 52 pediatric hospitals assessing the presence of the seven core elements: leadership commitment, accountability, drug expertise, action, tracking, reporting, and education. Forty-nine hospitals (94%) had established ASPs and 41 hospitals (79%) included all seven core elements. Physician accountability (87%) and a dedicated ASP pharmacist or drug expert (88%) were present in the vast majority of hospitals. However, substantial variability existed in the financial support allotted to these positions. This variability did not predict program actions, tracking, reporting, and education. When compared with previous surveys, these results document a dramatic increase in the prevalence and resources of pediatric stewardship programs, although continued expansion is warranted. Further research is required to understand the feasibility of various core stewardship activities and the impact on patient outcomes in the setting of finite resources.
The Addition of Manganese Porphyrins during Radiation Inhibits Prostate Cancer Growth and Simultaneously Protects Normal Prostate Tissue from Radiation Damage
Authors: Chatterjee Arpita , Zhu Yuxiang , Tong Qiang , Kosmacek Elizabeth , Lichter Eliezer , Oberley-Deegan Rebecca
Published: January 2018

Radiation therapy is commonly used for prostate cancer treatment; however, normal tissues can be damaged from the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by radiation. In separate reports, we and others have shown that manganese porphyrins (MnPs), ROS scavengers, protect normal cells from radiation-induced damage but inhibit prostate cancer cell growth. However, there have been no studies demonstrating that MnPs protect normal tissues, while inhibiting tumor growth in the same model. LNCaP or PC3 cells were orthotopically implanted into athymic mice and treated with radiation (2 Gy, for 5 consecutive days) in the presence or absence of MnPs. With radiation, MnPs enhanced overall life expectancy and significantly decreased the average tumor volume, as compared to the radiated alone group. MnPs enhanced lipid oxidation in tumor cells but reduced oxidative damage to normal prostate tissue adjacent to the prostate tumor in combination with radiation. Mechanistically, MnPs behave as pro-oxidants or antioxidants depending on the level of oxidative stress inside the treated cell. We found that MnPs act as pro-oxidants in prostate cancer cells, while in normal cells and tissues the MnPs act as antioxidants. For the first time, in the same in vivo model, this study reveals that MnPs enhance the tumoricidal effect of radiation and reduce oxidative damage to normal prostate tissue adjacent to the prostate tumor in the presence of radiation. This study suggests that MnPs are effective radio-protectors for radiation-mediated prostate cancer treatment.
The Influence of Sensor Size on Acoustic Emission Waveforms—A Numerical Study
Authors: Tsangouri Eleni , Aggelis Dimitrios
Published: January 2018

The performance of Acoustic Emission technique is governed by the measuring efficiency of the piezoelectric sensors usually mounted on the structure surface. In the case of damage of bulk materials or plates, the sensors receive the acoustic waveforms of which the frequency and shape are correlated to the damage mode. This numerical study measures the waveforms received by point, medium and large size sensors and evaluates the effect of sensor size on the acoustic emission signals. Simulations are the only way to quantify the effect of sensor size ensuring that the frequency response of the different sensors is uniform. The cases of horizontal (on the same surface), vertical and diagonal excitation are numerically simulated, and the corresponding elastic wave displacement is measured for different sizes of sensors. It is shown that large size sensors significantly affect the wave magnitude and content in both time and frequency domains and especially in the case of surface wave excitation. The coherence between the original and received waveform is quantified and the numerical findings are experimentally supported. It is concluded that sensors with a size larger than half the size of the excitation wavelength start to seriously influence the accuracy of the AE waveform.
Nanomaterials for the Abatement of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products from Wastewater
Authors: Freyria Francesca , Geobaldo Francesco , Bonelli Barbara
Published: January 2018

In this short-review, the most common types of both pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCP, a class of “emerging pollutants”) are considered, as well as some of the most frequent methods for their removal that envisage the use of nanomaterials. The nanomaterials used in conservative methods (namely, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration and adsorption) are basically nanoporous solids. Non-conservative methods, which include photocatalysis and Fenton reaction, are currently considered more promising than conservative ones, as the former allow the (at least) partial degradation of the original molecules into more biodegradable by-products, which can be further abated by subsequent biological treatments, whereas the former are not efficient for the removal of small quantities of pollutants and have to be regenerated.
Self-Q-Switch and CW Operation of a Tunable Dual-Wavelength Er/Yb Double-Clad Fiber Laser
Authors: Ibarra-Escamilla Baldemar , Durán-Sánchez Manuel , Posada-Ramírez Berenice , Prieto-Cortés Patricia , Álvarez-Tamayo Ricardo , Kuzin Evgeny
Published: January 2018

In this paper, a double-clad Er/Yb fiber laser with self-Q-switched and continuous wave operation depending on the pump power range is experimentally demonstrated. The linear cavity is formed on one side by a pair of cascaded tunable fiber Bragg gratings used for the selection and tuning of the generated laser lines. On the opposite side, a fiber optical loop mirror with high birefringence fiber in the loop is used to adjust the intra-cavity losses to obtain dual-wavelength emission by temperature changes on the fiber loop. Continuous wave dual-wavelength laser operation is obtained for tunable separation of the generated laser lines in a range from 1 to 7 nm, maximum output power of 3.6Wwith a pump power of 10Wand laser wavelengths linewidth of ~0.2 nm. Self-Q-switched laser pulses are obtained with low pump power in a range from 322 to 890 mW. Q-switched pulses with minimum pulse duration of ~1.5 _s and maximum pulse energy of ~3.5 _J are obtained.
Recent Progress in Synthesis and Functionalization of Multimodal Fluorescent-Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biological Applications
Authors: Serrano García Raquel , Stafford Shelley , Gun’ko Yurii
Published: January 2018

There is a great interest in the development of new nanomaterials for multimodal imaging applications in biology and medicine. Multimodal fluorescent-magnetic based nanomaterials deserve particular attention as they can be used as diagnostic and drug delivery tools, which could facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and many other diseases. This review focuses on the recent developments of magnetic-fluorescent nanocomposites and their biomedical applications. The recent advances in synthetic strategies and approaches for the preparation of fluorescent-magnetic nanocomposites are presented. The main biomedical uses of multimodal fluorescent-magnetic nanomaterials, including biological imaging, cancer therapy and drug delivery, are discussed, and prospects of this field are outlined.
Application of an Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm in an Optimum Tuned Mass Damper Design for a Pedestrian Bridge
Authors: Shi Weixing , Wang Liangkun , Lu Zheng , Zhang Quanwu
Published: January 2018

Tuned mass damper (TMD) has a wide application in the human-induced vibration control of pedestrian bridges and its parameters have great influence on the control effects, hence it should be well designed. A new optimization method for a TMD system is proposed in this paper, based on the artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA), and the primary structural damping is taken into consideration. The optimization goal is to minimize the maximum dynamic amplification factor of the primary structure under external harmonic excitations. As a result, the optimized TMD has a smaller maximum dynamic amplification factor and better robustness. The optimum TMD parameters for a damped primary structure with different damping ratios and different TMD mass ratios are summarized in a table for simple, practical design, and the fitting equation is also provided. The TMD configuration optimized by the proposed method was shown to be superior to that optimized by other classical optimization methods. Finally, the application of an optimized TMD based on AFSA for a pedestrian bridge is proposed as a case study. The results show that the TMD designed based on AFSA has a smaller maximum dynamic amplification factor than the TMD designed based on the classic Den Hartog method and the TMD designed based on the Ioi Toshihiro method, and the optimized TMD has a good effect in controlling human-induced vibrations at different frequencies.
A New Resource Allocation Protocol for the Backhaul of Underwater Cellular Wireless Networks
Authors: Yun Changho , Choi Suhan
Published: January 2018

In this paper, an underwater base station initiating (UBSI) resource allocation is proposed for underwater cellular wireless networks (UCWNs), which is a new approach to determine the backhaul capacity of underwater base stations (UBSs). This backhaul is a communication link from a UBS to a UBS controller (UBSC). Contrary to conventional resource allocation protocols, a UBS initiates to re-determine its backhaul capacity for itself according to its queue status; it releases a portion of its backhaul capacity in the case of experiencing resource under-utilization, and also requests additional backhaul capacity to the UBSC if packet drops are caused due to queue-overflow. This protocol can be appropriate and efficient to the underwater backhaul link where the transmission rate is quite low and the latency is unneglectable. In order to investigate the applicability of the UBSI resource allocation protocol to the UCWN, its performance is extensively analyzed via system level simulations. In our analysis, considered performance measures include average packet drop rate, average resource utilization, average message overhead, and the reserved capacity of the UBSC. In particular, the simulation results show that our proposed protocol not only utilizes most of the given backhaul capacity (more than 90 percent of resource utilization on the average), but also reduces controlling message overheads induced by resource allocation (less than 2 controlling messages on the average). It is expected that the simulation results and analysis in this paper can be used as operating guidelines to apply our new resource allocation protocol for the UCWN.
Odor Communication and Mate Choice in Rodents
Authors: Ferkin Michael
Published: January 2018

This paper details how chemical communication is affected by ecological challenges such as finding mates. I list several conditions that affect the decision to attract mates, the decision to respond to the signals of potential mates and how the response depends on context. These mate-choice decisions and their outcomes will depend on the life history constraints placed on individuals such as their fecundity, sex, lifespan, opportunities to mate in the future and age at senescence. Consequently, the sender’s decision to scent mark or self-groom as well as the receiver’s choice of response represents a tradeoff between the current costs of the participant’s own survival and future reproduction against that of reproducing now. The decision to scent mark and the response to the scent mark of opposite-sex conspecifics should maximize the fitness of the participants in that context.
Tackling Cancer Resistance by Immunotherapy: Updated Clinical Impact and Safety of PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors
Authors: Abdin Shifaa , Zaher Dana , Arafa El-Shaimaa , Omar Hany
Published: January 2018

Cancer therapy has been constantly evolving with the hope of finding the most effective agents with the least toxic effects to eradicate tumors. Cancer immunotherapy is currently among the most promising options, fulfilling this hope in a wide range of tumors. Immunotherapy aims to activate immunity to fight cancer in a very specific and targeted manner; however, some abnormal immune reactions known as immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) might occur. Therefore, many researchers are aiming to define the most proper protocols for managing these complications without interfering with the anticancer effect. One of these targeted approaches is the inhibition of the interaction between the checkpoint protein, programmed death-receptor 1 (PD-1), and its ligand, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), via a class of antibodies known as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. These antibodies achieved prodigious success in a wide range of malignancies, including those where optimal treatment is not yet fully identified. In this review, we have critically explored and discussed the outcome of the latest PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitor studies in different malignancies compared to standard chemotherapeutic alternatives with a special focus on the clinical efficacy and safety. The approval of the clinical applications of nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, avelumab, and durvalumab in the last few years clearly highlights the hopeful future of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for cancer patients. These promising results of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have encouraged many ongoing preclinical and clinical trials to explore the extent of antitumor activity, clinical efficacy and safety as well as to extend their applications.
Solid-State Testing of a Van-Der-Waals-Corrected Exchange-Correlation Functional Based on the Semiclassical Atom Theory
Authors: Terentjev Aleksandr , Cortona Pietro , Constantin Lucian , Pitarke José , Della Sala Fabio , Fabiano Eduardo
Published: January 2018

We extend the SG4 generalized gradient approximation, developed for covalent and ionic solids with a nonlocal van der Waals functional. The resulting SG4-rVV10m functional is tested, considering two possible parameterizations, for various kinds of bulk solids including layered materials and molecular crystals as well as regular bulk materials. The results are compared to those of similar methods, PBE + rVV10L and rVV10. In most cases, SG4-rVV10m yields a quite good description of systems (from iono-covalent to hydrogen-bond and dispersion interactions), being competitive with PBE + rVV10L and rVV10 for dispersion-dominated systems and slightly superior for iono-covalent ones. Thus, it shows a promising applicability for solid-state applications. In a few cases, however, overbinding is observed. This is analysed in terms of gradient contributions to the functional.
3D FEM Analysis of a Pile-Supported Riverine Platform under Environmental Loads Incorporating Soil-Pile Interaction
Authors: Kontoni Denise-Penelope , Farghaly Ahmed
Published: January 2018

An existing riverine platform in Egypt, together with its pile group foundation, is analyzed under environmental loads using 3D FEM structural analysis software incorporating soil-pile interaction. The interaction between the transfer plate and the piles supporting the platform is investigated. Two connection conditions were studied assuming fixed or hinged connection between the piles and the reinforced concrete platform for the purpose of comparison of the structural behavior. The analysis showed that the fixed or hinged connection condition between the piles and the platform altered the values and distribution of displacements, normal force, bending moments, and shear forces along the length of each pile. The distribution of piles in the pile group affects the stress distribution on both the soil and platform. The piles were found to suffer from displacement failure rather than force failure. Moreover, the resulting bending stresses on the reinforced concrete plate in the case of a fixed connection between the piles and the platform were almost doubled and much higher than the allowable reinforced concrete stress and even exceeded the ultimate design strength and thus the environmental loads acting on a pile-supported riverine offshore platform may cause collapse if they are not properly considered in the structural analysis and design.
Addendum: Patiño-Cambeiro, F. et al. Multidisciplinary Energy Assessment of Tertiary Buildings: Automated Geomatic Inspection, Building Information Modeling Reconstruction and Building Performance Simulation. Energies 2017, 10, 1032
Authors: Patiño-Cambeiro Faustino , Bastos Guillermo , Armesto Julia , Patiño-Barbeito Faustino
Published: January 2018

The authors would like to add the student Luis Gandarela Campos, from the University of Vigo, that contributed in some technical computations, in the Acknowledgement Section of their paper published in Energies [1].[...]
Analysis and Assessment of Exposure to Selected Phthalates Found in Children’s Toys in Christchurch, New Zealand
Authors: Ashworth Matthew , Chappell Andrew , Ashmore Ellen , Fowles Jefferson
Published: January 2018

Internationally several phthalates are subject to regulatory control regarding maximum allowable concentrations in children’s toys. Such regulation is not in place in New Zealand. Phthalates have been associated with developmental toxicity and endocrine disruption. We determined the concentration of seven phthalates in children’s toys purchased in Christchurch, New Zealand. These results provided data for an exposure assessment deriving Hazard Indices (HI) for oral and dermal exposure routes in children, based on the concentration of mixtures of phthalates shown by the EU to produce either reproductive/developmental or hepatotoxic effects. Of the 49 toys analyzed, 65% contained at least one phthalate at a concentration of >0.1% by mass; and 35% contained multiple-phthalates at individual concentrations of >0.1%. A HI of 3.4 was derived for the combined exposures to the four phthalates associated with reproductive and developmental effects. A HI of 0.3 was derived for the group of phthalates associated with hepatotoxic effects. Five phthalates were detected at levels exceeding the EU regulatory limit of 0.1% by mass. Risk assessment calculations indicate that, using realistic exposure scenarios, the worst-case combined exposure to phthalates associated with developmental toxicity exceeded a HI of 1 so may cause adverse developmental effects.