bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron Supported on Ion Exchange Resin as Source of Iron for Fenton Reagent: A Heterogeneous or a Homogeneous Fenton Reagent Generation?
Authors: García-Rodríguez Orlando , Bañuelos Jennifer A. , Godínez Luis A. , Arredondo Valdez Hortencia C. , Zamudio Evelyn , Ramírez Victor , Rodríguez-Valadez Francisco J.
Published: September 2017

The aim of this work is to discuss the relative contribution of homogeneous and heterogeneous Fenton processes in the treatment of Orange II dye solutions at pH 3 and 7 using an ion exchange resin as iron support. While at pH 3, 99% of the colour was removed, under neutral conditions a decoloration of 56% was observed. Studying the release of iron from the resin, we found a concentration of 1.49 mg/L of ferric ion and 0.31 mg/L of ferrous ion at pH 3 and 1.08 mg/L and 0.11 mg/L at pH 7, revealing that as expected, dissolution of iron ions at pH 3 is larger. Using these concentrations in a homogeneous process, 45% of the colour can be removed at pH 3 and 10% at pH 7, so it was infered that there is an effect of the iron that is still supported on the resin. In this way, a mixed homogeneous/heterogeneous mechanism could be proposed. While the experimental data for the desorption of iron at pH 3 was well suited to a pseudo second order kinetic model, the desorption of iron at pH 7 was fit to pseudo-first order kinetics. Experimental results of dye decolorization were on the other hand, fitted to a pseudo first order kinetics.
Weak Bus-Oriented Installation of Phasor Measurement Unit for Power Network Observability
Authors: Babu Rohit , Bhattacharyya Biplab
Published: September 2017

Phasor measurement unit (PMU) is a GPS-based monitoring equipment employed for the improvement of the stability and reliability of the electrical grid. In this work, an optimal PMU placement has been considered to utilize the least number of units in order to make the power network fully observable. Further, this article also suggests to not only determine the minimal number and optimal locations of PMUs but also installation of the maximum number of PMUs on the weakest bus in an electrical network. Thus, the weak bus based on line stability index utilizing load flow measurement is determined. Then a novel numerical methodology which depends upon binary integer linear programming, constrained by weak bus measurement is proposed in this paper. Also, the effect of a single PMU loss considering weak buses is shown. The developed approach has been conducted on standard IEEE -14, -118, -300 and New England 39- bus test systems. Finally, obtained results and comparison with different weak bus methodologies are shown and examined.
Patented Innovation and Firm Value in the U.S. Food and Drink Industry: The Economic Importance of High-Quality Product Innovation
Authors: Grashuis Jasper , Dary Stanley
Published: September 2017

We use patent data to study product, process, and marketing innovation in the food and drink industry. From 1994 to 2005, only 61 of 194 U.S. public food and drink manufacturers patented some type of innovation. Furthermore, we find patent ownership is most common to large corporations, and most patented innovations relate to new designs and processes as opposed to new products. According to our empirical panel analysis, however, stock market investors find patent ownership of new product innovations the most valuable, although the intensity of patent ownership is not of utmost importance. Instead, we conclude patent quality is better able to explain variability in the stock market valuation of U.S. food and drink manufacturers. Specifically, a one-percent increase in the quality of patented innovations in food and drink products facilitates a 0.07 % increase in firm value, corresponding to almost $6 million for the mean innovating firm in the U.S. public food and drink industry.
Reading Experience: William James and Robert Browning
Authors: Erchinger Philipp
Published: September 2017

The topic of this essay is the concept of experience which, in the field of literary studies, is often used as if it were divided into an objective and a subjective aspect. Advocates of so-called ›empirical‹ approaches to the study of texts and minds tend to proceed from experience only to abstract impersonal (or objective) ›data‹ from it. By contrast, phenomenological and hermeneutic methods are frequently said to work through more immediately personal (or subjective) responses to, and engagements with, literary works. Thus experience, it seems, must either be read in terms of statistical diagrams and brain images, or else remain caught up in an activity

Drawing on the radical empiricism of William James, this essay seeks to reintegrate the experience of reading and the reading of experience, both of which are ambiguously condensed in my title. The main argument of the piece therefore hinges on James’s and John Dewey’s claim that experience is »double-barrelled« (James 1977, 172), which is to say that it refers to »the entire process of phenomena«, to quote James’s own definition, »before reflective thought has analysed them into subjective and objective aspects or ingredients« (James 1978, 95). Made up of both perceptions and conceptions, experience, as James views it, is the medium through which everything must have passed before it can be named, and without (or outside of) which nothing, therefore, can be said to exist. With this radical account of empiricism in mind, I revisit some of the assumptions underpinning cognitive literary criticism, before turning to an interpretation of the dramatic poetry of Robert Browning, which has been described as a version of »empiricism in literature« because it is concerned with »the pursuit of experience in all its remotest extensions« (Langbaum 1963, 96).

More specifically, my article engages with »Fra Lippo Lippi« and »An Epistle Containing the Strange Medical Experience of Karshish, the Arab Physician« in order to show that Browning’s dramatic monologues make experience legible as an activity by means of which perceptions come to be turned into conceptions while conceptions, conversely, are continuously reaffirmed, altered, or enriched by whatever perceptions are added to them as life goes on. As I argue, Browning’s
MODY in Ukraine: genes, clinical phenotypes and treatment
Authors: Globa Evgenia , Zelinska Nataliya , Elblova Lenka , Dusatkova Petra , Cinek Ondrej , Lebl Jan , Colclough Kevin , Ellard Sian , Pruhova Stepanka
Published: September 2017

Background:

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) has not been previously studied in Ukraine. We investigated the genetic etiology in a selected cohort of patients with diabetes diagnosed before 18 years of age, and in their family members.

Methods:

Genetic testing of the most prevalent MODY genes (

Results:

A genetic diagnosis of MODY was made in 15/39 affected individuals from 12/36 families (33%).

Conclusions:

Genetic testing identified pathogenic
Bayesian comparison of protein structures using partial Procrustes distance
Authors: Ejlali Nasim , Faghihi Mohammad Reza , Sadeghi Mehdi
Published: September 2017

An important topic in bioinformatics is the protein structure alignment. Some statistical methods have been proposed for this problem, but most of them align two protein structures based on the global geometric information without considering the effect of neighbourhood in the structures. In this paper, we provide a Bayesian model to align protein structures, by considering the effect of both local and global geometric information of protein structures. Local geometric information is incorporated to the model through the partial Procrustes distance of small substructures. These substructures are composed of
Zwischen Restauration und Resignation.Die Amnestie Jojachins (II Reg 25,27–30) als deuteronomistischer Programmtext?
Authors: Pietsch Michael
Published: September 2017

Die Bedeutung der Schlussverse der Königebücher für die Geschichtstheologie des sogenannten
Temperature-controlled formation of Anderson-type compounds and their conversion to [γ-Mo8O26]4−-based variants using pendent ligands
Authors: Tian Ai-xiang , Li Ting-ting , Tian Yan , Ni Huai-ping , Ji Xue-bin , Liu Jia-ni , Liu Guo-cheng , Ying Jun
Published: September 2017

By tuning the reaction temperature, two Anderson- and two [γ-Mo8O26]4−-based compounds decorated by pendent organic ligands, [CuII
9(bpz)2(pz)2(H2O)24][H2(Cr(OH)5Mo6O19)4]·11H2O (1), [CuII(bpz)2(H2O)2(γ-H4Mo8O26)]·2H2O (2), [CuII
2(tea)2(H2O)6(HCr(OH)6Mo6O18)2]· 6H2O (3) and [AgI(bpz)(H2O)(γ-H4Mo8O26)0.5] (4) (bpz=4-butyl-1H-pyrazole, pz=1H-pyrazole, tea=2-[1,2,4]triazol-4-yl-ethylamine), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, IR spectra and elemental analyses. In compound 1, there are two kinds of tri-nuclear CuII clusters induced by bpz and pz ligands, respectively. Four Anderson-type anions are linked by these tri-nuclear clusters to form a “W”-type subunit. In compound 2, the [Cu(bpz)2(H2O)2]2+ subunits connect the γ-Mo8 anions to construct a chain. The remaining two non-coordinated N donors in [Cu(bpz)2(H2O)2]2+ further link two adjacent γ-Mo8 anions through Mo–N bonds. In compound 3, there exists a bi-nuclear CuII cluster [Cu2(tea)2(H2O)6]4+. The discrete bi-nuclear CuII clusters and the CrMo6 anions link each other through abundant hydrogen bonding interactions. In compound 4, the [Ag(bpz)(H2O)]+ subunits connect γ-Mo8 anions to build a zigzag chain. The chains are further fused by other [Ag(bpz)(H2O)]+ cations to form a grid-like layer. There still exist Mo–N bonds in 4. We also have investigated the electrochemical and photocatalytic properties of 1–4.
Influences of NH4F additive and calcination time on the morphological evolution of α-Al2O3 from a milled γ-Al2O3 precursor
Authors: Zhu Lingling , Sun Chunhui , Chen Liugang , Lu Xifeng , Li Sai , Ye Guotian , Liu Luoqiang
Published: September 2017

The influences of an NH4F additive content and calcination time on the morphological evolution of α-Al2O3 were investigated by using commercial γ-Al2O3 precursor as raw material. The results showed that the morphological evolution of α-Al2O3 was highly related to the addition of NH4F, the additive content, and the calcination time. Square-like α-Al2O3 powders with a primary crystal size of ~200 nm were formed from the milled γ-Al2O3 precursor with 1 wt.% NH4F at 1300°C for 2 h, whereas round cake-like, hexagonal platelets, slender-like, and other irregularly shaped α-Al2O3 pieces in the size range of 0.2–2 μm were synthesized from the milled γ-Al2O3 precursor with 20 wt.% NH4F addition under the same calcination. Both morphological regularity and particle size distribution of α-Al2O3 were greatly facilitated by increasing the calcination time from 2 to 5 h. The addition of NH4F may lead to an alteration of the α-Al2O3 growth process by a change in the scale of the developing microstructure.
Design and Evaluation of a Moisture/Suction TDR Probe
Authors: Zhang Nan , Yu Xinbao , Puppala Anand
Published: September 2017

Soil moisture content and suction are two key geotechnical properties that are commonly measured by separate moisture and suction sensors, which require double installation efforts and often result in questionable correlation between the measured moisture content and suction. In this study, attempts were made to combine time domain reflectometry (TDR) technique and porous gypsum block functioning as a tensiometer for simultaneous measurements of soil moisture content and suction. A new moisture/suction TDR probe was designed and evaluated in the laboratory. The TDR probe had two parts with one half portion embedded in a gypsum block whose suction is equilibrated with surrounding soils for soil suction measurement. The other half portion of the TDR probe was also inserted into soils to measure moisture content. The probe was calibrated by the pressure plate and filter paper tests to establish a relationship between suction (ψ) and dielectric constant (Ka) of the gypsum block for suction measurement. Three laboratory tests (i.e., staged-drying tests, absorption tests, and desorption tests) were then performed on a silty sand to evaluate the probe performance. It is demonstrated that the probe can measure the soil moisture content and suction satisfactorily in the range 50 kPa < ψ < 10,000 kPa with a response time less than 5 h. Additionally, the probe is fabricated easily and fast, without any additional maintenance, and has a great potential for field measurements of soil moisture content and suction.
Consolidation and Dynamic Response of a Layered Mine Tailings Deposit in Centrifuge Tests
Authors: Antonaki Nonika , Abdoun Tarek , Sasanakul Inthuorn
Published: September 2017

Tailings from a mining project located in a seismically active region were used to construct and test a layered deposit on the geotechnical centrifuge at the Center for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (CEES) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). A set of six centrifuge tests was conducted to evaluate consolidation rate, settlement accumulation, shear strength evolution, and response to seismic loading. The material was liquid at disposal, so instrumentation of every layer proved to be a challenge. A total height of about 30 m of mine tailings was deposited in prototype scale (80 g). Brief consolidation of each layer took place at a lower centrifugal acceleration, thus enabling the material to gain some strength and facilitating instrumentation, while simultaneously modeling a few days between disposal of subsequent layers. Miniature pore pressure transducers were used to measure water pressure and settlement, bender elements for shear wave velocity, linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) for displacement, and miniature accelerometers for dynamic loading. The complete deposit consolidated at 80 g for more than two years in prototype scale, but most settlement, excess pore pressure dissipation, and stiffness increase occurred within the first 0.5 years. A mild slope was excavated at the surface after consolidation and the deposit was then subjected to a moderately strong harmonic motion consisting of 50 cycles. Signs of liquefaction were detected in the pore pressure, acceleration and lateral displacement readings up to mid-depth, and the slope was somewhat flattened after dynamic loading.
A Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation Tool for Identification of Protein-Protein Interactions in Candida albicans
Authors: Subotić Ana , Swinnen Erwin , Demuyser Liesbeth , De Keersmaecker Herlinde , Mizuno Hideaki , Tournu Hélène , Van Dijck Patrick
Published: September 2017

Investigation of protein-protein interactions (PPI) in Candida albicans is essential for understanding the regulation of the signal transduction network that triggers its pathogenic lifestyle. Unique features of C. albicans, such as its alternative codon usage and incomplete meiosis, have enforced the optimization of standard genetic methods as well as development of novel approaches. Since the existing methods for detection of PPI are limited for direct visualization of the interacting complex in vivo, we have established a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay in C. albicans, a powerful technique for studying PPI. We have developed an optimized set of plasmids that allows for N- and C-terminal tagging of proteins with split yeast-enhanced monomeric Venus fragments, so that all eight combinations of fusion orientations can be analyzed. With the use of our BiFC assay we demonstrate three interaction complexes in vivo, which were also confirmed by two-hybrid analysis. Our Candida-optimized BiFC assay represents a useful molecular tool for PPI studies and shows great promise in expanding our knowledge of molecular mechanisms of protein functions.
Cross-Species Y Chromosome Function Between Malaria Vectors of the Anopheles gambiae Species Complex
Authors: Bernardini Federica , Galizi Roberto , Wunderlich Mariana , Taxiarchi Chrysanthi , Kranjc Nace , Kyrou Kyros , Hammond Andrew , Nolan Tony , Lawniczak Mara N K , Papathanos Philippos Aris , Crisanti Andrea , Windbichler Nikolai
Published: September 2017

Y chromosome function, structure and evolution is poorly understood in many species, including the Anopheles genus of mosquitoes—an emerging model system for studying speciation that also represents the major vectors of malaria. While the Anopheline Y had previously been implicated in male mating behavior, recent data from the Anopheles gambiae complex suggests that, apart from the putative primary sex-determiner, no other genes are conserved on the Y. Studying the functional basis of the evolutionary divergence of the Y chromosome in the gambiae complex is complicated by complete F1 male hybrid sterility. Here, we used an F1 × F0 crossing scheme to overcome a severe bottleneck of male hybrid incompatibilities that enabled us to experimentally purify a genetically labeled A. gambiae Y chromosome in an A. arabiensis background. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) confirmed that the A. gambiae Y retained its original sequence content in the A. arabiensis genomic background. In contrast to comparable experiments in Drosophila, we find that the presence of a heterospecific Y chromosome has no significant effect on the expression of A. arabiensis genes, and transcriptional differences can be explained almost exclusively as a direct consequence of transcripts arising from sequence elements present on the A. gambiae Y chromosome itself. We find that Y hybrids show no obvious fertility defects, and no substantial reduction in male competitiveness. Our results demonstrate that, despite their radically different structure, Y chromosomes of these two species of the gambiae complex that diverged an estimated 1.85 MYA function interchangeably, thus indicating that the Y chromosome does not harbor loci contributing to hybrid incompatibility. Therefore, Y chromosome gene flow between members of the gambiae complex is possible even at their current level of divergence. Importantly, this also suggests that malaria control interventions based on sex-distorting Y drive would be transferable, whether intentionally or contingent, between the major malaria vector species.
Implementing an Inpatient Pediatric Prospective Audit and Feedback Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Within a Larger Medical Center
Authors: Lighter-Fisher Jennifer , Desai Sonya , Stachel Anna , Pham Vinh Philip , Klejmont Liana , Dubrovskaya Yanina
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND:

Pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) within larger institutions have unique opportunities to develop programs specialized to the needs of the pediatric program. In January 2013, our institution established a formalized pediatric ASP utilizing the prospective audit and feedback process. In an effort to standardize therapy and improve quality of care, members of the ASP developed evidence-based guidelines for management of common inpatient pediatric infections. ASP members met periodically with faculty and house staff to discuss guidelines and ways to improve prescribing.

METHODS:

Provider adherence with clinical inpatient practice guidelines, frequency of interventions suggested by ASP, and acceptance of interventions by providers were elements used to measure process change. We measured outcome data by analyzing antimicrobial utilization (defined as days of therapy) and length of therapy.

RESULTS:

Over a period of 2 years, institutional ASP guidelines were applicable to nearly half (44%) of all antimicrobial orders. Interventions were performed on 30% of all antimicrobial orders, of which 89% were accepted. Total antimicrobial days of therapy and length of therapy decreased significantly when comparing pre- and post-ASP. Overall, the susceptibility profiles of common bacterial pathogens to antibiotics remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pediatric ASPs within larger institutions have opportunities to create programs specific to the needs of the population they serve. We observed high rates of adherence by providers and a subsequent reduction in antibiotic utilization when implementing an audit feedback-based process.
Implementation of a Communication Bundle for High-Risk Patients
Authors: Parker Michelle W. , Carroll Matthew , Bolser Benjamin , Ballinger Janelle , Brewington John , Campanella Suzanne , Davis-Sandfoss Andrew , Tucker Karen , Brady Patrick W.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND:

Interventions that facilitate early identification and management of hospitalized pediatric patients who are at risk for deterioration are associated with decreased mortality. In our large pediatric hospital with a history of success in decreasing unrecognized deterioration, patients at higher risk of deterioration are termed “watchers.” Because communication errors often contribute to unrecognized deterioration, clear and timely communication of watcher status to all team members and contingency planning was desired.

OBJECTIVES:

Increase the percentage of eligible watchers with a complete communication, teamwork, and planning bundle within 2 hours of identification from 28% to 80%.

METHODS:

Watchers admitted to Hospital Medicine on 2 targeted units were eligible. Stakeholders were educated to facilitate ownership. Daily data analysis enabled real-time failure identification. Automated physician notification provided reminders for timely communication.

RESULTS:

The percentage of watchers with a complete situation awareness bundle within 2 hours increased from 28% to 81% and was sustained for more than 2 years. There was no change in rates of rapid response team calls or ICU transfers on our intervention units, but these both increased throughout the hospital. Education facilitated modest improvement, with marked improvements and sustainment through use of technology.

CONCLUSIONS:

A novel bundle that included contingency planning and communication expectations was created to improve situation awareness for watchers. Multidisciplinary engagement and use of automated technology facilitated by an electronic health record helped implement and sustain bundle adherence.
Detection of Acute Gastroenteritis Etiology in Hospitalized Young Children: Associated Factors and Outcomes
Authors: Pinto Jamie M. , Petrova Anna
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND:

The decision to test for the etiology of diarrhea is a challenging question for practicing pediatricians.

METHODS:

The main goal of this retrospective cohort study was to identify factors associated with testing for and diagnosis of rotavirus, Clostridium difficile, or other bacterial infections, as well as the length of stay (LOS) for children with acute gastroenteritis who were hospitalized at a single institution. Patients aged 6 to 60 months with acute diarrhea (<14 days) and no underlying gastrointestinal conditions were included. Data were analyzed by using multivariate logistic and linear regression models.

RESULTS:

Stool testing was performed in 73.1% of the 331 patients studied. The majority were tested for multiple pathogens, including rotavirus (65.9%), C difficile (30.8%), and other bacteria (63.4%), with recovery rates of 33.0%, 9.8%, and 6.7%, respectively. Rotavirus was more often identified in older patients with dehydration and vomiting. Although testing for C difficile was more likely with prolonged diarrhea, no vomiting, and recent antibiotic use, no factors were associated with C difficile recovery. Patients who were diagnosed with C difficile were more likely to receive probiotics than those who received negative test results. LOS was not associated with stool testing or recovery of any tested pathogens.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although children with acute gastroenteritis underwent frequent stool testing for diarrheal etiology, detection of a pathogen was uncommon and not associated with a change in LOS. Experimental research will be needed to make additional conclusions about the efficacy of testing for diarrheal etiology in the inpatient practice of acute pediatric diarrhea.
Association of BMI With Propofol Dosing and Adverse Events in Children With Cancer Undergoing Procedural Sedation
Authors: Rogerson Colin M. , Abulebda Kamal , Hobson Michael J.
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVES:

Obesity increases the risk of complications during pediatric procedural sedation. The risk of being underweight has not been evaluated in this arena. We therefore investigated the association of BMI with sedation dosing and adverse events in children across a range of BMIs.

METHODS:

A total of 1976 patients ages 2 to 21 years old with oncologic diagnoses underwent lumbar punctures and/or bone marrow aspirations. All children received a standard adjunctive dose of ketamine before sedation with propofol. Weight categories were stratified by BMI percentile: underweight <5%, normal weight 5% to 85%, overweight >85%, and obese >95%. Dosing and adverse events (hypoxia, apnea, bradycardia, or hypotension) were reviewed.

RESULTS:

There were no differences in propofol dosing for procedural sedation between patients who were normal weight and underweight. However, children who were overweight and those who were obese used less propofol compared with children who were normal weight (P < .01). Children who were underweight had a higher proportion of adverse events overall relative to those children of normal weight (P < .001). In contrast, there was not an increase in adverse events for patients who were overweight and obese.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children who are overweight and children with obesity who require deep sedation can undergo successful sedation with lower propofol dosing relative to children of a normal weight. This dosing strategy may help to mitigate the risks associated with sedating patients who are obese. Notably, children who were underweight had an increased rate of complications despite receiving an equal amount of sedation compared with patients who were normal weight. This should alert the clinicians to the risks associated with sedating children who are underweight.
Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: Hunter Michael , Johnson Nicholas
Published: September 2017

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is an autosomal dominant neuromuscular disorder resulting in unstable CTG repeats within the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene on chromosome 19q3. The pediatric forms of myotonic dystrophy manifest much differently than the adult form of the disease. The pediatric forms of the disease are classified as congenital and childhood myotonic dystrophy. The unique clinical course of myotonic dystrophy in the pediatric population affects disease management, especially at birth. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of congenital and childhood myotonic dystrophy.
Contemporary Evaluation of the Neonate with Congenital Anomalies
Authors: Wenger Tara L. , Bhoj Elizabeth J.
Published: September 2017

The evaluation of the neonate with congenital anomalies has always been a vital and challenging task. In recent years, many advances and challenges have complicated the process, including noninvasive prenatal screening, Zika virus, assisted reproductive technology, and rapid exome sequencing. This review will provide a context for the general evaluation of a neonate with congenital anomalies, including adaptation of the most precise terminology, definition of major and minor anomalies, and the determination of whether the anomalies are the result of a sequence, deformation, disruption, or malformation. Practical tools, including a concise family history, nutritional implication, pregnancy history, and the effects of assisted reproductive technologies are also presented. With the advent of Zika virus–associated congenital anomalies, emphasis has also been placed on travel and infection exposures. A particular challenge has been the incorporation of both pre- and postnatal genetic screening and testing into a diagnostic framework. The most common tests will be reviewed, including the practical applications of both a positive and negative result in varying contexts. It has become clear that noninvasive prenatal screening and rapid exome sequencing are having an increasing impact on the evaluation of children with congenital anomalies, and their application and evaluation of their results will be reviewed in detail. The overarching goal of this review is to provide neonatal clinicians the tools to assess, contextualize, and discuss congenital anomalies in neonates to improve communication and the diagnostic process.
Escuelas: espacios equivocados frente a los deseados por escolares
Authors: Alonso-Sanz Amparo
Published: September 2017

Este trabajo estudia las ideas que algunos estudiantes tienen sobre la mejora de su espacio, es decir, las proyecciones de los deseos de escolares hacia su propio centro educativo. Este estudio sobre la calidad estética se desarrolla gracias a la participación de tres colegios de Educación Infantil y Educación Primaria de Alicante, en España. La metodología es mixta pues combina la investigación educativa basada en las Artes Visuales y la investigación basada en imágenes para obtener mediante métodos gráficos la voz visual infantil. Los productos son diversos dibujos y collages que expresan información y contenido comunicativo analizado de manera cualitativa y cuantitativa. Con base en estos productos se concluye con la estética de los entornos educativos deseados. Esta estética queda definida como espacios frescos; naturales; concebidos tanto para la actividad lúdica o el aprendizaje como para el descanso y las relaciones interpersonales afectivas; atractivos, acogedores, cómodos y hogareños; permeables al entorno exterior rural o urbano; y con apariencia externa original. Se comprueba que las demandas colegiales no siempre coinciden con las respuestas otorgadas por adultos. Lo anterior, apunta a la urgencia de escuchar la voz de todos los colectivos implicados en los procesos de enseñanza y de aprendizaje.
Características de liderazgo del administrador educativo de las Instituciones de Educación Superior en México
Authors: De la Garza Carranza María Teresa , Cervantes Maldonado Alfonso , Guzmán Soria Eugenio , Ramos Estrada Cecilia
Published: September 2017

La presencia de administradores eficientes en las organizaciones educativas se ha relacionado con los resultados organizacionales y el cumplimiento de metas, puesto que dichos funcionarios son responsables de llevar a cabo las políticas de calidad y para ello deben recurrir a su capacidad de liderazgo. El presente artículo surge de la necesidad de identificar las principales características personales e interpersonales que intervienen en el liderazgo de personas administradoras educativas en las universidades públicas y privadas. El estudio se realizó con base en una muestra de personas administradoras de la COEPES (Comisión Estatal para la Planeación de la Educación Superior) del Estado de Guanajuato en México durante los años de 2015 a 2016. Se desarrolló un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales a través de la técnica de mínimos cuadrados parciales, los resultados demuestran que el modelo es confiable y válido. También se estableció la relación entre las variables capacidades personales e interpersonales con la variable de competencia de liderazgo. Se concluye que las capacidades personales e interpersonales influyen en el liderazgo, tal como lo sugiere la literatura consultada. Esto cobra mayor importancia si se considera que diversos autores especializados en el área, subrayan que el liderazgo es un factor crítico para que las instituciones de Educación superior puedan cumplir con sus objetivos. Aunado a lo anterior, se espera que los resultados de esta investigación contribuyan a que quienes administran las instituciones de educación superior identifiquen sus propias características personales e interpersonales, las cuales influyen en sus habilidades de liderazgo y las fortalezcan, de manera que la gestión estratégica de este tipo de instituciones sea mejorada
Epistemología, Ciencia y Educación Científica: premisas, cuestionamientos y reflexiones para pensar la cultura científica
Authors: Arias Monge Mónica , Navarro Camacho Marianela
Published: September 2017

“Epistemología, Ciencia y Educación Científica” es un ensayo teórico y reflexivo que tiene como propósito revisar los referentes históricos, conceptuales y teóricos en los que se fundamenta el desarrollo de la Educación Científica, con el fin de abordar preguntas, problemas y discusiones que orientan el proceso para construir una cultura científica. En primer lugar, se revisan diversas concepciones de la ciencia que, aunque suponen necesariamente un abordaje internalista, lo que se busca es analizar su concreción en el currículo a lo largo de la historia. En segundo lugar, este artículo propone un análisis de investigaciones relacionadas con la Educación Científica y la construcción de la cultura científica. Finalmente, las reflexiones y recomendaciones que siguen a la discusión buscan repensar la ciencia en términos de qué, cómo y para qué se enseña, a la vez que se reconocen las limitaciones y desafíos que la generación y socialización del conocimiento científico enfrentan en la actualidad. Tales desafíos sugieren que la educación científica debe ser una acción orientada a la construcción de una cultura científica, con un significado más amplio que el de alfabetización científica y que comprende el conjunto de interpretaciones, creencias, significados, sentidos, experiencias y teorías que configuran las construcciones individuales y colectivas sobre la ciencia, sus métodos y prácticas.
Estudiantes de ingeniería y sus percepciones sobre la enseñanza de calidad
Authors: Vaillant Denise , Siqueira Vania
Published: September 2017

Este artículo busca profundizar en el conocimiento de las características del buen profesorado universitario a partir de la visión de sus estudiantes. Para lograr tal propósito, se realizó una investigación que tuvo por objetivo conocer y analizar las opiniones y percepciones de los estudiantes inscritos en el 1er y 2do semestre de la Carrera de Ingeniería de Sistemas de una Universidad privada en Montevideo, Uruguay. El trabajo de campo tuvo lugar durante el año lectivo 2014-2015 a partir de un enfoque mixto que integró, metodologías cuantitativas y cualitativas para lograr una mayor comprensión acerca del objeto de estudio. La primera etapa de la investigación estuvo signada por el análisis de una base de datos con 658 Encuestas de Satisfacción; en un segundo momento, se aplicó un cuestionario a una muestra de 59 estudiantes y, en tercer lugar, se realizaron 6 entrevistas en profundidad. Los principales hallazgos evidencian que el estudiantado considera que el buen profesorado es aquel que desarrolla una mediación pedagógica basada en estrategias didácticas participativas que propician aprendizajes significativos y que incorpora de manera exhaustiva los conocimientos profesionales. El estudiantado espera que el buen personal docente despierte en ellos la curiosidad por aprender y desarrolle saberes que se integren de manera perceptible en las tareas profesionales. Según la visión del estudiantado, las estrategias de enseñanza utilizadas por el buen personal docente universitario tienen directa incidencia en los resultados de aprendizaje y se integran al saber profesional en las actividades teóricas y prácticas contextualizadas. Parecería que el buen profesorado es aquel que conjuga saber profesional, saber metodológico y aptitudes personales. La motivación y la pasión del buen profesorado facilitarán la incorporación del conocimiento por parte del estudiantado, e incidirán positivamente en el futuro ejercicio de la profesión.
El diseño universal en la interfaz gráfica de multimedia educativo
Authors: Delgado Vargas Juan Diego
Published: September 2017

El presente ensayo expone la aplicación del diseño universal en la interfaz gráfica del multimedia educativo elaborado bajo el concepto de Laboratorio virtual, proyecto de investigación que forma parte del Acuerdo de Mejoramiento Institucional (AMI) de la Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED) de Costa Rica. Para ello, se presentan referentes teóricos para su fundamentación, los cuales contribuyen con una reflexión acerca de la temática a partir de la experiencia del Programa de Producción Electrónica Multimedial (PEM) en esta área, como parte de una revisión de sus procesos productivos y oferta de este tipo de materiales. El diseño de la interfaz gráfica implica, por ende, valorar la necesidad del diseño universal aplicado a la elaboración de materiales didácticos, con especial énfasis en aquellos con salida digital, ya que por su naturaleza involucran la elaboración de entornos gráficos que deben ser accesibles, por lo tanto, la UNED debe considerar a través de la Dirección de Producción de Materiales Didácticos (DPMD) y sus diferentes instancias, propuestas como esta, que evidencian el esfuerzo y compromiso por incorporar nuevas metodologías de diseño que contribuyan al mejoramiento de la accesibilidad y la inclusión de sus materiales orientados a educación a distancia.
Aportes para la construcción conceptual de las “trayectorias escolares”
Authors: Briscioli Bárbara
Published: September 2017

El artículo presenta la perspectiva conceptual sobre trayectorias escolares construida en una tesis doctoral en un escenario de extensión de la obligatoriedad de la educación secundaria en Argentina. En primer lugar, se exponen los debates sociológicos que intentan comprender las dimensiones que componen las trayectorias vitales de los sujetos. Las discusiones se centran en cómo se pondera cada una de estas dimensiones, y se incluyen propuestas que las analizan en interrelación. En segundo lugar, se hace referencia a las trayectorias escolares con especial énfasis en las condiciones institucionales que las definen, y que construyen concepciones normalizadas, aunque a la vez se intenta evidenciar que los sujetos recorren el sistema escolar de modos diversos. En tercer lugar, se hace mención de las transiciones entre adolescencia y juventud para complejizar el lugar que adquiere la educación secundaria en la población de ingreso reciente al nivel. En cuarto lugar, se analizan estudios sobre abandono escolar para dar cuenta de los modos dominantes de comprender el fenómeno y acentuar la posición que adquiere la institución escolar en esta situación. Se sostiene que las condiciones de escolarización estándar provocan dificultades concretas y específicas en los tránsitos de los sujetos por el nivel secundario. Por último, se ofrecen consideraciones para la conceptualización de las trayectorias escolares.
Innovaciones en modelos de admisión Estudio de casos y estrategias de inclusión en educación superior
Authors: Mainieri Hidalgo Aida María
Published: September 2017

Este artículo científico responde a la investigación que lleva su mismo nombre. Se realizó en el marco del Programa Prueba de Aptitud Académica de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR). Si bien, los modelos de admisión en el contexto internacional se mantienen desde sus orígenes, con actualizaciones que buscan perfeccionar la excelencia y la equidad, universidades que atienden poblaciones con mayor diversidad cultural y socioeconómica recientemente han incorporado programas que responden a la demanda que apunta cada vez más a los derechos humanos. Al debate en temas de selección y evaluación, nuevas tecnologías y estilos de adecuación, se le suman políticas y prácticas de inclusión que resultan fundamentales. El foco de atención son grupos minoritarios con falta de oportunidades, cuya realidad constituye desventajas educativas y socioculturales por las que no logran ingresar, grupos en los que también se distribuye el talento humano en su amplia gama de matices. Así, se propuso indagar estrategias novedosas de inclusión, fundamentadas en la ética de la equidad y la justicia. Se realizó por medio de un enfoque exploratorio, como estudio de casos. Se partió de un análisis bibliográfico y documental para la formulación de un marco general, esencial en la identificación de los casos, se incorporaron entrevistas abiertas y en profundidad a expertos, además de la observación y la participación en el campo de trabajo. En casos latinoamericanos estudiados: Chile y Argentina con respecto a Costa Rica, además de China, se reportan estrategias innovadoras y su posible incorporación a los procesos de la Institución con posibilidades de impacto transformador en la sociedad.
Is there a hormonal regulation of phagocytosis at unicellular and multicellular levels? A critical review
Authors: Csaba György
Published: September 2017

Phagocytosis is an ancient cell function, which is similar at unicellular and multicellular levels. Unicells synthesize, store, and secrete multicellular (mammalian) hormones, which influence their phagocytosis. Amino acid hormones, such as histamine, serotonin, epinephrine, and melatonin stimulate phagocytosis, whereas peptide hormones, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), insulin, opioids, arginine vasopressin, and atrial natriuretic peptide decreased it, independently on their chemical structure or function in multicellulars. Macrophage phagocytosis of multicellulars is also stimulated by amino acid hormones, such as histamine, epinephrine, melatonin, and thyroid hormones, however, the effect of peptide hormones is not uniform: prolactin, insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and leptin have positive effects, whereas ACTH, human chorionic gonadotropin, opioids, and ghrelin have negative ones. Steroid hormones, such as estrogen, hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone are stimulating macrophage phagocytosis, whereas progesterone, aldosterone, and testosterone are depressing it. Considering the data and observations there is not a specific phagocytosis hormone, or a hormonal regulation of phagocytosis neither unicellular, nor multicellular level, however, hormones having specific functions in multicellulars also influence phagocytosis at both levels universally (in unicellulars) or individually (in macrophages). Nevertheless, the hormonal influence cannot be neglected, as phagocytosis (as a function) is rather sensitive to minute dose of hormones and endocrine disruptors. The hormonal influence of phagocytosis by macrophages can be deduced to the events at unicellular level.
First report of coexistence of AmpC beta-lactamase genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from burn patients
Authors: Ghanavati Roya , Darban-Sarokhalil Davood , Navab-Moghadam Fateme , Kazemian Hossein , Irajian Gholamreza , Razavi Shabnam
Published: September 2017

Klebsiella spp. are among the most frequently isolated bacteria from burn wounds. These organisms are among the most important opportunistic pathogens, causing hospital-acquired and healthcare-associated infections worldwide. Limited information is available about prevalence of AmpC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from burn patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the characterization of AmpC beta-lactamase among K. pneumoniae isolated from burn patients. Samples were collected from wound specimens of patients with burn injury from a burn hospital in Tehran during 18 months (March 2015 to August 2016). For phenotypic detection of AmpC beta-lactamase, disk diffusion method with cefoxitin was used for screening, AmpC disk test and boronic acid inhibitor-based method were used as confirmatory tests. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to screen all isolates with AmpC genes including ACCM, DHAM, EBCM, FOXM, MOXM, and CITM. Finally, PCR products were validated using sequencing. During this study, 102 isolates of K. pneumoniae were collected. Among these isolates, 52.9% suspected as AmpC producer by disk agar diffusion cefoxitin screening method. By confirmatory phenotypic methods, 19.6% of isolates considered as AmpC producer. Molecular analysis revealed 43.1% of cefoxitin-resistant isolates harbored at least one of the AmpC genes including CITM (22.5%), EBCM (21.5%), DHAM (7.8%), and FOXM (0.98%). In addition, 5.8% of isolates harbored two AmpC genes and 2.9% harbored three AmpC genes. In conclusion, K. pneumoniae is becoming a serious problem in burn patients. Accurate and precise methods and guidelines should be designed for detection of antibiotic-resistant mechanisms. Our data showed the high rate of AmpC beta-lactamase among K. pneumoniae isolated from burn patients, which limit the treatment options. Therefore, the results of this study can provide evidence to help for appropriate treatment of burn patients.
Influence of human milk oligosaccharides on adherence of bifidobacteria and clostridia to cell lines
Authors: Musilova Sarka , Modrackova Nikol , Doskocil Ivo , Svejstil Roman , Rada Vojtech
Published: September 2017

Adhesion of gut bacteria to the intestinal epithelium is the first step in their colonization of the neonatal immature gut. Bacterial colonization of the infant gut is influenced by several factors, of which the most important are the mode of delivery and breast-feeding. Breast-fed infants ingest several grams of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) per day, which can become receptor decoys for intestinal bacteria. The most abundant intestinal bacteria in vaginally delivered infants are bifidobacteria, whereas infants born by cesarean section are colonized by clostridia. The influence of HMOs on the adhesion of five strains of intestinal bacteria (three bifidobacterial strains and two clostridial strains) to mucus-secreting and non-mucus-secreting human epithelial cells was investigated. Bifidobacterium bifidum 1 and Bifidobacterium longum displayed almost the same level of adhesion in the presence and absence of HMOs. By contrast, adhesion of Clostridium butyricum 1 and 2 decreased from 14.41% to 6.72% and from 41.54% to 30.91%, respectively, in the presence of HMOs. The results of this study indicate that HMOs affect bacterial adhesion and are an important factor influencing bacterial colonization of the gut. Adhesion of the tested bacteria correlates with their ability to autoaggregate.
Prevalence and molecular typing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carrying Panton–Valentine leukocidin gene
Authors: Hesari Maryam Rahimpour , Salehzadeh Ali , Darsanaki Reza Kazemi
Published: September 2017

Panton–Valentine leukocidin (pvl) toxin is an important virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus. The main genes are coa and spa for distinguishing and typing of S. aureus isolates. The aim of this study was to investigate antibiotic resistance, presence of mecA and pvl genes, as well as epidemiological typing of these isolates according to polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method in clinical sample isolated from Rasht city, Iran. A total of 250 clinical samples have been isolated from different hospitals. First, isolates of S. aureus were identified through microbiological methods and their antibiotic sensitivity was determined by disk diffusion agar based on a standard method of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. DNA was extracted by boiling and presence of pvl and mecA genes was investigated by PCR using specific primers. To type these isolates, amplification of fragments of coa and spa genes was done and restriction enzyme digestion pattern was determined by PCR-RFLP method. Among the 250 samples, 50 isolates belonged to S. aureus and results of antibiotic sensitivity showed that 68% (34 samples) of isolates were methicillin resistant. Frequency of mecA and pvl genes among S. aureus isolates were 60% (30 samples) and 20% (10 samples). The PCR of coa gene showed three patterns whereas that of spa gene showed two patterns for enzyme digestion. Result of PCR-RFLP using HaeIII enzymes for coa gene and Bsp1431 for spa gene showed three patterns for enzyme digestion. Recent studies indicated increase in the resistance of S. aureus to different antibiotics, which is a serious problem in the treatment of infections resulting from S. aureus in this region. The result of PCR of pvl showed high frequency of this gene in this region, and coa and spa typing by PCR-RFLP was a useful tool for typing of S. aureus isolates.