bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die Food Movements und ihre Forderungen: zur politischen Dimension alternativer Ernährungsgeographien
Authors: Fladvad Benno
Published: September 2017

Spätestens seit der jüngsten Finanz- und Nahrungsmittelkrise der Jahre 2007 und 2008 sind das Thema „Ernährung“ und insbesondere das Recht auf selbstbestimmte Nahrungsmittelproduktion zentrale Gegenstände gegenwärtiger Kämpfe um soziale Gerechtigkeit. Deutliche Anzeichen dieses Phänomens sind die sowohl im globalen Süden als auch im Norden zu beobachtende Entstehung und zunehmende Vernetzung diverser Food Movements, die Forderungen nach Ernährungsgerechtigkeit, Food Democracy oder Ernährungssouveränität stellen und sich damit explizit gegen die neoliberale Ordnung und eine unternehmerische Nahrungsmittelproduktion wenden. Ein besonderes Merkmal dieser Bewegungen ist, dass sie sich in der Praxis nicht nur durch die „klassischen“ Formen des politischen Protestes auszeichnen, etwa durch Demonstrationen oder öffentlichen Kampagnen, sondern auch durch eigeninitiierte und selbstbestimmte Formen des Wirtschaftens, z. B. durch Initiativen ökologischer und solidarischer Landwirtschaft sowie durch regionale Tausch- und Allmendesysteme. Unter Berücksichtigung der einschlägigen Literatur lassen sich diese Parallelökonomien auch als „alternative Ernährungsgeographien“ bezeichnen, da sie sich in unterschiedlichem Maße gegen die kapitalistische Verwertungslogik richten und auf eine wertebasierte „Wiederverräumlichung“ der Nahrungsmittelproduktion sowie ihrer Verteilung abzielen. Trotz der insgesamt hohen internationalen Aufmerksamkeit zu diesem Thema existieren jedoch nur wenige Arbeiten, die sich explizit mit der normativen Grundlage der Food Movements auseinandersetzen, d. h. mit den in der Politischen Theorie kontrovers diskutierten Ideen der Souveränität, der Gerechtigkeit und der Demokratie. Dieser Artikel zielt darauf ab, eine theoriebasierte Diskussion hinsichtlich dieser Forschungslücke anzuregen und mögliche Widersprüche aufzuzeigen, die diese vielschichtigen Ideale im Kontext dieses Themenfeldes offenbaren. Zugleich hat der Beitrag den Anspruch, eine erweiterte Grundlage für empirisches Arbeiten zu den Food Movements bzw. zu den alternativen Ernährungsgeographien zu bieten. Dazu werden Ansätze aus der Agrarsoziologie, der Humangeographie und der Politischen Theorie diskutiert und v. a. der Gerechtigkeitstheorie Nancy Frasers größere Beachtung geschenkt. Dieser aus der Kritischen Theorie stammende Ansatz eröffnet eine differenzierte Perspektive auf den inhaltlichen Facettenreichtum und die potenzielle Widersprüchlichkeit sozialer Gerechtigkeit, die auch Untersuchungen hinsichtlich der Food Movements und ihrer Forderungen in ihrer praktischen Entfaltung erleichtern kann. Darüber hinaus bietet Frasers Theorie wertvolle Anknüpfungspunkte zu humangeographischem Denken, da sie nicht nur die inhaltliche, sondern auch die räumliche Dimension von Gerechtigkeitsfragen im Zeitalter der Globalisierung berücksichtigt.
Efficient synthesis of novel β-sitosterol scaffolds containing 1,2,3-triazole via copper(I)-catalyzed click reaction under microwave irradiation
Authors: Yuan Jin-Wei , Qu Ling-Bo
Published: September 2017

In this work, new derivatives of the β-sitosterol scaffolds containing 1,2,3-triazole are prepared by the reaction of β-sitosterol with aromatic alkynes via copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions under microwave irradiation. The reaction has several advantages including high yields, short reaction times, and a simple work-up procedure.
First-principles investigations of the electronic and magnetic structures and the bonding properties of uranium nitride fluoride (UNF)
Authors: Matar Samir F.
Published: September 2017

Based on geometry optimization and magnetic structure investigations within density functional theory, a unique uranium nitride fluoride, isoelectronic with UO2, is shown to present peculiar differentiated physical properties. These specificities versus the oxide are related to the mixed anionic substructure and the layered-like tetragonal structure characterized by covalent-like [U2N2]2+motifs interlayered by ionic-like [F2]2−ones and illustrated herein with electron localization function projections. Particularly, the ionocovalent chemical picture shows, based on overlap population analyses, stronger U–N bonding versus U–F andd(U–N)<d(U–F) distances. Further generalized gradient approximation+U calculations provide the ground state magnetic structure as insulating antiferromagnet with ±2 μBmagnetization per magnetic sub-cell and ~2 eV band gap.
Acetogenins and alkaloids during the initial development of Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae)
Authors: Riley-Saldaña Christian Anabí , Cruz-Ortega María del Rocío , Martínez Vázquez Mariano , De-la-Cruz-Chacón Iván , Castro-Moreno Marisol , González-Esquinca Alma Rosa
Published: September 2017

In plants, the presence and distribution of specialized metabolites during the early stages of development are not documented enough, even though their biosynthesis is one of the most important strategies for survival. In this study, five alkaloids and four acetogenins were detected in Annona muricata L. during early development seedling, including three phases of root emergence and three of seedling formation. Hexane and alkaloid extracts were obtained from each organ, which were analyzed in a gas-mass chromatograph and in a high-performance liquid chromatograph coupled with a photodiode array UV detector (HPLC-DAD). This research shows the presence of the acetogenins cis-uvarimicin IV, mosinone, muricina B, and cis-annonacin-10-one, as well as of the alkaloids reticuline, coreximine, anonaine, asimilobine, and nornuciferine, both groups with a variable organ-specific distribution, related with the formation of organs and tissues.
“Ballistic Six” Upper-Extremity Plyometric Training for the Pediatric Volleyball Players
Authors: Turgut Elif , Cinar-Medeni Ozge , Colakoglu Filiz F. , Baltaci Gul
Published: September 2017

Turgut, E, Cinar-Medeni, O, Colakoglu, FF, and Baltaci, G. “Ballistic Six” upper-extremity plyometric training for the pediatric volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 33(5): 1305–1310, 2019—The Ballistic Six exercise program includes commonly used upper-body exercises, and the program is recommended for overhead throwing athletes. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week the Ballistic Six upper-extremity plyometric training program on upper-body explosive power, endurance, and reaction time in pediatric overhead athletes. Twenty-eight female pediatric volleyball players participated in the study. The participants were randomly divided into 2 study groups: an intervention group (upper-extremity plyometric training in addition to the volleyball training; n = 14) and a control group (the volleyball training only; n = 14). All the participants were assessed before and after a 12-week training program for upper-body power, strength and endurance, and reaction time. Statistical comparison was performed using an analysis of variance test. Comparisons showed that after a 12-week training program, the Ballistic Six upper-body plyometric training program resulted in more improvements in an overhead medicine ball throwing distance and a push-up performance, as well as greater improvements in the reaction time in the nonthrowing arm when compared with control training. In addition, a 12-week training program was found to be effective in achieving improvements in the reaction time in the throwing arm for both groups similarly. Compared with regular training, upper-body plyometric training resulted in additional improvements in upper-body power and strength and endurance among pediatric volleyball players. The findings of the study provide a basis for developing training protocols for pediatric volleyball players.
Lack of Pattern Separation in Sensory Inputs to the Olfactory Bulb during Perceptual Learning
Authors: Chu Monica W. , Li Wankun L. , Komiyama Takaki
Published: September 2017

Recent studies revealed changes in odor representations in the olfactory bulb during active olfactory learning (Chu et al., 2016; Yamada et al., 2017). Specifically, mitral cell ensemble responses to very similar odorant mixtures sparsened and became more distinguishable as mice learned to discriminate the odorants over days (Chu et al., 2016). In this study, we explored whether changes in the sensory inputs to the bulb underlie the observed changes in mitral cell responses. Using two-photon calcium imaging to monitor the odor responses of the olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) axon terminals in the glomeruli of the olfactory bulb during a discrimination task, we found that OSN inputs to the bulb are stable during discrimination learning. During one week of training to discriminate between very similar odorant mixtures in a Go/No-go task, OSN responses did not show significant sparsening, and the responses to the trained similar odorants did not diverge throughout training. These results suggest that the adaptive changes of mitral cell responses during perceptual learning are ensured by mechanisms downstream of OSN input, possibly in local circuits within olfactory bulb.
Serotonin 2B Receptors in Mesoaccumbens Dopamine Pathway Regulate Cocaine Responses
Authors: Doly Stéphane , Quentin Emily , Eddine Raphaël , Tolu Stefania , Fernandez Sebastian P. , Bertran-Gonzalez Jesus , Valjent Emmanuel , Belmer Arnauld , Viñals Xavier , Callebert Jacques , Faure Philippe , Meye Frank J. , Hervé Denis , Robledo Patricia , Mameli Manuel , Launay Jean-Marie , Maldonado Rafael , Maroteaux Luc
Published: September 2017

Addiction is a maladaptive pattern of behavior following repeated use of reinforcing drugs in predisposed individuals, leading to lifelong changes. Common among these changes are alterations of neurons releasing dopamine in the ventral and dorsal territories of the striatum. The serotonin 5-HT2Breceptor has been involved in various behaviors, including impulsivity, response to antidepressants, and response to psychostimulants, pointing toward putative interactions with the dopamine system. Despite these findings, it remains unknown whether 5-HT2Breceptors directly modulate dopaminergic activity and the possible mechanisms involved. To answer these questions, we investigated the contribution of 5-HT2Breceptors to cocaine-dependent behavioral responses. Male mice permanently lacking 5-HT2Breceptors, even restricted to dopamine neurons, developed heightened cocaine-induced locomotor responses. Retrograde tracing combined with single-cell mRNA amplification indicated that 5-HT2Breceptors are expressed by mesolimbic dopamine neurons.In vivoandex vivoelectrophysiological recordings showed that 5-HT2B-receptor inactivation in dopamine neurons affects their neuronal activity and increases AMPA-mediated over NMDA-mediated excitatory synaptic currents. These changes are associated with lower ventral striatum dopamine activity and blunted cocaine self-administration. These data identify the 5-HT2Breceptor as a pharmacological intermediate and provide mechanistic insight into attenuated dopamine tone following exposure to drugs of abuse.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHere we report that mice lacking 5-HT2Breceptors totally or exclusively in dopamine neurons exhibit heightened cocaine-induced locomotor responses. Despite the sensitized state of these mice, we found that associated changes include lower ventral striatum dopamine activity and lower cocaine operant self-administration. We described the selective expression of 5-HT2Breceptors in a subpopulation of dopamine neurons sending axons to the ventral striatum. Increased burstingin vivoproperties of these dopamine neurons and a concomitant increase in AMPA synaptic transmission toex vivodopamine neurons were found in mice lacking 5-HT2Breceptors. These data support the idea that the chronic 5-HT2B-receptor inhibition makes mice behave like animals already exposed to cocaine with higher cocaine-induced locomotion associated with changes in dopamine neuron reactivity.
Mechanisms of Transmission Ratio Distortion at Hybrid Sterility Loci Within and Between Mimulus Species
Authors: Kerwin Rachel E , Sweigart Andrea L
Published: September 2017

Hybrid incompatibilities are a common correlate of genomic divergence and a potentially important contributor to reproductive isolation. However, we do not yet have a detailed understanding of how hybrid incompatibility loci function and evolve within their native species, or why they are dysfunctional in hybrids. Here, we explore these issues for a well-studied, two-locus hybrid incompatibility between hybrid male sterility 1 (hms1) and hybrid male sterility 2 (hms2) in the closely related yellow monkeyflower species Mimulus guttatus and M. nasutus. By performing reciprocal backcrosses with introgression lines (ILs), we find evidence for gametic expression of the hms1-hms2 incompatibility. Surprisingly, however, hybrid transmission ratios at hms1 do not reflect this incompatibility, suggesting that additional mechanisms counteract the effects of gametic sterility. Indeed, our backcross experiment shows hybrid transmission bias toward M. guttatus through both pollen and ovules, an effect that is particularly strong when hms2 is homozygous for M. nasutus alleles. In contrast, we find little evidence for hms1 transmission bias in crosses within M. guttatus, providing no indication of selfish evolution at this locus. Although we do not yet have sufficient genetic resolution to determine if hybrid sterility and transmission ratio distortion (TRD) map to the same loci, our preliminary fine-mapping uncovers a genetically independent hybrid lethality system involving at least two loci linked to hms1. This fine-scale dissection of TRD at hms1 and hms2 provides insight into genomic differentiation between closely related Mimulus species and reveals multiple mechanisms of hybrid dysfunction.
Vietos valdžios ir piliečių interakcija socialiniame tinkle „Facebook“: Lietuvos savivaldybių atvejis
Authors: Aurylaitė Ieva
Published: September 2017

Due to the process of globalization, it is possible to notice the increase of influence caused by the political power decentralization process on the political communication of local governance and citizens. Political decentralization is a process in the course of which the members of territorial communities and their elected representatives acquire more power in making public decisions. The citizens of the local governance are not involved in the political decision-making process; therefore, the problem of democratic deficit is increasing. The aim of the article is to reveal the communication specifics of local governances (municipalities) and citizens in social media. The influents of the decentralization process of political power at the local governance level are important to identify in the Lithuanian information society. By revealing the influence of the political power decentralization process at the local governance level, emphasized is the importance of accountability and responsiveness in forming the Lithuanian information society. Scientific researches concerning procedural dimensions of liberal democracy, such as accountability and responsiveness, help to reveal the possibilities of interest representation in the course of political decision-making in the digital public sphere. In the article represented is a quantitative content analysis about the information disclosure strategies of Lithuanian municipalities and citizens on the social network Facebook conducted in 2015–2016. The research evaluated interaction – the relation of disclosed and used information, helping to reveal optimal information disclosure strategies on Facebook. In making an assessment of electronic participation strategy, most attention is given to the accountability and responsivity criteria, as it helps to keep up the principle of subsidiarity. The specific character of new media logic is notable in mutual communication and operational efficiency of information disclosure; however, information announced by a political institution (municipality) is rather familiar and oriented toward one-way communication. Local governance initiates citizens to partake in the political decision-making process only when information is organized on Facebook.
Rapid Targeted Genomics in Critically Ill Newborns
Authors: van Diemen Cleo C. , Kerstjens-Frederikse Wilhelmina S. , Bergman Klasien A. , de Koning Tom J. , Sikkema-Raddatz Birgit , van der Velde Joeri K. , Abbott Kristin M. , Herkert Johanna C. , Löhner Katharina , Rump Patrick , Meems-Veldhuis Martine T. , Neerincx Pieter B.T. , Jongbloed Jan D.H. , van Ravenswaaij-Arts Conny M. , Swertz Morris A. , Sinke Richard J. , van Langen Irene M. , Wijmenga Cisca
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND:

Rapid diagnostic whole-genome sequencing has been explored in critically ill newborns, hoping to improve their clinical care and replace time-consuming and/or invasive diagnostic testing. A previous retrospective study in a research setting showed promising results with diagnoses in 57%, but patients were highly selected for known and likely Mendelian disorders. The aim of our prospective study was to assess the speed and yield of rapid targeted genomic diagnostics for clinical application.

METHODS:

We included 23 critically ill children younger than 12 months in ICUs over a period of 2 years. A quick diagnosis could not be made after routine clinical evaluation and diagnostics. Targeted analysis of 3426 known disease genes was performed by using whole-genome sequencing data. We measured diagnostic yield, turnaround times, and clinical consequences.

RESULTS:

A genetic diagnosis was obtained in 7 patients (30%), with a median turnaround time of 12 days (ranging from 5 to 23 days). We identified compound heterozygous mutations in the EPG5 gene (Vici syndrome), the RMND1 gene (combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency-11), and the EIF2B5 gene (vanishing white matter), and homozygous mutations in the KLHL41 gene (nemaline myopathy), the GFER gene (progressive mitochondrial myopathy), and the GLB1 gene (GM1-gangliosidosis). In addition, a 1p36.33p36.32 microdeletion was detected in a child with cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Rapid targeted genomics combined with copy number variant detection adds important value in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care setting. It led to a fast diagnosis in 30% of critically ill children for whom the routine clinical workup was unsuccessful.
Ultrasonic behavior of various chalcones in some solvents at different temperatures
Authors: Baluja Shipra , Lava Divyata
Published: September 2017

La velocidad ultrasónica, la densidad y la viscosidad de soluciones de algunas chalconas sintéticas se midieron en N, N-dimetilformamida y cloroformo a diferentes temperaturas (desde 298,15 hasta 318,15 K). A partir de estos datos experimentales, se calcularon diversos parámetros acústicos tales como la impedancia específica (Z), la compresibilidad adiabática (ks), la función de sonido molar de Rao (Rm), la longitud de trayecto libre intermolecular (Lf), el número de solvatación (Sn) y la presión interna (Π), para comprender las interacciones moleculares en las soluciones estudiadas. Los resultados se interpretan en términos de las posibles interacciones moleculares que ocurren en las soluciones.
Saponinas de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.): un subproducto con alto potencial biológico
Authors: Ahumada Andrés , Ortega Andrés , Chito Diana , Benítez Ricardo
Published: September 2017

Las saponinas son un tipo de metabolito secundario ampliamente estudiado por susreconocidas propiedades biológicas. Gran parte de las investigaciones en fitoquímicaestán dirigidas a encontrar nuevas fuentes naturales de saponinas con aplicaciónmedicinal. La quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) es una planta que ha alcanzadoun valioso reconocimiento por ser una fuente de alimentos altamente nutritivos, asícomo una especie rica en saponinas triterpénicas contenidas, principalmente, en lacáscara de las semillas. A la fecha, se han identificado alrededor de 30 saponinas derivadasde la hederagenina y de los ácidos oleanólico, fitolacagénico y serjanico en laplanta. El consumo del grano de quinua implica la remoción de la cáscara a fin dereducir su sabor amargo, la ingesta de niveles residuales de saponinas y la obtenciónde un subproducto rico en las mismas. Esta revisión, inicialmente, ofrece una contextualizacióngeneral de las saponinas; posteriormente, recopila las característicasestructurales de las saponinas identificadas en la quinua, describe el efecto del procesamientodel grano en su contenido de saponinas y, finalmente, expone los efectosbiológicos explorados con extractos de saponinas de quinua, los cuales pueden serconsiderados como punto de partida en investigaciones futuras dirigidas al fortalecimientode su uso en el campo farmacéutico y/o nutracéutico.
Metagenomics-Based Cloning of Amilase-Encoding Genes from the Uncultured Symbiotic Bacteria of a Marine Sponge Theonella swinhoei from Kapoposang Island, South Sulawesi
Authors: Priyono Franciscus Edi
Published: September 2017

Marine sponges have recently been recognized as the source ofenzymes, including members of hydrolases. Hydrolytic enzymes are extracellularly produced by sponge-associated bacteria to mediate the metabolism of complex organic matters, thereby assisting the sponge hosts in nutrition and metabolic processes. Among hydrolytic enzymes, amilaseshas attracted increasing attention due to their potential industrial applications. This research work was aimed atutilizing functional metagenomicsapproach for the discovery of amilases derived from the uncultured symbiotic bacteriaof the Indonesian marine sponge Theonella swinhoei. Weinitially constructed a small-insert metagenomiclibrary in Escherichia coliby cloning of metagenome in the size range of5-20 kb prepared from the sponge’s microbiome. Further functional screening of the resulting metagenomic library led to the isolation of two recombinant E. coli clones potentially harboring amilase genes, as indicated by the presence of clearing zones surroinding the selective medium containing 1% amilum.
A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Phase II Trial of Gemcitabine and Nab-Paclitaxel Plus Apatorsen or Placebo in Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: The RAINIER Trial
Authors: Ko Andrew H. , Murphy Patrick B. , Peyton James D. , Shipley Dianna L. , Al-Hazzouri Ahmed , Rodriguez Francisco A. , Womack Mark S. , Xiong Henry Q. , Waterhouse David M. , Tempero Margaret A. , Guo Shuangli , Lane Cassie M. , Earwood Chris , DeBusk Laura M. , Bendell Johanna C.
Published: September 2017

Lessons Learned

The addition of the heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27)-targeting antisense oligonucleotide, apatorsen, to a standard first-line chemotherapy regimen did not result in improved survival in unselected patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Findings from this trial hint at the possible prognostic and predictive value of serum Hsp27 that may warrant further investigation.

Background

This randomized, double-blinded, phase II trial evaluated the efficacy of gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel plus either apatorsen, an antisense oligonucleotide targeting heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) mRNA, or placebo in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Patients were randomized 1:1 to Arm A (gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel plus apatorsen) or Arm B (gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel plus placebo). Treatment was administered in 28-day cycles, with restaging every 2 cycles, until progression or intolerable toxicity. Serum Hsp27 levels were analyzed at baseline and on treatment. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS).

Results

One hundred thirty-two patients were enrolled, 66 per arm. Cytopenias and fatigue were the most frequent grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events for both arms. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and OS were 2.7 and 5.3 months, respectively, for arm A, and 3.8 and 6.9 months, respectively, for arm B. Objective response rate was 18% for both arms. Patients with high serum level of Hsp27 represented a poor-prognosis subgroup who may have derived modest benefit from addition of apatorsen.

Conclusion

Addition of apatorsen to chemotherapy does not improve outcomes in unselected patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer in the first-line setting, although a trend toward prolonged PFS and OS in patients with high baseline serum Hsp27 suggests this therapy may warrant further evaluation in this subgroup.
Opioid Prescription, Morbidity, and Mortality in United States Dialysis Patients
Authors: Kimmel Paul L. , Fwu Chyng-Wen , Abbott Kevin C. , Eggers Anne W. , Kline Prudence P. , Eggers Paul W.
Published: September 2017

Aggressive pain treatment was advocated for ESRD patients, but new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines recommend cautious opioid prescription. Little is known regarding outcomes associated with ESRD opioid prescription. We assessed opioid prescriptions and associations between opioid prescription and dose and patient outcomes using 2006–2010 US Renal Data System information in patients on maintenance dialysis with Medicare Part A, B, and D coverage in each study year (n=671,281, of whom 271,285 were unique patients). Opioid prescription was confirmed from Part D prescription claims. In the 2010 prevalent cohort (n=153,758), we examined associations of opioid prescription with subsequent all-cause death, dialysis discontinuation, and hospitalization controlled for demographics, comorbidity, modality, and residence. Overall, >60% of dialysis patients had at least one opioid prescription every year. Approximately 20% of patients had a chronic (≥90-day supply) opioid prescription each year, in 2010 usually for hydrocodone, oxycodone, or tramadol. In the 2010 cohort, compared with patients without an opioid prescription, patients with short-term (1–89 days) and chronic opioid prescriptions had increased mortality, dialysis discontinuation, and hospitalization. All opioid drugs associated with mortality; most associated with worsened morbidity. Higher opioid doses correlated with death in a monotonically increasing fashion. We conclude that opioid drug prescription is associated with increased risk of death, dialysis discontinuation, and hospitalization in dialysis patients. Causal relationships cannot be inferred, and opioid prescription may be an illness marker. Efforts to treat pain effectively in patients on dialysis yet decrease opioid prescriptions and dose deserve consideration.
Projected Evolution of the SOMA Portfolio and the 10-Year Treasury Term Premium Effect
Authors: Bonis Brian , Ihrig Jane , Wei Min
Published: September 2017

An earlier Feds note used staff models to provide a projection for the evolution of the SOMA portfolio and an estimate of the associated term premium effect (TPE) on the 10-year Treasury yield. That analysis relied on economic, financial, and monetary policy assumptions as of April 2017. With the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announcing a change in its reinvestment policy in its September 2017 post-meeting statement, this note provides updated projections.
The Sensitivity of the U.S. Dollar Exchange Rate to Changes in Monetary Policy Expectations
Authors: Curcuru Stephanie E.
Published: September 2017

This note summarizes recent work in the International Finance Division of the Federal Reserve Board on the relationship between movements in exchange rates and monetary policy expectations.
ESTRATEGIAS ADOPTADAS EN LA HISTORIA EMPRESARIAL DE DOS ORGANIZACIONES TOLIMENSES
Authors: Cujiño Ibarra Milena Johanna , Uribe Macías Mario Enrique
Published: September 2017

El artículo se enmarcó en los campos de estudio: historia empresarial y estrategia. Su objetivo es analizar las principales estrategias que las empresas Velotax S.A. y Mercacentro adoptaron a lo largo de su historia y las incidencias que estas tuvieron. La investigación fue descriptiva mediante estudio de casos, método deductivo y aplicación de entrevistas semidirigidas al representante designado por cada gerencia. Las empresas fueron seleccionadas mediante consenso de panel. Las principales decisiones estratégicas de Velotax S.A. fueron: transformación en cooperativa, inversión de dos mil millones en vehículos, creación de tres sociedades anónimas para apalancar la empresa, remoción del señor Contreras del cargo de gerente y desarrollo de un proceso de preparación para la transición directiva. En Mercacentro: crecimiento y expansión como cadena regional de supermercados, creación de imagen y marca asociadas al concepto de región, creación de marca propia, incorporación de la familia en la administración de la empresa y diseño del protocolo de familia. Ambas empresas han estado sometidas en gran medida a la influencia del empresario (gerente), de quien se ha desprendido la formulación de la estrategia, la cual ha dependido de la época de creación y desarrollo, así como del ambiente competitivo en la industria dentro de la cual se desenvuelve cada empresa. ABSTRACTThe paper, Research kind, belonged to enterprises´ history and strategy study fields, its objective: analyze the main strategies the enterprises Velotax S.A. and Mercacentro adopted along their history and the incidences those had. Research was descriptive, by study of cases, deductive method, using semi-directed interviews to designated representative by every manager; the enterprises were selected by panel consensus. Some of main Velotax S.A. strategic decisions: its transformation into cooperative; investment of $2.000 million in vehicles; creation of three shareholder corporations in order to lever the enterprise; dismissal of post of manager Mr. Pedro Pablo Contreras; and develop of a preparation for managerial transition process in the enterprise. With regard to Mercacentro: growth and expansion, becoming a regional supermarket chain; creation of an image and brand associated to region concept; creation of its own-brand; family incorporation in the enterprise management; and the design of a family protocol. Both enterprises have been greatly subdued to entrepreneur (manager) influence, whose has made decision about strategy formulation; these strategies have depended of the creation and development epoch, as well as of competitive environment in the industry every enterprise belong.
POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS DE INNOVACIÓN TECNOLÓGICA EN LA INDUSTRIA PETROLERA VENEZOLANA
Authors: Quintero Johana , Batista Judeira , Pereira Esther , Nova Ramiro
Published: September 2017

La investigación tuvo como propósito analizar las políticas públicas en innovación tecnológica en la Industria Petrolera Venezolana, donde el Estado es responsable de fortalecer esta tarea como parte integral del desarrollo, siendo un reto para el País poder implementar acciones que tengan impacto y beneficien directamente a la población. Se soportó bajo el paradigma positivista, que considera la investigación descriptiva, no experimental, transeccional y de campo. La población fue de 52 informantes a los cuales se les aplicó un cuestionario de 24 ítems. Luego de desarrollar el análisis estadístico sobre los datos obtenidos a través del instrumento, se tuvo como resultado, respecto a la variable Políticas Públicas de innovación tecnológica, que la misma se ubicó en nivel moderado según el baremo de interpretación diseñado, concluyendo que existe disposición para impulsar la innovación tecnológica interna, carencia de una planificación y organización de carácter estratégico basado en la aplicación de las Políticas Públicas que favorezcan el desarrollo científico y tecnológico así como, la consolidación de una estructura socio-institucional y legal para la innovación tecnológica desarrollada por el Estado venezolano.
OBSTÁCULOS ORGANIZACIONALES Y CULTURALES QUE LIMITAN LA TRANSFERENCIA DEL CONOCIMIENTO EN LA UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DE QUERÉTARO
Authors: Romero González Rosa María
Published: September 2017

El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue identificar cómo afectan los obstáculos organizacionales y culturales durante la transferencia del conocimiento en la Facultad de Informática de la Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro (UAQ). Se realizó un análisis teórico sobre aprendizaje organizacional, su importancia e impacto para la transferencia del conocimiento. Se aplicó un cuestionario con 126 reactivos en escala Likert a una muestra de 236 alumnos de nivel licenciatura. Se obtuvo el coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach de .960 indicando una alta consistencia interna entre los ítems. Se efectuó el análisis factorial confirmatorio para determinar el efecto de las variables latentes sobre las variables observadas. Por tanto, se observó que organizacionalmente, se fomenta el aprendizaje y la creatividad en las actividades educativas, introduciendo constantemente nuevas ideas. Por la parte cultural, los profesores muestran sensibilidad ante las diferencias culturales de los alumnos. Sin embargo, se debe crear conciencia sobre la preservación del medio ambiente.
GESTIÓN DE VALORACIÓN COMO ESTRATEGIA DE RECONOCIMIENTO LABORAL DEL TALENTO CLAVE EN EMPRESAS SOCIALES DEL ESTADO
Authors: Jiménez Rodríguez Luis Alfredo , Gamboa Suárez Ramiro
Published: September 2017

Este artículo tuvo como objetivo, analizar la gestión de valoración como estrategia de reconocimiento laboral del talento clave en las empresas sociales del Estado. Se aplicó el enfoque cualitativo, con orientación epistémica a las ciencias sociales circunscribiéndose en la teoría fundamentada. Se tomó como informantes clave, a gerentes de Instituciones prestadoras de salud, públicas y privadas. Dentro de los hallazgos se denota que en cuanto a sus factores organizacionales, existe una inadecuada cultura en el trabajo, con sus repercusiones. Además, se distinguen por ser organizaciones verticales, con existencia de falencias como la no garantía de la estabilidad laboral del personal y la no inducción. Respecto a la consideración del reconocimiento laboral, en lo referente a los tipos y estrategias, no se le da importancia al trámite administrativo, existe desconocimiento del record de las incidencias clínicas, se experimenta un efecto espejo del empleado con el directivo; se concluye que se dan otros factores fundamentales en la gestión, tales como: eficiencia, indispensabilidad de los pacientes, su fidelización como cliente, la competitividad por la humanización del servicio hospitalario, la confianza de cada quien en lo que hace, la visión según la demanda de mercado y el involucramiento emocional de los trabajadores.
Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of stakeholders on biofuels as an enabler in a South African bio-based economy
Authors: Mukonza Chipo
Published: September 2017

This study investigates stakeholder knowledge, attitudes, and public perception concerning biofuels as an enabler towards a bio-based economy. In innovation and adoption studies, perceptions play a critical role in the acceptance of a technology. Biofuels have been touted as a clean fuel with an ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously creating employment and growing economies. South Africa is in the process of transitioning towards a bio-based economy. Accordingly, policies and institutions have been developed to promote biofuels production and distribution. Knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) surveys were carried out to deepen knowledge and understanding of the stakeholder’s KAP. Emails as well as telephonic and group interviews based on open questions and social media were used to gather data. The study employed cluster, purposive random and snowball sampling to select the participants with descriptive statistics, thematic analysis and discourse analysis used to analyse the data. The study found that the introduction of biofuels presents many opportunities and benefits for the economy and unlocking the potentials for the rural entrepreneurs. Stakeholders have concerns and issues regarding the use of biofuels on their internal combustion engines. The study recommends proper communication and education should be done on the benefits of biofuels in a bio-based economy.
Reducing energy poverty through carbon tax revenues in South Africa
Authors: Winkler Harald
Published: September 2017

How much can poverty be reduced through carbon tax revenue? This study analyses specific programmes, with carbon taxes generating revenues and equivalent spending on programmes to reduce energy poverty. The twin challenges of development and climate change could be addressed in this way in South Africa. A simple spreadsheet model was used to estimate revenue available from a carbon tax, given different tax rates and emission projections. Four programmes to reduce energy poverty were quantified: electrification, extended free basic energy, scaling-up sustainable housing, and subsidising rooftop solar for poor households. Matching carbon revenue with equivalent expenditure, the study found that applying all carbon revenue to a single programme could fund the national budget for electrification. Hundreds of thousands, and up to tens of millions, of households could receive free energy in the form of 5 kg of liquefied petroleum gas every month, as well as better houses that are warmer in winter and with fewer health impacts from indoor air pollution. Carbon revenues could fund at least a few hundred thousand improved homes, or subsidies for at least 100 000 rooftop solar systems per year to poor households. Institutional and other constraints would have to be addressed. Carbon revenue could fully fund all four programmes combined into an integrated strategy, in three of the four scenarios. The results suggested that full funding could be available from 2019 or from 2025, dependent on carbon tax revenue scenario. Energy poverty can be reduced by expenditure of carbon tax revenues.
Bioethanol production from lignocellulosic sugarcane leaves and tops
Authors: Dodo Charlie Marembu , Mamphweli Samphson , Okoh Omobola
Published: September 2017

Bioethanol production is one of the most promising possible substitutes for fossil-based fuels, but there is a need to make available cost-effective methods of production if it is to be successful. Various methods for the production of bioethanol using different feedstocks have been explored. Bioethanol synthesis from sugarcane, their tops and leaves have generally been regarded as waste and discarded. This investigation examined the use of lignocellulosic sugarcane leaves and tops as biomass and evaluated their hydrolysate content. The leaves and tops were hydrolysed using concentrated and dilute sulphuric acid and compared with a combination of oxidative alkali-peroxide pre-treatment with enzyme hydrolysis using the enzyme cellulysin® cellulase. Subsequent fermentation of the hydrolysates into bioethanol was done using the yeast saccharomyces cerevisae. The problem of acid hydrolysis to produce inhibitors was eliminated by overliming using calcium hydroxide and this treatment was subsequently compared with sodium hydroxide neutralisation. It was found that oxidative alkali pre-treatment with enzyme hydrolysis gave the highest yield of fermentable sugars of 38% (g/g) for 7% (v/v) peroxide pretreated biomass than 36% (g/g) for 5% (v/v) with the least inhibitors. Concentrated and dilute acid hydrolysis each gave yields of 25% (g/g) and 22% (g/g) respectively, although the acid required a neutralisation step, resulting in dilution. Alkaline neutralisation of acid hydrolysates using sodium hydroxide resulted in less dilution and loss of fermentable sugars, compared with overliming. Higher yields of bioethanol of 13.7 g/l were obtained from enzyme hydrolysates than the 6.9 g/l ethanol from dilute acid hydrolysates. There was more bioethanol yield of 13.7 g/l after 72 hours of fermentation with the yeast than the 7.0 g/l bioethanol after 24 hours.This research showed that it is possible to use sugarcane waste material to supplement biofuel requirements and that combining the chemical and biological methods of pretreatments can give higher yields at a faster rate.
Antibody Incubation Protocol v1
Authors: Campbell Doug , Donaher Natalie
Published: September 2017

Antibody incubation steps for quantitative immunoblotting in the Campbel Lab.
Buffer Recipes for quantitative immunoblotting - rinsing and blocking agents v1
Authors: Campbell Doug , Donaher Natalie
Published: September 2017

These are the recipes for blocking and rinsing agents for the quantitative immunoblotting protocol from the Campbell Lab.
Guidelines for highly efficient construction of diatom episomes using Gibson Assembly v1
Authors: Turnsek Jernej , Gholami Pardis
Published: September 2017

This protocol presents a Gibson Assembly design for highly efficient constructionof diatom episomes. We regularly observe >90% efficiency(efficiency = % of screened bacterial colonies containing the desired construct) following the steps presented here.
[RETRACTED] Chemical pre-treatment of modern plant material for strontium isotope ratio measurement v1
Authors: Evans Jane
Published: September 2017

[RETRACTED]

This is a technique used by Evans et al. (2010, Journal of the Geological Society), which was modified from Heier et al. (2009, Archaeometry) to prepare modern plant material (tree leaves, ground vegetation) for 87Sr/86Sr measurement.
(De)Centralization of the Global Informational Ecosystem
Authors: Möller Johanna , Von Rimscha M. Bjørn
Published: September 2017

Centralization and decentralization are key concepts in debates that focus on the (anti)democratic character of digital societies. Centralization is understood as the control over communication and data flows, and decentralization as giving it (back) to users. Communication and media research focuses on centralization put forward by dominant digital media platforms, such as Facebook and Google, and governments. Decentralization is investigated regarding its potential in civil society, i.e., hacktivism, (encryption) technologies, and grass-root technology movements. As content-based media companies increasingly engage with technology, they move into the focus of critical media studies. Moreover, as formerly nationally oriented companies now compete with global media platforms, they share several interests with civil society decentralization agents. Based on 26 qualitative interviews with leading media managers, we investigate (de)centralization strategies applied by content-oriented media companies. Theoretically, this perspective on media companies as agents of (de)centralization expands (de)centralization research beyond traditional democratic stakeholders by considering economic actors within the “global informational ecosystem” (Birkinbine, Gómez, & Wasko, 2017). We provide a three-dimensional framework to empirically investigate (de)centralization. From critical media studies, we borrow the (de)centralization of data and infrastructures, from media business research, the (de)centralization of content distribution.
Acting on Media: Influencing, Shaping and (Re)Configuring the Fabric of Everyday Life
Authors: Kannengießer Sigrid , Kubitschko Sebastian
Published: September 2017

Computerization, digitalization and datafication are by far no neutral or self-dependent occurrences. They are, to a large degree, co-determined by heterogeneous actors who reflect about, construct, configure, manipulate or even control media. The contributors to this issue put the spotlight on these actors and investigate how they influence, shape and (re)configure broader social constellations. Instead of exploring what people do with media, the articles focus on the many ways individuals, civil society initiatives, corporations and social movements act on media. The notion of acting on media denotes the efforts of a wide range of actors to take an active part in the molding of media organizations, infrastructures and technologies that are part of the fabric of everyday life. Therefore, by conceptualizing acting on media as a form of political action, the issue aims to contribute to ongoing discussions on the media practice paradigm.
Barriers and Drawbacks of the Assessment of Dental Fear, Dental Anxiety and Dental Phobia in Children: A Critical Literature Review
Authors: Asl Aminabadi Naser , Shokravi Marzieh , Jamali Zahra , Shirazi Sajjad
Published: September 2017

Objective: Dental anxiety, fear and phobia have different etiology, response patterns, time courses, and intensities that justify a clear distinction between these constructs. Differentiation of dental anxiety, fear or phobia in practice is a critical prerequisite for developing and implementing effective treatment for children. The aim of this study was to investigate whether current researches in the pediatric dentistry appropriately discriminate the central construct of dental anxiety, fear and phobia. We also highlighted the specific methodological issues in the assessment of these issues in pediatric dentistry. Study design: A systematic search was conducted in Pubmed/medline and Scopus for articles which assessed dental anxiety, fear or phobia in children. Results: 104 research papers were included in the review that had made a distinction between dental anxiety, fear and phobia and had not used them interchangeably. Only five studies used different clinical measures or cut-offs to discriminate between dental anxiety, fear and phobia. Conclusion: The dental literature appears unable to capture and also measure the multi-sided construct of dental anxiety, fear and phobia and, therefore, there was a tendency to use them interchangeably.
The Effect of DynaCleft® on Cleft Width in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients
Authors: Vinson LaQuia
Published: September 2017

Objective: The specific aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to assess the efficacy of DynaCleft® as a method of presurgical orthopedics with infants with a unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate who used an oral obturator. Study design: Data was collected from 25 infants all of comparable age diagnosed with a unilateral complete cleft lip and palate. Eight patients used DynaCleft ® and an obturator (Group Alpha) and seventeen patients only had an obturator (Group Beta). Maxillary impression casts were obtained from each patient at the initial clinic visit and at the time of cleft lip repair. Differences in alveolar cleft width were compared between the two groups. Casts were measured twice by one observer using a digital caliper.

Results: Group Alpha began treatment on an average age of 24.25 days and Group Beta an average of 15.35 days of age. The average cleft width of Group Alpha was 8.13 mm and after treatment it was 4.59 mm. The average cleft width of Group Beta was 8.09 mm and 6.92 mm after treatment. Results of paired t-tests and two-sample t-test showed that cleft width changes between the two groups were significant (P = .03). Conclusions: DynaCleft ® significantly decreased the size of the alveolar cleft width compared to infants who did not use it. Providers should consider using DynaCleft® for patients who may not have access to infant maxillary orthopedics.
Relationship between Dental Procedures and Shunt Infections in Hydrocephalic Patients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ramasamy Chidambaram
Published: September 2017

Oral physicians frequently encounter medically compromised patients in their everyday practice and a sizable number of these patients are in urgent need of specialized care. One such medically specialized category is that of patients suffering from hydrocephalus. A large number of medical reports and citations in support of surgical care of the hydrocephalic disorder are available in literature. However, reports on dental studies offer contradictory statements on the relationship between hydrocephalic shunts and oral manoeuvres. The present narrative review aims to delineate the historical journey of the association between shunt infections and dental procedures, decode the existing controversies and provide updated information on antibiotic prophylaxis prior dental treatment for hydrocephalic patients.