bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aportes de la Teoría y la Praxis para la Nueva Gobernanza
Authors: Whitüngham María Victoria
Published: July 2017

Se ha planteado reiteradamente que la «buena gobernanza» es la clave para erradicar la pobreza y promover, finalmente, el desarrollo. Sin embargo no está del todo claro a que nos referimos con el término buena gobernanza, o gobernanza democrática. Reflexionar sobre los vacíos teóricos del concepto, así como sus limitaciones y posibilidades de aplicación representa una oportunidad para repensar nuestras propias realidades y aprender de las formas emergentes de gobernanza que le son particulares a los profundos procesos de cambio y los conflictos de América Latina. La teoría ha sido y es insuficiente para captar la complejidad de la praxis, sin embargo es extremadamente útil como ejercicio analítico para abordar dicha complejidad. Por su parte, el ejercicio práctico es la materia prima de la teoría y su campo de validación. El carácter normativo de la práctica política, ya sea en la construcción de teoría o en el ejercicio práctico es indiscutible, con esto quiero decir que si bien en otros campos de la ciencia el debate sobre la supuesta neutralidad del conocimiento puede aún tener cabida en el terreno pal1icular de la política pública no lo tiene. Nuestra forma de leer la realidad socio-política, de utilizar los conceptos teóricos, de privilegiar una explicación sobre otra, las decisiones sobre cuáles son las preguntas relevantes, etc., son expresiones de decisiones valorativas, y por ende normativas. El concepto de gobernanza es particularmente útil para ilustrar el argumento propuesto, sus diversas acepciones y aplicaciones reflejan claramente decisiones acerca de cómo debe ser el sistema socio-político y el ejercicio del poder al interior del mismo. Este documento tiene como objetivo presentar una revisión, no exhaustiva, de los diferentes usos y acepciones del concepto de gobernanza, así como de los proyectos de investigación e intervención orientados a promover y fortalecer la 'buena gobernanza'-teoría y praxis-tratando de identificar los vacíos existentes y las preguntas emergentes. La intención final sin embargo, es aportar al debate sobre los valores y acciones que han orientado y orientan los procesos de cambio en los sistemas socio-políticos Latinoamericanos, particularmente los procesos de democratización y descentralización; el supuesto básico que orienta este documento es que las interacciones entre los diferentes actores políticos, y entre sus intereses, reflejan la calidad del régimen político, e impactan la calidad de vida del sistema como un todo y de los individuos que lo conforman.
Políticas Públicas para internet en América Latina y El Caribe
Authors: Bonilla Soria Paul
Published: July 2017

En la primera sección la ponencia presenta las características generales de las Políticas Públicas actuales en América Latina y El Caribe, iniciándose con una introducción que aborda sus orientaciones actuales desde una perspectiva conceptual, relacionándolas con los heterogéneos procesos de Desarrollo que se implementan en la región, Se introduce también el enfoque de las Organizaciones de la Sociedad Civil (OSC) sobre el tema, destacando en ellas su carácter de instrumentos para satisfacer las necesidades de la población. En la segunda sección se establece la asociación entre Telecomunicaciones y los Servicios de Valor Agregado, que en la región han vivido entre 1990 y el momento actual un proceso de modernización tecnológica y empresarial que en este último ámbito ha significado su privatización en la mayoría de los países, aunque con excepciones, confirmando la diversidad estructural que hace parte de la identidad del continente. En la tercera sección se describe el crecimiento del Internet en la región y se hace una caracterización de la brecha digital entre nuestro continente y los países desarrollados a través de indicadores que confirman la situación. Los elementos del contexto presentados en las secciones anteriores, permiten explicar las características de las Políticas Públicas para Internet que se han identificado en el momento actual, desde los conceptos y valores de referencia que se convierten en objetivos y metas a alcanzar en los diferentes países, reconociendo su especificidad. Finalmente se presentan las actividades concretas que las Políticas Públicas se encuentran desarrollando en el área de la legislación, la modernización tecnológica y en proyectos de instalación de puntos de conectividad.
Incongruencias y dificultades en las respuestas de Políticas Públicas frente a los procesos de desplazamiento Interno en Colombia
Authors: Varela Barrios Edgar
Published: July 2017

En Colombia, como se sabe, se ha acentuado en la última época el proceso de migración forzosa generado por las violencias de distinto tipo que asolan esta sociedad. Se calcula que más de dos millones y medio de personas se constituyen en sujetos activos de desplazamiento y de migración forzosa, en los últimos tres años por causas que provienen desde los desplomes económicos de áreas enteras, hasta la retaliación y amenazas provenientes del conflicto armado y sus actores. Estos desplazamientos han generado enormes presiones para los entes territoriales (departamentos o gobernaciones, municipios y gobiernos locales). Igualmente se ha intentado configurar una política pública externa, en respuesta a este problema, determinada por el papel de organizaciones multilaterales tales como la Organización Internacional de Migraciones -OIM-; así como por organizaciones no gubernamentales de distinto cariz. El artículo, por lo tanto, analiza el proceso de respuesta y la creatividad suscitada frente a los problemas presentes en el tratamiento del desplazamiento forzoso y la migración especialmente en el suroccidente colombiano, a lo largo de los últimos cuatro años; correlacionando los actores internacionales, las instituciones no gubernamentales, los gobiernos locales, el gobierno nacional, y la propia dinámica implícita en el denominado "Plan Colombia", mecanismo de lucha contra la drogadicción, soportado en el apoyo económico y militar de los Estados Unidos a Colombia desde la administración Pastrana y que continúa con el actual gobierno del Presidente Álvaro Uribe Vélez.
El gobierno corporativo en el sector público: Un estudio en las universidades públicas españolas
Authors: Flórez-Parra Jesús Mauricio
Published: July 2017

El gobierno corporativo (GC) en los últimos años está siendo relevante debido entre otras cosas a sus múltiples acciones orientadas a mejorar la dirección y el control de las organizaciones. En este contexto, el sector público está buscando nuevas formas de mejorar la eficiencia y la eficacia de su gestión motivado en gran medida por la creciente demanda de los diversos stakeholders que están solicitando a las administraciones públicas, una mejora en la transparencia y una mayor rendición de cuentas. En este sentido, el presente trabajo se dirige a analizar el GC en el ámbito público específicamente en el campo de la educación superior. Para ello, se pretende identificar los aportes realizados sobre la gobernanza y la estructura de gobierno universitario existentes en España. Por otra parte, nuestro objetivo se centra en identificar y valorar el grado de adopción de los aspectos del GC que se recogen en las 49 universidades públicas españolas registradas en el Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte. Para tal fin, observaremos la información divulgada en los sitios online de las distintas instituciones educativas.
Metodología y desarrollo de la auditoría forense en la detección del fraude contable en Colombia
Authors: Ramírez Maricela , Reina Bohorquez Betty Johana
Published: July 2017

Al contador público le corresponde actuar como auditor forense en los procesos judiciales adelantados por delitos económicos y financieros como profesional “auxiliar de la justicia en los casos que señala la Ley, como perito expresamente designado para ello” (Congreso de la República, 1990). El presente documento compila los referentes normativos, procedimientos y metodología que el contador público en Colombia requiere emplear en la recopilación, divulgación y atestación de la evidencia válida y suficiente en la detección del fraude contable, desde cuatro fases específicas: (1) planeación, (2) elaboración y desarrollo, (3) comunicación de resultados y (4) monitoreo. En cada una de estas etapas, las normas internacionales de auditoría, el código penal, el código de procedimiento civil, el código de procedimiento penal y los lineamientos contables estipulados en la normatividad colombiana son los referentes propicios para la obtención de la evidencia valedera como prueba pericial contable especializada ante los tribunales de la justicia.
Caracterización del contrato psicológico de empleados de dos generaciones en una organización del sector bancario
Authors: Torres Oviedo Carlos F. , Santa Mosquera Viviana , Bonilla Arias Jenny A.
Published: July 2017

El contrato psicológico, que hace parte de los estudios del comportamiento organizacional, concierne a los vínculos que se construyen entre personas y organizaciones más allá de los compromisos explícitos (objetivos) pactados oficialmente. Cobra vigencia en tanto se reconoce que el desempeño depende de aspectos ligados con la subjetividad. Este artículo presenta, desde una perspectiva psicosocial, los resultados de un estudio que propuso caracterizar el contrato psicológico de empleados de dos generaciones en una misma organización del sector bancario. Partiendo de un abordaje cualitativo, el método se fundamentó en entrevistas semiestructuradas, procesadas con análisis de contenido. Los resultados muestran que los empleados antiguos han configurado contratos psicológicos de tipo equilibrado (basados en la reciprocidad), mientras que para los empleados recientes son transaccionales (tipificados como de bajo compromiso), aunque en ambos casos las labores, los términos jurídicos, la compensación y la oportunidad de carrera son los mismos. Estos hallazgos sugieren que (en concordancia con recientes aproximaciones desde la psicología social y la sociología del trabajo) las nuevas generaciones de trabajadores, que han ido ingresando al mercado laboral a partir de la implementación de políticas de trabajo flexible, están afrontando las nuevas realidades con responsabilidad, preparación y bajo involucramiento, al tiempo que procuran alcanzar mejores condiciones de estabilidad para sí mismos en una o varias organizaciones.
Simulación Modelo VAR IPP-IPC
Authors: Perez Monsalve Juan Pablo , Trespalacios Carrasquilla Alfredo
Published: July 2017

Se analiza la relación de los dos principales indicadores de precios en la economía colombiana, el IPP y el IPC. Para tal fin, se identifica la teoría que compone a los dos índices, para luego desarrollar un modelo de vectores autorregresivos, donde se aprecia la reacción a shocks tanto en si misma como en la otra variable, cuyo impacto continúa propagándose a largo plazo. Se presenta además una simulación del modelo VAR mediante el método de Montecarlo, verificando la coincidencia en las distribuciones de probabilidad y los niveles de volatilidad así como la existencia correlación, a medida que transcurre el tiempo.
Brasil como horizonte: una propuesta de transformación productiva para Colombia
Authors: Ortiz Quevedo Carlos H. , Salazar Juan D.
Published: July 2017

Bajo el supuesto de que los países pueden seguir un proceso de transformación estructural caracterizado por la diversificación productiva y la sofisticación tecnológica, se toma la economía brasilera como guía para revelar los desarrollos sectoriales de Colombia que tendrían un mayor impacto sobre su integración económica intersectorial. Para lograr este cometido, se construye una matriz insumo-producto para cada país con 35 sectores económicos comparables. Ello implica un trabajo de agregación sectorial que tiene en cuenta las metodologías de las cuentas nacionales de cada país. Con estas matrices comparables se deducen entonces los sectores económicos que más incrementarían los eslabonamientos intersectoriales de Colombia (y la densidad de la matriz insumo-producto de Colombia). Este análisis es importante porque, de acuerdo con algunos análisis estructuralistas, la densidad de la red de eslabonamientos intersectoriales de un país se relaciona directamente con su nivel de ingreso (efecto de nivel) y su dinámica económica (efecto de crecimiento).
Las prácticas de desarrollo sustentable: un acercamiento descriptivo a las pequeñas empresas de Guadalajara, México
Authors: Navarrete Baez Francisco E.
Published: July 2017

Se expone, a través de un estudio descriptivo, las prácticas que realizan actualmente las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYME) de la Zona Metropolitana de Guadalajara, México, referente a desarrollo sustentable empresarial. Se encuestaron a casi 400 empresas. Se tomó de referencia un cuestionario, elaborado y validado previamente, con más de 100 preguntas sobre prácticas empresariales de desarrollo sustentable, aplicado al dueño de la empresa. Los resultados fueron divididos en cinco categorías. Los datos fueron capturados y analizados con base en una orientación de estadística descriptiva. Se muestran los resultados que describen su situación actual, encontrándose que más del 50% de las PYME de la Zona Metropolitana de Guadalajara están por debajo de estas prácticas, que no son parte de sus objetivos, además que hay una desvinculación con todos sus stakeholders. Al final se hace algunas sugerencias de cómo poder encaminar a las PYME para que aumente su grado de compromiso en este tema
Consultório psiquiátrico: como eu faço
Authors: Heckert Uriel
Published: July 2017

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Role of Diffusion–Weight MRI in Differential Diagnosis of Cerebral Cystic Lesions: A Prospective Study
Authors: Taj-Aldean Kassim A. H.
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to determine whether diffusion–weight MRI images and ADC (Apparent Diffusion Coefficient) could
help accurately in distinguishing cystic cerebral lesions. The study included 65 patients with clinically suspected cerebral
masses. They underwent surgery and diagnosed histologically. A conventional MRI was carried out on a 1.5T system using
T1, T2 and fat-suppressed T1-weighted sequences before and after intravenous injection of gadolinium and echo-planar
spin-echo sequence diffusion weight and ADC is carried for all patients. All MR imaging features were categorized cerebral
cystic lesions without knowledge of clinical details, according to the imaging features which were compared with the
surgical and pathological findings. The diagnosis was confirmed with surgery and histological evaluation which included
30(48%) patients with primary cystic brain tumors, 19 (35%) with metastatic tumors and 11 (17%) with abscess. All abscess
cavities showed hyper intense DWI signal intensity and low signal ADC so the sensitivity for diagnosis abscess in DWI
are 100%, while in primary brain tumor only 1 from 10 cystic glioma show hyper intense on DWI and hypo intense on
ADC while the remain cystic glioma 9 show hypo intense on DWI and hyper intense on ADC make the sensitivity of DWI
foe diagnosis primary malignant cystic tumor 90%. The study concluded that diffusion –weight MRI and ADC is sensitive
for characterizing cystic cerebral lesions.
Association of Lipid Profile, Atherogenic Indices, and LPL Hind-III Gene Polymorphism with Coronary Artery Disease Positive Subjects
Authors: Ranjit Pusapati Madan , Guntuku Girijasankar , Pothineni Ramesh Babu
Published: July 2017

Dyslipidemia is renowned as a prominent risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular
diseases such as formation of plaques in arteries, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, sudden coronary death, stable
angina and unstable angina. CAD may be due to dysfunctional mutations in lipoproteins or lipoprotein-related genes.
Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) plays an important role in lipid metabolism. Our aim of the present study is to determine the
association and prediction of risk cases by using atherogenic indices and Hind-III LPL gene polymorphism. Atherogenic
indices are a powerful indicator to predict the risk of coronary artery diseases. The atherogenic indices of CAD negative
and positive are CRI-I (4.68±0.08; 6.46±0.12), CRI-II (3.03±0.06; 3.99±0.15), TG/HDL-c (3.27±0.19; 7.40±0.62), AIP
(0.45±0.02; 0.81±0.03) and AC (3.68±0.08; 5.39±0.13) observed respectively. These results indicate atherogenic indices
are may be useful for identifying an individual at higher risk of cardiovascular disease in the clinical practices especially
and not markedly deranged or in centers with insufficient resources to predict the CVS risk. In the case of Hind-III LPL
gene polymorphism; TT genotype frequency was found to be significantly higher in CAD positive subjects than the controls
and CAD negative subjects. More than threefold was increased risk for CAD development under the codominant model.
Correspondingly, the T allele frequency of intron 8 T >G polymorphism was elevated in CAD positive subjects (95 % CI;
2.19 (1.28- 3.75) p=0.003) compared to controls. LPL intron 8 T >G gene polymorphism (rs320) results support the above
data; T allele (H+
) was associated with various cardiovascular risks such as positively correlated with carotid artery
atherosclerosis, higher risk of myocardial infarction and higher plasma triglycerides and lower HDL-cholesterol.
Synthesis of N’-(2-Methoxybenzylidene)-4-Hydroxy Benzohydrazide and N’-(4-Nitrobenzylidene)-4-Hydroxy Benzohydrazide, in Silico Study and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: . Suzana , . Isnaeni , Budiati Tutuk
Published: July 2017

In this study, synthesized N'-(2-methoxybenzylidene)-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide and N'-(4-nitrobenzylidene)-4-
hydroxybenzohydrazide in two step reaction by using methylparaben as starting material has been performed.
Methylparaben was treated with hydrazine hydrate to obtain 4-hydroxybenzohydrazide. The reaction was carried out by
microwave irradiation resulting 91 % yield. The obtained compound was then reacted with 2-methoxbenzaldehyde or 4-
nitrobenzaldehyde to accomplish the target molecule, N'-(2-methoxybenzylidene)-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide and N'-(4-
nitrobenzylidene)-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide in 55% and 72% yield respectively. Identification of N'-(2-
methoxybenzylidene)-4-hydroxy benzo hydrazide and N'-(4-nitrobenzylidene)-4-hydroxybenzohidroksida was performed
by FT-IR, MS, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. In silico study was done with receptor pdb 1C14. The N'-(4-
nitrobenzylidene)-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (MIC=31.3 ppm),
Bacillus subtilis (MIC=500 ppm). Antimicrobial activity of N'-(2-methoxybenzylidene)-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide against
Bacillus subtilis (MIC=31.3 ppm) and MIC= 500 ppm against Escherichia coli.
Iran's Most Important Indigenous Medicinal Plants with Diuretic Properties: An Overview of Iranian Ethnobotanical Resources
Authors: Karimi Mehrdad , Mahmoodnia Leila , Rezapour Sadegh
Published: July 2017

By definition, urinary retention is called the inability to completely empty urine so that the volume of residual urine after
discharge is higher than 100 cc and lower than 200 cc in the elderly. For the treatment of urinary retention, there are
different therapeutic methods, such as traditional medicine and complementary therapies. One of the methods of traditional
medicine is using medicinal plants. Medicinal herbs are effective on the treatment of many diseases due to their active and
antioxidant ingredients. Many native medicinal plants of Iran are effective on the treatment of urinary retention and have
diuretic properties. Thus, in this review, the effective medicinal plants of Iranian ethnobotanical resources on hemorrhoid
were reported. In the present review study, a search for articles by the keywords hemorrhoid, ethnobotanical, and medicinal
plants was done. A search on the databases, such as Scopus, ISI C, S ID, Mega Iran, and a number of other databases was
performed. Search the databases, such as databases including Scopus, ISI C, S ID, and a number of other sites were
Mgayran. Based on the results obtained, 45 herbs from different parts of Iran are traditionally used to treat urinary retention.
Such medicinal plants as chicory, nettles, sorrel, milk, cheese, oleander, wild pistachio, fumitory, jujube, basil, nigella
seeds, licorice, etc. are of the effective herbs.
The Effectiveness Of Classroom Discussion In Improving English Speaking Skill Among The Students Of SMP N 3 Depok
Authors: Setyawan Agustinus Hary
Published: July 2017

The objective of the research is to investigate whether or not there is a significant difference in the mastery of the speaking skill between the students who are taught by using classroom discussion and those who are taught without using classroom discussion. This study is a quasi-experimental study employing two groups. The experimental group is 8A and the control group is 8C. The data were collected by using an achievement test. The data of both pre-test and post-test scores from the control and experimental groups were analyzed by using inferential statistics. To test the hypothesis, the researcher used t-test to find out the differences of speaking skill mastery achievement between control and experimental groups. The result of post-test indicates that t o is higher than the t value at the significance level of 5%, i.e. 2.106<2.000. The level significance is 0.037. It is lower than 0.05. It was found that the mean of the post-test scores and gained scores of the experimental group were higher than that of the control group. The standard deviation of the experimental group decreases from 7.30 to 6.92 or the scores of the experimental group from pre-test to post-test are more homogenous. While, the standard deviation of the control group increases from 7.53 to 8.36 or the scores of the control group from pre-test to post-test are more heterogeneous. Besides, the mean of experimental group increases 207% from the standard deviation of the pre-test. While the mean of the control group also increases 147% from the standard deviation of the pre-test. It is found that classroom discussion is effective in improving English learning achievement in student’s mastery of speaking and there is a significant difference in between the both class.
Wie Unternehmen Methoden erfolgreich nutzen können
Authors: Grabner Constantin , Glöckner Robert , Lödding Hermann
Published: July 2017

Spätestens mit der Verbreitung von Ganzheitlichen Produktionssystemen (GPS) hat ein methodisches Vorgehen zur Produktivitätssteigerung den Weg in Unternehmen gefunden. Der Blick in die Praxis offenbart allerdings, dass die Einführung gängiger Methoden nicht automatisch zum Erfolg führt. Dieser Fachartikel zeigt, welche Aufgaben für den erfolgreichen Umgang mit Methoden in Unternehmen erforderlich sind, und macht deutlich, welchen Beitrag die GPS-Grundstruktur dazu bereits liefert.*)
Intelligente Konsumgüterproduktion
Authors: Schenke Christer-Clifford , Finger Peter , Ihlenfeldt Steffen
Published: July 2017

Die Umformung von Karton ist eine Schlüsseltechnologie für die Herstellung nachhaltiger Verpackungslösungen auf der Basis vollständig rezyklier- und biologisch abbaubarer Fasermaterialien. Aus technologischer Sicht ist der Herstellungsprozess solcher Becher heute weitestgehend durchdrungen. Jedoch kann die vorhandene Anlagentechnik den Ansprüchen einer kommerziellen Massenfertigung aufgrund der stark schwankenden Materialeigenschaften des Kartons bislang nicht gerecht werden. Die Modularisierung der Produktionsanlage, eine Technologieregelung innerhalb der einzelnen Fertigungsmodule und die stoffliche als auch informationstechnische Vernetzung der Module zu einem Cyber-physischen Produktionssystem (CPPS) werden diese Lücke schließen.*)
Experimental Design Procedure for Optimization of Saponin Extraction from Glycyrrhiza glabra: A Biosurfactant for Emulsification of Heavy Crude Oil
Authors: Hajimohammadi Reza , Hosseini Morteza , Amani Hossein , Darzi Ghasem Najafpour
Published: July 2017

In petroleum industries, an emulsification process is often necessary to transfer and upgrade heavy crude oil. Saponins are the main group of biosurfactants used for this purpose and they are often extracted from plants. In this study, saponin was extracted from Glycyrrhiza glabra using a soxhlet method. The aim of present study was to optimize the effective parameters in production of saponin in order to obtain the maximum emulsification index (E24) and optimum mean droplet size by Taguchi method. The evaluated parameters include extraction temperature, first solvent volume fraction, second solvent volume fraction and n-butanol volume fraction. Response parameters resulted in yield, cost and E24 of produced saponin. The obtained results showed that temperature and n-butanol volume fraction were the most effective factors in the extraction process. Optimum operation condition including yield, cost and E24 were (3.6 ± 0.1) g/200 g of plant material, (3.4 ± 0.14) $/g and (98 ± 5) %, respectively. The mean droplet size of water in oil (W/O) emulsion was (35 ± 6) μm using dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The results of present research could reduce the cost of saponin production for the applications in oil industries.
Implementation of a Dynamic All-Red Extension at Signalized Intersections in North Carolina: Evaluation of Driver Adaptation and Operational Performance
Authors: Simpson Carrie L. , Harrison Mark W. , Troy Shawn A.
Published: July 2017

The dynamic all-red extension (DARE) system was designed to reduce crash risk from red light runners by protecting vehicles entering the intersection on the cross street from potential red light violators on the main-line approach. The safety system intervenes in the operation of a traffic signal when it senses that a vehicle is likely to violate the red indication of the main-line approach by holding the signal controller timing in the all-red clearance interval before switching the right of way and therefore allowing the offending vehicle time to clear the intersection before the next phase receives a green indication. North Carolina Department of Transportation has implemented DARE at nine traffic signals across the state since 2011. In Phase 1 of this project, yellow light running and red light running were used as measures of whether drivers adapted to the installed systems over 12 months, and the frequency and duration of red extensions over 3 years were used as a measure of system operation and performance. Results suggest that driver habituation to the system was minimal from before DARE installation to compliance data results 12 months after DARE installation. DARE operated successfully over a 3-year period and remains in operation with minimal surveillance at the study locations. The dynamic lengthening of the all-red interval was not associated with noticeable increases in delay at the rural and isolated study locations.
John F. Kennedy’s back: chronic pain, failed surgeries, and the story of its effects on his life and death
Authors: Pait T. Glenn , Dowdy Justin T.
Published: July 2017

The 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy (JFK), experienced chronic back pain beginning in his early 20s. He underwent a total of 4 back operations, including a discectomy, an instrumentation and fusion, and 2 relatively minor surgeries that failed to significantly improve his pain. The authors examined the nature and etiology of JFK’s back pain and performed a detailed investigation into the former president’s numerous medical evaluations and treatment modalities. This information may lead to a better understanding of the profound effects that JFK’s chronic back pain and its treatment had on his life and presidency, and even his death.
Cost Saving Opportunities in NSCLC Therapy by Optimized Diagnostics
Authors: Nenadić Ilija , Staber Janine , Dreier Susanne , Simons Guus , Schildgen Verena , Brockmann Michael , Schildgen Oliver
Published: July 2017

With an incidence of 68 new cases per 100,000 people per year, an estimated total number of up to 350,000 new non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases are diagnosed each year in the European Union. Up to 10% of NSCLC patients are eligible for therapy with novel ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) inhibitors, as they have been diagnosed with a mutation in the gene coding for ALK. The ALK inhibitor therapy costs add up to approx. 9,000 € per patient per month, with treatment durations of up to one year. Recent studies have shown that up to 10% of ALK cases are misdiagnosed by nearly 40% of pathologic investigations. The current state-of-the-art ALK diagnostic procedure comprises a Fluorescent in situ Hybridization (FISH) assay accompanied by ALK inhibitor therapy (Crizotinib). The therapy success ranges between a full therapy failure and the complete remission of the tumor (i.e., healing), but the biomedical and systemic reasons for this range remain unknown so far. It appears that the variety of different ALK mutations and variants contributes to the discrepancy in therapy results. Although the major known fusion partner for ALK in NSCLC is the Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4), of which a minimum of 15 variants have been described, an additional 20 further ALK fusion variants with other genes are known, of which three have already been found in NSCLC. We hypothesize that the wide variety of known (and unknown) ALK mutations is associated with a variable therapy success, thus rendering current companion diagnostic procedures (FISH) and therapy (Crizotinib) only partly applicable in ALK-related NSCLC treatment. In cell culture, differing sensitivity to Crizotinib has been shown for some fusion variants, but it is as yet unknown which of them are really biologically active in cancer patients, and how the respective variants affect the response to Crizotinib treatment. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that translocated ALK genes can also be observed in healthy tissues and are not compulsorily associated with tumors. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that even for the known variants of ALK fusion genes, the biological function is not known for all variants, and that no information is available on the homogeneity of ALK fusion variants within a single tumor. These facts, in concert with data for ALK mutation prevalence and therapy outcomes of a German cohort of NSCLC patients, support the hypothesis that, by using novel companion diagnostic tools in combination with therapy outcome predictions, massive cost savings could be possible in European Health Care systems without a loss of patient care.
Impact of Distributed Generation on the Voltage Sag Performance of Transmission Systems
Authors: Caramia Pierluigi , Di Mambro Enrica , Varilone Pietro , Verde Paola
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we analysed the growing penetration of generating units from renewable energy sources in transmission power systems. Among the possible effects of the interaction of distributed generation (DG) with transmission systems, we considered the abnormal operating conditions caused by short circuits in the transmission systems and the resulting voltage sags that occur in the network. A systematic method is presented for analysing the voltage sag behaviour of any transmission system in which large DG units are connected to the transmission system by means of High Voltage/Medium Voltage (HV/MV) stations. The method proposed for obtaining the voltage sags is the fault position method (FPM), from which we derived a graphical visualization of the during-fault voltage (DFV) matrix as a valuable tool to obtain an immediate measure of the propagation of voltage sags in the network. The results obtained were based on a portion of a real transmission system. The system that we considered is an actual portion of the Italian transmission system, and all of the quantities we used were obtained from the data of the Transmission system operator (TSO).
The Optimal Configuration Scheme of the Virtual Power Plant Considering Benefits and Risks of Investors
Authors: Wang Jingmin , Yang Wenhai , Cheng Huaxin , Huang Lingyu , Gao Yajing
Published: July 2017

A virtual power plant (VPP) is a special virtual unit that integrates various distributed energy resources (DERs) distributed in the generation and consumption sides. The optimal configuration scheme of the VPP needs to break the geographical restrictions to make full use of DERs, considering the uncertainties. First, the components of the DERs and the structure of the VPP are briefly introduced. Next, the cubic exponential smoothing method is adopted to predict the VPP load requirement. Finally, the optimal configuration of the DER capacities inside the VPP is calculated by using portfolio theory and genetic algorithms (GA). The results show that the configuration scheme can optimize the DER capacities considering uncertainties, guaranteeing economic benefits of investors, and fully utilizing the DERs. Therefore, this paper provides a feasible reference for the optimal configuration scheme of the VPP from the perspective of investors.
Force and Motion Characteristics of Contamination Particles near the High Voltage End of UHVDC Insulator
Authors: Lan Lei , Zhang Gongda , Wang Yu , Wen Xishan
Published: July 2017

It is important to reveal the relations of physical factors to deposition of contaminants on insulator. In this paper, the simulation model of high voltage end of insulator was established to study the force and motion characteristics of particles affected by electric force and airflow drag force near the ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) insulator. By finite element method, the electric field was set specially to be similar to the one near practical insulator, the steady fluid field was simulated. The electric force and air drag force were loaded on the uniformly charged particles. The characteristics of the two forces on particles, the relationship between quantity of electric charge on particles and probability of particles contacting the insulator were analyzed. It was found that, near the sheds, airflow drag force on particles is significantly greater than electric force with less electric charge. As the charge multiplies, electric force increases linearly, airflow drag force grows more slowly. There is a trend that the magnitude of electric force and drag force is going to similar. Meanwhile, the probability of particles contacting the insulator is increased too. However, at a certain level of charge which has different value with different airflow velocity, the contact probability has extremum here. After exceeding the value, as the charge increasing, the contact probability decreases gradually.
Predictive Models for Photovoltaic Electricity Production in Hot Weather Conditions
Authors: Yousif Jabar , Kazem Hussein , Boland John
Published: July 2017

The process of finding a correct forecast equation for photovoltaic electricity production from renewable sources is an important matter, since knowing the factors affecting the increase in the proportion of renewable energy production and reducing the cost of the product has economic and scientific benefits. This paper proposes a mathematical model for forecasting energy production in photovoltaic (PV) panels based on a self-organizing feature map (SOFM) model. The proposed model is compared with other models, including the multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and support vector machine (SVM) models. Moreover, a mathematical model based on a polynomial function for fitting the desired output is proposed. Different practical measurement methods are used to validate the findings of the proposed neural and mathematical models such as mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), correlation (R), and coefficient of determination (R2). The proposed SOFM model achieved a final MSE of 0.0007 in the training phase and 0.0005 in the cross-validation phase. In contrast, the SVM model resulted in a small MSE value equal to 0.0058, while the MLP model achieved a final MSE of 0.026 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9989, which indicates a strong relationship between input and output variables. The proposed SOFM model closely fits the desired results based on the R2 value, which is equal to 0.9555. Finally, the comparison results of MAE for the three models show that the SOFM model achieved a best result of 0.36156, whereas the SVM and MLP models yielded 4.53761 and 3.63927, respectively. A small MAE value indicates that the output of the SOFM model closely fits the actual results and predicts the desired output.
Power Take-Off Simulation for Scale Model Testing of Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Beatty Scott , Ferri Francesco , Bocking Bryce , Kofoed Jens , Buckham Bradley
Published: July 2017

Small scale testing in controlled environments is a key stage in the development of potential wave energy conversion technology. Furthermore, it is well known that the physical design and operational quality of the power-take off (PTO) used on the small scale model can have vast effects on the tank testing results. Passive mechanical elements such as friction brakes and air dampers or oil filled dashpots are fraught with nonlinear behaviors such as static friction, temperature dependency, and backlash, the effects of which propagate into the wave energy converter (WEC) power production data, causing very high uncertainty in the extrapolation of the tank test results to the meaningful full ocean scale. The lack of quality in PTO simulators is an identified barrier to the development of WECs worldwide. A solution to this problem is to use actively controlled actuators for PTO simulation on small scale model wave energy converters. This can be done using force (or torque)-controlled feedback systems with suitable instrumentation, enabling the PTO to exert any desired time and/or state dependent reaction force. In this paper, two working experimental PTO simulators on two different wave energy converters are described. The first implementation is on a 1:25 scale self-reacting point absorber wave energy converter with optimum reactive control. The real-time control system, described in detail, is implemented in LabVIEW. The second implementation is on a 1:20 scale single body point absorber under model-predictive control, implemented with a real-time controller in MATLAB/Simulink. Details on the physical hardware, software, and feedback control methods, as well as results, are described for each PTO. Lastly, both sets of real-time control code are to be web-hosted, free for download, modified and used by other researchers and WEC developers.
Thermal Performance of a Vertical U-Shaped Thermosyphon Containing a Phase-Change Material Suspension Fluid
Authors: Ho Ching Jenq , Hsu Heng-I , Ho Tai-Ann , Lai Chi-Ming
Published: July 2017

This study investigated the thermal performance of a vertical U-shaped thermosyphon containing a phase-change material (PCM) suspension fluid via experimentation. The heating and cooling sections were located at the top and bottom of the loop, respectively. The lengths of the heating and cooling sections each accounted for one fifth of the height of the loop. Pure water and a PCM (octadecane) suspension fluid were used to fill the loop to compare the thermal performance of the thermosyphon under different heating power, cooling temperature, and PCM suspension concentration conditions. The results showed that, when the PCM suspension concentration was higher than a critical value, the addition of the PCM suspension had no positive effect on reducing the highest temperature of the fluid in the loop but instead resulted in an increase in fluid temperature. More detailed experiments are needed to observe the phenomena and decide critical values under different experimental parameters.
Multi-Objective Optimization Considering Battery Degradation for a Multi-Mode Power-Split Electric Vehicle
Authors: Ma Xuerui , Zhang Yong , Yin Chengliang , Yuan Shifei
Published: July 2017

A multi-mode power-split (MMPS) hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) has two planetary gearsets and clutches/grounds which results in several operation modes with enhanced electric drive capability and better fuel economy. Basically, the battery storage system is involved in different operation modes to satisfy the power demand and minimize the fuel consumption, whereas the complicated operation modes with frequent charging/discharging will absolutely influence the battery life because of degradation. In this paper, firstly, we introduce the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film growth model based on the previous study of the battery degradation principles and was verified according to the test data. We consider both the fuel economy and battery degradation as a multi-objective problem for MMPS HEV by normalization with a weighting factor. An instantaneous optimization is implemented based on the equivalent fuel consumption concept. Then the control strategy is implemented on a simulation framework integrating the MMPS powertrain model and the SEI film growth map model over some typical driving cycles, such as New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) and Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS). Finally, the result demonstrates that these two objectives are conflicting and the trade-off reduces the battery degradation with fuel sacrifice. Additionally, the analysis reveals how the mode selection will reflect the battery degradation.
Adsorption of Extracellular Polymeric Substances Derived from S. cerevisiae to Ceria Nanoparticles and the Effects on Their Colloidal Stability
Authors: Masaki Shota , Nakano Yuriko , Ichiyoshi Kenta , Kawamoto Keisuke , Takeda Ayaka , Ohnuki Toshihiko , Hochella, Jr. Michael , Utsunomiya Satoshi
Published: July 2017

In order to understand the adsorption preferences of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) components derived from fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae on sparingly soluble CeO2 nanoparticles (CeNPs), the adsorption experiments of the EPS including organic matter with low molecular weight have been performed at pH 6.0 at room temperature (25 ± 1 °C). The subsequent effects of the coating on the dispersibility of CeNPs was systematically measured as a function of time and ionic strength ranging from 1 to 1000 mmol L−1. Among the EPS and other components, orthophosphate and saccharides preferentially adsorb onto CeNPs, and proteins are the only major N-compounds adsorbing onto the CeNP surfaces. Adsorption of orthophosphate resulted in a dramatic decrease in ζ potential to −40 mV at pH > 5, whereas the EPS adsorption suppressed the deviation of ζ potential within a narrow range (−20–+20 mV) at pHs ranging from 3 to 11. Critical aggregation concentrations (CAC) of an electrolyte (NaCl), inorganic orthophosphate, and EPS solutions are 0.01, 0.14, and 0.25 mol L−1, respectively, indicating that the EPS adsorption suppresses aggregation of CeNPs by the electrostatic repulsive forces derived from the adsorbed orthophosphate and the steric barrier formed by organic matter on the nanoparticle surfaces. Therefore, the EPS derived from fungus S. cerevisiae can potentially enhance colloidal dispersibility of CeNPs at circumneutral pH.
Clinical Applications of Autophagy Proteins in Cancer: From Potential Targets to Biomarkers
Authors: Bortnik Svetlana , Gorski Sharon M.
Published: July 2017

Autophagy, a lysosome-mediated intracellular degradation and recycling pathway, plays multiple context-dependent roles in tumorigenesis and treatment resistance. Encouraging results from various preclinical studies have led to the initiation of numerous clinical trials with the intention of targeting autophagy in various cancers. Accumulating knowledge of the particular mechanisms and players involved in different steps of autophagy regulation led to the ongoing discovery of small molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt this highly orchestrated process. However, the development of validated autophagy-related biomarkers, essential for rational selection of patients entering clinical trials involving autophagy inhibitors, is lagging behind. One possible source of biomarkers for this purpose is the autophagy machinery itself. In this review, we address the recent trends, challenges and advances in the assessment of the biomarker potential of clinically relevant autophagy proteins in human cancers.
Maitotoxin-4, a Novel MTX Analog Produced by Gambierdiscus excentricus
Authors: Pisapia Francesco , Sibat Manoëlla , Herrenknecht Christine , Lhaute Korian , Gaiani Greta , Ferron Pierre-Jean , Fessard Valérie , Fraga Santiago , Nascimento Silvia M. , Litaker R. Wayne , Holland William C. , Roullier Catherine , Hess Philipp
Published: July 2017

Maitotoxins (MTXs) are among the most potent toxins known. These toxins are produced by epi-benthic dinoflagellates of the genera Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa and may play a role in causing the symptoms associated with Ciguatera Fish Poisoning. A recent survey revealed that, of the species tested, the newly described species from the Canary Islands, G. excentricus, is one of the most maitotoxic. The goal of the present study was to characterize MTX-related compounds produced by this species. Initially, lysates of cells from two Canary Island G. excentricus strains VGO791 and VGO792 were partially purified by (i) liquid-liquid partitioning between dichloromethane and aqueous methanol followed by (ii) size-exclusion chromatography. Fractions from chromatographic separation were screened for MTX toxicity using both the neuroblastoma neuro-2a (N2a) cytotoxicity and Ca2+ flux functional assays. Fractions containing MTX activity were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) to pinpoint potential MTX analogs. Subsequent non-targeted HRMS analysis permitted the identification of a novel MTX analog, maitotoxin-4 (MTX4, accurate mono-isotopic mass of 3292.4860 Da, as free acid form) in the most toxic fractions. HRMS/MS spectra of MTX4 as well as of MTX are presented. In addition, crude methanolic extracts of five other strains of G. excentricus and 37 other strains representing one Fukuyoa species and ten species, one ribotype and one undetermined strain/species of Gambierdiscus were screened for the presence of MTXs using low resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LRMS/MS). This targeted analysis indicated the original maitotoxin (MTX) was only present in one strain (G. australes S080911_1). Putative maitotoxin-2 (p-MTX2) and maitotoxin-3 (p-MTX3) were identified in several other species, but confirmation was not possible because of the lack of reference material. Maitotoxin-4 was detected in all seven strains of G. excentricus examined, independently of their origin (Brazil, Canary Islands and Caribbean), and not detected in any other species. MTX4 may therefore serve as a biomarker for the highly toxic G. excentricus in the Atlantic area.
Effects of Environmental Gas and Trace Water on the Friction of DLC Sliding with Metals
Authors: Kurahashi Yoshihiro , Tanaka Hiroyoshi , Terayama Masaya , Sugimura Joichi
Published: July 2017

This paper describes an experimental study on the friction of a-C:H diamond-like carbon (DLC) and ta-C DLC coatings in gas with different concentration of trace water. Pin-on-disk sliding experiments were conducted with DLC coated disks and aluminum pins in hydrogen, nitrogen, and argon. Trace oxygen was eliminated to less than 0.1 ppm, while water in the gas was controlled between 0 and 160 ppm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and laser Raman spectroscopy were used to analyze the transfer films on the metal surfaces. It was found that trace water slightly increased friction in hydrogen gas, whereas trace water caused a significant decrease in the friction coefficient in nitrogen and argon, particularly with a-C:H DLC. The low friction in hydrogen was brought about by the formation of transfer films with structured amorphous carbon, but no differences in the structure and contents of the films were found in the tests with and without trace water. In nitrogen and argon, the low friction with a-C:H DLC was achieved by the gradual formation of transfer films containing structured amorphous carbon, and FT-IR spectra showed that the films contained CH, OH, C–O–C, and C–OH bonds.