bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-Evolution and Bio-Social Construction: The Kichwa Agroforestry Systems (Chakras) in the Ecuadorian Amazonia
Authors: Coq-Huelva Daniel , Higuchi Angie , Alfalla-Luque Rafaela , Burgos-Morán Ricardo , Arias-Gutiérrez Ruth
Published: October 2017

Polycultured agrarian systems in Ecuadorian Amazonia (also called chakras or swollen gardens) are characterised by a market-oriented crop for the generation of monetary income, for example, cocoa, other agricultural products (e.g., banana and cassava), and livestock for family farm consumption. Moreover, a chakra is an outstanding example of agroforestry production, in which ecological, social and economic elements co-evolve from a set of close and strong connections. In this context, the conservation and transformation of their biological subsystems can be understood as the result of complex interactions between anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic factors. In turn, such interactions are essential to provide food and monetary income to the indigenous community. Relevant agency capabilities exist that could cause an agroforestry system to take a different path of co-evolution, that is, towards greater or lesser sustainability associated with different levels of complexity. In conclusion, chakras have key ecological features that can mitigate the impact of human population growth in Amazonia. Additionally, chakras have their own processes of social self-regulation which enhance the possibilities of adaptation of Kichwa communities to changing environmental conditions, being essential elements in local food sovereignty, equitable gender relations and the respect of ancestral wisdom.
Model to Assess the Quality of Magmatic Rocks for Reliable and Sustainable Constructions
Authors: Toderaş Mihaela , Moraru Roland Iosif , Danciu Ciprian , Buia Grigore , Cioca Lucian-Ionel
Published: October 2017

Geomechanical assessment of rocks requires knowledge of phenomena that occur under the influence of internal and external factors at a macroscopic or microscopic scale, when rocks are submitted to different actions. To elucidate the quantitative and qualitative geomechanical behavior of rocks, knowing their geological and physical–mechanical characteristics becomes an imperative. Mineralogical, petrographical and chemical analyses provided an opportunity to identify 15 types of igneous rocks (gabbro, diabases, granites, diorites, rhyolites, andesites, and basalts), divided into plutonic and volcanic rocks. In turn, these have been grouped into acidic, neutral (intermediate) and basic magmatites. A new ranking method is proposed, based on considering the rock characteristics as indicators of quantitative assessment, and the grading system, by given points, allowing the rocks framing in admissibility classes. The paper is structured into two parts, experimental and interpretation of experimental data, showing the methodology to assess the quality of igneous rocks analyzed, and the results of theoretical and experimental research carried out on the analyzed rock types. The proposed method constitutes an appropriate instrument for assessment and verification of the requirements regarding the quality of rocks used for sustainable construction.
Understanding Stakeholders’ Influence on Project Success with a New SNA Method: A Case Study of the Green Retrofit in China
Authors: Liang Xin , Yu Tao , Guo Li
Published: October 2017

Stakeholders strongly influence project success, particularly for complex projects with heterogeneous stakeholders, and hence, understanding their influence is essential for project management and implementation. This paper proposes an original model based on social network analysis (SNA), which first introduces critical success factors (CSFs) as intermediate variables between stakeholders and project success. The model can demonstrate the interrelation between stakeholders and CSFs, and the results can reveal how stakeholders influence project success. Green retrofit is a typical type of complex project. The stakeholder relationship in green retrofit projects is more complex than in new projects, since more stakeholders (e.g., tenants and facility managers) who have particular interrelations (e.g., lease contract and split incentives between owners and tenants) are involved. Therefore, a case study of green retrofit in China was conducted to illustrate how the proposed model works. The results indicated the priorities and similarities of stakeholders in green retrofit. Stakeholders are categorized into five clusters according to their relationship. Based on the results, the important role of stakeholders in green retrofit projects was discussed. The main contribution of this study is providing a novel method to reveal how stakeholders influence the success of complex projects.
A Hybrid Heuristic Optimization Approach for Leak Detection in Pipe Networks Using Ordinal Optimization Approach and the Symbiotic Organism Search
Authors: Lin Chao-Chih
Published: October 2017

A new transient-based hybrid heuristic approach is developed to optimize a transient generation process and to detect leaks in pipe networks. The approach couples the ordinal optimization approach (OOA) and the symbiotic organism search (SOS) to solve the optimization problem by means of iterations. A pipe network analysis model (PNSOS) is first used to determine steady-state head distribution and pipe flow rates. The best transient generation point and its relevant valve operation parameters are optimized by maximizing the objective function of transient energy. The transient event is created at the chosen point, and the method of characteristics (MOC) is used to analyze the transient flow. The OOA is applied to sift through the candidate pipes and the initial organisms with leak information. The SOS is employed to determine the leaks by minimizing the sum of differences between simulated and computed head at the observation points. Two synthetic leaking scenarios, a simple pipe network and a water distribution network (WDN), are chosen to test the performance of leak detection ordinal symbiotic organism search (LDOSOS). Leak information can be accurately identified by the proposed approach for both of the scenarios. The presented technique makes a remarkable contribution to the success of leak detection in the pipe networks.
Nectar foragers contribute to the pollination of buzz‐pollinated plant species
Authors: Moquet Laura , Bruyère Lydiane , Pirard Benoit , Jacquemart Anne‐Laure
Published: October 2017

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Pollination performance may depend on the type of floral resource (pollen or nectar) foraged by visitors. In buzz‐pollinated plant species, the poricidal anthers release pollen during active pollen collection that induces flower vibrations. These buzz‐pollinated species generally do not produce nectar. Nevertheless, several Ericaceae are buzz‐pollinated and produce nectar. We estimated the relative effectiveness of visitors according to the type of resource collected, nectar or pollen (buzzing).

METHODS:

We compared the relative performance of pollen removal, transport, and deposition (effectiveness) of the main insect visitors on four ericaceous species: three buzz‐pollinated species with different pore sizes, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, and V. vitis‐idaea; and one non‐buzz‐pollinated species, Calluna vulgaris.

KEY RESULTS:

Bumblebees were the main pollinators for the three buzz‐pollinated species, whereas hoverflies were the main pollinators for the non‐buzz‐pollinated generalist C. vulgaris. For the studied plant species, we observed no difference in pollination effectiveness among bumblebee species. Buzzing bumblebees were the most effective visitors for pollination per flower visit for the two Vaccinium species, whereas nectar foragers were the most effective visitors for pollination of E. tetralix. In the case of Vaccinium myrtillus, nectar foragers contributed the most to pollination success because they were more abundant than pollen foragers.

CONCLUSIONS:

We showed that consideration of the resource collected by visitors and their behavior is necessary to compare their relative performance. The combination of visitation rate and effectiveness per visit reveals that nectar foragers make a substantial contribution to pollination of the buzz‐pollinated ericaceous species.
Specific Frequencies and Luminosity Profiles of Cluster Galaxies and Intracluster Light in Abell 1689
Authors: Alamo-Martínez K. A. , Blakeslee J. P.
Published: October 2017

We present magnitudes and profile fits for 180 galaxies in the central field of the massive lensing cluster Abell 1689 using very deep imaging with the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys in the F814W bandpass. Previous work revealed an exceptionally large number of globular clusters (GCs) in A1689 and mapped their number density distribution. We decompose this number density map into GCs associated with individual cluster galaxies and ICGCs (intracluster GCs) associated with the intracluster light (ICL). In all, we measure GC specific frequencies S

N
for 33 cluster members and the ICL. The relation between S

N
and galaxy magnitude is consistent with the trend observed in Virgo, although some intermediate-luminosity galaxies scatter to

S

N

>
10

. We estimate that the ICL makes up 11% of the starlight in this field, whereas the ICGCs account for ∼35% of the GCs, both consistent with predictions from simulations. Galaxies with higher S

N
values tend to be rounder, and there is a marginally significant trend of decreasing S

N
with increasing specific angular momenta 

λ

R

. We also reevaluate the GC population in the A2744 Frontier Field, for which fewer than 1/10 as many GCs have been detected because of its larger distance. Finally, our core-Sérsic fit to the light profile of the A1689 brightest cluster galaxy implies a break radius of 3.8 kpc, among the largest known; we discuss implications of the sizable core and extensive GC population for the supermassive black hole in light of scaling relations.
The Internationalization of Conflicts: Theoretical Background, Conceptualization, and Contemporary Middle-East Region
Authors: Kraus Josef
Published: October 2017

This article deals with the research of the internationalization of conflicts, trying to examine this phenomenon from the theoretical perspective and as a definition. Then the term of internationalization of conflict is conceptualized in order to be applied to a chosen internationalized internal armed conflict. The text also deals with various actors intervening in the internationalized conflict. They are divided into external and internal actors, while their interventions during civil war can be multilateral or unilateral. The concept of the conflict internationalization is also compared with the concept of the proxy war. The closeness of both terms can be confusing for many researchers and their division is one of the important outcomes of this article. There is also a typology of internationalized internal armed conflict types in the text as well as identification of reasons for military actions against a neighbouring state in civil war. At the end, two case studies of Syrian and Yemeni civil wars are introduced to the reader in the framework of the conflict internationalization concept. The text itself is a conference contribution and it has no ambition of bringing new scientific findings and extending knowledge. Rather, it presents a general survey of the examined phenomenon, which can be developed and researched by social sciences based on case studies.
Military Scenario Development
Authors: Potirniche Marius Titi
Published: October 2017

The global security environment brings forward different and surprising challenges for the armed forces, which require a good training and preparation. One way of sorting out the endeavour is using scenarios, the concept used extensively in the military field, the military field being the initiator of this concept. Military scenario development is the subject of this article, which is going to bring some essential characteristics and propose a working option for elaborating a scenario. The final aim is to help military planners have a good working procedure when developing a scenario in order to create a document updated with warfare evolution and operational planning process ready to respond to all risks and threats. The scenario is a way used by military structures at all levels of military art (strategical, operational and tactical) to get in contact with a probable unknown situation, to assimilate it and to sort it out. The article focuses on the scenario development process and proposes stages and activities that should be followed by a joint operational group when tasked with preparing a scenario.
Landmarks in Analysing Contemporary Conflicts: Between Tradition and the Need for Innovation
Authors: Sarcinschi Alexandra
Published: October 2017

The paper discusses the correlation between methodologies of conflict analysis and dynamics of international security environment and highlights the need to tailor these methodologies to the rapid sequencing of world events. The analytical approach starts with an overview on the general theory of conflict, whereupon the author focuses on the most widely used models of contemporary conflict analysis and summarizes the way they approach the same conflict, namely the recent events in Ukraine, in order to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of each model. The final part of the paper develops, instead of conclusions, the correlation between the two analysed items and the way in which specific components of the methodologies can be adapted to the development of main characteristics of the international security environment.
Evidence-Based Practice Guideline: Fall Prevention for Older Adults
Authors: Kruschke Cheryl , Butcher Howard K.
Published: October 2017

Falls are a major cause of injury and death annually for millions of individuals 65 and older. Older adults are at risk for falls for a variety of reasons regardless of where they live. Falls are defined as any sudden drop from one surface to a lower surface. The purpose of this fall prevention evidence-based practice guideline is to describe strategies that can identify individuals at risk for falls. A 10-step protocol including screening for falls, comprehensive fall assessment, gait and balance screening when necessary, and an individualized fall intervention program addressing specific fall risks is presented. Reassessing fall risk and fall prevention programs will ensure a proactive approach to reducing falls in the aging population. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43
(11), 15–21.]
Synergistic Combination of Products for Optimization of Oil Well Production and H2S Reduction
Authors: Silva R. C. , Pazinatto M. , Marcorighi J. B. , Dias P. , Sampaio T. P. , Bitencourt J. , Hanna A. W. , Paprocki J. , Gomes M. T. , Rocha R. B.
Published: October 2017

This study presents the development of an innovative product which provides the combined functions of H2S sequestration and flow improvement in subsea applications. The product was applied and validated in an offshore field of Campos Basin for use via umbilicals in production wells.

The methodology is based on stabilization of the non-nitrogenated scavenger in the presence of solvents consisting of compounds with different ionicities. The efficiency of the combined product was demonstrated in relation to H2S abatement in the organic phase, as well as to flow improvement. Evaluations of elastomer compatibility, solvent loss, heat and cold stress testing, particle size and corrosivity of metallic materials qualified the product for umbilical injection. Field validation was performed in a production well that presented flow instability, high viscosity and high levels of produced H2S.

The combined product had a strong influence on water separation, promoted a good O/W interface formation, and showed high quality separated water, capacity to sequester H2S and reduce oil viscosity. In the approval phase for subsea application via umbilicals, the product achieved satisfactory results in all tests, satisfying internal specifications, and was considered suitable for this type of application. In the third and final stage, the product was tested in the field. The product application reduced the H2S level of the gas stream by approximately 90% and arrival pressure by over 20%, while well productivity increased by approximately 9%.

The results obtained at the laboratory scale for product development match its performance in the field. Accordingly, the laboratory techniques used were shown to reliably reproduce production conditions, which is extremely important in the development of more effective products.
Fiscal and Contractual Hurdles for Stablishing Asset Sharing Agreements in Offshore Operations
Authors: Santoro Monica Costa , Tavares Mario Jose , de Almeida Mateus Passeri , Ribeiro Vinicius Farias
Published: October 2017

The availability of some processing spare capacity in offshore facilities, during its operational life, is an expected event. At some point in time, it is also expected that some fields may share their assets, in order to enhance its economic value. Asset Sharing Agreements are efficient tools for those purposes. However, taxation and fiscal regime in Brazil does not promote a friendly framework for this initiative. This article aims to discuss some key issues that regulatory agents shall address for adequating Brazilian legal framework to international oil industry standards.
Cutting Edge: Anti–TIM-3 Treatment Exacerbates Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Isshiki Takuma , Akiba Hisaya , Nakayama Masafumi , Harada Norihiro , Okumura Ko , Homma Sakae , Miyake Sachiko
Published: October 2017

Promising results of immune checkpoint inhibitors have indicated the use of immunotherapy against malignant tumors. However, they cause serious side effects, including autoimmune diseases and pneumonitis. T cell Ig and mucin domain (TIM)-3 is a new candidate immune checkpoint molecule; however, the potential toxicity associated with anti–TIM-3 treatment is unknown. In this study, we investigated the pathological contribution of anti–TIM-3 mAb in a bleomycin-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis model. Anti–TIM-3–treated mice showed more severe inflammation and peribronchiolar fibrosis compared with control IgG-treated mice. Anti–TIM-3 mAb was associated with increased numbers of myofibroblasts, collagen deposition, and TGF-β1 production in lungs. TIM-3 expression was only detected on alveolar macrophages that protect against fibrosis by apoptotic cell clearance. Treatment with anti–TIM-3 mAb inhibited the phagocytic ability of alveolar macrophages in vivo, resulting in the defective clearance of apoptotic cells in lungs. In summary, anti–TIM-3 mAb treatment might cause pneumonitis and it should be used with caution in clinical settings.
Investigating the expectations of business management students as future leaders regarding the influence of leadership on organisational strategy: A survey at a South African tertiary institution
Authors: Bornman Dawid A.J.
Published: October 2017

Orientation: Unpredictable technology changes challenge how organisations operate in the global competitive business environment. Organisational strategy needs to be flexible, a capability that is impossible to achieve without effective leadership.Research purpose: To investigate the expectations of first year undergraduate business management students at a South African tertiary institution towards leadership and to what extent leadership influences organisational strategy.Motivation for the study: The results of this study contribute towards: (1) providing insight as to how possible future business leaders are expected to behave in order to have an impact on organisational strategy, (2) providing a better understanding of upcoming leadership trends from future generations and (3) business leadership and organisational strategy’s interdependence.Research design, approach and method: Empirical research through a quantitative survey, distributed to 200 first year undergraduate business management students at a South African tertiary institution.Main findings: (1) That most important leadership style was transformational, (2) emergent strategies were preferred over deliberate strategies and (3) that leadership influence is important to have a successful overall organisational strategy.Practical and managerial implications: An outline of leadership conduct in terms of the expectations of possible future business leaders and that leadership had an influence on organisational strategy.Contribution or value added: If effective leadership training and development gets implemented on an early level (i.e. first year undergraduate studies), then future leaders might be able to develop their followers and inspire them to develop as leaders themselves, which could possibly create a longevity of leadership and organisational success.
Africanity and research: A case study in rural South Africa
Authors: Landman Christina , Yates Hannelie
Published: October 2017

In the first part of this article, Africanity as a concept within research methodology is exploredin the dialogical spaces between the binaries of racial identity and group identity, indigenousand traditional values, post-colonialism and post-racialism, blackness and African, as well aseliminativist and conservationalist. In the second part, the research carried out in twotownships in the eMakhazeni Local Municipality in Mpumalanga, South Africa’s most easternprovince, is described in terms of parameters and process. The townships involved areSakhelwe in Dullstroom-Emnotweni and Emthonjeni in Machadodorp-eNktokozweni. Theresearch focuses on interviews with young people between the ages of 18 and 24 on thepotential of faith-based organisations to assist them in moving from the ’margins‘ of society topositions of social cohesion. The third and main part of the article, is dedicated to lessonslearnt and experience acquired when research is carried out in a rural area from an Africanityperspective. This entails, inter alia (1) to be sensitive towards power relations in research; (2)respecting indigenous values within group identities; (3) not predefining the youth, usingindigenous (and not European) definitions of ‘agency’ and ‘marginalisation’; (4) to engage inobservation rather than interpretation; and (5) to decolonise the research process whenregarding interpretation as an act of colonisation.
Repliek op Van der Watt se artikel oor ‘Intertekstualiteit en oorinterpretasie: Verwysings na Genesis 28:12 in Johannes 1:51?’
Authors: Stander Hennie F.
Published: October 2017

A response to Van der Watt’s article on ‘Intertextuality and over-interpretation: References to Genesis 28:12 in John 1:51?’ This article is a response to an article of Van der Watt titled ‘Intertextuality and over-interpretation: References to Genesis 28:12 in John 1:51?’ (2016). He states in this article that his aim is ‘to illustrate the dangers of over-interpretation when dealing with intertextual relations between texts, especially when allusion is assumed’. He then gives a brief survey of different interpretations of John 1:51. Van der Watt shows in his article how theologians use themes from Genesis 28:12 (like the ladder, Jacob or Bethel, which are not mentioned in John 1:51) in their expositions of John 1:51. Van der Watt regards some of these expositions as examples of over-interpretation. The aim of my article is to show how Church Fathers interpreted Genesis 28:12 and John 1:51. I show in my article that the Church Fathers saw several parallels between these two sections from the Bible. Furthermore, I suggest that the early theologians’ interpretations formed a tradition that probably influenced modern interpreters of the Bible. I also discuss the role of typology in the history of interpretation, specifically also in the case of Genesis 28:12 and John 1:51. I then argue that it is perhaps not so far-fetched to see an intertextual relation between Genesis 28:12 and John 1:51.
Patient- or person-centred practice in medicine? – A review of concepts
Authors: Louw Jakobus M. , Marcus Tessa S. , Hugo Johannes F.M.
Published: October 2017

Background: Person-centred practice in medicine may provide solutions to several pressing problems in health care, including the cost of services, poor outcomes in chronic care and the rise in litigation. It is also an ethical imperative in itself. However, patient- or person-centred care is not well researched partly because of a lack of conceptual and definitional clarity.Aim: The aim of this review was to analyse essential elements, ethical principles, logic and the practical application of person-centred practice described in clinician- and researcher-defined conceptual frameworks, terms and practices.Methods: A search of review articles on patient- and person-centred care or medicine was conducted using Medline and Google Scholar. Secondary searches were conducted using references and citations from selected articles.Results: Five conceptual frameworks were identified in terms of their practical application of the ethical principles of beneficence, autonomy and justice. They converge around a few central ideas such as having a holistic perspective of patients and their illness experience, a therapeutic alliance between the patient and clinician as well as respectful, enabling collaboration with the patient.Conclusions: Terminological differences appear to owe more to disciplinary origins than to substantive meaning. Beneficence needs to be balanced by and practised through respect for patient autonomy. Core ideas in existing conceptual frameworks of patient or person centredness can guide teaching and research. Considering the value and ethical imperative of person-centred practice, training institutions should train health care students and practitioners in its precepts.
An electromyographic study of abdominal muscle activity in children with spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Adjenti Saviour , Louw Graham , Jelsma Jennifer , Unger Marianne
Published: October 2017

Background: Inadequate knowledge in the recruitment patterns of abdominal muscles in individuals with spastic-type cerebral palsy (STCP).Objectives: To determine whether there is any difference between the neuromuscular activity (activation pattern) of the abdominal muscles in children with STCP and those of their typically developing (TD) peers.Method: The NORAXAN® electromyography (EMG) was used to monitor the neuromuscular activity in abdominal muscles of individuals with STCP (n = 63), and the results were compared with the findings from age-matched TD individuals (n = 82).Results: EMG frequencies were recorded during rest and during active states and compared using repeated measures ANOVA. Spearman’s rank order correlation was used to explore relationships between age, body mass index and abdominal muscle activity. With the exception of the rectus abdominis (RA) muscle, the pattern of neuromuscular activity in children with STCP differs significantly from that of their TD peers. Three of the muscles – external oblique abdominis (EO), internal oblique abdominis (IO) and RA – in both groups showed significant changes (p < 0.001) in the frequency of EMG activity between the resting and active states. An elevated EMG activity at rest in the EO and IO was recorded in the STCP group, whereas the RA during resting and active stages showed similar results to TD individuals.Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that the RA could be targeted during rehabilitation regimens; however, the force generated by this muscle may not be sufficient for the maintenance of trunk stability without optimal support from the EO and IO muscles.
Counting periodic orbits of Anosov flows in free homotopy classes
Authors: Barthelmé Thomas , Fenley Sérgio R.
Published: October 2017

The main result of this article is that if a 3-manifold

M

supports an Anosov flow, then the number of conjugacy classes in the fundamental group of

M

grows exponentially fast with the length of the shortest orbit representative, hereby answering a question raised by Plante and Thurston in 1972. In fact we show that, when the flow is transitive, the exponential growth rate is exactly the topological entropy of the flow. We also show that taking
only
the shortest orbit representatives in each conjugacy classes still yields Bowen’s version of the measure of maximal entropy. These results are achieved by obtaining counting results on the growth rate of the number of periodic orbits inside a
free homotopy class
. In the first part of the article, we also construct many examples of Anosov flows having some finite and some infinite free homotopy classes of periodic orbits, and we also give a characterization of algebraic Anosov flows as the only

\mathbb R

-covered Anosov flows up to orbit equivalence and finite lifts that do not admit at least one infinite free homotopy class of periodic orbits.
Simple length rigidity for Kleinian surface groups and applications
Authors: Bridgeman Martin , Canary Richard D.
Published: October 2017

We prove that a Kleinian surface group is determined, up to conjugacy in the isometry group of

\mathbb H^3

, by its simple marked length spectrum. As a first application, we show that a discrete faithful representation of the fundamental group of a compact, acylindrical, hyperbolizable 3-manifold

M

is similarly determined by the translation lengths of images of elements of

\pi_1(M)

represented by simple curves on the boundary of

M

. As a second application, we show the group of diffeomorphisms of quasifuchsian space which preserve the renormalized pressure intersection is generated by the (extended) mapping class group and complex conjugation.
Phenotypic and Molecular Genetic Characteristics of Yersinia pestis at an Emerging Natural Plague Focus, Junggar Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Yujiang , Luo Tao , Yang Chao , Yue Xihong , Guo Rong , Wang Xinhui , Buren Mingde , Song Yuqin , Yang Ruifu , Cao Hanli , Cui Yujun , Dai Xiang
Published: October 2017

The 15th natural plague focus in China, the Junggar Basin plague focus, is located near an important communication route connecting China and Central Asia and was discovered after 2005. To characterize the phenotypic and genetic diversity of the Yersinia pestis population in this newly established focus, we collected 25 Y. pestis strains from six counties across Junggar Basin in 2005–2006, and determined their biochemical features and genotypes based on multiple-locus variable number of tandem repeats analysis and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats analysis. We inferred the phylogenetic positions and possible sources of the Junggar strains by comparing their genotypes with the genetic diversity for known representative Y. pestis strains. Our results indicate that the major genotype of Junggar strains belongs to 2.MED1, a lineage of biovar Medievalis with identical biochemical characters and high virulence in mice. Although share a similar ecology, the 2.MED1 in Junggar Basin are not descended from known strains in the neighboring Central Asian Desert plague foci. Therefore, the emergence of the Junggar Basin plague focus is not attributable to the recent clonal spread of Y. pestis from Central Asia. We also identified two distinct minor genotypes in Junggar Basin, one of which clusters genetically with the 0.ANT1 strains of the Tianshan Mountain natural plague focus and another belongs to a 1.IN lineage not previously reported. Our study clarifies the phenotypic and genetic characters of Junggar Y. pestis strains. These findings extend our knowledge of the population diversity of Y. pestis and will facilitate future plague surveillance and prevention in Junggar Basin and adjacent regions.
Hansen’s Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis Crossover of Clinical Symptoms: A Case Series of 18 Patients in the United States
Authors: Labuda Sarah M. , Schieffelin John S. , Shaffer Jeffrey G. , Stryjewska Barbara M.
Published: October 2017

Hansen’s Disease (HD) is a rare, chronic granulomatous infection of the skin and peripheral nerves caused by the noncultivable organism Mycobacterium leprae. Arthritis is the third most common symptom of HD. Subjects with both confirmed HD on skin biopsy and chronic arthritis were identified at the National Hansen’s Disease Program (NHDP). We conducted a series of medical chart reviews and extracted and logged personally deidentified data into a database and carried out descriptive analyses. Eighteen of 261 subjects presented to the NDHP with both HD and chronic arthritis between 2001 and 2015. Among these, 16 were male, 16 were white, and 15 were residents of Louisiana. The median age at diagnosis of HD was 67 years. Ten of these subjects were diagnosed with borderline lepromatous leprosy, seven were diagnosed with lepromatous, and one was diagnosed with borderline tuberculoid leprosy. Patients were symptomatic with arthritis for a median of 5.3 years before HD diagnosis. Sixty-two percent of patients (11) were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before HD diagnosis, and 10 of which were seronegative RA. Hands, feet, wrists, and elbows were most commonly reported as affected joints. Over half of the patients (61%) had completed HD multidrug therapy at the time of review, and 73% of these subjects had persistent joint pain requiring steroids or methotrexate for symptomatic control. Chronic arthritis in HD patients is present in a series of US-acquired cases of HD. Arthritis did not resolve with successful treatment of HD in most cases.
Assessment of a Leishmaniasis Reporting System in Tropical Bolivia Using the Capture-Recapture Method
Authors: Eid Daniel , Guzman-Rivero Miguel , Rojas Ernesto , Goicolea Isabel , Hurtig Anna-Karin , Illanes Daniel , San Sebastian Miguel
Published: October 2017

This study evaluates the level of underreporting of the National Program of Leishmaniasis Control (NPLC) in two communities of Cochabamba, Bolivia during the period 2013–2014. Montenegro skin test-confirmed cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) were identified through active surveillance during medical campaigns. These cases were compared with those registered in the NPLC by passive surveillance. After matching and cleaning data from the two sources, the total number of cases and the level of underreporting of the National Program were calculated using the capture-recapture analysis. This estimated that 86 cases of CL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 62.1–110.8) occurred in the study period in both communities. The level of underreporting of the NPLC in these communities was very high: 73.4% (95% CI: 63.1–81.5%). These results can be explained by the inaccessibility of health services and centralization of the NPLC activities. This information is important to establish priorities among policy-makers and funding organizations as well as implementing adequate intervention plans.
Serological Evaluation of Cutaneous Leishmania tropica Infection in Northern Israel
Authors: Rohoušová Iva , Talmi-Frank Dalit , Vlková Michaela , Spitzová Tatiana , Rishpon Koranit , Jaffe Charles L. , Volf Petr , Baneth Gad , Ephros Moshe
Published: October 2017

Leishmania spp. are medically important unicellular parasites transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. The World Health Organization recently highlighted the importance of reliable diagnostic tools for leishmaniasis. Our study of human infection was conducted in two endemic foci of Leishmania tropica in the Galilee region, northern Israel. Elevated anti-Leishmania antibodies were present in the majority (78.6%) of L. tropica-PCR positive individuals. Moreover, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed high sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values (ranging between 73% and 79%), thus fulfilling the basic requirement for future development of a serodiagnostic and screening tool. The anti-sand fly saliva antibodies used as biomarkers of exposure reflected the composition of the local sand fly fauna as well as the abundance of individual species. High levels of antibodies against vector salivary proteins may further indicate frequent exposure to sand flies and consequently a higher probability of Leishmania transmission.
Visualization of West Nile Virus in Urine Sediment using Electron Microscopy and Immunogold up to Nine Years Postinfection
Authors: Murray Kristy O. , Kolodziej Steven , Ronca Shannon E. , Gorchakov Rodion , Navarro Patricia , Nolan Melissa S. , Podoll Amber , Finkel Kevin , Mandayam Sreedhar
Published: October 2017

West Nile virus (WNV) is an important emerging flavivirus in North America. Experimental studies in animals infer the development of persistent infection in the kidneys. In humans, recent studies suggest the possibility of persistent renal infection and chronic kidney disease. Considering the discrepancies between published studies on viral RNA detection in urine of convalescing WNV-positive patients, we explored the use of electron microscopy (EM) with anti-WNV E protein antibody immunogold labeling to detect virus in the urine sediment from a subset of study participants in the Houston WNV cohort. In 42% of evaluated study participants had visible sediment present in urine after centrifugation; viral particles consistent with the size and morphology of WNV were successfully detected using EM in the urine sediment up to 9 years postinfection. The anti-WNV immunogold labeling bound to virus envelope in the sediment allowed for enhanced detection when compared with PCR and provide a new technique for understanding kidney disease in WNV patients. These results provide further evidence of persistent infection in at least a subset of individuals infected with WNV. These findings present a novel tool to diagnose persistent WNV infection and its possible link with progressive renal pathology.
Entre dos mundos
Authors: Cantón Mayo Isabel
Published: October 2017

Recensión del libro de Mario Bunge
Cualidades del docente para la planificación curricular desde la perspectiva de los propios docentes y de sus estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Prieto Marlene , Mijares Brizeida , Llorent Vicente J
Published: October 2017

Establecer las cualidades de los docentes, vistas desde las ópticas de los profesores y de los estudiantes universitarios, como propósito de este estudio, nos ayuda a analizar el papel del profesor universitario y facilitar su mejora. La revisión bibliográfica incluyó a diversos investigadores interesados en las cualidades y actitudes de los docentes (Buchanan, 2008; Cortés de Aragón y Aragón, 1999; Foster, 2009; Rogers, 1980, 1989; Sánchez, 2011; Tejada, 2000; Willie, 2000, entre otros). La investigación planteada es de tipo descriptiva, con un diseño no experimental, transeccional, contemporáneo y de campo. La muestra estuvo constituida por 68 profesores y 170 estudiantes universitarios de los programas de Administración y Contaduría Pública del Programa Ciencias Económicas y Sociales del Núcleo Costa Oriental del Lago de la Universidad del Zulia, Venezuela. El cuestionario usado constaba de 53 preguntas, de las cuales 17 se relacionaban con el objeto de estudio. Su validez fue de contenido y su confiablidad un coeficiente Alpha Cronbach de 0.936. Se concluye que los docentes poseen cualidades positivas que les permiten tener una buena relación docente-alumno; sin embargo, hay espacio para desarrollarlas aún más. En cuanto a las actitudes negativas, su sola presencia exige una revisión exhaustiva para poder minimizarlas o eliminarlas. Se sugiere la promoción e implementación de talleres de formación, cursos de capacitación, revisión permanente de actitudes y valores en los docentes, para que así se promueva el crecimiento, desarrollo y ponderación de sus cualidades llevándolos a la superación de cualquier actitud que vaya en detrimento de su relación con los alumnos y fomentando la presencia de las cualidades positivas estudiadas.
Hacia una universidad más humana ¿Es superior la educación superior? Madrid: Biblioteca Nueva
Authors: Hernández Prados Mª Ángeles
Published: October 2017

Recensión del libro Hacia una universidad más humana. ¿Es superior la educación superior?
 

Autor: González Geraldo, J. L.
Hacia una mejor predicción de la percepción de competencia laboral en los universitarios
Authors: Moreno Murcia Juan Antonio , Silveira Torregrosa Yolanda
Published: October 2017

El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido diseñar y validar la Escala de Percepción de Competencia Laboral, y determinar el poder de predicción de las variables de cuidado del docente, autonomía, y motivación autodeterminada sobre la percepción de competencia laboral. Para ello, se realizaron dos estudios. La muestra del estudio 1 estuvo compuesta por 274 estudiantes universitarios de ocho grados de la Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, y la muestra del estudio 2 estuvo compuesta por 431 estudiantes universitarios (202 hombres y 220 mujeres) de nueve grados de la misma Universidad. Se midió el cuidado del docente, la percepción de autonomía, la motivación autodeterminada y la percepción de competencia laboral. La Escala de Percepción de Competencia Laboral presentó unas adecuadas medidas psicométricas a través de un análisis factorial exploratorio y la consistencia interna. En el estudio 2, el análisis factorial confirmatorio también presentó medidas que permitió asumir la bondad de la escala. Para determinar en qué grado el cuidado del docente, autonomía y motivación autodeterminada predecían la percepción de competencia laboral se llevó a cabo un análisis de regresión lineal. Se predijo en un 35% la varianza explicada y fue la motivación autodeterminada el factor que más predijo la percepción de competencia laboral. Por lo que, para lograr una mayor percepción competencial en el ámbito profesional, durante la etapa de formación se podría utilizar una metodología fundamentada en el soporte de autonomía.

ABSTRACT

Toward greater prediction of the perception professional competence in college students.

The aim of this study is designs and validates the Scale of Professional Competence, and determines the predictive power of the variables of teacher´s care, autonomy, self-determined motivation on perceived professional competence. It has carried out two studies. The sample of study 1 included of 274 university students from eight degrees at the University Miguel Hernández of Elche, and the sample of Study 2 included of 431 college students (202 men and 220 women) from nine degrees of the same university. The teacher´s care, perceived autonomy, self-determined motivation and perceived professional competence was measured. The exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency revealed adequate psychometric measures of Professional Competence Scale. In the study 2, the results of confirmatory factor analysis also indicated goodness of this scale. The linear regression analysis was used to determine if teacher´s care, autonomy and self-determined motivation predicted the perceived professional competence. It was predicted 35% of explained variance where self-determined motivation was the most predictive factor the perceived professional competence. So, to achieve greater professional competence, could be used a methodology based on the support of autonomy during the training stage.
Aprendizaje basado en problemas y educación jurídica – un estudio de caso en aprendizaje experiencial integrado
Authors: Grimes Richard
Published: October 2017

Este trabajo describe el Sistema de Estudios de Derecho tal y como es actualmente en Inglaterra y Gales (el resto del reino Unido tiene una estructura un tanto diferente) y subraya algunas fallas percibidas en este sistema. Por ello se trata de indicar dichas fallas y sugerir como el aprendizaje y la enseñanza pueden ser mejorados prestando atención a la forma así como al contenido, particularmente desde la perspectiva de cómo se imparten los estudios de Derecho. El trabajo se centra en un acercamiento particular a los estudios de Derecho, llamado: Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas (ABP). Este es el enfoque clave para el estudio en una de las escuelas de Derecho líder del Reino Unido. La razón de ser y el concepto del ABP es explicado y se hacen extensas referencias a la riqueza de las fuentes de recursos en la naturaleza y eficacia de dicho medio de aprendizaje. Las implicaciones del ABP en el contexto del aprendizaje experimental son también exploradas incluyendo el uso de ABP con casos reales. El capítulo concluye con la sugerencia de que métodos de estudios más interactivos o de “manos a la obra” aparecerán de manera creciente en los Estudios de Derecho tanto en el Derecho anglosajón como en el Derecho Romano.
Abanico East Formation: petrology and geochemistry of volcanic rocks behind the Cenozoic arc front in the Andean Cordillera, central Chile (33°50'S)
Authors: Munoz Marcia , Fuentes Francisco , Vergara Mario , Aguirre Luis , Nyström Jan Olov , Feraud Gilbert , Demant Alain
Published: October 2017

The stratigraphy, chemistry and age of rocks assigned to the eastern portion of the Abanico Formation exposed along the El Volcán river valley, Principal Cordillera east of Santiago (30º50'S/70º12'-70º5'W), are reported and discussed. This ca. 3,300 m thick succession is mainly composed of basalts, basaltic andesites and volcaniclastic rocks. 40Ar/39Ar radiometric dates on plagioclase from the lava flows yield Oligocene-lower Miocene ages with a maximum age of 34.3 ±0.4 Ma for the lower part and a plateau age of 21.4±1.0 Ma for the upper part of the succession. The lava flows show calc-alkaline affinities and have chemical characteristics that are typical of arc volcanic rocks erupted in an active continental margin. A temporal chemical evolution in the sequence is indicated by upward increases in concentrations of LILE and LREE elements and LaN/YbN ratios. This pattern can be attributed to increasing contributions of fluids derived from the subducted lithosphere with time. A chemical comparison of these rocks with Oligocene-lower Miocene volcanic rocks from the Cerro Abanico and Chacabuco areas on the western border of the Principal Cordillera, east of Santiago, and at the northern end of the Central Depression reveals west to east compositional variations. From west to east these variations include: (1) increasing LILE and LREE concentrations, LaN/YbN ratios and Sr and Nd initial isotopic ratios, and (2) decreasing LILE/HFSE and LREE/HFSE ratios. These pattern can be attributed to a west to east decrease in the contribution of slab derived fluids and increase in the influence of crustal contamination processes.
Gustavite, PbAgBi3S6-P21/c, with the bismuth and silver minerals at Los Guindos mining group, Pampa de Olaen, Córdoba, Argentina (31°11'S/64°33'W).
Authors: Sureda Ricardo , Lira Raul , Colombo Fernando
Published: October 2017

Bi-Pb-Ag-Te oxides, sulfides and sulfosalts are relatively uncommon accessory minerals in the scheelite-bearing skarn of the La Falda Metamorphic Complex (Late Precambrian-Cambrian) of the Los Guindos mining group, Pampa de Olaen, Córdoba province, Argentina. Chemical composition measured with SEM-EDS and electron microprobe, physical and textural features with XRD and ore microscopy of bismuthinite, andorite, gustavite, kettnerite, lillianite and tetradymite are described. It is the first report of gustavite, PbAgBi3S6-P21/c, in Argentina. On the broad scale, scheelite was the major ore mineral of the wolfram mining closed today, but with a summit activity in the Second World War years. The metallogenetic evolution of these calcic skarn starts in the Neoproterozoic with a model of W-Sb-Hg strata-bound deposits related to a contemporaneous submarine volcanism in the Pannotian cycle. Later, the formation of the calcic tungsten skarn is associated with monzogranite plutons and retrograde sulfide assemblages (Zn, Bi, Ag, Pb, Sb, Te, Cu, Sn, Cd, Se), in hydrothermal-metasomatic environments of Paleozoic age, related to the Famatinean and Achalean orogenies in the Gondwanian cycle.