bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Propagation Characteristics Using the Human Body as an Antenna
Authors: Li Jingzhen , Nie Zedong , Liu Yuhang , Wang Lei , Hao Yang
Published: December 2017

In this paper, an inhomogeneous human body model was presented to investigate the propagation characteristics when the human body was used as an antenna to achieve signal transmission. Specifically, the channel gain of four scenarios, namely, (1) both TX electrode and RX electrode were placed in the air, (2) TX electrode was attached on the human body, and RX electrode was placed in the air, (3) TX electrode was placed in the air, and RX electrode was attached on the human body, (4) both the TX electrode and RX electrode were attached on the human body, were studied through numerical simulation in the frequency range 1 MHz to 90 MHz. Furthermore, the comparisons of input efficiency, accepted efficiency, total efficiency, absorption power of human body, and electric field distribution of different distances of four aforementioned scenarios were explored when the frequency was at 44 MHz. In addition, the influences of different human tissues, electrode position, and the distance between electrode and human body on the propagation characteristics were investigated respectively at 44 MHz. The results showed that the channel gain of Scenario 4 was the maximum when the frequency was from 1 MHz to 90 MHz. The propagation characteristics were almost independent of electrode position when the human body was using as an antenna. However, as the distance between TX electrode and human body increased, the channel gain decreased rapidly. The simulations were verified by experimental measurements. The results showed that the simulations were in agreement with the measurements.
Biomimetic Sensors for the Senses: Towards Better Understanding of Taste and Odor Sensation
Authors: Wu Chunsheng , Du Ya-Wen , Huang Liquan , Ben-Shoshan Galeczki Yaron , Dagan-Wiener Ayana , Naim Michael , Niv Masha , Wang Ping
Published: December 2017

Taste and smell are very important chemical senses that provide indispensable information on food quality, potential mates and potential danger. In recent decades, much progress has been achieved regarding the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of taste and odor senses. Recently, biosensors have been developed for detecting odorants and tastants as well as for studying ligand-receptor interactions. This review summarizes the currently available biosensing approaches, which can be classified into two main categories: in vitro and in vivo approaches. The former is based on utilizing biological components such as taste and olfactory tissues, cells and receptors, as sensitive elements. The latter is dependent on signals recorded from animals’ signaling pathways using implanted microelectrodes into living animals. Advantages and disadvantages of these two approaches, as well as differences in terms of sensing principles and applications are highlighted. The main current challenges, future trends and prospects of research in biomimetic taste and odor sensors are discussed.
Knowledge Creation Process and Sustainable Competitive Advantage: the Role of Technological Innovation Capabilities
Authors: Yu Chuanpeng , Zhang Zhengang , Lin Chunpei , Wu Yenchun
Published: December 2017

This study examines the relationship between the knowledge creation process and technological innovation capabilities, and analyzes their effect on a firm’s sustainable competitive advantage using a knowledge-based view theoretical framework. We conduct structural equation modeling analyses using survey data from 315 Chinese industrial firms to test the direct and indirect effects of the knowledge creation process on sustainable competitive advantage. Technological innovation capabilities—operationalized to reflect the dimensions of process innovation capability and product innovation capability—are used as the mediating variable for explaining the relationship between the knowledge creation process and sustainable competitive advantage. The results indicate that the knowledge creation process does not have a significant direct effect on sustainable competitive advantage. Rather, the knowledge creation process can only influence the sustainable competitive advantage through the mediating effect of technological innovation capabilities completely. Consequently, the knowledge creation process favors the development of technological innovation capabilities for processes and products, because processes and products can lead to a sustainable competitive advantage.
Effects of Soft Loans and Credit Guarantees on Performance of Supported Firms: Evidence from the Czech Public Programme START
Authors: Dvouletý Ondřej
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this article was to conduct an empirical evaluation of the Czech public programme START, which was funded from the European Regional Development Fund. The programme lasted from 2007–2011, and supported new entrepreneurs through the zero interest soft loans and credit guarantees. The counterfactual analysis (using three matching techniques: propensity score, nearest neighbour, and kernel) was conducted on the firm level and investigated the changes in financial performance (net profits, return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), sales, assets turnover, and debt ratio) of the supported firms four years after the end of intervention. The obtained findings could not support the hypothesis assuming a positive impact of the programme on the firm’s performance. On the contrary, supported companies reported on average lower sales and lower return on assets, when compared to the control group. The remaining variables could not prove any statistically significant impact of the programme. Indicators measuring firm’s profitability (net profit, return on assets, and return on equity) suggested a negative influence of the programme and the variable representing debt ratio further indicated that firms that were supported by the programme reported on average higher debt ratio in comparison with the control group. Several policy implications are discussed in the study.
Investigating Low-Carbon Agriculture: Case Study of China’s Henan Province
Authors: Su Min , Jiang Rui , Li Rongrong
Published: December 2017

Developing low-carbon agriculture requires investigating the trajectory, decoupling statuses, and driving forces of agricultural carbon emissions. This study explored the evolution of agricultural carbon emissions based on 18 kinds of major carbon emission sources in Henan Province of China, which produces approximately one-tenth of China’s total grain output. We then analyzed the relationship between carbon emissions and economic growth using the decoupling elasticity model, and identified the factors driving the decoupling status. This analysis was done with a decoupling elasticity model, using the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index technique. There were three key results: (1) Agricultural carbon emissions totaled 16.61 million tons in 1999, and increased by 7.99% to 17.93 million tons in 2014, with an average growth rate of approximately 0.65%; (2) The decoupling relationship between agricultural carbon emissions and economic output was dominated by weak decoupling during the study period; (3) Agricultural labor productivity was the leading contributor to changes in agricultural carbon emissions, followed by farming-animal husbandry carbon intensity, labor, and agricultural structure.
Interpreting Sustainability through Co-Evolution: Evidence from Religious Accommodations in Rome
Authors: Paniccia Paola M. A. , Leoni Luna , Baiocco Silvia
Published: December 2017

In recent decades, concepts such as sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness have become fundamental for the development of tourist destinations, and thus, particularly, for the generation of value co-creation processes. To understand the role of tourism firms in these processes, more theoretical and empirical research is required. This paper addresses this need by examining the increasing role played by religious accommodations, adopting a co-evolutionary approach to sustainability and the resulting value co-creation processes. The study focuses on the dynamics of the relationship between this new hospitality model, territories, and tourists, through the analysis of six case studies localized in the historic centre of Rome (Italy). Findings show that religious accommodations can be considered as a new sustainability-oriented hospitality model that, by creating effective multi-level co-evolutionary adaptations with its territory and tourists, positively affects sustainable development as well as the generation of value co-creation processes. The paper contributes significantly both to sustainability literature and to the study of new hospitality models. Thus, theoretical and managerial implications emerge, together with suggestions for future research.
Graphical Classification in Multi-Centrality-Index Diagrams for Complex Chemical Networks
Authors: Mizui Yasutaka , Kojima Tetsuya , Miyagi Shigeyuki , Sakai Osamu
Published: December 2017

Various sizes of chemical reaction network exist, from small graphs of linear networks with several inorganic species to huge complex networks composed of protein reactions or metabolic systems. Huge complex networks of organic substrates have been well studied using statistical properties such as degree distributions. However, when the size is relatively small, statistical data suffers from significant errors coming from irregular effects by species, and a macroscopic analysis is frequently unsuccessful. In this study, we demonstrate a graphical classification method for chemical networks that contain tens of species. Betweenness and closeness centrality indices of a graph can create a two-dimensional diagram with information of node distribution for a complex chemical network. This diagram successfully reveals systematic sharing of roles among species as a semi-statistical property in chemical reactions, and distinguishes it from the ones in random networks, which has no functional node distributions. This analytical approach is applicable for rapid and approximate understanding of complex chemical network systems such as plasma-enhanced reactions as well as visualization and classification of other graphs.
Chaotic Dynamical State Variables Selection Procedure Based Image Encryption Scheme
Authors: Bashir Zia , Wątróbski Jarosław , Rashid Tabasam , Zafar Sohail , Sałabun Wojciech
Published: December 2017

Nowadays, in the modern digital era, the use of computer technologies such as smartphones, tablets and the Internet, as well as the enormous quantity of confidential information being converted into digital form have resulted in raised security issues. This, in turn, has led to rapid developments in cryptography, due to the imminent need for system security. Low-dimensional chaotic systems have low complexity and key space, yet they achieve high encryption speed. An image encryption scheme is proposed that, without compromising the security, uses reasonable resources. We introduced a chaotic dynamic state variables selection procedure (CDSVSP) to use all state variables of a hyper-chaotic four-dimensional dynamical system. As a result, less iterations of the dynamical system are required, and resources are saved, thus making the algorithm fast and suitable for practical use. The simulation results of security and other miscellaneous tests demonstrate that the suggested algorithm excels at robustness, security and high speed encryption.
Editorial for Special Issue: The Insecticidal Bacterial Toxins in Modern Agriculture
Authors: Ferré Juan , Escriche Baltasar
Published: December 2017

n/a
Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs) as Mediators of Inflammation, Release of Cytokines and Lytic Molecules
Authors: Elemam Noha , Hannawi Suad , Maghazachi Azzam
Published: December 2017

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are an emerging group of immune cells that provide the first line of defense against various pathogens as well as contributing to tissue repair and inflammation. ILCs have been classically divided into three subgroups based on their cytokine secretion and transcription factor profiles. ILC nomenclature is analogous to that of T helper cells. Group 1 ILCs composed of natural killer (NK) cells as well as IFN-γ secreting ILC1s. ILC2s have the capability to produce TH2 cytokines while ILC3s and lymphoid tissue inducer (LTis) are subsets of cells that are able to secrete IL-17 and/or IL-22. A recent subset of ILC known as ILC4 was discovered, and the cells of this subset were designated as NK17/NK1 due to their release of IL-17 and IFN-γ. In this review, we sought to explain the subclasses of ILCs and their roles as mediators of lytic enzymes and inflammation.
A Two-Dimensional Human Minilung System (Model) for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections
Authors: Magro-Lopez Esmeralda , Guijarro Trinidad , Martinez Isidoro , Martin-Vicente Maria , Liste Isabel , Zambrano Alberto
Published: December 2017

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a major cause of serious pediatric respiratory diseases that lacks effective vaccine or specific therapeutics. Although our understanding about HRSV biology has dramatically increased during the last decades, the need for adequate models of HRSV infection is compelling. We have generated a two-dimensional minilung from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The differentiation protocol yielded at least six types of lung and airway cells, although it is biased toward the generation of distal cells. We show evidence of HRSV replication in lung cells, and the induction of innate and proinflammatory responses, thus supporting its use as a model for the study of HRSV–host interactions.
Adjuvant Probiotics and the Intestinal Microbiome: Enhancing Vaccines and Immunotherapy Outcomes
Authors: Vitetta Luis , Saltzman Emma , Thomsen Michael , Nikov Tessa , Hall Sean
Published: December 2017

Immune defence against pathogenic agents comprises the basic premise for the administration of vaccines. Vaccinations have hence prevented millions of infectious illnesses, hospitalizations and mortality. Acquired immunity comprises antibody and cell mediated responses and is characterized by its specificity and memory. Along a similar congruent yet diverse mode of disease prevention, the human host has negotiated from in utero and at birth with the intestinal commensal bacterial cohort to maintain local homeostasis in order to achieve immunological tolerance in the new born. The advent of the Human Microbiome Project has redefined an appreciation of the interactions between the host and bacteria in the intestines from one of a collection of toxic waste to one of a symbiotic existence. Probiotics comprise bacterial genera thought to provide a health benefit to the host. The intestinal microbiota has profound effects on local and extra-intestinal end organ physiology. As such, we further posit that the adjuvant administration of dedicated probiotic formulations can encourage the intestinal commensal cohort to beneficially participate in the intestinal microbiome-intestinal epithelia-innate-cell mediated immunity axes and cell mediated cellular immunity with vaccines aimed at preventing infectious diseases whilst conserving immunological tolerance. The strength of evidence for the positive effect of probiotic administration on acquired immune responses has come from various studies with viral and bacterial vaccines. We posit that the introduction early of probiotics may provide significant beneficial immune outcomes in neonates prior to commencing a vaccination schedule or in elderly adults prior to the administration of vaccinations against influenza viruses.
UV Disinfection of Hand-Rinse Greywater and Performance Testing Using Indigenous Staphylococcus spp.
Authors: Shoults David , Ashbolt Nicholas
Published: December 2017

Greywater reuse is a feasible solution for decreasing raw water extraction in urban and rural settings. However, pathogen-specific performance guidelines and regulations have only recently been recommended; practical means to assess performance are missing. Here we examine the efficacy of Staphylococcus spp. as an endogenous surrogate for greywater pathogen reduction performance testing, by evaluating UV-C irradiation of hand-rinse greywater, and the variability in UV resistance between different wild Staphylococcus species. Hand-rinse greywater samples were collected from five participants, and a collimated UV-C beam (256 nm) was used to assess log10 reductions. Assays of colony-forming units on tryptic soy agar (TSA) were compared to mannitol salt agar (MSA) using LysostaphinTM to confirm Staphylococcus spp. After irradiating raw hand-rinse samples to a dose of 220 mJ·cm−2, log10 reductions of Staphylococcus spp. were similar (2.1 and 2.2, respectively, p = 0.112). The similarity of the reduction based on TSA and Staphylococcus-specific culture assays following UV irradiation and the dominating presence of Staphylococcus spp. suggests that Staphylococcus spp. could be used as an endogenous performance surrogate group for greywater treatment testing. Suspended wild Staphylococcus isolates were irradiated with 256 nm UV-C to compare the variability of different Staphylococcus species. Staphylococcus isolates exhibited significant variance in log10 reduction values when exposed to 11 mJ·cm−2 of UV-C. Staphylococcus hominis subsp. hominis exhibited surprising resistance to UV-C, with only a 1.6-log10 reduction when exposed to 11 mJ·cm−2 of UV-C (most other isolates exhibited > 5-log10 reduction). The efficacy of UV-C was also significantly reduced when the sunscreen oxybenzone was present at a possible endogenous greywater concentration.
Wavelength Does Not Equal Pressure: Vertical Contribution Functions and Their Implications for Mapping Hot Jupiters
Authors: Dobbs-Dixon Ian , Cowan Nicolas B.
Published: December 2017

Multi-band phase variations, in principle, allow us to infer the longitudinal temperature distributions of planets as a function of height in their atmospheres. For example, 3.6 μm emission originates from deeper layers of the atmosphere than 4.5 μm due to greater water vapor absorption at the longer wavelength. Because heat transport efficiency increases with pressure, we expect thermal phase curves at 3.6 μm to exhibit smaller amplitudes and greater phase offsets than at 4.5 μm—yet this trend is not observed. Of the seven hot Jupiters with full-orbit phase curves at 3.6 and 4.5 μm, all of them have greater phase amplitude at 3.6 μm than at 4.5 μm, while four of the seven exhibit a greater phase offset at 3.6 μm. We use a 3D radiative-hydrodynamic model to calculate theoretical phase curves of HD 189733b, assuming thermo-chemical equilibrium. The model exhibits temperature, pressure, and wavelength-dependent opacity, primarily driven by carbon chemistry: CO is energetically favored on the dayside, while CH4 is favored on the cooler nightside. Infrared opacity, therefore, changes by orders of magnitude between day and night, producing dramatic vertical shifts in the wavelength-specific photospheres, which would complicate eclipse or phase mapping with spectral data. The model predicts greater relative phase amplitude and greater phase offset at 3.6 μm than at 4.5 μm, in agreement with the data. Our model qualitatively explains the observed phase curves, but it is in tension with current thermo-chemical kinetics models that predict zonally uniform atmospheric composition due to the transport of CO from the hot regions of the atmosphere.
Childhood Ingestions of Environmental Toxins: What Are the Risks?
Authors: Hauptman Marissa , Woolf Alan D.
Published: December 2017

Infants and children are at higher risk than adolescents and adults for exposure to environmental toxins via ingestion for a number of reasons: their smaller size (and proportionately larger dose of ingested toxins), their closer proximity to the ground, dirt, and indoor dust, their boundless curiosity and oral exploratory behaviors, pica habits that may persist into school-age for children with autism or other developmental delays, their proportionately larger daily water and milk intake, and food preferences that differ markedly from adolescents and adults. Children depend on adults to protect them and keep their home environment safe. Pediatric care providers can integrate environmental health topics into their well-child care practices, offering guidance and resources to parents concerned with reducing the risks to their children posed by hazards in their homes, daycare centers, preschools, schools, and the other environments in which they spend time.

[
Pediatr Ann.
2017;46(12):e466–e471.]
Pediatric Poisonings: The Risk of Over-the-Counter Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Hines Elizabeth Quaal
Published: December 2017

Every week in the United States, 56% of children younger than age 18 years and 82% of adults take at least one medication. Nonprescription medications, including acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are among the most commonly used pharmaceuticals across all age groups. Use of nonprescription medications, traditionally available over-the-counter, has become ubiquitous. Unfortunately, with such abundant use there is an associated risk for therapeutic misuse, intentional misuse, and even abuse.

[
Pediatr Ann.
2017;46(12):e454–e458.]
Intimate Partner Violence and Pediatric Practice
Authors: Dowd M. Denise
Published: December 2017

Millions of parents, most of them mothers, are abused by an intimate partner each year in the United States. Intimate partner violence is all too common in homes with children; it's estimated that 15 million children are exposed each year. The short- and long-term impacts to child health and well-being are profound. Pediatric clinical practice represents an underutilized venue for assessment and intervention in the abuse of parents. This article summarizes the basic elements of an approach in practice.

[
Pediatr Ann.
2017;46(12):e438–e440.]
Developing Verbal Health Literacy with Adult Learners Through Training in Shared Decision-Making
Authors: Muscat Danielle M. , Shepherd Heather L. , Nutbeam Don , Morony Suzanne , Smith Sian K. , Dhillon Haryana M. , Trevenal Lyndal , Hayen Andrew , Luxford Karen , McCaffery Kirsten
Published: December 2017

Background:

Health literacy skills are often assessed in relation to written health materials; however, many important communications are in other formats, especially verbal communication with health care providers.

Objective:

This qualitative study sought to examine adult learners' experiences of developing verbal health literacy skills within an Australian adult basic education program, and to explore verbal communication and shared decision-making as a constituent domain of health literacy.

Methods:

We conducted a semi-structured qualitative interview study between September and November 2014 with adult learners who had participated in a single-semester health literacy program that included an integrated shared decision-making component. We analyzed interviews using the Framework method; a matrix-based approach to thematic analysis. A hybrid process of inductive and deductive coding was used to interpret raw data.

Key Results:

Interviewees were 22 students from six health literacy classes and ranged in age from 18 to 74 years (mean, 48.3). The majority were women (
n
= 15) and born outside Australia (
n
= 13). Health literacy was generally limited according to the Newest Vital Sign screening tool (
n
= 17). The health literacy program appeared to serve two key functions. First, it stimulated awareness that patients have the right to participate in decision-making concerning their treatment and care. Second, it facilitated verbal skill development across the domains of functional (e.g., communicating symptoms), communicative (e.g., asking questions to extract information about treatment options), and critical (e.g., integrating new knowledge with preferences) health literacy.

Conclusions:

Our findings support the conceptualization of health literacy as a modifiable health asset that is subject to change and improvement as a result of deliberate intervention. Results reinforce verbal health literacy as an important component of health literacy, and draw attention to the hierarchy of verbal skills needed for consumers to become more actively involved in decisions about their health. We present a revised model of health literacy based on our findings.

[
Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2017;1(4):e257–e268.]

Plain Language Summary:

We developed a health literacy program for adults with lower literacy to help learners develop skills to talk to health care providers and share health decisions. The program was taught in Australian adult education settings. The article explores the range of health literacy skills needed for communication and decision-making in this study, and presents a model in which verbal skills are an important part of health literacy.
Fuzzy Controller Based Unequal Clustering Algorithm with Fault Tolerance
Authors: Wang Chuhang , Hu Huangshui
Published: December 2017

In order to solve the hot spots problem in equal wireless sensor networks, a distributed Fuzzy controller based Unequal Clustering algorithm with Fault Tolerance (FUCFT) is proposed. Fuzzy controller in FUCFT uses the residual energy, node centrality, node degree and distance to base station as input variables and outputs chance and size based on the IF-THEN rules, so as to make the optimal nodes be elected as cluster heads with appropriate cluster size. Moreover, TDMA scheme is adopted to transmit data among the clusters and tolerate the faults for the cluster heads and member nodes. Reclustering on demand is used to reduce the energy dissipation of the consecutive clustering in rounds. The simulation results indicate that FUCFT ensures load balance among clusters, and reduces the energy consumption as well as improves the network lifetime compared with its counterparts.
WSN Data Transmission Algorithm Based on Spatial Data Aggregation
Authors: Hu Liang , Yin Huayi , Hong Chaoqun
Published: December 2017

In this paper, considering the high energy consumption, loss of network lifetime and data leak in transmission during the data aggregation of the wireless sensor network, we propose an improved spatial data aggregation algorithm. Through comparison with traditional data aggregation algorithms, we verify the feasibility and rationality of the proposed algorithm and obtain the following conclusions: the proposed algorithm carries out node sensing and data aggregation within a certain area based on multiple dynamic routes. The calculation process does not require encryption and decryption, and is not affected by network topology, so it can better address the data aggregation problems in the dynamic change of network structure. Compared with other traditional data aggregation algorithms, the proposed algorithm has the advantages of low traffic, low energy consumption in data transmission, low probability of data leakage and high transmission accuracy. In data aggregation, 3 slices is the optimal quantity.
Routing Algorithm of Wireless Sensor Network and Robustness Analysis Based on Fuzzy Mathematics
Authors: Xiang Ying , Chen Miaochao , Zhuang Xiaohong , Li Xiaoxing
Published: December 2017

In order to reduce the energy consumption and enhance the robustness of wireless sensor network (WSN), this paper proposes a hierarchical clustering routing algorithm based on fuzzy mathematics (HCRAFM). To make a comprehensive analysis of WSN, it is also necessary to detect the robustness of the network. Facing the multiple random variables, the traditional robustness detection models assume that all nodes have the same weight, making it impossible to quantify the analysis indices or obtain accurate results. Thus, the fuzzy mathematics theory was introduced to the WSN robustness detection, forming a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The simulation results show that the HCRAFM strikes a load balance between WSN nodes, extends the life cycle of each node, and prolongs the service life of the network. In addition, the proposed algorithm is proved to have sound robustness and strong applicability.
Design and Implementation of the ZigBee Wireless Sensor Network Based on ARM
Authors: Bi Keling
Published: December 2017

This paper is intended to design a ZigBee wireless network node based on the advanced RISC machines (ARM), so as to facilitate the network usage process. The performance of the new sensor is subject to antenna test and simulation experiment. The HFSS simulation method is adopted, and the antenna size and scanning frequency are optimized through analyzing the research status of ZigBee technology and the working principle of ZigBee protocol stack based on parameters, such as, the return loss and direction of the antenna, which not only increases the accuracy of analysis and but also reduces the reflection coefficient. The experimental results show that when L2 is 14. 9mm, the effect is the best, and Sll is -26.6 dB. Based on the above findings, it is concluded that the integrated antennas on the printed circuit board (PCB) board can reduce the production cost of the antennas; thus, IFA antennas can meet the requirements of ZigBee based wireless sensor network in term of antenna performance.
Design and Analysis of Clustering Routing Protocol in Wireless Sensor Network of Frozen Food
Authors: Wu Jianjun , Feng Xiao , Zhang Huidang , Lv Wei
Published: December 2017

In order to address the issues of uneven energy dissipation and uniform cluster coverage in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) of frozen food, we developed a load balancing and uniform coverage clustering (LBUCC) algorithm to find an efficient way to generate clusters. Considering node density and the coverage radius of cluster heads, the nearest neighbor clustering algorithm was adopted to cluster the sensor network. On the basis of the number of neighbors and the residual energy of nodes, the LBUCC algorithm ensures the equal distribution of cluster head responsibility among sensor nodes and performs well in periodic data gathering with selected cluster head. As the storage and distribution of frozen food is frequent, the clustering strategy was proposed for dynamic topology in this paper. The LBUCC algorithm was compared with LEACH-C and DHAC algorithms which are well-known in using centralized control algorithm to select cluster head. The simulation results demonstrate that the LBUCC algorithm has longer network lifetime and uniform coverage than the clustering protocols LEACH-C and DHAC do.
Apoptotic Cancer Cells Suppress 5-Lipoxygenase in Tumor-Associated Macrophages
Authors: Ringleb Julia , Strack Elisabeth , Angioni Carlo , Geisslinger Gerd , Steinhilber Dieter , Weigert Andreas , Brüne Bernhard
Published: December 2017

The enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) is key in the synthesis of leukotrienes, which are potent proinflammatory lipid mediators involved in chronic inflammatory diseases including cancer. 5-LO is expressed in immune cells but also found in cancer cells. Although the role of 5-LO in tumor cells is beginning to emerge, with the notion that tumor-promoting functions are attributed to its products, the function of 5-LO in the tumor microenvironment remains unclear. To understand the role of 5-LO and its products in the tumor microenvironment, we analyzed its expression and function in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). TAMs were generated by coculturing primary human macrophages (MΦ) with human MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells, which caused cell death of cancer cells followed by phagocytosis of cell debris by MΦ. Expression and activity of 5-LO in TAMs were reduced upon coculture with cancer cells. Downregulation of 5-LO in TAMs required tumor cell death and the direct contact between MΦ and dying cancer cells via Mer tyrosine kinase. Subsequently, upregulation of proto-oncogene c-Myb in TAMs induced a stable transcriptional repression of 5-LO. Reduced 5-LO expression in TAMs was mechanistically coupled to an attenuated T cell recruitment. In primary TAMs from human and murine breast tumors, 5-LO expression was absent or low when compared with monocyte-derived MΦ. Our data reveal that 5-LO, which is required for leukotriene production and subsequent T cell recruitment, is downregulated in TAMs through Mer tyrosine kinase–dependent recognition of apoptotic cancer cells. Mechanistically, we noticed transcriptional repression of 5-LO by proto-oncogene c-Myb and conclude that loss of stromal 5-LO expression favors tumor progression.
DNA damage in acute myeloid leukemia patients of Northern Mexico
Authors: Dávila-Rodríguez Martha I. , Cortés-Gutiérrez Elva I. , Hernández-Valdés Roberto , Guzmán-Cortés Karla , De León-Cantú Rosa E. , Cerda-Flores Ricardo M. , Báez-De la Fuente Enrique
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate DNA damage in the whole genome of peripheral blood leukocytes from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) compared with a control group using DNA breakage detection-fluorescent in situ hybridization (DBD-FISH). Our results suggest that the DNA damage detected in patients with newly diagnosed AML was similar to that observed for the controls; this might be explained by the stimulation of a repair pathway by the pathogenesis itself. These findings indicate that inhibiting the repair pathway could be proposed to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Physical and Performance Characteristics Related to Unintentional Musculoskeletal Injury in Special Forces Operators: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: Heebner Nicholas R. , Abt John P. , Lovalekar Mita , Beals Kim , Sell Timothy C. , Morgan Jeffery , Kane Shawn , Lephart Scott
Published: December 2017

Context: 

Seventy-seven percent of musculoskeletal injuries sustained by United States Army Special Forces Operators are preventable. Identification of predictive characteristics will promote the development of screening methods to augment injury-prevention programs.

Objective: 

To determine physical and performance characteristics that predict musculoskeletal injuries.

Setting: 

Clinical laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: 

A total of 95 Operators (age = 32.7 ± 5.1 years, height = 179.8 ± 6.9 cm, mass = 89.9 ± 12.7 kg).

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

Laboratory testing consisted of body composition, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, upper and lower body strength and flexibility, balance, and biomechanical evaluation. Injury data were captured for 12 months after laboratory testing. Injury frequencies, cross-tabulations, and relative risks (RRs) were calculated to evaluate the relationships between physical characteristics and injury proportions. Between-groups differences (injured versus uninjured) were assessed using appropriate t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: 

Less shoulder-retraction strength (RR = 1.741 [95% confidence interval = 1.003, 3.021]), knee-extension strength (RR = 2.029 [95% confidence interval = 1.011, 4.075]), and a smaller trunk extension : flexion ratio (RR = 0.533 [95% confidence interval = 0.341, 0.831]) were significant risk factors for injury. Group comparisons showed less trunk strength (extension: P = .036, flexion: P = .048) and smaller right vertical ground reaction forces during landing (P = .025) in injured Operators. Knee strength, aerobic capacity, and body mass index were less in the subgroup of spine-injured versus uninjured Operators (P values = .013−.036).

Conclusions: 

Knee-extension and shoulder-retraction strength were risk factors for musculoskeletal injury in Operators. Less trunk-flexion and -extension strength, higher body mass index, lower aerobic capacity, and increased ground reaction forces during landing were characteristics that may also contribute to musculoskeletal injury. Having 2 or more risk factors resulted in a greater injury proportion (χ2 = 13.512, P = .015); however, more research is needed. Athletic trainers working in the military or similar high-demand settings can use these data to augment screening and injury-prevention protocols.
Erratum: #MisconstruedIdentitiesMustFall. Collective identity formation in the current South African context: A practical theological perspective
Authors: Brunsdon Alfred R.
Published: December 2017

No abstract available.
Perceptions of teachers on creating space for code switching as a teaching strategy in second language teaching in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Authors: Songxaba Sister L. , Coetzer Adriaan , Molepo Jacob M. M.
Published: December 2017

This research reports on the findings regarding the perceptions of teachers towards creating space for the use of code switching as a teaching strategy in Afrikaans learning and teaching in the isiXhosa-speaking environments of the Transkei region. The aim of this investigation was to establish whether or not code switching can be used as a teaching strategy. A sample of 13 teachers from 12 schools was purposefully selected. A qualitative approach was used. Interviews and semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. The teachers admitted that they code switch during Afrikaans classes. It also transpired that teachers perceived code switching as the best way to facilitate understanding. The recommendations postulate a gradual move from a high tolerance of code switching in the lower classes to a low tolerance thereof in higher classes.
UECOM Radio: Refuerzo de competencias mediante streaming y podcasting.
Authors: Ceballos Norte Juan José , Lemrini El Ouahhabi Mohamed , Mateos Pizarro Rosa Mª , Vázquez Fernández Miguel Ángel , Barrero Muñoz José , Sánchez Sanz José , Ruiz González Moisés , De la Rubia Rubio Javier , Moser-Rothschild Luis , Hierro Muñoz Carlos
Published: December 2017

UEMCOM Radio, la emisora por internet de la Facultad de Artes y Comunicación de la UEM, se ha convertido en una herramienta docente, que vertebra el plan de estudios de las diferentes titulaciones covirtiéndose  en punto de referencia para el campus cuyos planes de estudio, su enfoque hacia el mundo laboral y su claustro ha conseguido encontrar una vía de trabajo acorde con las demandas educativas, sociales y empresariales del siglo XXI y del EEES.

 
Propuestas de acción para la integración de universitarios con discapacidad visual y auditiva ante el reto de Bolonia
Authors: Abejón Mendoza Paloma , Martínez Solana María Yolanda , Terrón López María José
Published: December 2017

El Sistema Europeo de Transferencia de Créditos (ECTS) expresa un auténtico cambio en la metodología de la Educación Superior europea. Un modelo más avanzado en el que el alumno pasa de la docencia por enseñanza, basada en la recepción de conocimientos, a la docencia basada en el aprendizaje, planteada sobre desarrollo de competencias en los estudiantes. Este sistema demanda del profesorado una formación que enseñe a aprender y, por tanto,  exige de los estudiantes una mayor responsabilidad en su propia educación, algo que no hace sino agravar las dificultades de los alumnos con deficiencias sensoriales. En las universidades públicas constan 7.408 alumnos con discapacidad, el 0.53% del total de alumnado, según datos del Libro Blanco sobre Discapacidad en la Universidad realizado en base a datos del CERMI. En cuanto a las universidades privadas, y con los datos disponibles, el porcentaje de alumnado con discapacidad es del 0.24%. La Ley Orgánica de Universidades exige la atención individualizada a los estudiantes con discapacidad, pero en la práctica podemos constatar como aún siguen existiendo barreras originadas, sobre todo, por una todavía deficiente organización educativa y un casi inexistente material académico adaptado a las necesidades especiales que requieren.
Diez principios para un sistema de gestión de la calidad concebido específicamente para la coordinación y la mejora interna de las titulaciones universitarias
Authors: Paricio Royo Javier
Published: December 2017

La implantación de sistemas de gestión de calidad en las titulaciones universitarias constituye una magnífica oportunidad para afrontar algunos problemas y retos tradicionales de la educación superior en España. Es posible en este contexto la puesta en marcha de sistemas de coordinación institucionales que profundicen en la idea de las titulaciones como proyectos colectivos en revisión y evolución permanente. Sin embargo, para que estos nuevos sistemas sean capaces de convertirse en motores de cambio de la cultura docente, de coordinación y de mejora efectiva de la experiencia de aprendizaje de los estudiantes, es necesario que sean concebidos expresamente desde la perspectiva de la mejora interna y no como meros sistemas de aseguramiento o rendición de cuentas hacia el exterior. Por un lado, esto implica diseñar los sistemas de calidad como auténticos sistemas de gobierno y coordinación académica capaces de adentrarse en el currículo y los procesos de aprendizaje del título. Por otro lado, la capacidad de estos sistemas para impulsar procesos de mejora profundos de los procesos de aprendizaje pasa por respetar la diversidad y la autonomía de titulaciones y personas, por dar una presencia importante a la voz de los estudiantes, articular el liderazgo de la titulación y poner en marcha procesos de evaluación y autoevaluación de naturaleza formativa. Basados en la experiencia de la Universidad de Zaragoza, se proponen aquí diez principios clave para diseñar sistemas de gestión de la calidad concebidos específicamente como mecanismos internos de mejora, particularmente, de la experiencia de aprendizaje de los estudiantes.

 

 
¿Es posible un curriculum más allá de las asignaturas? Diseño y práctica del grado de Educación Social en la Universidad del País Vasco
Authors: Arandia Loroño Maite , Fernandez Fernandez Idoia
Published: December 2017

El tránsito de un curriculum basado en las disciplinas a un curriculum más integrado es una de las claves para fomentar un aprendizaje por competencias. Un curriculum integrado aborda los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje desde una perspectiva interdisciplinar, más cercana a la práctica profesional que a la académica. En este trabajo, tras realizarse un recorrido por las “realidades” de los curriculums integrados a nivel internacional, presentamos el diseño puesto en marcha en el grado de Educación Social de la Universidad del País Vasco/EuskalHerrikoUnibertsitatea, diseño que constituye un modelo real para transitar de la situación actual (organizada según la lógica de las asignaturas) a otra en la que estas intersecciones curriculares son posibles. Finalmente, se realiza un primer balance de resultados en clave de señalar las dificultades prácticas que presenta su desarrollo, así como las vías de resolución que se están adoptando y las aportaciones que sobre el proceso vienen realizando los y las participantes. En este sentido se indica que, en primer lugar, hemos de tener bien presente que las dificultades a superar en un proceso de estas características son numerosas, diversas y su resolución no siempre está en nuestras manos.  Y, en segundo lugar, los obstáculos más fuertes en nuestra experiencia están siendo, por un lado, afrontar los efectos de nuestra propia historia relacional en el centro y, por otro, buscar consensos entre pensamientos diferentes.

 

 
Los proyectos interdisciplinares de módulo: Una experiencia innovadora en el Grado de Educación Social de la UPV/EHU
Authors: Rekalde Rodriguez Itziar , Martínez Domínguez Begoña , MarkoJuanikorena J. Inazio
Published: December 2017

En este artículo se presenta una experiencia de innovación que se ha articulado en el seno de un diseño curricular a través de módulos al objeto de mejorar los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje que se está desarrollando en la Facultad de Fª y Ciencias de la Educación de la UPV/EHU, aprovechando la oportunidad surgida con la configuración de los nuevos planes de estudio para su convergencia en el Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior.

Se enmarca en el contexto más amplio de los cambios organizativos, curriculares y culturales, que está suponiendo la realización de un diseño modular de las nuevas titulaciones de grado (Pedagogía y Educación Social), trabajando en equipos docentes coordinados y contando con el apoyo institucional de la UPV/EHU. La innovación concreta que se presenta, se desarrolla en uno de los siete módulos que componen la nueva titulación del Grado en Educación Social, y consiste en la realización de una actividad interdisciplinar que ha sido planificada, desarrollada y evaluada por el equipo docente que imparte las cinco materias que conforman el módulo en las dos lenguas oficiales: euskara y castellano. Para su consecución todo el alumnado del curso ha formado equipos de trabajo estables a lo largo del cuatrimestre.

En esta experiencia damos cuenta, tanto del contexto institucional, como de la descripción, análisis y valoración de la innovación, a modo de caso, para terminar ofreciendo algunas reflexiones inferidas de la experiencia que pueden ser objeto de transferencia.

 

 
La evaluación de la cátedra como regulador de las prácticas docentes
Authors: Daura Florencia Teresita , Amarante Ana María
Published: December 2017

La evaluación es un proceso a través del cual se pueden obtener valoraciones con las cuales efectuar mejoras en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Desde esta concepción en gran medida se la utiliza en el vínculo que se mantiene con los estudiantes, pero se desaprovechan los aportes que puede ofrecer en el aprendizaje de los docentes del nivel superior.

Así mismo, la información que se obtiene durante la misma posibilita regular los factores que intervienen en la enseñanza, para lo cual hay que atender a todos los actores (profesor, alumnos, contenido, la clase y el ambiente académico) y recoger datos en los contextos naturales.

La evaluación no cierra el círculo, sino que éste se completa con los reajustes que se van introduciendo en el proceso a partir de los resultados obtenidos. En cierto sentido, la fase de reajuste se convierte por propia evolución natural en marco de condiciones para la fase de planificación de la etapa siguiente y así el circulo se inicia nuevamente (Zabalza, 2009).

En el presente trabajo, en un primer momento, la evaluación realizada por los alumnos se plantea como reguladora de la práctica docente, es decir, como herramienta que permite analizar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. En un segundo momento, se describen los resultados alcanzados gracias a la aplicación de un cuestionario abierto; el análisis de la información recogida a través del instrumento mencionado se efectuó en base a lo propuesto por la Teoría Enraizada, metodología de carácter cualitativo que ha sido desarrollada por Strauss y Corbin (1998), que permite originar un nuevo marco teórico a partir de la recolección y del análisis sistemático de datos. Asimismo, los datos resultantes han sido vinculados con los datos cuantitativos volcados en otro contexto (Daura y Amarante, 2011).

 

 