bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SELEÇÃO DE SOLOS DA REGIÃO DE VIÇOSA PARA UTILIZAÇÃO COMO BARREIRA QUÍMICA PARA METAIS PESADOS
Authors: Medina Eduardo Ferreira , Pires José Maurício Machado , Oliveira Francysmary Sthéffany Dias , Silva Bruno Eustáquio Cirilo
Published: August 2018

A atividade antrópica é responsável pela contaminação do meio ambiente com metais pesados. Dentre essas atividades destacam-se a mineração e o lixo gerado pela população. Os metais pesados podem sofrer lixiviação alcançando o lençol freático causando danos muitos sérios para população que por acaso venha a utilizar aquela água. A utilização de solos, com certas características, como barreiras para o movimento de íons de metais pesados é de fundamental importância para a preservação do meio ambiente. Análises químicas e físicas foram feitas para caracterizar 8 amostras de solos da região de Viçosa-MG. Maiores teores de argila são importantes para impedir a maior lixiviação desses metais para camadas mais profundas do solo. A análise do pH e dos teores de matéria orgânica também é fundamental para a decisão de qual solo será utilizado como barreira química para metais pesados. Quanto mais alto o pH e os teores de matéria orgânica do solo, menor a mobilidade dos metais pesados
Resentimiento y Psiquismo (Segunda Parte)
Authors: Droste Klaus
Published: August 2018

Al tratar el tema del resentimiento junto con distinguirlo de la venganza, es interesante estudiar también el tema de la acidia, tratado por Santo Tomás y observar algunos efectos de ésta en el comportamiento del hombre. Esto para precisar mejor aún qué entendemos cuando hablamos de resentimiento, evitando las confusiones conceptuales.[...]
Tecnología y Género: La Invisibilidad de lo Femenino en la Construcción de Subjetividades
Authors: Valenzuela Román Yasna Paola
Published: August 2018

El artículo busca explicitar uno de los trabajos referidos a una línea de investigación más amplia, cual es la relación entre psicología y tecnología. Se busca, desde la mirada de género, mostrar una relación entre Tecnología y construcción de subjetividades, no desde el punto de vista del poder sino considerando la ausencia del discurso de lo femenino en la pregunta por el significado, las prácticas, los instrumentos y las lógicas de la tecnología. Los estudios de género tienden a ver la ausencia de lo femenino en un nivel plasmado de ideologías; las prácticas, en lugar de buscar dicha omisión en su propia constitución conceptual.
Conducta sexual segura y hábitos de salud en jóvenes españoles de 14 a 24 años
Authors: Faílde Garrido José María , Lameiras Fernández María , Núñez Mangana Ana María
Published: August 2018

Los jóvenes son un colectivo de especial importancia para la prevención de enfermedades de transmisión sexual y para la promoción de la salud en general, por ello resulta de interés estudiar las causas y determinantes de sus conductas de salud. El objetivo de esta investigación consistió en estudiar el grado de relación existente entre la conducta de uso del preservativo y otros hábitos de salud, en jóvenes españoles de 14 a 24 años. La muestra estuvo formada por 2171 jóvenes de las comunidades autónomas de Galicia, Andalucía y Madrid. Los resultados indican la existencia de diferencias estadísticamente significativas en función del género. En general las chicas presentan hábitos más saludables, a excepción de la práctica deportiva y el uso sistemático del preservativo masculino. Asimismo, las variables práctica deportiva e higiene buco-dental se muestran como predictores confiables de la conducta de usar el preservativo.
Sesgos de la calibración en tareas de razonamiento lógico
Authors: Macbeth Guillermo , López Alonso Alfredo , Razumiejczyk Eugenia , Sosa Rodrigo , Pereyra Carolina , Fernández Humberto
Published: August 2018

Se presenta un estudio experimental sobre calibración en tareas deductivas. Se define la calibración como la relación de convergencia o divergencia empírica entre el éxito objetivo y el éxito subjetivo. Cuando el primero predomina sobre el segundo se presenta el sesgo de subconfianza. La hipótesis de trabajo de este estudio sostiene que la calibración en tareas de razonamiento lógico depende de la forma de las proposiciones que presente el experimento. Se distingue la afirmación de la negación en el procesamiento cognitivo de las proposiciones compuestas. Los resultados sugieren que las formas proposicionales del mismo signo o monótonas generan subconfianza. Se propone explicar este fenómeno por la activación de un heurístico de monotonía que produce una ilusión de simplicidad responsable de la generación del sesgo. Se discuten estos hallazgos en el contexto de los modelos metacognitivos de la calibración.
El perfil laboral y educativo de los jóvenes psicólogos
Authors: Benatuil Denise , Laurito Juliana
Published: August 2018

En este trabajo se analiza la inserción ocupacional de una muestra de jóvenes profesionales egresados de la Licenciatura en Psicología. Se trata de una temática de gran relevancia y poco abordada hasta la actualidad Su estudio permite conocer la situación de los jóvenes profesionales hoy y su grado de inserción laboral. Este estudio contribuye a la comprensión de las características propias de un campo profesional singular, con rasgos distintivos. A su vez los datos arrojados tienen un alto grado de trasferencia ya que aportan información para evaluar y repensar la formación actual del Psicólogo en la Argentina, considerando sus fortalezas y debilidades, analizando los logros y las deudas pendientes.
Actitudes desfavorables hacia mujeres líderes. Un instrumento para su evaluación
Authors: Lupano Perugini María Laura , Castro Solano Alejandro
Published: August 2018

El principal objetivo de la investigación consistió en diseñar una prueba para evaluar actitudes desfavorables hacia mujeres líderes. Sobre la técnica de Peters, Terborg y Taylor –WAMS– se diseñó el ACT-ML. Contiene 7 ítems y presenta dos dimensiones, una evalúa en qué medida las personas consideran que las mujeres presentan características asociadas al liderazgo (Características Instrumentales); y la otra, el nivel de aceptación de las mujeres como líderes (Aceptación Liderazgo Femenino). Participaron 789 sujetos; 419 varones (53,1%) y 370 mujeres (46,9%), con promedio de 36,52 años (DE = 11,7). El 45,8% (n = 361) de los participantes ocupa puestos de dirección, y el 54,2% (n = 428) restante era subordinado. Los resultados muestran buenas propiedades psicométricas (confiabilidad y validez). Además, se analizaron diferencias significativas según sexo y tipo de puesto (líder-seguidor), hallándose diferencias a favor de los varones y seguidores que muestran mayor nivel de actitudes desfavorables hacia mujeres líderes.
Relaciones entre la crianza y factores protectores o de riesgo, antes y después de una intervención para padres
Authors: Solís-Cámara Pedro , Medina Cuevas Yolanda , Díaz Romero Marysela
Published: August 2018

Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron: identificar las relaciones entre algunas dimensiones de la crianza y algunos factores que pueden ejercer influencia protectora o de riesgo para la socialización de los niños y analizar los cambios que fomenta un programa de intervención en crianza. Las dimensiones que fomenta el programa elegido son expectativas justas y prácticas disciplinarias y de crianza positivas; los factores elegidos para identificar las relaciones fueron los comportamientos pro sociales de los niños, su desarrollo psicosocial, sus comportamientos problema y su intensidad; así como el estrés y el coraje/agresión de los padres. Participaron padres con un niño de 3 a 5 años de edad, distribuidos en un grupo experimental, que incluyó a niños con problemas de conducta (n = 30), y un grupo control (n = 30). Los resultados apoyaron estudios anteriores indicando que las intervenciones tempranas modifican los problemas de comportamiento; además, indican que dos componentes en las experiencias de los niños están relacionados con los factores elegidos y que las relaciones son modificables: 1) las expectativas de los padres que se refieren a lo que los padres esperan de manera justa que sus niños hagan y 2) las prácticas disciplinarias de los padres para ejercer control sobre la conducta de sus niños. Claramente la investigación sobre las intervenciones basadas en las teorías del aprendizaje social puede implementarse exitosamente, pero falta mucho por saber en relación a los componentes óptimos que debiesen incluirse en tales intervenciones para favorecer más los beneficios de los factores protectores.
“Siempre se vuelve”: Análisis del discurso del acto de proclamación como candidata presidencial de Michelle Bachelet
Authors: Herrera Toledo Claudio Santos , Duran Maria Rhode , Palacios Diego , Zapata Adriana , Millaleo Hernández Ana Gabriela , Bonnefoy Valdes Nicolas
Published: August 2018

El presente artículo analiza el discurso realizado por Michelle Bachelet en el Centro Cívico y Artístico de la comuna de El Bosque en Santiago, para presentar su decisión de ser candidata presidencial para las elecciones del año 2013 en Chile. El objetivo de la investigación busca comprender las posiciones de enunciación y las tonalidades discursivas que utiliza la candidata en dicha proclamación, tomando en cuenta la modalidad de liderazgo político femenino que ejerce su figura. Desde el punto de vista metodológico, la herramienta utilizada es el análisis del discurso, considerando conceptos desarrollados por la tradición francesa, desde donde se rescatan los aportes de los trabajos de Foucault (posiciones de enunciación) (Foucault, 1970) y de la escuela rusa, a través de los argumentos desarrollados por Bajtin (tonalidades discursivas) (Voloshinov, 1997). Los resultados exhibieron que, en el discurso de Michelle Bachelet, predomina una posición de sujeto (líder) y tres tonalidades discursivas (familiar, experta y heroica). Las conclusiones apuntan a generar la conexión entre la posición de enunciación hallada y las tonalidades discursivas identificadas a través del análisis del discurso.
Cuestionar y problematizar la propia práctica: Investigación Acción Transformadora en los procesos de desarrollo profesional docente
Authors: Figueroa Céspedes Ignacio , Gómez Montecinos María Paz
Published: August 2018

El profesorado juega un rol fundamental en la construcción de nuevas alternativas para entender y mejorar los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje. Las reflexiones que hagan al respecto se tornan fundamentales para afrontar cambios en un sistema educativo altamente segregado, homogeneizador y desigual. En este sentido, el desarrollo profesional docente se abre como una herramienta de cambio en la medida que dichos espacios propicien el análisis y mejora de la propia práctica docente, fomentando en los y las docentes una mirada crítica, reflexiva y transformadora. Este trabajo propone articular los aportes de la Investigación-Acción Transformadora (IAT), entendiendo como base la creencia en el potencial del docente para fomentar procesos sociales de construcción de aprendizajes en un contexto de diversidad y heterogeneidad.
La psicología educacional: formación, desarrollo y actividad profesional
Authors: Labarrere Sarduy Alberto Félix , Ilizástigui del Portal Lourdes Mara
Published: August 2018

Hoy, como nunca antes, la Psicología educacional es objeto de atención en cuanto a la formación de sus profesionales y la contribución que ellos pueden hacer al desarrollo de la sociedad; en este sentido, el énfasis suele estar puesto también en la capacidad de los psicólogos y psicólogas para enfrentar y resolver tanto problemas teóricos y metodológicos, propios del desarrollo de la disciplina, como aquellos que se refieren a su acción transformadora en los diversos contextos y escenarios sociales.(...)
Rol mediador de aprendizajes en Educación Parvularia: procesos de apropiación en el contexto de una propuesta formativa en experiencia de aprendizaje mediado
Authors: Figueroa Céspedes Ignacio
Published: August 2018

El desarrollo del rol mediador juega un rol clave en educación parvularia. Sin embargo, se ha discutido acerca de cómo formar este rol y cuáles son sus implicancias en el desarrollo profesional de las educadoras de párvulos, en un contexto en donde las investigaciones ponen el acento en la brecha de calidad del sector, expresado en bajos niveles de apoyo pedagógico en el aula, evidencias de aprendizaje memorístico y baja calidad en la interacción mediada. El presente artículo analiza a través de un análisis categorial, cómo las educadoras de párvulos participantes de un programa formativo en experiencia de aprendizaje mediado, comprenden los procesos de apropiación del rol mediador de aprendizaje. Los resultados dan cuenta de ocho dimensiones analíticas en las que se rescatan: autobservación y desarrollo profesional, concientización sobre los procesos de aprendizaje, problematizar la propia práctica; retroalimentación entre pares; protagonismo infantil; la propia agencia de la educadora; autonomía profesional y pensamiento crítico; confianza y escucha activa; investigación-acción como ejercicio permanente.
Desarrollo del entorno personal de aprendizaje: valoración de una experiencia con estudiantes universitarios
Authors: García Martínez José Antonio , Fallas Vargas Manuel Arturo , Gamboa Jiménez Alejandra
Published: August 2018

En este trabajo se muestra los resultados de un estudio derivado de una experiencia cuyo objetivo es analizar el desarrollo del entorno personal de aprendizaje (PLE) de estudiantes universitarios de primer año. El colectivo participante queda compuesto por 96 estudiantes matriculados en el curso de Recursos Tecnológicos de Bachillerato en Orientación de la Universidad Nacional (Costa Rica). Tanto el diagnóstico inicial como la valoración final se obtienen por medio de un cuestionario en línea. De los principales resultados se deriva el poco desarrollo del PLE del estudiantado en el momento de ingresar a la universidad, la valoración positiva que realizan de desarrollo del PLE al finalizar el curso, así como la alta previsión de uso de las diferentes herramientas tanto a nivel personal como profesional.
IMPLEMENTASI GOOD GOVERNANCE DALAM PENGELOLAAN DANA DESA DENGAN PRESEKTIF SYARIAH DI DESA MLIRIPROWO KECAMATAN TARIK KABUPATEN SIDOARJO
Authors: Dianingrum Silvia
Published: August 2018

The implementation of good governance became a major requirement to realize people aspirations in achieving the regional goals of country. Therefore, it is not excessive when the implementation of good governance became an indication of realization in democratization as an effort to restore the regional sovereignty in a country. In order to realize a better village and able to protect well, the society needed good governance figure. The governance is a hope and an opportunity to realize a prosperous and sovereign life through the management citizens’ freedom and equality. The aim of this research is to know how the implementation of good governance in village funds management with sharia perspective. Based on that background, this research was conducted with the title “The Implementation of Good Governance in Village Fund Management with Sharia Perspective at Mliriprowpo Village Tarik Sub district Sidoarjo”. These research used qualitative descriptive method. The location of the research placed at Mliriprowo village Tarik sub district in Sidoarjo. The data sources were obtained from several informants, that is, the village head, the village secretary, the head of general affairs and the head of village financial affairs. The techniques of data collection were interview and documentation. The data analysis used is to describe the properly conditions, analyzed, evaluated, recorded process, and withdrew of conclusion. The result of this research showed that good governance in 2017 based on general perspective in terms of economical, efficient, effective, transparent and accountable as a reference seen from the planned, implemented, administration, reported, accountability, guided and supervised as well as good governance with sharia perspective in terms of shiddiq, amanah, tabliq, and fathonah were already well. However, the governance needed an evaluation, mentoring and guidance in the implementation of development that was not being spread evenly. That evaluation used to resolve the problems which occurred during the execution of development took place.
Pengaruh Intellectual Capital dan Struktur Modal Terhadap Return Saham Dengan Kinerja Keuangan Sebagai Variabel Intervening (Studi pada Perusahaan Yang Terdaftar pada JII (Jakarta Islamic Index) Periode 2012-2016)
Authors: Marlinda Yefi
Published: August 2018

Intellectual capital is the company's wealth that is the power behind the company's value creation that includes knowledge, experience, skills, reputation, and also technological capabilities. Capital structure relates to sources of funds, both internal and external. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between intellectual capital and capital structure on stock return with financial performance as intervening variable. This type of research is quantitative research. The sample of this study is the annual financial statements of companies registered on JII (Jakarta Islamic Index) on period 2012-2016). The sample‟s were chosen by using purposive sampling method and 11 companies were able to fulfill the sample‟s criteria. The research data were analyzed by using path analysis method. The result of this research reported that there is indirect influence between intellectual capital and capital structure to stock return through financial performance measured by return on equity. Intellectual capital insignificance to indirect effect on stock return through financial performance measured through earning per share but there is indirect influence between capital structure on stock return through financial performance measured through earning per share. The study also found that intellectual capital insignificance on stock return. But the finding of direct influence between capital structure on stock return. From these findings it can be concluded that intellectual capital and capital structure indirect significance on stock return through financial performance measured through return on equity.
Asimilación y rechazo de la filosofía francesa en Alemania. La recepción de Manfred Frank: romanticismo, hermenéutica y deconstrucción
Authors: Garnica Naím
Published: August 2018

El ensayo pretende reconstruir los debates filosóficos franco-alemanes de los años80. La llegada del pensamiento francés de Derrida, Foucault, Lacan, Althusser, entre otros,generó en la filosofía alemana la polaridad asimilación-rechazo. Sostenemos que dichapolaridad es producto del rechazo o integración de las propias tradiciones alemanas que losautores franceses poseen. En esa dirección, las obras de Manfred Frank sobre elpensamiento francés son claves para entender tanto el debate franco-alemán como susderivaciones en las discusiones acerca: modernidad-posmodernidad, sujeto-no-sujeto,deconstrucción-hermenéutica y racionalidad-irracionalidad. A tales fines, primeropresentamos, a partir de las reconstrucciones de Alain Badiou y Gary Gutting, algunascaracterísticas del pensamiento francés que nos permitan entender los supuestos que Frankcrítica. En segundo lugar, puntualizamos cuáles son las críticas que Frank le realiza alpensamiento francés mediante la recuperación de la estética romántica, en particular, delconcepto de individualidad romántica que se podría derivar de la hermenéutica de FriedrichSchleiermacher. Por último, proponemos reconocer dos derivaciones que resultaron de larecepción del postestructuralismo de las obras de Frank.
Distinguishing knowledge from belief in understanding the logic of the poverty of stimulus argument
Authors: Guimarães Maximiliano
Published: August 2018

Além da tese de que a gramática das línguas naturais inclui um nível transformacional, o que distingue o programa Chomskyano de investigação em Teoria da Gramática das outras abordagens é a tese de que o conhecimento gramatical internalizado por todo o ser humano é parcialmente inato (i.e.parcialmente dado a priori por um sistema de viéses cognitivos tarefa-específicos da Gramática Universal), e não um subproduto de mecanismos auto-organizáveis de ‘inteligência geral’. Esta tese científica pode, em princípio, estar certa ou errada, e só pode ser questionada levando-se em conta a sua cobertura empírica e a lógica dos seus argumentos. No cerne desta questão está o Argumento de Pobreza de Estímulo (APS), cuja lógica tem sido alvo de inúmeros mal-entendidos por parte dos anti-inatistas, a exemplo de Geurts (2000), que deixa de reconhecer as distinções entre ‘conhecimento’ e ‘crença’, e entre cognição ‘consciente’ e ‘não-consciente’, as quais são cruciais para a compreensão da lógica do APS. O objetivo deste artigo é desfazer esse mal-entendido.
O lugar da holófrase nos estudos de aquisição da linguagem
Authors: Scarpa Ester Mirian
Published: August 2018

This article revisits the concept of holophrase (the use of a single word to express a complex idea) in early child language and argues that the founding questions posited by the study of oneor single-word utterances are still challenging in the field of Language Acquisition. Holophrases generally imply previous syntactic, semantic or pragmatic knowledge projected onto single-word utterances. Some core issues stemmed from approaches of holophrase and single-word utterance at the onset of child speech still exhibit some loose ends and are still open questions. Some such issues are: pre-verbal knowledge of language as opposed to language development after the production of early words; the relationship between preverbal perception and linguistic production; what is innate and what is acquired in acquisition, single-words and bootstrapping. An alternative view to previous syntactic and semantic knowledge is presented by de Lemos and a prosodic view of the early fragmented utterance on the speech of the child is discussed here.
Espaço da violência: o sentido da delinquência
Authors: Orlandi Eni Puccinelli
Published: August 2018

Thinking the urban discourse, we begin with the analysis of a particular social situation, that of the boys called Falcons, considered to be delinquents, to then, through this analysis, comprehend how the meanings of violence are constituted and formulated and how they circulate in our contemporaneous society, having globalization as the conjuncture. It is a discursive analysis in which notions of “subject”, “individual”, “society” and “historicity” are brought together as articulators of the analysis.
Re-description of Luciobarbus barbulus Heckel 1849 a Cyprinidae species of Persia
Authors: Valiallahi Jalal , Coad Brian W.
Published: August 2018

Western Iran barb species are scientifically, environmentally, and economically important. Some of them are the largest riverine freshwater species, which will grow in size and weight to 170 cm, and 120 kg respectively. There is little information on taxonomy or environmental status of these species Luciobarbus barbulus is one of the important large species. During the resent year since 2013, in order to find the new record of large barb species, sampling program carried out in western Iran,. Luciobarbus barbulus briefly described by Heckel (1849) but during the time, have been synonymized with other related species or vice versa, other similar species miss-identically have been known as this species. Also the synonymy of Luciobarbus barbulus with L. pectoralis remains uncertain. The possible syntypes of L. barbulus in Vienna Museum (NMW 53957 and NMW 6596) are in too poor condition to be of any value, being mostly bones, and are dried, and. The fleshy lip of NMW 6596, (measures 119.3 mm standard length) fold of the original description could not be discerned, teeth are missing and the dorsal fin is broken off short. In 1997 this was the only syntype recognized. The catalog in Vienna lists only 1 fish, while Heckel's description refers to several fishes!. So designing of Lecotype and re-description of L. barbulus is essential. In this paper the details of description and differences between these species are given.
Protective Effects of Delphinidin against Proton Beam Induced Damage in Human Colon-Derived CCD-18Co Cells
Authors: Kim Hyun Mi , Kang Seong Hee , Kim Suk Hee , Kang Bo Sun
Published: August 2018

Unavoidable exposure to radiosensitive normal tissues around cancerous tumor during the radiotherapy can cause side effects such as self-limited acute toxicities, mild chronic symptoms, or severe organ dysfunction. Nevertheless, clinical use of currently available radiation protective agents is limited because of their generic cytotoxicity. A study on radiation protective effect of delphinidin was conducted with proton-beam-exposed human colon cells (CCD-18Co). The measurement in changes of survival fractions of CCD-18Co with/without delphinidin administration at different radiation doses were measured by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The changes in expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and in activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured by colorimetric assays using pertinent assay kits. The measurement of pro-apoptosis/pro-survival protein expressions using Western blot assay and the measurement of DNA damage using comet assay were also fulfilled to evaluate the molecular level of radiation damages in CCD-18Co cells. The experimental results revealed that the pre-administration of delphinidin regulated antioxidant enzymes, reduced ROS, decreased DNA damage, regulated pro-apoptosis/pro-survival proteins, and eventually reduced apoptosis of CCD-18Co cells. In conclusion, it is claimed that delphinidin is nontoxic natural radiation protective compound, and thus delphinidin can be used to protect normal colon tissues during the proton beam therapy.
Omega-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids as Sensitizing Agents and Multidrug Resistance Revertants in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Corsetto Paola Antonia , Colombo Irma , Kopecka Joanna , Rizzo Angela Maria , Riganti Chiara
Published: August 2018

The efficacy of chemotherapy depends on sensitivity and intrinsic or acquired drug resistance of cancer cells. The n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) are considered chemosensitizing agents and revertants of multidrug resistance by pleiotropic mechanisms. The specific mechanisms are not fully understood, but nowadays, it is widely accepted that there are a complex network of mechanisms, including alteration in gene expression, modulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation, induction of apoptosis, generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. A crucial mechanism in the control of cell drug uptake and efflux is related to n-3 LCPUFA influence on membrane lipid composition. The incorporation of docosahexaenoic acid in the lipid rafts produces significant changes in their physical-chemical properties affecting content and functions of transmembrane proteins, such as growth factors, receptors and ATP-binding cassette transporters. Of note, n-3 LCPUFAs often impact on the lipid compositions more in chemoresistant cells than in chemosensitive cells, suggesting their adjuvant role in cancer treatment.
Comparative Study on the Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of Some Drinking Water Sources in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Atiku Sadiya , Ogbaga Chukwuma C. , Alonge Olatunbosun O. , Nwagbara Onyinye F.
Published: August 2018

Diseases caused by contaminated water consumption and poor hygiene are among the leading cause of death in children, the elderly and people with compromised immune system. The present study aims to assess the drinking water quality of some selected drinking water sources in the chosen study area using water quality index (WQI). Samples of drinking waters were collected from four different sources—river, sachet (packaged), borehole and well in Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria for physicochemical and bacteriological analyses using standard methods. With the exception of pH, river water had the highest content of all the physicochemical parameters examined. Some of the physicochemical parameters such as temperature and pH determined in this study were mostly within the World Health Organization (WHO) standard. The bacteriological analyses revealed that the highest total viable counts of 1.54 (0.12) × 102 (cfu/mL) were obtained in the river sample while the least values of 0.03 (0.00) × 102 (cfu/mL) were obtained in the sachet water. Three bacterial isolates of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp and Aeromonas spp were isolated from well water while Pseudomonas spp and Proteus spp were isolated from borehole water. All other bacteria were isolated from the river. The study demonstrates that the safest drinking water source in Idu district, Jabi, Abuja is the sachet/packaged water while the least safe is the river water due to the presence of significant opportunistic pathogens. The results of this study are beneficial for water quality management and could be used for low-cost effective water quality assessment in Jabi.
Screening for Selective Anticancer Activity of Plants from Grazalema Natural Park, Spain
Authors: Calderón-Montaño José Manuel , Martínez-Sánchez Sara María , Burgos-Morón Estefanía , Guillén-Mancina Emilio , Jiménez-Alonso Julio José , García Felipe , Aparicio Abelardo , López-Lázaro Miguel
Published: August 2018

Although several plant-derived drug groups (vinca alkaloids, taxanes, podophyllotoxin derivatives and camptothecins) continue to be widely used in cancer therapy, the anticancer potential of the Plant Kingdom remains largely unexplored. In this work, we have carried out a random screening for selective anticancer activity of 57 extracts from 45 plants collected in Grazalema Natural Park, an area in the South of Spain of high plant diversity and endemism. Using lung cancer cells (A549) and lung non-malignant cells (MRC-5), we found that several extracts were more cytotoxic and selective against the cancer cell line than the standard anticancer agent cisplatin. Five active extracts were further tested in cancer and normal cell lines from other tissues, including three skin cell lines with increasing degree of malignancy. An extract from the leaves of Daphne laureola L. (Thymelaeaceae) showed a striking potency and selectivity on lung cancer cells and leukemia cells; the IC50 values against these cancer cells were approximately 10000-fold lower than against the normal cells. Daphnane-type diterpene orthoesters may be responsible for this highly selective anticancer activity.
Small Satellite Cloud Detection Based On Deep Learning and Image Compression
Authors: Zhaoxiang Zhang , Iwasaki Akira , Guodong Xu , Jianing Song
Published: August 2018

An effective on-board cloud detection method in small satellites would greatly improve the downlink data transmission efficiency and reduce the memory cost. In this paper, an ensemble method combining a lightweight U-Net with wavelet image compression is proposed and evaluated. The red, green, blue and infrared waveband images from Landsat-8 dataset are trained and tested to estimate the performance of proposed method. The LeGall-5/3 wavelet transform is applied on the dataset to accelerate the neural network and improve the feasibility of on-board implement. The experiment results illustrate that the overall accuracy of the proposed model achieves 97.45% by utilizing only four bands. Tests on low coefficients of compressed dataset have shown that the overall accuracy of the proposed method is still higher than 95%, while its inference speed is accelerated to 0.055 second per million pixels and maximum memory cost reduces to 2Mb. By taking advantage of mature image compression system in small satellites, the proposed method provides a good possibility of on-board cloud detection based on deep learning.
Novel Insights into the Configurations of Lead(II)-Benzohydroxamic Acid Coordination Compounds in Aqueous Solution: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: He Jianyong , Han Haisheng , Zhang Chenyang , Hu Yuehua , Yuan Dandan , Tian Mengjie , Chen Daixiong , Sun Wei
Published: August 2018

Novel collector lead(II)-benzohydroxamic acid (Pb(II)-BHA) complexes in aqueous solution were characterized by using experimental approaches, including Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), as well as first-principle density functional theory (DFT) calculations with consideration for solvation effects. The Job plot delineated that a single coordinated Pb(BHA)+ should be formed first, and the higher coordination number complexes can be formed subsequently. Moreover, the Pb(II)-BHA species can aggregate with each other to form complicated structures, such as Pb(BHA)2 or highly complicated complexes. ESI-MS results validated the existence of Pb-(BHA)n=1,2 under different solution pH values. Further, the first-principles calculations suggested that Pb(BHA)+ should be the most stable structure, and the Pb atom in Pb(BHA)+ will act as an active site to attack nucleophiles. These findings are meaningful to further illustrate the adsorption mechanism of Pb(II)-BHA complexes in mineral processing.
Genome-Wide Association Study and Selection Signatures Detect Genomic Regions Associated with Seed Yield and Oil Quality in Flax
Authors: You Frank , Xiao Jin , Li Pingchuan , YAO ZHEN , Jia Gaofeng , He Liqiang , Kumar Santosh , Soto-Cerda Braulio , Duguid Scott , Booker Helen , Rashid Khalid , Cloutier Sylvie
Published: August 2018

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed on a set of 260 lines which belong to three different bi-parental flax mapping populations. These lines were sequenced to an averaged genome coverage of 19× using the Illumina Hi-Seq platform. Phenotypic data for 11 seed yield and oil quality traits were collected in eight year/location environments. A total of 17,288 single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified, which explained more than 80% of the phenotypic variation for days to maturity (DTM), iodine value (IOD), palmitic (PAL), stearic, linoleic (LIO) and linolenic (LIN) acid contents. Twenty-three unique genomic regions associated with 33 QTL for the studied traits were detected, thereby validating four genomic regions previously identified. The 33 QTL explained 48-73% of the phenotypic variation for oil content, IOD, PAL, LIO and LIN but only 8-14% for plant height, DTM and seed yield. A genome-wide selective sweep scan for selection signatures detected 114 genomic regions that accounted for 7.82% of the flax pseudomolecule and overlapped with the 11 GWAS-detected genomic regions associated with 18 QTL for 11 traits. The results demonstrate the utility of GWAS combined with selection signatures for dissection of the genetic structure of traits and for pinpointing genomic regions for breeding improvement.
Novel Whole-Cell Inactivated Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Microparticle Vaccine Formulation in Microneedles for Transdermal Immunization
Authors: Gala Rikhav P. , Zaman Rokon Uz , D'Souza Martin J. , Zughaier Susu M.
Published: August 2018

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a strict human pathogen responsible for more than 100 million new sexually transmitted infections worldwide each year. Due to the global emergence of antibiotic resistance, the CDC recently listed N. gonorrhoeae as an urgent threat to public health. No vaccine is available in spite of the huge disease burden and the possibility of untreatable gonorrhea. The aim of this study is to investigate the immunogenicity of a novel whole-cell based inactivated gonococcal microparticle vaccine formulation loaded in dissolvable microneedles for transdermal administration. The nanotechnology-based vaccine formulation consists of inactivated whole-cell gonococci strain CDC-F62, spray dried and encapsulated into biodegradable cross-linked albumin matrix with sustained slow antigen release. The dry vaccine nanoparticles were then loaded in a dissolvable microneedle skin patch for transdermal delivery. The efficacy of the whole-cell microparticles vaccine formulation loaded in microneedles was assessed in vitro using dendritic ,cells and macrophages as well as in vivo mouse model. Antibody titers were measured using an ELISA and antigen-specific T lymphocytes were assessed in spleens and lymph nodes. Here we report that whole-cell based gonococcal microparticle vaccine loaded in dissolvable microneedles for transdermal administration induced significant increase in antigen-specific IgG antibody titers and antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes in mice compared to gonococcal antigens in solution or empty microneedles. Significant increase in antigen-specific IgG antibody levels was observed at end of week 2 in groups that received the vaccine compared to the group receiving empty nanoparticles. The advantages of using formalin-fixed whole-cell gonococci that all immunogenic epitopes are covered and preserved from degradation. The spherical shaped micro and nanoparticles are biological mimics of gonococci, therefore present to the immune system as invaders but without the ability to suppress adaptive immunity. In conclusion, the transdermal delivery of microparticles vaccine via a microneedle patch was shown to be an effective system for vaccine delivery. The novel gonorrhea nanovaccine is cheap to produce in a stable dry powder and can be delivered in microneedle skin patch obviating the need for needle use or the cold chain.
The Use of PCA in Reduction of Credit Scoring Modeling Variables: Evidence from Greek Banking System
Authors: Giannouli Panagiota , Kountzakis Christos E.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we use the Principal Components Logistic Regression as a technique to reduce the variables being used in Credit Scoring Modeling. Specifically, we construct two models in which greek enterprises are classified, through their credit behavior and we evaluate them, relying on real data. In general, we propose a general way to use PC Regression, in case that we have high correlations and categorical variables in the sample.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides: 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) and Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) in Infant Formula
Authors: Vandenplas Y. , Berger B. , Carnielli V.P. , Ksiazyk J. , Lagström H. , Sanchez Luna M. , Migacheva N. , Mosselmans J.M.M. , Picaud J.C. , Possner M. , Singhal A. , Wabitsch M.
Published: August 2018

Introduction The authors reviewed the published evidence on the presence of oligosaccharides in human milk (HMO) and their benefits in in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as to evaluate published data on the addition of some of HMOs to infant formula. Method PubMed was searched from inception to April 2018 Results The presence of HMOs is a dynamic process, determined by many factors such as duration of lactation, environmental and genetic factors. HMOs may support immune function development and provide protection against infectious diseases directly through the interaction of the gut epithelial cells or indirectly through the modulation of the gut microbiota, including the stimulation of the bifidobacteria. Only a few of the many HMOs can be made industrially, and are added to infant formula. They have been shown to be safe and well tolerated, including normal growth and a trend towards health benefit. Conclusions HMOs are one of the major differences between cow’s milk and human milk , and evidence indicates that these components do have a health promoting benefit. The addition of one or two of these components to infant formula is safe, and brings infant formula closer to human milk.
MWCNT-Epoxy Nanocomposite Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Sam-DaIiri Omid , Faller Lisa-Marie , Farahani Mohammadreza , Roshanghias Ali , Oberlercher Hannes , Mitterer Tobias , Araee Alireza , Zangl Hubert
Published: August 2018

We address Multi-Wall Carbon NanoTubes (MWCNTs) for structural health monitoring in adhesive bonds such as in building structures. MWCNT-loaded composites are employed to sense strain changes under tension load using an AC impedance measurement setup. Different weight percentages of 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 wt.% MWCNT are added to the base epoxy resin using different dispersion times, i.e. 5, 10 and 15 minutes. The equivalent parallel resistance of the specimens is measured by applying an alternating voltage at different frequencies. To determine the mechanical as well as sensory properties, the specimens are subjected to a tensile test with concurrent impedance measurement. Using alternating voltage, a higher sensitivity of the impedance reading can be achieved. Employing these sensors in buildings and combining the readings of a network of such devices can significantly improve the buildings’ safety. Additionally, networks of such sensors can be used to identify necessary maintenance actions and locations.   
Financial Inclusion, Saving and Borrowing Behaviors in the United Arab Emirates and the United States: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Niankara Ibrahim , Muqattash Riham
Published: August 2018

This paper highlights the impact of financial inclusion on individuals’ borrowing and saving decisions in the United States and the United Arab Emirates. It does so, using data from the 2014 Global Financial Inclusion database, and an empirical strategy consisting of first testing the significance of the joint bivariate model over its binary conterparts using the Lagrange multiplier test, followed by a contrast between the fully-parametric and semi-parametric specifications of the saving and borrowing equations. Based on model performance measures, the semi-parametric bivariate probit specification is identified as a better framework for describing the two processes of saving and borrowing, with a correlation coefficient of 12.3%. Although no significant difference exists between UAE and US residents in borrowing behavior, we find that US residents are 31.4% more likely to save than their UAE counterparts. In addition, and in line with the Permanent Income Hypothesis, the results reveal the absence of an income based saving or borrowing gradient in the two countries. Conversely, we found the prevalence of a gender based saving (12.4%) and borrowing (13.8%) inequality in favor of the male gender. Furthermore, access to a bank account and a debit card, companies policy of direct wage and salary transfer, and government transfer programs with direct deposit options are all financial inclusion strategies that are found to significantly raise the likelihood of saving and borrowing. As such, companies with payroll practices based on cash or physical paycheck issuing, especially in the US, should revise such policy to create more financial inclusion, and thereby more saving potential which in turn would contribute to further borrowing, investment and growth of the national economy.
Aspects of Sustainable Management Control for Company Efficiency
Authors: Bostan Ionel , Barca Aliona , Tabara Neculai , Muntean Jemna Ligia
Published: August 2018

In this article, management control has been studied from the perspective of intention towards sustainable development of companies. The main idea focuses on the analysis of relations between sustainable management control and the system of performance appraisal using as a reference the resource-based theory. These relations have been assessed both theoretically by reviewing literature in the field, and empirically based on data collected in a questionnaire from top management, as well as data from Annual Reports from the main segment of Bucharest Stock Exchange. The authors have shown that financial performance has a significant influence on management control, and the return on capital employed is one of the most recommended indicators. The sustainable nature attributed to management control is the result of institutional theory evolution, provisions of Directive 2014/95/EU and Guide of Global Management Accounting Principles (2015) using stewardship. Consequently, profits are not the main element any more in the assessment of financial „health” of a company. To ensure the sustainable success, sustainable balanced scorecard is one of real measures for managing financial and non-financial performance.
Performance Analysis of an Intermediate Temperature SOE Test Bench Under CO2-H2O Feeding Stream
Authors: Fragiacomo Petronilla , De Lorenzo Giuseppe , Corigliano Orlando
Published: August 2018

Renewable sources and electric distribution network can produce or make available a surplus of electric and thermal energies. The Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (IT-SOE) fed by CO2-steam mixtures can store these electric and thermal energies producing CO-H2 mixtures with high conversion efficiency. Inside the IT-SOE, the CO2-steam mixtures are converted to CO-H2 mixtures and O2 through the cathode and anode electrochemical reactions and reverse water gas shift chemical reaction. In this article an IT-SOE stack fed by different types of steam mixtures was tested at different operating temperatures and the stack polarization and electric power curves were detected experimentally. At the highest hydrogen production operating temperature of the stack fed by steam mixtures, the experimental polarization and electric power curves of the stack fed by steam and CO2-steam mixtures were compared. A simulation model of the IT-SOE system (stack and furnace) fed by CO2-steam mixtures was formulated ad hoc and implemented in a Matlab environment and experimentally validated. At the highest hydrogen production stack operating temperature, the IT-SOE system thermal equilibrium current was evaluated through the simulation model. Moreover, the influence of this current on the IT-SOE system efficiency and the CO-H2 mixture degree of purity was highlighted.
Discovering the health promoting potential of fermented papaya preparation- its future perspectives for the dietary management of oxidative stress during diabetes
Authors: Somanah-Bhugowandeen Jhoti , Putteeraj Manish , Aruoma Okezie , Bahorun Theeshan
Published: August 2018

The simplistic morphological characteristics of the Carica papaya, papaya or ‘pawpaw’ should not be the cause for underestimating its potential as a nutraceutical. The market for papaya has been expanding at a staggering rate, partly due to its applicability as a biofortified product, but mostly for its phytochemical properties and traditional health benefits. Recent characterization studies have showed that the entirety of papaya or using a formulation of fermented papaya promotion (FPP) displays effective free radical scavenging abilities, thought to be influenced by its phenolic, carotenoids, flavonoid or amino acid profile. Aiming at reducing the impact of free radical-induced oxidative damage in the human system, the antioxidant properties of FPP have been found to potently target a broad spectrum of diseases ranging from neurological impairments such as senile dementia to systemic diseases, to its interference at the cellular level and support of normal biological ageing processes. FPP has thus been extensively investigated for its ability to exert cellular protective effects and reduce oxidative stress via mitigation of genetic damage, lipid peroxidation and enzymatic inactivation in diseases. Oxidative stress reduction strategies using FPP and its holistic approach in disease prevention and management, with a focus on diabetes, cancer and cognitive health, contributes unequivocally to wellness in an aging population.
Public Finance Sustainability in Romania - Challenges and Vulnerabilities
Authors: Bostan Ionel , Toderascu Camen , Gavriluta Anca Florentina
Published: August 2018

Given the contradiction between the current demands for sustainability and the way the financial system works, this paper explores in a retrospective and a prospective view the Romanian Public Finance Sustainability, highlighting the major challenges and vulnerabilities. For the retrospective part, we concentrate mainly on empirical tests on Romanian government solvency between the period 1986- 2016, by applying unit root and co-integration tests. To gain a better, general understanding of the behavior of policy-makers, in the second part we use a scenario analysis of budgetary adjustment in the short and medium run under alternative hypotheses. The results provide a formal proof that policy makers decisions face critical and complex questions and the way in which they manage fiscal stimuli have a direct implication on the sustainability of the country and on the lax implementation of fiscal policy.