bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El régimen heterosexual y la nación. Aportes del lesbianismo feminista a la antropología
Authors: Curiel Ochy
Published: November 2017

Resumen: El lesbianismo feminista, como corrienteteórico-política del feminismo ha propuesto analizar laheterosexualidad, como un régimen político, más quecomo una práctica sexual, basado en la ideología de ladiferencia sexual como su base ontológica. A través deun análisis crítico del discurso, esta tesis muestra comoeste régimen se articula a la nación, concretamente, en laConstitución Política de Colombia de 1991, su ley suprema.Apoyada además en las teorías de la antropología dela mujer, del género y feminista, la antropología políticay la teoría marxista, desde el concepto de hegemoníade Antonio Gramsci, la autora muestra, por medio delanálisis de las categorías mujer, hombre, familia, parentesco,nacionalidad, entre otras, cómo este régimen estácontenido en los discursos escritos y jurídicos tanto deltexto constitucional, como de los argumentos emitidos porlos y las constituyentes en la Asamblea Nacional Constituyenteque dio origen a la Carta Magna. Propone lo quedenomina Antropología de la Dominación que consiste endevelar las formas, maneras, estrategias, discursos quevan definiendo a ciertos grupos sociales como “otros” y“otras” (sobre todo a las mujeres y las lesbianas) desdelugares de poder y dominación.Palabras claves: Heterosexualidad, nación, constitución,lesbianismo, feminismo.The heterosexual regime and the nation. Contributions of feminist lesbianism to antropologyAbstract: Lesbian feminism, as a theoretical politicaltrend of feminism, has suggested analyzing heterosexualityas a political regime, based on the ideology of sexualdifference as its ontological grounding. Through criticaldiscourse analysis, this thesis shows how this regime articulatesitself with the nation, especially in the PoliticalConstitution of Colombia of 1991, its supreme law. Basingas well on the theories of women, gender and feministanthropology, political anthropology and marxist theory,specifically from Antonio Gramci’s concept of hegemony,the authoress shows- through analysis of categories suchus women, man, family, kinship and nationality, amongothers- how this regime is included in the written andlegal discourses both in the constitutional text and in thearguments expressed by constituents at the National ConstituentAssembly that led to the Magna Carta. The authorproposes what she calls Domination Anthropology, whichconsists in uncovering the ways, strategies and discoursesthat define certain social groups as “others” (specially womenand lesbians) from power and domination positions.Key words: Nation, heterosexuality, feminism,lesbianism, constitution.
Desplazamiento, teatro de mujeres y nuevas actoras sociales
Authors: Luna Monart Luz Elena
Published: November 2017

Resumen: En este artículo se aborda el estudio delas relaciones, los aprendizajes, las experiencias y lasproyecciones surgidas en el proceso de montaje de laobra Nadie nos quita lo que llevamos por dentro, trabajorealizado a partir de las vivencias de un grupo de mujeresdesplazadas del Pacífi co colombiano, a principios de ladécada pasada. Se pretende aquí dar cuenta de la importanciaque el teatro de mujeres ha tenido en la construcciónde las subjetividades de las participantes, como fruto deun proceso en el que el hacer artístico se constituye enherramienta pedagógica y política, que contribuye a laconstrucción de saberes signifi cativos para la formulaciónde nuevos proyectos de vida. A partir del análisisrealizado, las conclusiones del trabajo ponen de presentela importancia y aun la urgencia de usar efi cazmente losaportes del arte, particularmente el teatro de mujeres, enprocesos de educación popular.Palabras claves: Actoras sociales y actoras naturales,desplazamiento, educación popular, subjetividad, teatrode mujeres.Displacement, Women’s Theater and New Social ActorsAbstract: This article approaches the study of the relationships,the learning experiences and the projectionsstemming from the process of staging the play No one cantake away what we’ve got inside, work carried out on thebasis of the lived experiences of a group of displaced womenfrom the Colombian Pacifi c at the beginning of the pastdecade. It shows the importance women’s theater has hadin the construction of the subjectivities of the participants,as a fruit of a process in which artistic labor becomes apedagogical and political tool, which contributes to theconstruction of signifi cant know-how for formulating newlife-projects. On the basis of the analysis of the play andthe process, the conclusions emphasize the importance andeven urgency of using artistic means, specifi cally women’stheater, in processes of popular education.Key words: social actors, natural actors, displacement,popular education, subjectivity, women’s theater
La nave de Nausicaa
Authors: Malatesta Julián
Published: November 2017

La nave de NausicaaPoemario por Marga López DíazColección Las OfrendasEscuela de Estudios LiterariosFacultad de Humanidades, Universidad del ValleSantiago de Cali, septiembre de 2011ISBN: 978-958-670-923-1
La violencia contra las mujeres: un asunto público
Authors: Ibarra Melo María Eugenia , García Otero María Alejandra
Published: November 2017

Resumen: El siguiente artículo es un recuento histórico-sociológico del proceso de intervención estatal enla prevención, atención y erradicación de las violenciasque sufren las mujeres en Colombia, desde la aceptaciónde la Convención interamericana para prevenir, sancionary erradicar la violencia contra la mujer, “Belem DoPará”, en el año 1995 hasta 2010, cuando el Ministeriode Defensa se promulga una política pública que incluyecomo eje rector la violencia de género. Para cumplircon este objetivo se revisaron la normatividad jurídica,políticas públicas nacionales, informes de organizacionesde mujeres, convenciones e informes de instanciasinternacionales. La metodología empleada, debido a lasfuentes y al enfoque del estudio, se basa en el análisisdocumental desde los planteamientos de la sociologíajurídica contemporánea. Teóricamente nos apoyamosen la perspectiva constructivista, histórica y sociológica,recurriendo a las teorías de género, la propuesta dela historia de larga duración de Fernand Braudel y lanoción de campo social del sociólogo Pierre Bourdieu.Palabras claves: Violencia contra las mujeres, asuntopúblico, intervención estatal.Violence against Women: A Public MatterAbstract: This article is a historico-sociological accountof the process of state intervention from 1995 to2010 in the prevention, attention to and eradication ofviolence suffered by women in Colombia, since the Inter-American Convention (Belem do Pará) to prevent, punishand eradicate violence against women was ratified,when the Ministry of Defense promulgated a public policy,including gender violence as a an important concern.To fulfill this purpose the judicial norms, national publicpolicies, reports by women’s organizations, conventionsand reports by international agencies were revised.The methodology used, due to the sources and approachused in the study, is based on the analysis of documentsfrom the view point of contemporary judicial sociology.Theoretically we based our analysis on the historical andsociological constructivist perspective, appealing to gendertheory, Fernand Braudel´s proposed long-durationhistory and Pierre Bourdieu´s concept of social field.Key words: violence against women, public matter,State intervention
Sonar sequences and Sidon sets
Authors: Osorio Rigo Julián , Ruiz Diego Fernando , Trujillo Carlos Alberto , Urbano Cristhian Leonardo
Published: November 2017

Sonar sequences and Sidon sets
Tablas de vida de Santiago de Cali: Tendencias recientes y proyecciones: 1985-2030
Authors: Uribe Gil Jorge Mario
Published: November 2017

El objetivo de este documento es exponer las tendencias de mortalidad recientes en hombresy mujeres, en Santiago de Cali, construidas mediante la aplicación del modelo de Leey Carter (1992). También aportar a la literatura y agencias de política regionales proyeccionesfuturas de las tasas de mortalidad específicas en la ciudad, a través de técnicas de usocomún en las literaturas actuarial y demográfica contemporáneas. Los patrones de mortalidaden Cali se ajustan en buena medida a los hallazgos para otras regiones del mundo.Se han presentado importantes reducciones en la mayor parte de las tasas de mortalidadespecíficas durante el período analizado y se pronostican, por ende, futuras reduccionespara casi todos los grupos de edad, exceptuando los hombres entre 15 y 25 años.
La confesión de un economista
Authors: Salazar Trujillo Boris
Published: November 2017

Lo que Rodrik nos cuenta en su confesión no es el resultado inevitable de haber encontrado el mejor camino hacia el conocimiento en economía. Tampocode la indiscutible fluidez y contingencia de la vida social. Es el resultado de las preferencias de los economistas académicos por el tipo de modelos analíticosde equilibrio que requieren ser reparados una y otra vez para dar cuenta de los muchos fenómenos que no pueden cubrir en su forma analítica y simple de hoy.Y de la evolución de las relaciones de poder y conocimiento en la academia yen la política en las últimas décadas. Algo que, por supuesto, no tenía por quéadmitir Rodrik en su elegante confesión.
Diatomeas como bioindicadores para la evaluación de la calidad del agua en la cuenca del río Utcubamba, Amazonas - Perú
Authors: Guzman Valqui Betty Karina , Leiva Tafur Damaris
Published: November 2017

En la presente investigación se ha evaluado la calidad del agua de la cuenca del río Utcubamba utilizando diatomeas (Bacillariophyceae) como parámetro biológico. Para ello, se realizó dos muestreos, en época seca (octubre 2014) y húmeda (marzo 2015), en 43 estaciones ubicadas a lo largo de la cuenca del río, situadas entre 386 y 2 834 msnm. Se dividió la cuenca en alta, media y baja según el piso altitudinal. Se usó como herramienta principal el índice de diversidad de Shannon y Wienner (H') para diatomeas. En la época seca, se encontró niveles de contaminación moderada para el tramo alto de la cuenca y contaminación leve en los tramos medio y bajo, con valores entre 1 981 y 2 533 bits cel -1. Para la época húmeda se registraron los mismos datos interpretativos, pero con valores entre 1 890 y 2 004 bits cel -1 .
BACK MATTER
Authors: Editor Editor
Published: November 2017

BACK MATTER
Pembelajaran Fisika Berbantuan Bahan Ajar Berbasis Kontekstual dengan Mengintegrasi Kearifan Lokal Untuk Meningkatkan Penguasaan Konsep Fisika
Authors: Satriawan Muhammad , Subhan Muhammad , Fatimah Fatimah
Published: November 2017

This research is a quasi experimental research that aims to determine the differences and the improvement of mastery of physics concepts in the classroom using contextual teaching materials that integrated local wisdom with classes using conventional teaching materials. The research design used was pretest posttest control group design. Both the experimental and control classes are given equal treatment, but the experimental class uses contextual teaching materials that integrate local wisdom while the control class uses conventional teaching materials. The number of students in the experimental class is 25 students while the control class is 30 Students. The data analysis used parametric statistics with a two tailed t test to determine the difference and the N-gain test to find out the improvement of student conceptualization. The two tailed t test used SPSS 20 software assistance in the data analysis process. Based on result of data analysis that obtained Sig value. (2-tailed) by 0.000 <0.01 (α = 1%). This shows that there is a very significant difference between physics learning through problem solving method using contextual teaching materials with physics learning through problem solving using conventional teaching materials. In addition, based on the N-gain calculation the average value of  N-gain for the experimental class is 0.87 with the high category whereas the average value of N-gain for the control class is 0.65. This shows that the experimental class where the physics learning using materials Contextual teaching has increased the mastery of the concept higher than the control class that uses conventional teaching materials.
Automatización de un sistema de inmersión temporal con base en plataformas abiertas de hardware y software.
Authors: Lugo Espinosa Oziel , Arellano Ostoa Gregorio , Hernández Cote Diego
Published: November 2017

Un Sistema de Inmersión Temporal (SIT) permite la micropropagación de plantas en ambientes esterilizados y herméticos; sin embargo, es una tecnología complicada y costosa. En este trabajo, se presenta una alternativa de automatización con base en plataformas abiertas de harware y software, con los objetivos de reducir costos y aumentar las prestaciones frente a sistemas comerciales, mediante la reconf iguración por software de rutinas para la aplicación de nutrientes, monitoreo constante y control a distancia del sistema. Para el desarrollo del hadware se utilizó la metodología Bottom Up, y para el software, la metodología Kanban. El sistema propuesto tiene un costo promedio de un 10% en comparación con dispositivos electrónicos comerciales utilizados en la industria para resolver problemas de automatización de procesos. Sin embargo, es necesario una evaluación de crecimiento de los explantes para corroborar las ventajas competitivas del prototipo equiparadas a los sistemas tradicionales de inmersión temporal.
Plant and livestock waste compost compared with inorganic fertilizer: nutrient contribution to soil.
Authors: Hernández Rodríguez Ofelia Adriana , Rivera Figueroa César Humberto , Díaz Ávila Elías E. , Ojeda Barrios Dámaris L. , Guerrero Prieto Víctor M.
Published: November 2017

El uso de desechos de ganado y residuos vegetales, como fuente de nutrientes y material orgánico para el suelo, puede representar una alternativa viable para evitar daños riesgosos para el agroecosistema, derivados del uso de fertilizantes químicos. El presente estudio fue conducido en 2013, en condiciones de invernadero en la FACIATEC-UACH, Chihuahua, México. Se evaluó la contribución al suelo de los macronutrientes NO3-, P=, K+, Ca++, Mg++ y Na+, a partir de cuatro compostas elaboradas de (a) estiércol de bovinos, (b) excremento de gallina, (c) aserrín y (d) esquilmo de maíz, los cuales fueron comparados con urea como fertilizante sintético y un control sin fertilizante. Se utilizó un diseño completamente aleatorizado y se realizó el análisis de varianza mediante el paquete estadístico SAS (Statistical Analysis System), versión 9.3.1; la comparación múltiple de medias se realizó mediante el procedimiento de Tukey (α = 0.05). Los resultados sugieren que cinco de los tratamientos de compostas incrementaron la concentración de NO3-, en los cuales el estiércol de gallina superó signif icativamente al de bovinos en su aportación de los macronutrientes NO3- y P=; del mismo modo, las compostas elaboradas a partir de aserrín tuvieron un efecto signif icativo sobre el NO3- y superaron a los que contenían esquilmos de maíz. La concentración de Ca++ y Mg++ en los suelos donde se aplicó la composta, fue menor en comparación con aquellos tratados con urea, aunque el contenido de Na+ en los tratamientos de composta superó estadísticamente a la de aquellos tratados con fertilizantes inorgánicos. Esta evidencia sugiere que el uso de fertilizantes orgánicos, ya sea de origen animal o vegetal, es una fuente benéf ica para los nutrientes del suelo con alto potencial en la agricultura sostenible.
Process Induced Defects in Liquid Molding Processes of Composites
Authors: Hamidi Y. K. , Altan M. C.
Published: November 2017

Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) processes are cost efficient manufacturing alternatives to traditional autoclave technology for producing near-net shape structural composite parts. However, process induced defects often limit wider usage of LCM in structural applications. Thorough knowledge of these defects, as well as their formation mechanisms and prevention techniques, is essential in developing improved LCM processes. In this article, process induced defects in liquid molding processes of composites, categorized into preform, flow induced and cure induced defects, are reviewed. Preform defects are further presented as fiber misalignment and fiber undulation (waviness and wrinkling). The respective causes, detrimental effects, and possible prevention methods of these defects are presented. Thereafter, flow induced defects are classified as voids and dry spots. Dry spot formation mechanisms in LCM processes and available prevention techniques are summarized. In addition, void formation mechanisms, adverse effects on composite properties, and removal techniques are presented. Cure induced defects include microcracks, void growth and geometrical distortions (warpage and spring-in). Each of these defects are discussed along with their underlying causes as well as their control and reduction schemes.
Tailoring Heat-Seal Properties of Biodegradable Polymers through Melt Blending
Authors: Tabasi R. Y. , Ajji A.
Published: November 2017

In this study, we address heat-seal properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA), blended with Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). The objective is to correlate blends crystalline structure and morphology to corresponding heat-seal of blends films. The SEM micrographs show a two-phase elongated morphology where stretched ellipsoids developed through elongational flow during the cast film process. To distinguish the effect of crystallization, we also prepared amorphous and crystalline PBAT films and then compared them to blends with PLA. Heat-sealed areas were created by putting film surfaces in intimate contact for 1 s at the pressure of 0.5 N/mm2 or Pa and in the temperature range of 70 to 140 °C. Thermal analysis shows that the crystalline structure of PBAT has a significant effect on shifting its heat-seal initiation temperature (Tsi) up to 20 °C. Regarding the blends, incorporation of PBAT as a dispersed phase lowers Tsi of blend samples. Here, gradual decrease in PBAT crystallinity caused by the hindering effect of PLA rigid molecules correlates with the shift in heat-seal initiation temperature. As mentioned above, elongated disperse morphology with higher aspect ratio of the dispersed phase compared to spherical dispersed domain, is formed through film cast process. This enhances the adhesion process by providing higher contact area. The blends also show higher toughness and better puncture resistance, which is an asset for flexible packaging applications and would enhance the mechanical performance of the seal layer.
Real-Time Bus-Holding Control Strategy to Reduce Passenger Waiting Time
Authors: Asgharzadeh Mohamadamin , Shafahi Yousef
Published: November 2017

This paper presents research on a real-time bus-holding control strategy that minimizes passenger waiting time. This bus-holding strategy forces buses to hold at stations for a while after a passenger exchange is finished. A mathematical model is proposed to determine the optimal holding time. Both onboard and on-station passenger waiting times have been taken into account. Given the real-time nature of the problem, a heuristic method based on gradient descent algorithms was developed. The proposed control strategy was evaluated by using data derived from a shuttle bus rapid transit (BRT) line in the city of Mashhad, Iran. The BRT line was simulated and calibrated by available empirical and real-time data from the automatic vehicle location and automatic passenger counting systems. The results indicate that the proposed bus-holding strategy reduces total passenger waiting time by 8.65%.
Does Combining Transit Signal Priority with Dedicated Bus Lanes or Queue Jump Lanes at Multiple Intersections Create Multiplier Effects?
Authors: Truong Long T. , Currie Graham , Wallace Mark , De Gruyter Chris
Published: November 2017

An extensive body of literature deals with the design and operation of public transport (PT) priority measures. However, there is a need to understand whether providing transit signal priority with dedicated bus lanes (TSPwDBL) or transit signal priority with queue jump lanes (TSPwQJL) at multiple intersections creates a multiplier effect on PT benefits. If the benefit from providing priority together at multiple intersections is greater than the sum of benefits from providing priority separately at each of those individual intersections, a multiplier effect exists. This paper explores the effects of providing TSPwDBL or TSPwQJL at multiple intersections on bus delay savings and person delay savings. Simulation results reveal that providing TSPwDBL or TSPwQJL at multiple intersections may create a multiplier effect on one-directional bus delay savings, particularly when signal offsets provide bus progression for that direction. The multiplier effect may result in a 5% to 8% increase in bus delay savings for each additional intersection with TSPwDBL or TSPwQJL. A possible explanation is that TSPwDBL and TSPwQJL can reduce the variations in bus travel times and thus allow signal offsets—which account for bus progression—to perform even better. Furthermore, results show little evidence of the existence of a multiplier effect on person delay savings, particularly for TSPwQJL with offsets that favor person delay savings. A policy implication of these findings is that considerable PT benefits can be achieved by providing both time and space priority in combination on a corridorwide scale.
Comparing Chinese and Non-Chinese Bus Rapid Transit Systems: Evidence from Evaluating Global Systems on the Basis of Bus Rapid Transit Design Indicators
Authors: Guarda Pablo , Velásquez Juan Miguel , Tun Thet Hein , Chen Xumei , Zhong Guo
Published: November 2017

In the past decade, bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors have been added in China at a faster rate than anywhere else in the world. As the number of BRT systems in Chinese cities continues to increase, it is critical to identify the key factors that influence the operation performance and service quality of these systems. In this paper, the design of BRT systems in China is compared with that of non-Chinese cities with a ranking system based on the set of indicators from the BRT Standard (2013 and 2014 editions), which were developed by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. The database included experts’ assessments of more than 99 BRT corridors in 59 cities and 21 countries and was available online. To identify strengths and opportunities to improve the Chinese BRT systems, the analysis of variance method was used to test whether the BRT score differences between the Chinese BRT and non-Chinese BRT systems were statistically significant. Results showed that, on average, BRT systems in Chinese cities scored significantly lower than those in other countries. This finding can be explained by the low scores of Chinese systems in design indicator categories such as integration and access, a category that evaluates the level of integration with other modes of transportation, pedestrian access and universal accessibility, and infrastructure, which measures bus station design features.
Designing Limited-Stop Transit Service with Fixed Fleet Size in Peak Hours by Exploiting Transit Data
Authors: Luo Xiaoling , Jiang Yangsheng , Yao Zhihong , Tang Youhua , Liu Yuan
Published: November 2017

Efficiently designed limited-stop transit service is an attractive way to respond to high commuter travel demand in which trips concentrate on a few origin–destination pairs during peak hours. Such service is redesigned in many metropolises in China. Some research has dealt with this situation; bus fleet size was assumed to be unlimited, and the research was concerned with the average daily passenger flow rather than the specific average peak hour travel demand. In contrast to previous work, this paper presents an approach to design limited-stop transit service with the existing available fleet size from current normal service and focuses only on peak hour travel demand extracted through exploitation of transit data. First, a model for limited-stop service was proposed to minimize user costs through existing fixed fleet size. A heuristic algorithm was developed to search the transit line structure for limited-stop service instead of selecting lines from the predefined set. Next, a case in Chengdu, China, was tested. The results indicate that up to 9.32% of total travel time can be saved with the fixed fleet size when limited-stop transit service is applied. Finally, different proportions of commuter flow and different travel behaviors are discussed to illustrate the performance of limited-stop service for different scenarios.
Large scattered data interpolation with radial basis functions and space subdivision
Authors: Smolik Michal , Skala Vaclav
Published: November 2017

We propose a new approach for the radial basis function (RBF) interpolation of large scattered data sets. It uses the space subdivision technique into independent cells allowing processing of large data sets with low memory requirements and offering high computation speed, together with the possibility of parallel processing as each cell can be processed independently. The proposed RBF interpolation was tested on both synthetic and real data sets. It proved its simplicity, robustness and the ability to handle large data sets together with significant speed-up. In the case of parallel processing, speed-up was experimentally proved when 2 and 4 threads were used.
Early-Onset Myopathies: Clinical Findings, Prevalence of Subgroups and Diagnostic Approach in a Single Neuromuscular Referral Center in Germany
Authors: Vill K. , Blaschek A. , Gläser D. , Kuhn M. , Haack T. , Alhaddad B. , Wagner M. , Kovacs-Nagy R. , Tacke M. , Gerstl L. , Schroeder A.S. , Borggraefe I. , Mueller C. , Schlotter-Weigel B. , Schoser B. , Walter M.C. , Müller-Felber W.
Published: November 2017

Background:

Early-onset myopathies are a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular diseases with broad clinical, genetic and histopathological overlap. The diagnostic approach has considerably changed since high throughput genetic methods (next generation sequencing, NGS) became available.

Objective:

We present diagnostic subgroups in a single neuromuscular referral center and describe an algorithm for the diagnostic work-up.

Methods:

The diagnostic approach of 98 index patients was retrospectively analysed. In 56 cases targeted sequencing of a known gene was performed, in 44 patients NGS was performed using large muscle specific panels, and in 12 individuals whole exome sequencing (WES) was undertaken. One patient was diagnosed via array CGH. Clinical features of all patients are provided.

Results:

The final diagnosis could be found in 63 out of 98 patients (64%) with molecular genetic analysis. In 55% targeted gene sequencing could establish the genetic diagnosis. However, this rate largely depended on the presence of distinct histological or clinical features. NGS (large myopathy-related panels and WES) revealed genetic diagnosis in 58.5% (52% and 67%, respectively). The genes detected by WES in our cohort of patients were all covered by the panels. Based on our findings we propose an algorithm for a practical diagnostic approach.

Prevalences:

MTM1- and LAMA2-patients are the two biggest subgroups, followed by SEPN1-, RYR1- and Collagen VI-related diseases. 31% of genetically confirmed cases represents a group with overlap between “congenital myopathies (CM)” and “congenital muscular dystrophies (CMD)”. In 36% of the patients a specific genetic diagnosis could not be assigned.

Conclusions:

A final diagnosis can be confirmed by high throughput genetic analysis in 58.5% of the cases, which is a higher rate than reported in the literature for muscle biopsy and should in many cases be considered as a first diagnostic tool. NGS cannot replace neuromuscular expertise and a close discussion with the geneticists on NGS is mandatory. Targeted candidate gene sequencing still plays a role in selected cases with highly suspicious clinical or histological features. There is a relevant clinical and genetic overlap between the entities CM and CMD.
Two Cases of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II with Eosinophilic Oesophagitis
Authors: Fuller Heidi R. , Shorrock Hannah K. , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Pigott Anna , Smith Victoria , Kulshrestha Richa , Sewry Caroline S. , Willis Tracey A.
Published: November 2017

Although primarily characterised by loss of motor neurons from the anterior horn of spinal cord and muscle atrophy, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is now recognised as a multi-systemic disorder. Here, we report two SMA Type II patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE), a rare, chronic immune/antigen-mediated condition. One patient presented with dysphagia and poor weight gain, and the second patient had symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and poor weight gain. In both patients, macroscopic observations during gastroscopy indicated typical signs of EoE, which were verified during histological examination of oesophageal biopsies. Given that there is a specific treatment strategy for EoE, these cases highlight the importance of considering this condition in clinical investigations – especially for patients with SMA – who have GOR, discomfort, and oral aversion.
Mobile agents path planning based on an extension of Bug-Algorithms and applied to the pursuit-evasion game
Authors: Souidi Mohammed El Habib , Piao Songhao , Li Guo
Published: November 2017

Pursuit-evasion game is a known problem in Multi-agent systems. This problem is approached through the elaboration of different task coordination and path planning mechanisms. This paper proposes a new sensor-based obstacle avoidance method extended from Bug-Algorithms with the aim of providing an efficient path planning to the pursuers during the targets’ capture. Noting that, the environment is decomposed on a grid of cells, in which Markov Decision Process (MDP) principles are implemented to lead the motion of the agents. In relation to Bug-Algorithms, this method increases the utilization of the sensors data to improve the decision making regarding the obstacle’s leaving point. This fact makes this method goal-oriented and decreases the pursuers’ path to the goal. Moreover, we showcase the performance of this method through a comparative study with our previous works in which Bug-2 algorithm was used to avoid the obstacles encountered.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Presenting as Acute Low Back Pain in a Young Man- A Case Report
Authors: Islam Khaza Amirul , Hassan Nazmul , Mafruha Sharmin , Ahmed Munim , Islam Kazi Mohammad Kamrul , Kabir Amin Lutful , Yunus ABM
Published: November 2017

Here we describe a case of a 20-year-old, otherwise healthy man, who consulted a physician due to acute low back pain presenting for a couple of days. Pain appeared suddenly, without any preceding trauma. Physical examination was unremarkable. Initial laboratory tests showed elevated inflammatory marker and thrombocytopenia. Patient was treated conservatively but due to increasing pain MRI of spine with contrast was advised which showed feature suggestive of infiltrative disease. Eventually patient was diagnosed as a case of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on further peripheral blood film and bone marrow study.Bangladesh Med J. 2017 Jan; 46 (1): 41-43
Two Case reports on Sickle Cell Disease: Presented with Pallor and recurrent Attacks of Bones and Joints Pain
Authors: Majumder Md Mahabubul Islam , Ahmed Tarek , Ahmed Saleh , Khan Mohammad Abdulla A Zubayer , Saha Chinmoy Kumar
Published: November 2017

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary hemolytic anaemia due to abnormal haemoglobin. Sickling of RBCs occurs due to abnormal hemoglobin which leads to vaso-occlusive crisis. The highest frequency of sickle cell disease is found in tropical regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, tribal regions of India and in Middle-East. Though sickle cell disease is not common in our country, recently we have two cases of sickle cell disease presented with fatigue and pallor with bones and joints pains. These cases were diagnosed by electrophoresis of hemoglobin, peripheral smear, Sickling test and relevant investigations. The most significant advance in the therapy of sickle cell anaemia is the introduction of Hydroxyurea to prevent acute chest syndrome, number of pain crisis, repeated transfusions and number of trips to hospital. Hydroxyurea is considered in first case (case no. 1) as he has frequent episodes of acute attack and recover well after blood transfusion. Case no.2 also a good candidate for Hydroxyurea but not given as his acute attack is less frequent and in close contact for further observation and evaluation.Medicine Today 2017 Vol.29(2): 51-54
Interplay between Colistin Resistance, Virulence and Fitness in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Da Silva Gabriela , Domingues Sara
Published: November 2017

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important opportunistic nosocomial pathogen often resistant to multiple antibiotics classes. Colistin, an “old” antibiotic, is now considered a last-line treatment option for extremely resistant isolates. In the meantime, resistance to colistin has been reported in clinical A. baumannii strains. Colistin is a cationic peptide that disrupts the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria. Colistin resistance is primarily due to post-translational modification or loss of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules inserted into the outer leaflet of the OM. LPS modification prevents the binding of polymyxin to the bacterial surface and may lead to alterations in bacterial virulence. Antimicrobial pressure drives the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and resistance is often associated with a reduced bacterial fitness. Therefore, the alterations in LPS may induce changes in the fitness of A. baumannii. However, compensatory mutations in clinical A. baumannii may ameliorate the cost of resistance and may play an important role in the dissemination of colistin-resistant A. baumannii isolates. The focus of this review is to summarize the colistin resistance mechanisms, and understand their impact on the fitness and virulence of bacteria and on the dissemination of colistin-resistant A. baumannii strains.
Symposium on Vitamin C, 15th September 2017; Part of the Linus Pauling Institute’s 9th International Conference on Diet and Optimum Health
Authors: Carr Anitra
Published: November 2017

The Linus Pauling Institute’s 9th International Conference on Diet and Optimum Health took place on 13–15 September 2017 in Corvallis, OR, USA, on the beautiful Oregon State University campus [...]
Identifying Single Trial Event-Related Potentials in an Earphone-Based Auditory Brain-Computer Interface
Authors: Carabez Eduardo , Sugi Miho , Nambu Isao , Wada Yasuhiro
Published: November 2017

As brain-computer interfaces (BCI) must provide reliable ways for end users to accomplish a specific task, methods to secure the best possible translation of the intention of the users are constantly being explored. In this paper, we propose and test a number of convolutional neural network (CNN) structures to identify and classify single-trial P300 in electroencephalogram (EEG) readings of an auditory BCI. The recorded data correspond to nine subjects in a series of experiment sessions in which auditory stimuli following the oddball paradigm were presented via earphones from six different virtual directions at time intervals of 200, 300, 400 and 500 ms. Using three different approaches for the pooling process, we report the average accuracy for 18 CNN structures. The results obtained for most of the CNN models show clear improvement over past studies in similar contexts, as well as over other commonly-used classifiers. We found that the models that consider data from the time and space domains and those that overlap in the pooling process usually offer better results regardless of the number of layers. Additionally, patterns of improvement with single-layered CNN models can be observed.
Evaluation and Inter-Comparison of Oxygen-Based OC-EC Separation Methods for Radiocarbon Analysis of Ambient Aerosol Particle Samples
Authors: Zenker Katrin , Vonwiller Matthias , Szidat Sönke , Calzolai Giulia , Giannoni Martina , Bernardoni Vera , Jedynska Aleksandra , Henzing Bas , Meijer Harro , Dusek Ulrike
Published: November 2017

Radiocarbon analysis is a widely-used tool for source apportionment of aerosol particles. One of the big challenges of this method, addressed in this work, is to isolate elemental carbon (EC) for 14C analysis. In the first part of the study, we validate a two-step method (2stepCIO) to separate total carbon (TC) into organic carbon (OC) and EC against the EUSAAR_2 thermal-optical method regarding the recovered carbon concentrations. The 2stepCIO method is based on the combustion of OC in pure oxygen at two different temperature steps to isolate EC. It is normally used with a custom-built aerosol combustion system (ACS), but in this project, it was also implemented as a thermal protocol on a Sunset OC-EC analyzer. Results for the recovered EC mass concentration showed poor agreement between the 2stepCIO method on the ACS system and on the Sunset analyzer. This indicates that the EC recovery is sensitive not only to the temperature steps, but also to instrument-specific parameters, such as heating rates. We also found that the EUSAAR_2 protocol itself can underestimate the EC concentration on untreated samples compared to water-extracted samples. This is especially so for highly loaded filters, which are typical for 14C analysis. For untreated samples, the EC concentration on long-term filter samples (two to five days sampling time) was 20–45% lower than the sum of EC found on the corresponding 24-h filter samples. For water-extracted filter samples, there was no significant difference between long-term and the sum of daily filter samples. In the second part of this study, the 14C was measured on EC isolated by the 2stepCIO method and compared to methods from two other laboratories. The different methods agree well within their uncertainty estimates.
Hyperplanar Morphological Clustering of a Hippocampus by Using Volumetric Computerized Tomography in Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Suksuphew Sarawut , Horkaew Paramate
Published: November 2017

Background: On diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), most existing imaging-based schemes have relied on analyzing the hippocampus and its peripheral structures. Recent studies have confirmed that volumetric variations are one of the primary indicators in differentiating symptomatic AD from healthy aging. In this study, we focused on deriving discriminative shape-based parameters that could effectively identify early AD from volumetric computerized tomography (VCT) delineation, which was previously almost intangible. Methods: Participants were 63 volunteers of Thai nationality, whose ages were between 40 and 90 years old. Thirty subjects (age 68.51 ± 5.5) were diagnosed with early AD, by using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-IV) criteria and the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and the Stroke and the Alzheimer’s disease and Related Disorders Association (NINCDS-ADRDA) criteria, while the remaining 33 were in the healthy control group (age 67.93 ± 5.5). The structural imaging study was conducted by using VCT. Three uninformed readers were asked to draw left and right hippocampal outlines on a coronal section. The resultant shapes were aligned and then analyzed with statistical shape analysis to obtain the first few dominant variational parameters, residing in hyperplanes. A supervised machine learning, i.e., support vector machine (SVM) was then employed to elucidate the proposed scheme. Results: Provided trivial delineations, relatively as low as 5 to 7 implicit model parameters could be extracted and used as discriminants. Clinical verification showed that the model could differentiate early AD from aging, with high sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and F-measure of 0.970, 0.968, 0.983 and 0.983, respectively, with no apparent effect of left-right asymmetry. Thanks to a less laborious task required, yet high discriminating capability, the proposed scheme is expected to be applicable in a typical clinical setting, equipped with only a moderate-specs VCT.
Advances in Base-Free Oxidation of Bio-Based Compounds on Supported Gold Catalysts
Authors: Wojcieszak Robert , Ferraz Camila P. , Sha Jin , Houda Sarah , Rossi Liane M. , Paul Sébastien
Published: November 2017

The oxidation of bio-based molecules in general, and of carbohydrates and furanics in particular, is a highly attractive process. The catalytic conversion of renewable compounds is of high importance. Acids and other chemical intermediates issued from oxidation processes have many applications related, especially, to food and detergents, as well as to pharmaceutics, cosmetics, and the chemical industry. Until now, the oxidation of sugars, furfural, or 5-hydroxymethylfurfural has been mainly conducted through biochemical processes or with strong inorganic oxidants. The use of these processes very often presents many disadvantages, especially regarding products separation and selectivity control. Generally, the oxidation is performed in batch conditions using an appropriate catalyst and a basic aqueous solution (pH 7–9), while bubbling oxygen or air through the slurry. However, there is a renewed interest in working in base-free conditions to avoid the production of salts. Actually, this gives direct access to different acids or diacids without laborious product purification steps. This review focuses on processes applying gold-based catalysts, and on the catalytic properties of these systems in the base-free oxidation of important compounds: C5–C6 sugars, furfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. A better understanding of the chemical and physical properties of the catalysts and of the operating conditions applied in the oxidation reactions is essential. For this reason, in this review we put emphasis on these most impacting factors.
A New Observer Design for Fuzzy Bilinear Systems with Unknown Inputs
Authors: Yoneyama Jun
Published: November 2017

An observer design for a class of nonlinear systems with unknown inputs is considered. Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy bilinear systems represent a wide class of nonlinear systems, and these systems with unknown inputs are an ideal model for many physical systems. For such systems, a design method for obtaining an observer that estimates the state of the system is proposed. A parallel distributed observer (PDO), which is constructed with local linear observers and the appropriate grade of the membership functions, is a conventional observer for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy bilinear systems. However, it is known that its design conditions have conservativeness. In this paper, to reduce the conservatism in the design conditions, non-PDO with new design conditions is proposed. Our design conditions are derived from a multiple Lyapunov function, which depends on the membership function with time-delay in the premise variables. This method eventually reduces the conservatism and enables us to construct an observer for a wide class of nonlinear systems. When the premise variables are the state variables that are not measurable, Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy bilinear systems can represent a wider class of nonlinear systems. Hence, an observer design for fuzzy bilinear systems with unmeasurable premise variables is also proposed. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate our design methods.
Effect of Coal Grain Size on Sorption Capacity with Respect to Propylene and Acetylene
Authors: Dudzińska Agnieszka , Howaniec Natalia , Smoliński Adam
Published: November 2017

Propylene and acetylene are released to mine air with the increase in the temperature of self-heating coal. Concentrations of these gases in mine air are applied as indicators of the progress of the self-heating process. Hydrocarbons emitted from the self-ignition center are sorbed on coal, while migrating through the mine workings. Coal crushed during the mining process is characterized by a high sorption capacity, which facilitates the sorption phenomena. This results in the decrease in hydrocarbons content in mine air, and in the subsequent incorrect assessment of the development of the self-heating process. The results of the experimental study on propylene and acetylene sorption on Polish coals acquired from operating coal mines are presented in this paper. Bituminous coal is characterized by a high sorption capacity with respect to unsaturated hydrocarbons, like propylene and acetylene. The sorbed volumes depend on the grade of metamorphism, porosity, and chemical characteristics of coal. Low level of metamorphism, increased porosity, and oxygen content result in higher sorption capacity of coals. The reduction in grain size of coals also results in the increased sorption capacity with respect to hydrocarbons. The most significant increase in the volumes of sorbed propylene and acetylene with the decrease in grain class was observed for coals of low porosity, high grade of metamorphism, and low to medium sorption capacities. The 10-fold decrease in coal grain size resulted in the 3 to 6-fold increase in the volume of sorbed propylene, and 2-fold increase for acetylene. The decrease in grain size results in higher accessibility of pore structure, increased pore volume and area, and higher number of active centers interacting with hydrocarbons of dipole characteristics. For coals with low grade metamorphism, high porosity, and high sorption capacity the volumes of sorbed propylene and acetylene increased only slightly with the decrease in coal grain size.
Energy Management and Control of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in a Grid-Connected Hybrid Power System
Authors: Mumtaz Sidra , Ali Saima , Ahmad Saghir , Khan Laiq , Hassan Syed Zulqadar , Kamal Tariq
Published: November 2017

The charging infrastructure plays a key role in the healthy and rapid development of the electric vehicle industry. This paper presents an energy management and control system of an electric vehicle charging station. The charging station (CS) is integrated to a grid-connected hybrid power system having a wind turbine maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controlled subsystem, photovoltaic (PV) MPPT controlled subsystem and a controlled solid oxide fuel cell with electrolyzer subsystem which are characterized as renewable energy sources. In this article, an energy management system is designed for charging and discharging of five different plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) simultaneously to fulfil the grid-to-vehicle (G2V), vehicle-to-grid (V2G), grid-to-battery storage system (G2BSS), battery storage system-to-grid (BSS2G), battery storage system-to-vehicle (BSS2V), vehicle-to-battery storage system (V2BSS) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging and discharging requirements of the charging station. A simulation test-bed in Matlab/Simulink is developed to evaluate and control adaptively the AC-DC-AC converter of non-renewable energy source, DC-DC converters of the storage system, DC-AC grid side inverter and the converters of the CS using adaptive proportional-integral-derivate (AdapPID) control paradigm. The effectiveness of the AdapPID control strategy is validated through simulation results by comparing with conventional PID control scheme.