bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluación en pérdidas de durazno (Prunus persica) variedad rubidoux en la granja experimental Tunguavita Paipa, Boyacá, Colombia
Authors: Lemus Cerón Angela Johana , Bastidas Parrado Lisney Alessandra , Puentes Montañez Gloria Acened
Published: March 2017

Boyacá es un departamento colombiano con una posición geográfica privilegiada, cuya economía se basa principalmente en la producción agropecuaria; el durazno representa un renglón importante en la economía frutícola de Boyacá, sin embargo algunas prácticas culturales y de manejo de cultivos inadecuados han generado pérdidas graduales en el proceso productivo. A fin de comparar la producción en un huerto con extensión de 4 ha, distribuido en tres lotes de durazno variedad Rubidoux, en la granja experimental Tunguavita, municipio de Paipa, Boyacá, Colombia, se seleccionó una muestra aleatoria de 150 árboles frutales, marcados de acuerdo a la distribución del huerto de durazno, los datos recopilados en campo se tomaron con base en la producción y a variables de pérdida como número de frutos totales por árbol, frutos sobremaduros, frutos caídos por accidente, frutos aptos no cosechados, frutos desechados por daño. El análisis mostró que al obtener los 3 intervalos de diferencias en cuanto al límite superior e inferior, la producción es mayor en los lotes 1 y 2 respecto al lote 3, para las variables de pérdida el porcentaje fue del 14%, y los parámetros obtenidos, no presentaron diferencias estadísticas.
Resistencia a los antibióticos beta-lactámicos Carbapenems mediada por el gen blaKPC en Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Falco Restrepo Aura Dayana del Carmen , Aranaga Arias Carlos Andrés
Published: March 2017

 Los carbapenems son antibióticos â-lactamicos de amplio espectro que se utilizan como terapia de primera línea para tratar pacientes con infecciones graves. Actualmente, la resistencia a carbapenems se asocia con la presencia de â-lactamasas capaces de hidrolizar estos antibióticos. La carbapenemasa de clase A más común es KPC, la cual es codificada por el gen blaKPC que generalmente, se encuentra ubicado en plásmidos. La selección y la rápida propagación de aislados de Klebsiella pneumoniae portadores de estas carbapenemasas se ha convertido en un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Esta mini-revision describe uno de los mecanismos más frecuentes de resistencia a carbapenems como lo son las enzimas carbapenemasas tipo KPC. Además se describen las variantes del gen blaKPC asi como el elemento genético móvil, el transposon Tn4401, el principal responsable de su diseminación entre géneros y especies bacterianas diferentes. Finalmente se hace una pequeña revisión cronológica de los reportes de la enzima KPC a nivel mundial.
Efecto de la edad al primer parto y los días abiertos en un bovino doble propósito sobre la huella hídrica y de carbono
Authors: Molina Benavides Raúl Andrés , Sánchez Guerrero Hugo , Uribe Ceballos Jose Reinel , Stanislao Atzori Alberto
Published: March 2017

La actividad ganadera contribuye con la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero (EGEI) y el consumo de agua fresca (CA). Por ende, el objetivo de esta investigación fue estimar el efecto de la edad al primer parto (EPP) y los días abiertos (DA) en un bovino doble propósito en pastoreo, trópico bajo colombiano, sobre las EGEI y el CA. Esta estimación se logró integrando 4 metodologías existentes: Dinámica de Sistemas, Large Ruminal Nutrition System, Huella de carbono y Huella hídrica. Durante toda su vida, 91 meses, desde el nacimiento hasta el sacrificio, la vaca produjo 5.879 kg de leche -4 lactancias-, emitió 16.066 kg CO2eq y consumió 12.804.569 L de agua. Al disminuir la EPP en un mes, el CA y  las EGEI se redujeron en 123.156 l y 155 kg CO2eq, respectivamente. Cuando se  mermaron los DA en 21, las EGEI bajaron 647 kg CO2eq y el CA se redujo en 455.455 L. Parámetros reproductivos como la EPP y los DA tienen una fuerte influencia sobre la dinámica del animal en el hato,  afectando su productividad, emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y consumo de agua. 
Modelo de Referencia de Redes de Valor para un desarrollo sostenible
Authors: Acevedo Suárez José A. , Gómez Acosta Martha I. , López Joy Teresita , Acevedo Urquiaga Ana Julia , Pardillo Baez Yinef
Published: March 2017

A partir del estudio de casos y la modelación de sistemas logísticos se formula el contenido y estructura de un Modelo de Referencia para la organización y gestión de Redes de Valor como etapa superior de desarrollo de la gestión integrada de las cadenas de suministro. La definición de un modelo matemático para el balance de la Red de Valor permite revelar las características y los principios de organización y gestión de las Redes de Valor. El instrumento obtenido permite a las cadenas de suministro evaluar su nivel de desarrollo e identificar las características que deben desarrollar para alcanzar el concepto de Red de Valor, el cual se basa en el desarrollo del conocimiento y la integración medio ambiental como sostenes de la misma y su posicionamiento competitivo en el mercado globalizado.

La debida integración en el modelo de los factores medio ambientales asegura que las Redes de Valor se inserten en los objetivos de promover un desarrollo sostenible. El concepto actual de flujo logístico se amplía al incorporar al mismo el intercambio de energía, recursos e impactos con el medio ambiente.

Los métodos de investigación utilizados se basaron en una combinación de estudio y experimentación de casos y la modelación conceptual y matemática de sistemas.
Evaluación de las propiedades floculantes de Malvaviscus arboreus, Heliocarpus popayanensis e Hylocereus undatus para clarificación de aguas
Authors: Ramírez Estrada Lina Marcela , Suárez Córdoba Jean Deivi , Ramírez Quirama Juan Fernando
Published: March 2017

Malvaviscus arboreus, Heliocarpus popayanensis e Hylocereus undatus han sido reportados por pobladores ribereños como floculantes naturales. Se investigó en aguas de la quebrada La Salada (municipio de Caldas, Colombia) si los efectos floculantes se modifican por la especie (Malvaviscus arboreus, Heliocarpus popayanensis e Hylocereus undatus), el tipo de material vegetal (seco o fresco) y la concentración del floculante orgánico (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 y 60 ml). Se utilizó la metodología JAR, norma ASTM No. D2035-80. Se encontró que Heliocarpus popayanensis e Hylocereus undatus presentaron poder de floculación (Valor P: 0.017), al aumentar la concentración de floculante aumentó la floculación (Valor P: 0.08), y que el almacenaje no alteró los efectos de las especies sobre el proceso de floculación (Valor P: 0.7813).
Percepción de apicultores sobre la importancia apícola de las plantas melíferas del bosque seco de la Línea Noroeste (República Dominicana)
Authors: May Thomas , Rodríguez Sesar
Published: March 2017

Se estudiaron la flora melífera y su floración en la zona del bosque seco subtropical de la Línea Noroeste, de República Dominicana. Se aplicó una encuesta a 30 apicultores locales, así como 4 entrevistas semiestructuradas, sobre plantas de importancia para la actividad apícola. Se calificaron las plantas según su importancia; mediante observación, se confirmaron en campo las visitas de las abejas a las especies observadas y se consultó información secundaria sobre fechas de floración y características melíferas, información secundaria, y se aplicó el índice de Jaccard para determinar el grado de similitud entre el conjunto de las plantas mencionadas por los apicultores y las observadas en el campo. La coincidencia, relativamente buena, entre las plantas identificadas por los apicultores y las plantas en las que se observaron visitas de abejas en el campo confirma la validez del método. La mayoría de las plantas identificadas como melíferas son silvestres y pertenecen a la vegetación del bosque seco. Hay un período de floración abundante de marzo a junio y un período de escasez de septiembre a diciembre. Se recomienda la conservación de áreas significativas de bosque seco y de manglares en las áreas costeras, así como el establecimiento de cercas vivas y otros sistemas agroforestales
en el paisaje agrícola, que tengan en cuenta especies arbóreas
relevantes para la apicultura, con floración complementaria.
Reconstrucción de memoria y propuesta pedagógica en el municipio de Toca (Boyacá, Colombia). Del desarrollo al Posdesarrollo Rural
Authors: Alba Maldonado José Manuel , García Cabana Andrea Carolina
Published: March 2017

El siguiente artículo es resultado de la tesis de grado en la Maestría en Desarrollo Rural, Titulada “Posdesarrollo rural. Propuesta pedagógica de rescate de memoria en el municipio de Toca- Boyacá”. El artículo está dividido en tres partes, la primera se enfoca en la descripción sobre el problema y el objetivo, centrado en una crítica al desarrollo y mostrando cómo el posdesarrollo es un camino viable, teniendo como base la memoria colectiva en una propuesta pedagógica. En la segunda parte, se hace una breve descripción de la metodología de la investigación, ubicándola en un enfoque histórico hermenéutico, dentro de un método etnográfico en lo que respecta al rescate de memoria colectiva del Municipio y de investigación acción participativa en lo que respecta al trabajo con los estudiantes del Instituto Técnico Agrícola de Toca; en ésta parte también se hace una revisión bibliográfica sobre el concepto de posdesarrollo. En la última parte, se realiza una exposición de los resultados, dividida en dos secciones, en la primera se muestra, fruto del trabajo etnográfico, el rescate de la memoria, descubriendo sitios de importancia histórico-cultural, cuentos folclóricos entre otros; la segunda parte, evidencia el trabajo con los estudiantes, su transformación en investigadores y el encuentro con la memoria, todo esto enmarcado en el proceso de cimentación del posdesarrollo.
Métodos de Evaluación de Impacto Ambiental en Colombia
Authors: Toro Calderón Javier , Martínez Prada Renson
Published: March 2017

La Evaluación de Impacto Ambiental (EIA) en Colombia, se constituye en la principal herramienta para tomar decisiones sobre, proyectos, obras y actividades (POA) con potencial para generar impactos ambientales significativos. Para el caso de POA de infraestructuras, la EIA es obligatoria y determina la Licencia Ambiental (LA) para su construcción y operación. En este artículo se analizan los métodos utilizados para evaluar los impactos ambientales de los POA que solicitaron LA ante el Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible. Se encontró que el método más utilizado es el cualitativo propuesto por Conesa, con modificaciones que disminuyen la efectividad de la EIA y potencializan la subjetividad y el sesgo del evaluador. Finalmente se incorporan una serie de recomendaciones para mejorar el proceso en el país.
Análisis del Indice de Riesgo de la Calidad del Agua para Consumo Humano -iRca- y su Relación con variables meteorológicas y ubicación Geográfica para el departamento del Tolima en los años 2012–2013
Authors: López Jiménez Víctor Leonardo , Martínez Ramos Judy Johanna , Almario Guio Diana Paola
Published: March 2017

Este proyecto se desarrolló con el fin de contribuir a la gestión de mejora continua en el proceso de vigi- lancia y control de la calidad del agua para consumo humano en el departamento del Tolima. A través del análisis de la información reportada por el Sistema de Información para la Vigilancia de la Calidad del Agua para Consumo Humano, Sivicap, con el coeficiente de Pearson como herramienta estadística, se determina- ron las correlaciones entre parámetros que componen el IRCA, para evidenciar las posibles mejoras acerca del cálculo de este índice y su planteamiento. Se estableció la relación entre variables meteorológicas con el IRCA, consolidando estas en mapas temáticos, lo cual permite un análisis más detallado del mismo por mu- nicipio, con base en las condiciones geográficas del área de estudio. Finalmente, se formularon alternativas de mejoramiento dirigidas a las acciones de control y vigilancia de la calidad del agua para consumo humano. De esta manera, se identificaron las inconsistencias de la información reportada por el Sivicap, que refiere principalmente al incumplimiento de la Resolución 2115 de 2007, en relación con los parámetros de medición de las características físicas, químicas y microbiológicas; además, se estableció la alteración del índice por factores externos como el clima, aumentando su resultado en presencia de fenómenos de precipitación y temperatura pronunciados. El resultado de este estudio, conlleva a determinar los factores que intervienen en la variación del índice, proporcionando así, información pertinente que puede aplicarse como argumento para la toma de decisiones y gestión de los entes responsables de la calidad del agua.
Secure Examination Management System for M-Learning (SEMS)
Authors: Abnave Akshada , Banait Charulata , Chopade Mrunalini , Godalkar Supriya , Pawar Soudamini , Nikam Vidya
Published: March 2017

M-learning or mobile learning is defined as learning through mobile apps, social interactions and online educational hubs via Internet or network using personal mobile devices such as tablets and smart phones. However, in such open environment examination security is most challenging task as students can exchange mobile devices or also can exchange information through network during examination. This paper aims to design secure examination management system for m- learning and provide appropriate mechanism for anti- impersonation to ensure examination security. The users are authenticated through OTP. To prevent students from exchanging mobile devices during examination, system re-authenticates students automatically through face recognition at random time without interrupting the test. The system also provides external click management i.e. prevent students from accessing online sites and already downloaded files during examination.
Clinical and autopsy findings of the homeless
Authors: Radunovic Miodrag , Radojevic Nemanja , Rakocevic Velimir , Vucinic Jelena , Curovic Ivana
Published: March 2017

Introduction/Objective. The population of homeless people has been growing rapidly over the past decades, and is a part of regular repertoire in daily autopsy practice. The paper aims to establish a contingent of autopsy findings specific for homeless persons using a cohort approach. Methods. The study group consisted of the bodies of 37 homeless men autopsied in the past 15 years. The control group consisted of 37 men and was created by a driven randomized selection following the same distribution of the causes of death. A standardized full autopsy was performed in every case, followed by microscopic examination and toxicology if indicated. Many external and internal features were compared. Results. Homeless people lived significantly shorter, and were more often unidentified at the time of autopsy (p < 0.05). As for external features, we found that homeless people were significantly shorter, with longer hair, beard, and nails, and worse dental status compared to the control group (p < 0.01); 70.3% of the homeless people were underweight; significantly more often suffered from infectious lung diseases, alcoholic liver disease and showed signs of old brain contusions (p < 0.01); they had higher blood alcohol concentrations at the time of death compared to the controls (p < 0.05), but a significantly lower atherosclerotic grade (p < 0.01), and were found to die significantly more often during the winter months (p < 0.01). Besides this, the homeless are more usually affected by specific and non-specific lung inflammations and alcohol liver diseases. Conclusion. Autopsy findings of homeless people define an almost particular presentation compared with controls.
TRADISI AKADEMIK DALAM KHALAQAH TAFSI>R (Orientasi Semantik al-Qur’an Klasik alam Diskursus Hermeneutik)
Authors: Wathani Syamsul
Published: March 2017

This article discusses Qur’anic semantic within hermeneutic discourse. The classical interpretation of the Qur’an (I-IV H) are set to be the sobject matter to be discussed within the framework of hermeneutic. By doing so, the article is expected to contribute to give a new formulation about the classical interpretation discourse on the Qur’an. Besides, the article is also expected to discover the new theory about Qur’anic hermeneutic which operated in the sphere of text. The classical Qur’anic semantic has shown the contestation which not only dit it appear in the sphere of meaning (dilalah), but more deeply in played a dialecticsof language between oral notion (al-Qur’an/kalam) and the recipient (khitab al-Qur’an).
Methods for Interference Management in Medical Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Abedi Saied
Published: March 2017

Emerging Medical Body Area Networks (MBANs) require new, protected spectrum for clinical applications. This may mean uncoordinated and autonomous operation of multiple MBANs, within the new candidate bands. The question is that how will MBANs coexist as a secondary service with other radio systems? Clinical environment requires balance of robust and efficient wireless techniques to enable coexistence of MBANs and other radio devices where low transmission power MBANs as secondary systems may be vulnerable to interference from incumbent devices transceivers. Physical separation between the MBANs and incumbent radio devices and avoiding the transmission in the same frequency bands among the wireless techniques may be considered. In this paper, we propose interferencemanagement techniques considering such coexistencebetween the MBANs and other radio systems and deal withthe issue of co-existence with primary systems by proposing novel methods for a gateway-to-gateway coordination, to assist the methods described in the first and second part of this paper. Result is improved reliability and Quality of Service for MBANs. These would lead to multiple clinical benefits, including better patient mobility, more monitoring flexibility and extension of monitoring into care areas that are currently unmonitored. Reduced clinical errors and reduced overall monitoring costs are other results.
ASPECTS OF ECONOMIC PRODUCTION IN MALAY CLASSICAL LITERATURE ACCORDING TO SHEIKH DAUD AL-FATANI
Authors: Towpek Hadenan , Borhan Joni Tamkin
Published: March 2017

Sheikh Daud bin ‘Abdullah al-Fatani (1131-1265AH/1718-1847CE) is a Malay scholar who appears on the transition period to 18M and 19M century. He was known as a productive scholar and prolific book, which can be viewed from various aspects. Therefore, this article attempts to analyze his views on aspects of production as discussed in his masterpiece Furu‘al-Masa’il and specifically referred to in chapter transaction. This article uses content analysis methods through a thematic approach in identifying the aspects of production. This article identifies at least nine aspects contained in the production of the work of priority in economic aspect, the aspect of work/effort, capital, profit-generating aspect, the aspect of profit distribution, aspects of joint agricultural projects, exploring aspects of soil, aspect prohibition of usury and aspects of the general offer. This finding indirectly indicates that the views of Sheikh Daud al-Fatani presented in the book furu‘ al-Masa’il are an ever green that is a deep insight into and remain relevant from the past, present and future. Key Words: Economic, Production, Malay, Daud Al-Fatani
CONVERTING TO ISLAM
Authors: Atio Segu
Published: March 2017

Despite the fact that early Chinese expeditions to this country were led by a Muslim Chinese named Zheng He (Cheng Ho), the overwhelming majority of Chinese Indonesians currently embrace religions other than Islam. This article aims to give a first-hand account of a Chinese woman who converted to Islam and the stereotypical opinion commonly held among Chinese Indonesians, particularly those living in Pontianak, about it. This article also looks at why a conversion to Islam is always seen with a puzzled frown.

Keyword: Convert, Islam, Chinesse
Description and comparison of excretory urography performed during radiography and computed tomography for evaluation of the urinary system in healthy New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Vilalta Laura , Altuzarra Raul , Espada Yvonne , Dominguez Elisabet , Novellas Rosa , Martorell Jaime
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the usefulness of excretory urography performed during radiography (REU) and CT (CTEU) in healthy rabbits, determine timings of urogram phases, and compare sensitivities of REU and CTEU for detection of these phases.

ANIMALS 13 New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

PROCEDURES Rabbits were screened for signs of systemic and urinary tract disease. An REU examination of each was performed, followed ≥ 5 days later by a CTEU examination. Contrast images from each modality were evaluated for quality of opacification and intervals between initiation of contrast medium administration and detection of various urogram phases.

RESULTS Excretory urograms of excellent diagnostic quality were achieved with both imaging modalities. For all rabbits, the nephrographic phase of the urogram appeared in the first postcontrast REU image (obtained between 34 and 40 seconds after initiation of contrast medium administration) and at a median interval of 20 seconds in CTEU images. The pyelographic phase began at a median interval of 1.63 minutes with both imaging modalities. Contrast medium was visible within the urinary bladder at a median interval of 2.20 minutes. Median interval to the point at which the nephrogram and pyelogram were no longer visible in REU images was 8 hours and 2.67 hours, respectively. The CTEU technique was better than the REU technique for evaluating renal parenchyma.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that REU and, particularly, CTEU may be valuable tools for the diagnosis of renal and urinary tract disease in rabbits; however, additional evaluation in diseased rabbits is required.
Evaluation of a new method to determine the tibial tuberosity advancement distance required to reduce the patellar tendon-tibial plateau angle to 90° with the modified Maquet technique in dogs
Authors: Pillard Paul , Livet Veronique , Cabon Quentin , Bismuth Camille , Sonet Juliette , Remy Denise , Fau Didier , Carozzo Claude , Viguier Eric , Cachon Thibaut
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE To assess use of a new radiographic method to determine the distance by which the tibial tuberosity should be advanced to reduce the patellar tendon-tibial plateau angle (PTA) to 90° by means of the modified Maquet technique (MMT) in dogs.

SAMPLE 24 pelvic limbs from 12 adult medium-sized to large-breed canine cadavers.

PROCEDURES Radiographs of stifle joints at 135° extension in true lateral position were used to determine tibial tuberosity advancement distances for use in the MMT. A method was devised to incorporate the planned osteotomy axis; distal patellar translations of 0, 3, 5, or 10 mm; and advancement cage implant application level along the osteotomy site in advancement planning measurements. Concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs) were calculated to compare these adjusted advancement measurements with true advancement measurements obtained for the same joints in another study after treatment by MMT. Intraobserver, interobserver, and total agreement for selected measurements were determined by assessment of CCCs for results obtained by 3 blinded observers.

RESULTS Agreement between true advancement measurements and measurements obtained with osteotomy axis and cage position method calculations that incorporated a 5-mm distal patellar translation distance was excellent (CCC, 0.96). Intraobserver and interobserver agreements for the planning measurements evaluated were good to excellent (CCC, 0.83 to 0.96).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that the osteotomy axis and cage position method incorporating a 5-mm distal patellar translation distance has the potential to improve success rates for achieving a PTA of 90° in medium-sized to large-breed dogs undergoing MMT for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Further research is warranted.
Potensi dan Permasalahan Tinggalan Arkeologi Masa Kolonial di Depok
Authors: Abrianto Octaviadi
Published: March 2017

Depok is a small city at the outskirt of Jakarta with a very rapid development of  infrastructures in the last 36 years. Depok is also a place where first Christian community developed outside of Dutch cities in Indonesia. There are some archaeological remains in Depok; this article explores the archaeological prospects as well as some other potencies of archaeological remains in Depok. This article also investigates problems that threat the existence of archaeological remains in Depok. This article aims is to recognize  alternatives in order to preserve Colonial buildings in Depok. The result shows that archaeological potency can be identified in different segments consists of social, political, and cultural potencies in Depok.. Problems faced by archaeological remains in Depok are the lack of socialization of Cultural Heritage Enacment no. 11, 2010, status vaguesess, ownership,  and the poor coordination between  parties involved. The most important way to solve the problems above is to socialize law of cultural heritage; to develop the understanding of community for the importance of preserving cultural heritage for current and  next generation.Kota Depok merupakan kota di pinggir DKI Jakarta yang pembangunannya sangat pesat pada 36 tahun terakhir ini,. Depok juga merupakan tempat berkembangnya komunitas kristen pertama di luar komunitas perkotaan Belanda di Indonesia. Tinggalan masa kolonial di kota tersebut cukup banyak, namun terancam oleh  perkembangan kota, oleh karena itu maka perlu dilestarikan dengan memanfaatkan bangunan-bangunan kolonial yang ada. Pemanfaatan bangunan-bangunan tersebut dapat dikembangkan dengan terlebih dahulu mengidentifikasikan potensi yang ada pada bangunan-bangunan tersebut. Sehubungan dengan hal tersebut, maka pertanyaan yang diajukan dalam penelitian ini adalah apa saja potensi tinggalan serta permasalahan apa saja yang  mengancam keberadaan bangunan-bangunan kolonial tersebut. Tujuan dari artikel ini adalah mencari cara melestarikan bangunan Kolonial di Depok. Metode penalaran yang digunakan untuk memecahkan masalah adalah induktif. Data yang didapat menunjukkan bahwa tinggalan yang ada  berjumlah cukup banyak terdiri dari bangunan rumah tinggal, infrastruktur, pemerintahan, ibadah serta pemakaman. Potensi yang ada pada tinggalan berupa potensi arkeologis, sosial, politik, maupun budaya. Permasalahan yang ada terkait tinggalan masa kolonial di Depok adalah, kurangnya sosialisasi  UU no. 11 tahun 2010, tidak jelasnya status bangunan, tidak jelasnya kepemilikan bangunan, serta kurangnya koordinasi antara pihak-pihak yang berkepentingan. Cara paling penting untuk melestarikan bangunan Kolonial di Depok adalah dengan mensosialisasikan UU no. 11 tahun 2010 tentang Cagar Budaya agar timbul kesadaran masyarakat untuk berperan aktif dalam melindungi serta menjaga tinggalan arkeologi masa kolonial untuk generasi masa kini dan mendatang.
The Application of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide and Ethanol for the Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Chokeberry Pomace
Authors: Woźniak Łukasz , Marszałek Krystian , Skąpska Sylwia , Jędrzejczak Renata
Published: March 2017

Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot) is a fruit with exceptionally high levels of phenolic compounds which are accumulated mainly in the peel; hence, the majority remains in the leftovers after juice production. Extraction with the use of carbon dioxide in supercritical conditions was used to isolate phenolic compounds from the pomace. The effect of the process parameters (temperature; pressure; and the addition of ethanol) on the extraction yields and properties of the extracts was investigated. The anthocyanin and total phenolic compound content, as well as the scavenging activity against five selected radicals, were evaluated. The best results were acquired for 35 °C, 10 MPa, and 80% m/m ethanol addition, the yield of phenolic compounds was 1.52 g per 100 g of pomace. The amount of extracted phenolics and the antioxidative attributes of the extracts were highly correlated. The impact of supercritical carbon dioxide density on the amount of recovered compounds was confirmed. The use of supercritical CO2 led to a significant reduction in the volume of organic solvent required for extraction.
Fourier Series for Singular Measures
Authors: Herr John , Weber Eric
Published: March 2017

Using the Kaczmarz algorithm, we prove that for any singular Borel probability measure μ on [ 0 , 1 ) , every f ∈ L 2 ( μ ) possesses a Fourier series of the form f ( x ) = ∑ n = 0 ∞ c n e 2 π i n x . We show that the coefficients c n can be computed in terms of the quantities f ^ ( n ) = ∫ 0 1 f ( x ) e − 2 π i n x d μ ( x ) . We also demonstrate a Shannon-type sampling theorem for functions that are in a sense μ -bandlimited.
High Catalytic Activity of Heterometallic (Fe6Na7 and Fe6Na6) Cage Silsesquioxanes in Oxidations with Peroxides
Authors: Yalymov Alexey , Bilyachenko Alexey , Levitsky Mikhail , Korlyukov Alexander , Khrustalev Victor , Shul’pina Lidia , Dorovatovskii Pavel , Es’kova Marina , Lamaty Frédéric , Bantreil Xavier , Villemejeanne Benoît , Martinez Jean , Shubina Elena , Kozlov Yuriy , Shul’pin Georgiy
Published: March 2017

Two types of heterometallic (Fe(III),Na) silsesquioxanes—[Ph5Si5O10]2[Ph10Si10O21]Fe6(O2‒)2Na7(H3O+)(MeOH)2(MeCN)4.5.1.25(MeCN), I, and [Ph5Si5O10]2[Ph4Si4O8]2Fe6Na6(O2‒)3(MeCN)8.5(H2O)8.44, II—were obtained and characterized. X-ray studies established distinctive structures of both products, with pair of Fe(III)-O-based triangles surrounded by siloxanolate ligands, giving fascinating cage architectures. Complex II proved to be catalytically active in the formation of amides from alcohols and amines, and thus becoming a rare example of metallasilsesquioxanes performing homogeneous catalysis. Benzene, cyclohexane, and other alkanes, as well as alcohols, can be oxidized in acetonitrile solution to phenol—the corresponding alkyl hydroperoxides and ketones, respectively—by hydrogen peroxide in air in the presence of catalytic amounts of complex II and trifluoroacetic acid. Thus, the cyclohexane oxidation at 20 °C gave oxygenates in very high yield of alkanes (48% based on alkane). The kinetic behaviour of the system indicates that the mechanism includes the formation of hydroxyl radicals generated from hydrogen peroxide in its interaction with di-iron species. The latter are formed via monomerization of starting hexairon complex with further dimerization of the monomers.
Financial Appraisal of Small Hydro-Power Considering the Cradle-to-Grave Environmental Cost: A Case from Greece
Authors: Vougioukli Adamantia , Didaskalou Eleni , Georgakellos Dimitrios
Published: March 2017

In the last decades increasing attention to environmental issues has come to the fore due to the looming issue of climate change. The growing demand for energy, coupled with the increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, have forced the study and development of energy plants that use renewable energy sources (RES), as electricity generation is one of the major contributors to anthropogenic emissions. Small hydropower plants are of particular interest as their potential is assumed to be high. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impacts of small hydropower plants (SHPs) using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The main parameter set for our simplified LCA model was the weight of the components used to construct and operate the plant: concrete, aggregates and steel. Through LCA, air pollutant externalities were associated with the life cycle of SHPs. This was accomplished by applying the NEEDS framework. The results are given per impact type (human health, loss of biodiversity, crop yield, material damage and climate change). The spearhead of the study is that the environmental cost must be a parameter of the total investment cost, which may affect the indexes of the financial evaluation of the project.
A High-Efficiency Isolated-Type Three-Port Bidirectional DC/DC Converter for Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Wu Yu-En , Chiu Pin-Nan
Published: March 2017

This paper proposes a novel high-efficiency isolated three-port bidirectional DC/DC device for photovoltaic (PV) systems. The device contains a high step-up converter for PV modules to supply power to the DC bus, and a bidirectional charge/discharge control circuit for the battery with an improved boost-flyback converter. When the PV modules supply sufficient energy, their output can be stepped up and energy supply to the DC bus and charging of the battery can be achieved simultaneously. However, when the energy supplied is insufficient, the battery provides energy to the DC bus. When the proposed converter is operated in the step-down mode, the DC-blocking capacitor on the high-voltage side is used to reduce the voltage on the transformer and achieve high step-down performance. Moreover, to improve the overall efficiency of the system, the energy stored in the leakage inductance is recycled and supplied to the DC-blocking capacitor during operation in the step-up mode. Finally, to verify the feasibility and practicability of the proposed devices, a 500 W three-port bidirectional DC/DC devices was implemented. The highest efficiencies achieved for operation in different modes were as follows: high step-up mode for the PV modules, 95.2%; battery step-up mode, 94.2%; and step-down mode, 97.6%.
Conceptions of Contraceptive Use in Rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Lessons for Programming
Authors: Ndinda Catherine , Ndhlovu Tidings , Khalema Nene
Published: March 2017

Community family planning programmes in South Africa arose from the controversial apartheid history of controlling the African population while encouraging the growth of European migrant population. Post-apartheid population policies shifted away from population control to aligning policies to the global agenda that placed emphasis on the link between population and development. The focus on population and development polices in post-apartheid South Africa is on social equality, justice and peace rather than controlling sections of the population. Given the shift, this paper interrogates the conceptions of contraceptive use among rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal. Our primary objective is to understand the dynamics surrounding access to and use of family planning services in peri-urban and rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. Using focus group data, the findings of the study suggest that different social categories interact with the family planning programmes differently. How teenagers and married women perceive the value of family planning differs. Gender differences regarding the use of condoms are also evident. The paper attempts to grapple with the non-use of condoms despite the knowledge that these prevent pregnancy and provide protection from sexually-transmitted diseases. The contribution of this paper lies in its identification of socio-cultural factors and the political economy underlying the different attitudes towards contraceptive use in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
An Effective High-Performance Multiway Spatial Join Algorithm with Spark
Authors: Du Zhenhong , Zhao Xianwei , Ye Xinyue , Zhou Jingwei , Zhang Feng , Liu Renyi
Published: March 2017

Multiway spatial join plays an important role in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and their applications. With the increase in spatial data volumes, the performance of multiway spatial join has encountered a computation bottleneck in the context of big data. Parallel or distributed computing platforms, such as MapReduce and Spark, are promising for resolving the intensive computing issue. Previous approaches have focused on developing single-threaded join algorithms as an optimizing and partition strategy for parallel computing. In this paper, we present an effective high-performance multiway spatial join algorithm with Spark (MSJS) to overcome the multiway spatial join bottleneck. MSJS handles the problem through cascaded pairwise join. Using the power of Spark, the formerly inefficient cascaded pairwise spatial join is transformed into a high-performance approach. Experiments using massive real-world data sets prove that MSJS outperforms existing parallel approaches of multiway spatial join that have been described in the literature.
Spatial Data Sharing: A Pilot Study of French SDIs
Authors: Noucher Matthieu , Gourmelon Françoise , Gautreau Pierre , Georis-Creuseveau Jade , Maulpoix Adeline , Pierson Julie , Pinède Nathalie , Pissoat Olivier , Rouan Mathias
Published: March 2017

Since the appearance of Spatial Data Infrastructure several years ago, there has been a tremendous increase in spatial data available on the Internet. This situation raises several research issues, in terms of identifying the content actually accessible via this medium and its impact on governance and local authority management. Our study proposes a mixed methodology applied to 45 French institutional infrastructures, to compare the objectives stated by their promoters, their content, and the actual services provided. The methodology, based on an analysis of interviews with Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) coordinators and their answers to questionnaires, as well as a study of their websites and an exploration of over 160,000 metadata in their metadata catalogues, produced varied results concerning data accessibility, stakeholder networks, the interoperability of tools, and informational equality in different regions. Despite the proactive stance of SDI promoters, only 15.7% of data are open-access. Their interoperability remains restricted to specific types of actors and themes. Although geocollaboration organised by SDIs is very active, it only concerns the public sector. These disparities also concern their informational dimension, as some regions have considerable resources at their disposal, but others do not.
Affine-Invariant Triangulation of Spatio-Temporal Data with an Application to Image Retrieval
Authors: Haesevoets Sofie , Kuijpers Bart , Revesz Peter Z.
Published: March 2017

In the geometric data model for spatio-temporal data, introduced by Chomicki and Revesz [1], spatio-temporal data are modelled as a finite collection of triangles that are transformed by time-dependent affinities of the plane. To facilitate querying and animation of spatio-temporal data, we present a normal form for data in the geometric data model. We propose an algorithm for constructing this normal form via a spatio-temporal triangulation of geometric data objects. This triangulation algorithm generates new geometric data objects that partition the given objects both in space and in time. A particular property of the proposed partition is that it is invariant under time-dependent affine transformations, and hence independent of the particular choice of coordinate system used to describe the spatio-temporal data in. We can show that our algorithm works correctly and has a polynomial time complexity (of reasonably low degree in the number of input triangles and the maximal degree of the polynomial functions that describe the transformation functions). We also discuss several possible applications of this spatio-temporal triangulation. The application of our affine-invariant spatial triangulation method to image indexing and retrieval is discussed and an experimental evaluation is given in the context of bird images.
An Amylase-Like Protein, AmyD, Is the Major Negative Regulator for α-Glucan Synthesis in Aspergillus nidulans during the Asexual Life Cycle
Authors: He Xiaoxiao , Li Shengnan , Kaminskyj Susan
Published: March 2017

α-Glucan affects fungal cell–cell interactions and is important for the virulence of pathogenic fungi. Interfering with production of α-glucan could help to prevent fungal infection. In our previous study, we reported that an amylase-like protein, AmyD, could repress α-glucan accumulation in Aspergillus nidulans. However, the underlying molecular mechanism was not clear. Here, we examined the localization of AmyD and found it was a membrane-associated protein. We studied AmyD function in α-glucan degradation, as well as with other predicted amylase-like proteins and three annotated α-glucanases. AmyC and AmyE share a substantial sequence identity with AmyD, however, neither affects α-glucan synthesis. In contrast, AgnB and MutA (but not AgnE) are functional α-glucanases that also repress α-glucan accumulation. Nevertheless, the functions of AmyD and these glucanases were independent from each other. The dynamics of α-glucan accumulation showed different patterns between the AmyD overexpression strain and the α-glucanase overexpression strains, suggesting AmyD may not be involved in the α-glucan degradation process. These results suggest the function of AmyD is to directly suppress α-glucan synthesis, but not to facilitate its degradation.
Overexpression of Exosomal Cardioprotective miRNAs Mitigates Hypoxia-Induced H9c2 Cells Apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Jinwei , Ma Jideng , Long Keren , Qiu Wanling , Wang Yujie , Hu Zihui , Liu Can , Luo Yi , Jiang Anan , Jin Long , Tang Qianzi , Wang Xun , Li Xuewei , Li Mingzhou
Published: March 2017

Recent evidence suggests that hypoxia caused by acute myocardial infarction can induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Exosomes are signalling mediators that contribute to intercellular communication by transporting cytosolic components including miRNAs, mRNAs, and proteins. However, the systemic regulation and function of exosomal miRNAs in hypoxic cardiomyocytes are currently not well understood. Here, we used small RNA sequencing to investigate the effects of hypoxia stress on miRNAome of rat cardiomyoblast cells (H9c2) and corresponding exosomes. We identified 92 and 62 miRNAs in cells and exosomes, respectively, that were differentially expressed between hypoxia and normoxia. Hypoxia strongly modulated expression of hypoxia-associated miRNAs in H9c2 cells, and altered the miRNAome of H9c2 cells-derived exosomes. Functional enrichment analysis revealed extensive roles of differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs in the HIF-1 signalling pathway and in apoptosis-related pathways including the TNF, MAPK, and mTOR pathways. Furthermore, gain- and loss-of-function analysis demonstrated potential anti-apoptotic effects of the hypoxia-induced exosomal miRNAs, including miR-21-5p, miR-378-3p, miR-152-3p, and let-7i-5p; luciferase reporter assay confirmed that Atg12 and Faslg are targets of miR-152-3p and let-7i-5p, respectively. To summarize, this study revealed that hypoxia-induced exosomes derived from H9c2 cells loaded cardioprotective miRNAs, which mitigate hypoxia-induced H9c2 cells apoptosis.
De Novo Assembly, Annotation, and Characterization of Root Transcriptomes of Three Caladium Cultivars with a Focus on Necrotrophic Pathogen Resistance/Defense-Related Genes
Authors: Cao Zhe , Deng Zhanao
Published: March 2017

Roots are vital to plant survival and crop yield, yet few efforts have been made to characterize the expressed genes in the roots of non-model plants (root transcriptomes). This study was conducted to sequence, assemble, annotate, and characterize the root transcriptomes of three caladium cultivars (Caladium × hortulanum) using RNA-Seq. The caladium cultivars used in this study have different levels of resistance to Pythium myriotylum, the most damaging necrotrophic pathogen to caladium roots. Forty-six to 61 million clean reads were obtained for each caladium root transcriptome. De novo assembly of the reads resulted in approximately 130,000 unigenes. Based on bioinformatic analysis, 71,825 (52.3%) caladium unigenes were annotated for putative functions, 48,417 (67.4%) and 31,417 (72.7%) were assigned to Gene Ontology (GO) and Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG), respectively, and 46,406 (64.6%) unigenes were assigned to 128 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. A total of 4518 distinct unigenes were observed only in Pythium-resistant “Candidum” roots, of which 98 seemed to be involved in disease resistance and defense responses. In addition, 28,837 simple sequence repeat sites and 44,628 single nucleotide polymorphism sites were identified among the three caladium cultivars. These root transcriptome data will be valuable for further genetic improvement of caladium and related aroids.
Identification of Key Candidate Genes and Pathways in Colorectal Cancer by Integrated Bioinformatical Analysis
Authors: Guo Yongchen , Bao Yonghua , Ma Ming , Yang Wancai
Published: March 2017

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant diseases worldwide, but the involved signaling pathways and driven-genes are largely unclear. This study integrated four cohorts profile datasets to elucidate the potential key candidate genes and pathways in CRC. Expression profiles GSE28000, GSE21815, GSE44076 and GSE75970, including 319 CRC and 103 normal mucosa, were integrated and deeply analyzed. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were sorted and candidate genes and pathways enrichment were analyzed. DEGs-associated protein–protein interaction network (PPI) was performed. Firstly, 292 shared DEGs (165 up-regulated and 127 down-regulated) were identified from the four GSE datasets. Secondly, the DEGs were clustered based on functions and signaling pathways with significant enrichment analysis. Thirdly, 180 nodes/DEGs were identified from DEGs PPI network complex. Lastly, the most significant 2 modules were filtered from PPI, 31 central node genes were identified and most of the corresponding genes are involved in cell cycle process, chemokines and G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways. Taken above, using integrated bioinformatical analysis, we have identified DEGs candidate genes and pathways in CRC, which could improve our understanding of the cause and underlying molecular events, and these candidate genes and pathways could be therapeutic targets for CRC.
Outcome of Clinical Trials with New Extended Half-Life FVIII/IX Concentrates
Authors: Mancuso Maria , Santagostino Elena
Published: March 2017

The development of a new generation of coagulation factors with improved pharmacokinetic profile will change the paradigm of treatment of persons with hemophilia (PWH). The standard treatment in PWH is represented by regular long-term prophylaxis that, given intravenously twice or thrice weekly, is associated with a not-negligible burden on patients’ quality of life. The availability of drugs with improved pharmacokinetic profile may improve prophylaxis feasibility and protection against bleeding episodes. This article summarizes the main results obtained from clinical trials with modified factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX) molecules. Published literature on new molecules for replacement treatment in hemophilia A and B was retrieved using PubMed search, and all ongoing clinical trials have been researched via www.clinicaltrials.gov. Such new molecules are usually engineered to have a longer plasma half-life than that which has been obtained by chemical modification (i.e., conjugation with polyethylene glycol, PEG) or by creating recombinant fusion proteins. Results from phase I/III studies in previously treated adults and children are now available for the vast majority of new products, including the results of their use in a surgical setting. On the contrary, trials involving previously untreated patients are still ongoing for all and results not yet available.