bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disability and mortality following road traffic injury: a follow-up study from a tertiary care centre of India
Authors: Chauhan Ashish , Ahmed Naim , Singh Jai Veer , Singh Vijay Kumar , Singh Ajai , Kumar Suresh
Published: November 2017

Background: Road traffic injury (RTI) is emerging as a huge public health problem throughout the world. The problem is magnified manifold as it mainly affects people in productive age-group causing significant mortality and disability. Very few studies have been done in India to assess disability following RTI though it has attained astronomic proportions. This study was undertaken to know the proportion of disability as an outcome amongst patients admitted for road traffic injuries in a tertiary care centre of Lucknow, India and to know the determinants of mortality and disability following Road Traffic Injuries amongst these patients.Methods: A follow-up study was conducted on 267 patients of RTI admitted at Trauma Centre of King George’s Medical University UP (tertiary care centre), Lucknow, India from November 2012 to June 2013. Systemic random sampling was used to select the patients. Disability was assessed using ten points modified Barthel index. Data analysis was done using SPSS 17.0 software.Results: Mortality and disability were seen in 13.1 percent and 16.36 percent of the patients. Residence locale, road user type, time at first aid and admission, and head injury were significantly associated with mortality while extremes of age, residence locale and lower limb injury were significantly associated with disability. The level of significance was set at p value of 0.05.Conclusions: RTI poses a huge burden on healthcare delivery system and society in the form of mortality and disability. Attempts pertaining various sectors should be made to reduce the incidence of RTI and ensuing disability.
Efficient resource management for cost effective healthcare at Jinnah postgraduate medical centre
Authors: Jawed Shafaq , Tariq Syed Maaz
Published: November 2017

Jinnah Post graduate medical Centre (JPMC) is on the biggest public hospitals of Pakistan, serves 1.2 million patients annually, 4,38,000 patients examined in the emergency department alone. Most of health services & treatments are low cost at JPMC and affordable for everyone. However, over the past few years the number of patients in emergency as well as Outpatient department has substantially increased causing stress on physical, human and financial resources. The number of patients has increased by two folds in the last decade. These number are continuously increasing and over burden to available infrastructure is a hindrance in the way of quality medical care. A study conducted in the department of chest medicine of JPMC revealed that among 120 tuberculosis patients, almost 50% (60) died during hospitalization. Delayed treatment, absence of smear records were among the major prognostic factors. Limited resources coupled with poor management results in compromised health care.
A study of the association of premature androgenetic alopecia with metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease
Authors: Batra Jaskaran , Khunger Niti , Maan Khushpreet Kaur
Published: November 2017

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common form of patterned hair loss characterized by transformation of terminal hair of the scalp to vellous hair mediated mainly by androgens. Premature androgenetic alopecia can be defined as androgenetic alopecia developing before 35 years of age and presenting with at least stage 2 of Norwood-Hamilton classification. Premature AGA not only adds to psychological stress but is also reported as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and carcinoma prostrate. In many subsequent studies, AGA has been shown to be associated with several diseases such as insulin resistance (IR), abnormal serum lipid profiles and obesity.

Methods: Various parameters of metabolic syndrome were measured in 75 male patients of AGA in the department of dermatology, Safdarjung hospital from June 2015 to April 2016. ECG and echocardiography was done in all patients to look for any evidence of premature coronary artery disease.

Results: In our study grade III and IV of AGA were the most common types (32% each). We found the prevalence of metabolic syndrome to be 8% in our patients with premature androgenetic alopecia in accordance with the NCEP ATP III guidelines. There was a significant positive correlation between grade of androgenetic alopecia and metabolic syndorme in our patients (p=0.049).

Conclusions: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was not increased as compared to general population.
Studies on neopaganism in Brazil
Authors: De Castro Dannyel Teles
Published: November 2017

There are at least 15 years that some Brazilian researchers in the fields of anthropology, sociology, history and religious studies strive to assist in the advancement of knowledge about the religious expressions of Contemporary Paganism. These, in turn, are shown in constant growth on Brazilian society. Such researches converge to form a specific field of religious studies, consisting of religions which until then were only understood in a very superficial way through the analytical category "new religious movements". This paper makes a survey of the main academic studies already made on pagan religions in Brazil, reflecting on some of the major analyzes woven about such expressions.

Estudos sobre o neopaganismo no Brasil

Há pelo menos 15 anos alguns pesquisadores brasileiros das áreas da antropologia, sociologia, história e ciências da religião empenham-se em auxiliar no avanço de conhecimento sobre as expressões religiosas do Paganismo Contemporâneo. Essas, por sua vez, mostram-se em constante crescimento na sociedade brasileira. Tais pesquisas convergem para a formação de um campo específico dos estudos de religião, constituído por religiões que até então somente eram compreendidas de forma bastante superficial através da categoria analítica “novos movimentos religiosos”. O presente texto realiza um survey dos principais estudos acadêmicos já realizados sobre as religiões pagãs no Brasil, refletindo sobre algumas das principais análises tecidas sobre tais expressões.
Efecto de la preocupación por el medioambiente en las actitudes de los residentes hacia el turismo y su desarrollo futuro.
Authors: Cardona José Ramón , Emanuel Leite Emanuel , Sánchez-Fernández Marí­a Dolores
Published: November 2017

La actitud hacia el turismo puede determinar que acciones de gestión del destino son prioritarias para los residentes y puede verse afectado por la preocupación hacia el medioambiente. En los estudios sobre las actitudes de los residentes, el medioambiente suele ser planteado como un conjunto de beneficios y costes que son valorados en la formación de la actitud general hacia el turismo, pero no como un factor capaz de afectar a la percepción de otros impactos. El objetivo de esta investigación es medir el efecto de la preocupación por el medioambiente sobre los elementos de un modelo causal que contiene impactos, valoración global y posibles acciones estratégicas. Los datos corresponden a una muestra de 418 residentes de Ibiza. El análisis del modelo propuesto se realizó mediante Mí­nimos Cuadrados Parciales. Entre los resultados del análisis se encuentra que la preocupación por el medioambiente causa que los residentes valoren de forma significativamente mayor los costes del turismo y de forma significativamente menor los beneficios no económicos. También existe un efecto negativo en los impactos económicos pero no es significativo. No hay un efecto directo significativo sobre la valoración general pero si un efecto indirecto negativo. La preocupación por el medioambiente no tiene efecto significativo sobre el grado de aceptación de los diversos tipos de oferta turí­stica, pero si tiene un efecto negativo significativo sobre el apoyo a posibles aumentos en las llegadas de turistas.
PROPAGACIÓN VEGETATIVA DE FERNANSÁNCHEZ (Triplaris guayaquilensis) MEDIANTE LA UTILIZACIÓN DE HORMONAS DE ENRAIZAMIENTO (ANA Y AIB)
Authors: Cruz Rosero Nicolás , Morante Carriel Jaime , Acosta Anzules Maura
Published: November 2017

La presente investigación se la realizó en el Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo, los objetivos planteados fueron establecer una metodología para la propagación vegetativa de Fernansánchez (Triplaris guayaquilensis) con el uso de hormonas de enraizamiento (ANA y AIB), y determinar las mejores concentraciones de hormonas de ANA y AIB en el enraizamiento de ramillas de esta especie. Se aplicó un diseño completamente al azar con 5 tratamientos, 3 repeticiones y diez unidades experimentales por repeticiones. A los 45 días, los mejores tratamientos para el enraizamiento del Fernansánchez con (ANA y AIB) se obtuvieron en las concentraciones 1000 mg kg-1 ANA + 1000 mg kg-1 AIB para la longitud promedio de la raíz mayor con 17.67 cm; 500 mg kg-1 ANA + 500 mg kg-1 AIB, para el número promedio de raíces y sobrevivencia con 5 raíces y 93.33% y la concentración de 1000 mg kg-1 ANA + 1000 mg kg-1 AIB fue ideal para vigor con 2.89, equivalente a 3 (vigor alto). Con esta investigación queda demostrado que las auxinas ANA y AIB inducen y mejoran la calidad de raíces sobre las estacas de Fernansánchez.
Expresión diferencial de genes de defensa en aguacate en respuesta a la infección del viroide de la mancha de sol del aguacate
Authors: López-Rivera Luis Alberto , Ramírez-Ramírez Iván , González-Hernández Víctor Arturo , Cruz-Huerta Nicacio , Téliz-Ortiz Daniel
Published: November 2017

En aguacate se ha demostrado la participación de proteínas relacionadas con patogénesis en la defensa contra algunos de sus patógenos más importantes. Sin embargo, en la enfermedad de la mancha de sol del aguacate causada por el Avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) aún quedan algunos componentes de la respuesta de defensa por aclarar. En particular, la infección por ASBVd puede ser asintomática o causar síntomas, lo cual genera incógnitas sobre el mecanismo de defensa de la planta. En esta investigación se analiza la expresión de genes codificantes de proteínas de defensa, PaNPR1, EREBP, PR-5 y PR-6 en hojas y frutos de aguacate infectado por ASBVd, en condición sintomática y asintomática. El análisis de datos muestra que la infección de ASBVd modifica la expresión de los genes PR-5 y PR-6, mientras que la de PaNPR1 y EREBP no se modifica. Se encontraron diferencias en la expresión en frutos, siendo notable con PR-5 en frutos de árboles asintomáticos; a su vez, PR-6 se expresa más en frutos infectados pero sin diferencias entre sintomático y asintomático. La expresión coordinada de ambos genes en frutos sugiere la activación de un mecanismo sinérgico de respuesta de defensa a la infección de ASBVd.
Studies on TLR2 gene variants and their association with milk yield and milk quality traits in Bos indicus (Deoni) cattle
Authors: Mundhe U. T. , Das D. N. , Gandhi R. S. , Divya P.
Published: November 2017

Present study molecular characterization of exon 2 of TLR2 gene and its association with milk yield and milk quality traits in 104 Deoni cattle using PCR- RFLP technique was done. Polymorphism was observed through HaeIII, HhaI and EcoRV restriction enzymes in Created Restriction Site (CRS) exon 2-1, CRS exon 2-5 and exon 2-1 by PCR- RFLP, respectively. In CRS exon 2-1 allelic frequencies were observed as 0.793 for A and 0.206 for B alleles and that of genotypic frequencies were 0.58 and 0.41 for genotypes AA and AB. In CRS exon 2-5, two genotypes viz., AC and CC with corresponding allelic frequencies were observed as 0.221 for A and 0.778 for C allele and that of genotypic frequencies observed were 0.44 and 0.55 for AC and CC genotypes respectively. TLR2 exon 2-1 exhibited two alleles G and T with frequencies of 0.134 and 0.865 and their Corresponding genotypic frequencies were 0.009, 0.25 and 0.74for GG, GT and TT genotypes respectively. Higher count of somatic cells (SCC) in TT homozygous and TG heterozygous genotypes, and lower in GG homozygous genotypes were observed in exon 2-1. Strongly significant (P£0.01) effect for least squares means of Test Day milk yield (TDMY) and Somatic Cell Count of CRS exon 2-1 were observed.
Enzymatic and antioxidant response of Lamellidens marginalis exposed to mercuric chloride
Authors: Pandey Abhed , Singh Avtar , Holeyappa Shanthanagouda Admane , Kaur Harsimranjit
Published: November 2017

In recent decades, pollution of freshwater and riverine ecosystems is indorsed to heavy metals contamination. Among various causes, heavy metals are the most concern. Many aquatic organisms have the ability to inhabit in contaminated environments, due to their defense mechanisms that allow detoxification, excretion, anti-oxidant protection and stress response. Lamellidens marginalis have the potential to accumulate the heavy metals. In the present study, the mussels were exposed to 1, 5, 10 and 15 ppm concentration of mercuric chloride for 96 hrs. Enzymatic and antioxidant parameters including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), hydrogen peroxide (HP) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were used as effective criteria. All the parameters showed responses in gills, abductor muscle, mantle tissue, gills and gonads with exposure to HgCl2. Collectively, these parameters could be used as biomarker for heavy metals contamination in aquatic system using L. marginalis.
Effects of shortened dry period on the physical indicators of energy reserves mobilization in high yielding Murrah buffaloes.
Authors: Reddy A. Nagarjuna , Seshiah Ch. Venkata , Sudhakar K. , Kumar D. Srinivasa , Reddy P. Ravi Kanth
Published: November 2017

The aim of the study was to investigate the physical indicators of energy reserves mobilization (ERM) viz., Body weight (BW), Body Condition Score (BCS), altered BW percentage (ABWP) and altered BCS percentage (ABCSP) levels in forty eight dairy buffaloes allotted to three dry period lengths (60 or > 60d; 46 to 60 d; and 30 to 45 d). Hybrid Napier and paddy straw, used as roughage, were supplied together with concentrate mixture; and the buffaloes were fed individually according to their requirements. The mean body weights of the group I, II and III buffaloes were 549.41 ± 4.36, 597.97 ± 6.20, and 584.54 ± 3.84, respectively. The BW, BCS, ABWP, and ABCSP levels were influenced by length of dry period, as well as pre and postpartum periods of the entire experimental study. The BW (kg) and BCS showed an increasing (P less than 0.01) trend from the day of drying to calving with highest (P less than 0.05) ABWP and ABCSP in traditional dry period group compared to shortened dry periods. Subsequently, the BW and BCS showed a decreasing trend (P less than 0.01) from calving to 90 days postpartum with highest (P less than 0.05) decrease of ABWP and ABCSP in group I. Further, 6% Fat corrected milk (FCM) production had a negative significant (P less than 0.01) correlation with BCS at 30d postpartum, followed by positive (P less than 0.05) correlation with BCS and BW at 60 or 90 d postpartum.
Egg production and quality characteristics of laying hens fed diets supplemented with dry caper (Capparis spinosa) leaf powder
Authors: Yildirim Arda , Sekeroglu Ahmet , Koç Hüseyin , Eleroglu Hasan . , Duman Mustafa , Tahtali Yalçin , Elmastas Mahfuz  and Merve Isil Sen Mutlu , Sen Mutlu Merve Isil
Published: November 2017

An in vivo experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of dry Caper (Capparis spinosa) leaf powder (DCL) on egg production and egg quality of laying hens at the beginning of the laying period. Four groups of commercial hens (ATAK-S) were fed with diets containing 0, 5, 10 and 15 g DCL/kg. The results demonstrated that dietary DCL had no effect on feed intake, feed efficiency, egg mass (EM) and egg production parameters (P>0.05). Hen–day egg production (HDP) value of the groups was 69.52%, 64.97%, 68.02% and 71.72% respectively. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total phenolics amount of DCL were 51.06±2.300 mmol trolox/kg, 50.10±3.488 mmol TEAC/kg and 2.78±0.050 g gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/kg respectively. Based on the results from the current study, the dietary DCL with levels up to 15 g/kg neither reduced productivity performance traits nor improved egg quality characteristics.
The architecture of the lymph nodes in the abdominal and thoracic cavities of wild boar
Authors: Bozkurt Yeþim Akaydin , Ateþ Sevinç , Kozlu Tolunay , Baþak Feyza
Published: November 2017

The distrubition of lymph nodes located in the abdominal and thoracic cavities of ten wild boars, and their structure were determined anatomically, histologically and immunohistochemically, to be the first detailed investigation on the wild boar. Though general localization and distribution were similar, the number of lymph nodes showed small differences from those of domestic pig. Histological investigations did not reveal a significant hilus. Besides, T lymphocytes with anti-CD3, CD4, CD8, B lymphocytes with anti-CD79a, macrophages with anti-macrophage monoclonal antibodies, and follicular dendritic cells using anti-S100 polyclonal antibody and their distrubution in the lymph nodes were detected. Many CD3 positive T lymphocytes were observed in the germinal center of the lymph follicles, in the cortical area and in the medulla. CD8 positive T lymphocytes were few, and CD4 positive T lymphocytes were not seen. CD79 positive cells were scanty.
Pathological and immunohistochemical effects of electromagnetic fields on rat liver
Authors: Cevik A. , Aydin M. , Apaydin A. M. , Yuksel M.
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by high power lines on the morphology of rat liver and apoptosis. For this purpose, 28 adult male rats weighing 200-250 g were used. The treatment groups were kept in a shelter that were 7.5 m far from the high power lines carrying 170 kV (50 Hz) energy. The control animals (Group 1) were kept in an animal house where no electromagnetic fields were exposed. The animals of the groups 2, 3 and 4 were exposed to EMF (170 kV, 50 Hz) continously for 1, 2 and 3 months, respectively. At the end of the study periods, the animals were sacrificed and their livers were collected. Histopathological evaluation indicated that inflammatory cell infiltration localized in the portal areas was seen in the liver of experimental groups rats. Bax and Bcl-2 positive staining was observed in the liver of control and experimental groups, but both Bax and Bcl-2 staining was intense in Group 3. In conclusion, long- term exposure to EMFs may cause inflammatory changes and apoptosis in liver of rats.
Impact of improved production technologies on chickpea yields, economics and energy use in rainfed Vertisols
Authors: Patil S. L. , Ramesha M. N.
Published: November 2017

A field study was conducted during rabi season of 2013–14 in ten farmers’ fields of Joladarasi, K. Veerapur and Chellagurki villages of Bellary district in Karnataka, India to evaluate the improved chickpea variety JG11 with micronutrients application on yield, economics and energy flow in Vertisols. Adopting JG11 chickpea variety and application of micronutrient mixture at 5 kg ha-1 during winter season increased the grain and straw yields by 26% and 31%, respectively over A1variety cultivated by farmers without application of micronutrients. Application of micronutrients alone produced 9% higher yields in JG11 and A1. Greater gross and net returns with higher B:C ratio was observed with cultivation of JG11chickpea variety and application of micronutrients. Energy flow results revealed that smaller input energy through micronutrients application and cultivation of JG11variety produced higher total output energy and net energy benefit (NEB). The NEB per ha varied from 15966 MJ in control plots to as high as 22546 MJ in micronutrients applied plots with JG11 cultivation. Greater average energy use efficiency (EUE) of 3.57, energy productivity (EP) of 0.106 and lesser specific energy (SE) of 9.62 were observed with JG11 cultivation and applied with micronutrients compared to the control plots. Correlation studies indicated the positive and significant correlation of grain yield with net returns, B:C ratio, NEB, EUE and EP. In conclusion higher chickpea yields, profit and energy gains can be achieved by cultivating JG11 variety with micronutrients application at 5 kg ha-1 in the Vertisols of Bellary region during winter season.
Influence of sowing dates and varieties on the yield, heat use efficiency, energy utilization and economics of summer mungbean
Authors: Puniya R. , Palsaniya Shersingh , Chand Lekh , Sharma Ashu , Thakur N. P. , Bazaya B. R.
Published: November 2017

A field experiment conducted at Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) during summer season of 2013 to study the influence of sowing dates and varieties on the yield, heat use efficiency, helio-thermal use efficiency, energy utilization efficiencies and economics of summer mungbean. The experiment was conducted in a split plot design consisting of four sowing dates (20th March, 5th April, 20th April and 5th May) as main-plot treatments and four varieties (SML 668, Samrat, Meha and IPM 02-3) as sub–plot treatments. Higher grain yield (9.33 q ha-1) of summer mungbean was recorded under 20th March sowing date, which was statistically at par with 5th April sowing but significantly higher than 20th April and 5th May sowing. Among the varieties, Samrat produced significantly higher grain yield (7.82 q ha-1) than all other varieties except SML 668. But, the heat use efficiency (HUE), helio-thermal use efficiency (HTUE) and energy pattern was significantly higher at 20th March than other dates of sowing. The varieties Samrat and SML 668 recorded significantly higher HUE, HTUE and energy pattern than IPM 02-3 and Meha. The highest benefit cost ratio (1.42) was recorded with 5th April sowing date closely followed by 20th March (1.39). The variety Samrat also registered the highest benefit cost ratio (1.07) followed by SML-668.
Identification of an isoflavone glycoside hydrolyzing b-glucosidase in the seeds of the desert legume Prosopis cineraria
Authors: Asati V. , Sharma P. K.
Published: November 2017

Legumes, in general, are rich in glycosidic isoflavone conjugates, whereby specific b-glucosidases act to release the free aglycones that could serve in plant-microbe interactions and defense. Prosopis cineraria is an important legume tree, bearing medicinally useful and edible pods, generally growing in extreme arid/semi-arid zones of Rajasthan. However, specific phytochemical-cum-metabolic profiles are lacking for the same. Therefore, the present investigation undertook phytochemical and metabolic screening of the pods/seeds of P. cineraria for the presence of putative isoflavonoids viz. genistein and daidzein, their glycosides and b-glucosidase(s) capable of catalyzing the glycoside hydrolysis. Extraction and identification of these two aglycone forms of the above isoflavonoids were performed with solvent partition chromatography and Fluorescent/High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography, respectively. Furthermore, optimization of the isoflavone conjugate-specific b-glucosidase activity with respect to pH optima, temperature and time were carried out. The partially purified enzyme showed a temperature optima of 50°C and pH optima of 4.5. The enzyme also demonstrated activity towards natural substrates daidzin and genistin which are glycosides of isoflavonoids daidzein and genistein respectively. The methanolic extracts of the seeds of P. cineraria indicated the presence of related isoflavonoids which needs to be further validated.
Insight into floral biology and ancillary characteristics of underutilized legume-Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.]
Authors: Chandra Kailash , Nandini R. , R. Gobu , . Pranesh , Kumar Chitti Bharat , Muthuraju R.
Published: November 2017

The present study floral biology and ancillary characteristics of Bambara groundnut used SB-42, Uniswa Red, S-165-A, S-193 and nine isolated gamma irradiated stabilized mutants of SB-42 for this investigation. Mutant 11 produced significantly maximum number of pods per plant (46.05 g/ plant) and seed yield per plant (28.96 g/plant), compared to control SB-42 (40.85 g/plant, 20.54 g/plant) respectively. Results obtained from flower biology studies were, Inflorescence- Simple Racemes, Flower- Bracteates, Zygomorphic, Hermaphrodite, Pedicellate, hypogynous, Calyx- sepal 5, gamosepalous, valvate aestivation, Corolla- petals 5, Polypetalous, Papilionaceous with a standard (vexilum/banner) petal, 2 wing petals(Alae) and 2 keel petals (Carinea), Androecium- stamens 10, Didelphous condition (9+1), Gynoecium- Ovary superior, Floral formula- Br Brl % K(5) C1+ 2 + (2) A 9+1 G (1).
Muscle Dysmorphia: An Overview of Clinical Features and Treatment Options
Authors: Cunningham Mitchell L. , Griffiths Scott , Mitchison Deborah , Mond Jonathan M. , Castle David , Murray Stuart B.
Published: November 2017

An increasing public and empirical focus on male body image indicates that muscularity is a preeminent concern among boys and men. For some, these concerns develop into a complex and disabling psychiatric disorder termedmuscle dysmorphia(MD), the hallmark of which is an intense preoccupation regarding one’s (subjectively) insufficient muscularity. Treatment of MD is critical; however, evidence to inform treatment approaches is sorely lacking. The purpose of this article is twofold. First, we provide an overview of the clinical features of MD, drawing particular attention to the preoccupation, functional impairment and psychiatric comorbidity associated with the disorder. Second, we discuss and recommend potential treatment directions for MD, including techniques that have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of related disorders, namely, body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders (and anorexia nervosa in particular). Psychotherapeutic techniques, including cognitive restructuring of deleterious perfectionistic and egosyntonic beliefs, and dialectical behavioral techniques to improve the repertoire of emotion regulation skills available to afflicted individuals, are discussed, in addition to psychopharmacological approaches.
Campus Climate
Authors: Henderson Janis , Chapman Jennifer K. , Thomas-Jackson Shera , Kelly Lauren , Mulsow Miriam
Published: November 2017

A return to work and school presents mothers with barriers to breastfeeding. Concerns include negative attitudes toward breastfeeding, scheduling and break-time, and appropriate, private space. Current federal laws require worksite support and provision of adequate accommodations for lactation purposes, as do some state laws. An evaluation of faculty, staff, and students (N = 510) at a large public university, assessed breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and support following the implementation of new mother-friendly policies and lactation rooms. Additionally, awareness of the lactation rooms and university policies were assessed. Overall, the university climate reflected high breastfeeding knowledge and positive attitudes. Employees had higher awareness of the new lactation facilities and university policies than did students. Implementation limitations were a need for education and awareness efforts targeted to students. Future directions for worksites and schools are addressed.
La presencia del Glifo Emblema del murciélago en el Petén y el sur de Campeche y sus implicaciones políticas
Authors: Valencia Rivera Rogelio , Esparza Olguín Octavio Quetzalcoatl
Published: November 2017

En este trabajo se evalúan algunas hipótesis respecto al origen y la presencia del Glifo Emblema del murciélago en diversos sitios del sur de Campeche y el Petén guatemalteco, sobre todo a la luz de las evidencias encontradas en la Escalera Jeroglífica del Grupo Guzmán de El Palmar, donde dicho Glifo Emblema aparece en relación con el sitio de Copán. Siendo que, hasta el momento, es la única mención directa a Copán en las inscripciones de la región del sur de Campeche, cabe preguntarse si los ejemplos que aparecen del Glifo Emblema del murciélago en esta región estarían todos relacionados con Copán o si, por el contrario, resulta probable la existencia de más de un Glifo Emblema del murciélago operando durante el periodo Clásico en el Petén, especialmente durante el Clásico Temprano. Su presencia en el sitio de Calakmul, de manera simultánea con el de los señores de Chatahn (Chatahn Winik), nos permite inferir que ambos grupos pudieron detentar el poder hasta la aparición del grupo que utilizaba el Glifo Emblema de la serpiente. Más tarde, dicho poder pudo haber sido compartido, tomando los señores de Chatahn una posición de subordinación con respecto a los señores de Kaanu’l y hasta con los del grupo del Glifo Emblema del murciélago, pues existe evidencia del uso de ambos Glifos Emblema de manera tardía dentro de Calakmul. En este caso, estamos ante un escenario donde diversos grupos no hegemónicos pudieron haber compartido el poder en ciertos sitios, para más adelante dar paso a dinastías que lo detentaban de forma única. Dichas dinastías no desdeñaban la herencia de ciertos grupos de prestigio subordinados al grupo de mayor hegemonía, dando lugar a la aparición de Glifos Emblema dobles, o compartidos, como es el caso de Calakmul, en el que ciertos nobles mantienen sus lazos de origen con la dinastía de los Chatahn Winik o la del murciélago, pese a vivir en un sitio gobernado por los señores de Kaanu’l.
Analisis Karakteristik Input-Output dan Optimasi Biaya Pembangkitan Menggunakan Metode Quadratic Least Square Regression dan Metode Dynamic Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Anggraeni Rina , Setiawan Dedy Kurnia , Hardianto Triwahju
Published: November 2017

Optimalisasi produksi listrik, khususnya pada pembangkit termal membutuhkan analisis karakteristik input-output dan pembebanan yang tepat agar beroperasi dengan baik. Karakteristik input-output akan mengawasi pergeseran yang terlihat dari kurva dan mendeteksi perlu adanya maintenance atau tidak pada sebuah pembangkit. Karakteristik input-output dapat dihitung dengan metode quadratic least square regression. Sedangkan pembebanan yang tepat, membuat produksi listrik sesuai maksimal beban yang diinginkan dengan biaya paling murah. Perhitungan pembebanan dilakukan dengan metode dynamic genetic algorithm. Metode ini diaplikasikan pada data PT. PJB UP Gresik bulan Juli 2015 didapatkan total biaya bahan bakar yang dihemat sebesar 3.162,9147 KNM3 dan biaya bahan bakar sebesar $22.773 dibandingkan PJB.

Kata Kunci: dynamic genetic algorithm, economic dispatch, karakteristik input-output, quadratic least square regression.
La psicología conductista a la luz de los programas de investigación científica de Imre Lakatos
Authors: Gutiérrez Vásquez Ramiro
Published: November 2017

El análisis epistemológico de la Psicología Conductista es hecho tomando como modelo de análisis la propuesta de Imre Lakatos conocida como la “Metodología de los Programas de Investigación Científica” (MPIC). Se describe la estructura de las teorías científicas en la versión de Lakatos para luego contrastarla con el modelo conductual de SKINNER, quien sostiene que las “contingencias de reforzamiento” van moldeando y determinando el comportamiento de los organismos, incluido los humanos. Se analiza el método y la forma en que han desarrollado el conocimiento de los principios y las generalizaciones de comportamiento a partir de estudios con animales de laboratorio, que dieron origen al Análisis Experimental del Comportamiento. El problema de la validez de los enunciados o proposiciones del lenguaje conductista, y el problema de la naturaleza de sus predicciones son vistos a la luz de la concepción de LAKATOS. Luego del análisis, se establece que los cambios conceptuales o el uso de las nuevas categorías para describir los principios generales de comportamiento, deben ir acompañadas de una revisión de sus fundamentos filosóficos. El análisis termina ensayando una respuesta a la siguiente pregunta: ¿El Análisis Experimental de la Conducta (AEC) cumple con los requisitos para ser considerado como un “Programa de Investigación Científica”, según Lakatos?
Rice Bacterial Endophytes; 16S-Based Taxonomic Profiling, Isolation and Simplified Endophytic Community from Two Venezuelan Cultivars
Authors: Moronta-Barrios Felix , Gionechetti Fabrizia , Pallavicini Alberto , Marys Edgloris , Venturi Vittorio
Published: November 2017

Rice is currently the most important food crop in the world and we are only just beginning to study the bacterial associated microbiome. It is of importance to perform screenings of the core rice microbiota and also to develop new plant-microbe models and simplified communities for increasing our understanding about the formation and function of its microbiome. In order to begin to address this aspect, we have performed the isolation of bacterial strains from the endorhizosphere of two rice cultivars from Venezuela. The validation of plant-growth promoting bacterial activities in vitro has led us to select and characterize 15 isolates for in planta studies such as germination test, endophytism ability and plant growth promotion. Consequently, a set of 10 isolates was selected for the set-up of an endophytic consortium as a simplified model of the natural rice bacterial endomicrobiota. Upon inoculation, the colonization and abundance of each strain within the rice roots was tracked by a culture-independent technique in gnotobiotic conditions in a 30 days period. Four strains belonging to Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium and Delftia genera have shown a promising capacity for colonizing and coexistence in root tissues. On the other hand, a bacterial community taxonomic profiling of the rhizosphere and the endorhizosphere of both cultivars were obtained and are discussed. This study is part of a growing body of research on core crops microbiome and simplified microbiomes, which strengthens the formation process of the endophytic community leading to a better understanding of the rice microbiome.
Lubag Syndrome (X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism) Case Study of Mr G. Infante
Authors: Cheah Vincent
Published: November 2017

Sex-linked dystonia parkinsonism (XDP) also known as Lubag Syndrome is a rare sex-linked genetic progressive movement disorder affecting almost exclusively males from the province of Capiz in the Philippines and their descendants. At the Mater Centre for Neurosciences we have recently treated two patients with XDP utilising Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) implants. Mr G. Infante was the second patient to be treated, the first being his uncle. Mr G. Infante’s case was brought to the attention of the Mater Centre for Neurosciences at South Brisbane after the success of his uncle’s treatment two years prior.

In the three years from when Mr G. Infante’s dystonia symptoms were first noticed, his condition progressively worsened until he was wheelchair bound. With severe chronic pain, unable to walk, difficulties talking and swallowing, Mr G’s quality of life was severely impacted by XDP.

XDP is a movement disorder considered a variation to Parkinson’s Disease. The difference being that the XDP starts with a long period of dystonia that eventually evolves into the tremor and associated symptoms typical of Parkinson’s Disease. Due to the similarity of the conditions the patient’s needs and treatment methods, both medical and surgical, are almost identical. Deep brain stimulation surgery involves implantation of electrodes into specific regions of the brain. The electrodes are then used to deliver finely tuned electrical currents in order to reduce the signs and symptoms of both neuropsychiatric and movement disorders such as Parkinson’s and XDP. The high frequency electrical charges sent to deep structures in the brain stimulate or shut down nerve cells around the electrode. The areas of the brain that the electrodes target are thought to participate in the circuitry involved and effectively disrupts these processes and reduces the symptoms of the disease.

This paper presents the journey of Mr G. Infante’s XDP and DBS and provides an explanation of how DBS works to improve the quality of life for patients who suffer from XDP.
Drain tube removal in the presence of anticoagulation in Spinal Surgery
Authors: Holland Christine , Smith Sarah
Published: November 2017

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), the collective term for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE), remains a major cause of morbidity and a significant cause of mortality in hospitalised patients across Australia and internationally. It is important that adequate prophylaxis is provided for patients at risk. Measures including; anti-clotting medication, graduated compression stockings, adequate hydration and early mobilisation are known to be effective in reducing the incidence of VTE.

The prevention of VTE in acute care hospitals has been recognised worldwide as a priority patient safety issue because of the strong evidence base for preventive measures and high potential for improvements in patient outcomes.

With the introduction of risk assessment tools identifying patients of increased risk of VTE, more neurosurgical patients are now receiving VTE prophylaxis during their postoperative clinical course. This raises the question of the role and the impact of VTE anticoagulation when it comes to surgical drain tube removal and the risk of bleeding after spinal surgery. With multiple neurosurgeons and a variety of opinions, the clinical nursing team decided to review the role of anticoagulation and drain tube removal through evidence based research.
Imperialist Competitive Algorithm-Based Fuzzy Pid Control Methodology for Speed Tracking Enhancement of Stepper Motor
Authors: Yazdani Amir Mehdi , Ahmadi Ahmadreza , Buyamin Salinda , Rahmat Mohd Fua’ad , Davoudifar Farshad , Rahim Herlina Abd
Published: November 2017

Precise control of the stepper motor has always been a topic of interest and also a challenging issue among control engineering researchers due to the nonlinear nature of the motor dynamic. Abrupt influences of the uncertainties on the model’s dynamic and control performance, on the other hand, must be taken into account for providing a control methodology including the characteristics of adaption and flexibility. Lack of these items in most of the classic control approaches results in degradation of the control action. The main purpose of this paper is to provide an intelligent approach for improving the functionality of conventional PID controller in the problem of trajectory tracking in permanent magnet stepper motor (PMSM). Combination of a meta-heuristic algorithm called imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) and fuzzy logic is employed for online tuning of PID controller. This, consequently, establishes an intelligent structure, fuzzy-PID controller (FPID), which is more flexible and accurate both in certain and uncertain situations. Using a systematic approach in designing the optimal fuzzy structure based on the ICA is our contribution here which leads to better performance of PMSM. Comparing the results of simulations, done in Matlab Simulink, between the suggested control strategy and performance of the PID, expresses the remarkable capability of FPID in overcoming the complexity of control of the nonlinear and uncertain systems.
An Enhanced Dynamic Token Protocol for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Fan Guangyu , Li Jian , Liu Wenhong , Zhao Yang
Published: November 2017

The properties of underwater acoustic channel are quite different from those of terrestrial wireless sensor networks. There are many challenges to design an efficient media access control (MAC) protocol for underwater acoustic sensor networks (UWASNs). In order to overcome the long propagation delay and low available bandwidth of UWASNs, an enhanced dynamic token protocol (EDTP), is proposed in the paper. It uses token passing queue (TPQ) and TPQ backup method to transfer the token packets dynamically and efficiently, leading to improving the channel efficiency of the networks. Simulation results show that compared with the existing protocols, the proposed protocol can achieve a high throughput, a low packet drop ratio, and a low transmission delay.
Particle Filter on Nonlinear Vibration Signal of Bridge Stayed Cable
Authors: Qingwei Ye , Debin Yuan , Yu Zhou , Xiaodong Wang
Published: November 2017

For the nonlinear vibration signal of stayed cables, a new particle filter algorithm is used in this paper. Firstly, nonlinear dynamic model of the stayed-cable and beam coupling system is dispersed in temporal dimension by using the finite difference method. So the discrete nonlinear vibration equation of any cable element is gotten. And secondly, a state equation ofparticle filter is fitted by least square algorithm from the discrete nonlinear vibration equation. So the particle filter algorithm can use the accurate state equations. Finally, the particle filter algorithm is used to filter the vibration signal of bridge stayed cable. The vibration signal is de-noised. And from the particle filter, the vibration signal can be tracked and be predicted for a short time accurately. The simulation experiments and the actual experiments on the bridge stayed cable are all indicating that the particle filter algorithm in this paper has good performance and works stably.
Decentralized PI-D Controller Applied to an Aerothermic Process
Authors: Ramzi M. , Bennis N. , Haloua M. , Youlal H.
Published: November 2017

The aerothermic process is a pilot scale heating and ventilation system. It is equipped with a heater grid and a centrifugal blower, fully connected through the Humusoft MF624 data acquisition system for real time control. The interaction between its main variables is considered as challenging for mono-variable controllers. An abrupt change in the ventilator speed might cause an undesirable disturbance in the air temperature representing a factor that must be managed to conserve energy. To annul the effect of this interaction, this paper presents an experimental comparison between three forms of the PID controller: the conventional PID controller, the PI-D controller and its decentralized version. A multi-variable continuous state space model is obtained from on-line experimental data. The outcome of the experimental results is that the main control objectives, such as set-point tracking and interactions rejection, are well achieved for the temperature and the air flow simultaneously.
Robot-Assisted Therapy: Design, Control and Optimization
Authors: Mehdi Haifa , Boubaker Olfa
Published: November 2017

To improve the human arm function of disable patients after stroke, we propose in this paper a new design of a robot-assisted therapy. The robotic device must be attached to a human arm and mimics the motion of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. The functional training of the stroked upper limb is covered in motion and force via a safe compliant motion. The controller parameters are optimized by the therapist based on the human morphology parameters via an intelligent Control Interface where a Therapist-Patient Interface including the training mode configuration and the displaying the training data must motivate the patients during the assessment treatment progress.
Distributed Trust Inference Model Based on Probability and Balance Theory for Peer-To-Peer systems
Authors: Tan Zhenhua , Yang Guangming , Cheng Wei
Published: November 2017

Researchers have done much around how to measure trust degrees or levels by local and global style in a given distributed network. However, how to infer trust degree for a strange node efficiently in a large-scale distributed environment was little done. This paper focuses on this problem, and proposes a novel trust model based on balance theory and probability theory. We firstly design a simple direct trust model for evidence computing, then construct trust relations network and trust inference network based on direct trust network. In order to discover trusted evidence chains during complex relations, we design two inference rules and propose mathematics models to infer indirect trust value based on Markov chain theory. Simulations proved the rightness and effectiveness in intensive trust relations environment and intensive distrust environment.
LT-PAM: A Ranging Method Using Dual Frequency Optical Signals
Authors: Sugimoto Masanori , Nakamura Shigeki , Inoue Yuki , Hashizume Hiromichi
Published: November 2017

This paper describes a new ranging technique using optical signals. The proposed technique is called LT-PAM (Long-Term Phase Accordance Method), and it has been extended from our own ranging technique called Phase Accordance Method (PAM). LT-PAM transmits multiple sync patterns composed of two sinusoidal waves with different frequencies. Unlike chirp modulation techniques, LT- PAM transmits the two waves simultaneously and thus enables the shortening of measurement time. We have conducted experiments using two types of light sources, collimated and diffused light. The experimental results indicated that the proposed method showed a moderate level of accuracy by adjusting the measurement time. For example, LT-PAM using a light emitting diode transmitting multiple sync patterns lasting 4 ms achieved 19.5 mm standard deviation in a measurement ranging 1500 mm. We also describe the theoretical analyses related to the proposed technique and discuss possible improvements by comparing theoretical and experimental results.
Lossless Electrocardiogram Compression Technique and GSM Based Tele-Cardiology Application
Authors: Mukhopadhyay S. K. , Ghosh S. , Chakraborty S. , Das S. , Mitra M. , Mitra S.
Published: November 2017

Software based efficient lossless Electrocardiogram compression and transmission scheme is proposed here. The algorithm has been tested to various ECG data taken from PTB Diagnostic ECG Database. The compression scheme is such that it outputs only ASCII characters. These characters are transmitted using Global System for Mobile Communication based Short Message Service system and at the receiving end original ECG signal is brought back using the reverse logic of compression. It is observed that the proposed algorithm offers a moderate to high compression ratio (7.18) without any alteration of clinical information (PRD = 0.023%) with an excellent Quality Score (312.17).
A Novel Tri-Factor Mutual Authentication with Biometrics for Wireless Body Sensor Networks in Healthcare Applications
Authors: He Chen-Guang , Bao Shu-Di , Li Ye
Published: November 2017

User authentication, as a fundamental security protocol, has been addressed with more concerns recently. Unlike normal authentication processes invoked by a user to access the network, biosensors with healthcare applications normally need to be validated automatically, followed by data transmission to the remote server without any explicit request. Hence, implied authentication procedure involved in such application scenarios shall be addressed. In this paper, a novel tri-factor user authentication protocol with mutual access is proposed for the body sensor networks (BSN) in healthcare application. It is demonstrated that the proposed protocol has its advantages over the existing two-factor user authentication schemes.
Utility Based Data Gathering in Mobile Sensor Network
Authors: Jieyan Liu , Lei Wu , Haigong Gong
Published: November 2017

Traditional data gathering approaches cannot be applied to Mobile Sensor Network (MSN) due to sparse network density and sensor node mobility. In this paper, we propose a utility based data gathering protocol (UDG). The distance utility is used to indicate the closeness between sensor nodes and the sink node, and the activity utility is used to evaluate the ability of sensor nodes acting as relays. UDG combines the distance utility with the activity utility to make routing decisions. It also presents a buffer management scheme based on the utility. Experimental results show that UDG achieves desirable performance with low delivery overhead.