bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship of age, attitude, knowladge, cost to cataract surgery
Authors: Fitria Aminatul
Published: February 2017

Cataract is the leading cause of 51% blindness case in the world. Cataract can only be cured trough surgery, but most people with cataract in Indonesia is not in undergoing surgery due to several factors. The increasing number of cataract victim whose not undergoing any treatment to cure them will resulting in increasing number of blindness case, so blindness cause by cataracts can be a public health problem. This research was conducted to determine the relationship of age, attitudes, knowledge and the cost of the action to perform cataract surgery. This research was an observational analytic study with cross sectional design. The samples were cataract patients in Undaan Eye Hospital Surabaya who were randomly selected using a simple random sampling based on medical records of 60 people. Data collection was done by taking secondary data and interviews to patients. Those variables was analyzed with chi square or Fisher’s exact with significancy level at 95%. The result showed that there were correlation between knowledge (p = 0.017), operating costs (p = 0.001) and attitude (0.000) while age was not related (p = 1.000), the actions to perform cataract surgery. The conclusion from this research was the attitude, knowledge and operating costs related to the actions to perform cataract surgery, while age was not related to the actions to perform cataract surgery. It is recommended to give through leaflets or other media in the lobby for improving patient education, counseling to the patient family, the doctor’s advice to convince patient for surgery.Keywords: practice, surgery, cataract, attitudes, costs
The Moderating Role of Corporate Governance on the Relationship between Capital Structure and Financial Performance
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad , Javed Faisal
Published: February 2017

The key purpose of this research paper is to explore the moderating effect of Corporate Governance on the relationship between accounting base financial performance i.e. ROA, and ROE and Capital Structure of 173 Manufacturing firms listed in KSE of Pakistan for the period of 2009 to 2014. In this study multiple regression method is used under fixed effect regression model approach on panel data. The empirical results show that the inclusion of Corporate Governance Index (CGI) as moderating variable has influenced the interaction between Capital Structure and Financial Performance which was positively significant. The result is generally found that the most of Pakistani manufacturing listed firms pursue good corporate governance mechanism and use good and optimal level of Capital Mix to get the better and high financial performance. Furthermore, the corporate governance sub-indices i.e. board structure (BOD-I) and transparency & disclosure (DISC-III) both also have positive and statistically significant association with both firms performance variables: ROA and ROE. Moreover, the ownership structure sub-index (OWS-II) has not significant influence on financial performance. In last, the capital structure also has positive relationship with financial performance, interestingly about 70 per cent of Capital is financed by Equity capital and the Debt capital signifies 30 per cent only. The core significance of this paper is to investigate the impact of Corporate Governance practices on financial decisions from the Pakistani perspective.
An Overview of the Conflict in Syria
Authors: Albasoos Hani
Published: February 2017

In Syria, there is not expected to break out of the revolution of this magnitude. Most people of Syria before others did not expect that the revolution breaks out originally because the regime governs Syria in an oppressive security manner. The regime controls the situation that making it difficult of any popular movement. Political life is not existent in the country. There are no civil society organizations and trade unions are not real and not real parties or political groupings, making it difficult with the outbreak of the revolution in the country in such a dictatorship, security control, which controls everything in people's lives. So Syria was apparently outside the US and global thinking. It has been stated by some officials in America and has had their expectations outbreak of the revolution in Syria minimal because the global system was not ready to abandon the Assad regime because the regime is better for them. However, the revolution in Syria broke out, caught and swept across the country, confusing international systems that were not planning to substitute for the Syrian regime. The Syrian regime is no doubt that one of the major hubs in the region.
Sesgos en la medición del índice de masa corporal en adultos mayores
Authors: Conroy-Ferreccio Gabriel
Published: February 2017

En relación con el artículo “Influencia del sobrepeso y obesidad sobre el tiempo de equilibrio del deuterio, pero no en el agua corporal total y la composición corporal en mujeres mayores de 60 años”, es necesario discutir sobre cuál es la mejor definición de sobrepeso y obesidad en adultos mayores en este tipo de estudios.
Evaluación y comparación de cinco calibres de pliegues cutáneos
Authors: Fernandes Filho José , Caniuqueo Vargas Alexis , Duarte Rocha Cintia Campolina , Hernández Mosqueira Claudio , Roquetti Fernandes Paula , Fernandes da Silva Sandro , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Quiroz Sievers Guissela
Published: February 2017

Introducción: en el campo de la evaluación antropométrica, la validación y precisión de los calibres de pliegues cutáneos son fundamentales en el conocimiento efectivo de la composición corporal.Objetivo: el objetivo del estudio fue evaluar y comparar 5 modelos de calibre de pliegues cutáneos, uno de ellos digital -Prime Vision (PV), y los mecánicos Harpenden (HP), Sanny (SN), Cescorf (CE) y Lange (LA)-, a través de la densidad y grasa corporal.Material y métodos: formaron parte del estudio 35 hombres (21,5 ± 2,7 años; 72,22 ± 8,04 kg; 1,76 ± 0,06 m). Fueron medidos 9 pliegues cutáneos (tríceps, bíceps, subescapular, pectoral, axilar medio, suprailiaca iliaca, abdominal, muslo y pantorilla medial) y utilizadas 4 ecuaciones predictivas de la grasa corporal (Durnin y Womersley, Pollock de 3DC, Pollock 7DC y Petroski). Para la evaluación de los pliegues cutáneos fueron utilizados 5 modelos de calibres de pliegues cutáneos. Para verifi car la distribución de la muestra fue utilizado el test de Shapiro Wilk. Para realizar la comparación de la densidad y grasa corporal en los diferentes calibres, se utilizó el test estadístico ANOVAdos vías con un post hoc de Scheffe. Para la comprobación estadística fue adoptado un p < 0,05.Resultados: no fue posible identifi car diferencias significativas entre la densidad y la grasa corporal en los 5 calibres utilizados.Conclusión: los 5 calibres de pliegues cutáneos evaluados son precisos y eficientes para evaluar y cuantificar la DC y la grasa corporal.
Diferencias entre la prevalencia de obesidad y exceso de peso estimadas con datos declarados o por medición directa en adultos de la Comunidad Valenciana
Authors: Jiménez-Talamantes Raquel , Rizk Hernández Jennifer , Quiles Izquierdo Joan
Published: February 2017

Introducción:la evaluación de la obesidad en las encuestas de salud contempla el estudio de las características corporales por medición o por declaración. Según el método utilizado puede producirse una estimación diferente de la frecuencia de este problema.Objetivos: medir las discrepancias en las estimaciones de prevalencia de obesidad y exceso de peso realizadas con datos declarados con respecto a los medidos en una encuesta poblacional.Métodos: estudio transversal de una muestra de 1.153 sujetos adultos donde se compararon los datos de peso y talla declarados y medidos mediante la correlación de Pearson (r). Se calcularon las prevalencias de obesidad y exceso de peso según ambos métodos y se obtuvo el índice kappa, la sensibilidad y la especificidad para estimar la capacidad predictiva de los datos declarados.Resultados: los valores de peso, talla e IMC declarados y medidos presentaron una correlación de 0,96, 0,93 y 0,91, respectivamente. La prevalencia de obesidad declarada fue 16,4% y la medida 23,3% (kappa = 0,68), sensibilidad 63,2% y especificidad 97,9%. La prevalencia de exceso de peso declarada fue 51,4% y por medición 61,1% (kappa = 0,73), sensibilidad 81,3% y especificidad 95,3%. Las diferencias observadas fueron estadísticamente significativas.Conclusiones: existe una subestimación de las prevalencias de obesidad y de exceso de peso en poblaciones cuando se usan datos antropométricos declarados, pero una buena concordancia y especificidad con las estimaciones realizadas con datos medidos.
Evaluación del consumo de alimentos de una población de estudiantes universitarios y su relación con el perfil académico
Authors: Muñoz de Mier Gema , Lozano Estevan María del Carmen , Romero Magdalena Carlos Santiago , Pérez de Diego Javier , Veiga Herreros Pablo
Published: February 2017

Objetivo: el propósito de este estudio ha sido evaluar la calidad de la alimentación de los estudiantes de la Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio (Madrid) y establecer si tener una formación específica sobre temas de nutrición produce efectos positivos en los comportamientos alimentarios. Métodos: la muestra estuvo formada por 390 estudiantes, 72,63% de Ciencias de la Salud (CS) y 27,37% de otras carreras (No CS), con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 25 años. A través de un cuestionario se recabó información sobre frecuencia de consumo de alimentos. También se obtuvieron datos sobre el peso y la talla para calcular el índice de masa corporal (IMC).Resultados: la distribución de la población según el IMC fue la siguiente: 75,54% normopeso, 11,06% bajo peso, 13,4% obesidad; valores dentro de la normalidad y similares a los de otros grupos de estudiantes. Los dos grupos presentaron un consumo inferior al recomendado de cereales, verduras, hortalizas y fruta; a su vez, el consumo de legumbres fue superior a la media española y a la de otros jóvenes, llegando casi al mínimo recomendado. También se dio, en ambos grupos, un elevado consumo de lácteos. No se ha encontrado diferencias significativas entre titulaciones. Al comparar los datos para la variable sexo, el grupo de mujeres presentó un patrón de consumo más adecuado, con una mayor ingesta de fruta, verdura y pescado blanco. Conclusión: no se han visto diferencias en el comportamiento alimentario entre los dos grupos analizados (CS y No CS). Los resultados obtenidos indican que el consumo de alimentos de esta población se aleja de las recomendaciones establecidas, por lo que convendría diseñar un plan de actuación en materia nutricional.
Hidratos de carbono y práctica deportiva: una etnografía virtual en Twitter
Authors: Rodríguez-Martín Beatriz , Castillo Carlos Alberto
Published: February 2017

Introducción: aunque el consumo de hidratos de carbono es un factor clave para alcanzar un óptimo rendimiento deportivo, los niveles de ingesta parecen cuestionados por algunos deportistas amateurs, que llegan a desarrollar una aversión irracional por los hidratos de carbono conocida como “carbofobia”. Por otro lado, la alimentación es origen de comunidades virtuales erigidas como fuente de conocimiento e intercambio de información, aunque apenas se ha analizado la influencia de estas en los comportamientos alimentarios.Objetivos: conocer las conceptualizaciones sobre el consumo de hidratos de carbono y los patrones alimentarios relacionados con la carbofobia a través de la actividad en Twitter de aficionados a la práctica deportiva.Métodos: estudio cualitativo diseñado desde la Etnografía Virtual de Hine. Realizamos una inmersión virtual en cuentas en abierto de la red social Twitter en una muestra teórica de tuits de aficionados al deporte. Se realizó un análisis del discurso de la información narrativa de tuits mediante los procesos de codificación abierta, axial y selectiva y el método de comparación constante. Resultados: del análisis emergen cuatro grandes categorías que retratan las conceptualizaciones sobre los hidratos de carbono: los hidratos de carbono como sospechosos o culpables del estancamiento en el entrenamiento y de los problemas con el peso, la carbofobia como estilo de vida, la carbofobia como religión y la relación amor/odio con los hidratos de carbono. Conclusiones: la dieta baja en hidratos de carbono, o carente de ellos, es considerada como un estilo de vida saludable en algunos aficionados a la práctica deportiva. Los resultados de este estudio ponen de manifiesto el poder de herramientas de comunicación virtual como Twitter para apoyar, fomentar y mantener conductas alimentarias no frecuentes y no siempre saludables. Futuros estudios deben seguir profundizando en el contexto en el que aparecen estas prácticas.
Impulsividad y conducta alimentaria en varones
Authors: Jáuregui-Lobera Ignacio , Santiago María José
Published: February 2017

Introducción: la impulsividad es un rasgo de personalidad relacionado con el control de la conducta y de las emociones y que se observa en diferentes alteraciones psicopatológicas, entre ellas las referidas a la conducta alimentaria. Objetivo: el objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar la relación entre la infl uencia del modelo estético corporal, la conducta alimentaria (y riesgo de patología específi ca), el IMC y la impulsividad.Método: fueron incluidos en el estudio 178 varones con una edad media de 20,18 ± 2,48 años. De todos ellos se recogieron peso y talla para calcular el IMC, y los participantes cumplimentaron la escala de impulsividad de Barratt (BIS-11), el Cuestionario de Infl uencias del Modelo Estético Corporal, versión para varones (CIMEC-V) y el Eating Attitudes Test-40(EAT-40).Resultados: se encontró un 5,06% de posibles casos de trastornos alimentarios. Las puntuaciones en algunos ítems de la BIS-11 correlacionaron significativamente con las puntuaciones del EAT-40 y CIMEC-V. Los participantes en situación de sobrepeso (39,89%) presentaron mayor impulsividad, al igual que ocurrió con los participantes que obtuvieron una puntuación superior al punto de corte en el EAT-40.Conclusiones: la exploración de la impulsividad desde el punto de vista psicológico podría constituir un elemento preventivo con relación a las alteraciones alimentarias. En cuanto a pacientes con TCA/sobrepeso/obesidad, podría ser un aspecto a destacar de cara a mejorar su abordaje terapéutico.
Canola as a New Crop for California: A Simulation Study
Authors: George Nicholas , Kaffka Stephen
Published: February 2017

Core Ideas

The accuracy of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator crop model for simulating canola production in California was tested.

The crop model accurately predicted canola yields across the state.

Simulations support observations from multi‐environments trials that canola has both high mean yields and yield potential in California.

The simulation results suggest canola is a viable alternative crop for diversifying cool‐season annual cropping in California.

Canola could maintain economically viable yields under climate change scenarios projected for the region.

The agricultural sector of California is one of the most economically valuable and diverse in the world, but is dominated by perennial tree, vine and forage crops, as well as warm‐season annual species that are dependent on irrigation. The diversity of less water‐intensive annual cool‐season crops is limited and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the primary crop. Canola (Brassica napus L.) could diversify annual cool‐season cropping in the state. Our study used field data from a multi‐environment canola variety trial to test the ability of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model to simulate canola production in California. APSIM was able to accurately simulate canola yields in diverse regions, and consequently was used to investigate the yield potential of canola in California, using different irrigation management strategies, under both current and anticipated future climate scenarios. These simulations predict that canola should have high mean yields throughout California, given suitable management and variety selection. The long‐term mean yield for short‐season, spring‐type, canola in the central valley of California is predicted to be more than 4800 kg/ha with supplemental irrigation. Under rain‐fed conditions in the northern central valley mean yields are predicted to be 3500 kg/ha. This should make canola economically competitive with cool‐season cereals. Without additional improvements in variety adaptation or management changes, our simulations suggest the yield of canola in California will decline modestly, but remain economically viable, under future climate scenarios.
Evaluation of the TBET Model for Potential Improvement of Southern P Indices
Authors: Forsberg Adam , Radcliffe David E. , Bolster Carl H. , Mittelstet Aaron , Storm Daniel E. , Osmond Deanna
Published: February 2017

Due to a shortage of available phosphorus (P)‐loss datasets, simulated data from an accurate quantitative P transport model could be used to evaluate a P Index. The objective of this study was to compare predictions from the Texas Best Management Practice Evaluation Tool (TBET) against measured P‐loss data to determine whether the model could be used to improve P Indices in the southern region. Measured P‐loss data from field‐scale study sites in Arkansas, Georgia, and North Carolina were used to assess the accuracy of TBET for predicting field‐scale loss of P. We found that event‐based predictions using an uncalibrated model were generally poor. Calibration improved runoff predictions and produced scatterplot regression lines that had slopes near one and intercepts near zero. However, TBET predictions of runoff met the performance criteria (Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency ≥ 0.3, percent bias ≤ 35%, and mean absolute error ≤ 10 mm) in only one out of six comparisons: North Carolina during calibration. Sediment predictions were imprecise, and dissolved P predictions underestimated measured losses. In North Carolina, total P‐loss predictions were reasonably accurate because TBET did a slightly better job of predicting sediment losses from cultivated land. In Arkansas and Georgia, where the experimental sites were in forage production, the underprediction of dissolved P led directly to the underpredictions of total P. We conclude that TBET cannot be used to improve southern P Indices, but a curve number approach could be incorporated into P Indices to improve runoff predictions.

Core Ideas

Predictions from an accurate P transport model could be used to evaluate a P Index.

Predictions from an uncalibrated TBET model were generally poor.

A calibrated TBET model was better but did not meet the performance criteria.

A curve number approach for runoff could be incorporated into P Indices.
Integrating the Fenton's Process with Biofiltration by Corbicula fluminea to Reduce Chemical Oxygen Demand of Winery Effluents
Authors: Pipolo Marco , Martins Rui C. , Quinta‐Ferreira Rosa M. , Costa Raquel
Published: February 2017

The discharge of poorly decontaminated winery wastewater remains a serious environmental problem in many regions, and the industry is welcoming improved treatment methods. Here, an innovative decontamination approach integrating Fenton's process with biofiltration by Asian clams is proposed. The potential of this approach was assessed at the pilot scale using real effluent and by taking an actual industrial treatment system as a benchmark. Fenton peroxidation was observed to remove 84% of the effluent's chemical oxygen demand (COD), reducing it to 205 mg L−1. Subsequent biofiltration decreased the effluent's COD to approximately zero, well below the legal discharge limit of 150 mg L−1, in just 3 d. The reduction of the effluent's organic load through Fenton's process did not decrease its toxicity toward Vibrio fischeri, but the effluent was much less harmful after biofiltration. The performance of the treatment proposed exceeded that of the integrated Fenton's process‐sequencing batch reactor design implemented in the winery practice, where a residence time of around 10 d in the biological step typically results in 80 to 90% of COD removal. The method proposed is effective and compatible with typical winery budgets and potentially contributes to the management of a nuisance species.

Core Ideas

Fentons’ reaction/biofiltration by Asian clams was assessed for winery effluent treatment.

Method studied at the pilot scale, using real effluent and an industrial benchmark.

Realistic Fenton's conditions removed 84% COD but with no major impact on toxicity.

Biofiltration led COD to approximately zero with significant toxicity decrease in just 3 d.

Polishing in the biofilters was more efficient than current practice.
Roles of Phosphoric Acid in Biochar Formation: Synchronously Improving Carbon Retention and Sorption Capacity
Authors: Zhao Ling , Zheng Wei , Mašek Ondřej , Chen Xiang , Gu Bowen , Sharma Brajendra K. , Cao Xinde
Published: February 2017

Pretreatment of biomass with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) for biochar production was expected to improve carbon (C) retention, porosity structure, and the sorption ability of biochar. This study investigated the interaction of phosphorus with the C structure to elucidate the mechanisms by which H3PO4 simultaneously captured C and created micropores. Sawdust was soaked in diluted H3PO4 and dried for pyrolytic biochar generation at 350, 500, and 650°C. Results showed that H3PO4 pretreatment resulted in 70 to 80% of biomass C retention in biochar, compared with only about 50% remaining without pretreatment. The specific surface area and total pore volume of the H3PO4–pretreated biochar were 930 m2 g−1 and 0.558 cm3 g−1, respectively, compared with <51.0 m2 g−1 and 0.046 cm3 g−1 in the untreated biochar. The volume of micropores (<10 nm) increased from 59.0% to 78.4–81.9%. The presence of H3PO4 shifted the decomposition temperature to a lower value and decreased the energy required for biomass decomposition. Micropore formation was via the insertion of P‐O‐P into the C lattice, leading to swelling and amplification of amorphous form and lattice defect of the C structure, as evidenced by Raman spectrum and small‐angle X‐ray scattering analysis. The crosslinking of P‐O‐P and C bonds resulted in greater biomass C retention in biochar. This biochar‐phosphorus composite had a much higher sorption ability for Pb than the unmodified biochar, which was possibly dominated by phosphate precipitation and surface adsorption. This study provided a simple method to improve biochar properties and explored the multiple benefits of H3PO4 in biomass pyrolysis.

Core Ideas

Multiple benefits were obtained in biochar formation with H3PO4 pretreatment.

H3PO4 increased pore creation, carbon retention, and sorption ability of biochars.

H3PO4 decreased the demanded energy for fibrous cells decomposition.

H3PO4 promoted an amorphous form and lattice defect of the carbon structure.

Insertion of P‐O‐P into carbon lattice leading to carbon dilation and crosslinking.
Recycled Products from Municipal Wastewater: Composition and Effects on Phosphorus Mobility in a Sandy Soil
Authors: Vogel Telse , Kruse Jens , Siebers Nina , Nelles Michael , Eichler‐Löbermann Bettina
Published: February 2017

Recycled products from wastewater may contain high concentrations of phosphorus (P) and are thus promising alternative fertilizers. However, to better predict their P fertilizer efficiency and potential for P leaching, investigations on P forms and P mobility in soil are essential. In this study, different recycled products—an untreated sewage sludge ash (SSA), an H2SO4–digested SSA, four thermochemically treated SSAs (two Mg‐SSAs and two Ca‐SSAs), and struvite—were investigated using a combination of wet chemical methods and P K‐edge X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy concerning their composition and their effects on P sorption in a sandy soil in comparison to triple superphosphate. Most of the P in the SSAs was associated with Ca in stable P fractions. The lowest P values in labile fractions (H2O‐P, NaHCO3‐P) were found for the untreated SSA and struvite. However, the addition of struvite resulted in an immediate increase in the bioavailable P fractions and the degree of P saturation in soil after only 1 d of incubation. This suggests a high P fertilizer potential for struvite but also a risk of P losses. Among the SSAs, the two Mg‐SSAs increased the bioavailable P fractions in soil the most, whereas the lowest values were measured after application of the untreated SSA. Our results demonstrate that chemical analyses of recycled P products may involve the risk of misjudging the fertilizer quality when performed alone, without considering the behavior of these products in soil.

Core Ideas

Thermochemically treatment increased the P availability of sewage sludge ashes.

Struvite mainly contained less soluble P forms but raised high soluble soil P pools.

Chemical analyses of recycled P products should be combined with incubation studies.
Phosphorus Availability in Western Lake Erie Basin Drainage Waters: Legacy Evidence across Spatial Scales
Authors: King Kevin W. , Williams Mark R. , Johnson Laura T. , Smith Douglas R. , LaBarge Gregory A. , Fausey Norman R.
Published: February 2017

The Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) was inundated with precipitation during June and July 2015 (two to three times greater than historical averages), which led to significant nutrient loading and the largest in‐lake algal bloom on record. Using discharge and concentration data from three spatial scales (0.18–16,000 km2), we contrast the patterns in nitrate (NO3–N) and dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) concentration dynamics and discuss potential management implications. Across all scales, NO3–N concentration steadily declined with each subsequent rainfall event as it was flushed from the system. In contrast, DRP concentration persisted, even on soils at or below agronomic P levels, suggesting that legacy P significantly contributes to nutrient loads in the WLEB. These findings highlight the need to revisit current P fertility recommendations and soil testing procedures to increase P fertilizer use efficiency and to more holistically account for legacy P.

Core Ideas

Persistent P concentrations were measured from edge‐of‐field to basin scale.

Persistent P concentrations after successive rainfall events are indicative of legacy P.

Evidence of legacy P beckons for more comprehensive soil test metrics.
Intoxication of a dog with alkaloids of the fire salamander
Authors: Erjavec Vladimira , Lukanc Barbara , Žel Jurij
Published: February 2017

Europe. Its distinctive black-yellow skin produces toxic alkaloids in the dorsal and parotoid skin glands. These alkaloids can cause clinical signs of intoxication and may lead to death of an animal after mucosal contact or ingestion of the fire salamander. Although there are many anecdotal reports on dog intoxication with the salamander, there are no published data available for that kind of intoxication. We assume that this is due to the fact that most dogs die after intoxication with toxic alkaloids of the fire salamander. This paper describes the clinical case of a dog which survived the intoxication after the contact with a fire salamander. Publication of this case report has a certain value to those people who deal with dogs because contacts of dogs with salamanders are not rare, but so far there is no publication in the literature on survival of a dog after biting a fire salamander.
Microvesicles and exosome granules and their role in macroorganism.
Authors: Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej Paulina , Tokarz-Deptuła Beata , Deptuła Wiesław
Published: February 2017

In recent years, it has been discovered that many membrane elements in cells are crucial for homeostasis and constitute a pivotal, previously ignored, element of immunity. Such elements are microvesicles (MV) and exosome granules (EG), which for years have been confused with each other because of their similarity and imprecise nomenclature. Today, however, it is known, that these structures differ in their phenotypes and functions. MV are structures released by the morphotic elements of blood, thrombocytes, erythrocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, lymphocytes and vascular endothelium cells, and they play a role in blood clotting, adhesion, fibrinolysis and angiogenesis, as well as in inflammation and apoptosis. EG, on the other hand, belong to RNA granules, which protect genetic material in cells and are also involved in inflammation, immunity, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.
Pre-treatment of thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS) for enhanced biogas production via the application of a novel radial horn sonication technology
Authors: Suhartini Sri , Melville Lynsey , Amato Tony
Published: February 2017

The efficacy of sonication as a pre-treatment to anaerobic digestion (AD) was assessed using thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS). Efficiency was measured in relation to solubilisation, dewaterability, and AD performance. Eighteen experimental conditions were evaluated at low frequency (20 kHz), duration (2–10 s), amplitude (∼8–12 μm) and applied pressure (0.5–3.0 barg), using a sonix™ patented titanium sonoprobe capable of delivering an instantaneous power of ∼6 kW provided by Doosan Enpure Ltd (DEL). An optimised experimental protocol was used as a pre-treatment for biochemical methane potential (BMP) testing and semi-continuous trials. Four digesters, with a 2-L working volume were operated mesophilically (37 ± 0.5 °C) over 22 days. The results showed that the sonix™ technology delivers effective sonication at very short retention times compared to conventional system. Results demonstrate that the technology effectively disrupts the floc structures and filaments within the TWAS, causing an increase in solubilisation and fine readily digestible material. Both BMP tests and semi-continuous trials demonstrated that sonicated TWAS gave higher biodegradability and methane potential compared to untreated TWAS. Partial-stream sonication (30:70 sonicated to untreated TWAS) resulted in a proportionate increase in biogas production illustrating the benefits of full-stream sonication.
The role of constructed wetlands for biomass production within the water-soil-waste nexus
Authors: Avellan C. T. , Ardakanian R. , Gremillion P.
Published: February 2017

The use of constructed wetlands for water pollution control has a long standing tradition in urban, peri-urban, rural, agricultural and mining environments. The capacity of wetland plants to take up nutrients and to filter organic matter has been widely discussed and presented in diverse fora and published in hundreds of articles. In an ever increasingly complex global world, constructed wetlands not only play a role in providing safe sanitation in decentralized settings, shelter for biodiversity, and cleansing of polluted sites, in addition, they produce biomass that can be harvested and used for the production of fodder and fuel. The United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES) was established in December 2012 in Dresden, Germany, to assess the trade-offs between and among resources when making sustainable decisions. Against the backdrop of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, which was introduced as a critical element for the discussions on sustainability at Rio +20, the UNU was mandated to pay critical attention to the interconnections of the underlying resources, namely, water, soil and waste. Biomass for human consumption comes in the form of food for direct use, as fodder for livestock, and as semi-woody biomass for fuelling purposes, be it directly for heating and cooking or for the production of biogas and/or biofuel. Given the universal applicability of constructed wetlands in virtually all settings, from arid to tropical, from relatively high to low nutrient loads, and from a vast variety of pollutants, we postulate that the biomass produced in constructed wetlands can be used more extensively in order to enhance the multi-purpose use of these sites.
Targeting Melatonin MT2 Receptors: A Novel Pharmacological Avenue for Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Posa Luca , De Gregorio Danilo , Gobbi Gabriella , Comai Stefano
Published: February 2017

Melatonin (MLT) has been implicated in several pathophysiological states, including
pain. MLT mostly activates two G-protein coupled receptors, MT1 and MT2. In this
review, we present the analgesic properties of MLT in preclinical and clinical studies, giving
particular emphasis to the effects mediated by MT2 receptors and to recent investigations
demonstrating the analgesic effects of MT2 receptor partial agonists in chronic and
acute/inflammatory pain conditions. MT2 receptors are localized in specific brain areas, including
the reticular and the ventromedial nuclei of the thalamus (part of the ascending nociceptive
pathway) and the ventrolateral periaqueductal grey matter (vlPAG) (part of the
descending antinociceptive pathway). MLT displays analgesic properties in several animal
paradigms of chronic, acute, inflammatory and neuropathic pain; importantly, these effects
are mediated by MT2 receptors since they are blocked by selective MT2 antagonists. In different
pain paradigms, UCM924 and UCM765, two selective MT2 receptor partial agonists,
produce analgesic effects with higher potency than MLT, thus confirming the involvement
of MT2 receptors in pain. Notably, these compounds do not induce sedation and motor impairments.
Although their analgesic mechanism of action is not yet completely elucidated,
they act on antinociceptive descending pathways by stimulating MT2 receptors on glutamatergic
neurons of the vlPAG, which in turn activate OFF cells and inhibit ON cells of the
rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM). Collectively, there is strong preclinical evidence suggesting
the pharmacological potential of MT2 receptor partial agonists, which also have a
favorable toxicological profile. These compounds may be further developed as novel analgesic
drugs.
Poor Safety and Tolerability Hamper Reaching a Potentially Therapeutic Dose in the Use of Thalidomide for Alzheimer’s Disease: Results from a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Decourt Boris , Drumm-Gurnee Denise , Wilson Jeffrey , Jacobson Sandra , Belden Christine , Sirrel Sherye , Ahmadi Michael , Shill Holly , Powell Jessica , Walker Aaron , Gonzales Amanda , Macias Mimi , Sabbagh Marwan N.
Published: February 2017

Introduction:

To date there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). After amyloid beta immunotherapies
have failed to meet primary endpoints of slowing cognitive decline in AD subjects, the
inhibition of the beta-secretase BACE1 appears as a promising therapeutic approach. Pre-clinical data
obtained in APP23 mice suggested that the anti-cancer drug thalidomide decreases brainBACE1 and Aβ
levels. This prompted us to develop an NIH-supported Phase IIa clinical trial to test the potential of thalidomide
for AD. We hypothesized that thalidomide can decrease or stabilize brain amyloid deposits,
which would result in slower cognitive decline in drug- versus placebo-treated subjects.

Methods:

This was a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study with
escalating dose regimen of thalidomide with a target dose of 400mg daily in patients with mild to moderate
AD. The primary outcome measures were tolerability and cognitive performance assessed by a
battery of tests.

Results:

A total of 185 subjects have been pre-screened, out of which25 were randomized. Mean age of
the sample at baseline was 73.64 (±7.20) years; mean education was 14.24 (±2.3) years; mean MMSE
score was 21.00 (±5.32); and mean GDS score was 2.76 (±2.28).Among the 25 participants, 14 (56%)
terminated early due to adverse events, dramatically decreasing the power of the study. In addition,
those who completed the study (44%) never reached the estimated therapeutic dose of 400 mg/day thalidomide
because of reported adverse events. The cognitive data showed no difference between the
treated and placebo groups at the end of the trial.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates AD patients have poor tolerability for thalidomide, and are unable
to reach a therapeutic dose felt to be sufficient to have effects on BACE1. Because of poor tolerability,
this study failed to demonstrate a beneficial effect on cognition.
Melanoma Adjuvant Treatment: Current Insight and Clinical Features
Authors: D`Aniello Carmine , Perri Francesco , Scarpati Giuseppina Della Vittoria , Pepa Chiara Della , Pisconti Salvatore , Montesarchio Vincenzo , Wernert Nicolas , Zarone Mayra Rachele , Caraglia Michele , Facchini Gaetano , Berretta Massimiliano , Cavaliere Carla
Published: February 2017

Melanoma represents 2-3% of all cancers, 95% of them arise from skin, while only 5%
are non-cutaneous melanoma. Despite an optimal surgery management, the risk of a local and systemic
relapse remains high, particularly in high-risk patients (node-positive or node-negative T3b,
T4 a/b). We conducted a systematic review of the main published and ongoing phase I/II/III trials
between 2000 and June 2015 on the adjuvant treatment of cutaneous melanoma. The IFN remains
the only option currently available for this aim. Ipilimumab represents a possible breakthrough in
this setting, considering the positive results of the EORTC 18701 trials in terms of disease free survival
(DFS), while data regarding OS are pending. Recent advances in the understanding of the biology
of melanoma result in the identification of MAPK pathway role in the melanoma development.

Based on these features, B-RAF inhibitors and their combination with immunotherapy could represent
the upcoming therapeutic strategy.
Current and Emerging Treatments for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cavaliere Carla , D`Aniello Carmine , Pepa Chiara Della , Pisconti Salvatore , Berretta Massimiliano , Facchini Gaetano
Published: February 2017

In the last decades, the treatment of mRCC, metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma, has become
more and more complex due to the approval of a great number of effective systemic treatments that
have significantly improved the prognosis of patients suffering from such disease. An additional
knowledge of the genetic aberrations and the molecular pathways alterations that underlie RCC, has
promoted the development of several novel agents, known as target therapies (TTs). Even though TTs
are not curative and all patients eventually progress, an adequate sequencing of these drugs can provide
a significant benefit in terms of PFS, Progression Free Survival, and hopefully OS, Overall Survival. To
date, there are few data about the optimal sequential use of the TTs hence, in clinical practice, the
therapeutic strategy is chosen on the basis of the safety profile of the drug, patients medical history and
the pivotal trial results, though such studies often exclude patients with poor performance status and/or
severe comorbidities that we routinely see in our clinics. This review aims to provide an overview of
the systemic therapies for mRCC both in the newly diagnosed patients and in the subsequent lines of
treatment, with a special focus on the last advances about TTs and immunotherapy.
Producción modular y coordinación en el sector de autopartes en México: el caso de la red de plantas de Lear Corporation
Authors: Lara Rivero Arturo A. , Trujano Gerardo , García Garnica Alejandro
Published: February 2017

El propósito de este artículo es describir y analizar el caso de un proveedor de la industria automotriz que, de ser especialista en la producción de asientos, ha evolucionado hasta convertirse en una empresa capaz de suministrar la totalidad del sistema de interiores. El estudio está centrado en la red de plantas de producción que Lear Corporation tiene en México. Se busca examinar el desempeño tecnológico, así como la estrategia de coordinación y cooperación intraempresa (dentro del mercado de América del Norte) desarrolladas por Lear en el marco de la producción modular.
Relaciones entre organizaciones y movimientos sociales. Redes y oportunidades políticas: los casos de la Red Nacional de Acción Ecologista (Argentina) y la Red Nacional de Derecho a la Información Ambiental (México)
Authors: Velázquez García Mario Alberto
Published: February 2017

Este artículo describe y analiza las transformaciones en la operación y coordinación de las organizaciones ambientales. La teoría de oportunidades políticas constituye el marco de la investigación, y los referentes empíricos son los casos de la Red Nacional de Acción Ecologista (RENACE) en Argentina y la Red Nacional de Derecho a la Información Ambiental en México (REDIA). Este trabajo se vincula con las discusiones sobre recursos para las acciones colectivas y las formas de participación social.
Signos vitales: aprendizaje biotecnológico en América del Norte
Authors: Mercado Celis Alejandro
Published: February 2017

Las brechas tecnológicas entre países y regiones son la pieza clave en la diferenciación económica y en las tasas de crecimiento resultantes. Los países y regiones menos desarrollados pueden fomentar competencias tecnológicas con estrategias diferentes. El mejor momento para que este tipo de países ingrese en la competencia por el control tecnológico es cuando las tecnologías y los conocimientos relacionados con ellas están en una etapa inicial, a lo que se le conoce como ventana de oportunidad tecnológica y locacional. En este artículo, se argumenta que la ventana de oportunidad de la biotecnología aún está abierta, y que México todavía puede entrar en la competencia mundial por su desarrollo. No obstante lo anterior, se documenta que Canadá y Estados Unidos están generando ventajas absolutas con rapidez, por lo que las ventanas de oportunidad en algunas áreas pronto estarán "cerradas". Se presentan las regiones que dominan la creación de aplicaciones comerciales en biotecnología en la región de América del Norte. En particular, se subraya el papel destacado que algunas ciudades canadienses están jugando en el desarrollo de esta industria, pese a la competencia estadounidense.
La resistencia a la democracia deliberativa. Tensiones entre un gobierno de alternancia y la sociedad civil organizada. El caso del Parque Fundidora en Monterrey
Authors: Medellín Mendoza Laura Nelly
Published: February 2017

Este artículo expone las resistencias del Gobierno del Partido Acción Nacional (PAN) en Nuevo León, para promover una democracia deliberativa en la construcción de una pista de carreras en terrenos públicos del Parque Fundidora en Monterrey. Para este fin, mantuvo una asociación mercantil con empresarios, y no compartió información con las organizaciones de la sociedad civil, particularmente con el Comité Pro Rescate Fundidora, que cuestionó el fundamento legal, la legitimidad y la sustentabilidad ambiental de esta decisión pública. Además, desconoció jurídicamente a los ciudadanos organizados, para obtener la información que les permitiera conocer las bases del proyecto; esto imposibilita la construcción de una esfera pública deliberativa, como una de las condiciones para generar la gobernabilidad democrática.
La necesidad de formación de capacidades para la gestión del desarrollo rural territorial
Authors: Quispe Limaylla Aníbal
Published: February 2017

El acrecentamiento de la pobreza, la desigualdad social y la aparición de nuevas situaciones en el ámbito rural en países latinoamericanos han motivado el surgimiento de enfoques alternativos de desarrollo rural, en contraposición a los convencionales. La revalorización del territorio en la organización del Estado y el crecimiento socioeconómico y, como parte de ello, el enfoque territorial del desarrollo rural han sido de los pasos más importantes dados en la última década. Algunos gobiernos, sectores organizados de la sociedad y asociaciones internacionales de cooperación técnica y financiera han reconocido la importancia de este nuevo enfoque, y han empezado a utilizarlo para abordar la problemática rural. A pesar de su relevancia, uno de los aspectos aún débiles para aplicarlo es la capacitación. El propósito de este trabajo es analizar la situación de la oferta y la demanda para la formación de personal con este nuevo enfoque, y proponer modos de instrucción en gestión local y desarrollo territorial rural. Para ello, se hizo un estudio sistemático sobre el tema, que incluyó una revisión bibliográfica y aplicación de encuestas y entrevistas a personas clave de la región.
Mujeres, políticas públicas y política: los caminos globales de Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua-El Paso, Texas
Authors: Staudt Kathleen , Vera Beatriz
Published: February 2017

En este artículo se abordan temas selectos de políticas públicas, que dividen y unen a las mujeres en la frontera México-Estados Unidos, concentrados en el área metropolitana de Ciudad Juárez-El Paso, que conforma una "economía interdependiente", con una población superior a dos millones de personas, cuya mayoría comparte una herencia mexicana. De esta forma, se analiza una perspectiva compleja: la economía global en la que las maquiladoras de Ciudad Juárez están a la vanguardia; los cambios ideológicos de derecha en los gobiernos de México y Estados Unidos; con gobiernos divididos en filiación partidista así como en materia del federalismo, éste practicado en forma diferente por ambos, y en los cuales las voces de las mujeres tienen poca notoriedad. Sin embargo, ellas se organizan en grupos que representan sus intereses, aunque sus voces han sido marginadas en la sociedad y en la acción legislativa. Existen pocas organizaciones binacionales de mujeres, con algunas excepciones en los aspectos de salud y violencia.
La determinación de costos como herramienta de defensa ante la globalización: El caso de una empresa de servicios agropecuarios en Sinaloa
Authors: Juárez López Félix Susana , Rodríguez Martínez Rafael , López Pérez Héctor Manuel , López Pérez Joel , Arenas Vargas Miguel
Published: February 2017

La competitividad obliga a las empresas a encontrar estrategias que les permitan sobrevivir, ante la globalización de los mercados. En este ambiente de cambios, los sistemas modernos de contabilidad administrativa, entre los que sobresale el de costos Basado en actividades (ABC, por sus siglas en inglés), juegan un papel importante en la planeación y supervisión en los programas de reducción de costos. En este artículo se utilizaron los datos de un laboratorio de análisis de agua, certificado ante la Comisión Nacional del Agua (CNA) y la Entidad Mexicana de Acreditación (EMA), para aplicar el ABC, y de acuerdo con los resultados, proporciona información más precisa que el Sistema Tradicional de Costos (STC). Por tanto, el ABC es una opción para las pequeñas y medianas empresas en los sectores agropecuarios y de servicios, aunque es preciso establecer su papel en la determinación de los diferentes componentes de costos de las actividades.
Clientelismo y exilio: José María Maytorena como "ego" de una red, 1915-1920
Authors: Alarcón Menchaca Laura
Published: February 2017

Los primeros cinco años de exilio del revolucionario sonorense José María Maytorena Tapia, se analizan según la perspectiva de la formación de redes egocéntricas y exocéntricas, centradas en un intercambio de recursos económicos y de información. Se examinan dos variables que condicionaron el entretejido de las redes: los vínculos de Maytorena con otros sujetos, con base en la ayuda económica y su oposición al gobierno de Venustiano Carranza. La modificación del escenario político de la nación, así como su relación con Estados Unidos profundizaban o mermaban la reciprocidad entre los miembros de la red, vista a la luz de un sujeto como "ego" de la misma, de la cual se plantean algunos ejemplos. El fracaso de la empresa de Felipe Ángeles, el asesinato de Carranza y la acendrada hostilidad entre Maytorena y Álvaro Obregón contribuyeron a entretejer vínculos nuevos en la siguiente etapa del exilio de Maytorena, que duró más de una década.