bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Median Nerve: Neurophysiological Parameters in Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Tupković Emir , Nišić Mediha , Kendić Sulejman , Salihović Semiha , Balić Adem , Brigić Kasim , Ćatović Amra
Published: February 2018

An examination of neurophysiologic features of median nerve in third trimester of regularly controlled normal risk pregnancies is performed at the Department of Neurophysiology of Primary Health Centre in Tuzla during January / April 2006. Examined group consisted of 40 young females in third trimester of pregnancy, and average age of 25,6 +/- 4,9 years. Control group consisted of young healthy females with average age of 31,1 +/- 4,4 years. Symptoms and signs of carpal tunnel sy. (CST) had 12 patients, but diagnosis is neurophysiologically confirmed in 9 (75%) patients. In group of pregnant females without symptoms 3 (10,7%) patients showed neurophysiologic evidence of CTS. Sensory velocity of right median nerve was significantly lower in pregnant group of patients (p=0,002), but area of sensory potentials on both sides were lower in pregnant group (p<0,0001). Area of CMAP of right median nerve was significantly lower in pregnant group (p=0,0003). Significant differences in CTS group compared with control group were in sensory velocities of median nerve (left median nerve p=0,0007, right p<0,0001), and area of SNAP of both sides (left p<0,0001, right p=0,0001), but area of CMAP right (p=0,0003). In CTS group 7 females had unilateral and 5 had bilateral neurophysiological changes. Our conclusion is that neurophysiological parameters of median nerve in thirdtrimester of pregnancy are changed mainly due to high prevalence of CTS that might disturb quality of life and have psychological and physical implications on future mother. Hence, it is necessary to, continuously, pay enough attention in prevention or treatment of mentioned syndrome in this population group.
C-Reactive Protein in Obese PCOS Women and the Effect of Metformin Therapy
Authors: Velija-Ašimi Zelija
Published: February 2018

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) in association with hyperinsulinemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and that plays a key role in the development of the PCOS. We evaluated serum CRP level, before and after metformin therapy in obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Thirty five obese women with PCOS [BMI=28,2+/-1,84 kg/m2, aged 20-35 years] were studied. Patients received metformin orally the dose of 850 mg per day. The patients were carefully interviewed, clinically examined, and laboratory tested to eliminate conditions, probable to provoke an inflammatory response which was an exclusion criterion. Subjects were excluded if there was clinical or electrocardiographic evidence of coronary artery disease, a family history of coronary artery disease, a history of smoking, or concurrent oestrogen, antihypertensive, or lipid lowering medication. At all patients we determined CRP, insulin, C-peptide, luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, oestradiol, testosterone, prolactin, TSh, T3, T4, glucose, fibrinogen and lipid profile, before and after metformin treatment. Mean serum C-RP levels significantly decreased after metformin treatment ((6,37+/-1,72 vs. 1,67+/-0,73 mg/l; p<0,05). Level of insulin reduced for 37% after metformin treatment (234+/-68 vs. 148+/-39 pmol/l). Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased as well. Mean total testosterone levels decreased after metformin treatment too (3,21+/-0,91, vs. 2,31+/-0,72 nmol/l). Elevated serum CRP level significantly correlated to the hyperinsulinaemia (r=0,54). Metformin therapy in PCOS womenreduces CRP level, hyperinsulinaemia and cardiovascular risk.
El modelo de formación profesional en España
Authors: Brunet Ignasi , Böcker Zavaro Rafael
Published: February 2018

Este artículo expone como se ha ido configurando el modelo de formación profesional en España, al objeto de identificar cuál es el principal reto actual al que la formación profesional se enfrenta. Para ello hemos efectuado un diseño metodológico basado en las aportaciones de diversos autores a través del análisis e interpretación de textos. Los resultados han sido, identificar el motor de las distintas reformas de la formación profesional, y que tiene que ver con la necesidad de adaptar la formación profesional a los cambios en el entorno productivo. Esta necesidad de impulsar una mejor adecuación entre el sector de la formación profesional y el sistema productivo ha sido uno de los retos de la Ley Orgánica para la Mejora de la Calidad Educativa. Bajo el régimen de esta ley, España adopta, por un lado, un modelo de formación profesio- nal en la línea del modelo dual, cuyo paradigma es Alemania. Por otro, esta ley hace hincapié en la prestación de servicios técnicos de los centros de formación profesional a las pequeñas empresas de su entorno, e impulsa la formación en competencias de innovación en los egresados de formación profesional.
Conflicto y colaboración en la organización y gestión universitaria: vida cotidiana y cultura institucional
Authors: Molina-Luque Fidel
Published: February 2018

La universidad se debate entre un tipo de organización mecanicista y un tipo de organización orgánica. La organización y gestión universitaria aparece en ocasiones muy burocratizada y en otras parece plantear una estructura algo más flexible, priorizando los objetivos generales de la propia universidad en relación con las responsabilidades dibujadas concretamente. Tomamos como estudio de caso una universidad española (la Universidad de Lleida) donde hemos podido realizar un trabajo de campo intensivo, a través de una metodología cualitativa que ha comportado diversas técnicas de investigación: observación participante, entrevistas en profundidad y grupos de discusión. La observación participante y las entrevistas informales se han llevado a cabo en este último quinquenio (2011-2016) sobre la base de trabajos anteriores de entrevistas en profundidad (5) y grupos de debate (7 de discusión y 3 triangulares). El estilo de dirección se ha mostrado entre “participativo” y “decisivo (autoritario)”, propio de una organización, entre mecanicista y orgánica, que, después de una época de ma- durez, se encuentra en un momento de cambio. Entre otras conclusiones, se destacan la necesidad de una reestructuración en algunas áreas del Personal de Administración y Servicios (PAS); la necesidad de mejora de la coordinación y comunicación entre áreas y servicios; la necesidad de disminuir la burocracia, clarificando los procedimien- tos pertinentes; también se plantea la profesionalización de direcciones de servicios o perfiles intermedios altos, así como la clarificación de la función directiva en la gestión entre el Personal Docente e Investigador (PDI) y el PAS, estando atentos a las posibles causas y condicionantes (estructurales) de las “desmotivaciones” que se expresan entre algunos miembros de la comunidad universitaria. Es precisamente en el apartado de la vida cotidiana donde el personal se encuentra entre las ventajas y los inconvenientes de una universidad relativamente pequeña: tensiones y conflictos que pueden gestionarse de manera alternativa y positiva y otros que pueden enquistarse más fácilmente.
Organization of comprehensive support for children with ASD in Leningrad Oblast
Authors: Hotko S.V.
Published: February 2018

Large area of Leningrad Oblast and scatteredness of residences of children with autism spectrum disorders complicated the work on formation of the model of comprehensive support for ASD children in region. Stages of work are described. Institutions and organizations, which are involved in the process of the formation of the model of comprehensive support for children and their families, are listed.
On the efficiency criteria of work practices with ASD people
Authors: Morozov S.A.
Published: February 2018

The analysis of different practices of work with ASD people has important application value. First of all, it aims to identify the effectiveness of various factors and their combination on the development of people with autism, and on the level of their social adaptation. The question of the effectiveness of correction of ASD is considered both in terms of the choice of techniques and practices for work with ASD children, and in terms of the effectiveness
of techniques as such and the content of «effectiveness of correction of ASD» concept. The most competent of the modern approaches to the evaluation of the effectiveness of the techniques and the practice of correction of autistic disorders, the prospects and directions of research of this indicator are determined.
The conditions of preschool education of children with ASD in short-term groups
Authors: Don G.V.
Published: February 2018

The actual problems of organization of education of preschool aged children with ASD and conditions for providing them with qualified psychological, educational and correctional-development assistance are being addressed. The goals, objectives and conditions for the education of children in short-term groups are enumerated. The conditions for the implementation of the educational program for preschool children with ASD are considered in detail.
The techniques of behavioral organization and of teaching of children with ASD used by teachers in primary school of Federal Resource Center of MSUPE
Authors: Bereslavskaya M.I.
Published: February 2018

Pedagogical recommendations and techniques of work with ASD children are described as the results of successful
long-term pedagogical practice in the school for children with autism. Nowadays this is the school of the Federal Resource Center for Organization of Comprehensive Support to Children with ASD. Present paper is addressed to teachers of children with autism spectrum disorders.
Basic principles of Floortime
Authors: Gomozova E.S.
Published: February 2018

A brief description of the DIR concept and its key methodology is presented. Floortime is a system for helping children with ASD. The most important role in that system is assigned to parents. The above goals, tasks and basic interaction rules in the style of Floortime are presented. Possible limitations in the application of methods in the work of specialists and parents in the implementation of a home program are also listed. The method is approbated and actively used by specialists of the pre-school education organization «Correction-Development Center» in Ivanteevka and Korolev.
A complex approach in the diagnostics of children with ASD. FMR1 gene mutation clinical case
Authors: Pereverzeva D.S. , Tyushkevich S.A. , Mamokhina U.A. , Danilina K.K.
Published: February 2018

The importance of developing a model of initial support for a child with suspicion of an autism spectrum disorder is underlined. The main principles of the diagnostic examination, which are based on the interaction between specialists of various profiles, are listed. The primary importance of strict compliance with the diagnostic protocol, which allows fully describe the disease pattern is substantiated. The model is illustrated by a critical analysis of the clinical case in which the principles of the child’s examination were not followed.
Mechanisms for the formation of communicative behavior in the work with students with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Sunko T.Y.
Published: February 2018

The problem of the formation of communicative behavior in students with autism spectrum disorder in considered. The communicative norms are described on the basis of which speech communication is founded. The mechanisms of constructing of communicative behavior in work with students with autism spectrum disorders within the framework of the lesson and after-hour activities are defined.
Visitors with ASD in the museum: five steps to inclusion
Authors: Stepanov V.S.
Published: February 2018

The change in the attitude of society towards people with disabilities to a more positive one led to switch through traditional “medical” model of disability to the social model. Although this process progresses unevenly, it spreads and affects various spheres. More and more cultural institutions set themselves the goal of creating an inclusive institution. One of the tasks for such institution is to contribute to the process of social & cultural integration of people with disabilities. The main five steps for creating an inclusive museum, which is set for people with ASD, are described based on the experience of the Museum of Russian Impressionism.
Socio-cultural rehabilitation of children with ASD in the State Darwin Museum. Program «Others»
Authors: Kubasova T.S.
Published: February 2018

The State Darwin Museum has been carrying out work on the socio-cultural rehabilitation of people with disabilities with museum facilities for the many years. The museum is actively developing the direction on the complex adaptation for visitors with autism spectrum disorders.
The accessible environment and inclusive leisure park for individuals with disabilities
Authors: Afonina M.A. , Petrova L.V. , Osipova E.A.
Published: February 2018

At the present time, much attention is paid to the adaptation of the environment to needs of people with disabilities.
Comprehensive approach to solve the problems of integration of children and adults with disabilities presupposes the organization of accessible forms of leisure along with many other factors. The issues of organization of the environment and the expansion of leisure opportunities are also resolves by landscape architects. Until now, the tasks of organizing an accessible environment have been partially realized with regard to people with disorders of the musculoskeletal system, hearing and vision. The article reveals the “inclusive park” concept.
Also, present paper describes the tasks that the originators set in organizing ofinclusive park for people with disabilities of various categories, along with for people with mental disabilities and with autism spectrum disorders.
News, events, documents
Authors: Razukhina E.V.
Published: February 2018

News, events, documents
VARIATIONAL MUTI-STEPS METHOD TO SOLVE DAMPED OSCILLATION EQUATION
Authors: Adam Riza Ibnu , Susilawati Susilawati , Rizal Adhi
Published: February 2018

This paper aims to identifying the numerical method accuracy of the analytical solution of the damped oscillation equation motion. Adams method of  4th order, Milne method and Adams-Simpson method are used to find numerical solutions. Value of y(1), y(2), y(3) obtained from The 4th order Runge-Kutta method. They used as initial value of multistep method. Then, the numerical solution result was compared with analytical solution. From the research result, it is found that 4th order Adams method has the best accuracy.
INTERPRETATION OF COAL POTENTION USING GROUND PENETRATING RADAR (GPR) METHOD
Authors: Wahidah Rohmatul , Basid Abdul
Published: February 2018

Coal exposure founded at Klatak Kebo Ireng village in Besuki Tulungagung precisely in the vicinity of the river. Energy needs is increasing so the coal used for one of alternative energy source that can be used by society. This study was conducted to determine of the potential distribution coal modeling on geological structure. Identification of coal structure is using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) 2005 it conducted because this method is more suitable for shallow of surveys. The location for taking data is around the river that showed to exposure. There are 5th lines of taken data with length about 50 until 100 meters. Data processing was done using of software Future series 2005. The data displayed with software in the color pattern to obtain based on the constant of dielectric and conductivity. The results of interpretation study are the data indicates that there is a coal on the overall trajectory. Only in 2nd track contain little of coal. The Coal layers are appear in processing the results of data is thickness about 6 at the top. In the area of study also found the cavity (cavity area) which contained of several tracks. On the bottom of the track there is a pattern of coal reddish of yellow color which indicates that material contains of minerals.
Akdeniz Koşullarında Kurakçıl Peyzaj Düzenlemelerinde Kullanılabilecek Bitki Türlerinin Belirlenmesi: Antalya/Konyaaltı Örneği
Authors: ÇETİN Nefise , MANSUROĞLU Sibel
Published: February 2018

Peyzaj tasarımlarında  yanlış bitki seçimleri, geniş alanlarda çim ve

mevsimlik bitki kullanımları sınırlı su kaynakları üzerindeki baskıyı

arttırabilmektedir. Özellikle Akdeniz iklim koşullarında, peyzaj tasarımında

yanlış bitki seçimi nedeniyle yaz aylarında bitkiler kurumakta, hatta

ölmektedir.  Bu nedenle yoğun sulama

gerektiren klasik peyzaj anlayışından vazgeçilerek, az su kullanılan ‘Kurakçıl

Peyzaj’(Xeriscape) gibi peyzaj yaklaşımlarına gereksinim duyulmaktadır. Bu

çalışmada, bitkisel tasarımda su tasarrufu sağlamada en önemli konunun doğru

bitki seçimi olduğu ve alanın doğal yapı özelliklerine uygun bitkilerle yapılan

tasarımlarla peyzajların sürdürülebilirliğinin artırılabileceği yaklaşımı ile

hareket edilmiştir. Kurak dönemin uzun sürdüğü Akdeniz koşullarında kurakçıl

peyzaj düzenlemelerinde kullanılabilecek bitki türlerinin ve özelliklerinin

belirlenmesi amaçlanmış, uygulamalarda yarar sağlaması için bitkilerin

fidanlıklarda bulunabilirlikleri araştırılmıştır. Ayrıntılı iklim analizlerinin

de yapıldığı çalışma Antalya/Konyaaltı ilçesi örneğinde yürütülmüştür.

Kuraklığa dayanıklı bitki kullanımının yaygınlaştırılması ve fidanlıkta

bulunmayan kuraklığa toleranslı türlerin üretimine geçilmesi konularında

öneriler geliştirilmiştir.
Divulgação científica e educação patrimonial em arqueologia: a experiência do I Workshop de Arqueologia da UNESC
Authors: Santos Josiel dos , Moser Diego , Ostetto Lucy Cristina , Santos Marcos Cesar Pereira , Campos Juliano Bitencourt
Published: February 2018

Este artigo apresenta as atividades desenvolvidas durante o I Workshop de Arqueologia da UNESC, realizado no âmbito da VII Semana de Ciência e Tecnologia, durante os dias 17 e 21 de outubro de 2016. Além de uma exposição arqueológica, foram realizadas oficinas temáticas de confecção de réplicas de cerâmica arqueológica, de arte rupestre e de escavação arqueológica. Tais atividades estiveram pautadas pela concepção da Divulgação Científica e da Educação Patrimonial objetivando a aproximação da produção do conhecimento arqueológico com o público local, se colocando como ferramentas de formação cultural, crítica e cidadã. Como previsto foi atendido um amplo e variado público de acadêmicos, funcionários e professores da Universidade, turmas de estudantes do ensino básico das escolas da região e visitantes externos ocasionais.
Online Relinquishments of Dogs and Cats in Australia
Authors: Hazel Susan J. , Jenvey Caitlin J. , Tuke Jonathan
Published: February 2018

While traditionally people relinquish their pets to an animal shelter or pound, the internet provides a newer method to re-home. We analysed advertisements (ads) on the largest website in Australia for trading dogs and cats, gumtree.com.au. Data was collected in 2016. Dogs were sampled on February 7, 16 and 24, 2016 and cats on February 9, 19 and 26, 2016 with 2640 ads for relinquished dogs, and 2093 ads for relinquished cats. It was estimated >31,000 puppies/dogs and >24,000 kittens/cats are relinquished on gumtree.com.au per year. The median age of dogs was 1.42 and cats 0.9 years of age. There were 23% of dog ads and 62% of cat ads for free animals. Compared to the human population there were proportionately more ads in Queensland and fewer ads in Victoria. A total of 15 people were surveyed who had relinquished a dog or cat using gumtree.com.au. The dog owners used gumtree.com.au because they believed the shelters were full (n = 4), and; they wanted to see/interview the new owner (n = 2). For cat owners it was because they had originally got the cat on gumtree.com.au (n = 2); they use gumtree.com.au for other things, and it works (n = 2), and; they wanted to see/interview the new owner (n = 2). The data collected will be valuable for implementation of policy and interventions to protect the welfare of un-wanted dogs and cats.
Effects of Topical Anaesthetic and Buccal Meloxicam Treatments on Concurrent Castration and Dehorning of Beef Calves
Authors: Van der Saag Dominique , White Peter , Ingram Lachlan , Manning Jaime , Windsor Peter , Thomson Peter , Lomax Sabrina
Published: February 2018

The use of pain relief during castration and dehorning of calves on commercial beef operations can be limited by constraints associated with the delivery of analgesic agents. As topical anaesthetic (TA) and buccal meloxicam (MEL) are now available in Australia, offering practical analgesic treatments for concurrent castration and dehorning of beef calves, a study was conducted to determine their efficacy in providing pain relief when applied alone or in combination. Weaner calves were randomly allocated to; (1) no castration and dehorning / positive control (CONP); (2) castration and dehorning / negative control (CONN); (3) castration and dehorning with buccal meloxicam (BM); (4) castration and dehorning with topical anaesthetic (TA); and (5) castration and dehorning with buccal meloxicam and topical anaesthetic (BMTA). Weight gain, paddock utilisation, lying activity and behaviour following treatment were measured. CONP and BMTA calves had significantly greater weight gain than CONN calves (P < 0.001). CONN calves spent less time lying compared to BMTA calves on all days (P < 0.001). All dehorned and castrated calves spent more time walking (P = 0.024) and less time eating (P < 0.001) compared to CONP calves. There was a trend for CONP calves to spend the most time standing and CONN calves to spend the least time standing (P = 0.059). There were also trends for the frequency of head turns to be lowest in CONP and BMTA calves (P = 0.098) and tail flicks to be highest in CONN and BM calves (P = 0.061). The findings of this study suggest that TA and MEL can improve welfare and production of calves following surgical castration and amputation dehorning.
Why the Correlation Between Oil Prices and US Dollar Exchange Rate Is Time-varying?----Explanations Based on Role of Key Mediators
Authors: Xu Xiangyun , Liao Jia , Shi Yu
Published: February 2018

Using DCC-GARCH and EGARCH model, this paper finds that since 1990, the relationship between crude oil prices and the US dollar index is time-varying, demonstrating a process of “very weak correlation—negative correlation—enhanced negative correlation—weakening negative correlation”, but the existing research does not provide enough reasonable explanation. Therefore, this paper proposed a “key mediating factors” hypothesis which points out that whether there is a common “key mediating factor” is important source of the time-varying relationship between two assets. We argue that market trend and financial market sentiment undertook the role of “key mediating factor” during the period of “2002 to the financial crisis” and “financial crisis to 2013”, while other periods lack the “key mediating factors”.
Building a Domain Ontology in the Process of Linguistic Analysis of Text Resources
Authors: Yarushkina Nadezhda , Filippov Aleksey , Moshkin Vadim , Egorov Yuri
Published: February 2018

Ontology is a formalized representation of the problem area (PrA). Representation of the PrA in the form of an domain ontology is often used in the process of development of intelligent software systems and used as a knowledge base. The process of building an ontology is complex and requires an expert in the PrA. A large number of researchers are working to solve this problem. The basis of our approach is the use of a pipeline of different linguistic methods of text analysis. The set of rules developed by us is used to build an ontology based on the content analysis of a text resource. This article describes the method of building a domain ontology based on the linguistic analysis of content of text resources, presents an example of the proposed approach, and also presents the architecture of our pipeline.
Adoption of Small-Scale Irrigation Farming as a Climate-Smart Agriculture Practice and Its Influence on Household Income in the Chinyanja Triangle, Southern Africa
Authors: Mango Nelson , Makate Clifton , Tamene Lulseged , Mponela Powell , Ndengu Gift
Published: February 2018

This article concerns the adoption of small-scale irrigation farming as a climate-smart agriculture practice and its influence on household income in the Chinyanja Triangle. Chinyanja Triangle is a region that experiences mid-season dry spells and an increase in occurrences of drought due to low and erratic rainfall patterns which is attributed largely to climate variability and change. This poses high agricultural production risks, which aggravate poverty and food insecurity. For this region, adoption of small-scale irrigation farming as a climate-smart agriculture practice is very important. Through a binary logistic and ordinary least squares regression, the article determines factors that influence the adoption of small-scale irrigation farming as a climate-smart agriculture practice and its influence on income among smallholder farmers. The results show that off-farm employment, access to irrigation equipment, access to reliable water sources and awareness of water conservation practices, such as rainwater harvesting have a significant influence on the adoption of small-scale irrigation farming. On the other hand, the farmer’s age, distance travelled to the nearest market and nature of employment negatively influenced the adoption of small-scale irrigation farming decisions. Ordinary least squares regression results showed that the adoption of small-scale irrigation farming as a climate-smart agriculture practice has a significant positive influence on agricultural income. We therefore conclude that to empower smallholder farmers to quickly respond to climate variability and change, practices that will enhance adoption of small-scale irrigation farming in the Chinyanja Triangle are critical as this will significantly impact on agricultural income.
Chaotic Itinerancy in an Associative Memory Model
Authors: Galatolo Stefano , Monge Maurizio , Marangio Luigi , Bioni Liberalquino Ricardo
Published: February 2018

We consider a random dynamical system arising in a model of associative memory. This system can be seen as a small (stochastic and deterministic) perturbation of a determinstic system having two weak attractors which are destroyed after the perturbation. We show, with a computer aided proof, that the system has a kind of chaotic itineracy. Typical orbits are globally chaotic, while they spend relatively long time visiting attractor's ruins.
Computational Information Geometry For Binary Classification of High-Dimensional Random Tensors
Authors: Pham Gia-Thuy , Boyer Rémy , Nielsen Frank
Published: February 2018

The performance in terms of minimal Bayes’ error probability for detection of ahigh-dimensional random tensor is a fundamental under-studied difficult problem. In this work, weconsider two Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)-based detection problems of interest. Under the alternativehypothesis, i.e., for a non-zero SNR, the observed signals are either a noisy rank-R tensor admitting aQ-order Canonical Polyadic Decomposition (CPD) with large factors of size Nq R, i.e, for 1 q Q,where R, Nq ! ¥ with R1/q/Nq converge towards a finite constant or a noisy tensor admittingTucKer Decomposition (TKD) of multilinear (M1, . . . ,MQ)-rank with large factors of size Nq Mq,i.e, for 1 q Q, where Nq,Mq ! ¥ with Mq/Nq converge towards a finite constant. The detectionof the random entries (coefficients) of the core tensor in the CPD/TKD is hard to study since theexact derivation of the error probability is mathematically intractable. To circumvent this technicaldifficulty, the Chernoff Upper Bound (CUB) for larger SNR and the Fisher information at low SNRare derived and studied, based on information geometry theory. The tightest CUB is reached forthe value minimizing the error exponent, denoted by s?. In general, due to the asymmetry of thes-divergence, the Bhattacharyya Upper Bound (BUB) (that is, the Chernoff Information calculated ats? = 1/2) can not solve this problem effectively. As a consequence, we rely on a costly numericaloptimization strategy to find s?. However, thanks to powerful random matrix theory tools, a simpleanalytical expression of s? is provided with respect to the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) in the twoschemes considered. A main conclusion of this work is that the BUB is the tightest bound at lowSNRs. This property is, however, no longer true for higher SNRs.
Opportunities and Resistance to Signal-targeted Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer: What Can We Learn from Proteomic Studies?
Authors: Cintas Celia , Douche Thibaut , Guillermet-Guibert Julie
Published: February 2018

In metastatic pancreatic cancer patients non eligible to surgery, signal-targeted therapies so far failed to show a significant amelioration of survival. These therapeutic options were tested in Phase II/III clinical trials mostly in combination with the reference treatment Gemcitabine. These innovative therapies aim at annihilating the oncogene dependency; they also aim at renormalizing the tumoral stroma to allow immune cell function or re-vascularisation. Transcriptomics and genomics large scale analysis show the great heterogeneity of pancreatic cancers and failed to clearly delineate specific oncogene dependency besides oncogenic Kras. In this review, we will describe the most recent proteomic data in pancreatic tumors and its metastasis, which could help at identifying their major signalling dependencies, as well as explain why they are intrinsically resistant to signal-targeted therapies. We will also discuss why PI3K signalling, as a paradigm of pro-tumorigenic cell signalling and of tumoral adaptative resistance to drugs, is a relevant target in this context.
Chitosan Based Self-assembled Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery
Authors: Peniche Carlos , Peniche Hazel , Pérez Javier
Published: February 2018

Chitosan is a cationic polysaccharide usually obtained by alkaline deacetylation of chitin poly(N-acetylglucosamine). It is biocompatible, biodegradable, mucoadhesive and non-toxic. These excellent biological properties make chitosan a good candidate as platform for developing drug delivery systems with improved biodistribution, increased specificity and sensitivity, and reduced pharmacological toxicity. In particular, chitosan nanoparticles have been found appropriate for non-invasive routes of drug administration: oral, nasal, pulmonary and ocular routes. These applications are facilitated by the absorption-enhancing effect of chitosan. Many different procedures have been proposed for obtaining chitosan nanoparticles. Particularly, the introduction of hydrophobic moieties into chitosan molecules by grafting to generate a hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance promoting self-assembling is a current and appealing approach. The grafting agent can be a hydrophobic moiety to form micelles that can entrap lipophilic drugs or it can be the drug itself. Another suitable way to generate self-assembled chitosan nanoparticles is through the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes with polyanions. This paper reviews the main approaches developed for preparing chitosan nanoparticles by self-assembling by both procedures and illustrates the state of the art of their application in drug delivery.
Chitosan Based Self-assembled Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery
Authors: Perez Quinones Javier , Peniche Hazel , Peniche Carlos
Published: February 2018

Chitosan is a cationic polysaccharide usually obtained by alkaline deacetylation of chitin poly(N-acetylglucosamine). It is biocompatible, biodegradable, mucoadhesive and non-toxic. These excellent biological properties make chitosan a good candidate as platform for developing drug delivery systems with improved biodistribution, increased specificity and sensitivity, and reduced pharmacological toxicity. In particular, chitosan nanoparticles have been found appropriate for non-invasive routes of drug administration: oral, nasal, pulmonary and ocular routes. These applications are facilitated by the absorption-enhancing effect of chitosan. Many different procedures have been proposed for obtaining chitosan nanoparticles. Particularly, the introduction of hydrophobic moieties into chitosan molecules by grafting to generate a hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance promoting self-assembling is a current and appealing approach. The grafting agent can be a hydrophobic moiety to form micelles that can entrap lipophilic drugs or it can be the drug itself. Another suitable way to generate self-assembled chitosan nanoparticles is through the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes with polyanions. This paper reviews the main approaches developed for preparing chitosan nanoparticles by self-assembling by both procedures and illustrates the state of the art of their application in drug delivery.
Opportunities and Resistance to Signal-Targeted Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer: What Can we Learn from Proteomic Studies?
Authors: Cintas Celia , Douche Thibaut , Guillermet-Guibert Julie
Published: February 2018

In metastatic pancreatic cancer patients non eligible to surgery, signal-targeted therapies so far failed to show a significant amelioration of survival. These therapeutic options were tested in Phase II/III clinical trials mostly in combination with the reference treatment Gemcitabine. These innovative therapies aim at annihilating the oncogene dependency; they also aim at renormalizing the tumoral stroma to allow immune cell function or re-vascularisation. Transcriptomics and genomics large scale analysis show the great heterogeneity of pancreatic cancers and failed to clearly delineate specific oncogene dependency besides oncogenic Kras. In this review, we will describe the most recent proteomic data in pancreatic tumors and its metastasis, which could help at identifying their major signalling dependencies, as well as explain why they are intrinsically resistant to signal-targeted therapies. We will also discuss why PI3K signalling, as a paradigm of pro-tumorigenic cell signalling and of tumoral adaptative resistance to drugs, is a relevant target in this context.
Photovoltaic Cell and Module I-V Characteristic Approximation Using Bézier Curves
Authors: Szabo Roland , Gontean Aurel
Published: February 2018

The aim of this work is to introduce new ways to model the I-V characteristic of a PV cell or PV module using straight lines and Bézier curves. This is a complete novel approach, Bézier curves being previously used mainly for computer graphics. The I-V characteristic is divided in three sections, modeled with lines and a quadratic Bézier curve in the first case and with three cubic Bézier curves in the second case. The result proves to be accurate and relies on the fundamental points usually present in the PV cell datasheets: Voc (the open circuit voltage), Isc (the short circuit current), Vmp (the maximum power corresponding voltage) and Imp (the maximum power corresponding current) and the parasitic resistances Rsh0 (shunt resistance at Isc) and Rs0 (series resistance at Voc). The proposed algorithm completely defines all the implied control points and the error is analyzed. The proposed method is validated for different temperatures and irradiances. The model is finally compared and validated using the least squares fitting method.
Iodine and Pregnancy—A Qualitative Study Focusing on Dietary Guidance and Information
Authors: Bouga Maria , Lean Michael EJ , Combet Emilie
Published: February 2018

Iodine is essential for thyroid hormones synthesis and normal neurodevelopment; however, 60% of pregnant women do not meet the WHO recommended intake. Using a qualitative design, we explored perceptions, awareness and experiences of pregnancy nutrition, focusing on iodine. Women in the perinatal period (n=48) were interviewed and filled in a food frequency questionnaire for iodine. Almost all participants achieved the recommended 150 μg/day intake for non-pregnant adults (99%), but only 81% met the increased demands of pregnancy (250 μg/day). Most were unaware of the importance, sources and recommendations of iodine intake. Attitudes to dairy products consumption were positive (e.g. helps with heartburn; easy to increase). Increased fish consumption was considered less achievable, with barriers around taste, smell, heartburn and morning sickness. Community midwives were the main recognised provider of dietary advice. The dietary advice received focused most often on multivitamin supplements rather than food sources. Analysis highlighted a clear theme of commitment to change behaviour, motivated by pregnancy, with desired focus on user-friendly documentation and continued involvement of the health services. The study highlights the importance of redirecting advice on dietary requirements in pregnancy and offers practical suggestions from women in the perinatal period as the main stakeholder group.
In Vitro Antibacterial Activities of Aniline Dithiocarbamate Crystals with its Corresponding Oxovanadium(IV) and Zinc(II) Coordination Compounds
Authors: Odularu Ayodele , Ajibade Peter Adewale , Bolhuis Albert
Published: February 2018

Abstract Antibacterial activities can be improved using mixed ligands. Mixed ligands involved in this research are sodium sulfadiazine (Na-sfz) and dithiocarbamate (ai-dtc). One-pot synthesis was used to synthesize ligand of aniline dithiocarbamate (ai-dtc) and the corresponding coordination compounds of [VO(sfz)(ai-dtc)] and [Zn(sfz)(ai-dtc)]. Crystals of ai-dtc, which grew from the solution when refrigerated after five days, were diffracted with technique of single crystal x-ray crystallography to reveal the structure. Other characterization techniques involving physicochemical parameters, FT-IR, UV-Vis and NMR (1H NMR and 13C NMR) were carried out on ligands of ai-dtc, sfz and corresponding coordination compounds. Differences in results of FT-IR, UV-Vis and NMR between ligands and their respective metal ions confirmed the coordination. The in vitro antibacterial studies showed that the ligands (not the metal complexes) had modest activity against Gram negative bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, whereas, the coordination compounds had modest activities against the Gram negative bacteria: Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Teaching Art Music in Nigerian Schools: The Academic, Technical and Social Implications
Authors: Abiodun Femi Sinaola
Published: February 2018

Art music in the Nigerian context is the composition of Nigerians who have formal music training and have composed using Western medium to express traditional Nigerian music. This paper sets out to illuminate the technicalities involved in this form of musical composition and proposes a model of art music instruction for Nigerian schools. The author posits that the teaching and performing of art music in Nigerian schools will bring music closer to the people. He argues that whereas art music is an aberration from Nigerian traditional music, yet with concerted efforts and skill, the practice of art music will help in preserving Nigerian culture on paper and facilitate the promotion of its local music to the global level. The paper concludes that traditional music elements that are entrenched in art music composition can constitute a model and parameter for identifying and appreciating Nigerian music. The teaching of art music therefore must be encouraged by Nigerian music curricular planners.Art music in Nigerian context is the composition of Nigerians who have formal music training and have composed usingWestern medium to express traditional Nigerian music. This paper sets out to illuminate the technicalities involved in this form of musical composition and proposes a model of art music instruction for Nigerian schools. The author posits that the teaching and performing of art music in our schools will bring music closer to the people. The author equally argues that whereas art music is an aberration from our traditional music, yet with concerted efforts and skill, the practice of art music will help in preserving our culture on paper and facilitate the promotion of our local music to the global level. The paper concludes that traditional music elements that are entrenched in art music composition can constitute a model and parameter for identifying and appreciating Nigerian music. The teaching of art music, therefore, must be encouraged by Nigerian music curricular planners.
All Together Now: Using Conversational Analysis and Muted Group Theory to Understand Gendered Classroom Discourse in a Cameroonian Primary Classroom
Authors: Jule Allyson
Published: February 2018

Using Conversational Analysis (Jefferson, 2004) and Ardener’s (2005) Muted Group Theory, this paper explores classroom data from an African classroom through the sociolinguistic lens of ‘gendered linguistic space’. Emphasis here is on one small village primary school in the rural area surrounding the city of Bamenda, North West, Cameroon and the embodiment of learning displayed by both boys and girls in this learning situation. Reflecting on an African classroom opens up necessary possibilities of understanding what occurs in classroom lessons around the world and ever-new ways of understanding how classroom talk impacts the learning environment in various cultural contexts. In particular, the use of choral responses heavily used in African education challenges current pedagogical ideas concerning classroom talk by offering a less gendered space to engage with learning.
Relationship between University of Malawi Selection Policy and Entrance of Education Graduates into the Teaching Profession
Authors: Chikazinga Wanangwa Wanyasulu Nyirenda , Nyirongo Richard Walibwe , Chulu Bob Wajizigha
Published: February 2018

Many stakeholders have attributed the decisions of education graduates who decline to enter the teaching profession after graduation, to the University of Malawi selection policy, and have called for the abolition of redirecting students to courses other than their choices. The purpose of this study was to measure the relationship between the University of Malawi selection ‘re-direction policy’ and ‘entrance of education graduates into the teaching profession’. Cross-section data were collected from the total population of education graduates from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College from 2005 to 2009 (n=760), through document analysis and structured interviews. Using the χ2 test, the calculated  χ2 (1df) was 3.265, p = 0.071 denoting that the university selection policy and entrance of education graduates into the teaching profession were independent.  The study concluded that whether education graduates entered or declined to enter the teaching profession after graduation did not depend on whether they chose or were redirected to education during their university selection.
Science Curiosity as a Correlate of Academic Performance in Mathematics Education: Insights from Nigerian Higher Education
Authors: Abakpa Benjamin Ogbole , Abah Joshua Abah , Agbo-Egwu Abel Okoh
Published: February 2018

This study investigated the relationship between the science curiosity levels of undergraduate of mathematics education in a Nigerian higher educational institution and their academic grade point averages. The study employed a correlational survey research design on a random sample of 104 mathematics education students. The Science Curiosity Scale – Comparative Self Report was adapted to measure the students’ distinctive appetite for consuming science-related media for personal edification. The correlational analysis of science curiosity scores and the students CGPA indicated a weak negative relationship (r = -0.049, p = 0.621), suggesting an interplay of other important factors in the relationship between academic performance and science curiosity. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that key stakeholders of mathematics education consider curiosity as a complex ability related to several functions of the mind and thus enhances systematic commitment on the part of the learner.
Efeitos da torta da mamona Ricinus communis L. (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae) sobre a produção de adubo oriundo da compostagem
Authors: Diniz João Abílio , Reis Micaely Cristina , Gomes Pricila , Venturine Heloiza Oliari , Almeida Chayse Bratz Assunção de
Published: February 2018

Objetivando obter adubo e substrato natural de folhas secas e palhas de gramíneas com e sem enriquecimento nutricional de torta de mamona Ricinus communis L. (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae) foi conduzida esta pesquisa no Instituto Federal de Rondônia, Campus Ariquemes, no período de agosto a dezembro de 2016. No experimento realizado em blocos casualizados foram efetuadas quatro repetições de seis diferentes combinações de compostos vegetais. Ao longo do período da pesquisa foram feitas observações de temperaturas e umidades dos compostos pesquisados. No final de 60 e 120 dias, obtiveram-se produções econômicas e sustentáveis de adubo e substrato natural, percebendo-se pelos resultados das análises laboratoriais qualidade superior nos compostos de folhas secas e palhas de gramíneas enriquecidas com a torta de mamona quando comparados com os tratamentos sem este subproduto, indicando sua importância no produto final reciclado e consequentemente no crescimento e desenvolvimento vegetal. Independentemente do material utilizado para compostagem vegetal, a torta de mamona foi determinante na qualidade nutricional melhorando os teores de matéria orgânica e níveis de elementos essenciais às plantas cultivadas. A adição de substrato natural às plantas ornamentais, arbóreas e hortifrutícolas cultivadas no IFRO, Campus Ariquemes, provou a viabilidade do uso desta tecnologia, respaldando sua recomendação em outros ambientes públicos ou privados que disponham de resíduos orgânicos como folhas secas e palhas de gramíneas.
Aprovechamiento de recursos renovables en la obtención de nuevos materiales
Authors: Gómez Ayala Sandra Liliana , Yory Sanabria Fabián Leonardo
Published: February 2018

La producción de plásticos a nivel mundial presenta cifras abrumadoras debido a que tienen aplicaciones en diferentes campos, desde la medicina hasta la industria de empaques. Uno de los problemas radica en que la materia prima para preparar esos plásticos proviene de fuentes fósiles, los principales responsables de las emisiones de dióxido de carbono a la atmósfera y después de usar esos materiales se desechan y tardan varios años en descomponerse. Otro problema está enfocado hacia la agricultura e incluye los procesos que generan desechos orgánicos como la industria azucarera y del café, que pueden contaminar el medio ambiente sin tratamiento adecuado. Cada vez cobra más importancia reemplazar los plásticos convencionales por biomateriales cuyos sustratos de partida provengan de fuentes renovables, que sean biodegradables y que puedan tener aplicaciones similares a los materiales convencionales. Por ello, en este artículo se destacan los últimos avances en el área de los materiales a partir de recursos renovables, en especial de los polímeros biobasados, de su biodegradabilidad y sus aplicaciones, para generar curiosidad y propiciar la búsqueda de alternativas de aprovechamiento de las fuentes renovables en la obtención de nuevos biopolímeros