bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four Weeks of Finger Grip Training Increases the Rate of Force Development and the Maximal Force in Elite and Top World-Ranking Climbers
Authors: Levernier Guillaume , Laffaye Guillaume
Published: September 2017

Levernier, G and Laffaye, G. Four weeks of finger grip training increases the rate of force development and the maximal force in elite and top world-ranking climbers.J Strength Cond Res33(9): 2471–2480, 2019—The goal of this study was to assess the impact of a specific 4-week training program on finger grip in climbers; specifically, on the maximal force and the rate of force development (RFD) of finger muscles in isometric contraction. The participants were 14 French male rock climbers who took part in national and international bouldering competitions (at world-ranking and elite levels). They were divided into 2 samples. The experimental group performed a specific 4-week training program that included such exercises as suspensions on small holds at the rate of 2 times a week. The control group performed climbing exercises only. The maximal force and the RFD were recorded using a specific dynamometer in 3 different holding conditions (slope crimp, half crimp, and full crimp). Results reveal a significant gain of force for the slope crimp (+8%) and a high increase of the RFD in the first 200 ms of the force-time slope (between 27.5 and 32% for averaged conditions), suggesting a neural gain rather than a change in muscle-tendon structure. These results reveal that a 4-week training program is enough to improve the level of maximum force and the RFD in elite climbers. Bearing in mind that climbing will make its appearance in a future Olympic Games in the form of a combined competition, i.e., bouldering, speed climbing, and lead climbing, it will be crucial for each athlete to develop both a high level of force and RFD to be competitive.
Solar Powered Electro-Bio-Stabilization of Soil with Ammonium Pollution Prevention System
Authors: Keykha Hamed A. , Asadi Afshin
Published: September 2017

This technical note aims to show the utility of solar energy coupled by electrobiogrouting as an environmentally friendly source of energy and prevent disposal of Ammonium in soil for the successful application of bacteria for soil improvement. A small-scale column electrokinetic cell was set up to inject carbonate-producing bacteria into the soil. Also, a solar power supply was utilized to generate a dc voltage of around 35 V for different treatment times. The results showed that the application of the concentrated solar-powered electro-microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (CSP-E-MICP) method to the soil increased the unconfined compressive strength of the soil at different curing time. The results of this experiment revealed that the unconfined shear strength of the soil increased due to the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation between the soil particles. In this method, the ammonium (NH4+) was retained in the cathode chamber by the graphite cathode electrode, and the pollution prevention system minimized the leakage of NH4+ ions into the soil.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Marble under the Combined Effects of Chemical Solutions and Freeze–Thaw Cycles
Authors: Han Tielin , Shi Junping , Chen Yunsheng , Cao Xiaoshan
Published: September 2017

Because of the increasingly common use of rocks in engineering projects in cold regions, an understanding of the degradation of rocks during freeze–thaw cycles has become especially important. Because the water in contact with rocks is often contaminated with pollutants that are either acidic or basic, it is also important to determine the effects of the freeze–thaw cycles on rocks when they come in contact with acids and bases. Uniaxial and triaxial compression tests were conducted on marble specimens under the combined effect of water chemical corrosion and freeze–thaw cycles. The variation of mechanical properties of marble specimens was analyzed under uniaxial and triaxial compression. A damage variable based on the porosity of marble was found to determine quantitatively the chemical corrosion and freeze–thaw damage degrees of marble specimens. Test results showed that for different chemical solutions (distilled water, sulfuric acid solution, and sodium hydroxide solution) and with increasing freeze–thaw cycles, the deterioration of the physical and mechanical parameters of marble specimens aggravated gradually. Moreover, the peak strength and elasticity modulus of marble specimens decreased exponentially, but the peak strain increased linearly. The acidic sulfuric acid solution accelerated the degradation of the marble specimens compared to water alone, but the basic sodium hydroxide solution slowed the freeze–thaw damage of the marble specimens compared to pure water. When the number of freeze–thaw cycles exceeded 50, this inhibition effect no longer existed. The damage degradation of rock produced by water chemical solutions, together with the freeze–thawing cycles, simultaneously affects the damage deterioration degree of marble.
Corrosion Behavior of High and Low Temperature Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI) in Iron Ore Slurry
Authors: Aithal Pooja M. , Vijayan Vijeesh , Surendranathan A. O. , Udupa K. R. , Samuel K. G.
Published: September 2017

Corrosion behavior of austempered ductile iron (ADI) and forged EN31 steel balls in a ground iron ore slurry was studied as a function of time in the slurry, while the microstructure of ADI developed due to different tempering temperature and tempering time. The corrosion rates of the grinding balls immersed in the iron ore slurry were determined using electrochemical analysis and weight loss methods. It was found that the pH of the iron ore slurry increased with time and the corrosion behavior was influenced by the pH of the slurry. The corrosion rate of forged EN31 steel balls increased with the increase in time and pH of the slurry, whereas the corrosion rate of ADI balls depended on the austempering treatment. In general, the forged EN31 steel ball offered better corrosion resistance than ADIs during the early stages of exposure in the slurry (low pH values of the slurry), but at higher pH values of the slurry, the ADIs yielded better corrosion resistance than forged EN31 steel balls. The ADI austempered at higher temperatures showed better corrosion resistance than the ones austempered at lower temperatures.
Mapping the Product Life Cycle: Rare Earth Elements in Electronics
Authors: Levy Susie , Rosen Christine Meisner , Iles Alastair
Published: September 2017

In this case, we map the issues that arise across the life cycle in “green” technologies such as wind turbines, electric cars, and electronics that are often hidden from the designers, manufacturers, and users of these technologies. We do this by focusing on some life cycle issues of using rare earth elements (REEs) in these technologies. We attend to the geopolitical issues of sourcing these rare earth materials, as well as the environmental and health effects of extracting them from the earth through mining and smelting and disposing or recycling them at life’s end. Our goal is to begin unpacking the difficult choices that manufacturers (and governments) must think through as they endeavor to improve both the design of sustainable technologies and the production of materials used in these products.
Pervasive, Genome-Wide Transcription in the Organelle Genomes of Diverse Plastid-Bearing Protists
Authors: Sanitá Lima Matheus , Smith David Roy
Published: September 2017

Organelle genomes are among the most sequenced kinds of chromosome. This is largely because they are small and widely used in molecular studies, but also because next-generation sequencing technologies made sequencing easier, faster, and cheaper. However, studies of organelle RNA have not kept pace with those of DNA, despite huge amounts of freely available eukaryotic RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data. Little is known about organelle transcription in nonmodel species, and most of the available eukaryotic RNA-seq data have not been mined for organelle transcripts. Here, we use publicly available RNA-seq experiments to investigate organelle transcription in 30 diverse plastid-bearing protists with varying organelle genomic architectures. Mapping RNA-seq data to organelle genomes revealed pervasive, genome-wide transcription, regardless of the taxonomic grouping, gene organization, or noncoding content. For every species analyzed, transcripts covered ≥85% of the mitochondrial and/or plastid genomes (all of which were ≤105 kb), indicating that most of the organelle DNA—coding and noncoding—is transcriptionally active. These results follow earlier studies of model species showing that organellar transcription is coupled and ubiquitous across the genome, requiring significant downstream processing of polycistronic transcripts. Our findings suggest that noncoding organelle DNA can be transcriptionally active, raising questions about the underlying function of these transcripts and underscoring the utility of publicly available RNA-seq data for recovering complete genome sequences. If pervasive transcription is also found in bigger organelle genomes (>105 kb) and across a broader range of eukaryotes, this could indicate that noncoding organelle RNAs are regulating fundamental processes within eukaryotic cells.
Intelektinis kapitalas ir strateginiai sprendimai: integralus požiūris
Authors: Kučinskienė Marija , Broniukaitis Romualdas
Published: September 2017

In a dynamic and complex market, tangible assets, which often produce only short-term effects, cease to be the critical source of competitive advantage against competitors. Instead, nowadays more emphasis is placed on intellectual competitiveness, which is achieved by the ability to make strategic decisions on business development that are adequate to the changes in the complex and dynamic external environment. An approach based on knowledge resources forms the theoretical background of this study. Its main assumption is that intangible resources are the strategic asset that plays the central role in creating a long-term competitive advantage for organizations. The article emphasises that although intellectual capital and knowledge management are rather extensively discussed in various contexts, the available theoretical and empirical studies are often fragmented. Current research lacks a scientifically-based, integrative approach, which would reveal broader theoretical assumptions that take into account current developments. The article presents an integrative model, built on conceptual theoretical insights that include three components: strategic decisions, intellectual capital and knowledge management. The model broadens the field of research on intellectual capital not only in the addition of strategic dimension as its essential component that influences creation of added value in organizations, but also in its emphasis on the importance of integrating the strategy of intellectual capital with knowledge management. The model also illustrates the link between the components of intellectual capital and processes of knowledge management in the context of strategic management. An assumption is made that the constructed complex research model will provide new insights for scientific research at the theoretical level, while its practical implementation would assist organizations in their strategic development and help to increase the produced added value.
Skepticizmo priežastys, lemiančios visuomenės požiūrį į socialinę atsakomybę
Authors: Telyčėnaitė Austė
Published: September 2017

Although the idea of social responsibility is mainly targeted at the well-being of the society, due to certain dishonesties of businesses, unethical communication or the skeptical nature of the population, the outlook of the general population is skeptical toward social responsibility activities. The article aims to present the public attitudes toward different social responsibility activities carried out by organizations, as well as the causes and consequences these attitudes are determined by. The article deals with social responsibility and the problems caused by the different approaches regarding it. An analysis of foreign literature revealed that there is a predominant skeptical approach to social responsibility. The article presents a qualitative study, which reveals the public attitudes toward the social responsibility of organizations and their communication.The results of the research revealed that skepti­cism with regard to social responsibility is most often determined by the personal experiences of individuals rather than social responsibility-related events. It was also revealed that skepticism, with regard to social responsibility, hinders the development of social re­sponsibility initiatives and demotivates organizations to become socially responsible. Although research of foreign authors reveals that skepticism negatively im­pacts consumer intentions to purchase various goods, the study showed that in a local context, skepticism is irrelevant.
Antecedentes del estudio metabólico de MDPV y metilona. Propuesta de un modelo de biotransformación a través de hongos del género Cunninghamella
Authors: Silva Eliana A. , Martínez Jorge A.
Published: September 2017

La (±)-3,4-metilendioxipirovalerona (MDPV) y la (±)-3,4-metilenedioximetilcatinona (metilona) son algunos de los derivados sintéticos de catinonas más frecuentemente encontrados en productos que se comercializan como “sales de baño” y que hoy en día se emplean como drogas de abuso. Los reportes de casos fatales por consumo de estas sustancias aumentan cada día, y aunque existen algunos estudios farmacológicos y toxicológicos, no son claros los mecanismos de acción y los efectos causados por su consumo recreativo. La implementación de sistemas que permitan conocer el metabolismo de estas drogas en humanos y el diseño de métodos analíticos para su detección son ahora objeto de investigación. Este artículo presenta una revisión bibliográfica acerca de los estudios de biotransformación para MDPV y metilona empleando modelos in vitro con microsomas hepáticos humanos, fracciones celulares S9 y modelos in vivo con animales de experimentación y posterior análisis de los metabolitos que hay hasta la fecha. Las técnicas analíticas utilizadas para el análisis de metabolitos incluyen cromatografía líquida acoplada a detector selectivo de masas (LC-MS o LC-MS/MS) o la formación de derivados acetilados o sililados para su posterior análisis por cromatografía de gases acoplada a detector selectivo de masas (GC-MS). Además, se incluye una propuesta para el estudio del metabolismo para metilona y MDPV a través de hongos del género Cunninghamella.
Synthesis, characterization and in vitro antimicrobial screening studies of some pyridyl-coumarin compounds
Authors: Baluja Shipra , Chanda Sumitra , Padalia Hemali , Talaviya Rahul
Published: September 2017

La actividad antimicrobiana in vitro de algunos compuestos derivados de piridil-coumarina se evaluó frente a algunas cepas bacterianas y fúngicas en DMF y DMSO. Las piridil-cumarinas se sintetizaron en el laboratorio y sus estructuras se confirmaron por diferentes técnicas espectroscópicas, tales como IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR y masas. Algunos de los compuestos que se obtuvieron presentaron buena actividad antibacteriana en ambos solventes.
Aproximaciones farmacológicas para el tratamiento de la obesidad
Authors: Londoño-Lemos Milton Enrique
Published: September 2017

La obesidad es uno de los más serios problemas del siglo XXI y se piensa que afecta a cerca de 300 millones de personas en todo el mundo. Según la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico (OCDE), el 18% de la población adulta es obesa. Más alarmante resulta el hecho de que exista una fuerte correlación entre el desarrollo de obesidad infantil y su prevalencia en la edad adulta. Asimismo, los niños que no presentan esta enfermedad tienen altas probabilidades de mantenerse dentro del peso normal en la edad adulta. Por lo cual, presentar una obesidad temprana predispone a una prevalencia de esta condición en edades adultas. La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) ha aprobado, hasta ahora, cinco medicamentos contra la obesidad a largo plazo en adultos que presentan obesidad: lorcaserina, fentermina/ topiramato, naltrexona/bupropión, y liraglutida, en los últimos dos años. Una quinta alternativa es el orlistat, un medicamento usado a corto plazo con una eficacia en su uso de hasta seis meses, y es el único utilizado para tratar la obesidad infantil. Por ello, se investigan nuevas alternativas farmacológicas. Resulta muy importante el conocimiento del eje intestino-cerebro, y de allí la importancia de la leptina, hormona que regula la ingesta de alimentos y el balance de energía en sujetos de peso normal, clave en la regulación alimentaria y corporal, tanto en niños, como en adultos.
The European Medicines Agency Review of Carfilzomib for the Treatment of Adult Patients with Multiple Myeloma Who Have Received at Least One Prior Therapy
Authors: Tzogani Kyriaki , Camarero Jiménez Jorge , Garcia Isabel , Sancho-López Arantxa , Martin Marc , Moreau Alexandre , Demolis Pierre , Salmonson Tomas , Bergh Jonas , Laane Edward , Ludwig Heinz , Gisselbrecht Christian , Pignatti Francesco
Published: September 2017

On November 19, 2015, a marketing authorization valid through the European Union was issued for carfilzomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least one prior therapy.

In a phase III trial in patients with relapsed MM, median progression-free survival (PFS) for patients treated with carfilzomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (CRd) was 26.3 months versus 17.6 months for those receiving lenalidomide and dexamethasone alone (hazard ratio = 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.83; one-sided log-rank p value < .0001). The most frequently observed toxicity (grade ≥3, treatment arm vs. control arm) in the phase III trial included neutropenia (29.6% vs. 26.5%), anemia (17.9% vs. 17.7%), thrombocytopenia (16.8% vs. 12.3%), pneumonia (12.5% vs. 10.5%), fatigue (7.7% vs. 6.4%), hypertension (4.6% vs. 2.1%), diarrhea (3.8% vs. 4.1%), and respiratory tract infection (4.1% vs. 2.1%).

The objective of this article is to summarize the scientific review of the application leading to regulatory approval in the European Union. The scientific review concluded that the gain in PFS of 8.7 months observed with the combination of CRd was considered clinically meaningful and was supported by a clear trend in overall survival benefit, although the data were not mature. The delay in disease progression appeared superior to available alternatives in the setting of relapsed MM at the time of the marketing authorization of carfilzomib. Therefore, given the overall accepted safety profile, which was considered manageable in the current context, the benefit risk for CRd was considered positive.
Sarcopenia Is Associated with Quality of Life and Depression in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Nipp Ryan D. , Fuchs Georg , El-Jawahri Areej , Mario Julia , Troschel Fabian M. , Greer Joseph A. , Gallagher Emily R. , Jackson Vicki A. , Kambadakone Avinash , Hong Theodore S. , Temel Jennifer S. , Fintelmann Florian J.
Published: September 2017

Background

Patients with advanced cancer often experience muscle wasting (sarcopenia), yet little is known about the characteristics associated with sarcopenia and the relationship between sarcopenia and patients’ quality of life (QOL) and mood.

Materials and Methods

As part of a randomized trial, we assessed baseline QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General [FACT-G]) and mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]) in patients within 8 weeks of diagnosis of incurable lung or gastrointestinal cancer, and prior to randomization. Using computed tomography scans collected as part of routine clinical care, we assessed sarcopenia at the level of the third lumbar vertebra with validated sex-specific cutoffs. We used logistic regression to explore characteristics associated with presence of sarcopenia. To examine associations between sarcopenia, QOL and mood, we used linear regression, adjusted for patients’ age, sex, marital status, education, and cancer type.

Results

Of 237 participants (mean age = 64.41 ± 10.93 years), the majority were male (54.0%) and married (70.5%) and had lung cancer (56.5%). Over half had sarcopenia (55.3%). Older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, p = .002) and education beyond high school (OR = 1.95, p = .047) were associated with greater likelihood of having sarcopenia, while female sex (OR = 0.25, p < .001) and higher body mass index (OR = 0.79, p < .001) correlated with lower likelihood of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was associated with worse QOL (FACT-G: B = −4.26, p = .048) and greater depression symptoms (HADS-depression: B = −1.56, p = .005).

Conclusion

Sarcopenia was highly prevalent among patients with newly diagnosed, incurable cancer. The associations of sarcopenia with worse QOL and depression symptoms highlight the need to address the issue of sarcopenia early in the course of illness.

Implications for Practice

This study found that sarcopenia, assessed using computed tomography scans acquired as part of routine clinical care, is highly prevalent in patients with newly diagnosed, incurable cancer. Notably, patients with sarcopenia reported worse quality of life and greater depression symptoms than those without sarcopenia. These findings highlight the importance of addressing muscle loss early in the course of illness among patients with incurable cancer. In the future, investigators should expand upon these findings to develop strategies for assessing and treating sarcopenia while striving to enhance the quality of life and mood outcomes of patients with advanced cancer.
Treatment of urban storm water using adsorbent porous concrete
Authors: Saghaian Nejad Soheila , Abedi-Koupai Jahangir , Mostafazadeh-Fard Saman , Behfarnia Kiachehr
Published: September 2017

Urban storm water is one of the sources of surface and groundwater pollution in urban areas. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of porous concrete containing zeolite and a sand filter for sustainable retention and treatment of urban storm water. Treatments of porous concrete containing zeolite and a sand filter were studied and compared and parameters of chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity, concentration of lead, electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS) and pH in the treatment media influent and effluent were measured. The results showed that, except for EC and pH, the porous concrete containing zeolite with sand filter improved all of the above parameters significantly. The removal efficiency for COD, turbidity, lead and TSS was found to be more than 70, 90, 98 and 70% for porous concrete containing zeolite with a sand filter compared to 11, 37, 35 and 53% for the control porous concrete.
Particulate Matter Air Pollution and the Risk of Incident CKD and Progression to ESRD
Authors: Bowe Benjamin , Xie Yan , Li Tingting , Yan Yan , Xian Hong , Al-Aly Ziyad
Published: September 2017

Elevated levels of fine particulate matter <2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes and death, but their association with risk of CKD and ESRD is unknown. We linked the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Veterans Affairs databases to build an observational cohort of 2,482,737 United States veterans, and used survival models to evaluate the association of PM2.5 concentrations and risk of incident eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, incident CKD, eGFR decline ≥30%, and ESRD over a median follow-up of 8.52 years. County-level exposure was defined at baseline as the annual average PM2.5 concentrations in 2004, and separately as time-varying where it was updated annually and as cohort participants moved. In analyses of baseline exposure (median, 11.8 [interquartile range, 10.1–13.7] µg/m3), a 10-µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration was associated with increased risk of eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.14 to 1.29), CKD (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.38), eGFR decline ≥30% (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.39), and ESRD (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.35). In time-varying analyses, a 10-µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration was associated with similarly increased risk of eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, CKD, eGFR decline ≥30%, and ESRD. Spline analyses showed a linear relationship between PM2.5 concentrations and risk of kidney outcomes. Exposure estimates derived from National Aeronautics and Space Administration satellite data yielded consistent results. Our findings demonstrate a significant association between exposure to PM2.5 and risk of incident CKD, eGFR decline, and ESRD.
GESTION DEL ÉXITO ORGANIZACIONAL COMO ESTRATEGIA DE VALOR PARA MINIMIZAR LA RELUCTANCIA EN PYMES
Authors: Gamboa Suárez Ramiro , Jimenez Rodriguez Luis Alfredo
Published: September 2017

El propósito esencial de la investigación, fue analizar la gestión del éxito organizacional como herramienta de valor para minimizarla reluctancia en Pymes. Metodológicamente, se circunscribió dentro del paradigma post-positivista, enfoque epistemológicocualitativo, se aplicó un enfoque introspectivo vivencial, se hizo uso de la observación, lo cual implica la inserción del hecho enel marco referencial de valores, creencias y actitudes, constituyendo una red de significados personales. Se asumió la teoría fundamentada, ya que permite la integración objeto-sujeto y responde al problema investigativo en el área social. Se utilizo la entrevista no estructurada, la cual fue aplicada en organizaciones seleccionadas, previa definición de los informantes clave, los cuales se convirtieron en fuente de información. Los resultados del presente trabajo, concluyeron que aspectos tales como el soporte estratégico para fortalecer la conciencia empresarial, la arquitectura del aprendizaje organizacional, la opción de crecimiento para mejorar el ambiente organizacional y de compromiso, y la construcción de sugerencias por parte del activo humano como estrategia empresarial, permitirán, el aprovechamiento de los hallazgos como base expedita para que se conozcan las realidades de la gestión del éxito organizacional como herramienta de valor para minimizar la reluctancia en Pymes.
EMPRENDIMIENTO COMO PROCESO DE RESPONSABILIDAD SOCIAL EN INSTITUCIONES DE EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR EN COLOMBIA Y VENEZUELA
Authors: Duran Sonia , Fuenmayor Alejandro , Cárdenas Sergio , Hernández Rene
Published: September 2017

El estudio está orientado a caracterizar el emprendimiento como proceso de responsabilidad social en instituciones de educación superior en Colombia y Venezuela, para alcanzar objetivos rentables que contribuyan a la generación de bienestar y crecimiento social. La Investigación fue de tipo descriptivo, no experimental, de campo, la población estuvo conformada por cuarenta (40) docentes especialistas en emprendimiento. La técnica de recolección de datos fueron dos cuestionarios para medir emprendimiento y responsabilidad social. Compuestos por (15) ítems cada uno, con diferentes alternativas tipo escala likert. La validez se obtuvo a través del juicio de expertos. Para el cálculo de la confiabilidad se utilizó el método de alfa Cronbach, donde se obtuvo un valor de 0.80 para cada variable, comprobando que el instrumentoes confiable. Los datos obtenidos fueron interpretados estadísticamente mediante frecuencia absoluta y relativa, además agrupados por dimensión e indicador. Se concluye que contar con herramientas para el emprendimiento radica en la posibilidad de desarrollar políticas de desarrollo y de responsabilidad social en un contexto en que éste ha cambiado notablemente a partir del proceso educativo.
MARKETING EDUCATIVO COMO ESTRATEGIA DE NEGOCIO EN UNIVERSIDADES PRIVADAS
Authors: Sanz Del Vecchio Daniel , Crissien Borrero Tito , García Guiliany Jesús , Patiño Villanueva Merly
Published: September 2017

El presente artículo es resultado de una investigación, cuyo objetivo se direccionó en analizar el marketing educativo como estrategia de negocio, en el sector universitario, específicamente en instituciones privadas en Colombia. Metodológicamente, se aplicó la hermenéutica mediante la revisión documental bibliográfica, y tipo de investigación descriptiva; encontrando que las universidades están dimensionando estrategias de negocio, que facilitan concebir una oportunidad en su mercado, donde es importante la rentabilidad del proceso, además de responder a las expectativas de los clientes reales y potenciales. En este sentido, el sector de las universidades privadas, diseña propuestas particulares accionando su marca institucional, con estrategias de mercado como el CRM, donde consolidan el incremento del valor agregado para el cliente, su sentido de fidelización, y una mejora dentro de la rentabilidad. Concluyendo que el marketing educativo constituye una estrategia de negocio cuando utilizan el CRM, en la medida que se fundamente la capacidad del servicio y la oferta de productos, a favor de un beneficio progresivo y debidamente identificado en el cliente.
Characteristics of selected non-woody invasive alien plants in South Africa and an evaluation of their potential for electricity generation
Authors: Melane Mandlakazi , Ham Cori , Meincken Martina
Published: September 2017

Alien invasive plants (AIPs) pose a threat to the existence of plant and animal biodiversity in the ecosystems they invade. They need to be cleared, monitored and eventually eradicated from the landscape. The potential and the economic viability to supply non-woody AIP biomass for electricity generation were assessed in this study, which was conducted on samples from 13 common non-woody AIPs in South Africa, namely: Arundo donax (giant reed), Lantana camara (lantana), Pontederia cordata (pickerel weed), Ricinus communis (castor-oil plant), Opuntia ficus-indica (sweet prickly pear), Solanum mauritianum (bugweed), Atriplex nummularia (saltbush), Cestrum laevigatum (inkberry), Senna didymobotrya (peanut butter cassia), Chromoleana odorata (chromoleana), Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), Cerus jamacaru (queen of the night) and Agave sisilana (sisal plant). Proximate and ultimate analysis was made in order to assess the suitability of the biomass for different thermo-chemical conversion techniques for electricity generation. A financial evaluation of the costs to supply biomass to the plant gate was performed by combining the harvesting, chipping and transport costs. The results showed that the biomass of giant reed, lantana, bugweed, saltbush, inkberry, cassia and Chromoleana may be used to generate electricity through combustion, although the total average cost was approximately 50% higher than that of woody biomass feedstock, requiring a ‘fuel cost subsidy’ to justify their utilisation for energy production.
What role can African cities play in low-carbon development? A multilevel governance perspective of Ghana, Uganda and South Africa
Authors: Tait Louise , Euston-Brown Megan
Published: September 2017

Cities’ ability to mainstream climate goals into their activities is, to a large extent, influenced by the vertical divisions of responsibilities across different levels of government. This study examined how cities’ agency to steer low-carbon urban development is enabled or constrained by multi-level governance arrangements in Jinja in Uganda, Ga East in Ghana, and Polokwane in South Africa. In both Uganda and Ghana, uneven progress with implementing decentralisation reforms greatly limited local government action, and there was poor alignment of sectors they could influence and those with significant emissions reduction potential. In Polokwane, however, a highly devolved governance structure afforded the municipality authority and autonomy over a much wider range of functions. Across all three cases, however, systemic capacity and resource constraints constrained the potential to develop proactive climate governance.
Phytoplankton Protein Extraction with MP Biomedicals FastPrep bead beater v1
Authors: Campbell Doug , Donaher Natalie
Published: September 2017

A total protein extraction used by the Campbell Lab for phytoplankton cell pellets and GFF or polycarbonate filters.
Preparation of phytoplankton Western Blotting samples for quantitative immunoblotting v1
Authors: Donaher Natalie , Campbell Doug
Published: September 2017

Best practices for preparation of phytoplankton samples for quantitative immunoblotting in the Campbell Lab.
Western Blotting using the Bolt system v1
Authors: Campbell Doug , Donaher Natalie
Published: September 2017

Electrophoresis and transfer steps using the Life Technologies Bolt system as done by Campbell Lab for immunoquantitation of phytoplankton proteins.
[RETRACTED] Chemical pre-treatment of archaeological enamel for strontium isotope ratio measurement v1
Authors: Evans Jane
Published: September 2017

[RETRACTED]

This protocol can be used to prepare archaeological enamel for87Sr/86Sr measurement. It is based on a modified Heier et al. (2009, Archaeometry) technique in the NERC Isotope Geoscience Facility at the British Geological Survey.
Raging Against the Machine: Network Gatekeeping and Collective Action on Social Media Platforms
Authors: West Sarah Myers
Published: September 2017

Social media platforms act as networked gatekeepers—by ranking, channeling, promoting, censoring, and deleting content they hold power to facilitate or hinder information flows. One of the mechanisms they use is content moderation, or the enforcement of which content is allowed or disallowed on the platform. Though content moderation relies on users’ labor to identify content to delete, users have little capacity to influence content policies or enforcement. Despite this, some social media users are turning to collective action campaigns, redirecting information flows by subverting the activities of moderators, raising the visibility of otherwise hidden moderation practices, and organizing constituencies in opposition to content policies. Drawing on the example of the campaign to change Facebook’s nudity policy, this paper examines the strategies and tactics of users turning to collective action, considering which factors are most influential in determining the success or failure of a campaign. It finds that network gatekeeping salience is a good model for assessing which collective action efforts are most likely to be effective in achieving individual user goals. This indicates that the users who are already most able to harness the attention economy of social media platforms are more likely to successfully navigate the content moderation process. The analysis concludes by attending to what users might learn from the dynamics of network gatekeeping as they seek to resist the asymmetrical power relations of platforms.
Fan (Fiction) Acting on Media and the Politics of Appropriation
Authors: Reißmann Wolfgang , Stock Moritz , Kaiser Svenja , Isenberg Vanessa , Nieland Jörg-Uwe
Published: September 2017

Fanfiction is the creative appropriation and transformation of existing popular media texts by fans who take stories, worlds and/or characters as starting points and create their own stories based on them. As a cultural field of practice, fanfiction questions prevalent concepts of individual authorship and proprietary of cultural goods. At the same time, fanfiction itself is challenged. Through processes of mediatization, fanfiction grew and became increasingly visible. Third parties, ranging from the media industry (e.g., film studios) and copyright holders to journalism and academia, are interested in fanfiction and are following its development. We regard fanfiction communities and fan acting as fields for experimentation and as discursive arenas which can help understand what appropriating, writing and publishing in a digital culture and the future of writing might look like. In this paper, we outline important debates on the legitimacy and nature of fanfiction and present preliminary results of current research within Germany.
Effectiveness of Biology-Based Methods for Inhibiting Orthodontic Tooth Movement. A Systematic Review
Authors: Cadenas de Llano-Pérula M , Yañez-Vico RM , Solano-Reina E , Palma-Fernandez JC , Iglesias-Linares A
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Several experimental studies in the literature have tested different biology-based methods for inhibiting or decreasing orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in humans. This systematic review investigated the effects of these interventions on the rate of tooth movement. Study design: Electronic [MedLine; SCOPUS; Cochrane Library; OpenGrey;Web of Science] and manual searches were conducted up to January 26th, 2016 in order to identify publications of clinical trials that compared the decreasing or inhibiting effects of different biology-based methods over OTM in humans. A primary outcome (rate of OTM deceleration/inhibition) and a number of secondary outcomes were examined (clinical applicability, orthodontic force used, possible side effects). Two reviewers selected the studies complying with the eligibility criteria (PICO format) and assessed risk of bias [Cochrane Collaboration's tool]. Data collection and analysis were performed following the Cochrane recommendations. Results: From the initial electronic search, 3726 articles were retrieved and 5 studies were finally included. Two types of biology-based techniques used to reduce the rate of OTM in humans were described: pharmacological and low-level laser therapy. In the first group, human Relaxin was compared to a placebo and administered orally. It was described as having no effect on the inhibition of OTM in humans after 32 days, while the drug tenoxicam, injected locally, inhibited the rate of OTM by up to 10% in humans after 42 days. In the second group, no statistically significant differences were reported, compared to placebo, for the rate of inhibition of OTM in humans after 90 days of observation when a 860 nm continuous wave GaAlA slow-level laser was used. Conclusions: The currently available data do not allow us to draw definitive conclusions about the use of various pharmacological substances and biology-based therapies in humans able to inhibit or decrease the OTM rate. There is an urgent need for more sound well-designed randomized clinical trials in the field.
Clinical Evaluation of Ozone on Dentinal Lesions in Young Permanent Molars using the Stepwise Excavation
Authors: Safwat Osama , Elkateb Mona , Dowidar Karin , El Meligy Omar
Published: September 2017

Aim: To evaluate the clinical changes in dentin of deep carious lesions in young permanent molars, following ozone application with and without the use of a remineralizing solution, using the stepwise excavation. Study design: The sample included 162 first permanent immature molars, showing deep occlusal carious cavities that were indicated for indirect pulp capping. Teeth were divided into 2 main groups according to the method of ozone treatment. Each group was further subdivided equally into test and control subgroups. Following caries excavation, color, consistency and DIAGNOdent assessments of dentin were evaluated after 6 and 12 months. Results: Regarding dentin color and consistency, no significant differences were observed following ozone application, with and without a remineralizing solution. There were no significant differences between ozone treatment, and calcium hydroxide during the different evaluation periods, except in group I cases after 6 months, concerning the dentin color. The DIAGNOdent values were significantly reduced following ozone application, with or without a remineralizing solution, as well as between test and control cases in group I after 6 months. Conclusions: Ozone application through the stepwise excavation had no significant effect on dentin color and consistency in young permanent molars. DIAGNOdent was unreliable in monitoring caries activity.
Protein Activation in Periapical Reaction to Iodoform Containing Root Canal Sealer
Authors: Tickotsky Nili , Moskovitz Moti
Published: September 2017

Objectives: An association between root canal sealers and periapical lesions in primary dentition has been suggested, yet the chemical-protein interactions that may be involved in it have not been studied. The present study explored root sealer components' effect on periapical tissue proteins using bioinformatics tools. Study design: For each chemical component of Endoflas F.S. root sealing material we identified the known and predicted target proteins, using STITCH (search tool for interactions of chemicals http://stitch.embl.de/). Identified target proteins were grouped into functional categories using the annotation clustering tool from DAVID, the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (http://david.abcc.ncifcrf.gov/). STRING Protein-Protein Interaction network database identified associations between the proteins. Results: Sixteen proteins identified with STITCH served as input to DAVID annotation clustering tool. Only ZnO and Eugenol targeted proteins had statistically significant annotations. Gene Ontology terms of ZnO and Eugenol targeted proteins demonstrated that these proteins respond to mechanical stimulus and to oxidative stress. They highlight these proteins' role in the positive regulation of transcription, gene expression, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and their complementary role in the negative regulation of cell death. Conclusion: When stimulated by Zinc Oxide, Eugenol and Calcium hydroxide, chemical-protein and subsequent protein-protein interactions result in cell proliferation in the periapical area. Our findings indicate that certain root sealers components may cause enlargement of the permanent tooth follicle. Dentists should be aware of this phenomenon and radiographically monitor root canal treated teeth until shedding.
Periodontal Pathogen Colonization in Young Children by PCR Quantification – A Longitudinal Survey
Authors: Takahashi Karine , Cunha Robson Frederico , Jardim Junior Elerson Gaetti
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Periodontal diseases are among the leading causes of premature tooth loss in adults, but the microbiota associated with this problem is established over time in childhood. Aim: This longitudinal study aimed to verify the occurrence of periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity of children aged six, twelve, eighteen and twenty-four months through PCR quantification, correlating them with the oral microbiota of their mothers. Study design: Saliva and oral biofilm samples were collected from mothers and children by using sterilized paper points. Furthermore, a questionnaire was applied in all periods to evaluate hygiene and dietary habits. Results: A positive correlation was found between mother–child pairs in all periods. No correlation was observed between hygiene and dietary habits and occurrence of periodontal pathogens. Conclusion: Early inclusion of children in preventive and biofilm control programs could contribute to preventing acquisition of aggressive pathogens.
Pulp Calcification in Traumatized Primary Teeth – Classification, Clinical And Radiographic Aspects
Authors: Mello-Moura Anna Carolina Volpi , Santos Ana Maria Antunes , Bonini Gabriela Azevedo Vasconcelos Cunha , Zardetto Cristina Giovannetti Del Conte , Moura-Netto Cacio , Wanderley Marcia Turolla
Published: September 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to standardize the nomenclature of pulp alteration to pulp calcification (PC) and to classify it according to type, quantity and location, as well as relate it to clinical and radiographic features. Study design: The dental records of 946 patients from the Research and Clinical Center for Dental Trauma in Primary Teeth were studied. Two hundred and fifty PC-traumatized upper deciduous incisors were detected. Results: According to radiographic analysis of the records, 62.5% showed diffuse calcification, 36.3% tube-like calcification, and 1.2% concentric calcification. According to the extension of pulp calcification, the records showed: 80% partial calcification, 17.2% total coronal calcification and partial radicular calcification, and 2.8 % total coronal and radicular calcification. As for location, only 2.4% were on the coronal pulp, 5.2% on the radicular pulp and 92.4% on both radicular and coronal pulp. Regarding coronal discoloration, 54% were yellow and 2% gray. In relation to periradicular changes, 10% showed widened periodontal ligament space, 3.1% internal resorption, 10% external resorption, 10.4% periapical bone rarefaction. Conclusions: Since PC is a general term, it is important to classify it and correlate it to clinical and radiographic changes, in order to establish the correct diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of each case.
Combined Orthodontic and Surgical Treatment in a 8-Years-Old Patient Affected By Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Case-Report
Authors: Gracco Antonio , Bruno Giovanni , de Stefani Alberto , Ragona Rosario Marchese , Mazzoleni Sergio , Stellini Edoardo
Published: September 2017

An eight-years-old girl showed a restless sleep with snoring and severe apnea episodes, a mandibular retrognathia, mouth breathing, maxillary transverse discrepancy, mandibular transverse discrepancy, moderate crowding and anterior open-bite. The CBCT showed an anterior collapse of the epiglottis. The treatment consisted in a rapid palatal expansion, an epiglottoplasty and a reduction of the tongue base. Polysomnography revealed that apnea-hypopnea index improved from 21,8 episodes/hr at the baseline to 0,6 episodes/hr, average oxygen saturation from 96,5% to 98,1%, oxygen desaturation events from 23,4 episodes/hr to 1/hr.
Microbiological Evaluation of Ozone on Dentinal Lesions in Young Permanent Molars using the Stepwise Excavation
Authors: Safwat Osama , Elkateb Mona , Dowidar Karin , Salam Hala Abdel , El Meligy Omar
Published: September 2017

Aim: To assess the microbial effect of ozone gas on dentinal lesions in young permanent molars using the stepwise excavation. Study design: An experimental, controlled clinical trial was performed. The sample included 80 immature first permanent molars, showing deep occlusal carious cavities that were indicated for stepwise excavation. Following first step of dentin excavation, the sample was divided into test (ozone gas) and control (calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) base material) groups. One half of the cases in each group were evaluated for microbiological changes after 6 months, and the other half after 12 months. Results: Mutans streptococci (MS), Lactobacilli, and Candida counts were significantly reduced immediately after ozone application in the test group (P ≤0.05). At the final assessment period, MS and Lactobacilli were significantly reduced in the test group (P ≤0.05). Meanwhile, the Candida counts were significantly reduced only in the test group of the 6 and 12 month-cases (P ≤0.05). Regarding the control group, the significant reduction in microbial count was observed with MS after 6 and 12 months (P ≤0.05). No significant differences were observed between test and control groups at different evaluation periods (P >0.05). Conclusions: Ozone gas had a significant antimicrobial effect in deep class I carious lesions.
Effect of Enamel Deproteinization in Primary Teeth
Authors: Christopher Ananthi , Krishnakumar R , Reddy N Venugopal , Rohini G
Published: September 2017

Objective: To evaluate and compare the topographical features of enamel surface, etched with different materials. Study Design: 10 extracted human primary molars were randomly selected and cut and trimmed to 1 mm2. Each group comprised of 10 blocks and the enamel was treated as follows: Group I–35% H3PO4; Group II–5.25% NaOCl + 35% H3PO4 ;Group III–5.25% NaOCl; Group IV no treatment was carried out. All the samples were prepared for Scanning electron microscope analysis. The images were obtained and evaluated for the quality type I–II etching of the enamel surface using Auto-CAD 2011 software. Statistical Analysis Used: Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test (p<0.001). Results: The mean surface area of type I and II etching pattern values for Group- I was 39608.18 μm2 and Group- II was 45051.34 μm2. Conclusion: Deproteinization with 5.25% Sodium hypochlorite prior to acid etching could be used to increase the surface area of adhesion of composite material with the tooth surface.