bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Un acercamiento a la arquitectura de Facebook a partir de los usos y apropiaciones de adolescentes de sectores populares de Buenos Aires
Authors: Linne Joaquín
Published: August 2016

El presente artículo aborda los usos y las apropiaciones de Facebook que realizan los adolescentes de sectores populares de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. A partir de la descripción de las diez funciones principales de la plataforma, se brindan ejemplos y análisis sobre cómo esta población utiliza el sitio. La metodología consiste en observaciones copresenciales y virtuales junto con 20 entrevistas en profundidad. Entre los resultados, se destaca que los adolescentes referidos despliegan un uso estratégico de la plataforma para autopresentarse y construir, mediante performances de intimidad, una identidad personal para su perfil en la red. Al compartir contenidos personales, principalmente con sus amistades cercanas, despliegan una autobiografía en su perfil online a través de la práctica cotidiana de registrar tanto sus relaciones significativas como sus consumos culturales. A su vez, se sostiene que los adolescentes contemporáneos representan una “generación post-mail” que centra una gran parte de su actividad online en la plataforma Facebook. Por último, se evidencia que la mayoría de los adolescentes observados se reapropian de los elementos que provee la arquitectura de FB para desarrollar su identidad online, y que dicha destreza resulta de la experiencia común de utilizar la red social.
Horizontes de significado y metamorfosis óntica: Sobre el destino de un diálogo roto
Authors: Blanco Ilari Juan
Published: August 2016

En este trabajo analizó la brecha que separa el discurso filosófico del discurso cotidiano. La tesis general sostiene que el horizonte de sentido en el que estamos insertos nos compromete con una ontología que, en ocasiones contradice a la ontología develada por la mirada objetiva. Para la contrastación de está hipótesis he seguido un método crítico de análisis semántico y pragmático de algunas categorías centrales en el debate. Esa metodología me llevó a poner en relación universos del discurso heterogéneos. Tomo algunos ejemplos en los que esa heterogeneidad se hace evidente e irreconciliable: Heidegger y su noción de “significado”, “facticidad” y “mundo”; Taylor y la aporía del cambio de objeto, entre otros). Me interesa subrayar la imposibilidad de encontrar un terreno en común en el que estos “mundos” puedan encontrarse. El tono general del trabajo es el de un alegato en favor de la pluralidad discursiva, de la irreductibilidad del saber común, doxástico, a un saber adecuado al discurso científico, epistémico.
Darśana, Philosophy and Religion in Pre-modern India
Authors: Bhattacharya Ramkrishna
Published: August 2016

The Sanskrit word, darśana, is generally translated into English as philosophy, but it is admittedly inadequate. The so-called six (āstika, affirmativist or orthodox) systems of philosophy have been described by Louis Renou as ‘philosophico-religious,’ since religion and philosophy cannot be separated in their tradition. On the other hand, Maurice Winternitz brands some of the six (such as Mīmāṃsā and Vedānta) as religion and some others (such as, Nyāya and Vaiśeṣika) as philosophy. A.K. Warder claims that, despite everything, religion and philosophy can be separated quite adequately, and the darśanas are all philosophies. All this however leaves the so-called six (nāstika, negativist or heterodox) systems, particularly the materialist systems out of consideration. While the Jain and the Buddhist systems do have religious associations, the pre-Cārvāka and the Cārvāka materialist systems remained thoroughly philosophical, untouched by any religion. The orthodox systems, mostly in their syncretic forms, became religio-philosophical (although some of them might have originated as philosophy) while the materialist systems retained their original secular character.
A Gramática como instrumento de conhecimento do real no Vākyapadīya de Bhartr̥hari: breve comentário a Vp I.1-12
Authors: Aprigliano Adriano
Published: August 2016

Es este artigo presento breve comentario de los doce versos iniciales del primer libro del Vākyapadīya de Bhartr̥hari (V d.C.), a fin de clarear la relación entre la ontología de brahma y el estatuto de la disciplina de la Gramática, Vyākaraṇa, como instrumento de conocimiento de lo real.
El hombre sin el ser: ampliación antropológica del pensamiento de Jean-Luc Marion
Authors: Yepes Muñoz Wílfer Alexis
Published: August 2016

Este estudio analiza la posibilidad de encontrar una forma distinta de mirar lo humano a partir del concepto de fenómeno saturado de Jean-Luc Marion. Por ello, la antropología negativa se instaura en las categorías de contraexperiencia y finitud, derivadas de la experiencia mística de Dios.
Entrevista a Jean Michel Vappereau
Authors: Orejuela Johnny Javier , Quintero John Alexander
Published: August 2016

La presente es un fragmento de la entrevista1 hecha al profesor y psicoanalista Jean Michel Vappereau que se llevó a cabo el 28 de abril de 2013 en un hotel de la ciudad de Cali. Johnny Orejuela y John Quintero dialogaron con el reconocido matemático, estudioso de Freud y Lacan, sobre temas derivados de sus intervenciones en el III Seminario Latinoamericano de Psicoanálisis: La Actualidad de la Clínica Psicoanalítica efectuado en la Universidad de San Buenaventura Cali. La conversación contó con la participación y traducción simultánea de la también psicoanalista Paula Hochman, a quien agradecemos su invaluable contribución.
Estudios de la India: Un monográfico
Authors: Ossa Julio César , Martino Gabriel
Published: August 2016

El propósito de esta Editorial es presentar un panorama de la producción académica de los estudios de la india en las ciencias sociales, el arte y las humanidades.Para ello consultamos la base de indexación Scopus utilizando los siguientes criterios de búsqueda: Indian StudiesIndian PhilosophyEstudios de la IndiaFilosofía de la India
No tengo muchos discos que mostrar, pero sí muchas historias para contar
Authors: Orejuela Johnny Javier
Published: August 2016

Johnny Javier Orejuela conversa con Richard Yory
Pulgarcita. “El mundo cambió tanto que los jóvenes deben reinventar todo: una manera de vivir juntos, instituciones, una manera de ser y de conocer”
Authors: Cudina Jean Nikola
Published: August 2016

El filósofo francés Michel Serres reflexiona metafóricamente sobre la metamorfosis que vive la humanidad a partir del surgimiento y el auge de las nuevas tecnologías, meditaciones que dan cuenta del cambio en la manera de entender y comprender al ser humano en relación consigo mismo, con los demás y con el mundo. Serres bautiza “Pulgarcita” o “Pulgarcito” a una generación que manipula un dispositivo móvil cualquiera a velocidades endiabladas utilizando sus pulgares. Una generación que vive en el mundo de lo virtual
Comisaría de Familia de Canapote: entidad que genera capital social
Authors: Herrera Hernández Judith Eugenia , Madariaga Orozco Camilo Alberto
Published: August 2016

Por medio de este artículo se exponen los resultados de una investigación llevada a cabo con el fin de determinar si la acción que se ejerce recíprocamente entre la Comisaria de Familia de Canapote de la ciudad de Cartagena de Indias y sus usuarios influye en la generación de capital social respecto de sus beneficiarios y de sus funcionarios. Fue una investigación de tipo descriptivo con diseño de estudio de caso que mediante la técnica de la encuesta recolecto información que permitió definir los niveles de confianza, las manifestaciones de solidaridad y el reconocimiento institucional como indicadores de la presencia de capital social. Los resultados permitieron corroborar la hipótesis de la cual partió la investigación: es posible la generación de capital social mediante la interacción con un agente externo (entidad pública).
El legado de Ernesto Laclau a las ciencias sociales y humanas
Authors: Fair Hernán
Published: August 2016

El presente ensayo examina de forma sucinta algunos de los ejes centrales del legado teórico y político de la obra de Ernesto Laclau a las ciencias sociales y humanas. Destaca, en ese marco, una serie de aportes fundamentales de su teoría política y social para el desarrollo del pensamiento político posfundacional y el análisis sociopolítico y crítico.
Sugarcane Industry Development Analysis from the Perspective of Agro-Industrial System Quantification
Authors: Neves Marcos F. , Kalaki Rafael B. , Trombin Vinicius G. , Rodrigues Jonny M.
Published: August 2016

Sugarcane sector has a strong impact as a wealth generator for Brazil. Several authors discuss the importance of quantifying an agro-industrial system. This article aims to analyze the development of the Brazilian sugarcane sector over the past five years and to assess whether the method of mapping and quantification of agribusiness systems (GESis) is a useful tool for analyzing the economic development of an agro-industrial system. The application of the method enabled to see the performance of all the links that make up the agro-industrial system. It also proved to be an important tool to analyze the performance of an agro-industrial system, pointing possible areas for improvement and opportunities. The comparison between both studies contributes to both a better visualization of the sugarcane sector evolution and a better understanding of situational reality of the sector.
In-line Process Control in the Active Screen Plasma Nitrocarburizing Using a Combined Approach Based on Infrared Laser Absorption Spectroscopy and Bias Power Management*
Authors: Burlacov I. , Hamann S. , Spies H.-J. , Röpcke J. , Biermann H.
Published: August 2016

The active screen plasma nitrocarburizing (ASPNC) technology is an extension of the ASPN method in that carbon-bearing gases such as CH4 are admixed to the N2-H2 process gas. Besides process gas composition and working pressure, a bias power applied to the component surface is an important parameter in the nitrocarburizing process governing the competing uptake between nitrogen and carbon on the metallic surface. A variation of the bias power during the treatment provides the possibility of the dynamic control of both the nitriding and the carburizing potential without change of process gas composition. A two-stage process was implemented to improve the quality of the compound layer. The application of advanced in-situ and non-intrusive spectroscopic method of laser absorption spectroscopy in the mid infrared spectral range provides the valuable information about the plasma chemical reactions in the afterglow plasma, supplying the absolute concentrations of stable and transient molecular species monitored direct in process. The amount of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) measured in-situ by QCLAS diagnostics was found to be a reliable parameter to control the carburizing potential of the nitrocarburizing atmosphere.
Modeling Travel Tool Ownership of the Elderly Population: Latent Segmentation-Based Logit Model
Authors: Fatmi Mahmudur Rahman , Habib Muhammad Ahsanul
Published: August 2016

A latent segmentation-based logit (LSL) modeling framework investigated the travel tool ownership of the elderly population in the greater Toronto area, Ontario, Canada. This study utilized data from the 2006 Transportation Tomorrow Survey conducted in the greater Toronto area. The study developed five mutually exclusive travel tool ownership combinations or bundles for older adults. One of the unique features of this study is the development of an LSL model to capture unobserved heterogeneity in the older adults’ travel tool ownership decisions. The LSL model captures unobserved heterogeneity by allocating individuals to discrete latent segments through a latent segment allocation model. The model results suggest that the LSL model is estimated for two latent segments in which less frequent trip makers are more likely to belong to Segment 1 and more frequent trip makers have a higher probability of belonging to Segment 2. Moreover, the model results suggest that considerable heterogeneity exists among the older adults in the two segments. For instance, older adults residing in a neighborhood with a higher percentage of owned dwellings prefer to own multiple travel tools in one latent segment and reveal an opposite relationship in another segment. Moreover, older adults living closer to regional business centers have a higher probability of owning a monthly transit pass in one segment and exhibit an opposite relationship in another segment. This diversity in travel behavior should be addressed within the transportation and land use policies to ensure an effective and equitable transportation system for older adults.
Short-Term Adaptations as a Response to Travel Time Increases: Results of Stated-Adaptation Experiment
Authors: Psarra Ifigenia , Arentze Theo , Timmermans Harry
Published: August 2016

This study focused on short-term dynamics of activity-travel behavior as a response to travel time increases. It is assumed that short-term changes are triggered by stress, which is defined as the deviation between an individual’s aspirations and his or her daily experiences. When stress exceeds a tolerance threshold, habitual behavior is dissociated, and various adaptation strategies emerge. A stated-adaptation experiment was designed to trace behavioral change. The analysis results of the empirical data corresponding to travel time scenarios are presented. Specifically, a random coefficient logit (binary) model that focused on the decision of activating a short-term change was estimated. Next, a random parameters (mixed) logit model is presented; it indicates which specific activity attribute is adjusted once a short-term adaptation is chosen. Then one random coefficient logit (binary) model indicates whether an exploitation of the existing choice set or an exploration effort occurs once an activity attribute is chosen to be adapted. These analyses led to interesting results about the inertia characterizing people’s behavior and their unwillingness to deviate from their habitual state. In addition, it is seen that richer choice sets lead to more short-term changes and specifically to more exploitation efforts. Moreover, heterogeneity plays a significant role in all these models. Finally, the effect of stress as well as of various sociodemographic and travel-specific variables (activity type, destination location, transport mode, and day of the week) is revealed and can be taken into account in the design of spatial and transportation policies.
Effect of Traveler’s Nationality on Daily Travel Time Expenditure Using Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial Regression Models: Results from Belgian National Household Travel Survey
Authors: Eftekhar Hamed , Creemers Lieve , Cools Mario
Published: August 2016

In this study, data stemming from the 2010 Belgian National Household Travel Survey were used to assess the effect of a traveler’s nationality on daily travel time expenditure. Negative binomial (zero-inflated) models were estimated to isolate the effect of nationality after other contributing factors such as sociodemographics, residential characteristics, transport options, and temporal characteristics were controlled for. The results indicate that even if one controls for a series of other influencing factors, nationality plays a significant role in differences in travel time expenditure. This finding is especially relevant in the development of policy packages that are targeted at social inequalities. From a methodological perspective, methodological options—two weighting schemes and two bootstrap solutions—were presented to provide sufficient support for the conclusions. To generalize the results in further studies, an oversampling of travelers of different nationalities is strongly recommended. Future research should focus more on the underlying psychological constructs of why ethnic and cultural differences persist even if one accounts for other determinants.
It’s a Matter of Time: Assessment of Additional Time Budgeted for Commuting to McGill University Across Modes
Authors: Loong Charis , El-Geneidy Ahmed
Published: August 2016

Commute travel time is not always reliable, and individuals often budget additional time to ensure that they arrive at their destination punctually. This additional time allotted for the commute needlessly reduces the amount of time that individuals could have spent performing other activities. This study investigates the amount of additional time commuters allocate to account for travel time unreliability and presents the results with a series of log-linear regression models. Data for this study originated from the 2013 McGill Commuter Survey, a universitywide survey in which students, staff, and faculty described their typical experience commuting to McGill University, located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Results reveal that drivers allocate the most extra time for their commute, whereas users of other modes (transit, bicycle, and pedestrian) budget about 29% to 66% less than drivers. The findings of this study also indicate that bus commuters add 14% more buffer time per bus taken, and train users budget 11% less time for every commuter train taken. These findings reveal an existing perception that the street network is unreliable (for either buses or cars). Hence, the city should consider implementing strategies such as exclusive bus lanes and variable cost congestion pricing schemes to reduce uncertainty in travel time and improve the reliability of the street network. Such strategies are expected to decrease the level of uncertainty related to commuting to work or school and accordingly reduce the amount of time lost because of additional time budgeted for uncertainty.
Informing the Strategic Rollout of Fast Electric Vehicle Charging Networks with User Charging Behavior Data Analysis
Authors: Morrissey Patrick , Weldon Peter , O’Mahony Margaret
Published: August 2016

The range limitations of electric vehicle (EV) technology have given rise to range anxiety, identified as one of the main barriers to EV adoption. Range limitation may be a greater barrier for countries or states that are predominantly rural, with few major urban areas, than it is for large cities. This paper presents data recorded in Ireland on the spatial usage patterns of a fast charging network for an extended period. The data are used to assess how the infrastructure is being used and to examine issues relating to urban versus rural usage patterns. Infrastructure rollout strategies are examined in the context of the main findings from this analysis, and a spatial density analysis is presented to examine how a desired density can influence a rollout strategy. The fast charging requirements of urban users were found to differ from those of rural and commuter groups. Urban users tend to charge their vehicles close to their home as a means of extending their local EV range. EV users from other geographic areas tend to charge their vehicles farther from their home. This work indicates that current rollout strategies based primarily on “electric” highway corridors may not be appropriate for all EV users; different infrastructure rollout strategies based on fast charging facility densities and geographic location may be more appropriate.
Management of a Shared Autonomous Electric Vehicle Fleet: Implications of Pricing Schemes
Authors: Chen T. Donna , Kockelman Kara M.
Published: August 2016

The market potential of a fleet of shared autonomous electric vehicles (SAEVs) is explored by using a multinomial logit mode choice model in an agent-based framework and different fare settings. The mode share of SAEVs in the simulated midsize city (modeled roughly after Austin, Texas) is predicted to lie between 14% and 39% when the SAEVs compete with privately owned, manually driven vehicles and city bus service. The underlying assumptions are that SAEVs are priced between $0.75/mi and $1.00/mi, which delivers significant net revenues to the fleet owner–operator under all modeled scenarios; that they have an 80-mi range and that Level 2 charging infrastructure is available; and that automation costs are up to $25,000 per vehicle. Various dynamic pricing schemes for SAEV fares indicate that specific fleet metrics can be improved with targeted strategies. For example, pricing strategies that attempt to balance available SAEV supply with anticipated trip demand can decrease average wait times by 19% to 23%. However, trade-offs exist within this price setting: fare structures that favor higher revenue-to-cost ratios—by targeting travelers with a high value of travel time (VOTT)—reduce SAEV mode shares, while those that favor larger mode shares—by appealing to a wider VOTT range—produce lower payback.
Modeling Charging Choices of Small-Battery Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Drivers by Using Instrumented Vehicle Data
Authors: Yu Haixiao , MacKenzie Don
Published: August 2016

Methods for modeling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle drivers’ choices of whether to charge at the end of a trip are compared. Instrumented vehicle data from 125 preproduction Toyota Prius plug-in hybrids were combined with electric vehicle supply equipment (i.e., charging station) location data from multiple sources, including PlugShare and the U.S. Department of Energy. The effects of factors including battery state of charge (SOC), dwell time, and location on the probability that a driver will charge during a stop were then modeled for locations where charging was possible. The amount of energy that can be transferred during a charging session was a better predictor of charging behavior than SOC and dwell time considered independently. Results were sensitive to data and methods used to identify charging locations, which indicated that caution is needed in this area. Finally, a latent class logit model was investigated and found to provide a better fit to the observed data than did the mixed logit model. The results of the latent class model indicated that all users were more likely to charge after 8:00 p.m. and at times when doing so provided a larger gain in SOC. For some classes of users, charging was more likely at home or after the last trip of the day.
Introducing a New Emissions Certification Procedure for European Light-Duty Vehicles: Monte Carlo Simulation of the Potential Effect on Fleet Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Authors: Tsiakmakis Stefanos , Ciuffo Biagio , Fontaras Georgios , Anagnostopoulos Konstantinos , Arcidiacono Vincenzo , Praksova Renata , Marotta Alessandro
Published: August 2016

Initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from light-duty vehicles have been the cornerstone of European policy for curbing greenhouse gas emissions from road transport in past decades. The political approach has shown its effectiveness in recent years. However, the use of an outdated test procedure to measure the progress in reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions jeopardizes these efforts. For this reason, the European Commission is committed to introducing, in the shortest possible time, the new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), developed through the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, to reduce the gap between type approval and real-world figures on CO2 emissions. The introduction, however, requires the adoption of the CO2 targets set by the relevant European regulations. The approach selected by the European Commission for dealing with this issue required the development of a technology-oriented vehicle simulation model, CO2MPAS, which has been extensively validated against simulated and real data to demonstrate its capacity to capture the differences between the two certification procedures. In the present study, CO2MPAS is used to analyze the possible effects of the introduction of WLTP in the European vehicle market in terms of reported CO2 emissions. An approach based on Monte Carlo sampling has been adopted because of the lack of detailed vehicle information. The differences in estimated CO2 emissions are compared and discussed. Results indicate the accuracy and robustness of CO2MPAS in reproducing CO2 emissions at the fleet level. The results also indicate an increase in global CO2 emissions from existing passenger cars on the order of 10 g/km.
Acciones de las mujeres contra la violencia feminicida en Ciudad Juárez, México
Authors: Ravelo Blancas Patricia , Querales Mendoza May-ek
Published: August 2016

[Full article is in Spanish]

English:
Femicide has become a serious problem in Mexico. The recorded number
of murders of girls and women increased by 68% in 2007 alone; between
2008 and 2015, more than 1,000 such murders took place in Ciudad Juárez. This article examines femicide in Mexico through a discussion of
the protest groups that have organized around this problem. The article
is divided into four sections. Following the introduction, part two conceptually
discusses femicide and examines its different characteristics.
Part three then presents the situation in Ciudad Juárez. This is followed
in part four by a description of three important protest groups against femicide
in Ciudad Juárez and a discussion of how they have affected public
debates on this subject, particularly by bringing the debate on femicide
in Ciudad Juárez to the attention of the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal.

Spanish:
El feminicidio se ha convertido en un problema grave en México.
Sólo en el 2007 los asesinatos de niñas y mujeres aumentaron en un
68% de los registros anteriores; y entre 2008 y 2015, más de un millar de
tales asesinatos tuvieron lugar en Ciudad Juárez. Este artículo examina
el feminicidio en México a través de un análisis de los grupos de protesta
que se han organizado en torno a este problema. El artículo se divide en
cuatro secciones. Después de la introducción, la segunda parte se analiza
conceptualmente el feminicidio y examina sus diferentes características.
La tercera parte presenta la situación en Ciudad Juárez, seguida de una
cuarta parte donde se describen tres importantes grupos de protesta contra
el feminicidio en Ciudad Juárez, así como una discusión de cómo dichos
movimientos han afectado los debates públicos sobre este tema. En
particular el debate sobre el feminicidio en Ciudad Juárez para la atención
del Tribunal Permanente de los Pueblos.

French:
Au Mexique, le féminicide s’est converti en un problème de plus en plus
grave si on considère uniquement qu’en 2007 les assassinats de filles et
de femmes ont augmenté de 68% et qu’entre 2008 et 2015 à Ciudad Juárez
ont été commis plus de mille assassinats. Cett e extrême violence vis-à-vis
des femmes n’a pas pu être éradiquée dans aucune région du Mexique
et au contraire, elle a augmenté de manière exponentielle malgré l’organisation
depuis 1993 de groupes de la société civile et de mères des
femmes et filles assassinées pour exiger justice et sécurité, ce qui a donné
lieu à un débat public qui a cherché à transformer la conscience collective
sur le féminicide et a fait l’objet d’une audience au Tribunal Permanent
des Peuples comme un de ses évènements notables. Ce travail prétend
décrire et analyser ces actions protestataires, en se centrant sur la participation
des mères et des jeunes dans cett e lutt e.
A World Family Portrait: A celebration of humanity’s place in the world
Authors:   RISC Consortium
Published: August 2016

In 2014, the RISC Consortium launched an ongoing interactive initiative entitled A World Family Portrait. This call for contributions invites scholars, practitioners, journalists, photographers, and so forth to submit written and photographic contributions in English, French or Spanish that provoke a contemporary reflection on the human condition through the presentation and analysis of life challenges and opportunities. The goal of these publications is not simply to document world events and social conditions but also to engage readers through photography and prose in a dialogue focusing on the evolution of our world and humanity’s place in it. Selected photos will be published periodically in the Leadership Forum section of Regions & Cohesion. Interested contributors should go to the “A World Family Portrait” link at www.risc.lu where texts and photographs can be uploaded along with basic information such as author names, correspondence addresses, institutional affiliations, and current positions. Articles should be approximately 500 words in length. Images should be submitted in a JPEG format at a resolution of approximately 1900x1600 pixels. All materials must be original.
Epigenetic Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in NAFLD-Associated Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Tian Yuan , Mok Myth , Yang Pengyuan , Cheng Alfred
Published: August 2016

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by fat accumulation in liver, is closely associated with central obesity, over-nutrition and other features of metabolic syndrome, which elevate the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a significant role in the physiology and pathology of liver. Up to half of HCC patients have activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. However, the mutation frequencies of CTNNB1 (encoding β-catenin protein) or other antagonists targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling are low in HCC patients, suggesting that genetic mutations are not the major factor driving abnormal β-catenin activities in HCC. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that obesity-induced metabolic pathways can deregulate chromatin modifiers such as histone deacetylase 8 to trigger undesired global epigenetic changes, thereby modifying gene expression program which contributes to oncogenic signaling. This review focuses on the aberrant epigenetic activation of Wnt/β-catenin in the development of NAFLD-associated HCC. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying such deregulation may shed light on the identification of novel druggable epigenetic targets for the prevention and/or treatment of HCC in obese and diabetic patients.
Exploring the Key Risk Factors for Application of Cloud Computing in Auditing
Authors: Hu Kuang-Hua , Chen Fu-Hsiang , We Wei-Jhou
Published: August 2016

In the cloud computing information technology environment, cloud computing has some advantages such as lower cost, immediate access to hardware resources, lower IT barriers to innovation, higher scalability, etc., but for the financial audit information flow and processing in the cloud system, CPA (Certified Public Accountant) firms need special considerations, for example: system problems, information security and other related issues. Auditing cloud computing applications is the future trend in the CPA firms, given this issue is an important factor for them and very few studies have been conducted to investigate this issue; hence this study seeks to explore the key risk factors for the cloud computing and audit considerations. The dimensions/perspectives of the application of cloud computing audit considerations are huge and cover many criteria/factors. These risk factors are becoming increasingly complex, and interdependent. If the dimensions could be established, the mutually influential relations of the dimensions and criteria determined, and the current execution performance established; a prioritized improvement strategy designed could be constructed to use as a reference for CPA firm management decision making; as well as provide CPA firms with a reference for build auditing cloud computing systems. Empirical results show that key risk factors to consider when using cloud computing in auditing are, in order of priority for improvement: Operations (D), Automating user provisioning (C), Technology Risk (B) and Protection system (A).
Allometric Equations for Estimating Tree Aboveground Biomass in Tropical Dipterocarp Forests of Vietnam
Authors: Huy Bao , Poudel Krishna , Kralicek Karin , Hung Nguyen , Khoa Phung , Phương Vu , Temesgen Hailemariam
Published: August 2016

There are few allometric equations available for dipterocarp forests, despite the fact that this forest type covers extensive areas in tropical Southeast Asia. This study aims to develop a set of equations to estimate tree aboveground biomass (AGB) in dipterocarp forests in Vietnam and to validate and compare their predictive performance with allometric equations used for dipterocarps in Indonesia and pantropical areas. Diameter at breast height (DBH), total tree height (H), and wood density (WD) were used as input variables of the nonlinear weighted least square models. Akaike information criterion (AIC) and residual plots were used to select the best models; while percent bias, root mean square percentage error, and mean absolute percent error were used to compare their performance to published models. For mixed-species, the best equation was AGB = 0.06203 × DBH 2.26430 × H 0.51415 × WD 0.79456 . When applied to a random independent validation dataset, the predicted values from the generic equations and the dipterocarp equations in Indonesia overestimated the AGB for different sites, indicating the need for region-specific equations. At the genus level, the selected equations were AGB = 0.03713 × DBH 2.73813 and AGB = 0.07483 × DBH 2.54496 for two genera, Dipterocarpus and Shorea, respectively, in Vietnam. Compared to the mixed-species equations, the genus-specific equations improved the accuracy of the AGB estimates. Additionally, the genus-specific equations showed no significant differences in predictive performance in different regions (e.g., Indonesia, Vietnam) of Southeast Asia.
Microalgae Nutraceuticals
Authors: Nicoletti Marcello
Published: August 2016

Among the new entries in the food supplements sector, an important place must be assigned to nutraceuticals containing microalgae, nowadays accounting for a large and rapidly expanding market. The marketed products are mainly based on three production strains, i.e., Spirulina and Chlorella, followed at a distance by Klamath. It is a composite situation, since two of them are cyanobacteria and the second one is eukaryotic. The reality is that each presents similarities in shape and appearance concerning the marketed form and several utilizations, and peculiarities that need special attention and adequate studies. First, general information is reported about the current scientific knowledge on each microalga, in particular the nutritional value and properties in prevention and wellbeing. Second, original studies are presented concerning the quality control of marketed products. Quality control is a key argument in nutraceuticals validation. Microalgae are particular organisms that need specific approaches to confirm identity and validate properties. The proposed control of quality is based on microscopic analysis of the morphologic characteristics. The final parts of this paper are dedicated to the need for specificity in uses and claims and to considerations about the future of microalgae in food supplements.
Genetic Variants of Retinoic Acid Receptor-Related Orphan Receptor Alpha Determine Susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Han Chinese
Authors: Zhang Yuwei , Liu Yulan , Liu Yin , Zhang Yanjie , Su Zhiguang
Published: August 2016

Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (RORA) plays a key role in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism and insulin expression that are implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the effects of genetic variants in the RORA gene on the susceptibility to T2DM remain unknown. Nine tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were screened by using the SNaPshot method in 427 patients with T2DM and 408 normal controls. Association between genotypes and haplotypes derived from these SNPs with T2DM was analyzed using different genetic models. Allele and genotype frequencies at rs10851685 were significantly different between T2DM patients and control subjects (allele: p = 0.009, Odds ratios (OR) = 1.36 [95% Confidence intervals (CI) = 1.08–1.72]; genotype: p = 0.029). The minor allele T, at rs10851685, was potentially associated with an increased risk of T2DM in the dominant model, displaying OR of 1.38 (95% CI: 1.04–1.82, p = 0.025) in subjects with genotypes TA+TT vs. AA. In haplotype analysis, we observed that haplotypes GGTGTAACT, GGTGTAACC, and GATATAACT were significantly associated with increased risk of T2DM, while haplotypes GATGAAGTT, AGTGAAGTT, and AATGAAATT were protective against T2DM. These data suggest that the genetic variation in RORA might determine a Chinese Han individual’s susceptibility to T2DM.
USLE-Based Assessment of Soil Erosion by Water in the Nyabarongo River Catchment, Rwanda
Authors: Karamage Fidele , Zhang Chi , Kayiranga Alphonse , Shao Hua , Fang Xia , Ndayisaba Felix , Nahayo Lamek , Mupenzi Christophe , Tian Guangjin
Published: August 2016

Soil erosion has become a serious problem in recent decades due to unhalted trends of unsustainable land use practices. Assessment of soil erosion is a prominent tool in planning and conservation of soil and water resource ecosystems. The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) was applied to Nyabarongo River Catchment that drains about 8413.75 km2 (33%) of the total Rwanda coverage and a small part of the Southern Uganda (about 64.50 km2) using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing technologies. The estimated total annual actual soil loss was approximately estimated at 409 million tons with a mean erosion rate of 490 t·ha−1·y−1 (i.e., 32.67 mm·y−1). The cropland that occupied 74.85% of the total catchment presented a mean erosion rate of 618 t·ha−1·y−1 (i.e., 41.20 mm·y−1) and was responsible for 95.8% of total annual soil loss. Emergency soil erosion control is required with a priority accorded to cropland area of 173,244 ha, which is extremely exposed to actual soil erosion rate of 2222 t·ha−1·y−1 (i.e., 148.13 mm·y−1) and contributed to 96.2% of the total extreme soil loss in the catchment. According to this study, terracing cultivation method could reduce the current erosion rate in cropland areas by about 78%. Therefore, the present study suggests the catchment management by constructing check dams, terracing, agroforestry and reforestation of highly exposed areas as suitable measures for erosion and water pollution control within the Nyabarongo River Catchment and in other regions facing the same problems.
Analysis of Different Ploidy and Parent–Offspring Genomic DNA Methylation in the Loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
Authors: Zhou He , Ma Tian-Yu , Zhang Rui , Xu Qi-Zheng , Shen Fu , Qin Yan-Jie , Xu Wen , Wang Yuan , Li Ya-Juan
Published: August 2016

In this study, we selected natural polyploidy loach (diploid, triploid and tetraploid) and hybrid F1 generation obverse cross (4 × 2) and inverse cross (2 × 4) by diploids and tetraploids as the research model. The MSAP (methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism) reaction system was established by our laboratory to explore methylation levels and pattern diversification features at the whole genome level of the polyploidy loach. The results showed that the total methylation and full methylation rates decreased on increased ploidy individuals; moreover, the hemimethylation rate showed no consistent pattern. Compared with diploid loach, the methylation patterns of tetraploid sites changed 68.17%, and the methylation patterns of triploid sites changed 73.05%. The proportion of hypermethylation genes is significantly higher than the proportion of demethylation genes. The methylation level of reciprocal cross F1 generation is lower than the male diploid and higher than the female tetraploid. The hemimethylation and total methylation rate of the cross hybrid F1 generation is significantly higher than the orthogonal F1 generation (p < 0.01). After readjusting, the methylation pattern of genome DNA of reciprocal hybrids changed 69.59% and 72.83%, respectively.
Melatonin Alleviates Liver Apoptosis in Bile Duct Ligation Young Rats
Authors: Sheen Jiunn-Ming , Chen Yu-Chieh , Hsu Mei-Hsin , Tain You-Lin , Huang Ying-Hsien , Tiao Mao-Meng , Li Shih-Wen , Huang Li-Tung
Published: August 2016

Bile duct ligation (BDL)-treated rats display cholestasis and liver damages. The potential protective activity of melatonin in young BDL rats in terms of apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis has not yet been evaluated. Three groups of young male Sprague-Dawley rats were used: one group received laparotomy (Sham), a second group received BDL for two weeks (BDL), and a third group received BDL and intraperitoneal melatonin (100 mg/day) for two weeks (BDL + M). BDL group rats showed liver apoptosis, increased pro-inflamamtory mediators, caspases alterations, anti-apoptotic factors changes, and dysfunction of ER homeostasis. Melatonin effectively reversed apoptosis, mainly through intrinsic pathway and reversed ER stress. In addition, in vitro study showed melatonin exerted its effect mainly through the melatonin 2 receptor (MT2) in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, BDL in young rats caused liver apoptosis. Melatonin rescued the apoptotic changes via the intrinsic pathway, and possibly through the MT2 receptor. Melatonin also reversed ER stress induced by BDL.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Oxyalkylated Derivatives of 2′,4′-Dihydroxychalcone as Anti-Oomycete Agents against Bronopol Resistant Strains of Saprolegnia sp.
Authors: Flores Susana , Montenegro Iván , Villena Joan , Cuellar Mauricio , Werner Enrique , Godoy Patricio , Madrid Alejandro
Published: August 2016

A series of novel oxyalkylchalcones substituted with alkyl groups were designed and synthesized, and the antioomycete activity of the series was evaluated in vitro against Saprolegnia strains. All tested O-alkylchalcones were synthesized by means of nucleophilic substitution from the natural compound 2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone (1) and the respective alkyl bromide. The natural chalcone (1) and 10 synthetic oxyalkylchalcones (2–11) were tested against Saprolegnia parasitica and Saprolegnia australis. Among synthetic analogs, 2-hydroxy,4-farnesyloxychalcone (11) showed the most potent activity against Saprolegnia sp., with MIC and MOC values of 125 µg/mL (similar to bronopol at 150 µg/mL) and 175 µg/mL, respectively; however, 2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone (1) was the strongest and most active molecule, with MIC and MOC values of 6.25 µg/mL and 12.5 µg/mL.
Syngonanthus nitens Bong. (Rhul.)-Loaded Nanostructured System for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Treatment
Authors: Dos Santos Ramos Matheus , De Toledo Luciani , Calixto Giovana , Bonifácio Bruna , De Freitas Araújo Marcelo , Dos Santos Lourdes , De Almeida Margarete , Chorilli Marlus , Bauab Taís
Published: August 2016

Herbal-loaded drug delivery nanotechnological systems have been extensively studied recently. The antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants has shown better pharmacological action when such plants are loaded into a drug delivery system than when they are not loaded. Syngonanthus nitens Bong. (Rhul.) belongs to the Eriocaulaceae family and presents antiulcerogenic, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of Syngonanthus nitens (S. nitens) extract that was not loaded (E) or loaded (SE) into a liquid crystal precursor system (S) for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) with Candida albicans. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the microdilution technique. Additionally, we performed hyphae inhibition and biofilm tests. Finally, experimental candidiasis was evaluated in in vivo models with Wistar female rats. The results showed effective antifungal activity after incorporation into S for all strains tested, with MICs ranging from 31.2 to 62.5 μg/mL. Microscopic observation of SE revealed an absence of filamentous cells 24 h of exposure to a concentration of 31.2 μg/mL. E demonstrated no effective action against biofilms, though SE showed inhibition against biofilms of all strains. In the in vivo experiment, SE was effective in the treatment of infection after only two days of treatment and was more effective than E and amphotericin B. The S. nitens is active against Candida albicans (C. albicans) and the antifungal potential is being enhanced after incorporation into liquid crystal precursor systems (LCPS). These findings represent a promising application of SE in the treatment of VVC.
Identification of Material Parameters for the Simulation of Acoustic Absorption of Fouled Sintered Fiber Felts
Authors: Lippitz Nicolas , Blech Christopher , Langer Sabine , Rösler Joachim
Published: August 2016

As a reaction to the increasing noise pollution, caused by the expansion of airports close to residential areas, porous trailing edges are investigated to reduce the aeroacoustic noise produced by flow around the airframe. Besides mechanical and acoustical investigations of porous materials, the fouling behavior of promising materials is an important aspect to estimate the performance in long-term use. For this study, two sintered fiber felts were selected for a long-term fouling experiment where the development of the flow resistivity and accumulation of dirt was observed. Based on 3D structural characterizations obtained from X-ray tomography of the initial materials, acoustic models (Biot and Johnson–Champoux–Allard) in the frame of the transfer matrix method were applied to the sintered fiber felts. Flow resistivity measurements and the measurements of the absorption coefficient in an impedance tube are the basis for a fouling model for sintered fiber felts. The contribution will conclude with recommendations concerning the modeling of pollution processes of porous materials.
Microfluidic Neurons, a New Way in Neuromorphic Engineering?
Authors: Levi Timothée , Fujii Teruo
Published: August 2016

This article describes a new way to explore neuromorphic engineering, the biomimetic artificial neuron using microfluidic techniques. This new device could replace silicon neurons and solve the issues of biocompatibility and power consumption. The biological neuron transmits electrical signals based on ion flow through their plasma membrane. Action potentials are propagated along axons and represent the fundamental electrical signals by which information are transmitted from one place to another in the nervous system. Based on this physiological behavior, we propose a microfluidic structure composed of chambers representing the intra and extracellular environments, connected by channels actuated by Quake valves. These channels are equipped with selective ion permeable membranes to mimic the exchange of chemical species found in the biological neuron. A thick polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane is used to create the Quake valve membrane. Integrated electrodes are used to measure the potential difference between the intracellular and extracellular environments: the membrane potential.
Effect of the Production of Dried Fruits and Juice from Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) on the Content and Antioxidative Activity of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Oszmiański Jan , Lachowicz Sabina
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of dried fruits and juices from chokeberry as potential sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial effects on human health. Dry powders and juices from chokeberry were analyzed for the contents of sugars with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD method), and the antioxidant capacity was analyzed by the FRAP (ferric-reducing ability of plasma) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)) tests. Polyphenols were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a tandem mass spectrometer and a photodiode-array detector (LC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS), and their quantitative analysis was carried out by UPLC-MS/MS (using a Q/TOF detector and a PDA detector). A total of 27 polyphenolic compounds was identified in chokeberry products, including 7 anthocyanins, 11 flavonols, 5 phenolic acids, 3 flavan-3-ols and 1 flavanone. Three anthocyanin derivatives were reported for the first time from chokeberry fruit. A higher activity of the bioactive compounds was determined in dried fruit pomace and in juice obtained from crushed fruits than in those from the whole fruits. In addition, the pomace was found to be a better material for the production of dry powders, compared to chokeberry fruits.