bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Una dimensión didáctica y conceptual de un instrumento para la Valoración de Objetos Virtuales de Aprendizaje. El caso de las fracciones
Authors: Triana-Muñoz Mónica María , Ceballos-Londoño Juan Fernando , Villa-Ochoa Jhony Alexander
Published: March 2019

Estudios realizados sobre el tema de valoración de objetos virtuales de aprendizaje han aportado instrumentos que en gran medida han sido pensados para atender la generalidad de aspectos estructurales y no han profundizado en aspectos metodológicos, ni han atendido a particularidades intrínsecas de los conocimientos propios de una disciplina, lo que sugirió la necesidad de proponer e investigar sobre la definición de las características de un instrumento de valoración, atendiendo a las particularidades de las matemáticas y de sus contenidos. Para consolidar la construcción del instrumento de valoración de objetos virtuales de aprendizaje, se llegó a la conclusión que este debería atender a la relación entre el contenido, la pedagogía y la tecnología, aspectos que se profundizan en el marco teórico de la investigación. Un instrumento de carácter didáctico-conceptual, que abarca varias dimensiones y cuenta con unas orientaciones generales para los temas del área de matemáticas, en específico para la enseñanza de las fracciones, proporcionando un espacio de participación al profesor para la construcción del instrumento como tal. El instrumento de valoración fue validado en varias etapas, donde fueron partícipes profesores de matemáticas de diferentes niveles educativos. Como resultado de este proceso investigativo surgió un Instrumento nombrado “Valoración de Objetos Virtuales de Aprendizaje para la enseñanza de las fracciones”, que pretendió llenar el vacío estructural y de contenido identificado en los demás instrumentos existentes.
Ecoaldeas en Colombia transitando hacia el buen vivir
Authors: Muñoz-Villarreal Erika Milena
Published: March 2019

Se presenta una investigación cualitativa cuyo objetivo fue comprender cómo se expresa la relación Humanidad-Naturaleza en el movimiento ecoaldeano, teniendo como referente las ecoaldeas Anthakarana (Quindío) y Aldea Feliz (Cundinamarca) en Colombia. Para ello se realizó una indagación documental y un acercamiento empírico haciendo uso de métodos etnográficos que permitieron conocer la vida cotidiana, los saberes y las prácticas de estas comunidades. Se diseñó un ciclo de análisis e interpretación de acuerdo con el enfoque de estudio de casos en el que se utilizó la herramienta Atlas.ti El argumento principal de la tesis consiste en plantear que las ecoaldeas estudiadas vienen cocreando nuevos tipos de relación en la naturaleza , que pueden ser leídos como una transición de la ontología dual hacia una ontología relacional en la que se intenta superar la desconexión humanidad - naturaleza. Esta transición ontológica implica un ciclo de transformación individual, con otros humanos y seres, en el que se cocrean saberes, prácticas y valores frente a la vida. En este proceso, han acogido la categoría de Buen Vivir para guiar sus propósitos comunitarios y posibilidad de resignificar conocimientos
La ingeniería del software y su aplicación en el análisis de indicadores de repetitividad y reproducibilidad de jueces, en el proceso de evaluación del perfil sensorial del licor de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)
Authors: Medina-Cruz Javier , Quintana-Fuentes Lucas Fernando
Published: March 2019

Esta investigación tuvo como finalidad determinar indicadores de repetitividad, y reproducibilidad, entre grupos de jueces y jueces en forma individual, en procesos de evaluación del perfil sensorial del licor del cacao, con la implementación de un aplicativo, usando técnicas de ingeniería del software. Para lo anterior, se realizó un estudio descriptivo y de investigación aplicada iniciando con la gestión de conocimiento, en el área de la evaluación sensorial del cacao, para la adaptación de un método de entrada y procesamiento de datos, en módulos de software, cuyos resultados de los indicadores mencionados, producto de dos sesiones realizadas, se compararon contra tablas t-student para verificar la existencia o no de diferencias significativas. Como resultado de la investigación, se comprobó que el entrenamiento aplicado a los jueces fue adecuado y que los juicios establecidos, en el proyecto de evaluación de modelos de siembra, son confiables y se garantiza que existe un grado de repetitividad para cada juez y de reproducibilidad entre jueces con un error, para ambos, del 0.05%. Se pudo verificar que el uso de técnicas de gestión de conocimiento y de ingeniería del software, en eventos de análisis de indicadores en el proceso de evaluación del perfil sensorial del licor de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), garantizan la optimización de procedimientos relacionados con la recolección y procesamiento de datos y con la salida y validación de resultados.
Online Collaboration between Arab and Jewish Students: Fear and Anxiety
Authors: Yazbak Abu Ahmad Manal , Hoter Elaine
Published: March 2019

This study examines students in an online, collaborative, yearlong intercollege course. Arab and Jewish students from five colleges of education in Israel worked in virtual teams. The data includes pre and post questionnaires as well as open ended questions and ongoing reflective journals. The results of the t-test indicated that the perception of other participants  in the group improved significantly among Jewish and Arab participants -4.38. This was backed up by the qualitative data.  Initially, the students expressed apprehension towards working with people from the other culture and fear of leaving their comfort zone.
Connecting with Computer Science: Electronic Textile Portfolios as Ideational Identity Resources for High School Students
Authors: Shaw Mia S , Fields Deborah A , Kafai Yasmin B
Published: March 2019

The development of student identities—their interests in computer science, perceptions of the discipline, and sense of belonging in the field—is critical for broadening participation of underrepresented groups in computing. This paper reports on the design of portfolios in which two classes of high school students reflected on the process of making electronic textile projects. We examine how students expressed self-authorship in relation to computer science and how the use of reflective portfolios shaped students’ perceptions of computer science. In the discussion we consider how reflective portfolios can serve as ideational resources for computer science identity construction.
The role of microRNA in metastatic colorectal cancer and its significance in cancer prognosis and treatment.
Authors: Tokarz Paulina , Blasiak Janusz
Published: March 2019

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by targeting specific mRNAs. microRNAs play a role in several physiological processes in the cell, including migration, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Apart from their role in regular metabolism, abnormal profiles of miRNA expression accompany cancer transformation, including colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis. microRNAs may play a role in each phase of CRC metastasis including angiogenesis, invasion, intravasation, circulation, extravasation and metastatic colonization. microRNA levels may serve as a predictive CRC marker, which was confirmed by the serum level of miR-29a targeting KLF4, a marker of cell stemness, and the plasma level of miR-221 down-regulating c-Kit, Stat5A and ETS1, which are signal transducers and transcription factor, respectively. In turn, the level of miR-143 in CRC cells decreasing the amount of MACC1 (metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1) and oncogenic KRAS protein, may be utilized as a prognostic marker. Also, single nucleotide polymorphisms of genes encoding miRNAs, including miR-423 and miR-608, which correlate with tumor recurrence, may be useful as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive indicators in CRC metastasis. Pre-miR-34a and pre-miR-199a decreased the level of Axl, a tyrosine-protein kinase receptor, so they can be considered as drugs in antimetastatic therapy. On the other hand, miR-222 targeting ADAM-17, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase, and miR-328 interacting with ABCG2, an ABC transporter, may overcome drug resistance of cancer cells. microRNAs may be considered in wide-range application to facilitate CRC metastasis diagnosis, prognosis, prediction and therapy, however, further clinical, epidemiological and in vitro studies should be conducted to verify their utility.
Pro-inflammatory properties of cadmium.
Authors: Olszowski Tomasz , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena , Gutowska Izabela , Chlubek Dariusz
Published: March 2019

Cadmium is a toxic and carcinogenic heavy metal that nowadays constitutes a serious environmental health problem. The aim of this study is to review the effects of cadmium on selected inflammatory mediators and markers, such as NF-κB and AP-1 transcription factors, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β cytokines, IL-8 or MIP-2 chemokine, MPO, iNOS, MMPs and COX-2 enzymes, PGE(2) (product of COX-2 enzyme), ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and PECAM-1 adhesion molecules, and CRP. The research strategy identified articles available in Medline, published between 1998 and 2012; we included both in vivo and in vitro studies carried out on humans and rodents. Most of the reviewed research findings suggest that cadmium in micromolar concentrations (especially in the 1-10 μM range) causes up-regulation of the mediators and markers of inflammation, and appears to have pro-inflammatory properties. However, it is worth mentioning that a contradictory or even opposite hypothesis exists, which suggests cadmium to be an anti-inflammatory factor. Further research including detailed histological analyses should solve this discrepancy. Nevertheless, it appears that the main reason for these contradictory findings is the experimental setup: different biological systems analyzed and different doses of cadmium applied.
Homocysteine, heat shock proteins, genistein and vitamins in ischemic stroke--pathogenic and therapeutic implications.
Authors: Banecka-Majkutewicz Zyta , Sawuła Wojciech , Kadziński Leszek , Węgrzyn Alicja , Banecki Bogdan
Published: March 2019

Stroke is one of the most devastating neurological conditions, with an approximate worldwide mortality of 5.5 million annually and loss of 44 million disability-adjusted life-years. The etiology of stroke is often unknown; it has been estimated that the etiology and pathophysiology remains unexplained in more than 40% of stroke cases. The conventional stroke risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and cardiac diseases, do not fully account for the risk of stroke, and stroke victims, especially young subjects, often do not have any of these factors. It is very likely that inflammation, specific genetic predispositions and traditional risk factors interact with each other and may together increase the risk of stroke. Inflammatory and immune responses play important roles in the course of ischemic stroke. Hyperhomocysteinemia (hcy) is considered a modifiable risk factor for stroke, possibly through an atherogenic and prothrombotic mechanism. Both genetic and environmental factors (e.g., dietary intake of folic acid and B vitamins) affect homocysteine level. Identification of the role of hcy as a modifiable risk factor for stroke and of HSPs as regulators of the immune response may lead to more effective prevention and treatment of stroke through dietary and pharmacological intervention. Dietary modification may also include supplementation with novel preventive compounds, such as the antioxidative isoflavones--genistein or daidzein.
G protein-coupled receptors--recent advances.
Authors: Latek Dorota , Modzelewska Anna , Trzaskowski Bartosz , Palczewski Krzysztof , Filipek Sławomir
Published: March 2019

The years 2000 and 2007 witnessed milestones in current understanding of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) structural biology. In 2000 the first GPCR, bovine rhodopsin, was crystallized and the structure was solved, while in 2007 the structure of β(2)-adrenergic receptor, the first GPCR with diffusible ligands, was determined owing to advances in microcrystallization and an insertion of the fast-folding lysozyme into the receptor. In parallel with those crystallographic studies, the biological and biochemical characterization of GPCRs has advanced considerably because those receptors are molecular targets for many of currently used drugs. Therefore, the mechanisms of activation and signal transduction to the cell interior deduced from known GPCRs structures are of the highest importance for drug discovery. These proteins are the most diversified membrane receptors encoded by hundreds of genes in our genome. They participate in processes responsible for vision, smell, taste and neuronal transmission in response to photons or binding of ions, hormones, peptides, chemokines and other factors. Although the GPCRs share a common seven-transmembrane α-helical bundle structure their binding sites can accommodate thousands of different ligands. The ligands, including agonists, antagonists or inverse agonists change the structure of the receptor. With bound agonists they can form a complex with a suitable G protein, be phosphorylated by kinases or bind arrestin. The discovered signaling cascades invoked by arrestin independently of G proteins makes the GPCR activating scheme more complex such that a ligand acting as an antagonist for G protein signaling can also act as an agonist in arrestin-dependent signaling. Additionally, the existence of multiple ligand-dependent partial activation states as well as dimerization of GPCRs result in a 'microprocessor-like' action of these receptors rather than an 'on-off' switch as was commonly believed only a decade ago.
High mobility group B1 levels in sepsis and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation.
Authors: Eskici Zeynep M , Açıkgöz Şerefden , Pişkin Nihal , Mungan Görkem , Can Murat , Güven Berrak , Köktürk Fürüzan
Published: March 2019

Cytokines trigger coagulant and fibrinolytic systems in sepsis to result in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) that is an important complication and leads to disseminated hemorrhages and multi-organ failure. High Mobility Group B1 DNA Binding (HMGB1) protein is a cytokine taking part in systemic inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to investigate HMGB1 levels in groups of septic patients with and without DIC.Twenty-one septic patients without DIC and 12 septic patients with DIC from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were included in the study. In addition, 20 patients admitted to the ICU without sepsis or DIC and 20 healthy volunteers served as controls. Levels of HMGB1, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, D-dimer, protein C, protein S, anti-thrombin III (ATIII), platelet (thrombocyte) and leukocyte count were determined. Levels of fibrinogen, protein C, ATIII and platelet count were significantly lower and D-dimer was significantly higher in the group with sepsis plus DIC compared to the group with sepsis without DIC. Levels of HMGB1 were higher in the group with sepsis and DIC compared to the group with sepsis; however, the difference was not statistically significant and the levels of HGMB1 of both groups were significantly higher compared to ICU and healthy control groups. HMGB1 levels were not significantly different in survivor and non survivor patients. HMGB1 levels did not differ in lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and urinary tract infection (UTI) in regard to the etiology of sepsis.
Biological activities and chemical composition of solvent extracts of Stoechospermum marginatum (C. Agardh).
Authors: Esmaeili Akbar , Khakpoor Marjan
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition CH3OH-CH2Cl2 (1:1) extract and biological activities of various extracts derived from the aerial parts of the brown marine alga Stoechospermum marginatum (C. Agardh). Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) were used to analyze the composition of the essential oil. Total phenolics assay demonstrated a high value in hexane extract (HE), with a lower value for chloroform extract (CE), and the lowest value for methanol extract (ME). DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay showed that extracts of S. marginatum possess radical scavenging activity (RSA). Tests of the antioxidant property of the extracts revealed both electron and hydrogen transfer mechanisms. The antibacterial activity of the ME, CE, and HE as well as an ethanol extract was estimated against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The ethanol extract showed the highest antibacterial activity, and the HE showed the lowest.
Detection of acylglycines in urine by 1H and 13C NMR for the diagnosis of inborn metabolic diseases.
Authors: Gryff-Keller Adam , Kraska-Dziadecka Anna , Kubica Dominika
Published: March 2019

A range of inborn metabolic diseases result in abnormal accumulation of acylglycines in body fluids. Therefore, detection of these metabolites is important for diagnostic purposes. (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopies have successfully been applied for both qualitative and quantitative determinations of various acylglycines in urine samples from patients suffering from metabolic diseases connected with excretion of these compounds. Various acylglycines were identified in test urine samples from 15 patients suffering from five different metabolic diseases, providing information which could be crucial for their diagnoses. The paper reports complete (1)H and (13)C NMR data of 11 acylglycines, which is essential for this type of NMR analysis of body fluids. NMR spectroscopy has been proven effective in determining the presence as well as the levels of acylglycines in urine. The proposed method is rapid, simple and requires minimal sample treatment.
Preparation of a polyclonal antibody against hypericin synthase and localization of the enzyme in red-pigmented Hypericum perforatum L. plantlets.
Authors: Qian Jie , Wu Junyu , Yao Bingbo , Lu Yanhua
Published: March 2019

Hypericum perforatum is well known for its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory activities, for which hypericin and its derivatives are indicated to be the most active compounds. Hypericin synthase (Hyp-1) is the only protein proven to catalyze the synthesis of hypericin. In this study, the full-length cDNA of Hyp-1 was chemically synthesized according to the Hyp-1 sequence in GenBank (accession no. AY148090) and then cloned into the plasmid pET22b. Hyp-1 was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and purified with a Ni-NTA column. The purified protein was used to immunize New Zealand white rabbits, from which an antiserum was purified by protein G affinity chromatography. The polyclonal antibody against Hyp-1 provides a valuable tool for the study of hypericin biosynthesis in H. perforatum. Expression of Hyp-1 and the cellular distribution of hypericin were analyzed in different organs of red-pigmented H. perforatum plantlets. The black glands were not the only site of hypericin accumulation and the results indicated that hypericin might be synthesized in mesophyll cells or in tissues of the root and/or stem and then transported to the glands. This work provides a foundation for further investigation of the regulatory mechanism of hypericin synthesis during the development of H. perforatum.
Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is increased in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection and related to markers of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Authors: Zuwała-Jagiełło Jolanta , Warwas Maria , Pazgan-Simon Monika
Published: March 2019

Inflammation and oxidative stress have been reported in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection, but their influence on ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels and diabetes prevalence remains unknown. Sixty-three CHC patients, 28 with diabetes, and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Circulating levels of oxidative stress markers [Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine- advanced glycation end products (CML-AGEs) and advanced oxidation protein products-(AOPPs)], pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor α), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were assessed. Compared with the controls, the CHC patients with diabetes showed a significant increase in plasma concentrations of IMA, AOPPs, interleukin-6 and hsCRP (P < 0.05). The values of IMA and hsCRP were more elevated in patients with diabetes than without diabetes (both P < 0.01). The positive relationships were found between hsCRP and presence of diabetes, IMA (both P < 0.01) and AOPP levels (P < 0.05). CML-AGEs did not show any significant correlation with IMA, markers of inflammation and presence of diabetes. In conclusion, we have documented significant elevation in plasma levels of IMA and AOPPs in CHC patients. In addition, circulating IMA was associated with inflammation markers and diabetes prevalence. This observation suggests a relationship between IMA and inflammation in CHC patients with diabetes, which may represent one of the mechanisms involved in the accelerated atherosclerosis in this population.
Bacterially expressed truncated F2 domain of Plasmodium falciparum EBA-140 antigen can bind to human erythrocytes.
Authors: Rydzak Joanna , Kryńska Katarzyna , Suchanowska Anna , Kaczmarek Radosław , Łukasiewicz Jolanta , Czerwiński Marcin , Jaśkiewicz Ewa
Published: March 2019

The recently identified erythrocyte binding antigen-140 (EBA-140) is a member of the Plasmodium falciparum DBL family of erythrocyte binding proteins, which are considered as prospective candidates for malaria vaccine development. The EBA-140 ligand is a paralogue of the well-characterized P. falciparum EBA-175 antigen. They share homology of domain structure, including Region II, which consists of two homologous F1 and F2 domains and is responsible for ligand-erythrocyte interaction during invasion. It was shown that the F2 domain of EBA-175 antigen seems to be more important for erythrocyte binding. In order to study activity and immunogenicity of EBA-140 antigen F2 domain, it is necessary to obtain recombinant protein of high purity and in a sufficient amount, which used to pose a challenge due to the high content of disulphide bridges. Here, we present a new method for expression and purification of Plasmodium falciparum EBA-140 antigen F2 domain in E. coli Rosetta-gami strain in fusion with the maltose binding protein (MBP). The truncated F2 domain formed by spontaneous proteolytic degradation of the fusion protein was purified by affinity chromatography on Ni-NTA resin followed by size exclusion chromatography. Molecular mass of this protein was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Its N-terminal amino acid sequencing revealed a proteolytic cleavage site within the F2 domain. The proper folding of the recombinant, truncated F2 domain of EBA-140 antigen was confirmed by circular dichroism analysis. The truncated F2 domain can specifically bind to human erythrocytes but its binding is not as efficient as that of full Region II. This confirms that both the F1 and F2 domains of EBA-140 antigen are required for effective erythrocyte binding.
Quantitative estimation of lysosomal storage in mucopolysaccharidoses by electron microscopy analysis.
Authors: Narajczyk Magdalena , Moskot Marta , Konieczna Aleksandra
Published: March 2019

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are severe inherited metabolic disorders caused by storage of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The level of accumulated GAGs is an important parameter in assessment of the severity of the disease and the efficacy of treatment; unfortunately, biochemical methods are often unreliable and only semi-quantitative. Therefore, finding other methods for estimation of GAG levels and/or assessment of the efficacy of applied therapy is very important. Although monitoring of GAG levels during therapy is crucial, in this work it is proposed that analysis of the ultrastructure of MPS cells by electron microscopic techniques can be considered as an alternative and reliable method for assessment of lysosomal storage. The number of complex lysosomal structures was found to be significantly higher in MPS cells relative to controls, while it decreased significantly in response to either enzyme replacement therapy or substrate reduction therapy. Thus, this parameter, easily assessed by electron microscopy, appears to correspond to the physiological state of MPS cells.
Comparison of siRNA-mediated silencing of glycosaminoglycan synthesis genes and enzyme replacement therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis in cell culture studies.
Authors: Chmielarz Izabela , Gabig-Cimińska Magdalena , Malinowska Marcelina , Banecka-Majkutewicz Zyta , Węgrzyn Alicja , Jakobkiewicz-Banecka Joanna
Published: March 2019

Cytotoxicity of laronidase (Aldurazyme(®)), employed in enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) and various siRNAs, tested previously in studies on substrate reduction therapy (SRT) for mucopolysaccharidoses, was tested. The enzyme did not cause any cytotoxic effects, and the siRNAs did not inhibit growth of most investigated cell lines. However, some cytotoxic effects of some tested siRNAs were observed in one MPS IIIA cell line. The efficacy of a combination of enzyme replacement therapy and siRNA-based substrate deprivation therapy was tested on three MPS I cell lines. Surprisingly, different results were obtained for different cell lines. The decrease of glycosaminoglycan storage in cells treated simultaneously with both methods was: (i) less pronounced than obtained with either of those methods used alone in one cell line, (ii) similar to that observed for enzyme replacement therapy in another cell line, and (iii) stronger than that obtained with either of the methods used alone in the third cell line. Therefore, it appears that the effects of various therapeutic methods may strongly depend on the features of the MPS cell line.
NF-κB signaling pathway and free radical impact.
Authors: Siomek Agnieszka
Published: March 2019

The activation of NF-κB transcription factor is critical for a wide range of processes such as immunity, inflammation, cell development, growth and survival. It is activated by a variety of stimuli including cytokines, ionizing radiation and oxidative stress. Redox modulations of NF-κB pathway have been widely demonstrated. Studies carried out during last years have advanced our knowledge about possible connections between NF-κB pathway and the impact of free radicals. This review is an endeavor to gather recent results focused on this issue, although an important question, whether oxidative stress plays a physiological role in NF-κB activation, seems to be still unanswered.
Placental prostate-specific antigen content in preeclampsia.
Authors: Can Murat , Acikgoz Serefden , Guven Berrak , Ozmen Bayar Ulku
Published: March 2019

Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder that can manifest clinically with hypertension and proteinuria. Previous studies reported the presence of placental PSA in normal pregnancy but no study has been done in preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to investigate PSA content in preeclampsia. Preeclampsia was diagnosed according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria. Placentas were obtained from 33 preeclamptic and 34 normotensive women. Placenta samples were homogenized and the supernatants were immediately analyzed. The tissue PSA content was measured by Immulite 2000 PSA assay. The data were analyzed with Student's t-test and Pearson correlation test. There was a significant difference in placental PSA content between preeclamptic and normotensive women. Placental content of PSA was higher in the preeclamptic group with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) than in the preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant without IUGR groups. No significant difference was found in this respect between preeclamptic and normotensive women without IUGR. In conclusion, we found that placental PSA content is elevated in preeclampsia and negatively correlated with infant birth weight. Further studies will be necessary to define the roles of PSA more precisely and to examine its effects on the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
Regulatory effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on vascular smooth muscle cells.
Authors: Tukaj Stefan , Trzonkowski Piotr , Tukaj Cecylia
Published: March 2019

Inflammatory response has been recognized as a central feature in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, and VSMCs (Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells) - the main cellular component of media, play an important role in this process. Many reports indicate that the biologically active vitamin D metabolite - 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3) = calcitriol), besides its well established role in calcium homeostasis, plays an essential role in the regulation of the inflammation process. The aim of this study was to determine the regulatory effects of calcitriol, applied at two supra-physiological doses (10 nM and 100 nM), in VSMC culture. Secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-α, was significantly attenuated in calcitriol-treated VSMC culture, but the level of anti-inflammatory TGF-β was generally unchanged. Since in advanced atherosclerosis lesions several cell types, including VSMCs, overproduce the HSP70 chaperone protein, we also checked the effects of calcitriol on its synthesis. The presence of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) did not affect HSP70 synthesis under physiological conditions but the synthesis of HSP70 in VSMCs exposed to heat shock was significantly inhibited by calcitriol (=100 nM). We observed that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) induced SOD 1 activity, stimulated the expression of IκB-α, and did not influence the level of NF-κB-p65 in VSMCs. The results of our study suggest that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) may serve as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and may therefore play a beneficial role in the physiology of VSMC in some contexts of atherosclerosis.
Using the Big Data in the human resources management systems
Authors: Oge Goker , Topaloglu Murat
Published: March 2019

Measures like setting a destination, evaluation of performances, planning of the labour force about business, personnel recruitment, charging of personnel, informations about personnel, analytical of labour force and reporting, etc., are considered as vital problems of the human resources management. In this study, these criteria in a variety of data were collected with a large repository Apache Hadoop Distributed File System file system owned. Data entry and analysis were used Apache Pig and Java programming languages. The aim of the study is to help ‘the owners of business’ evaluate the abundance of data and to get rid of the management complexity via an application which is the biggest problem of management system in human resources.
Keywords: Big Data, management of human resources, Hadoop, Pig, map-reduce.
Modelación de una antorcha de plasma de arco no transferido
Authors: Chinè-Polito Bruno , Mata-Coto Manuel , Vargas-Blanco Ivan
Published: March 2019

Las antorchas de plasma se usan para producir el plasma en la manufactura de materiales e industria energética, donde las antorchas de arco de corriente directa representan los componentes principales de los procesos con plasma térmico (plasma spraying, soldadura, corte de metales, tratamiento de residuos, producción de biogás, etc.). En una antorcha de plasma de arco no trasferido, se desarrolla un arco eléctrico aplicando una corriente directa entre el cátodo y el ánodo de la antorcha. Sucesivamente, el plasma se produce calentando, ionizando y expandiendo un gas alimentado a la antorcha antes de la región del cátodo. Los trabajos de laboratorio que usan técnicas de observación y de medición son de difícil aplicación, debido a las características físicas de estos fenómenos físicos. Así las técnicas computacionales pueden representar una herramienta valiosa para investigar los procesos con plasma, aunque el trabajo computacional es extremadamente desafiante, pues estos fenómenos son interdependientes y simultáneos. En este trabajo se propone un modelo computacional para simular una antorcha de plasma bidimensional de arco no trasferido en equilibrio termodinámico local. Se modelan condiciones de estado estacionario para las ecuaciones de conservación de mecánica de fluidos, trasferencia de calor y electromagnetismo en el software Comsol Multiphysics® 5.1. En la trasferencia de calor por radiación, el plasma se asume ópticamente fino y con un coeficiente de emisión neta. El flujo laminar de gas se modela con vórtice libre en la entrada para dos tipologías de antorchas axis-simétricas, respectivamente con argón y nitrógeno como gases de trabajo.
A Multi-Agent System Framework for Miniaturized Satellite
Authors: Chan-Zheng Carmen , Carvajal-Godínez Johan
Published: March 2019

El desarrollo de nuevas misiones satelitales se enfrenta a un incremento en la complejidad del software a bordo. Las próximas generaciones de satélites pequeños deben habilitar la infraestructura para la implementación de algoritmos a bordo concurrentes y deterministas para la coordinación y el control de la misión. Las arquitecturas basadas en multi agentes son un nuevo enfoque de desarrollo adoptado en el campo de la ingeniería de software debido a su flexibilidad, escalabilidad y adaptabilidad a entornos operativos dinámicos. Este artículo describe el diseño y la implementación de un framework basado en sistemas multi-agentes para desarrollar aplicaciones para computadoras embebidos con recursos altamente limitados que son utilizadas en pequeñas misiones satelitales. Como resultado de la implementación de este framework, el esfuerzo de codificación del usuario para escribir aplicaciones complejas de software a bordo se reduce hasta en un 50% con un impacto mínimo en la carga de la CPU y la asignación de la memoria del programa. Los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación demuestran no solo la viabilidad del software basado en MAS para misiones de satélites pequeños, sino también su valor para lograr planeamientos agresivos.
Rentabilidad financiera en la renovación de siembras de café en Los Santos, Costa Rica
Authors: Díaz-Gutiérrez Carlos
Published: March 2019

Un 35,2% del parque cafetalero costarricense se encuentra con una edad de la plantación de más de veinte años, lo que acarrea problemas de productividad y manejo; de ahí la importancia de efectuar el cambio de las plantaciones por medio de la renovación del cultivo. El estudio de la renovación se realizó considerando las condiciones de costos y producción de una hectárea de café establecida en la zona de Los Santos, Costa Rica, según datos brindados por productores líderes de la zona en el año 2015. Se ajustaron las condiciones del financiamiento requerido para la renovación a la capacidad productiva y de ingresos reflejado por el flujo de caja de la actividad. Se comparó el retorno de la renovación según el plazo de financiamiento bajo dos escenarios uno a diez años y otro a catorce, bajo condiciones de préstamo otorgados con fondos de Banca para el Desarrollo. Se obtuvo en el primer caso una respuesta negativa con un valor actual neto (VAN) de -¢ 126.539,94 y una TIR del 13,47%, mientras que para el escenario de plazo de financiamiento a 14 años el VAN fue de ¢ 691,50 y la TIR del 17,43%, siendo la tasa de rentabilidad mínima exigida (TREMA) de un 17,39%. Finalmente se desarrolló un análisis de riesgo probabilístico con base en la metodología de Monte Carlo.
PENGGUNAAN BAHASA INDONESIA SEBAGAI SYARAT OBYEKTIF DALAM PEMBUATAN PERJANJIAN PINJAM MEMINJAM (AKAD ‘ARIYAH) YANG BERBENTUK AKTA OTENTIK: Studi Kasus Terhadap Putusan Hakim Mahkamah Agung No. 1572 K/Pdt/2015
Authors: Rahayu Nur Irma , Syafa'at Rachmat , Widiarto Aan Eko
Published: March 2019

Halal cause is an essential element in Indonesian legal agreement. Its definition in the Article 1320 of Civil Code Procedure is unclearly elaborated leading to multi interpretations. There is even Judge’s interpretation in the language use that cause its invalidity only because Indonesian language is considered as a halal cause. This leads to uncertainty of all parties involved in a agreement. This research discusses the accuracy of ratio legis of Supreme Court judges in decree Number 1572 K.Pdt.2015 that decides the authentic deeds of loan agreement and fiduciary guarantee for an object as void at law. The researcher employs normative juridical method. The approaches employed are legislation, conceptual, and case. The research reveals, there is irrelevant interpretation of halal cause by Supreme Court judges in decree 1572/K/Pdt/2015 when related to the Article 1320 of Civil Code Procedure and Rasio legis of the judges; the decision has overlooked the provision of foreign language use in the authentic deeds as regulated in notary office law. It is because the legal framework used infringes the principle of lex spesialis derogat legi generalli. Furthermore, the legal consequence toward the authentic deeds regarding the use of foreign language agreed by all agreement parties written in decree Number 1572 K.Pdt.2015 should not be void at law because it does not guarantee the legal certainty of all deed makers.

Kausa halal merupakan unsur krusial dalam Hukum perjanjian Indonesia. Maknanya dalam pasal 1320 KUHPerdata kurang terjabar jelas sehingga ada multi tafsir. Bahkan ada penafsiran Hakim terhadap bahasa ini yang berakibat pembatalan akta hanya karena menganggap Bahasa Indonesia masuk dalam kausa halal. Hal ini membuat ketidakpastian pihak pembuat perjanjian. Penelitian ini membahas ketepatan rasio legis hakim Mahkamah Agung dalam putusan No. 1572 K.Pdt.2015 yang memutuskan batal demi hukum akta otentik perjanjian pinjam-meminjam dan perjanjian Jaminan Fidusia Atas Benda. Peneliti menggunakan metode yuridis normatif. Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah perundang-undangan, konseptual, dan kasus. Hasil penelitian, hakim Mahkamah Agung kurang tepat dalam memaknai kausa halal No. 1572/K/Pdt/2015 yang terkait dengan pasal 1320 KUHperdata dan rasio legis hakim; keputusannya mengesampingkan ketentuan penggunaan bahasa asing dalam akta otentik yang telah diatur Undang-Undang Jabatan Notaris. hal ini karena dasar-dasar hukum yang digunakan hakim tidak tepat yaitu menyalahi asas lex spesialis derogat legi generalli. Serta, akibat hukum terhadap akta otentik perjanjiannya yang telah disepakati para pihak dengan menggunakan bahasa asing dalam putusan No. 1572 K.Pdt.2015 seharusnya tidak menjadi batal demi hukum karena putusan tersebut tidak menjamin kepastian hukum para pihak pembuat akta.
Brave New Psychiatry and the Idealization of Nonplaces: A Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Punzi Elisabeth
Published: March 2019

In this article, a document presenting a planned psychiatric building in Sweden was analyzed using critical discourse analysis. Focus was on how biomedical perspectives, administration, logistics, and efficiency is materialized in the building. The building is planned without personal consulting rooms or office places. Text and images were understood with reference to Augé's concept of nonplaces; places that are void of meaning. Outpatient practice is portrayed as equal, neglecting power imbalances, diversity, and context. Clinicians and clients are expected to be in transit in an environment centered on transparency and technology, enabling surveillance and control. Encounters and dialogues are never mentioned, while electroconvulsive therapy has its own place both in the document and in the building. Technology is central and presented as necessary for future needs. The idea that current psychiatry represents a story of constant progress, providing precise diagnosis and effective treatment is materialized in the building.
Problematic Advice From Suicide Prevention Experts
Authors: Hjelmeland Heidi , Jaworski Katrina , Knizek Birthe L. , Marsh Ian
Published: March 2019

Based on a 10-year systematic review of suicide prevention strategies, “29 suicide prevention experts from 17 European countries” recommend 4 allegedly evidence-based strategies to be included in national suicide prevention programs. One of the recommended strategies is pharmacological treatment of depression. This recommendation is problematic for several reasons. First, it is based on a biased selection and interpretation of available evidence. Second, the authors have failed to take into consideration the widespread corruption in the research on antidepressants. Third, the many and serious side effects of antidepressants are not considered. Thus, the recommendation may have deleterious consequences for countless numbers of people, and, in fact, contribute to an increase in the suicide rate rather than a decrease.
International Psychology Ethics Codes: Where Is the “Culture” in Acculturation?
Authors: Parsonson Karen L. , Alquicira Luz M.
Published: March 2019

The APA's Code of Ethics is often seen as a guideline for the field of psychology. Over time, other countries have developed their own ethics codes, resulting in inevitable comparisons. Initially, comparisons were made to the APA's. Then, key words and broad principles were examined for commonalities. However, for non-English codes, English translations were used. The consensus is that ethics codes reflect a society/culture/country's beliefs and values and should be viewed within their cultural context. We argue that ethics codes must be examined qualitatively, interpreted by those within the culture, not by comparing translations of them. Recommendations for teaching ethics in North American Psychology graduate schools from a relativistic, cross-cultural perspective are discussed, proactively promoting cultural sensitivity of the profession.
Intent to Breastfeed and Evaluation of Culturally Sensitive Education in a Migrant Pacific Islander Population
Authors: Scott Allison , Vowell-Johnson Kelly , Addington Cari , Adams Bentley Snider , Pennington Olivia
Published: March 2019

Background

The Marshallese, a Pacific Islander population, are a growing migrant population in the United States. Breastfeeding is the preferred method of infant feeding, but many cultural barriers deter exclusive breastfeeding. A culturally sensitive education intervention was implemented to meet the needs of the Marshallese population in a postpartum setting.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an education intervention, in native language, on breastfeeding rates among Marshallese mothers during hospitalization.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study was a retrospective data analysis of a quality improvement project in a hospital seeking Baby-Friendly status. Randomized record reviews of Marshallese mothers receiving the culturally targeted education (N= 40) between the ages of 18 and 45, delivering between 37 and 42 weeks gestation, were compared with mothers prior to implementation of the education (N= 40).

Results

Birthweight, discharge weight, and delivery method were not statistically different. No statistical difference existed between feeding intent and discharge feeding behavior.

Conclusion

Exclusive breastfeeding rates among Marshallese mothers are lower than desired. Culturally appropriate breastfeeding education in a hospital setting may not affect feeding patterns, but clarification is needed on cultural definitions of exclusive breastfeeding. Further studies are needed.
INDONESIA’S REGULATION AND POLICY IN THE ENERGY SECTOR: URGENCY TO PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN URBAN AREAS
Authors: Mulyana Imam , Siswandi Achmad Gusman
Published: March 2019

In recent years, efforts to promote sustainable energy through energy efficiency, renewable energy and use of new technologies are moving rapidly at national, regional, and international levels. The benefits generated from energy efficiency has prompted experts and governments to work together in implementing energy efficiency policies across all sectors of life. One of the focus areas in global energy efficiency policy is energy efficiency in urban areas. This article aims to provide an overview regarding the implementation of policy and regulation on energy efficiency in Indonesia, particularly in urban areas. The research finds that energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to improve the competitiveness and capacity of cities in Indonesia. In addition, it could advocate the Indonesian Government in responding to global environmental issues, especially climate change.
A Statistical Comparison of Norm-Referenced Assessment Systems Used in Higher Education in Turkey
Authors: ATALMIŞ Erkan Hasan
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study is to identify different
norm-referenced assessment systems used in Turkish higher education, and to
compare them empirically. Norm-referenced assessment regulations of 70
universities in Turkey was primarily analyzed, and universities were divided
into four different groups depending on their norm-referenced assessment
systems (only applying T-score conversion, the most commonly used method;
applying T-score conversion and quantiles together; applying T-score
conversion, quantiles and standard deviation together; applying standard
deviation based norm-referenced assessment system). After the algorithms of two
universities applying T-score conversion and three universities applying other
norm-referenced assessment system were selected, they were used to convert
end-of-year grade for each course of 19,574 students in a state university into
letter grades and 4-point system. To test the differences of the
norm-referenced assessment systems used in these universities, the
norm-referenced system of a university were compared with the
criterion-referenced system of the same university as well as norm-referenced
systems of other universities. The paired t-test was used to identify the difference between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessment, while the
differences between norm-referenced assessment systems were
analyzed through one-way analysis of variance. The findings revealed that the
letter grades calculated through the norm-referenced assessment were
statistically different than the ones calculated with criterion-referenced;
besides, a statistically significant difference was identified between the
letter grades obtained using the norm-referenced assessment systems of
universities. At the end of the study, the findings were discussed in term of
students and instructors.
Impact of local climate change on drinking water quality in a distribution system
Authors: Kimbrough David Eugene
Published: March 2019

In this study, air temperatures were collected between 1985 and 2016 and compared with water temperatures in four locations in the distribution system of Pasadena Water and Power (PWP), which received surface water imported into Pasadena between 2001 and 2016 from the Metropolitan Water District. The concentrations of chloramine residual and nitrite concentrations were collected between 2001 and 2016 from these five locations. The results indicate that the median nighttime temperature of the period 2009–2016 was 1.6 °C warmer than the period 1985–2000 and 0.5 °C warmer than the period 2001–2008. The median water temperature in the four distribution system samples increased by 0.8–1.4 °C depending on the location over the study period (p < 0.001). The median chloramine concentration fell significantly (p < 0.001) at three distribution system locations, and the nitrite concentrations increased significantly at all four distribution system locations (p < 0.001). As air temperature in the study area increased, water temperatures also increased resulting in the loss of disinfectant residual and the increase in the activity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria. As this represented an increased risk to public health, PWP took additional steps to increase disinfectant residuals by adding chlorine and flushing stale water. In localities where climate change is most measurable, local water purveyors must adapt to warmer water to ensure stable concentrations of disinfectants.

This article has been made Open Access thanks to the kind support of CAWQ/ACQE (https://www.cawq.ca).