bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengintegrasian Nilai Pendidikan Karakter dalam Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab di Pusat Pengembangan Bahasa UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta
Authors: Setiyawan Agung
Published: June 2016

This study aims to determine the values of character education integrated into the learning Arabic Language Development Center UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta and how to integrate and any problems faced by professors when integrating the value of the character education. This research is a field. Results showed the va-lues of character education has been integrated include: religious, honest, tole-rance, discipline, hard work, independent, democracy, curiosity, national spirit, recognize excellence, communicative, love reading, environmental care, and res-ponsibility. How lecturer integrate include: adjust the lecture material, insert the value of a character. As for the difficulty in integrating include: the difficulty of adjusting the educational value of the existing character of the material. AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui nilai-nilai pendidikan karakter yang ter-integrasi ke dalam pembelajaran bahasa Arab di Pembangunan Pusat Bahasa UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta dan bagaimana mengintegrasikan dan masalah yang dihadapi oleh para profesor ketika mengintegrasikan nilai pendidikan karakter. Penelitian ini merupakan lapangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan nilai-nilai pendidikan karakter telah terintegrasi meliputi: agama, jujur, toleransi, disiplin, kerja keras, mandiri, demokrasi, rasa ingin tahu, semangat kebangsaan, mengakui keunggulan, komunikatif, suka membaca, peduli lingkungan, dan tanggung jawab. Bagaimana dosen mengintegrasikan meliputi: menyesuaikan materi perku-liahan, masukkan nilai karakter. Adapun kesulitan dalam mengintegrasikan meli-puti: kesulitan menyesuaikan nilai pendidikan karakter dengan material yang ada.
Chikungunya, o la incapacidad del sistema general de seguridad social en salud para prevenir. Preguntas para reflexionar
Authors: Alvarez-Miño Lídice
Published: June 2016

De acuerdo con la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), el virus del Chikungunya no es un evento nuevo. La fiebre Chikungunya es una enfermedad vírica transmitida al ser humano por mosquitos, la cual fue descrita por primera vez durante un brote ocurrido en el sur de Tanzanía en 19521 . Este país africano, ubicado en el trópico, tiene características similares, en lo ambiental y climático, a Colombia. Es decir, compartimos ambientes comunes en los cuales el mismo vector (Aedes Aegypti) puede transmitir diferentes enfermedades, entre ellas el dengue.
Mesiodens en posición inusual: reporte de un caso
Authors: Rebolledo-Cobos Martha , Escalante-Fontalvo Manuel
Published: June 2016

Los dientes supernumerarios son alteraciones medianamente frecuentes que aparecen en cualquier área de los arcos dentales y pueden afectar a cualquier órgano dentario anterior, también llamado mesiodens. Esta alteración clínicamente presenta erupción retardada e inclusión de dientes permanentes, apiñamiento, diastemas, mal oclusión y en casos más complejos se pueden encontrar a nivel de piso de fosas nasales o incluídos en el seno maxilar, la mayoría de veces son asintomáticos. Las radiografías panorámica oclusal, peri apical o tomografía computarizada (TC) como ayudas complementarias son de gran utilidad para un buen diagnóstico y ubicación precisa. El tratamiento depende del caso, extracción en casos necesarios o realizar un seguimiento radiográfico. Se presenta un caso clínico del servicio de cirugía oral en la clínica odontológica de la Fundación Hospital Universitario Metropolitano, un paciente de 26 años de edad, masculino con impresión diagnostica de diente supernumerario mesiodens con intento previo de extracción sin éxito. Clínicamente no se evidencian signos de la presencia del mesiodens. Radiografías como ortopantografia, oclusal periapical no permite una posición exacta, por esto se recurre a una tomografía segmentaria logrando mejor ubicación del DS, permitiendo un plan de tratamiento ideal.
La localización del 10% de las glándulas patológicas en el hiperparatiroidismo secundario, dependen de la experiencia del cirujano.
Authors: D’Addino José Luis , Caubet Mercedes , Mercedes Pigni María , Mayorga Horacio
Published: June 2016

Los métodos de localización preoperatoria de las paratiroides en el hiperparatiroidismo secundario son controvertidos y tienen valores de sensibilidad dispares. Con el objetivo de determinar la correlación entre ecografía preoperatoria versus centellograma sestamibi y el hallazgo intraoperatorio discutiendo su utilidad,  se evaluaron 10 años de estadística. Entre 2004-2014, 100 pacientes fueron operados por hiperparatiroidismo secundario.  De historias clínicas: valor de parathormona, resultados de ecografía, centellograma y anatomopatologías. Se determinó especificidad y sensibilidad para ecografía y centellograma; valores predictivos positivos y negativos correlacionándolos con el hallazgo intraoperatorio. Se utilizaron procedimientos de curvas ROC y Cálculo del área bajo la curva, además de otros valores de cribaje (índice de confianza, índice de validez y razón de verosimilitud).68% fueron mujeres; promedio etario: 52,7 años, PTH media: 1486 pg/ml. Especificidad y sensibilidad ecográfica: 94,44% y 30,14%, respectivamente,  VPP de 93,62% y VPN de 33,33%. Para el centellograma, especificidad: 98,15% y sensibilidad: 25,34%, VPP de 97,37% y un VPN de 32,72%. Ecográficamente se localizaron 94 glándulas sobre 400, el centellograma 76 y la cirugía 292. Recidivas, 22%.Ecografía y centellograma permitieron ubicar preoperatoriamente paratiroides patológicas, sin embargo, el 10% de los casos no fueron evidenciadas, por lo que la experiencia del cirujano operador es fundamental para hallarlas.
Homofobia internalizada en hombres homosexuales: un estudio cualitativo
Authors: Campo-Arias Adalberto , Herazo Edwin , Oviedo Lizet
Published: June 2016

Se conoce poco sobre las expresiones lingüísticas usadas que sugieren homofobia internalizada. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue explorar frases sugestivas de homofobia internalizada en usuarios de página virtual para homosocialización entre hombres homosexuales de Bogotá y Cartagena, Colombia. Se diseñó un estudio cualitativo en el que se realizó hacer un análisis de contenido de 40 anuncios, 20 de Bogotá y 20 de Cartagena, en perfiles en una página de solicitud de contactos entre personas no heterosexuales. Se observó que 19 de los 20 anuncios en Bogotá e igual proporción en Cartagena usaron calificativos que denotan homofobia internalizada en mayor número de forma explícita (‘me gustan los hombres varoniles’), y menos frecuente de manera implícita (‘busco gente seria’). La homofobia internalizada se expresa en la búsqueda de un hombre ‘macho’, profesional y estilo de vida heterosexual. Se concluye que los hombres homosexuales que solicitan de contactos con otros hombres por Internet expresan habitualmente la homofobia internalizada en forma explícita lo que sugiere la aceptación del modelo hegemónico de hombre masculino. Se necesitan estudios cuantitativos en poblaciones no heterosexuales colombianas.
Actividad física en Diabetes Mellitus tipo II, un elemento terapéutico eficaz: revisión del impacto clínico
Authors: Arias-Vázquez Pedro Iván
Published: June 2016

Se realizó una revisión en bases de datos (PubMed, PEDro) de estudios tipo ensayo clínico,  tipo cohorte, revisiones sistemáticas, meta análisis y guías de práctica clínica basadas en evidencia que hubieran estudiado los beneficios que tiene la actividad física en la prevención, tratamiento y disminución del riesgo de presentar complicaciones y muerte en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo II. La realización de actividad física de forma regular se asoció con la  disminución del riesgo de desarrollar Diabetes Mellitus; de igual manera se asoció a disminución en los valores porcentuales de Hemoglobina glucosilada A1C. Los pacientes diabéticos que realizan altos niveles de actividad física presentaron disminución del riesgo de presentar complicaciones y muerte por enfermedad cardiovascular y por cualquier causa. En la actualidad la evidencia científica sobre el impacto de la actividad física en la prevención y tratamiento de la Diabetes Mellitus es sólida, por lo que se debe enfatizar promoción de la actividad física como parte fundamental de los esquemas terapéuticos para dicha enfermedad.
Factores relacionados con la depresión en pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y participación de la enfermera en su detección
Authors: Velásquez-Silva Sandra , Zuluaga-Sarmiento Lina
Published: June 2016

El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir cuáles son los factores relacionados con la depresión en los pacientes pediátricos  con cáncer y de qué manera enfermería puede participar en su detección. Se realizó una revisión integrativa de artículos publicados  entre 2000 y 2012. Se seleccionaron 15, se analizaron críticamente y organizaron  por temas de acuerdo a su propósito. Los factores relacionados con la depresión que se encontraron son: personales: capacidad de adaptación, nivel de desarrollo y funcionamiento físico, nivel cognitivo y emocional, género, forma de afrontamiento, autoestima, apariencia e imagen corporal; familiares y sociales: apoyo familiar y apoyo social; y relacionados con la enfermedad y tratamiento: estancia hospitalaria, procedimientos médicos y de enfermería, aislamiento, etapa y efectos secundarios de la quimioterapia, calidad de la atención y la no identificación a tiempo de trastornos psicológicos. Se concluye que existen factores personales, familiares, de la enfermedad y tratamiento predictores y moduladores de la depresión que se relacionan  con el riesgo o aparición de esta en el niño con cáncer.  Dentro de las acciones de enfermería se destacan la valoración de los factores, la participación en grupos interdisciplinarios y la promoción de redes de apoyo social.
Hemangioma capilar versus Granuloma telangiectàsico en cavidad bucal; una ardua labor diagnóstica
Authors: Rebolledo-Cobos Martha Leonor , Escalante-Fontalvo Manuel Vicente
Published: June 2016

La consulta estomatológica puede cursar por ciertas circunstancias conflictivas en el establecimiento de diagnósticos. Cuando de tumores reactivos, hiperplásicos y proliferativos se trata, el Hemangioma Capilar (HC) y el Granuloma Telángiectasico (GT), suelen convertirse en entidades clínicas confusas debido a la semejanza clínica y al patrón de crecimiento que suelen tener; histológicamente difieren por el contenido estructural, endotelial y vascular. Estas dos lesiones son de características benignas, algunos involucionan, otros afectan estructuras vitales y en cuanto a su incidencia ambos tumores se están considerando comunes. El propósito de este artículo es evidenciar comparativamente todos los aspectos clínicos, radiográficos e histológicos del HC y el GT, por medio de un caso clínico con impresión diagnostica clínica inicial de GT y diagnostico patológico definitivo de HC
Evaluación de las expectativas negativas y tipo de riesgo suicida en estudiantes de 9°, 10° y 11° de una institución educativa del departamento del Quindío
Authors: Gonzales-Portillo Juan , Gil-Arévalo Jerson , Hernández-Botero Daniela , Henao-Sánchez Lina Marcela
Published: June 2016

Esta investigación es de tipo empírico analítico con diseño descriptivo- transversal cuyo objetivo es realizar una evaluación de las expectativas negativas y tipo de riesgo de cometer suicidio en estudiantes de 9°, 10° y 11° de una Institución Educativa del departamento del Quindío, para lo cual se aplicó una ficha de caracterización y la escala de Desesperanza de Beck, Weissman, Lester, & Trexler. El riesgo de suicidio es un problema de salud pública local, nacional y mundial que afecta la calidad de vida de adolescentes y jóvenes del eje cafetero. El estudio indicó que 8 de cada 10 estudiantes tiene riesgo moderado y las edades en las que prevalece son los 15 y 16 años. El bullying, la violencia intrafamiliar y la tristeza permanente contribuyen al aumento de este riesgo.
Caracterización del talento humano en salud que atiende a personas con enfermedad crónica: construcción de una encuesta
Authors: Carreño-Moreno Sonia , Mabel Carrillo Gloria , Chaparro-Díaz Lorena , Sánchez-Herrera Beatriz , Vargas-Rosero Elizabeth
Published: June 2016

Este trabajo tiene por objetivo aportar elementos conceptuales que configuren una visión integral de las condiciones de cuidado requeridas por el talento humano en salud- THS que atiende a las personas con enfermedad crónica y a sus familias y que se plasmen en una encuesta que permita su caracterización. Se desarrolló en tres fases: 1) revisión de la literatura; 2) estructuración de una propuesta de encuesta; 3) afinamiento de la versión definitiva de la encuesta. Con base en el marco conceptual se logró una visión integral para el desarrollo de una encuesta para identificar las condiciones del talento humano en salud para cuidar personas con enfermedad crónica y a sus familias. Este instrumento denominado GCPC-UN-THS, contiene 37 ítems distribuidos en seis dimensiones. complementarias que incluyen aspectos relacionados con el cuidado como: variables sociodemográficas del THS, la habilidad de cuidado, las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación como medio de soporte para el cuidado, la continuidad, la seguridad e igualmente incluye algunos ítems relacionados con el nivel de satisfacción profesional. El trabajo realizado permitió alcanzar una visión integral de las características y condiciones requeridas por el talento humano en salud para el cuidado a las personas con enfermedad crónica.
Niños y niñas como cuidadores familiares
Authors: Estupiñán Aponte María Rosa
Published: June 2016

En el contexto familiar, el cuidado de otra persona por parte de niños y niñas constituye un terreno inexplorado tanto en su significado como en las implicaciones que podrían darse en el proceso. Aunque históricamente se ha asignado el cuidado familiar a las mujeres generando condiciones de inequidad, incrementada con los cambios sociales de los últimos tiempos, es necesario reconocer que en muchos hogares niños y niñas se han visto obligados a desempeñar esta labor sin la preparación ni las destrezas necesarias. Desde una perspectiva de género, el artículo busca evidenciar esta situación mediante la revisión de los abordajes que sobre el tema se han hecho en países de Europa y Norteamérica, así como el análisis de información obtenida a partir de las Encuestas de Hogares y Uso del Tiempo (EUT) en algunos países de Latinoamérica. Se establece la forma como las problemáticas sociales inciden en las dinámicas, tipo de tareas y responsabilidades que deben asumir niños y niñas en los hogares, mostrando delgados límites entre la colaboración al interior de las familias, la transmisión cultural de roles y funciones y las actividades que podrían incidir negativamente en su crecimiento y el ejercicio de sus derechos.
¿Y qué es eso de los determinantes sociales de la salud?
Authors: Torres-Tovar Mauricio Hernando
Published: June 2016

Los desarrollos del campo de la epidemiología en su objeto de interpretar la dinámica de los procesos de enfermedad de grupos poblacionales llevo a comprender que no era posible explicar las causas de las enfermedades solo como fenómenos de orden biológico. El enfoque de los determinantes sociales de la salud ha venido a contribuir con la identificación de las causas de los perfiles epidemiológicos y de las que establecen la distribución desigual de la salud, la enfermedad y la muerte en la sociedad.
Evaluation of ghrelin and leptin levels in obese, lean and undernourished children
Authors: Miljkovic Mirjana , Saranac Ljiljana , Basic Jelena , Ilic Mirjana , Djindjic Boris , Stojiljkovic Marija , Kocic Gordana , Cvetanovic Goran , Dimitrijevic Nebojsa
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Energy homeostasis is a balance between energy intake and
energy expenditure. Leptin and ghrelin are two orexitropic hormones with
opposite effect on energy homeostasis. We investigated fasting ghrelin and
leptin levels in children with different nutritional conditions. Methods:
In 30 obese children of both sexes, aged from 6 to 17.67 years (mean 13.04
?2.95), fasting ghrelin and leptin levels were measured, along with
auxological assessment and pubertal staging. These results were analyzed and
compared with the same parameters of 33 lean and 25 undernourished (UN)
children. Results: Mean ghrelin/BM (body mass) level was the lowest in
obese children, (21,75?12,60 pg/ml/kg) with high significance in comparison
with lean and UN subjets. Mean leptin/kg level of 56.12?96.94 in obese, was
significantly higher than in lean and UN children (p<0.01 and p<0.001
respectively). Ghrelin and leptin levels showed different profiles in obese,
lean and UN children. An inverse relationship was discovered between study
groups in ghrelin/leptin and leptin/ghrelin ratios. Conclusion: Obese
children, compared to other children, demonstrate significantly higher
values of leptin, and UN children demonstrate significantly higher values of
ghrelin per kilogram of body weight. The results also illustrate the inverse
ratio of ghrelin and leptin, which has been demonstrated as a clinically
reliable indicant of the status of obesity or undernutrition in children,
with significant implications concerning rather large variations in the
concentration of these hormones not only with body mass, but also with age
of the children.
B-Lymphocytes Expressing an Ig Specificity Recognizing the Pancreatic β-Cell Autoantigen Peripherin Are Potent Contributors to Type 1 Diabetes Development in NOD Mice
Authors: Leeth Caroline M. , Racine Jeremy , Chapman Harold D. , Arpa Berta , Carrillo Jorge , Carrascal Jorge , Wang Qiming , Ratiu Jeremy , Egia-Mendikute Leire , Rosell-Mases Estela , Stratmann Thomas , Verdaguer Joan , Serreze David V.
Published: June 2016

Although the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells underlying type 1 diabetes (T1D) development is ultimately mediated by T cells in NOD mice and also likely in humans, B cells play an additional key pathogenic role. It appears that the expression of plasma membrane–bound Ig molecules that efficiently capture β-cell antigens allows autoreactive B cells that bypass normal tolerance induction processes to be the subset of antigen-presenting cells most efficiently activating diabetogenic T cells. NOD mice transgenically expressing Ig molecules recognizing antigens that are (insulin) or are not (hen egg lysozyme [HEL]) expressed by β-cells have proven useful in dissecting the developmental basis of diabetogenic B cells. However, these transgenic Ig specificities were originally selected for their ability to recognize insulin or HEL as foreign, rather than autoantigens. Thus, we generated and characterized NOD mice transgenically expressing an Ig molecule representative of a large proportion of naturally occurring islet-infiltrating B cells in NOD mice recognizing the neuronal antigen peripherin. Transgenic peripherin-autoreactive B cells infiltrate NOD pancreatic islets, acquire an activated proliferative phenotype, and potently support accelerated T1D development. These results support the concept of neuronal autoimmunity as a pathogenic feature of T1D, and targeting such responses could ultimately provide an effective disease intervention approach.
Illuminating the Effects of Stroke on the Diabetic Brain: Insights From Imaging Neural and Vascular Networks in Experimental Animal Models
Authors: Reeson Patrick , Jeffery Andrew , Brown Craig E.
Published: June 2016

Type 1 diabetes is known to cause circulatory problems in the eyes, heart, and limbs, and the brain is no exception. Because of the insidious effects of diabetes on brain circulation, patients with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have an ischemic stroke and are less likely to regain functions that are lost. To provide a more mechanistic understanding of this clinically significant problem, imaging studies have focused on how stroke affects neural and vascular networks in experimental models of type 1 diabetes. The emerging picture is that diabetes leads to maladaptive changes in the cerebrovascular system that ultimately limit neuronal rewiring and recovery of functions after stroke. At the cellular and systems level, diabetes is associated with abnormal cerebral blood flow in surviving brain regions and greater disruption of the blood-brain barrier. The abnormal vascular responses to stroke can be partly attributed to aberrant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling because genetic or pharmacological inhibition of VEGF signaling can mitigate vascular dysfunction and improve stroke recovery in diabetic animals. These experimental studies offer new insights and strategies for optimizing stroke recovery in diabetic populations.
Design Considerations for Artificial Pancreas Pivotal Studies
Authors: Russell Steven J. , Beck Roy W.
Published: June 2016

The development of artificial pancreas systems has evolved to the point that pivotal studies designed to assess efficacy and safety are in progress or soon to be initiated. These pivotal studies are intended to provide the necessary data to gain clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, coverage by payers, and adoption by patients and clinicians. Although there will not be one design that is appropriate for every system, there are certain aspects of protocol design that will be considerations in all pivotal studies designed to assess efficacy and safety. One key aspect of study design is the intervention to be used by the control group. A case can be made that the control group should use the currently available best technology, which is sensor-augmented pump therapy. However, an equally, if not more, compelling case can be made that the control intervention should be usual care. In this Perspective, we elaborate on this issue and provide a pragmatic approach to the design of clinical trials of artificial pancreas systems.
Nala and Countryside Tourism
Authors: Ulak Biswo Nath
Published: June 2016

The behaviour of tourists in modern time shows and urgent need to promote countryside tourism destinations in Nepal. Tourism supply needs to be integrated and well coordinated, including all necessary amenities for an enjoyable stay similar to the rural village tourism at Ghandruk, Sarankot, Chitwan etc. at different part of Nepal. More marketing efforts should be made to attract target markets of tourists.Rural tourism, including agritourism, can play an important role to change the fate of Nala in Kavrepalanchowk District. Nala at present is facing the problem of unemployment and deterioration of natural and cultural qualities. The social and ecological aspect is of great importance rather than economic one. Proper development of such areas should be multidirectional. The increasing interest of domestic as well as international tourist in the villages with countryside tour has created a possibility of establishing Nala as a new destination of Countryside Tourism. These new initiations not only saves one of the historically important village ecologically and culturally but also pave the way for the development of entire community of villages providing new employment opportunity and mobilization the local resources as well.The aim of this research work is to explore the opportunity of developing countryside tourism in Nala village with taming exclusive environmental and cultural values, as well as to present its role in the development of tourism in Nepal.The Gaze: Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Vol.5 2013 pp.43-68
Book Review: Heritage Tourism
Authors: KC Samjhana
Published: June 2016

Author: Hyungyu ParkThe Gaze: Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Vol.6 2014 pp.98-118
Impact of the Great Earthquake-2015 on Hospitality Industry of Nepal
Authors: Tuladhar Sushant
Published: June 2016

Hospitality organizations face a serious threat from disasters, with only few of these firms engaged in planning for effective disaster management. Nepal has a high risk profile for natural disasters; and it was struck by the great earthquake on April 25th, 2015 which was followed by 400-plus aftershocks creating havoc mostly in the eastern, central and western part of the country. This article aims to present some insight on the impact of the earthquake in the hospitality sector. Secondary data available from various reports, newspaper articles, government reports, and studies conducted by individuals and different organizations have been taken into account while preparing this article. Some people associated with hotels of different category from different locations were also interviewed to get in-depth views on the effects of the natural calamity. The damages and losses caused by the earthquake have engulfed most of the tourism-related organizations and activities. This has subsequently made the concerned stakeholders – regardless of their size and scope of operation – to rethink about their strategy for disaster preparedness. After studying the extent of the same, all hospitality firms are encouraged to prioritize the need and to engage in practice for disaster and crisis management.The Gaze: Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Vol.7 2015 pp.87-115
Ludartin treatment exhibits promising inhibitory effect on the epithelial ovarian cancer growth and metastasis
Authors: Bai Lin , Wang Hui , Zhang Luo-Ying , Wang Ai-Hua , Bai Jie
Published: June 2016

In the present study, the effect of ludartin on OVCAR5 ovarian carcinoma cells was investigated. MTT cell assay was used for the analysis of cell viability and wound healing assay for migration potential. Results revealed that ludartin treatment at 10 and 30 µM doses reduced the cell viability from 94 to 38%. The invasive potential was decreased from 62 to 24% with increase in ludartin concentration from 10 to 30 µM. Western blot analysis showed that ludartin treatment reduced the expression of p-FAK in OVCAR5 cells significantly. Ludartin treatment for 48 hours also caused a significant decrease in the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in OVCAR5 cells at a concentration of 30 µM. The metastatic regions were absent in the rats treated with 30 µM/kg doses of ludartin daily for 15 days.  Thus, ludartin treatment inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration of ovarian cancer cells through down-regulation of pFAK and MMPs, therefore can be used for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Video Clip:

Cell proliferation assay: 2 min 45 sec

 
The Effect of Anaerobic and Aerobic Fish Sludge Supernatant on Hydroponic Lettuce
Authors: Goddek Simon , Schmautz Zala , Scott Ben , Delaide Boris , Keesman Karel , Wuertz Sven , Junge Ranka
Published: June 2016

The mobilization of nutrients from fish sludge (i.e., feces and uneaten feed) plays a key role in optimizing the resource utilization and thus in improving the sustainability of aquaponic systems. While several studies have documented the aerobic and anaerobic digestion performance of aquaculture sludge, the impact of the digestate on plant growth has yet to be understood. The present study examines the impact of either an aerobic or an anaerobic digestion effluent on lettuce plant growth, by enriching a mixture of aquaculture and tap water with supernatants from both aerobic and anaerobic batch reactors. The lettuce plants grown in the hydroponic system supplied with supernatant from an anaerobic reactor had significantly better performance with respect to weight gain than both, those in the system where supernatant from the aerobic reactor was added, as well as the control system. It can be hypothesized that this effect was caused by the presence of NH4+ as well as dissolved organic matter, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and fungi, and humic acid, which are predominantly present in anaerobic effluents. This study should therefore be of value to researchers and practitioners wishing to further develop sludge remineralization in aquaponic systems.
RBF-Based Monocular Vision Navigation for Small Vehicles in Narrow Space below Maize Canopy
Authors: Liu Lu , Mei Tao , Niu Runxin , Wang Jie , Liu Yongbo , Chu Sen
Published: June 2016

Maize is one of the major food crops in China. Traditionally, field operations are done by manual labor, where the farmers are threatened by the harsh environment and pesticides. On the other hand, it is difficult for large machinery to maneuver in the field due to limited space, particularly in the middle and late growth stage of maize. Unmanned, compact agricultural machines, therefore, are ideal for such field work. This paper describes a method of monocular visual recognition to navigate small vehicles between narrow crop rows. Edge detection and noise elimination were used for image segmentation to extract the stalks in the image. The stalk coordinates define passable boundaries, and a simplified radial basis function (RBF)-based algorithm was adapted for path planning to improve the fault tolerance of stalk coordinate extraction. The average image processing time, including network latency, is 220 ms. The average time consumption for path planning is 30 ms. The fast processing ensures a top speed of 2 m/s for our prototype vehicle. When operating at the normal speed (0.7 m/s), the rate of collision with stalks is under 6.4%. Additional simulations and field tests further proved the feasibility and fault tolerance of our method.
Biofuel Development Initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Sekoai Patrick , Yoro Kelvin
Published: June 2016

In recent years, biofuels have emerged as a suitable alternative to hydrocarbon fuel due to their foreseen potential of being a future energy resource. Biofuel development initiatives have been successfully implemented in countries like Brazil, United States of America, European Union, Canada, Australia, and Japan. However, such programmes have been stagnant in Africa due to various constraints, such as financial barriers, technical expertise, land availability, and government policies. Nonetheless, some countries within the continent have realized the potential of biofuels and have started to introduce similar programmes and initiatives for their development. These include the bioethanol production initiatives and the plantation of jatropha oil seeds in most Sub-Saharan African countries for biodiesel production. Therefore, this paper examines the biofuel development initiatives that have been implemented in several countries across Sub-Saharan Africa over the past few years. It also discusses the opportunities and challenges of having biofuel industries in the continent. Finally, it proposes some recommendations that could be applied to accelerate their development in these Sub-Saharan African countries.
3D Buoyancy-Induced Flow and Entropy Generation of Nanofluid-Filled Open Cavities Having Adiabatic Diamond Shaped Obstacles
Authors: Kolsi Lioua , Mahian Omid , Öztop Hakan , Aich Walid , Borjini Mohamed , Abu-Hamdeh Nidal , Aissia Habib
Published: June 2016

A three dimensional computational solution has been obtained to investigate the natural convection and entropy generation of nanofluid-filled open cavities with an adiabatic diamond shaped obstacle. In the model, the finite volume technique was used to solve the governing equations. Based on the configuration, the cavity is heated from the left vertical wall and the diamond shape was chosen as adiabatic. Effects of nanoparticle volume fraction, Rayleigh number (103 ≤ Ra ≤ 106) and width of diamond shape were studied as governing parameters. It was found that the geometry of the partition is a control parameter for heat and fluid flow inside the open enclosure.
Online Identification with Reliability Criterion and State of Charge Estimation Based on a Fuzzy Adaptive Extended Kalman Filter for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Deng Zhongwei , Yang Lin , Cai Yishan , Deng Hao
Published: June 2016

In the field of state of charge (SOC) estimation, the Kalman filter has been widely used for many years, although its performance strongly depends on the accuracy of the battery model as well as the noise covariance. The Kalman gain determines the confidence coefficient of the battery model by adjusting the weight of open circuit voltage (OCV) correction, and has a strong correlation with the measurement noise covariance (R). In this paper, the online identification method is applied to acquire the real model parameters under different operation conditions. A criterion based on the OCV error is proposed to evaluate the reliability of online parameters. Besides, the equivalent circuit model produces an intrinsic model error which is dependent on the load current, and the property that a high battery current or a large current change induces a large model error can be observed. Based on the above prior knowledge, a fuzzy model is established to compensate the model error through updating R. Combining the positive strategy (i.e., online identification) and negative strategy (i.e., fuzzy model), a more reliable and robust SOC estimation algorithm is proposed. The experiment results verify the proposed reliability criterion and SOC estimation method under various conditions for LiFePO4 batteries.
Coordinated Control of Wave Energy Converters Subject to Motion Constraints
Authors: Wang Liguo , Engström Jens , Leijon Mats , Isberg Jan
Published: June 2016

In this paper, a generic coordinated control method for wave energy converters is proposed, and the constraints on motion amplitudes and the hydrodynamic interaction between converters are considered. The objective of the control problem is to maximize the energy converted from ocean waves, and this is achieved by coordinating the power take-off (PTO) damping of each wave energy converter in the frequency domain in each sea state. In a case study, a wave energy farm consisting of four converters based on the concept developed by Uppsala University is studied. In the solution, motion constraints, including constraints on the amplitudes of displacement and velocity, are included. Twelve months of sea states, based on measured wave data at the Lysekil test site on the Swedish west coast, are used in the simulation to evaluate the performance of the wave energy farm using the new method. Results from the new coordinated control method and traditional control method are compared, indicating that the coordinated control of wave energy converters is an effective way to improve the energy production of wave energy farm in harmonic waves.
Regional Patterns of Ecosystem Services in Cultural Landscapes
Authors: Früh-Müller Andrea , Hotes Stefan , Breuer Lutz , Wolters Volkmar , Koellner Thomas
Published: June 2016

European agricultural landscapes have been shaped by humans to produce marketable private goods such as food, feed, fiber and timber. Land-use intensification to increase provisioning services in such productive landscapes alters the capacity of ecosystems to supply other services (often public goods and services) that are also vital for human wellbeing. However, the interactions, synergies and trade-offs among ecosystem services are poorly understood. We assessed the spatial distribution of the services carbon storage, sediment regulation, water yield, crop production, timber supply, and outdoor recreation in the counties Wetterau and Vogelsberg (Hesse, Germany). These counties represent a gradient from intensive arable land use to more extensive mixed land use systems with domination of grassland and forests. Spatially explicit models were used to map the location and quantity of service supply. We addressed the following questions: (1) Where are areas of high and low supply of individual and multiple ecosystem services? (2) Where do the strongest trade-offs and synergies between different services occur? Our results show a pronounced spatial aggregation of different ecosystem services, with locations where at least four services are being supplied at high levels occupying only 5% of the landscape. Indicators for water provision, timber supply, carbon storage, erosion control, and outdoor recreation are positively related to each other, but this relationship is influenced by the trade-offs associated with the ecosystem service food production. Optimization of ecosystem services at the landscape scale has to take these patterns into account.
Towards Phosphorus Free Ionic Liquid Anti-Wear Lubricant Additives
Authors: Somers Anthony , Yunis Ruhamah , Armand Michel , Pringle Jennifer , MacFarlane Douglas , Forsyth Maria
Published: June 2016

The development of improved anti-wear additives would enable the use of lower viscosity oils that would lead to improved efficiency. Ionic liquids have the potential to be this type of new anti-wear additive. However, currently the best performing ionic liquids that are miscible in non-polar base oils, the phosphonium phosphates, contain phosphorus on both the cation and anion. Manufacturers are seeking to reduce the presence of phosphorus in oils. Here, as a first step towards phosphorus-free anti-wear additives, we have investigated ionic liquids similar to the phosphonium phosphates but having either a phosphorus-free cation or anion. Two quaternary ammonium phosphates (N6,6,6,14)(BEHP) and (N8,8,8,8)(BEHP) and a phosphonium silyl-sulfonate (P6,6,6,14)(SSi) were compared to a phosphonium phosphate (P6,6,6,14)(BEHP) and a traditional zinc dithiophosphate (ZDDP) as anti-wear additives in mineral oil. The change from a phosphonium to a quaternary ammonium cation drastically reduced the miscibility of the Ionic liquid (IL) in the oil, while the change to a smaller silicon containing anion also resulted in limited miscibility. For the pin-on-disk wear test conditions used here none of the ionic liquids outperformed the ZDDP except the (P6,6,6,14)(BEHP) at a relatively high loading of 0.10 mol·kg−1 (approximately 8 wt%). At a more moderate loading of 0.025 mol·kg−1 the (P6,6,6,14)(SSi) was the best performing ionic liquid by a significant amount, reducing the wear to 44% of the neat mineral oil, while the ZDDP reduced the wear to 25% of the mineral oil value. Electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that the presence of a silicon containing tribofilm was responsible for this protective behaviour, suggesting that silicon containing ionic liquids should be further investigated as anti-wear additives for oils.
Antimicrobial Approaches for Textiles: From Research to Market
Authors: Morais Diana , Guedes Rui , Lopes Maria
Published: June 2016

The large surface area and ability to retain moisture of textile structures enable microorganisms’ growth, which causes a range of undesirable effects, not only on the textile itself, but also on the user. Due to the public health awareness of the pathogenic effects on personal hygiene and associated health risks, over the last few years, intensive research has been promoted in order to minimize microbes’ growth on textiles. Therefore, to impart an antimicrobial ability to textiles, different approaches have been studied, being mainly divided into the inclusion of antimicrobial agents in the textile polymeric fibers or their grafting onto the polymer surface. Regarding the antimicrobial agents, different types have been used, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, triclosan, metal salts, polybiguanides or even natural polymers. Any antimicrobial treatment performed on a textile, besides being efficient against microorganisms, must be non-toxic to the consumer and to the environment. This review mainly intends to provide an overview of antimicrobial agents and treatments that can be performed to produce antimicrobial textiles, using chemical or physical approaches, which are under development or already commercially available in the form of isolated agents or textile fibers or fabrics.
Capsaicin Synthesis Requires in Situ Phenylalanine and Valine Formation in in Vitro Maintained Placentas from Capsicum chinense
Authors: Baas-Espinola Fray , Castro-Concha Lizbeth , Vázquez-Flota Felipe , Miranda-Ham María
Published: June 2016

Capsaicinoids (CAP) are nitrogenous metabolites formed from valine (Val) and phenylalanine (Phe) in the placentas of hot Capsicum genotypes. Placentas of Habanero peppers can incorporate inorganic nitrogen into amino acids and have the ability to secure the availability of the required amino acids for CAP biosynthesis. In order to determine the participation of the placental tissue as a supplier of these amino acids, the effects of blocking the synthesis of Val and Phe by using specific enzyme inhibitors were analyzed. Isolated placentas maintained in vitro were used to rule out external sources′ participation. Blocking Phe synthesis, through the inhibition of arogenate dehydratase, significantly decreased CAP accumulation suggesting that at least part of Phe required in this process has to be produced in situ. Chlorsulfuron inhibition of acetolactate synthase, involved in Val synthesis, decreased not only Val accumulation but also that of CAP, pointing out that the requirement for this amino acid can also be fulfilled by this tissue. The presented data demonstrates that CAP accumulation in in vitro maintained placentas can be accomplished through the in situ availability of Val and Phe and suggests that the synthesis of the fatty acid chain moiety may be a limiting factor in the biosynthesis of these alkaloids.
Flavonoid Glycosides and Their Derivatives from the Herbs of Scorzonera austriaca Wild
Authors: Xie Yang , Guo Qiu-Shi , Wang Guang-Shu
Published: June 2016

Five flavonoid glycosides and two derivatives were isolated from the herbs of Scorzonera austriaca Wild by silica gel column chromatography and preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified, using chemical and spectroscopic methods, as 5,7,4′-trihydroxyflavone 6-C-(2''-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl β-d-glucopyranoside) (1), 5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxyflavone 6-C-(2''-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl β-d-glucopyranoside) (2), quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (3), 5,7,4′-trihydroxyflavone 6-C-β-d-glucopyranoside (4), 3′-methoxy-5,7,4′-trihydroxyflavone 6-C-β-d-glucopyranoside (5), 5,7,4′-trihydroxyflavone 8-C-(6''-O-trans-caffeoyl β-d-glucopyranoside) (6), and 5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxyflavone 8-C-(6''-O-trans-caffeoyl β-d-glucopyranoside) (7). Compounds 6 and 7 are new flavonoid glycoside derivatives, and compounds 1–5 were isolated from the herbs of Scorzonera austriaca for the first time. Compounds 6 and 7 were also assayed for their hepatoprotective activities with rat hepatocytes in vitro.
Synthesis of Chiral, Enantiopure Allylic Amines by the Julia Olefination of α-Amino Esters
Authors: Benedetti Fabio , Berti Federico , Fanfoni Lidia , Garbo Michele , Regini Giorgia , Felluga Fulvia
Published: June 2016

The four-step conversion of a series of N-Boc-protected l-amino acid methyl esters into enantiopure N-Boc allylamines by a modified Julia olefination is described. Key steps include the reaction of a lithiated phenylalkylsulfone with amino esters, giving chiral β-ketosulfones, and the reductive elimination of related α-acetoxysulfones. The overall transformation takes place under mild conditions, with good yields, and without loss of stereochemical integrity, being in this respect superior to the conventional Julia reaction of α-amino aldehydes.
Natural Products to Counteract the Epidemic of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders
Authors: Waltenberger Birgit , Mocan Andrei , Šmejkal Karel , Heiss Elke , Atanasov Atanas
Published: June 2016

Natural products have always been exploited to promote health and served as a valuable source for the discovery of new drugs. In this review, the great potential of natural compounds and medicinal plants for the treatment or prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, global health problems with rising prevalence, is addressed. Special emphasis is laid on natural products for which efficacy and safety have already been proven and which are in clinical trials, as well as on plants used in traditional medicine. Potential benefits from certain dietary habits and dietary constituents, as well as common molecular targets of natural products, are also briefly discussed. A glimpse at the history of statins and biguanides, two prominent representatives of natural products (or their derivatives) in the fight against metabolic disease, is also included. The present review aims to serve as an “opening” of this special issue of Molecules, presenting key historical developments, recent advances, and future perspectives outlining the potential of natural products for prevention or therapy of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
Novel 5-Substituted 2-(Aylmethylthio)-4-chloro-N-(5-aryl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)benzenesulfonamides: Synthesis, Molecular Structure, Anticancer Activity, Apoptosis-Inducing Activity and Metabolic Stability
Authors: Żołnowska Beata , Sławiński Jarosław , Pogorzelska Aneta , Szafrański Krzysztof , Kawiak Anna , Stasiłojć Grzegorz , Belka Mariusz , Ulenberg Szymon , Bączek Tomasz , Chojnacki Jarosław
Published: June 2016

A series of novel 5-substituted 2-(arylmethylthio)-4-chloro-N-(5-aryl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl) benzenesulfonamide derivatives 27–60 have been synthesized by the reaction of aminoguanidines with an appropriate phenylglyoxal hydrate in glacial acetic acid. A majority of the compounds showed cytotoxic activity toward the human cancer cell lines HCT-116, HeLa and MCF-7, with IC50 values below 100 μM. It was found that for the analogues 36–38 the naphthyl moiety contributed significantly to the anticancer activity. Cytometric analysis of translocation of phosphatidylserine as well as mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle revealed that the most active compounds 37 (HCT-116 and HeLa) and 46 (MCF-7) inhibited the proliferation of cells by increasing the number of apoptotic cells. Apoptotic-like, dose dependent changes in morphology of cell lines were also noticed after treatment with 37 and 46. Moreover, triazines 37 and 46 induced caspase activity in the HCT-116, HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines. Selected compounds were tested for metabolic stability in the presence of pooled human liver microsomes and NADPH, both R2 and Ar = 4-CF3-C6H4 moiety in 2-(R2-methylthio)-N-(5-aryl-1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)benzenesulfonamides simultaneously increased metabolic stability. The results pointed to 37 as a hit compound with a good cytotoxicity against HCT-116 (IC50 = 36 μM), HeLa (IC50 = 34 μM) cell lines, apoptosis-inducing activity and moderate metabolic stability.
Aza-Michael Mono-addition Using Acidic Alumina under Solventless Conditions
Authors: Bosica Giovanna , Abdilla Roderick
Published: June 2016

Aza-Michael reactions between primary aliphatic and aromatic amines and various Michael acceptors have been performed under environmentally-friendly solventless conditions using acidic alumina as a heterogeneous catalyst to selectively obtain the corresponding mono-adducts in high yields. Ethyl acrylate was the main acceptor used, although others such as acrylonitrile, methyl acrylate and acrylamide were also utilized successfully. Bi-functional amines also gave the mono-adducts in good to excellent yields. Such compounds can serve as intermediates for the synthesis of anti-cancer and antibiotic drugs.
Synthesis and Evaluation of 99mTc-Labeled Dimeric Folic Acid for FR-Targeting
Authors: Guo Zhide , Gao Mengna , Song Manli , Shi Changrong , Zhang Pu , Xu Duo , You Linyi , Zhuang Rongqiang , Su Xinhui , Liu Ting , Du Jin , Zhang Xianzhong
Published: June 2016

The folate receptor (FR) is overexpressed in a wide variety of human tumors. In our study, the multimeric concept was used to synthesize a dimeric folate derivative via a click reaction. The novel folate derivative (HYNIC-D1-FA2) was radiolabeled with 99mTc using tricine and trisodium triphenylphosphine-3,3′,3″-trisulfonate (TPPTS) as coligands (99mTc-HYNIC-D1-FA2) and its in vitro physicochemical properties, ex vivo biodistribution and in vivo micro-SPECT/CT imaging as a potential FR targeted agent were evaluated. It is a hydrophilic compound (log P = −2.52 ± 0.13) with high binding affinity (IC50 = 19.06 nM). Biodistribution in KB tumor-bearing mice showed that 99mTc-HYNIC-D1-FA2 had high uptake in FR overexpressed tumor and kidney at all time-points, and both of them could obviously be inhibited when blocking with free FA in the blocking studies. From the in vivo micro-SPECT/CT imaging results, good tumor uptake of 99mTc-HYNIC-D1-FA2 was observed in KB tumor-bearing mice and it could be blocked obviously. Based on the results, this new radiolabeled dimeric FA tracer might be a promising candidate for FR-targeting imaging with high affinity and selectivity.