bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Practical Set-Membership Proof for Privacy-Preserving NFC Mobile Ticketing
Authors: Arfaoui Ghada , Lalande Jean-François , Traoré Jacques , Desmoulins Nicolas , Berthomé Pascal , Gharout Saïd
Published: June 2015

To ensure the privacy of users in transport systems, researchers are working on new protocols providing the best security guarantees while respecting functional requirements of transport operators. In this paper1, we design a secure NFC m-ticketing protocol for public transport that preserves users’ anonymity and prevents transport operators from tracing their customers’ trips. To this end, we introduce a new practical set-membership proof that does not require provers nor verifiers (but in a specific scenario for verifiers) to perform pairing computations. It is therefore particularly suitable for our (ticketing) setting where provers hold SIM/UICC cards that do not support such costly computations. We also propose several optimizations of Boneh-Boyen type signature schemes, which are of independent interest, increasing their performance and efficiency during NFC transactions. Our m-ticketing protocol offers greater flexibility compared to previous solutions as it enables the post-payment and the off-line validation of m-tickets. By implementing a prototype using a standard NFC SIM card, we show that it fulfils the stringent functional requirement imposed by transport operators whilst using strong security parameters. In particular, a validation can be completed in 184.25ms when the mobile is switched on, and in 266.52ms when the mobile is switched off or its battery is flat.
Constructing elastic distinguishability metrics for location privacy
Authors: Chatzikokolakis Konstantinos , Palamidessi Catuscia , Stronati Marco
Published: June 2015

With the increasing popularity of hand-held devices, location-based applications and services have access to accurate and real-time location information, raising serious privacy concerns for their users. The recently introduced notion of geo-indistinguishability tries to address this problem by adapting the well-known concept of differential privacy to the area of location-based systems. Although geo-indistinguishability presents various appealing aspects, it has the problem of treating space in a uniform way, imposing the addition of the same amount of noise everywhere on the map. In this paper we propose a novel elastic distinguishability metric that warps the geometrical distance, capturing the different degrees of density of each area. As a consequence, the obtained mechanism adapts the level of noise while achieving the same degree of privacy everywhere. We also show how such an elastic metric can easily incorporate the concept of a “geographic fence” that is commonly employed to protect the highly recurrent locations of a user, such as his home or work. We perform an extensive evaluation of our technique by building an elastic metric for Paris’ wide metropolitan area, using semantic information from the OpenStreetMap database. We compare the resulting mechanism against the Planar Laplace mechanism satisfying standard geo-indistinguishability, using two real-world datasets from the Gowalla and Brightkite location-based social networks. The results show that the elastic mechanism adapts well to the semantics of each area, adjusting the noise as we move outside the city center, hence offering better overall privacy.1
Sedimentological characteristics of debris flow Deposits within ice−cored moraine of Ebbabreen, central Spitsbergen
Authors: Pleskot Krzysztof
Published: June 2015

The Ebbabreen ice−cored moraine area is covered with a sediment layer of up to 2.5 m thick, which mostly consists of massive diamicton. Due to undercutting by lateral streams, debris flow processes have been induced in marginal parts of this moraine. It was recognized that the sedimentology of deposits within the deposition area of debris flows is the effect of: (1) the origin of the sediments, (2) the nature of the debris flow, and (3) post−debris flow reworking. Analysis of debris flow deposits in microscale (thin sections) suggests a common mixing during flow, even though a small amount of parent material kept its original structure. The mixing of sediments during flow leads to them having similar sedimentary characteristics across the deposition area regardless of local conditions (i.e. slope angle, water content, parent material lithology). After the deposition of sediments that were transported by the debris flow, they were then reworked by a further redeposition process, primarily related to meltwater stream action.
Location Patterns And Location Factors In Cultural And Creative Industries1
Authors: Tomczak Paulina , Stachowiak Krzysztof
Published: June 2015

The paper analyses spatial and locational aspects of cultural and creative industries (CCI) taking into consideration the internal heterogeneity of this group of activities. Emphasis is put on similarities and differences in those aspects found for the sector as a whole and for its individual branches. On the basis of the proposed criteria the paper tries to exemplify a set of CCI characteristics, on the one hand to highlight their diversity, and on the other, to select the best criteria for analysing spatial and locational aspects of CCIs. A detailed analysis of CCI location patterns and location factors is also carried out, and on this basis two groups of models of the spatial aspects of CCIs are proposed: those of CCI location and those of the range of CCI markets.
Contemporary Development Of Creative Industries In Bosnia And Herzegovina
Authors: Nurković Rahman
Published: June 2015

The article consists of three basic parts. In the first, the concept of post-socialist urban settlements and the position of creative industries in them are presented. In the second, examples of the development of creative actions of cities are given. In the third, the role of local policy in the development of new creative industries in Bosnia and Herzegovina is critically analysed, emphasising some of its shortcomings and drawing up recommendations for future policy measures. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, contemporary ideas of the development of the creative industries started to develop at the end of 2001 with the use of the technology of the developed countries of the world.
Place Of Creation And Place Of Production: Spatial Dimensions Of The Berlin Fashion-Design Production Network
Authors: Copercini Marco
Published: June 2015

Fashion design plays a significant role in Berlin’s creative industries and for its start-up scene. Berlin has the highest concentration of designers in Germany, most of them working in small start-ups, while the spatial organisation of their production is stretched from the local level to the global network of fashion events, showing different entrepreneurial strategies within the production process. Different spatial structures of the production organisation are identifiable through which it is possible to discuss the role of Berlin in the production network of fashion designers and the kinds of relations holding between the city, designers, and their production network.
Tradition as Renewal: An Old Catholic Perspective on Renewal in Church and Theology
Authors: Smit Peter-Ben
Published: June 2015

This paper argues that precisely by focusing on the continuation of tradition, Old Catholic theology is able to arrive at theological renewal, especially in an intercultural manner and in ecumenical dialogue. As a case study, this paper considers the recent dialogue between the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Church and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church.
An Epidemiological Study Regarding Obesity Prevalence In A Rural Area Of Bihor County
Authors: Popa Amorin Remus , Bodea Alina
Published: June 2015

Background and aims: A high prevalence of obesity is found at global and national level, representing an important problem for the public health. The purpose of this work was to develop preventive medicine by performing an epidemiological study in order to identify people with obesity. We also aimed to analyze obesity prevalence and the influence of the family medical history of obesity in the analyzed population segment.

Material and methods: Between 2011 and April 2014 we have been working on a descriptive, observational study in a rural zone of Bihor County – the Curtuiuseni village.

Results: In a relatively young population (average age around 50 years) the obesity prevalence was high (21.41%). The risk of obesity in the population with a positive family history of obesity was 2.2 higher compared with the population without. Abdominal obesity was more frequent in females (59.24%) than males (34.27%).

Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of obesity (21.41%) in a rural population of Bihor County, but lower than the country average (31.40%). Pathological waist circumference, representing a risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases, was found in 48.32% of cases.
Prevention Of Coronary Heart Disease And Stroke Complications In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Observational, Prospective Study
Authors: Ştefan Ramona Maria , Niţă Cristina , Crăciun Anca , Rusu Adriana , Hâncu Nicolae
Published: June 2015

Background and Aims: We assessed the effect of intensive therapy on modifiable cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and CV risk as compared to conventional therapy in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Material and Methods: This was an observational, prospective study, conducted in Romania. During 1-year follow-up period the enrolled participants received either multi-factorial pharmacotherapy associated with intensive therapeutic education (Intensive group), or conventional therapy (Control group). Current analysis included data (anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and biochemical parameters) recorded at months (M) 0, 6 and 12. CV risk was calculated at M1 and M12 using the UK Prospective Diabetes Study Risk Engine.

Results: 138 patients aged 57.02±10.05 years were included in this analysis (69 in each group). At M6 and M12 a significant improvement of the majority of the modifiable risk factors in the Intensive group compared to the Control group was observed. At M12, coronary heart disease (CHD)/fatal-CHD risks were significantly lower in the Intensive (7.5%/3.1%) than in the Control (17.95%/10.3%) group (p<0.05). A similar trend was observed for the stroke/fatal-stroke risks.

Conclusions: CHD/fatal-CHD and stroke/fatal-stroke risk burden decreased in newly diagnosed diabetic patients following multi-factorial pharmacotherapy association with intensive lifestyle changes during 1-year follow-up.
Effect of heat treatment on the mechanical and tribological properties of AA8090/6% SiCp composite
Authors: Kebriyaei Amir , Mirdamadi Seyed Sh. , Saghafian Hassan
Published: June 2015

AA8090, a certain type of Al-Li alloy, has been widely used in the aerospace industry because of its low density and high strength after heat treatment. In this research work, the AA8090/6% SiCp composite was produced by modified stir casting and then subjected to hot extrusion treatment. One part of the extruded rod was used to prepare the wear test samples and the remaining part was converted to strips with 2 mm thickness via hot rolling process. Three processes, including precipitation hardening with conventional heating, age hardening with rapid heating, and precipitation after directional quenching, were done on samples. The results of the mechanical properties revealed that precipitation hardening after directional quenching reduced the peak of hardness time from 16 to 6 h, increased the peak of hardness by 20%, and improved the tensile strength, yield stress, and elongation by 16%, 16%, and 40%, respectively. The results of wear test indicated that, at the load of 10 N, abrasive wear was the dominant wear mechanism. Increase in load showed delamination, and at the load of 30 N, a transition from mild wear to severe wear occurred due to a change in wear mechanism to adhesive wear. At this load, the samples without heat treatment showed the lowest wear rate in comparison to the samples subjected to heat treatment. By and large, the specimens heat treated with directional quenching among the other heat-treated specimens showed the higher wear resistance at all of loads.
Short microwave-assisted modular synthesis of naturally occurring oxygenated bibenzyls
Authors: Krauss Jürgen , Kopp Ursula , Bracher Franz
Published: June 2015

The naturally occurring oxygenated bibenzyls lunularin and m-O-methyllunularin were prepared in a modular synthesis in four steps from two appropriate iodophenols and trimethylsilylacetylene utilizing microwave-assisted Sonogashira couplings as the crucial steps. The antimicrobial activity of the resulting natural products was evaluated in an agar diffusion assay.
Ernst Troeltsch’s Break from Ritschl and his School
Authors: Chalamet Christophe
Published: June 2015

What is it that led Ernst Troeltsch, who for a time belonged to Albrecht Ritschl’s school, to break from the professor he so admired? On the one hand, Troeltsch found fault with Ritschl’s historiography of early Lutheran theology. Where Ritschl saw Melanchthon as someone who had distorted Luther’s original reformatory insights, Troeltsch praised Melanchton for having clarified and systematized Luther’s thought. Troeltsch’s critique of Ritschl’s historiography is as closely connected to Troeltsch’s own theological program as was Ritschl’s interpretation of the development of early Lutheran theology to his (Ritschl’s) own theological intention. The second half of the article examines Troeltsch’s program by looking at the debate between Troeltsch and Julius Kaftan, a prominent Ritschlian in those years, on the supernatural basis of Christianity, the place and scope of metaphysics in theology, and the “absoluteness” of Christianity.
UHPC From Research to Standardization: European Approaches
Authors: Schmidt Michael , Fröhlich Susanne
Published: June 2015

In Europe, different approaches to standardize ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) materials, and the design of structures made from it, are pursued based on different philosophies and market situations. The first standard available was published in France. It primarily deals with material models and design procedures for steel-fiber-reinforced UHPC. Material-related aspects are not considered. This is because, as a rule, industrially prefabricated dry premixed concretes with consistent material properties are used. Thus, the European Standard for concrete materials, EN 206 [EN 206, 2012-03, 2012, “Concrete—Specification, Performance, Production and Conformity,” German Version, German Standardization Body, Beuth Verlag, Berlin], is of minor relevance. The philosophy in other countries, like in Germany, is to make UHPC a commonly available material based on individual, application-oriented compositions, as far as possible being manufactured in precast or ready-mix plants from appropriate regionally available raw materials. Thus, the application of UHPC will be favorably supported by considering UHPC to be part of the harmonized European concrete materials and design standards, EN 206, covering the material aspects, and EN 1992-1-1 [EN 1992-1-1: 2011-01, 2011, “Eurocode 2:2 Design of Concrete Structures. Part 1-1: General Rules and Rules for Buildings,” German Version, German Standardization Body, Beuth Verlag, Berlin] (Eurocode 2) covering the design. This approach requires advice on how to evaluate the appropriate raw materials, to prepare adequate mixtures, and to define technically based rules and requirements covering both mechanical, as well as durability aspects, e.g., by defining strength- and durability-related classes, as for ordinary and high-performance concrete. The requirements have to be related to reliable testing procedures. It has been proven by several research projects in Germany that European standard testing procedures may principally be adopted but have to be modified in some points, e.g., with respect to the specific fresh concrete properties, the specimen preparation, tests to evaluate the fiber efficiency, etc. These topics are under discussion in a UHPC-related committee of the German Standardization Body (DIN) drafting a standard-like technical guideline covering all three aspects, namely, materials, design, and testing. Another technical guideline on UHPC is elaborated by Fédération Internationale du Béton (FIB). The approach is “in between,” meaning that some material aspects are covered as far as their relevance for the structural design. The focus lies on the design covering different design procedures for fiber, as well as for conventionally reinforced structural elements.
Effect of Aggregate Gradation on Cold Bituminous Mix Performance
Authors: Dash Swayam Siddha , Panda Mahabir
Published: June 2015

Aggregate gradation is the skeleton of a bituminous mixture and is responsible for the load carrying capacity of the pavement. This paper presented a study on variation in aggregate gradation, which is based on and adapted from the concept of the Bailey method, to evaluate the property of cold mixes. A total of 14 cold mixes were studied for dense (BC) and gap (SMA) graded mix. For each dense and gap gradation, one initial aggregate gradation was taken as per available standard specifications. From each type of initial gradation (BC and SMA), six aggregate gradations were developed. The Marshall test and indirect tensile strength (ITS) test of all cold mixes were conducted. Then the static creep test was conducted for each type of cold mix prepared with initial gradation, and the developed gradation performed best in the former two tests. The test results were compared with hot mix asphalt (HMA) performance with initial gradations (BC and SMA). The study indicated that though all of the developed gradations increased the Marshall stability of cold mixes, the most significant improvement compared with the HMA mixes was found in the case of the increased coarse aggregate (CA) ratio among the Bailey parameters. It was also observed that the modification of aggregate gradation resulted in substantial improvements in Marshall properties, ITS, and creep resistance.
Instrumentation System for Ground Vibration Analysis During Sheet Pile Driving
Authors: Deckner Fanny , Viking Kenneth , Guillemet Claire , Hintze Staffan
Published: June 2015

To enable the study of the sheet pile-soil interaction during driving, it was essential to have a record of the sheet pile vibrations as well as the vibrations at depth in the surrounding soil. In this paper, an instrumentation system for vibration analysis during vibratory sheet pile driving was presented. The instrumentation system was used in a full-scale field test where vibrations were measured on the sheet pile as well as at depth in the ground. The new instrumentation system and the field test were thoroughly described. As a sheet pile was driven into the ground, vibrations were transferred both at the toe and along the shaft. Whether it was the toe or the shaft that created the largest contribution to vibrations in the ground is debated in literature. Results from the field test were presented in order to investigate the effect of the position of the sheet pile toe on the ground vibrations at depth. It was shown that, within a distance of about 1.6 m from the driven sheet pile, the ground vibrations at depth were affected by the passing of the sheet pile toe. The current field test also indicated that the toe contributed to more ground vibrations than the shaft.
A Knock at the Door
Authors: Gingrich-Philbrook Craig
Published: June 2015

The author uses his long experience with his departmental theatre as a way to consider Howard Barker's valorization of the theatre door and Herbert Blau's notion of the stage edge, particularly in relationship to the theme of this special issue: thresholds.
The Business of Natural History
Authors: Ruskin Steve
Published: June 2015

Charles Aiken was a Colorado ornithologist and specimen dealer whose career spanned almost sixty years, roughly 1870–1930. He was an entrepreneurial naturalist who operated a long-running commercial natural history dealership in Colorado Springs, which enabled him to pursue his passion for birds and make important contributions to American ornithology. Definitive studies of Colorado and Rocky Mountain avifauna were based on his personal specimen collection and extensive residential knowledge. However, his contributions to ornithology have largely been forgotten, highlighting the fact that collectors like Aiken were “invisible technicians.” This article examines the importance of specimen dealers to the science of natural history, suggesting that the tools we use to examine the careers of scientists can also be useful in understanding those commercial collectors who provided scientists with the materials they needed to produce scientific knowledge. The first half follows Aiken’s career from his early training in natural history through to the operation of his natural history dealership. The second half considers Aiken’s contributions to American ornithology, providing insight into the social and scientific status of collectors in late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century America. I consider whether specimen dealers are best classified as amateurs, professionals, or scientists. I also examine the tensions engendered by collectors’ commercial practices, and how scientific publication acted as a boundary between collectors and those scientists who used their specimens in the production of knowledge.
Chatography
Authors: Vinegar Aron
Published: June 2015

The centrality of cats—and the act of drawing cats—to the nineteenth-century architect Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc’s modus operandi as an architectural theorist and restorer is evident from the beginning to the very end of his career. He took great pleasure in interacting with cats, observing their habits, and learning from their supple, graceful movements. In Chatography, Aron Vinegar studies the Château de Pierrefonds, restored in the mid-nineteenth century by Viollet-le-Duc, and argues that the crucial issues at stake in Viollet-le-Duc’s understanding of restoration may be gleaned from his drawings of cats and war machines that demonstrate an interest in movement, unruly forces, and affect, rather than equilibrium and balance. This reading enables us to question the prevalent understanding of Viollet-le-Duc as a structural rationalist, and to appreciate the complex relation between architecture and representation.
Plaster Empires
Authors: Tschudi Victor Plahte
Published: June 2015

The so-called Plastico di Roma is one of Rome’s great attractions. The extraordinary detailed plaster reconstruction of fourth-century Rome monopolizes the image of the imperial city for scholars and visitors alike. Archaeology played an important but small part in the making of the model. The majority of buildings consist of volumetric modules, invented by the “architect” Italo Gismondi and his team, to mask and replace the missing architectural evidence. Victor Plahte Tschudi traces the impact of Gismondi’s invented antiques in Plaster Empires: Italo Gismondi’s Model of Rome. Completed in 1937, in time for the fascist exhibition (the Mostra Augustea), the model gave Fascist modernism a seeming imperial origin. It also legitimized, even inspired, the regime’s town planning policy and brutal overhaul to redeem Rome’s ancient monuments. Reconsidering the history and ideology of the model is crucial as Gismondi’s eighty-year-old inventions of the city reappear today in cutting-edge virtual reconstruction projects.
Innateness, Learning, and the Difficulty of Determining Whether Music is an Evolutionary Adaptation
Authors: Trainor Laurel J.
Published: June 2015

McDermott and Hauser (2005) and Justus and Hutsler (2005) argue that in order for music to be an evolutionary adaptation, and not an exaptation, music must be constrained by innate factors that are specific to music and that evolved because music conferred survival advantages. I argue that the dichotomy between adaptation and exaptation is not very clear for higher cognitive functions such as music and language, because genes set up general neural architectures and learning mechanisms, rather than specifying the details of what they will represent, and that such higher cognitive functions are therefore dependent on interactions between genes and experience. Furthermore, because higher cognitive functions depend on a common set of mechanisms such as sensory encoding strategies, working memory capacity, working memory processes, longterm memory encoding and retrieval, and attentional focusing, it is difficult to make arguments about innate specificity. Thus, the question of whether music is an evolutionary adaptation appears to depend on whether or not music conferred survival advantages, a question that is difficult to answer.
CYP11A1 expression in bone is associated with aromatase inhibitor-related bone loss
Authors: Rodríguez-Sanz M , García-Giralt N , Prieto-Alhambra D , Servitja S , Balcells S , Pecorelli R , Díez-Pérez A , Grinberg D , Tusquets I , Nogués X
Published: June 2015

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) used as adjuvant therapy in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cause diverse musculoskeletal side effects that include bone loss and its associated fracture. About half of the 391 patients treated with AIs in the Barcelona–Aromatase induced bone loss in early breast cancer cohort suffered a significant bone loss at lumbar spine (LS) and/or femoral neck (FN) after 2 years on AI-treatment. In contrast, up to one-third (19.6% LS, 38.6% FN) showed no decline or even increased bone density. The present study aimed to determine the genetic basis for this variability. SNPs in candidate genes involved in vitamin D and estrogen hormone-response pathways (CYP11A1, CYP17A1, HSD3B2, HSD17B3, CYP19A1, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, ESR1, DHCR7, GC, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, VDR and CYP24A1) were genotyped for association analysis with AI-related bone loss (AIBL). After multiple testing correction, 3 tag-SNPs (rs4077581, s11632698 and rs900798) located in the CYP11A1 gene were significantly associated (P<0.005) with FN AIBL at 2 years of treatment. Next, CYP11A1 expression in human fresh bone tissue and primary osteoblasts was demonstrated by RT-PCR. Both common isoforms of human cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (encoded by CYP11A1 gene) were detected in osteoblasts by western blot. In conclusion, the genetic association of CYP11A1 gene with AIBL and its expression in bone tissue reveals a potential local function of this enzyme in bone metabolism regulation, offering a new vision of the steroidogenic ability of this tissue and new understanding of AI-induced bone loss.
No stress after 24‐hour on‐call shifts?
Authors: Harbeck Birgit , Suefke Sven , Haas Christian S. , Lehnert Hendrik , Kropp Peter , Moenig Heiner
Published: June 2015

No stress after 24‐hour on‐call shifts? : Birgit Harbeck, et al. Department of Medicine I, University of Luebeck, Germany

Objective

Irregular sleep patterns can adversely affect physiological functions and have been associated with increased physiological and psychological stress. Nocturnal work of physicians during 24‐hour on‐call shifts (OCS) disrupts the sleep/wake cycle. Chronic exposure to distress has been shown to affect cardiovascular homeostasis and to impair performance in neurocognitive and simulated clinical tasks.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, biochemical and physiological stress parameters were assessed in 11 female and 9 male physicians (median age: 32 years, range 26−42 years) before a normal working day and after a 24‐hour OCS in internal medicine. In addition, various tests of attentional performance (TAP) were conducted.

Results

The levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were significantly higher after a 24‐ hour OCS, while there were no significant changes in cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels. Heart rate variability and skin resistance increased following an OCS, although the differences were not statistically significant. Intrinsic alertness was comparable, while phasic alertness was significantly improved following a 24‐hour OCS. Focused attention tended to be better following a night shift. There was no correlation with age or medical working experience; however, men experienced more stress than women.

Conclusions

Following a 24‐hour OCS, (i) TSH may be an early and sensitive biochemical predictor of stress; (ii) other classical biochemical stress parameters do not depict the psychological stress perceived by physicians; (iii) there may be a mismatch between experienced and objective stress levels; (iv) neurocognitive functions are not impaired, while performance may even be improved; and (v) men might be more sensitive to distress.
Historical and potential extinction of shrub and tree species through deforestation in the department of Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: Duque Montoya Álvaro Javier , Cabrera Montenegro Edersson , Idarraga Piedrahíta Álvaro
Published: June 2015

We assessed the expected historical and current species richness of shrubs and trees in the Department of Antioquia, northwest region of Colombia. We used the Fisher's alpha value associated with the pooled dataset of identified species in 16 1-ha plots that were used to extrapolate the scaled species richness of the Antioquia Province under three different scenarios: 1) the entire region before deforestation began, assuming an original forest cover of around 92% of the entire province (excluding paramos, rivers, and lakes). 2) The forest cover in 2010. 3) The expected forest cover in 2100 assuming the observed deforestation rate between 2000 and 2010 as a constant. We found that, despite relatively low local and global losses of species, global extinctions in terms of number of species could be dramatically high due to the high endemism and deforestation rates.
A coating of chitosan and propolis extract for the postharvest treatment of papaya (Carica papaya L. cv. Hawaiiana)
Authors: Barrera Elizabeth , Gil Jesús , Restrepo Ana , Mosquera Kelly , Durango Diego
Published: June 2015

Propolis is a natural antimicrobial that can be used as a bioadditive in coatings to control fruit quality losses. The effect of two coatings was evaluated, a control (chitosan, 1%) and a treatment (chitosan, 1%; containing propolisethanolic extract, 5%), on the microbiological and physicochemical properties of papaya fruits. The chemical profile of the propolis revealed the presence of fatty acids and their esters, carbohydrates, diterpenic acids, and pentacyclic triterpenes. The fruits covered with the treatment demonstrated a reduced deterioration index and infection diameter of the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, as compared to the control papayas, postponing the appearance of damage by two days. Additionally, the treatment did not significantly affect the physicochemical properties of the papaya, as compared to the control. In conclusion, the coating formulated with propolis exhibited an in situ fungicidal and bactericidal effect without altering the physiological changes of the papaya fruit during storage.
Effect of cassava-starch coatings with ascorbic acidic and N-acetylcysteine on the quality of harton plantain (Musa paradisiaca)
Authors: Márquez Cardozo Carlos Julio , Palacín Beltrán José Roberto , Fuentes Berrio Lorenzo
Published: June 2015

The effect of coatings was evaluated on the quality of harton plantain fruits (Musa paradisiaca) in the postharvest stage. Solutions for three treatments were prepared from 50 g L-1 cassava starch (Manihot esculenta) with 30 g L-1 glycerol as the plasticizer and 6 g L-1 polyethylene glycol-600®; for anti-browning agents, 6 g L-1 ascorbic acid (AA) and 8 g L-1 N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) were added. The fruits were coated by immersion, stored at 18 ± 4°C and 85% RH. Physicochemical properties were determined at 32 days postharvest. The applied coatings decreased the physiological weight loss (%WL) and resulted in a higher pulp firmness (PF); no significant difference was seen with a confidence level of 95% in the concentration of total soluble solids (TSS), acidity or maturity index. The skin color was measured by the CIE L*a*b* method, with an average L value of 70 for the fruits coated with the 6 g L-1 AA and 8 g L-1 NAC mixture, while the control fruits had a value of 57. Also, lower a* coordinate values and browning indices were found for the epidermis of the coated fruits. The enzymatic activity of the polyphenol oxidase decreased with the number of postharvest days for all of the treatments, being lower for the fruits with the mixture of anti-browning agents by 27%, as compared to the control. It was concluded that the coating mixture containing the anti-browning agents ascorbic acid, 6 g L-1, and N-acetyl-cysteine, 8 g L-1, showed a better effect as an alternative for storing fruits and prolonging the shelf-life of harton plantain.
Future scenarios for the brand name phytosanitary agrochemical industry in the floriculture of Bogotá
Authors: Ojeda Mantilla Héctor , Montoya Restrepo Iván , Montoya Restrepo Luz Alexandra
Published: June 2015

Using the description of the importance of the floriculture sector and contrasting the identification of the behavior of brand name and generic products in the flower sector, future scenarios were identified for the creation of strategies of market permanence and positioning for brand name agrochemical products. In this case, representatives with broad experience in the floriculture sector of La Sabana de Bogota D.C. were selected, with whom the state of and possible projections for agrochemical products for the sector were evaluated with a prospective methodology. As a result, strategies were generated for achieving market permanence and positioning for brand name agrochemical products.
Violencia política y conflictividad social durante el gobierno de la Unidad Popular. El caso de la Vanguardia Organizada del Pueblo (VOP), 1970-1971
Authors: Bonnassiolle Cortés Marcelo Alejandro
Published: June 2015

Este artículo analiza la emergencia y participación del grupo político de carácter revolucionario denominado La Vanguardia Organizada del Pueblo (VOP), organización que a través de una serie de operaciones político-delictuales, como robos, expropiaciones y ajusticiamientos se conformó como un actor crítico y cuyas actividades y operaciones ayudaron a conformar el destino de la Unidad Popular. La decisión de la VOP de continuar las acciones armadas durante dicho gobierno y de “ajusticiar” al ex ministro Edmundo Pérez Zujovic fueron fundamentales en la configuración y gestación del acercamiento político de la oposición en su lucha contra el gobierno de Salvador Allende, generando, como lo demuestra el artículo, el inicio del fin del gobierno de la Unidad Popular.
Distintas miradas educativas en dos congresos pedagógicos: Cuba (1884) y Centroamérica (1893)
Authors: Nivón Bolán Amalia
Published: June 2015

Los congresos pedagógicos del siglo XIX, celebrados en Cuba y Guatemala, fueron protagonizados por profesores y funcionarios involucrados en la política educativa de la enseñanza primaria, conscientes de la necesidad de readaptar los fundamentos de la educación para responder a la realidad del momento. En este trabajo se analiza las condiciones particulares de Cuba y Centroamérica que dieron pie al ajuste de las bases de la enseñanza primaria vigentes durante la colonia, del siglo XVIII al XIX. Asimismo describe a los protagonistas de la élite magisterial que influyeron en la reorganización del sistema escolar, conocimientos y formas de enseñanza, así como en el perfil pedagógico o laboral del enseñante. También delinea la coyuntura económica y la visión política de los grupos de intelectuales formados en un contexto que heredaba las condiciones coloniales de racismo y defensa del trabajo agrícola e industrial, y caracterizado por luchas independentistas y abolicionistas. El estudio se realizó a partir de la Memoria UNESCO del Primer Congreso Pedagógico Centroamericano e investigaciones actuales que refieren al congreso cubano de 1884, para identificar las acciones educativas y trayectorias profesionales de intelectuales influyentes en la configuración de los sistemas educativos cubano y centroamericano en el ocaso del siglo XIX.
RECONOCIMIENTO AUTOMÁTICO DE LA ALTURA MUSICAL EN LA INTERFAZ DE UN JUEGO DE COMPUTADORA
Authors: Fonseca Solís Juan Manuel
Published: June 2015

El reconocimiento automático de la altura musical permite crear software capaz de identificar las notas tocadas por un instrumento musical. En éste artículo explicamos cómo es posible incorporar un algoritmo de reconocimiento de altura a un proyecto de software, para ello empleamos la implementación en C del algoritmo SWIPEP. El proyecto escogido es un juego de memoria en el cual el usuario escucha una secuencia de notas y las toca a la computadora usando una flauta dulce soprano. Adicionalmente se explican los conceptos básicos para entender el fenómeno acústico involucrado. El artículo va dirigido a todos aquellos estudiantes con conocimientos básicos en programación que quieran añadir procesamiento de sonido a sus proyectos.
PROPUESTA DE UNA METODOLOGÍA PARA EL DISEÑO PRELIMINAR DE UN FILTRO COALESCENTE
Authors: González Dobrosky Cintia Milena
Published: June 2015

El presente trabajo describe los filtros coalescentes, uno de los equipos para captura de niebla más eficientes, de bajo costo operativo y con menores limitaciones en su aplicación, comparado con otras opciones en el mercado. Se esclarece el funcionamiento y las ecuaciones que lo rigen, así como las características ideales del medio filtrante. Se propone una metodología a seguir para el diseño y escalamiento de este tipo de equipos de recuperación de líquidos en corrientes gaseosas a partir de pruebas experimentales, con el fin de guiar al lector interesado en su construcción.
EVALUACIÓN DE FACTORES QUE PUEDEN INFLUIR EN EL PROCESO DE SACARIFICACIÓN-FERMENTACIÓN SIMULTÁNEAS PARA LA PRODUCCIÓN DE ETANOL A PARTIR DE MATERIALES AMILÁCEOS
Authors: Morales Bárbara Miranda , Molina Córdoba Manuel
Published: June 2015

El objetivo general de esta investigación fue evaluar la posibilidad de realizar las etapas de sacarificación de almidón y fermentación de azúcares de manera simultánea, con el fin de reducir el tiempo del proceso global de producción de etanol a partir de materiales amiláceos. Para ello se estudiaron factores tales como: tipo y concentración de almidón,  concentración de etanol, tiempo y temperatura de sacarificación, presencia de etanol  y nutrientes (K2HPO4, MgSO4• 7H2O, NH4NO3 y peptona)  durante la etapa de hidrólisis del almidón, temperatura de fermentación.

 
INFLUENCIA DE LA CAL EN EL MORTERO PARA PEGA DE BLOQUES
Authors: Navas Carro Alejandro
Published: June 2015

La finalidad de este estudio fue comprobar experimentalmente si el uso de cal en la mezcla para el mortero para pega de bloques de mampostería trae beneficios en sus propiedades. Se obtuvieron los porcentajes de retención de agua, contenido de aire y la resistencia a la compresión a los 7, 28 y 56 días. Estos resultados se compararon con los recomendados en las normas ASTM correspondientes a cada caso en prueba.

            En primer lugar se visitaron caleras en Costa Rica, se procedió a realizarles pruebas químicas a las cales, se determinó su granulometría y retención de agua. Estas pruebas iniciales sirvieron como criterio para seleccionar las cales que se utilizaron en la mezcla del mortero, con la finalidad de probar su influencia en las propiedades del mortero en estado fresco y endurecido.

            Por medio de las pruebas realizadas, se pudo comprobar que el uso de cal en la mezcla del mortero para pega de bloques trae beneficios en los parámetros evaluados en este estudio. Se obtuvieron mejoras en los porcentajes de retención de agua, contenido de aire y la resistencia a la compresión, por lo cual se recomienda su uso.
Collecting Duct Renal Cell Carcinoma Found to Involve the Collecting System During Partial Nephrectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Harbin Andrew C , Styskel Brett A , Patel Viren , Wang He , Eun Daniel D
Published: June 2015

Collecting duct carcinoma (CDC) is a rare and aggressive form of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) arising from the principal cells of the collecting duct.  One third of cases present with metastatic disease, but many present in a manner similar to conventional RCC or urothelial carcinoma (UC).  We discuss a case of CDC which presented as a small mass at the cortico-medullary junction, and was discovered at robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) to be grossly involving the collecting system. A 62-year-old man presented with a small renal mass suspicious for RCC, which was found on computed tomography (CT) after an episode of gross hematuria.  After thorough workup, RPN was attempted; however, intraoperatively the mass was found to be involving the collecting system.  Radical nephroureterectomy was performed, and the pathology report revealed CDC.  CDC is a rare and aggressive form of RCC.  While many cases are metastatic at diagnosis, most patients present with the incidental finding of a small renal mass.  There are no reports of a CDC involving the collecting system at RPN after negative ureteroscopy preoperatively.  The adjuvant therapeutic options for CDC are limited, and long term survival is poor.
IS IT NECESSARY TO VACCINATE CHILDREN AGAINST HEPATITIS A ROUTINELY IN PRESENT TIME? THE EVALUATION OF RESULTS OF SUCH STRATEGY OF HEPATITIS A VACCINE PROPHYLAXIS IN SELECTED REGIONS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Shakhgildian I. V. , Mikhailov M. I. , Ershova O. N. , Khukhlovitch P. A. , Khasanova V. A. , Lytkina I. N. , Shulakova N. I. , Romanenko V. V. , Jurovskih A. I. , Yasinskiy A. A.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Data about efficacy of conducting of routine vaccination of children against Hepatitis A are presented in the article. The results of realization such strategy of vaccine prevention of Hepatitis A in selected regions of Russian Federation are evaluated. The perspectives of using this experience in other regions of the country is discussed.
ETHICAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF INFECTOLOGY AND VACCINE PROPHYLAXIS. Part 1. Bioethics and social justice in infectious pathology
Authors: Kubar O. I.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The serial materials on the history of establishment and the modern concepts of bioethics in the field of infectious pathology is planned to present in several articles. In the current report problems of forming and compliance of social responsibility are considered. It is demonstrated the universal importance of ethic principles and specificity of their realization in the different stages of combating with infectious diseases.
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTIC OF VIRAL HEPATITIS B AND C IN THE HEMODIALYSIS UNITS IN SAINT-PETERSBURG IN MODERN TIME. Part 1. Registration of hemo-contact viral hepatitis and serological markers of HBV and HCV infections in patients of hemodialysis unit
Authors: Mukomolov S. L. , Levakova I. A. , Sinaiskaya E. V. , Suliagina L. G. , Kisliy P. N. , Timakhovskaya G. J. , Ivanova N. V. , Staroselskiy K. G. , Ryasnianskiy V. J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Hemo-contact viral hepatitis B and C is significant public health problem in hospitals and particularly in hemodialisys units. To define modern situation of the problem the retrospective study of viral hepatitis B and C registration in hemodialysis units in Saint-Petersburg in 1997–2007 as well as testing of 295 patients from four units for serological markers of hepatitis B and C (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HCV) have been conducted. It was determined that registration of hepatitis B in the study period was 5,2 cases per 1000 patients/per year, hepatitis C — 8,2 cases per 1000 patients/per year. These rates were significantly higher than in the total city population. The serological markers of ongoing or past HBV/HCV infection were revealed in 78,3 per 100 patients. Obtained results confirm intensive viral circulation in hemodialysis units. Additional study of transmission routes using molecular epidemiology techniques is required.
ROLE OF POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION IN THE COMPLEX DIAGNOSTICS OF UROGENITAL INFECTIONS
Authors: Gorelova E. V. , Boitsov A. G. , Domakova T. V. , Sheglov V. S.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The present day there is no universally accepted algorithm for the application of PCR for the diagnostics of urogenital infections and interpretation of results. At the same time, the application of PCR for diagnostics of infection by opportunistic such pathogens as M. hominis, U. parvum can make the antibiotictherapy to be unnecessary.
CHARACTERISTIC OF SENSITIVITY OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND CANDIDA ALBICANS TO ANTIBACTERIAL PREPARATIONS AND COLLOIDAL SILVER
Authors: Afonina I. A. , Kraeva L. A. , Tseneva G. Y.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Constant use of antibiotics leads to reliable increasing of resistance among microorganisms. Using non-toxic concentrations of colloidal silver in combination with antimicrobial agents can reduce using concentrations of antibiotics, kept necessary antimicrobial effect. In case of Staphylococcus aureus bactericidal activity of the complex of colloidal silver with unit concentration of neomycin is bigger than the bactericidal effect of double concentration of the antibiotic. Fungicidal effect of combination of antifungal agents with a solution of the colloidal silver on Candida albicans is equal to fungicidal effect of double concentration of antifungal drugs.
THE HUMAN HERPES VIRUS TYPE 7
Authors: Nikolskiy M. A.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The review dealing with recently discovered T-cell lymphotropic Human Herpes Virus type 7 (HHV-7). The virus structure, genome characteristics, epidemiology and clinical manifestations in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients are discussed in the article.
CERVICAL SQUAMOUS EPITHELIUM LESIONS ASSOCIATED WITH HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION
Authors: Еrshov V. A. , Vyazovaya A. A. , Narvskaya O. V. , Lyalina L. V. , Lisyanskaya Z. S.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The cytological evidence of cervical squamous epithelium lesions associated with HPV infection was identified as the presence of koilocytes in 16% of patients and atypical multicore cells with core and/or cytoplasm dystrophy of para-basal layer cells in 46%. The high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were associated with the presence of HPV 16 mostly in combination with other high risk HPV genotypes.
FUNCTIONAL AND METABOLIC ACTIVITY OF NEUTROPHILIC GRANULOCYTES IN CASE OF ACUTE BACTERIAL RHINOSINUSITIS
Authors: Kolenchukova O. A.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The functional and metabolic activities of neutrophilic granulocytes in patients with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) have been studied. Characteristics of the indices of chemiluminescence and bioluminescence for neutrophils, extracted from venous blood and maxillary sinus were compared. It was demonstrated the decrease of intensity of APK production in neutrophils, extracted from inflammation point, with simultaneous decrease of intensity of plastic processes and increasing of energy processes in compare with the same indices in blood cells.
HUMAN PARVOVIRUS В19: VIRUS CHARACTERISTICS, DISTRIBUTION AND DIAGNOSTICS OF PARVOVIRUS INFECTION
Authors: Lavrentyeva I. N. , Antipova A. Y.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The modern data about morphology as well as structural and functional organization of the parvovirus B19 genome, circulating virus genotypes are presented in the review. Special attention was paid to the clinical and epidemiological features of parvovirus infection (PVI). Authors focused on the distribution of PVI in different regions of Russia and on the own data concerning prevalence of this infection in the North-Western region of the country including data on pregnant women – main risk group for PVI. Methods of laboratory diagnostics of postnatal and congenital PVI have been described.