bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implication of CytotoxicHelicobacter pyloriInfection in Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Delitala Alessandro P. , Pes Giovanni M. , Malaty Hoda M. , Pisanu Gavino , Delitala Giuseppe , Dore Maria P.
Published: December 2015

Background.Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been linked toHelicobacter pyloriinfection, although results are conflicting. No previous study addressed a possible link betweenH. pyloriinfection and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). In this study, a correlation amongH. pyloriinfection and the risk of autoimmune diabetes in comparison with T2D was investigated.Methods.Sera from 234 LADA patients, 105 patients with late-onset T1D, and 156 patients with T2D were analyzed for anti-H. pyloriand the cytotoxin-associated antigen (CagA) IgG antibodies. Results. H. pyloriseroprevalence was comparable in LADA (52%), late-onset T1D (45%), and T2D (49%) with no gender differences. The seroprevalence of CagA IgG was significantly higher in autoimmune diabetes (late-onset T1D: 45%, LADA: 40%) compared to T2D (25%;p<0.028).Conclusions.AlthoughH. pyloriseroprevalence was similar in LADA, T1D, and T2D, anti-CagA positivity was significantly increased among patients with autoimmune diabetes, suggesting that more virulentH. pyloristrains might be a trigger for immune mechanisms involved in their pathogenesis.
An HLA-Transgenic Mouse Model of Type 1 Diabetes That Incorporates the Reduced but Not Abolished Thymic Insulin Expression Seen in Patients
Authors: Babad Jeffrey , Ali Riyasat , Schloss Jennifer , DiLorenzo Teresa P.
Published: December 2015

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by T cell-mediated destruction of the pancreatic islet beta cells. Multiple genetic loci contribute to disease susceptibility in humans, with the most responsible locus being the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Certain MHC alleles are predisposing, including the common HLA-A∗02:01. After the MHC, the locus conferring the strongest susceptibility to T1D is the regulatory region of the insulin gene, and alleles associated with reduced thymic insulin expression are predisposing. Mice express two insulin genes,Ins1andIns2. While both are expressed in beta cells, onlyIns2is expressed in the thymus. We have developed an HLA-A∗02:01-transgenic NOD-based T1D model that is heterozygous for a functionalIns2gene. These mice exhibit reduced thymic insulin expression and accelerated disease in both genders. Immune cell populations are not grossly altered, and the mice exhibit typical signs of islet autoimmunity, including CD8 T cell responses to beta cell peptides also targeted in HLA-A∗02:01-positive type 1 diabetes patients. This model should find utility as a tool to uncover the mechanisms underlying the association between reduced thymic insulin expression and T1D in humans and aid in preclinical studies to evaluate insulin-targeted immunotherapies for the disease.
Sensor-Based Technique for Manually Scanned Hand-Held Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging
Authors: Pande Paritosh , Monroy Guillermo L. , Nolan Ryan M. , Shelton Ryan L. , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: December 2015

Hand-held optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging probes offer flexibility to image sites that are otherwise challenging to access. While the majority of hand-held imaging probes utilize galvanometer- or MEMS-scanning mirrors to transversely scan the imaging beam, these probes are commonly limited to lateral fields-of-view (FOV) of only a few millimeters. The use of a freehand manually scanned probe can significantly increase the lateral FOV. However, using the traditional fixed-rate triggering scheme for data acquisition in a manually scanned probe results in imaging artifacts due to variations in the scan velocity of the imaging probe. These artifacts result in a structurally inaccurate image of the sample. In this paper, we present a sensor-based manual scanning technique for OCT imaging, where real-time feedback from an optical motion sensor is used to trigger data acquisition. This technique is able to circumvent the problem of motion artifacts during manual scanning by adaptively altering the trigger rate based on the instantaneous scan velocity, enabling OCT imaging over a large lateral FOV. The feasibility of the proposed technique is demonstrated by imaging several biological and nonbiological samples.
Inhibition of MEK1 Signaling Pathway in the Liver Ameliorates Insulin Resistance
Authors: Ueyama Atsunori , Ban Nobuhiro , Fukazawa Masanori , Hirayama Tohru , Takeda Minako , Yata Tatsuo , Muramatsu Hiroyasu , Hoshino Masaki , Yamamoto Marii , Matsuo Masao , Kawashima Yuka , Iwase Tatsuhiko , Kitazawa Takehisa , Kushima Youichi , Yamada Yuichiro , Kawabe Yoshiki
Published: December 2015

Although mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) is a key signaling molecule and a negative regulator of insulin action, it is still uncertain whether MEK can be a therapeutic target for amelioration of insulin resistance (IR) in type 2 diabetes (T2D)in vivo. To clarify whether MEK inhibition improves T2D, we examined the effect of continuous MEK inhibition with two structurally different MEK inhibitors, RO5126766 and RO4987655, in mouse models of T2D. RO5126766 and RO4987655 were administered via dietary admixture. Both compounds decreased blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance in doses sufficient to sustain inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation downstream of MEK in insulin-responsive tissues indb/dbmice. A hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp test showed increased glucose infusion rate (GIR) indb/dbmice treated with these compounds, and about 60% of the increase was attributed to the inhibition of endogenous glucose production, suggesting that the liver is responsible for the improvement of IR. By means of adenovirus-mediatedMek1shRNA expression, we confirmed that blood glucose levels are reduced by suppression of MEK1 expression in the liver ofdb/dbmice. Taken together, these results suggested that the MEK signaling pathway could be a novel therapeutic target for novel antidiabetic agents.
Reprogramming of Melanoma Tumor‐Infiltrating Lymphocytes to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Saito Hidehito , Okita Keisuke , Fusaki Noemi , Sabel Michael S. , Chang Alfred E. , Ito Fumito
Published: December 2015

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from somatic cells of patients hold great promise for autologous cell therapies. One of the possible applications of iPSCs is to use them as a cell source for producing autologous lymphocytes for cell‐based therapy against cancer. Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that express programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) are tumor‐reactive T cells, and adoptive cell therapy with autologous TILs has been found to achieve durable complete response in selected patients with metastatic melanoma. Here, we describe the derivation of human iPSCs from melanoma TILs expressing high level of PD‐1 by Sendai virus‐mediated transduction of the four transcription factors, OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, and c‐MYC. TIL‐derived iPSCs display embryonic stem cell‐like morphology, have normal karyotype, express stem cell‐specific surface antigens and pluripotency‐associated transcription factors, and have the capacity to differentiate in vitro and in vivo. A wide variety of T cell receptor gene rearrangement patterns in TIL‐derived iPSCs confirmed the heterogeneity of T cells infiltrating melanomas. The ability to reprogram TILs containing patient‐specific tumor‐reactive repertoire might allow the generation of patient‐ and tumor‐specific polyclonal T cells for cancer immunotherapy.
Cardiovascular and Hepatic Toxicity of Cocaine: Potential Beneficial Effects of Modulators of Oxidative Stress
Authors: Graziani Manuela , Antonilli Letizia , Togna Anna Rita , Grassi Maria Caterina , Badiani Aldo , Saso Luciano
Published: December 2015

Oxidative stress (OS) is thought to play an important role in the pharmacological and toxic effects of various drugs of abuse. Herein we review the literature on the mechanisms responsible for the cardiovascular and hepatic toxicity of cocaine with special focus on OS‐related mechanisms. We also review the preclinical and clinical literature concerning the putative therapeutic effects of OS modulators (such as N‐acetylcysteine, superoxide dismutase mimetics, nitroxides and nitrones, NADPH oxidase inhibitors, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, and mitochondriotropic antioxidants) for the treatment of cocaine toxicity. We conclude that available OS modulators do not appear to have clinical efficacy.
Determination of Glucose Levels during Dialysis Treatment: Different Sensors and Technologies
Authors: Sbrignadello Stefano , Pacini Giovanni , Tura Andrea
Published: December 2015

The measurement of glycemia in subjects with renal failure, thus treated with hemodialysis, or peritoneal dialysis, is clinically relevant, since glucose levels may influence the determination of other solutes, such as creatinine, as well as some ions, such as sodium, whose degree of removal during dialysis sessions should be controlled carefully. Also, glucose levels should be controlled to avoid possible events of hypoglycemia during the treatment, especially in diabetic subjects. Indeed, even cases of hypoglycemic coma are documented. The glucose measurement during the dialysis treatment can be performed with different sensors and technologies: for instance, with traditional glucose meters, with instruments for continuous glucose monitoring, or with optical sensors. The aim of this review study was to analyze these different approaches and briefly discuss possible advantages and limitations.
Impact of Bilingualism on Cognitive Outcome After Stroke
Authors: Alladi Suvarna , Bak Thomas H. , Mekala Shailaja , Rajan Amulya , Chaudhuri Jaydip Ray , Mioshi Eneida , Krovvidi Rajesh , Surampudi Bapiraju , Duggirala Vasanta , Kaul Subhash
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose—

Bilingualism has been associated with slower cognitive aging and a later onset of dementia. In this study, we aimed to determine whether bilingualism also influences cognitive outcome after stroke.

Methods—

We examined 608 patients with ischemic stroke from a large stroke registry and studied the role of bilingualism in predicting poststroke cognitive impairment in the absence of dementia.

Results—

A larger proportion of bilinguals had normal cognition compared with monolinguals (40.5% versus 19.6%;
P
<0.0001), whereas the reverse was noted in patients with cognitive impairment, including vascular dementia and vascular mild cognitive impairment (monolinguals 77.7% versus bilinguals 49.0%;
P
<0.0009). There were no differences in the frequency of aphasia (monolinguals 11.8% versus bilinguals 10.5%;
P
=0.354). Bilingualism was found to be an independent predictor of poststroke cognitive impairment.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that bilingualism leads to a better cognitive outcome after stroke, possibly by enhancing cognitive reserve.
Stroke Location Is an Independent Predictor of Cognitive Outcome
Authors: Munsch Fanny , Sagnier Sharmila , Asselineau Julien , Bigourdan Antoine , Guttmann Charles. R. , Debruxelles Sabrina , Poli Mathilde , Renou Pauline , Perez Paul , Dousset Vincent , Sibon Igor , Tourdias Thomas
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose—

On top of functional outcome, accurate prediction of cognitive outcome for stroke patients is an unmet need with major implications for clinical management. We investigated whether stroke location may contribute independent prognostic value to multifactorial predictive models of functional and cognitive outcomes.

Methods—

Four hundred twenty-eight consecutive patients with ischemic stroke were prospectively assessed with magnetic resonance imaging at 24 to 72 hours and at 3 months for functional outcome using the modified Rankin Scale and cognitive outcome using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Statistical maps of functional and cognitive eloquent regions were derived from the first 215 patients (development sample) using voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping. We used multivariate logistic regression models to study the influence of stroke location (number of eloquent voxels from voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping maps), age, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and stroke volume on modified Rankin Scale and MoCA. The second part of our cohort was used as an independent replication sample.

Results—

In univariate analyses, stroke location, age, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and stroke volume were all predictive of poor modified Rankin Scale and MoCA. In multivariable analyses, stroke location remained the strongest independent predictor of MoCA and significantly improved the prediction compared with using only age, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and stroke volume (area under the curve increased from 0.697–0.771; difference=0.073; 95% confidence interval, 0.008–0.155). In contrast, stroke location did not persist as independent predictor of modified Rankin Scale that was mainly driven by initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (area under the curve going from 0.840 to 0.835). Similar results were obtained in the replication sample.

Conclusions—

Stroke location is an independent predictor of cognitive outcome (MoCA) at 3 months post stroke.
The Berlin Wall after the Berlin Wall: Site into sight
Authors: Bach Jonathan
Published: December 2015

How did the Berlin Wall disappear as a border and re-appear as a site of memory? This article examines how the material space of the Wall was erased and reintroduced as worthy of commemoration. It shows how the Wall was first taken “out of time” (de-temporalized) and then re-temporalized within narratives of trauma, consumption, and the political through three key sites of commemoration—the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse, Checkpoint Charlie, and the East Side Gallery. Independently and as part of the city’s official “concept” for memorializing the Wall, these sites connect the city as much to its search for new frontiers of possible futures as they do to its past. Examining them allows us to explore the role of temporality and materiality in the construction of collective memory.
Photo essay: Sensing memory
Authors: Baird Kingsley
Published: December 2015

This photo essay explores the evocation of memory through sensory stimuli in three of the artist/author’s memorial sculptures, both permanent and ephemeral.
Analysis of pore structure effects on diffusive transport in Opalinus clay via pore network models
Authors: Xiong Qingrong , Jivkov Andrey P.
Published: December 2015

Opalinus clay has a high sealing capacity and is therefore considered as a viable candidate for hosting high-level radioactive waste. Assessment of the long-term containment function of clays requires understanding and modelling of mass transport through evolving pore systems. Development of pore network models for diffusion, which can be coupled to models for deformation and micro-cracking, is reported. Effects of clay texture and solid phase constitution are calculated and analysed. The results are in the range of, but slightly over-predicting, experimentally measured coefficients of diffusion in different clay directions. Further model improvements require better knowledge of micro-pore tortuosity, which awaits higher resolution experimental techniques.
The initial dissolution rates of simulated UK Magnox–ThORP blend nuclear waste glass as a function of pH, temperature and waste loading
Authors: Cassingham N. , Corkhill C.L. , Backhouse D.J. , Hand R.J. , Ryan J.V. , Vienna J.D. , Hyatt N.C.
Published: December 2015

The first comprehensive assessment of the dissolution kinetics of simulant Magnox–ThORP blended UK high-level waste glass, obtained by performing a range of single-pass flow-through experiments, is reported here. Inherent forward rates of glass dissolution were determined over a temperature range of 23 to 70°C and an alkaline pH range of 8.0 to 12.0. Linear regression techniques were applied to the TST kinetic rate law to obtain fundamental parameters necessary to model the dissolution kinetics of UK high-level waste glass (the activation energy (Ea), pH power law coefficient (η) and the intrinsic rate constant (k0)), which is of importance to the post-closure safety case for the geological disposal of vitreous products. The activation energies based on B release ranged from 55 ± 3 to 83 ± 9 kJ mol–1, indicating that Magnox–THORP blend glass dissolution has a surface-controlled mechanism, similar to that of other high-level waste simulant glass compositions such as the French SON68 and LAW in the US. Forward dissolution rates, based on Si, B and Na release, suggested that the dissolution mechanism under dilute conditions, and pH and temperature ranges of this study, was not sensitive to composition as defined by HLW-incorporation rate.
Thermal dimensioning to determine acceptable waste package loading and spatial configurations of heat-generating waste packages
Authors: Myers Simon , Holton David , Hoch Andrew
Published: December 2015

Heat-generating waste provides a number of additional technical challenges over and above those associated with the disposal of ILW. A priority area of work for Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) concerns the effect of heat on the engineered barrier system, and how this may be mitigated through the management of heat (thermal dimensioning) in a UK Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). The objective of thermal dimensioning is to provide a strategy to enable acceptable waste package loading and spatial configurations of the packages to be determined in order to enable high-heat generating waste to be successfully disposed in a GDF. An early focus of the work has been to develop a thermal modelling tool to support analyses of different combinations of package assumptions and other GDF factors, such as spacing of those packages, to assess the compliance with thermal limits. The approach has a capability to investigate quickly and efficiently the implications of a wide range of disposal concepts for the storage of spent fuel/HLW and the dimensions of a GDF. This study describes the approach taken to undertaking this work, which has included a robust appraisal of the key data (and the associated uncertainty); recent thermal dimensioning analysis has been performed to identify constraints on those disposal concepts.
Ground-penetrating radar for assessing winter roads
Authors: Annan A. Peter , Diamanti Nectaria , Redman J. David , Jackson Steven R.
Published: December 2015

Since its inception, ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been a very effective method for examining ice structure. The vast majority of early GPR use was focused on answering questions related to glaciology and ice sheets. More recently, as more and more activity occurs in arctic areas, managing ice structures for a variety of applications has created new uses for GPR. For the past 30–40 years, GPR use for assessing transportation routes over lakes, rivers, and sea ice has been reported, but, only in the last decade has routine application occurred. We have focused on the application of GPR for winter road safety, explained the operational requirements, discussed the current state of practice, and illustrated modern GPR instrumentation. Based on widespread field observations, we have provided information on the ice-layer thickness variation and the variability on GPR ice bottom reflection. Combining extensive GPR and ice auger data provided insight into the variability of electromagnetic wave velocity in ice. Extensive observations showed that velocity varies with ice thickness, and velocities are often considerably lower than observed in “pure” ice.
Predictors of Whole-Body Insulin Sensitivity Across Ages and Adiposity in Adult Humans
Authors: Lalia Antigoni Z. , Dasari Surendra , Johnson Matthew L. , Robinson Matthew M. , Konopka Adam R. , Distelmaier Klaus , Port John D. , Glavin Maria T. , Esponda Raul Ruiz , Nair K. Sreekumaran , Lanza Ian R.
Published: December 2015

Context:

Numerous factors are purported to influence insulin sensitivity including age, adiposity, mitochondrial function, and physical fitness. Univariate associations cannot address the complexity of insulin resistance or the interrelationship among potential determinants.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to identify significant independent predictors of insulin sensitivity across a range of age and adiposity in humans.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

Peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity were measured by two stage hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps in 116 men and women (aged 19–78 y). Insulin-stimulated glucose disposal, the suppression of endogenous glucose production during hyperinsulinemia, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were tested for associations with 11 potential predictors. Abdominal subcutaneous fat, visceral fat (AFVISC), intrahepatic lipid, and intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) were quantified by magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiratory capacity (state 3), coupling efficiency, and reactive oxygen species production were evaluated from muscle biopsies. Aerobic fitness was measured from whole-body maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), and metabolic flexibility was determined using indirect calorimetry.

Results:

Multiple regression analysis revealed that AFVISC (P < .0001) and intrahepatic lipid (P = .002) were independent negative predictors of peripheral insulin sensitivity, whereas VO2 peak (P = .0007) and IMCL (P = .023) were positive predictors. Mitochondrial capacity and efficiency were not independent determinants of peripheral insulin sensitivity. The suppression of endogenous glucose production during hyperinsulinemia model of hepatic insulin sensitivity revealed percentage fat (P < .0001) and AFVISC (P = .001) as significant negative predictors. Modeling homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance identified AFVISC (P < .0001), VO2 peak (P = .001), and IMCL (P = .01) as independent predictors.

Conclusion:

The reduction in insulin sensitivity observed with aging is driven primarily by age-related changes in the content and distribution of adipose tissue and is independent of muscle mitochondrial function or chronological age.
Importance of Integrating Sustainability Principles into Project Management Competency Standards
Authors: ����������  , Ponomareva Tatyana , �������  , Gergert Dmitriy , ����������  , Ponomareva Tatyana
Published: December 2015

The balance between economic growth and social wellbeing has been around as a political and managerial challenge for many years, and the concept of sustainability has grown in recognition and importance. The pressure on companies to broaden its economic and sustainability performance reporting and accountability to shareholders has increased. The integration of the concepts of sustainability in projects and project management became very significant. Today modern companies have to implement the principles of sustainability in their operational activities, and this process requires changers including: finance, marketing, manufacturing, communications. Project managers are regarded in organizations as �change agents� who have a strong influence on the sustainability of organizations. Translating the principles of sustainability into strategic and operational reality project managers need to obtain some competencies that provide them with the necessary tools and abilities to manage such important changes and to integrate sustainability standards and ideas into company�s day-to-day operations. However, the standards of project management fail to address the role that project managers play in realizing sustainable development, and project managers are lacking competencies to consider the sustainability aspects of their projects. This �competency gap� of the project manager has appeared in the standards of project management competencies. Many scientific scholars and practitioners are aware of strong importance of engaging sustainability into the modern models of project managers� competencies, to prepare project managers for their pivotal role in realizing sustainability of organizations. The central question of this paper is: Which new competencies should be added to the standards of project management competencies? This paper also reports a literature-based analysis of the coverage of the competencies required for considering sustainability aspects, in the standards of project management competencies. In this article the authors present a review of different scientific approaches to the sustainability competencies of project managers and make an attempt to establish the significance of closing the gap between the set of project managers� competences and the required competencies from the point of sustainability.
Some Features of Project Management in Small Innovative Business
Authors: ������  , Dagaev Aleksandr , ���������  , Lutfullin M.
Published: December 2015

The article considers the problems of management in innovative start-ups.

The question is discussed whether to use for this purposes some traditional

standards and methodologies of project management discipline. It

is concluded on the basis of the three in-depth interviews with executives

of small innovative companies that entrepreneurs are not always familiar

with the basic principles of project management, but widely apply them in

practice intuitively. The authors propose a number of additions to the PMBoK

standard, which will allow better adopt it to the problems of innovative

entrepreneurs.
Research Note—Patching the Cloud: The Impact of SaaS on Patching Strategy and the Timing of Software Release
Authors: Choudhary Vidyanand , Zhang Zhe (James)
Published: December 2015

This paper extends prior research on the software vendors’ optimal release time and patching strategy in the context of cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS). Traditionally, users are responsible for running on-premises software; by contrast, a vendor is responsible for running SaaS software, and the SaaS vendor incurs a larger proportion of defect-related costs than a vendor of on-premises software. We examine the effect of this difference on a vendor’s choice of when to release software and the proportion of software defects to fix. Surprisingly, we find that, despite incurring a larger proportion of defect-related costs, it is optimal for the SaaS vendor to release software earlier and with more defects, and to patch a smaller proportion of defects, than the on-premises software vendor. Even though the SaaS vendor incurs higher defect-related costs, he obtains a larger profit than the traditional vendor. In addition, we find that for a vendor who uses the SaaS model, the optimal number of defects after patching may be lower than the socially efficient outcome. This occurs despite the fact that the number of defects after patching in the SaaS model is higher than in the traditional on-premises model.
Embarrassing Exposures in Online Social Networks: An Integrated Perspective of Privacy Invasion and Relationship Bonding
Authors: Choi Ben C. F. , Jiang Zhenhui (Jack) , Xiao Bo , Kim Sung S.
Published: December 2015

Online social networks greatly facilitate social exchange among friends. At times, for amusement, individuals may be targeted by friends’ playful teases, which often involve exposing individuals’ private embarrassing information, such as information that reveals their past indecent behavior, mischief, or clumsiness. Although individuals sometimes do enjoy the humor, they might also be offended by the involuntary exposure. Drawing on social exchange theory, this paper elucidates the consequences of an embarrassing exposure in online social networks. Specifically, this study examines the effects of information dissemination and network commonality on individuals’ exchange assessment as well as how this assessment shapes their behavioral responses. The results of our experiment provide strong evidence that information dissemination and network commonality jointly influence individuals’ perceived privacy invasion and perceived relationship bonding. In addition, whereas perceived privacy invasion increases transactional avoidance, it reduces approach behavior. Furthermore, whereas perceived relationship bonding impedes both transactional avoidance and interpersonal avoidance, it leads to approach behavior. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Contribution of Rural Women in Vegetable Cultivation in Homegardens of Nainital District, Kumaun Himalaya, India
Authors: Bargali Kiran , Vibhuti Vibhuti , Shahi Charu
Published: December 2015

Homegardens are usually the small piece of land surrounding the house. They are important agroecosystems and are a source of subsistence and cash resources. The aim of present study was to analyse contribution of rural women in homegarden vegetable cultivation in Nainital district of Kumaun Himalaya, India. Data were collected from 100 respondents by using random sampling method. Participatory interview technique was used to collect data. Observation of homegardens revealed that women play a key role in homegarden vegetable cultivation. Majority of rural women were independently participating (60%) in homegarden vegetable cultivation while 40% women participated jointly with men. Characteristics of rural women such as age, level of education, family size, homegarden size, knowledge about homegarden etc vary from place to place and affect contribution of rural women insignificantly. In order to enable women to actively participate in the various activities related to homegarden vegetable cultivation there is a great need to promote change in policies, laws and development programmes.
Heterosis and Combining Ability for Grain Yield and Yield Component Traits of Maize in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Zeleke Habtamu
Published: December 2015

Combining ability analysis for grain yield and yield component traits in maize were carried out in 8×8 diallel cross. The analysis of variance showed there is highly significant variation between the genotypes for all the traits considered. Year of testing was significant only for days to maturity and grain yield per hectare. The highest percentage of heterosis for grain over the standard varieties (BH 660) was observed by the cross L1 x L4 (29.3%) followed by crosses L1 x L5 (28.3%), L3 x L5 (21.7%) and L1 x L7 (20.8%). Mid-parent heterosis for days to maturity ranged from -2.5 to -23.9%, whereas that of better parent heterosis ranged from 0 to -13% indicating that the hybrids tend to be earlier in maturity than the parents. The mean squares due to GCA for days to maturity, ear diameter, member of kernels per row, 1000 kernel weight and grain yield were significant, indicating the importance of additive genetic variance in controlling these traits. The mean squares due to SCA were also significant for days to maturity, ear length, member of kernels per row and 1000 kernel weight indicating the importance of non-additive genetic variance in controlling these traits. The inbred lines L1, L3, and L4 were good general combiners for grain yield.
Yield Response Factor for Onion (Allium Cepa L) Crop Under Deficit Irrigation in Semiarid Tropics of Maharashtra
Authors: Bhagyawant R. G , Gorantiwar S. D , Dahiwalkar S. D
Published: December 2015

The present study deals with the study of yield response factor (Ky) for onion crop cultivated under deficit irrigation for Rahuri region (Maharashra). The field experiment was conducted to determine the yield response factor of the onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. N-2-4-1 crop under the deficit irrigation approach during summer season of 2012 and 2013 at Instructional Farm of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Dr. Annasaheb Shinde College of Agricultural Engineering, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri. Experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 27 treatments and two replications based on different combinations of the quantity of water stress during different crop growth stages. Water applied per irrigation and soil moisture contents before and after irrigation were monitored throughout the season, while onion bulbs were harvested at the end of season and weighed. Average daily crop water use (crop consumptive use) were estimated from the soil moisture content using the soil moisture depletion method. The seasonal yield response factor (Ky) was obtained by relating relative yield decreases to relative crop water use deficit by the regression analysis. The relative yield decreases of the onion crop were proportionally greater with increase in evapotranspiration deficit. It shows the response of yield with respect to the decrease in water consumption. In other words, it explains the decrease in yield caused by the per unit decrease in water consumption. Seasonal crop response factor for onion crop was determined as 1.58, 1.48 and 1.54 during 2012, 2013 and average of both year (2012 &2013) respectively. The yield response factors developed in this study could be used in irrigation design and scheduling for onion in the study area.
Effect of Azolla pinnata on Seed Germination, Vigour Index, Biomass and Yield of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Tejaswini G. S , Mahadevakumar S , Janardhana G. R
Published: December 2015

A study was conducted to know the effect of Azolla pinnata collected from Hampapura of K.R. Nagar in Mysore district on seed germination, vigour index, biomass and yield of French bean. A total of four different treatments of earthen pots containing soil: sand: farmyard manure (2:1:1) amended with 10g (T1), 25g (T2), 50g (T3) and 100g (T4) of fresh Azolla biomass and pots amended with 10g (T0) of Factamphos served as positive control. Pots without any supplement served as negative control. 10 seeds of French bean variety ‘S 9’ were sown in each pot and normal agronomic practices were followed. Seed germination was determined after eight days of sowing, and after every 15, 30, 60 and 90 days of sowing, vigour index, biomass and pod yield were determined. The results of the study showed that, high percentage seed germination (81.66%) was recorded with the treatment incorporated with 25g (T2) of Azolla biomass followed by 10g (76.33%), 100g (76.00%) and 50g (72.66%) of Azolla biomass respectively. Minimum seed germination percentage of 64.66% and 65.66 % were recorded in respective negative and positive controls. Significant increase in seedling vigour (VI) was recorded in all the treatments compared to controls. Pod yield increased in T2 followed by T0, T1, T3, T4 and untreated respectively after 90 days of sowing. The study showed that Azolla could be used as a supplement for other pulse crops for increased biomass and overall yield of French bean.
Peronistas y militares. Una vieja relación en un nuevo contexto
Authors: Gorza Anabella
Published: December 2015

Este artículo aborda el levantamiento cívico militar encabezado por el general Miguel Ángel Iñíguez, ocurrido el 30 de noviembre de1960. Este alzamiento fue el último intento de golpe de Estado peronista puesto en práctica, como estrategia para la recuperación del poder luego del derrocamiento de Perón en 1955. Las repercusiones que generó se filtraron en los debatesde la época acerca del mantenimiento o no del estado de sitio y del Plan CONINTES, del otorgamiento de la legalidad al peronismo, del proceso de normalización de la CGT y del rol que los militares debían cumplir en la sociedad. A su vez, su estudio, nos ha permitido reflexionar sobre la relación de larga data entre Ejército y peronismo, y la reactualización de esta relación durante el período de la Resistencia, y la cuestión, mucho más amplia, de las relaciones entre civiles y militares que caracterizaron a la época.
Belonging to a Community of Research Practice
Authors: Clavijo-Olarte Amparo
Published: December 2015

Belonging to a community of research practice as applied linguists or as
academics in any field is part of our professional life. Being an academic implies,
inter alia, creativity in advancing knowledge in the disciplines, which reflects in
writing journal articles, presenting papers in conferences, doing research, teaching,
tutoring students and publishing. Globally, every higher education institution
requires that academics publish in prominent journals to make their work and
their institution visible and influence their professional field. However, the questions
that arise concerning academic production are how do communities of research
support academic production?, How do higher education institutions help novice
researchers develop academic writing competences?, What is the place of writing
within research? How do institutions foster quality publication?
Developing the metacognitive skill of noticing the gap through self-transcribing: The case of students enrolled in an ELT training program in Chile
Authors: Salas Millaray D
Published: December 2015

This paper reports the preliminary results of the first phase of an ongoing educational intervention conducted with students enrolled in an ELT training program at PUCV. The study set out to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of the recording and self-transcription methodology (Lynch, 2001, 2007; Mennim, 2003, 2012) as a route to noticing the gap and defossilization. Students (N=20) transcribed the oral texts they produced during the speaking section of the diagnostic test for English 5. The tasks were: (1) transcribing three minutes of their speaking time, (2) highlighting all the errors they identified in their own speech (3) coding them (e.g. grammatical, lexical, phonological) and (4) sending the annotated transcript to the instructor by email. Drawing on the theory of questionnaire design and processing (Dörnyei, 2003), a survey was designed and posted online (GoogleForm) and emailed to the students. The questionnaire asked students to evaluate the perceived benefits of the self-transcription methodology. The study data consist of the annotated transcripts and the questionnaire responses. The results of this study were much less positive than what has been reported in the literature (Willis & Willis, 1996, Burns & Joyce, 1997; Lynch, 2001, 2007; Mennim, 2003, 2012; Thornbury & Slade, 2006; Boettinger, Park & Timmis 2010; Stillwell et al., 2010), so an attempt is made to see why this might have been the case. Some pedagogical implications of this approach in the Chilean context are discussed.
The Impact of Action Research on the Professional Development of Foreign Language Teaching Educators
Authors: Guerra Sanchez Juan Carlos , Rodriquez Vasquez Zoraida , Diaz Mosquera Claudia Patricia
Published: December 2015

In this article we report the final results of a multiple case study that brought together the experiences and reflections of student teachers, cooperating teachers and advisors about action research and its effect on their professional development.  Through observations, interviews, focus groups, and research reports analyses, the researchers recognized the personal, professional, and political dimensions that guide participants’ teaching and research actions. Findings shed some light on issues such as collaboration and engagement to keep conversations that actually connect life in schools and life at the university, and to support continuous learning for teachers. The insights we gained evidenced that the teachers, students, and administrators in the teaching program and their colleagues in the public schools need to strengthen their links through proposals of experiential learning which promote joint efforts, symmetric relationships, and expertise co-construction; thus, enabling all participants to validate their process as individuals, as members of educational institutions, and as key actors in promoting and sustaining a better society.  
La paz en El Tiempo y el tiempo de la paz: Discursos sobre el inicio de los diálogos de paz entre la guerrilla de las FARC-EP y el gobierno nacional en el portal virtual del periódico El Tiempo
Authors: Parada Bernal Miguel Angel
Published: December 2015

La investigación pretende dar cuenta respecto a la forma en que el portal virtual del periódico El Tiempo informó sobre el inicio de los diálogos de paz que se desarrollan en la actualidad entre la guerrilla de las FARC-EP y el gobierno nacional, a partir del análisis de los discursos que allí se publicaron en el momento de su acontecimiento.

 

El fundamento teórico y metodológico de la investigación retoma aportes de la Teoría crítica de la comunicación y el Análisis crítico del discurso, donde se interrelacionan categorías como poder, comunicación, medios y discurso, considerando de forma transversal, el análisis a propósito de la prensa en el ámbito de las nuevas tecnologías de la comunicación.

Palabras clave: análisis del discurso, diálogos de paz, periódico El Tiempo, tecnologías de la comunicación.
La cobertura informativa de los medios de comunicación frente al conflicto armado y el proceso de paz en Colombia: Responsabilidad frente a la divulgación de la noticia.
Authors: Calderón Rojas Jonathan
Published: December 2015

Este artículo a partir de fuentes documentales, analiza la responsabilidad  social y  periodística que  tienen los  medios de comunicación frente a las noticias del conflicto  armado  y  el actual  proceso de  paz. Se demuestra que  en muchos  casos el lenguaje  que  utilizan los medios de  comunicación  intensifica  el  conflicto armado debido a  la descontextualización  y manipulación  de  las noticas.  Se enfatiza en  la necesidad de  entender  la comunicación como un  servicio  público y a  la  información  como un bien  público, es decir que  no es  de nadie en particular  y que le compete  ser cada  día  más  profesional orientada  a una  comunicación  para  la  paz  que ayude a entender  la  realidad de  los  hechos entre  la opinión  pública.
Factores de construcción social que afectan la seguridad pública: riesgos para el posconflicto
Authors: Martínez Cortecero Ignacio , Parra Cely Rodolfo , Pobre Otálora Willín Andrés , Contreras Solaque Duvan Norberto
Published: December 2015

El posconflicto, en su sentido más amplio, es el proceso de transición de un conflicto armado interno a la proscripción de las acciones bélicas. Ello implicará la reconfiguración de los escenarios y prioridades de la seguridad pública. Por tanto, las demandas ciudadanas, las expresiones de violencia y conductas punibles relacionadas con la maximización de beneficios y la imposición de órdenes sociales por parte de actores no estatales, tendrían una calidad contingente. Desde esta perspectiva, la institucionalización de actividades económicas criminales y el conflicto social, son dinámicas con sentido de reproducción propio que hacen parte de la vida cotidiana. Además, son independientes de los procesos políticos que se desarrollen y se les considera riesgos latentes contra la seguridad pública.
Aportes a la construcción de paz desde la comunicación y el tejido social: caso de los parceleros de Santa Paula (Córdoba)
Authors: Forero Paola , Hernandez Beltran Nadya , Ordóñez Jairo
Published: December 2015

El presente artículo aborda el caso de los parceleros de Santa Paula (en el departamento de Córdoba), como insumo para revisar los aportes que desde la comunicación y el tejido social sirven a la comprensión de la construcción de paz en el ámbito local. Se revisan, con especial interés, las relaciones sociales y las características del proceso comunicativo en este grupo, beneficiario de la política de restitución de tierras, que hace parte del proceso de reparación integral a las víctimas del conflicto armado colombiano.
“Una sociedad vive más cohesionada si está reconciliada” Entrevista a Kristian Herbolzheimer
Authors: Hernández Mauricio
Published: December 2015

Dos años llevan en La Habana con el cuento de la paz, escamoteando desde el principio, deliberadamente, el punto esencial, el de si van a pagar cárcel por sus crímenes los delincuentes de las FARC. Si sí, cuánto y en qué. ¿En años, o en milisegundos? ¿Por qué lo están dejando para el final? Para embrollar y diluir la infamia contando con la olvidadiza memoria humana. Nada van a pagar. Se reintegrarán a la sociedad como los reinsertados de Uribe, que siguen delinquiendo, y formarán un nuevo partido, el de Justicia y Libertad, para sumárselo al Liberal, al Conservador, al de la A, al de la B, al de la C, al de la U, a la Alianza Verde, al Polo Democrático, al Centro Democrático, a la Opción Ciudadana, al Cambio Radical, y se pegarán de la ubre pública como los de todos estos… Juan Manuel Santos es el más grande bellaco de la Historia de Colombia, y estas jornadas por la paz una farsa. (Vallejo, 2015)
“El relato para salir del conflicto no puede ser solo la sanción y la memoria de los vencedores… en esta lucha política permanente frente al proceso de paz, hay una disputa por el relato”
Authors: Red de Estudio en Memoria
Published: December 2015

Las conversaciones de paz en La Habana – Cuba se encuentran en desarrollo. Dentro de las actividades planeadas en el seno de las mismas, en 2014 se decidió  crear una Comisión Histórica del Conflicto y sus Víctimas (CHCV), la cual contó con la participación de 12 expertos y dos relatores, y cuya misión consistió en producir un Informe en el que se diera cuenta de los orígenes y las múltiples causas del conflicto, los principales factores y condiciones que han facilitado o contribuido a su persistencia, así como los efectos e impactos más notorios del mismo sobre la población.

 
BIG DATA APPLIED TO CYBER-PHYSICAL LOGISTIC SYSTEMS: CONCEPTUAL MODEL AND PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Frazzon Enzo Morosini , Dutra Moisés Lima , Vianna William Barbosa
Published: December 2015

The management of supply chains and their subsystems embodies strategic and contemporaneous challenges. The competitiveness of supply chains depends increasingly on their flexibility. Logistics as a supply chain function has to compensate increasing requirements regarding flexibility by means of a higher information density and the employment of innovative techniques for data acquisition and analytics. Indeed, the flow of information that commands the physical flow embodies a critical issue for the management of supply chains. Hence, by means of a theoretical and conceptual approach, this paper aims to propose to research management perspectives and propose a model for the application of innovative techniques for data acquisition and analytics in Cyber-Physical Logistic Systems.
MODELLING THE HAZARD CONTROL IN A WET PROCESS PLANT- A CASE OF CEMENT PLANT
Authors: Adebiyi Kazeem Adekunle , Akinyemi Olasunkanmi Oriola , Akintan Adeshinaayomi Lawal , Ajayeoba Abiola Olufemi
Published: December 2015

Cement industry is responsible for approximately 5% of global anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions emitting nearly 900 kg of CO2 for every 1000 kg of cement produced. Effective control strategies to mitigate these emissions were discussed and a mathematical programming model able to suggest the best cost effective strategy was formulated. Control costs consisting of operating and retrofit costs along with the efficiency of control options are taken into account in the model. A representative case study from the cement industry was considered in order to illustrate the use of the model in giving optimal control strategies. The hazard control model was solved using commercial software called LP_SOLVE (Version 5.5) configured to apply the branch and bound algorithm. Efficiency improvement measures were the considered mitigation option and it was found to be effective options for reduction targets up to 18 %. Four efficiency improvement technologies were considered and a reduction of 18% amounting to almost 100,000 tonnes of emission was achieved with an increase of 14.3% and 9.1% in production and operating cost respectively. The findings of this study will help cement plant operators to reduce their emission level by implementing various retrofit options to suite intended targets and subsequently reducing environmental health risk.