bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mejoras productivas en el tratamiento de Paja Toquilla en el Centro de Tratamiento de Paja Toquilla de la comuna Barcelona, parroquia Manglaralto, provincia de Santa Elena, Ecuador.
Authors: Lucin Jorge
Published: June 2017

La comuna de Barcelona, parroquia Manglaralto del Cantón Santa Elena, es conocida por su tratamiento  a la planta paja toquilla (Carludovicapalmata). En sus  hectáreas de terreno en las montañas que colinda con la cordillera Chongón-Colonche,  crece este vegetal en forma silvestre que es cosechado en aproximadamente tres años de cultivo. En el poblado, las familias lideradas por mujeres trabajadoras,  realiza el tratamiento de la planta, por procesos de limpieza, cocción, secado y embalaje, que será destinado a sectores del país en donde elaboran los famosos sombreros de paja toquilla. Con el fin de mejorar el proceso de este tratamiento, el grupo NOBIS, el Consejo Provincial de Santa Elena y  PORAMÉRICA,  firmaron un convenio de cooperación que ha logrado conseguir los objetivos planteados. El proceso de secado, que constituía un problema en épocas de ausencia de sol, ha sido solucionado con la instalación de secadores industriales y a la vez, la cocción marginó el proceso de hacerlo con madero y leña, logrando eficiencia en este proceso con la utilización de quemadores con gas industrial, disminuyendo el impacto ambiental. El proceso administrativo mejoró con la implementación de documentos  y control del proceso de producción y costos. AbstractThe community of Barcelona, parish ManglaraltoCantón Santa Elena, is known for its treatment of the straw shawl floor (Carludovicapalmata). In its acres of land in the mountains adjacent to the Chongón-Colonche range, this plant grows wild it is harvested in about three years of cultivation. In the village, families headed by women workers, performing the treatment plant for cleaning, cooking, drying and packaging processes, which will be directed to areas in the country where they make the famous Panama hats. In order to improve the process of this treatment, the NOBS group, The Provincial Council of Santa Elena and PORAMÉRICA,   have signed a cooperation agreement that has managed to achieve the objectives. The drying process, which was a problem in times of lack of sun, has been solved with installation of industrial dryers and simultaneously marginalized cooking process and do it with wood stove, achieving efficiency in this process with the use of burners with industrial gas, lowering environmental impact. The administrative process improved with the implementation of documents and control of the production process and costs.
Comercio entre Huaquillas, Ecuador - Aguas Verdes, Perú.
Authors: Carpio Raúl , Mayorga Elsa , Camacho Kiersten
Published: June 2017

El comercio internacional entre las localidades de mayor importancia en la frontera Ecuador-Perú se ha hecho relevante en los últimos años. El presente trabajo busca dar a conocer esta información para que los empresarios ecuatorianos puedan identificar oportunidades de negocio enmarcadas en el plan estratégico de transformación de la matriz productiva el cual busca aumentar la producción nacional a través de la sustitución de importaciones.  Tomando como base la ciudad de Huaquillas, los resultados de la investigación describen que los principales productos de importación son los textiles y el calzado, ya que representan más del 50% del total de importaciones y 107 millones de dólares al año.AbstractThis research aims to present the statistics on international trade between the major towns on the border Ecuador - Peru. This work seeks to show business opportunities framed in the Strategic Plan of the Productive Transformation matrix which seeks to increase domestic production through import substitution. Based on Huaquillas city, the research results show that the main imports are textiles and footwear, which represent over 50% of total imports and $ 107 million a year.
Stakeholders, responsabilidad social en ecuador Stakeholders, social responsibility in ecuador
Authors: Morán Christian , Rodríguez Leslie , Torres Mariuxi , Aguilar Ana , Villalta Marta
Published: June 2017

La importancia de la responsabilidad social empresarial (RSE) radica en el involucramiento y el compromiso de la empresa hacia los diferentes grupos de interés que interactúan. Algunos grupos son afectados a causa de las actividades operacionales de las organizaciones, generando impactos en dimensiones sociales, económicas y ambientales. El enfoque central de la investigación es la determinación de la incidencia de la RSE en los patrones de vida de los grupos que intervienen en la cadena de valor ecuatoriana. En adelante estos son llamados stakeholders. Se precisa como antesala, los hechos y precedentes que marcaron la evolución y participación del modelo de negocio en los diferentes países de Latinoamérica. Sobre esta base, se realiza una revisión conceptual de la responsabilidad social en las empresas, la ISO 26000 y la posición de los stakeholders. El estudio se fundamenta en un análisis comparativo de países como: Chile, Colombia y Ecuador; identificando similitudes de su entorno, particularidades, fortalezas y debilidades en materia de RSE.
Uso de redes neuronales artificiales para mejorar el tránsito en las vías
Authors: Mejía Edwin , Orozco Walter
Published: June 2017

Este artículo pretende dar una idea de cómo las Redes Neuronales Artificiales (ANNs), una técnica de la Inteligencia Artificial (IA), se puede acoplar a resolver el problema del tráfico en las vías de la ciudad de Riobamba, provincia de Chimborazo, país Ecuador, usando cuatro semáforos estándar, a través de un ejemplo se indica el uso de componentes electrónicos como FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate array) y los sensores en este campo, a través de detectar y contar autos puede dar mayor fluidez al tráfico. La vía que mayor cantidad de autos tenga se dará mayor prioridad para la luz verde. Usando el algoritmo de aprendizaje de un Perceptrón Simple.
La auditoría y el control como base para minimizar los riesgos en ambiente empresarial moderno
Authors: Vera Gutiérrez Sidia , Avilés Flor Teresa , Quiñónez Alvarado Erika
Published: June 2017

Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar el rol fundamental que tienen las Universidades como entidades de formación, en la difusión y fijación de conceptos, criterios modernos y herramientas de un adecuado control interno integrado, también establecer los riesgos que enfrentan las entidades en el entorno moderno, con el fin de que el auditor logre una buena gestión y adecuada rendición de cuentas a la sociedad. Se discernió sobre los cambios de tendencias en la información y comunicación virtual, para evaluarlas y prever sus efectos, se concluyó que los auditores modernos ante la globalización y la velocidad de la información y comunicación virtual, requieren nuevas y diferentes técnicas, así como habilidades de evaluación de los controles internos pero principalmente un cambio en las conceptualizaciones del proceso de control y una actitud crítica para lograr mayor eficiencia en sus organizaciones, que garantice el cumplimiento de las Normas Internacionales de Auditoría y Código de Ética. Un Auditor tradicional de evaluación de control interno, enfrenta un gran desafío, realizar un trabajo más complejo y de mayor alcance a través de la evaluación de los modelos que se propondrán, a fin de determinar adecuadas estrategias para definir nuevos horizontes que maximicen oportunidades y minimicen riesgos.Abstract This study aims to determine the fundamental role of universities and training institutions in the diffusion and fixing concepts, modern criteria and tools of an adequate integrated internal control also establish the risks faced by entities in the modern environment, in order the auditor to achieve good management and proper accountability to society. He discerned on the changing trends in information and virtual communication, to assess and predict its effects, it was concluded that modern auditors to globalization and the speed of information and virtual communication, require new and different techniques and skills evaluation of internal controls but mainly a change in the conceptualizations of the control process and a critical attitude to achieve greater efficiency in their organizations, to ensure compliance with the International Standards on Auditing and Code of Ethics. A traditional Auditor evaluation of internal control, facing a great challenge, a more complex and far-reaching work through the evaluation of the models proposed, in order to determine appropriate strategies to define new horizons that maximize opportunities and minimize risks
Guía de auditoría para la evaluación del control interno de seguridad de la información con enfoque COBIT 5: caso Universidad Católica de Cuenca (UCACUE).
Authors: Encalada Loja Carlos , Cordero Guzmán Diego
Published: June 2017

El objetivo del trabajo es realizar una Guía de Auditoría para la evaluación del Control Interno de la seguridad de la información  alineada a los criterios de las mejores prácticas de COBIT 5, con la intención de soportar de mejor manera la seguridad de la información en la Universidad Católica de Cuenca. Se toma como referencia el marco de trabajo de COBIT 5, sintetizado en las siguientes fases: análisis del entorno organizacional, determinación del alcance y los objetivos de la auditoría, identificación de actores clave a ser entrevistados, enfoque preliminar del contexto a ser auditado, determinación de recursos necesarios para realizar la auditoría, elaboración del plan de trabajo, implementación de tareas y actividades. En una fase de mayor detalle se ejecuta el mapeo de  los objetivos y procesos de TI y se elaboran los instrumentos principales para la aplicación de la Guía de Auditoría, que una vez implementados permitieron identificar las iniciativas en seguridad de la información efectuadas por la organización, en concreto se explotó  el código de proceso DSS05 de COBIT 5, denominado “Gestionar los servicios de seguridad”. Como resultado se obtuvo un diagnóstico del Control Interno de la seguridad de la información de la Universidad. Abstract The aim of this work is generate a for IT Audit dedicated to  evaluation of Internal Control Information Security aligned to the criteria of best practices of COBIT 5, with the intention to support better safety information in the Catholic University of Cuenca. COBIT 5 is taken as reference, summarized in the following phases: analysis of the organizational environment, determining the scope and objectives of the audit, identifying key players to be interviewed, preliminary approach context to be audited, determination resources needed to perform the audit work plan development, implementation of tasks and activities. In a phase of more detailed mapping goals and IT processes are executed after the main instruments for implementing the Audit Guide ere  developed, which once implemented it possible to identify initiatives in information security provided by the organization, specifically the process DSS05 code COBIT 5, entitled "Managing the security services" was exploited. As a result a diagnosis of Internal Control Information Security at the Catholic University of Cuenca was obtained and could establish audit findings that were reflected in the final report. Terminal phase as the letter addressed to top management on the most critical findings requiring urgent attention was drawn.
Estudio para la creación del centro de procesamiento y taller artesanal para la elaboración de productos derivados del marfil vegetal (tagua), en la comuna las Núñez provincia de Santa Elena
Authors: Pérez Pánchez Jorge , Garcés Vargas Juan , Villao Rodríguez Karina , Camacho Polo Isabel
Published: June 2017

El presente artículo trata sobre la creación del centro de acopio de producción y comercialización de derivados de tagua en la parroquia Manglaralto, situada en la provincia de Santa Elena, que ha sido establecida para otorgarle valor agregado a este material también conocido como marfil vegetal, que sirve para la elaboración de artesanías tales logrando de esta manera, generar empleos directos e indirectos. La localización del proyecto es, específicamente en la comuna Las Nuñez, por estar ubicada en la catalogada “Ruta del Spondylus”. La planta de tagua o nuez de marfil, es una joya otorgada por la naturaleza que, al ser trabajada por manos de hábiles orfebres, es utilizada en un sinnúmero de beneficios, logrando formas y diseños con calidad de exportación, que pueden ser expendidas con mayor facilidad a los turistas que recorren el sector. El trabajo cooperativo o en equipo según Ander – Egg, E (1997)[1]., es primordial para el desarrollo sostenible de proyectos; lo que deben aplicar los comuneros en la creación de productos ya que no sólo se venderá la materia prima sino que otorgándole valor agregado, se hará todo tipo de artesanías (tallado de figuras en miniaturas, collares, aretes finos, aretes populares, anillos, porta servilletas) para que tenga un mejor precio en el mercado y su talento se vea reflejado en productos con acabados de calidad. Abstract This article deals with the creation of the Tagua derivatives processing and marketing center in the Manglaralto parish, located in the Province of Santa Elena, which has been thought to give added value to this material, also known as vegetal ivory, which serves For the production of handicrafts such, thus generating direct and indirect jobs. The location of the project is, specifically in the commune Las Nuñez, located in the Route of the Spondylus. The Tagua plant or ivory walnut is a jewel given by nature that when processed in the hands of skilled goldsmiths, is used in a number of benefits, achieving shapes and designs with export quality, which can be more easily sold To the tourists that cross the sector. Cooperative or teamwork according to Ander - Egg, E (1997), is essential for the sustainable development of projects; What comuneros should apply in the creation of products since not only will they sell the raw material but also giving added value will be made all kinds of handicrafts (carving figures in miniatures, necklaces, fine earrings, popular earrings, rings, napkin holders) So that you have a better price in the market and your talent is reflected in products with quality finishes.
Simulación y evaluación de una voladura de producción en una cantera mediante análisis con el software JKSimBlast, perfilometría láser 2D y sismógrafos.
Authors: Morato Medina Antonio , Cebrián Romo Benjamín
Published: June 2017

En la cantera de árido de estudio se extrae roca caliza para su explotación como material de construcción. La función principal de las voladuras de producción es obtener mediante el uso de explosivos civiles, un tamaño de bloque adecuado para la planta de trituración, conseguir un frente de talud estable, bien marcado y rectilíneo para garantizar la estabilidad de la explotación y minimizar las vibraciones en las estructuras y zonas de interés circundantes. Para ello se define una voladura tipo en la que se simulan y evalúan los principales parámetros de diseño mediante el uso del software JKSimBlast, un perfilómetro 2D y dos sismógrafos, buscando conciliar una producción óptima con un nivel mínimo de vibraciones en las zonas a monitorear.  AbstractAt the studied quarry, limestone is extracted for its exploitation as construction material. The main functions of production blasts are to obtain, by using civil explosives, a suitable block size for the crushing plant, to achieve a stable, well-marked and rectilinear slope, to guarantee the stability of the operation and to minimize the vibrations in the surrounding structures and areas of interest. For this, a type blast is defined in which the main design parameters are simulated and evaluated using JKSimBlast software, a 2D profiler and two seismographs, seeking to reconcile optimal production with a minimum level of vibration in the areas to be monitored.
Estrategias de comercialización de las distribuidoras de productos de consumo masivo de la provincia de Santa Elena.
Authors: Vera Campuzano Nury , Ventura Suárez Alba , Fortis Suárez Joel , Andrade Vera Alicia , Santos Tomalá Julia , Collins Ventura Nathyn
Published: June 2017

El objetivo del presente artículo consiste en diagnosticar la percepción de los consumidores de las distribuidoras de productos de consumo masivo de la provincia de Santa Elena. La contribución teórica radica en la concepción de la teoría y práctica en las acciones estratégicas de comercialización atendiendo al contexto, la definición y caracterización de la gestión de marketing, con el fin de determinar los factores decisorios y de éxito para las empresas, constituye el aporte teórico para argumentar la investigación realizada. Se realizó una investigación exploratoria dirigida a consumidores de productos masivos de entre 20 y 54 años de la provincia de Santa Elena y se realizó entrevistas a tres representantes de distribuidoras de productos de consumo masivo. Los resultados recomiendan que con la aplicación de estrategias de comercialización asertivas basadas en las preferencias del grupo meta, y tendencias del mercado, se mejoraría el desempeño organizacional, mediante la captación de prospectos, y generación de lazos de fidelización de clientes actuales.  AbstractThe objective of the present scientific article is to diagnose the perception of the consumers of the distributors of products of mass consumption of the province of Santa Elena. The theoretical contribution lies in the conception of theory and practice in strategic marketing actions, taking into account the context, the definition and characterization of marketing management, in order to determine the decisive and success factors for the companies, constitutes the contribution Theoretical to argue the research carried out. An exploratory investigation was conducted for consumers of mass products between 20 and 54 years of Santa Elena province and interviews were conducted with three distributors of mass consumer products. The results recommend that with the application of assertive marketing strategies based on the preferences of the target group, and market trends, organizational performance would be improved by attracting prospects and generating loyalty ties of current clients.
Las reformas al impuesto al valor agregado y su efecto en la economía del consumidor en la provincia de Santa Elena. Año 2016
Authors: Asencio Cristóbal Nelson , Panchana Margarita , Tomalá Mónica , Asencio Cristóbal Luis
Published: June 2017

El objetivo del presente reporte es elaborar un análisis de las reformas tributarias del IVA implementadas en el país en el año 2016 y referir su  impacto en la economía del consumidor en la provincia de Santa Elena. Desde una perspectiva teórica, se define la estructura impositiva del país y su importancia en la generación de ingresos públicos para la consecución objetivos sociales; así como también los fines que conllevan las reformas tributarias tendientes a regular la economía, fomentar el empleo, incentivar la producción, la demanda y el consumo. En la investigación que dio origen a este artículo se aplicaron procedimientos metodológicos  deductivo, cuantitativo, y documental provenientes de fuentes oficiales y  técnicas de investigación que permitieron obtener información relevante para el análisis descriptivo  de las reformas, cuyos resultados reflejan la necesidad de que el gobierno, previa a la adopción de estas medidas,  realice con profundidad un estudio  socio-económico, que permita valorar las incidencias que tendrían en el sector productivo del país y en el consumido específicamente.  En la investigación se describen las últimas reformas tributarias del IVA para luego referir su efecto general en el consumo de bienes y servicios del consumidor peninsular. AbstractThe objective of the present report is to develop an analysis of VAT tax reforms implemented in the country in the year 2016 and see its impact on the economy of the consumer in the province of Santa Elena. From a theoretical perspective, defines the country's tax structure and its importance in the generation of revenue to achieve social objectives; as well as also the purposes involving tax reforms aimed at regulating the economy, promoting employment, encourage the production, demand and consumption. In the research that gave origin to this article is applied procedures methodological deductive, quantitative, and documentary from of sources official and technical of research that allowed obtain information relevant to the analysis descriptive of them reforms, whose results reflect the need of the Government, prior to the adoption of these measures perform with depth a study partner-economic, that allow rating them incidents that would have in the sector productive of the country and in the consumed specifically. In the research is described the latest reforms tax of the VAT to then refer its effect general in the consumption of goods and services of the consumer peninsular.
Introduction: Philological Moves
Authors: Stock Markus
Published: June 2017

In order to contextualize the articles in this volume, the Introduction reviews the 1990s shift in medieval studies that we connect with the New Philology, specifically its stance on manuscript transmission and medieval textuality. While tracing the varied responses to The New Philology in Europe and North America, the Introduction also argues that decisive philological trends in twentieth-century German text editing were overlooked in the initial debate, especially the long-standing interest of German scholars in manuscript transmission.
New Philology and the Biogenetics of Texts: Wolfram von Eschenbach’s Parzival in a New Electronic Edition (The Parzival Project)
Authors: Stolz Michael
Published: June 2017

While the debates on the New Philology emphasized the material character of textual transmission, another concept concerning textual materiality has also gained strength in recent decades, maintaining that textual alterations correspond to phenomena in biogenetics. The article discusses the question to what extent biogenetic concepts can be used to evaluate manifestations of both textual transmission and authorial production. The manuscript sources being analysed are drawn from the Parzival Project, which presents a new electronic edition of Wolfram von Eschenbach’s Parzival, written shortly after 1200 and transmitted in numerous witnesses up to the age of printing.
Philology and the Turn Away from the Linguistic Turn
Authors: Orlemanski Julie
Published: June 2017

In North American academia, the word ‘philology’ pulls in two directions – towards a broad, idealist sense corresponding to the roots philia and logos and towards a narrower conception of ‘mere’ philology, a historicist sub-discipline centred on etymology and textual editing. This essay examines the role of ‘philology’ before, during, and beyond the period known as the ‘linguistic turn,’ with special focus on Speculum’s 1990 special issue, The New Philology. Against the many invocations of ‘philology’ pitting the lofty ideal against fallen disciplinary practice, I argue for the institutional re-elaboration of philological study in the present.
Tears for Hector: Where Pathos Meets Piety in the Margins of the Roman de Troie
Authors: Eddy Nicole
Published: June 2017

Depictions of tears and drops of blood are common elements of late medieval religious imagery, prompts for religious meditation connected to the growth of affective piety. In the margin of a copy of Benoît de Sainte-Maure’s Roman de Troie, the fifteenth-century annotator of BnF, fr. 1450 references this iconography with teardrops drawn in the margin beside the text at the moment of Hector’s death. In doing so, the annotator cultivates a powerful aesthetic and emotional effect in a non-religious romance. This use of a technique developed primarily for devotional practice demonstrates the importance of such imagery as a tool not just for worship but for aesthetic interpretation.
The Isomorphic Version of Brualdi’s and Sanderson’s Nestedness
Authors: Berger Annabell , Schreck Berit
Published: June 2017

The discrepancy BR for an m × n 0, 1-matrix from Brualdi and Sanderson in 1998 is defined as the minimum number of 1 s that need to be shifted in each row to the left to achieve its Ferrers matrix, i.e., each row consists of consecutive 1 s followed by consecutive 0 s. For ecological bipartite networks, BR describes a nested set of relationships. Since two different labelled networks can be isomorphic, but possess different discrepancies due to different adjacency matrices, we define a metric determining the minimum discrepancy in an isomorphic class. We give a reduction to k ≤ n minimum weighted perfect matching problems. We show on 289 ecological matrices (given as a benchmark by Atmar and Patterson in 1995) that classical discrepancy can underestimate the nestedness by up to 30%.
Differentiating Authentic Adenophorae Radix from Its Adulterants in Commercially-Processed Samples Using Multiplexed ITS Sequence-Based SCAR Markers
Authors: Moon Byeong , Kim Wook , Han Kyeong , Yang Sungyu , Kang Youngmin , Park Inkyu , Piao Renzhe
Published: June 2017

Determining the precise botanical origin of a traditional herbal medicine is important for basic quality control. In both the Chinese and Korean herbal pharmacopoeia, authentic Adenophorae Radix is defined as the roots of Adenophora stricta and Adenophora triphylla. However, the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata, Codonopsis pilosula, and Glehnia littoralis are frequently distributed as Adenophorae Radix in Korean herbal markets. Unfortunately, correctly identifying dried roots is difficult using conventional methods because the roots of those species are morphologically similar. Therefore, we developed DNA-based markers for the identification of authentic Adenophorae Radix and its common adulterants in commercially-processed samples. To develop a reliable method to discriminate between Adenophorae Radix and its adulterants, we sequenced the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers (nrDNA-ITS) and designed sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) primers specific to the authentic and adulterant species. Using these primers, we developed SCAR markers for each species and established a multiplex-PCR method that can authenticate the four herbal medicines in a single PCR reaction. Furthermore, we confirmed that commercially-processed herbal medicines, which often have degraded DNA, could be assessed with our method. Therefore, our method is a reliable genetic tool to protect against adulteration and to standardize the quality of Adenophorae Radix.
Double-Sided Terahertz Imaging of Multilayered Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
Authors: Lopato Przemyslaw
Published: June 2017

Polymer matrix composites (PMC) play important roles in modern industry. Increasing the number of such structures in aerospace, construction, and automotive applications enforces continuous monitoring of their condition. Nondestructive inspection of layered composite materials is much more complicated process than evaluation of homogenous, (mostly metallic) structures. Several nondestructive methods are utilized in this case (ultrasonics, shearography, tap testing, acoustic emission, digital radiography, infrared imaging) but none of them gives full description of evaluated structures. Thus, further development of NDT techniques should be studied. A pulsed terahertz method seems to be a good candidate for layered PMC inspection. It is based on picosecond electromagnetic pulses interacting with the evaluated structure. Differences of dielectric parameters enables detection of a particular layer in a layered material. In the case of multilayered structures, only layers close to surface can be detected. The response of deeper ones is averaged because of multiple reflections. In this paper a novel inspection procedure with a data processing algorithm is introduced. It is based on a double-sided measurement, acquired signal deconvolution, and data combining. In order to verify the application of the algorithm stress-subjected glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) was evaluated. The obtained results enabled detection and detailed analysis of delaminations introduced by stress treatment and proved the applicability of the proposed algorithm.
Measurement of the Resonant Magneto-Optical Kerr Effect Using a Free Electron Laser
Authors: Yamamoto Shingo , Matsuda Iwao
Published: June 2017

We present a new experimental magneto-optical system that uses soft X-rays and describe its extension to time-resolved measurements using a free electron laser (FEL). In measurements of the magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE), we tune the photon energy to the material absorption edge and thus induce the resonance effect required for the resonant MOKE (RMOKE). The method has the characteristics of element specificity, large Kerr rotation angle values when compared with the conventional MOKE using visible light, feasibility for M-edge, as well as L-edge measurements for 3d transition metals, the use of the linearly-polarized light and the capability for tracing magnetization dynamics in the subpicosecond timescale by the use of the FEL. The time-resolved (TR)-RMOKE with polarization analysis using FEL is compared with various experimental techniques for tracing magnetization dynamics. The method described here is promising for use in femtomagnetism research and for the development of ultrafast spintronics.
Fractional Integration and Differentiation of the Generalized Mathieu Series
Authors: Saxena Ram , Parmar Rakesh
Published: June 2017

We aim to present some formulas for the Saigo hypergeometric fractional integral and differential operators involving the generalized Mathieu series S μ ( r ) , which are expressed in terms of the Hadamard product of the generalized Mathieu series S μ ( r ) and the Fox–Wright function p Ψ q ( z ) . Corresponding assertions for the classical Riemann–Liouville and Erdélyi–Kober fractional integral and differential operators are deduced. Further, it is emphasized that the results presented here, which are for a seemingly complicated series, can reveal their involved properties via the series of the two known functions.
Insights on Osmotic Tolerance Mechanisms in Escherichia coli Gained from an rpoC Mutation
Authors: Guo Yuqi , Winkler James , Kao Katy
Published: June 2017

An 84 bp in-frame duplication (K370_A396dup) within the rpoC subunit of RNA polymerase was found in two independent mutants selected during an adaptive laboratory evolution experiment under osmotic stress in Escherichia coli, suggesting that this mutation confers improved osmotic tolerance. To determine the role this mutation in rpoC plays in osmotic tolerance, we reconstructed the mutation in BW25113, and found it to confer improved tolerance to hyperosmotic stress. Metabolite analysis, exogenous supplementation assays, and cell membrane damage analysis suggest that the mechanism of improved osmotic tolerance by this rpoC mutation may be related to the higher production of acetic acid and amino acids such as proline, and increased membrane integrity in the presence of NaCl stress in exponential phase cells. Transcriptional analysis led to the findings that the overexpression of methionine related genes metK and mmuP improves osmotic tolerance in BW25113. Furthermore, deletion of a stress related gene bolA was found to confer enhanced osmotic tolerance in BW25113 and MG1655. These findings expand our current understanding of osmotic tolerance in E. coli, and have the potential to expand the utilization of high saline feedstocks and water sources in microbial fermentation.
CSPG4: A Target for Selective Delivery of Human Cytolytic Fusion Proteins and TRAIL
Authors: Jordaan Sandra , Chetty Shivan , Mungra Neelakshi , Koopmans Iris , Van Bommel Peter , Helfrich Wijnand , Barth Stefan
Published: June 2017

Chondroitin-sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) is a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed on malignant cells in several cancer types with only limited expression on normal cells. CSPG4 is implicated in several signaling pathways believed to drive cancer progression, particularly proliferation, motility and metastatic spread. Expression may serve as a prognostic marker for survival and risk of relapse in treatment-resistant malignancies including melanoma, triple negative breast cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This tumor-associated overexpression of CSPG4 points towards a highly promising therapeutic target for antibody-guided cancer therapy. Monoclonal αCSPG4 antibodies have been shown to inhibit cancer progression by blocking ligand access to the CSPG4 extracellular binding sites. Moreover, CSPG4-directed antibody conjugates have been shown to be selectively internalized by CSPG4-expressing cancer cells via endocytosis. CSPG4-directed immunotherapy may be approached in several ways, including: (1) antibody-based fusion proteins for the selective delivery of a pro-apoptotic factors such as tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand to agonistic death receptors 4 and 5 on the cell surface; and (2) CSPG4-specific immunotoxins which bind selectively to diseased cells expressing CSPG4, are internalized by them and induce arrest of biosynthesis, closely followed by initiation of apoptotic signaling. Here we review various methods of exploiting tumor-associated CSPG4 expression to improve targeted cancer therapy.
Transdiagnostic Clinical Global Impression Scoring for Routine Clinical Settings
Authors: Dunlop Boadie , Gray Jaclyn , Rapaport Mark
Published: June 2017

Although there is great interest in the improving the ability to track patients’ change over time in routine clinical care settings, no standardized transdiagnostic measure is currently available for busy clinicians to apply. The Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scales are simple measures widely used as outcomes in psychiatric clinical trials. However, the CGI suffers from poorly defined scoring anchors. Efforts to improve the anchors by enhancing the anchor descriptions have proven useful but are limited by being disease-specific, thereby acting as a barrier to the routine clinical adoption of the CGI. To inform the development of more broadly applicable CGI scoring anchors, we surveyed 24 clinical trial investigators, asking them to rank-order seven elements that inform their CGI-Severity (CGI-S) scoring. Symptom severity emerged as the most important element in determining CGI-S scores; the functional status of the patient emerged as a second element. Less importance was given to self-report symptom scores, staff observations, or side effects. Relative rankings of the elements’ importance did not differ by investigators’ experience nor time usually spent with patients. We integrated these results with published illness-specific CGI anchors to develop the Transdiagnostic CGI (T-CGI), which employs standardized scoring anchors applicable across psychiatric illnesses. Pending validity and reliability evaluations, the T-CGI may prove well-suited for inclusion in routine clinical settings and for incorporation into electronic medical records as a simple and useful measure of treatment efficacy.
The Effects of CeO2 Nanorods and CeO2 Nanoflakes on Ni–S Alloys in Hydrogen Evolution Reactions in Alkaline Solutions
Authors: Zhao Meiqin , Li Yao , Dong Haifeng , Wang Lixin , Chen Zhouhao , Wang Yazhou , Li Zhiping , Xia Meirong , Shao Guangjie
Published: June 2017

Composite coatings synthesized by different morphologies of CeO2 in supergravity devices are highly active in hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs). By adding CeO2 nanoflakes (CeO2 Nf) or CeO2 nanorods (CeO2 Nr), the change in the microstructures of composites becomes quite distinct. Moreover, most Ni–S alloys are attached on the surface of CeO2 and roughen it compare with pure CeO2. In order to make the expression more concise, this paper uses M instead of Ni–S. At a current density of 10 mA/cm2, overpotentials of Ni–S/CeO2 Nr (M–CeO2 Nr) and Ni–S/CeO2 Nf (M–CeO2 Nf) are 200 mV and 180 mV respectively, which is lower than that of Ni–S (M-0) coating (240 mV). The exchange current density (j0) values of M–CeO2 Nf and M–CeO2 Nr are 7.48 mA/cm2 and 7.40 mA/cm2, respectively, which are higher than that of M-0 (6.39 mA/cm2). Meanwhile, double-layer capacitances (Cdl) values of M–CeO2 Nf (6.4 mF/cm2) and M–CeO2 Nr (6 mF/cm2) are 21.3 times and 20 times of M-0 (0.3 mF/cm2), respectively
Phenomenological Consideration of Protein Crystal Nucleation; the Physics and Biochemistry behind the Phenomenon
Authors: Nanev Christo
Published: June 2017

Physical and biochemical aspects of protein crystal nucleation can be distinguished in an appropriately designed experimental setting. From a physical perspective, the diminishing number of nucleation-active particles (and/or centers), and the appearance of nucleation exclusion zones, are two factors that act simultaneously and retard the initially fast heterogeneous nucleation, thus leading to a logistic time dependence of nuclei number density. Experimental data for protein crystal (and small-molecule droplet) nucleation are interpreted on this basis. Homogeneous nucleation considered from the same physical perspective reveals a difference—the nucleation exclusion zones lose significance as a nucleation decelerating factor when their overlapping starts. From that point on, a drop of overall system supersaturation becomes the sole decelerating factor. Despite the different scenarios of both heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation, S-shaped time dependences of nuclei number densities are practically indistinguishable due to the exponential functions involved. The biochemically conditioned constraints imposed on the protein crystal nucleation are elucidated as well. They arise because of the highly inhomogeneous (patchy) protein molecule surface, which makes bond selection a requisite for protein crystal nucleation (and growth). Relatively simple experiments confirm this assumption.
Complex Dynamics of an SIR Epidemic Model with Nonlinear Saturate Incidence and Recovery Rate
Authors: Cui Qianqian , Qiu Zhipeng , Liu Wenbin , Hu Zengyun
Published: June 2017

Susceptible-infectious-removed (SIR) epidemic models are proposed to consider the impact of available resources of the public health care system in terms of the number of hospital beds. Both the incidence rate and the recovery rate are considered as nonlinear functions of the number of infectious individuals, and the recovery rate incorporates the influence of the number of hospital beds. It is shown that backward bifurcation and saddle-node bifurcation may occur when the number of hospital beds is insufficient. In such cases, it is critical to prepare an appropriate amount of hospital beds because only reducing the basic reproduction number less than unity is not enough to eradicate the disease. When the basic reproduction number is larger than unity, the model may undergo forward bifurcation and Hopf bifurcation. The increasing hospital beds can decrease the infectious individuals. However, it is useless to eliminate the disease. Therefore, maintaining enough hospital beds is important for the prevention and control of the infectious disease. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate and complement the theoretical analysis.
Optimal Nonlinear Estimation in Statistical Manifolds with Application to Sensor Network Localization
Authors: Cheng Yongqiang , Wang Xuezhi , Moran Bill
Published: June 2017

Information geometry enables a deeper understanding of the methods of statistical inference. In this paper, the problem of nonlinear parameter estimation is considered from a geometric viewpoint using a natural gradient descent on statistical manifolds. It is demonstrated that the nonlinear estimation for curved exponential families can be simply viewed as a deterministic optimization problem with respect to the structure of a statistical manifold. In this way, information geometry offers an elegant geometric interpretation for the solution to the estimator, as well as the convergence of the gradient-based methods. The theory is illustrated via the analysis of a distributed mote network localization problem where the Radio Interferometric Positioning System (RIPS) measurements are used for free mote location estimation. The analysis results demonstrate the advanced computational philosophy of the presented methodology.
Bandwidth and Accuracy-Aware State Estimation for Smart Grids Using Software Defined Networks
Authors: Meloni Alessio , Pegoraro Paolo , Atzori Luigi , Sulis Sara
Published: June 2017

Smart grid (SG) will be one of the major application domains that will present severe pressures on future communication networks due to the expected huge number of devices that will be connected to it and that will impose stringent quality transmission requirements. To address this challenge, there is a need for a joint management of both monitoring and communication systems, so as to achieve a flexible and adaptive management of the SG services. This is the issue addressed in this paper, which provides the following major contributions. We define a new strategy to optimize the accuracy of the state estimation (SE) of the electric grid based on available network bandwidth resources and the sensing intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) installed in the field. In particular, we focus on phasor measurement units (PMUs) as measurement devices. We propose the use of the software defined networks (SDN) technologies to manage the available network bandwidth, which is then assigned by the controller to the forwarding devices to allow for the flowing of the data streams generated by the PMUs, by considering an optimization routine to maximize the accuracy of the resulting SE. Additionally, the use of SDN allows for adding and removing PMUs from the monitoring architecture without any manual intervention. We also provide the details of our implementation of the SDN solution, which is used to make simulations with an IEEE 14-bus test network in order to show performance in terms of bandwidth management and estimation accuracy.
Increase of DNA Methylation at the HvCKX2.1 Promoter by Terminal Drought Stress in Barley
Authors: Surdonja Korana , Eggert Kai , Hajirezaei Mohammad-Reza , Harshavardhan Vokkaliga , Seiler Christiane , Von Wirén Nicolaus , Sreenivasulu Nese , Kuhlmann Markus
Published: June 2017

Terminal drought stress during grain filling is the major abiotic factor that limits crop yield in barley. The mother plant acclimates to the environment and perceives signals that result in a change of the physiological state within the grain and therefore affect the seed development and germination of the next generation. Small regulatory RNAs have been described to be involved in plant drought stress response by suppressing the respective target genes. Based on their origin and function, these small RNAs are classified as micro RNAs (miRNA), short interfering RNAs (siRNA) or heterochromatic small interfering RNA (hc-siRNA). In addition, 24mer sized hc-siRNAs are associated with RNA directed DNA methylation (RdDM) and transcriptional gene silencing (TGS). The analysis of hc-siRNA by small RNA sequencing in barley caryopses after imposition of terminal drought stress allowed the identification of stress specific 24mers. Based on the sequence homology of the siRNAs to the promoter region of CYTOKININ-OXIDASE 2.1 (HvCKX2.1), this putative target gene was selected for further investigation. Terminal drought stress leads to an increased level of DNA methylation at the HvCKX2.1 promoter and the seeds derived from drought stressed plants showed faster shoot emergence. Accumulation of cytokinin ribosides, which are the known substrates of cytokinin-oxidase, can explain the observed phenotype of faster shoot emergence from seeds of drought stressed mother plants. Analysis of transgenic plants with modulated levels of abscisic acid (ABA) in the grain confirmed the ABA/drought stress responsive ProHvCKX2.1 methylation and correlation with shoot emergence speed.
A Short Review of Advances in the Modelling of Blood Rheology and Clot Formation
Authors: Anand Mohan , Rajagopal Kumbakonam
Published: June 2017

Several advances have taken place since the early 2000s in the field of blood flow modelling. These advances have been driven by the development of assist devices such as Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs), etc., and by the acceptance of in silico tests for the generation of hypotheses concerning clot formation and lysis. We give an overview of the developments in modelling of blood rheology and clot formation/lysis in the last 10 to 15 years. In blood rheology, advances are increasingly supplemented by flow simulation studies. In clot formation (or coagulation), advances have taken place in both single-scale modeling under quiescent conditions as well as in multi-scale modeling in the presence of flow. The future will possibly see more blood flow simulations in complex geometries and, simultaneously, development and simulation of multi-scale models for clot formation and lysis.
Unequivocal Identification of 1-Phenylethyl Acetate in Clove Buds (syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry) and Clove Essential Oil
Authors: Gassenmeier Klaus , Schwager Hugo , Houben Eric , Clery Robin
Published: June 2017

The natural occurrence of 1-phenylethyl acetate (styrallyl acetate) was confirmed in commercially available dried clove buds and also in the hydrodistilled oil from clove buds. This confirms previous reports and other anecdotal evidence for its occurrence in nature.
Gender, Emotions, and Tournament Performance in the Laboratory
Authors: Halladay Brianna
Published: June 2017

Individuals face competitive environments daily, and it is important to understand how emotions affect behavior in these environments and resulting economic consequences. Using a two-stage laboratory experiment, I analyze the role of reported emotions in tournament performance and assess how the behavioral response differs across genders. The first stage serves to induce emotions, while the second stage presents the subject with a one-on-one winner-take-all tournament with the individual who generated the feeling, using a real-effort task. Ultimately, I show that women respond to the negative feelings more strongly than men. I find that women increase performance when experiencing negative emotions, while male performance remains unaffected. Remarkably, there is no gender gap in tournament performance when there are negative emotions.
Self-Reported Oil Spill Exposure and Pregnancy Complications: The GROWH Study
Authors: Harville Emily , Shankar Arti , Zilversmit Leah , Buekens Pierre
Published: June 2017

Adverse infant outcomes often rise in the aftermath of disaster, but few studies have assessed the effects of disaster on maternal health. 1091 southern Louisiana women were interviewed about their pregnancy history, including pregnancy complications. Associations between oil spill exposures and gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, and nausea/vomiting were assessed for all reported pregnancies. 631 women had a pregnancy both before and after the oil spill. Generalized estimating equations (logistic regression) with adjustment for confounders were used. To assess possible unmeasured confounding, instead of considering oil spill exposure as a time-varying exposure, women were defined as oil spill-exposed or not. If oil spill-exposed women were equally prone to complications in pregnancies that occurred prior to the oil spill as after it, it was considered that any associations were likely due to selection or reporting issues. Women who reported oil spill exposure, particularly loss of use of the coast, were more likely to report gestational diabetes; however, the level of association was similar for pregnancies before and after the spill (p for interaction >0.10 and odds ratios (ORs) for pregnancies prior to the spill > than those after the spill). No associations were found between oil spill exposure and hypertensive disorders. This analysis does not suggest an increased risk of pregnancy complications associated with exposure to the oil spill; however, future studies should assess exposure and outcomes prospectively and clinically instead of relying on self-report.