bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Role of Wearable Technology in Sport Kinematics and Kinetics: A Systematic Review
Authors: Adesida Yewande , Papi Enrica , McGregor Alison H.
Published: April 2019

The aim of this review was to understand the use of wearable technology in sport in order to enhance performance and prevent injury. Understanding sports biomechanics is important for injury prevention and performance enhancement and is traditionally assessed using optical motion capture. However, such approaches are limited by capture volume restricting assessment to a laboratory environment, a factor that can be overcome by wearable technology. A systematic search was carried out across seven databases where wearable technology was employed to assess kinetic and kinematic variables in sport. Articles were excluded if they focused on sensor design and did not measure kinetic or kinematic variables or apply the technology on targeted participants. A total of 33 articles were included for full-text analysis where participants took part in a sport and performed dynamic movements relating to performance monitored by wearable technologies. Inertial measurement units, flex sensors and magnetic field and angular rate sensors were among the devices used in over 15 sports to quantify motion. Wearable technology usage is still in an exploratory phase, but there is potential for this technology to positively influence coaching practice and athletes’ technique.
Fatigue-Mediated Loss of Complexity is Contraction-Type Dependent in Vastus Lateralis Electromyographic Signals
Authors: Hernandez Luis R. , Camic Clayton L.
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fatigue status and contraction type on complexity of the surface electromyographic (sEMG) signal. Twelve females (mean age ± SD = 21.1 ± 1.4 years) performed three fatigue-inducing protocols that involved maximal concentric, eccentric, or isometric knee-extensor contractions over three non-consecutive sessions. Pre- and post-fatigue assessments were also completed each session and consisted of three maximal efforts for each type of contraction. Complexity of sEMG signals from the vastus lateralis was assessed using Sample Entropy (SampEn) and Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) as expressed using the scaling exponent α. The results showed that fatigue decreased (p < 0.05) sEMG complexity as indicated by decreased SampEn (non-fatigued: 1.57 ± 0.22 > fatigued: 1.46 ± 0.25) and increased DFA α (non-fatigued: 1.27 ± 0.26 < fatigued: 1.32 ± 0.23). In addition, sEMG complexity was different among contraction types as indicated by SampEn (concentric: 1.58 ± 0.22 > eccentric: 1.47 ± 0.27 and isometric: 1.50 ± 0.21) and DFA α (concentric: 1.27 ± 0.18 < isometric: 1.32 ± 0.18). Thus, these findings suggested sEMG complexity is affected by fatigue status and contraction type, with the degree of fatigue-mediated loss of complexity dependent on the type of contraction used to elicit fatigue.
Grazing Exclusion, a Choice between Biomass Growth and Species Diversity Maintenance in Beijing—Tianjin Sand Source Control Project
Authors: Li Yuzhe , Fan Jiangwen , Yu Hailing
Published: April 2019

Grasslands in northern China form an important ecological barrier that prevents and controls desertification. The Beijing–Tianjin Sand Source Control (BTSSC) Project has been implemented to restore grassland in order to control sand sourced pollution. This study aimed to understand the impacts of four applied restoration practices on the productivity, composition, and species diversity of vegetation communities in the BTSSC Project. The results indicated the following: (1) All the restoration practices tended to increase the height and cover of communities, and the effect was most obvious where grazing was excluded; (2) total biomass (87%), above-ground biomass (164%) and below-ground biomass (58%) only increased consistently when grazing was excluded from the steppe; (3) fenced and grazing exclusion practice significantly increased the abundance of species in communities, but all the practices tended to decrease the evenness of species; and, (4) the correlation analysis revealed that the Shannon–Wiener diversity index, and Pielou evenness index, showed significant negative correlations with the above-ground biomass of grassland communities after restoration, while no significant relationships were shown in reference plots. Our comparison of applied practices in the BTSSC project revealed that grazing exclusion might be a high priority for more successful restoration in this region.
Water Pollution and the Textile Industry in Bangladesh: Flawed Corporate Practices or Restrictive Opportunities?
Authors: Sakamoto Maiko , Ahmed Tofayel , Begum Salma , Huq Hamidul
Published: April 2019

The textile industry in Bangladesh has been a great engine for boosting economic growth in the country. However, with great success came environmental deterioration. Untreated effluents containing heavy metals are being released into rivers from nearby factories, affecting the health of people who live along the polluted rivers. The existing law in Bangladesh, requiring such factories to install an effluent treatment plant (ETP), has not been effective in reducing environmental noncompliance. This paper aims to investigate the reality of the situation that the textile industry faces regarding environmental compliance. It is based on primary data collected from textile factories in Dhaka through a questionnaire survey with complementary interviews. This study especially highlights the barriers and difficulties faced by factories in the installation and operation of ETPs. The results confirm previous findings: Low willingness of companies to meet environmental compliance requirements and inadequate monitoring and enforcement by government authorities. In addition, we reveal that the dominant barriers to ETP installation are at the purchase stage, rather than the construction stage: ETPs are unavailable in local markets and the import tax is high. Institutional arrangements are required to improve this situation; this could include establishing a subsidy scheme that would encourage voluntary construction of central ETPs. We suggest that external pressure is essential for Bangladesh to change and the external bodies exerting such pressure should have objective measures by which to judge compliance; the quality of river water might be the only reliable measure of environmental compliance in this situation.
Optimizing State Forest Institutions for Forest People: A Case Study on Social Sustainability from Tunisia
Authors: Hasnaoui Ameni , Krott Max
Published: April 2019

In Tunisia the livelihoods of nearly 750,000 “forest people” strongly depend on state forests. State forest institutions that manage more than 90% of forests have a special responsibility for the social sustainability of these people’s situation. Thus, it is important to evaluate the performance of these institutions, as such evaluations represent an option to help formulate sustainable development strategies for forest people. This study evaluates the performance of state forest institutions in regard to forest people based on a comprehensive three-layer model. The data were collected in 2016 and 2017 from documents, observations and interviews. The results partly supported the first hypothesis that “state forest institutions employ different market, non-market and political instruments to influence the use and the protection of forests”, with an exception for market instruments. The second hypothesis stating that “the outcomes of these instruments for forest people differ from those for the general forest sector” was supported by empirical evidence. The evaluation revealed practices in Tunisia that provide a basis for organizational reforms supporting forest people. Adapted technologies that fit the traditional know-how of forest people and a better representation are required. Furthermore, the strengthening of state forest institutions against the influence of foreign donors would contribute to elaborating a development strategy for forest people.
Assessing the Environmental Quality Resulting from Damages to Human-Nature Interactions Caused by Population Increase: A Systems Thinking Approach
Authors: Ramos-Quintana Fernando , Sotelo-Nava Héctor , Saldarriaga-Noreña Hugo , Tovar-Sánchez Efraín
Published: April 2019

Multiple interactions between population increase-as driving force- and pressure factors can cause damage to human-nature interactions. In this paper, we aim to identify, understand, and assess those interactions that exert effects on environment quality. The assessments of multiple interactions will allow selecting management actions to reduce negative effects, such as the loss of vegetation cover, on the environment. However, multiple interactions hinder the understanding of such complex systems. The relevance of this study is related to the support of the systems thinking approach to achieve two objectives: (1) to build a conceptual framework that facilitates the construction of a network aimed at representing the multiple interactions; (2) to build a closed system for the sake of developing a sustainable environmental management system. Thus, the performance of the implemented management actions is assessed through the feedback loop of the closed system. The proposed conceptual framework and the closed system were applied to the state of Morelos, Mexico. We highlight the following results: the systems thinking approach facilitated the construction of a conceptual framework to build understandable causal network; a set of environmental pathways were derived from the causal network and then combined to define and assess a global environmental state. Environmental pathways are composed of relationships between population increase and pressure variables that exert effects on the environment quality; the feedback loop facilitated the performance analysis of implemented management actions related to natural protected areas. The current results suggest further research to apply this study to diverse systems where multiple interactions between drivers and pressure factors damage human-nature interactions, thus exerting effects on the environmental state.
Impact of Population Density on PM2.5 Concentrations: A Case Study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Han Shuaishuai , Sun Bindong
Published: April 2019

We examine the effects of the urban built environment on PM2.5 (fine particulate matter with diameters equal or smaller than 2.5 μm) concentrations by using an improved region-wide database, a spatial econometric model, and five built environment attributes: Density, design, diversity, distance to transit, and destination accessibility (the 5Ds). Our study uses Shanghai as a relevant case study and focuses on the role of density at the jiedao scale, the smallest administrative unit in China. The results suggest that population density is positively associated with PM2.5 concentrations, pointing to pollution centralization and congestion effects dominating the mitigating effects of mode-shifting associated with density. Other built environment variables, such as the proportion of road intersections, degree of mixed land use, and density of bus stops, are all positively associated with PM2.5 concentrations while distance to nearest primary or sub-center is negatively associated. Regional heterogeneity shows that suburban jiedao have lower PM2.5 concentrations when a subway station is present.
Alternative Uses for Quantum Systems and Devices
Authors: Lecian Orchidea Maria
Published: April 2019

Quantum optical systems and devices were analyzed to verify theories both predicting new particles on flat spacetime, and for the verification of Planck-scale physics for cosmological investigation.
Multipurpose Quantum Simulator Based on a Hybrid Solid-State Quantum Device
Authors: Yuan Tingting , Zhou Fang , Chen Shengping , Xiang Shaohua , Song Kehui , Zhao Yujing
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes a scheme to enhance the fidelity of symmetric and asymmetric quantum cloning using a hybrid system based on nitrogen-vacancy (N-V) centers. By setting different initial states, the present scheme can implement optimal symmetric (asymmetric) universal (phase-covariant) quantum cloning, so that the copies with the assistance of a Current-biased Josephson junction (CBJJ) qubit and four transmission-line resonators (TLRs) can be obtained. The scheme consists of two stages: the first stage is the implementation of the conventional controlled-phase gate, and the second is the realization of different quantum cloning machines (QCM) by choosing a suitable evolution time. The results show that the probability of success for QCM of a copy of the equatorial state can reach 1. Furthermore, the | W 4 ± ⟩ entangled state can be generated in the process of the phase-covariant quantum anti-cloning. Finally, the decoherence effects caused by the N-V center qubits and CBJJ qubit are discussed.
Text Input in Virtual Reality: A Preliminary Evaluation of the Drum-Like VR Keyboard
Authors: Boletsis Costas , Kongsvik Stian
Published: April 2019

The drum-like virtual reality (VR) keyboard is a contemporary, controller-based interface for text input in VR that uses a drum set metaphor. The controllers are used as sticks which, through downward movements, “press” the keys of the virtual keyboard. In this work, a preliminary feasibility study of the drum-like VR keyboard is described, focusing on the text entry rate and accuracy as well as its usability and the user experience it offers. Seventeen participants evaluated the drum-like VR keyboard by having a typing session and completing a usability and a user experience questionnaire. The interface achieved a good usability score, positive experiential feedback around its entertaining and immersive qualities, a satisfying text entry rate (24.61 words-per-minute), as well as moderate-to-high total error rate (7.2%) that can probably be further improved in future studies. The work provides strong indications that the drum-like VR keyboard can be an effective and entertaining way to type in VR.
Beta Diversity Partitioning and Drivers of Variations in Fish Assemblages in a Headwater Stream: Lijiang River, China
Authors: Huang Liangliang , Huang Jian , Wu Zhiqiang , Mo Yuanmin , Zou Qi , Jeppesen Erik , Wu Naicheng
Published: April 2019

Beta diversity partitioning has currently received much attention in research of fish assemblages. However, the main drivers, especially the contribution of spatial and hydrological variables for species composition and beta diversity of fish assemblages are less well studied. To link species composition to multiple abiotic variables (i.e., local environmental variables, hydrological variables, and spatial variables), the relative roles of abiotic variables in shaping fish species composition and beta diversity (i.e., overall turnover, replacement, and nestedness) were investigated in the upstream Lijiang River. Species composition showed significant correlations with environmental, hydrological, and spatial variables, and variation partitioning revealed that the local environmental and spatial variables outperformed hydrological variables, and especially abiotic variables explained a substantial part of the variation in the fish composition (43.2%). The overall species turnover was driven mostly by replacement (87.9% and 93.7% for Sørensen and Jaccard indices, respectively) rather than nestedness. Mantel tests indicated that the overall species turnover (ßSOR and ßJAC) and replacement (ßSIM and ßJTU) were significantly related to hydrological, environmental, and spatial heterogeneity, whereas nestedness (ßSNE or ßJNE) was insignificantly correlated with abiotic variables (P > 0.05). Moreover, the pure effect of spatial variables on overall species turnover (ßSOR and ßJAC) and replacement (ßSIM and ßJTU), and the pure effect of hydrological variables on replacement (ßSIM and ßJTU), were not important (P > 0.05). Our findings demonstrated the relative importance of interactions among environmental, hydrological, and spatial variables in structuring fish assemblages in headwater streams; these fish assemblages tend to be compositionally distinct, rather than nested derivatives of one another. Our results, therefore, indicate that maintaining natural flow dynamics and habitat continuity are of vital importance for conservation of fish assemblages and diversity in headwater streams.
Fixed-Bed and Mobile-Bed Resistance of Channels with Steep Gradients in Mountainous Areas
Authors: Hou Ji , Zhang Chunze , Wang Dan , Li Feng , Yu Zijian , Zhou Qin
Published: April 2019

Flood discharge and sediment transport are closely linked to channel resistance in steep mountain streams. Previous research has mainly focused on the resistance of fixed-bed channels with steep gradients and mobile-bed channels in alluvial rivers. The present study performs an experiment and establishes a calculation method for the fixed-bed resistance of mountain channels. The basic expression of the mobile-bed resistance of steep mountain channels is derived by determining the controlling factors of the bed load movement on the riverbed resistance. The proposed formula can accurately predict the variation of the bed load resistance. The results of the present research improve the understanding of fluid dynamics and sediment transport in steep mountain channels.
Can Land Cover Changes Mitigate Large Floods? A Reflection Based on Partial Least Squares-Path Modeling
Authors: Patrícia Salgado Terêncio Daniela , Filipe Sanches Fernandes Luís , Manuel Vitor Cortes Rui , Paulo Moura João , António Leal Pacheco Fernando
Published: April 2019

Common approaches to large flood management are Natural Water Retention Measures and detention basins. In this study, a Partial Least Squares-Path Model (PLS-PM) was defined to set up a relationship between dam wall heights and biophysical parameters, in critical flood risk zones of continental Portugal. The purpose was to verify if the heights responded to changes in the biophysical variables, and in those cases to forecast landscape changes capable to reduce the heights towards sustainable values (e.g., <8 m). The biophysical parameters comprised a diversity of watershed characteristics, such as land use and geology, surface runoff, climate indicators and the dam heights. The results have shown that terrain slope (w > 0.5), rainfall (w > 0.4) and sedimentary rocks (w > 0.5) are among the most important variables in the model. Changes in these parameters would trigger visible changes in the dam wall height, but they are not easily or rapidly modified by human activity. On the other hand, the parameters forest occupation and runoff coefficient seem to play a less prominent role in the model (w < 0.1), even though they can be significantly modified by human intervention. Consequently, in a scenario of land cover change where forest occupation is increased by 30% and impermeable surfaces are decreased by 30%, interferences in the dam heights were small. These results open a discussion about the feasibility to mitigate large floods using non-structural measures such as reforestation.
REGULARIDADES DEL PROCESO DE EVALUACIÓN DE LA FORMACIÓN DE LOS PROFESIONALES EN UNIVERSIDADES ECUATORIANAS
Authors: Cedeño Marcillo Gardenia Edith , Infante Villafañe Martha , Pardo Gómez María Elena
Published: April 2019

El proceso de evaluación de la educación superior, debe concebir en su visión integradora, al egresado como una fuente importante de retroalimentación, en tanto que permite a la universidad conocer dónde y cómo está ubicado, su rol social y económico  y  la  forma  de  reflejar  los  valores  adquiridos  durante  su  formación académica (Morales, Aldana, Sobogal & Ospina, 2008); aspectos que dan cuenta de la pertinencia de los programas y currículos de las universidades. En este sentido la Universidad Laica “Eloy Alfaro” de Manabí (ULEAM) ha tenido acercamientos a sus graduados a través de los estudios realizados por los Departamentos de Planeamiento en el 2009 y de Investigación en el año 2010. Las fortalezas y debilidades encontradas permitieron establecer las características que debe poseer una metodología para la evaluación de la formación de los profesionales de la ULEAM. En la ponencia se ofrece un análisis de las insuficiencias de los estudios realizados y se proponen las líneas de acción para buscar una solución a la contradicción que se da entre el desempeño de los egresados universitarios y las exigencias que la sociedad les plantea.

PALABRAS CLAVE: regularidades; proceso; evaluación; graduados; insuficiencias.

ABSTRACT

From the category of evaluation of higher education, the graduate is an important source of feedback, while allowing the university to know where and how is located, its social and economic role and how to reflect the values acquired during their training academic (Morales, Aldana, SoboGal & Ospina, 2008); aspects to realize the relevance of programs and curricula of universities. In this sense the Lay University "Eloy Alfaro" Manabí (ULEAM) has been approached its graduates through studies conducted by the Departments  of  Planning  in  2009  and  Research  in  2010.  The  strengths  and weaknesses found possible to determine the characteristics required a methodology for evaluating the training of professionals ULEAM. The paper provides an analysis of the shortcomings of the studies conducted and lines of action are proposed to seek a solution to the contradiction that exists between the performance of university graduates and the demands that society poses.

KEYWORDS: regularities; process; assessment; graduates; failure.
INTERVENCIÓN DE LAS ARTES EN EDUCACIÓN FÍSICA
Authors: Delgado Mendoza Hishochy , Escalona León Dayamy , Torres Herrera Yasselle Angela , Pérez Gómez Mario Rolando
Published: April 2019

La Educación Física encuentra en las Artes un medio para el fortalecimiento de las capacidades cognitivas, físicas, sensoriales y un despertar de la sensibilidad de los estudiantes. Por ello, se considera a la música, la danza y la expresión corporal comoherramientas y mecanismos sistémicos de gran utilidad en los procesos de inclusión educativa. A propósito, se dará a conocer un marco onto-epistemológico que abraza las teorías más representativas sobre las dificultades de aprendizaje, los trastornos neuroevolutivos y la intervención de las artes en su readecuación; así como un marco metodológico capaz de brindar modos y medios de abordaje. De manera que este trabajo intenta compartir saberes entorno a la interdisciplinariedad de las artes y su función en las clases de Educación Física para potenciar el engrandecimiento cognoscitivo y psicomotor en niños y niñas de la Educación General Básica.

PALABRAS CLAVE: Arte terapia; Educación física; Inclusión educativa; Dificultades de aprendizaje; Trastornos neuroevolutivos. 

INTERVENTION OF THE ARTS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION

ABSTRACT 

Physical Education finds in the Arts a means to strengthen cognitive, physical, sensorial abilities and an awakening of the sensitivity of students. For this reason, music, dance and corporal expression are considered as tools and systemic mechanisms of great utility in the processes of educational inclusion. By the way, an onto-epistemological framework that embraces the most representative theories about learning difficulties, neuroevolutionary disorders and the intervention of the arts in their readjustment will be announced; as well as a methodological framework capable of providing modes and means of approach. So this work tries to share knowledge about the interdisciplinarity of the arts and its function in Physical Education classes to enhance the cognitive and motor aggrandizement in boys and girls of Basic General Education.

KEYWORDS: Art therapy; Physical education; Educational inclusion; Learning difficulties; Neuroevolutionary disorders.
EDUCAR PARA LA COMUNICACIÓN DE TEXTOS CIENTÍFICOS EN LAS UNIVERSIDADES DEL SIGLO XXI
Authors: Cuenca Díaz Maritza
Published: April 2019

En el presente artículo se destaca la necesidad de desarrollar las competencias comunicativas en el proceso de formación de profesionales, desde la perspectiva de su significación para la actividad científica, en  tal sentido se analizan las características de esta tipología textual,  que constituyen una guía para los estudiantes, tanto para la construcción, como para evaluar la calidad y efectividad de sus resultados las producciones estudiantiles. Se enfatiza en  la necesidad de desarrollar estrategias comunicativas y se comentan algunas actividades docentes que pueden realizarse con este propósito en las universidades del siglo XXI, principales centros de generación de ciencia al servicio de la sociedad.

PALABRAS CLAVE/PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Texto científico; Competencias comunicativas; Argumentación; Estrategia comunicativa.  

EDUCATING FOR THE COMMUNICATION OF SCIENTIFIC TEXTS IN UNIVERSITIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY 

ABSTRACT 

This article highlights the need to develop communication skills in the process of training professionals, from the perspective of its significance for scientific activity, in this sense we analyze the characteristics of this textual typology, which constitute a guide for the students, both for construction, and to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of their results in student productions. Emphasis is placed on the need to develop communicative strategies and some teaching activities that can be carried out for this purpose are discussed in 21st century universities, the main centers for the generation of science at the service of society.

KEYWORDS: Scientific text; Communicative skills; Argumentation; Communicative strategy.
LA LITERATURA INFANTIL Y SU APORTE A LA SOLUCIÓN DE PROBLEMAS MATEMÁTICOS SENCILLOS EN LAS PRIMERAS EDADES
Authors: Samada Grasst Yanet
Published: April 2019

La capacitación del hombre para la solución de problemas es un tema muy discutido en el mundo, pues se considera una actividad de gran importancia en la enseñanza. Esta caracteriza una de las conductas más inteligentes del hombre, ya que la vida misma obliga a resolver problemas continuamente. La práctica diaria nos muestra que no todos los niños saben resolver problemas sencillos, si bien se trabajan contenidos referente a esta temática se carece de alternativas y recursos didácticos de cómo llevarlos a pensar, razonar y qué vías utilizar para llegar al resultado. Ocuparse de cómo razonan los niños pudiera ser una de las posibilidades de comprender y organizar de forma racional y efectiva el proceso de enseñanza de la matemática y en particular la solución de problemas. Desde un enfoque de investigación cualitativa, el presente estudio plantea el aporte de la Literatura Infantil en la solución de problemas matemáticos sencillos en las primeras edades, basado en una revisión teórica que responde a las potencialidades de los cuentos infantiles como recursos didácticos en la adquisición de destrezas y habilidades.

PALABRAS CLAVE: Literatura Infantil; solución, problemas; matemática; cuentos infantiles.

CHILDREN'S LITERATURE AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE SOLUTION OF SIMPLE MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS IN THE FIRST AGES

ABSTRACT

The training of man to solve problems is a subject that is much discussed in the world, because it is considered an activity of great importance in education. This characterizes one of the most intelligent behaviors of man, since life itself forces us to solve problems continuously. Daily practice shows that not all of our children know how to solve simple problems, although content related to this topic is worked on, there are no alternatives and teaching resources on how to take them to think, reason and what routes to use to reach the result. Dealing with how children reason could be one of the possibilities to understand and organize in a rational and effective way the teaching process of mathematics and in particular the solution of problems. From a qualitative research approach, the present study raises the contribution of Children's Literature in the solution of simple mathematical problems in the first ages, based on a theoretical review that responds to the potential of children's stories as teaching resources in the acquisition of skills and abilities.

KEYWORDS: Children's literature; solution, problems; mathematics; children's stories.
Raspberry Pi y Arduino: semilleros en innovación tecnológica para la agricultura de precisión
Authors: Chora Garcia Daniel , Álvarez Martínez Guido , Espinoza Garcia María
Published: April 2019

En la actualidad se observan profundos cambios tecnológicos como el desarrollo de la electrónica y de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación que favorece la difusión de la agricultura de precisión. Este avance tecnológico ha alcanzado un nivel que le permite al productor medir, analizar, y manejar la variabilidad dentro de los lotes logrando adecuar el manejo de suelos y cultivo. Sin embargo estas tecnologías pueden representar altos costos o puede percibirse de esa manera si no se analiza sus ventajas, además de que los productores agrícolas pueden tener poca cultura de innovación, por lo cual la agricultura sigue desarrollándose de manera tradicional, sin pensar en las consecuencias de seguir aplicando viejas tradiciones en un sector determinado mientras que el resto de actividades experimenta una continua evolución. Los sistemas embebidos tales como Raspberry Pi y Arduino se presentan como semilleros para innovar en la agricultura ofreciendo soluciones económicas, sustentables, robustas y de código abierto para contribuir a la construcción colectiva de una seguridad alimentaria global. La presente investigación es un compendio de información cuyo objetivo es dar a conocer proyectos que optimizan procesos agrícolas por medio del control de datos ambientales y la gestión de actividades que se involucren en las labores diarias del campo, registro de enfermedades, plagas y malezas; aprovechando los beneficios del hardware y software libre.
VASH2 Promotes Cell Proliferation and Resistance to Doxorubicin in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via AKT Signaling
Authors: Tan Xiangbin , Liao Zefei , Zou Shuangyou , Ma Liangyun , Wang Aimin
Published: April 2019

Vasohibin2 (VASH2), a proangiogenic factor, has been demonstrated to play an oncogenic role in some common human cancers. However, the detailed function of VASH2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not previously been studied. In this study, we found that VASH2 was significantly
upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines, and its increased expression was associated with NSCLC progression and poor prognosis of patients. Knockdown of VASH2 markedly inhibited cell proliferation and P-glycoprotein expression in NSCLC cells. Overexpression of VASH2 enhanced cell proliferation,
P-glycoprotein expression, as well as doxorubicin resistance in NSCLC cells. Moreover, the expression levels of VASH2 were significantly increased in newly established doxorubicin-resistant NSCLC cells. Molecular mechanism investigation revealed that inhibition of VASH2 expression in NSCLC
cells suppressed the activity of AKT signaling, and overexpression of VASH2 enhanced the activity of AKT signaling. We further showed that downregulation of AKT signaling activity using AKT inhibitor LY294002 markedly inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation and resistance to doxorubicin induced
by VASH2. In conclusion, the findings in the present study indicate that VASH2 promotes NSCLC cell proliferation and resistance to doxorubicin via modulation of AKT signaling. Thus, we suggest that VASH2 may become a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.
Detection and Classification of Supernovae Beyond z ∼ 2 Redshift with the James Webb Space Telescope
Authors: Regős Enikő , Vinkó József
Published: April 2019

Future time-domain surveys for transient events in the near- and midinfrared bands will significantly extend our understanding about the physics of the early universe. In this paper we study the implications of a deep (∼27 mag), long-term (∼3 yr), observationally inexpensive survey with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) within its Continuous Viewing Zone, aimed at discovering luminous supernovae beyond z ∼ 2 redshift. We explore the possibilities for detecting superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) as well as SNe Ia at such high redshifts and estimate their expected numbers within a relatively small (∼0.1 deg2) survey area. It is found that we can expect ∼10 new SLSNe and ∼50 SNe Ia discovered in the 1 < z < 4 redshift range. We show that it is possible to get relatively accurate (σ

z
 ≲ 0.25) photometric redshifts for SNe Ia by fitting their Spectral Energy Distributions, redshifted into the observed near-IR bands, with SN templates. We propose that SNe Ia occupy a relatively narrow range on the JWST F220W−F440W versus F150W−F356W color–color diagram between ±7 rest-frame days around maximum light, which could be a useful classification tool for such types of transients. We also study the possibility of extending the Hubble-diagram of SNe Ia beyond redshift 2 up to z ∼ 4. Such high-z SNe Ia may provide new observational constraints for their progenitor scenario.
The X-Ray Variable Sky as Seen by MAXI: The Future of Dust-echo Tomography with Bright Galactic X-Ray Bursts
Authors: Corrales Lia , Mills Brianna S. , Heinz Sebastian , Williger Gerard M.
Published: April 2019

Bright, short duration X-ray flares from accreting compact objects produce thin, dust scattering rings that enable dust-echo tomography: high-precision distance measurements and mapping of the line-of-sight distribution of dust. This work looks to the past activity of X-ray transient outbursts in order to predict the number of sight lines available for dust-echo tomography. We search for and measure the properties of 3σ significant flares in the 2–4 keV light curves of all objects available in the public MAXI archive. We derive a fluence sensitivity limit of 10−3 erg cm−2 for the techniques used to analyze the light curves. This limits the study mainly to flares from Galactic X-ray sources. We obtain the number density of flares and estimate the total fluence of the corresponding dust echoes. However, the sharpness of a dust-echo ring depends on the duration of a flare relative to quiescence. We select flares that are shorter than their corresponding quiescent period to calculate a number density distribution for dust-echo rings as a function of fluence. The results are fit with a power law of slope −2.3 ± 0.1. Extrapolating this to dimmer flares, we estimate that the next generation of X-ray telescopes will be 30 times more sensitive than current observatories, resulting in 10–30 dust ring echoes per year. The new telescopes will also be 10–100 times more sensitive than Chandra to dust ring echoes from the intergalactic medium.
The Unexpected Spectrum of the Innermost Ejecta of the Red Hypergiant VY CMa∗
Authors: Humphreys Roberta M. , Ziurys L. M. , Bernal J. J. , Gordon Michael S. , Helton L. Andrew , Ishibashi Kazunori , Jones Terry J. , Richards A. M. S. , Vlemmings Wouter
Published: April 2019

Hubble Space Telescope/STIS spectra of the small clumps and filaments closest to the central star in VY CMa reveal that the very strong K i emission and TiO and VO molecular emission, long thought to form in a dusty circumstellar shell, actually originate in a few small clumps hundreds of au from the star. The K i lines are 10–20 times stronger in these nearest ejecta than on the star. The observations also confirm VO as a circumstellar molecule. In this Letter we discuss the spectra of the features, their motions and ages, and the identification of the molecular emission. The strength of the atomic and molecular features in the small clumps present an astrophysical problem for the excitation process. We show that the clumps must have a nearly clear line of sight to the star’s radiation.
Three new species of Chromis (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Philippines
Authors: Arango B. Gabriela , Pinheiro Hudson T. , Rocha Claudia , Greene Brian D. , Pyle Richard L. , Copus Joshua M. , Shepherd Bart , Rocha Luiz A.
Published: April 2019

﻿Three new species ofChromis(Perciformes, Pomacentridae) from the Philippines, collected between 75–150 m depth, are described by a combination of morphological features and their coloration.Chromisguntingsp. n.was found in Batangas and Oriental Mindoro, and differs from its congeners in body depth (2.1–2.2 in SL), and color of adults, light brown, with a silver area on the anterior end and a bilateral black margin along the exterior side of the tail. It is most similar toC.scotochiloptera, with a 5.3% genetic divergence in COI.Chromishangganansp. n.was found around Lubang Island. Body depth (1.9–2.0 in SL) and adult coloration (yellowish with dark black outer margins on dorsal and anal fins) also separate this species from its congeners. It is most similar toC.pembae, with a 2.5% genetic divergence.Chromisbowesisp. n.was found in Batangas, and also differs from its congeners by the combination of body depth (1.5–1.6 in SL), and color of adults (brownish grey in the dorsal side to whitish on the ventral side, with alternating dark and light stripes in the sides of body). It is most similar toC.earina, with a 3.6% genetic divergence in COI.
Systematics of the Neotropical genus Loxozus (Diptera: Neriidae), with notes on distribution and sexual dimorphism
Authors: Sepúlveda Tatiana A. , de Carvalho Claudio J. B. , Pereira-Colavite Alessandre
Published: April 2019

The monotypic genus Loxozus Enderlein, 1922 is redescribed. After examining the holotypes of Tetanoceracornuta Walker, 1853 and Loxozusclavicornis Enderlein, 1922, we confirm that these species are synonyms and reiterate that the correct name of the nominal species is Loxozuscornutus (Walker, 1853). The male of L.cornutus is described for the first time and notes on the species’ sexual dimorphism and illustrations of the genitalia are provided, together with distribution data, including new records for Venezuela, Brazil and Peru.
An Educational Strategy to Inform Legislators and Nurses About the Professional Nursing Role
Authors: Young Judith
Published: April 2019

Nurses provide an informed perspective to influence decision making with health care-related legislation. This article describes a strategy that can inform legislators about the contemporary nursing role and its influence on patient safety, as well as raise nurse awareness of the professional responsibility for political advocacy and how to engage in this role.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2019;50(4):150–152.]
Knowledge of Blood Transfusion Among Nurses
Authors: Encan Beril , Akin Semiha
Published: April 2019

Health care professionals' knowledge and skills are fundamental to developing and strengthening the quality of blood transfusion procedures. This study evaluated nurses' knowledge about blood transfusion. This descriptive cross-sectional study comprised 171 nurses in medical and surgical units and intensive care units in two hospitals. Data collection was completed in 2 months. Nurses' knowledge of blood transfusion practices was assessed using a questionnaire. Most had obtained a bachelor's degree in nursing, received in-service blood transfusion training, and demonstrated moderate levels of knowledge on the topic. The least known questions related to the changing of blood transfusion sets, the most frequent cause of blood transfusion reactions, and immunological blood transfusion reactions. New graduates or inexperienced nurses, those working in medical units, and those who did not often implement blood transfusions needed more support to improve their knowledge levels (
p
< .05). Nurses require in-service training to improve their knowledge of safe blood transfusion practices, specifically because blood transfusion sets are the most frequent cause of blood transfusion reactions and adverse reactions associated with blood transfusion.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2019;50(4):176–182.]
Learner-Centered Approaches in an International Nurse Training Program
Authors: Song Jenny
Published: April 2019

Background:

This study examines the appropriateness of using learner-centered teaching approaches with international nurses in New Zealand. A 12-week international nurse training program was designed by a large tertiary institution in New Zealand in response to the request of Shenzhen local hospital officials in China. Three groups of 30 Chinese nurses attended this program.

Method:

Responses from program participants were garnered through an online survey and a focus group interview. All qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach.

Results:

The study results highlighted that a positive aspect of the program was the collaborative decision making invited by the program coordinator about the learning goals, topics, and content. Participants reported how the shift in power from a teacher-directed program to a learner-centric approach helped them to engage more fully in the program and achieve greater, more successful individual outcomes.

Conclusion:

This project demonstrated the feasibility of implementing an international nursing training program using a culturally appropriate learner-centric teaching approach. The findings suggest that a learner-centric teaching style effectively addresses the diverse professional needs and cultural backgrounds of international nursing practitioners.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2019;50(4):183–188.]
Relationship Between Student Engagement and Outcomes for Online Master of Science in Nursing Students
Authors: Serembus Joanne Farley , Riccio Patricia A.
Published: April 2019

Background:

The purpose of this study was to examine associations between student engagement and student outcomes for online Master of Science in Nursing students using course analytics.

Method:

A retrospective, correlational design was used to analyze the relationship between the admission grade point average (GPA), course analytics measuring course access, minutes, interactions, and submissions, as well as the output of course grade. Additional associations with age, gender, major, and geography were tested.

Results:

Interactions and submissions had the highest impact on the course grade. Each additional increase in submissions resulted in an increase in course grade by 0.33% (
p
< .0001). Additionally, each 1-point increase in entry-level GPA was associated with an increase in course grade by 1.93% (
p
= .0289). Each 1-year increase in age demonstrated a course grade decrease of 0.17% (
p
< .0001).

Conclusion:

The two factors that most affected grade were interactions and submissions. Course grade was associated with entry-level GPA, age, access, and minutes.

[
J Nurs Educ.
2019;58(4):207–213.]
Study of the expansion of cement mortars manufactured with Ladle Furnace Slag LFS
Authors: Rodríguez A. , Santamaría-Vicario I. , Calderón V. , Junco C. , García-Cuadrado J.
Published: April 2019

Industrial by-products generated in the steel manufacturing are successfully used as raw materials in the production of construction materials. However, steel slags, due to their nature and composition, can cause undesirable side-effects in mortars and concretes. The reactive components of LFS and EAFS can affect the stability of the cement matrix. This situation may be prevented by an adequate pre-treatment of slag stabilization and a study of the possible reactions within its mineralogical components, to ensure the stability of the slag over time. In this work, an experimental process is shown to evaluate the behaviour of LFS under adverse environmental conditions when used as aggregates in the manufacture of cement mortars for masonry, such as the presence of humidity, high temperatures (80°C) and possible alkali-silica and alkali-silicate reactions. The results show an acceptable behaviour under normal environmental conditions (20°C). However, the formation crystalline acicular structures were observed under high temperatures (80°C) and in the presence of humidity, which degraded the internal structure of the mortars manufactured with LFS.
A Discussion on Fiscal Policies Implemented in EU During and After the Great Recession
Authors: Polat Gozde Es , Polat Onur
Published: April 2019

Along with the global financial crisis that took place in 2008, the ineffectiveness of other policies used for exiting from the crisis has brought back the feasibility of fiscal policy as an alternative. It is accepted that the only way to overcome the severe shrinking of the total demand during the 2008 global financial crisis is expansionary fiscal policy applied globally. However, differences in the subjective conditions of the EU member countries in particular have not made it possible to implement an expansionary fiscal policy for all of the member countries. More developed EU countries have begun to carry out from expansionary fiscal policies, while the less developed ones have begun to conduct contractionary fiscal policies. With the awareness that the financial stability is a public good, the obstacles, challenges on the global fiscal policy implementation by the EU member states are discussed by examining fiscal policies performed during and after the 2008 global financial crisis.
Meeting Higher Education Expectations in the Digital Age and Reliability of Assessment in E-Learning Settings
Authors: Gikandi Joyce W.
Published: April 2019

As online and blended learning increasingly become common, higher educators and researchers need to rethink fundamental issues of teaching, learning, and assessment in these non-traditional spaces. Fundamental issues of assessment and in particular reliability have not been well understood despite proliferation of e-learning in higher education. The chapter begins with a justification of the need to reconceptualize assessment and associated fundamental issues in e-learning settings. The author further articulates the distinction between reliability within the context of assessment for learning (formative assessment) and assessment of learning (summative assessment). The core characteristics of reliability are critically examined and exemplified using research insights in relation to how achievement of these characteristics enhances reliability and by implication validity of assessment. The identified characteristics include opportunities for explicit learning goals and shared meaning, documentation, and monitoring evidence of learning; and multiple sources of evidence of learning and multi-dimensional perspectives. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are offered.
Successful Design and Management of Asynchronous Discussion Forums in Online Higher Education
Authors: Cervatiuc Andreea
Published: April 2019

This chapter focuses on asynchronous discussion forums in online higher education. Drawing on recent research and her experience as the program coordinator of an online Master of Education and developer and instructor of online courses, the author of this chapter identifies and explains some principles for the successful design and management of asynchronous discussion forums, such as the relevance of the course topics, flexible, accountable, active, collaborative, and focused learning and the ideal role of the online instructor. The author also proposes a framework for the effective organization of learning modules in asynchronous online courses.
Student Teachers' Perceptions of the Use of LMS for Promoting Critical Thinking in Their Future Teaching Career
Authors: Mwalongo Alcuin Ivor
Published: April 2019

The chapter examined student teachers' perceptions of the use of Moodle for promoting critical thinking in their future teaching career. The study used a mixed methods approach with a sample of 70 student teachers from three public universities in Tanzania. Data were collected through a survey, focus group discussions, and a review of documents. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed through SPSS 25 and MaxQDA 18, respectively. The findings indicate the potential of Moodle for promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and professional development. Similarly, there were statistically significant differences between pre-service and in-service teachers in perceptions of satisfaction with Moodle and taking LMS-related jobs in the future. Pedagogical implications of the findings and the area for further research have been discussed.