bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MOLECULAR DETECTION AND ANTIBIOGRAM OF SHIGA TOXIN PRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI (STEC) ISOLATED FROM DIARRHEIC CHILDREN
Authors: Islam M. M. , Ahamed S. , Arafat M. Y. , Hasan I. , Rahman M. , Nazir K. H. M. N. H.
Published: February 2017

This study was designed to determine the shiga toxin producing genes and to investigate antibiotic sensitivity or resistant patterns of the Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic children at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. A total of 83 stool samples were collected and screened for the detection of E. coli on the basis of cultural, staining and biochemical properties followed by molecular detection by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) using genus specific 16SrRNA primers. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of E. coli was determined by disc diffusion method against 9 antimicrobial agents. In this study, 27 (32.53%) out of 83 samples, were confirmed as E. coli. Overall prevalence of shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) among the examined children was 1.20% (n=1/83).  Further, 27 E. coli isolates were analyzed for the presence of Stx-1 and Stx-2 genes by duplex-PCR.  The STEC isolate was confirmed to be positive for the presence of the Stx-2 gene only. Highest susceptibility of the E. coli isolates was found against Gentamicin (92.59%), followed by Ciprofloxacin (48.14%) and Moxifloxacin (33.33%). More than 77.78% of the isolates were resistant to more than three antibiotics thus defined as multi-drug resistant (MDR). In conclusion, Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin can be recommended as the effective drugs successful treatment of STEC infections in children.
Zika Virus  An Upcoming Challenge?
Authors: Rahman Md Rezwanur
Published: February 2017

Abstract not availableDelta Med Col J. Jan 2017 5(1): 1-3
Comparative Study of the Effect of Ethanol Extract of Psidium Guajava Linn Leaves with Glibenclamide on Experimentally Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Rats
Authors: Momtaz Azmary , Sharmin Khaleda , Rahman Sharmin , Sultana Nashid , Sharmin Rayhana
Published: February 2017

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a major health problem not only in urban but also in the rural areas of Bangladesh. Regarding its treatment, a suitable drug is yet to be available which can permanently cure this disease. Over 400 traditional plants have been reported for the treatment of diabetes, but only a small number have received scientific and medical evaluation to assess their efficacy.Objective: The study was performed to compare the anti diabetic effect of Psidium guajava Linn leaves with an oral anti diabetic drug (Glibenclamide), in experimentally induced diabetic rats.Materials and method: The experiment was carried out in the department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics of Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2012 to June 2013. Twenty four healthy rats of Long Evans Norwegian strain were divided into 4 groups (group A, B, C and D) comprising 6 rats in each. Group A (normal control) received standard rat food for 14 days. Diabetes was induced by administration of Alloxan 120 mg/kg/body weight in group B, C and D. Group B (diabetic control group) was given standard rat food. Group C and D was treated with ethanol extract of Psidium guajava leaves 100 mg/kg body weight and Glibenclamide 1.5 mg/kg/day orally respectively. Total duration of the experiment was 15 days.Results: Administration of ethanol extract of Psidium guajava leaves in group C and Glibenclamide in group D produced a significant reduction (p<0.001) in blood glucose level as compared to group B (diabetic control group).Conclusion: Ethanol extract of Psidium guajava leaves can be considered as a potential anti diabetic agent like Glibenclamide but it requires further investigations.Delta Med Col J. Jan 2017 5(1): 9-14
Haemodynamic Effects and Complications of Unilateral Spinal versus Standard Spinal Anesthesia in Elderly with Low Ejection Fraction Undergone Lower-Limb Surgery
Authors: Rahman Md Mushfiqur , Munir Md Mahbubul Hasan , Raihanuddin - , Shaheen Shafiul Alam , Khan Md Abdus Salam , Sardar Kawsar , Chowdhury AKM Nurnobi
Published: February 2017

Background: Cardiovascular system may be profoundly affected by spinal anaesthesia due to unavoidable sympathetic blockade which is more prominent in elderly.A restricted sympathetic block during spinal anesthesia may minimize hemodynamic changes.Objective: To assess whether a unilateral spinal anaesthesia using 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine will restrict the sympathetic block to avoid the undesired cardio vascular effects.Materials and method: In this prospective study 60 ASA Ill and IV patients aged between 60-90 years undergoing unilateral lower limb surgery were included. Patients were divided into two groups. In group-A, dural puncture was performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position with 1.5 mL of hyperbaric bupivacaine. In group-B, it was performed with the patient in a seated position using 1.5 mL hyperbaric bupivacaine. Each patient was then placed in supine position. The speed of injection was 1 mL/30s. Patients were placed in the lateral position with operated side down and kept in this position for 10 minutes. Motor and sensory levels were assessed, and haemodynamic alterations were monitored just after block, 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes of spinal anaesthesia.Results: The demographic data were found similar in both groups. The time to the onset of the sensory and motor block was significantly shorter in group-B. The duration of motor and sensory block was significantly shorter in group-A. Haemodynamically all the parameters revealed better out come in unilateral spinal anesthesia. The incidence of complications (nausea, headache, and hypotension) was also lower in group A.Conclusion: When unilateral spinal anesthesia was performed using a low-dose, low-volume and low-flow injection technique, it provides adequate sensory-motor block and helps to achieve stable hemodynamic parameters during surgery on a lower limb. Furthermore, this technique avoids unnecessary paralysis on the non-operated side.Delta Med Col J. Jan 2017 5(1): 20-24
Obesity: A Review of Pathogenesis and Management Strategies in Adult
Authors: Aktar Nazma , Qureshi Nazmul Kabir , Ferdous Hossain Shahid
Published: February 2017

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by an increase of body fat stores. It is a gateway to ill health, and has become one of the leading causes of disability and death, affecting not only adults but also children and adolescents worldwide. Obesity is a major risk factor for cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory disorders. This presents an ever increasing social and economic burden to individuals, families and the healthcare system. Preventing obesity is the optimal long-term population strategy. A comprehensive history, physical examination and laboratory assessment relevant to the patients obesity should be obtained. Appropriate goals of weight management emphasize realistic weight loss to achieve a reduction in health risks and should include promotion of weight loss, maintenance and prevention of weight regain. Management of co-morbidities and improving quality of life of obese patients are also included in treatment aims.Treatment should be based on good clinical care, and evidence-based interventions; should focus on realistic goals and lifelong multidisciplinary management. A comprehensive obesity management can only be accomplished by a multidisciplinary obesity management team. We conclude that physicians have a responsibility to recognize obesity as a disease and help obese patients with appropriate prevention and treatment. This review addresses the current therapeutic options in the treatment of obesity, focusing on pathogenesis, lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. It also presents a suggested algorithm for the clinician assessing and managing obese patients.Delta Med Col J. Jan 2017 5(1): 35-48
Abdominal Cocoon: An Unusual Cause of Intestinal Obstruction
Authors: Paul Tapesh Kumar , Lodi Russel Ahmed Khan , Ali Shayda , Basunia Mohammad Arman Zahed , Rouf Hasan Md Abdur
Published: February 2017

Abdominal cocoon, the idiopathic form of sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, is a rare condition of unknown etiology that results in an intestinal obstruction due to total or partial encapsulation of the small bowel by a fibrocollagenous membrane. The early clinical features are nonspecific, are often not recognized and it is difficult to make a definite pre-operative diagnosis. Clinical suspicion may be generated by the recurrent episodes of small intestinal obstruction combined with relevant imaging findings and lack of other plausible etiologies. Surgery is important in the management of this disease. Careful dissection and excision of the thick sac with the release of the small intestine leads to complete recovery in the vast majority of cases. Here a case of abdominal cocoon in a 45 years old male is presented due to its rarity and difficulty in preoperative diagnosis.Delta Med Col J. Jan 2017 5(1): 49-52
Expérience familiale subjective et dynamique psychique familiale à l’annonce du diagnostic du cancer
Authors: Nguimfack Léonard
Published: February 2017

La situation d’entrée dans la maladie cancer, de même que l’annonce du diagnostic constituent tous deux des moments qui provoquent une angoisse automatique dans la famille, et qui ensuite rendent compte d’un vécu groupal angoissé. Les résultats de l’étude présentée montrent des remaniements dans le mode de fonctionnement de l’appareil psychique familial du patient cancéreux : effraction, fragilisation, angoisse permanente, manifestations dépressives, mécanismes de défense tels que le clivage, l’évitement, la rationalisation, conduites réactionnelles, etc., qui sont liés à cet éprouvé subjectif du diagnostic positif de la maladie par la famille. Par conséquent, les dits résultats peuvent être exploités dans la prise en charge du patient cancéreux et de sa famille.
Cross-Presentation of Soluble and Cell-Associated Antigen by Murine Hepatocytes Is Enhanced by Collectrin Expression
Authors: Dolina Joseph S. , Cechova Sylvia , Rudy Christine K. , Sung Sun-Sang J. , Tang William W. , Lee Joey , Hahn Young S. , Le Thu H.
Published: February 2017

Cross-presentation is a modular series of intracellular events dictating the internalization and subsequent MHC class I (MHC I) display of extracellular Ags. This process has been defined in dendritic cells and plays a fundamental role in the induction of CD8+ T cell immunity during viral, intracellular bacterial, and antitumor responses. Herein, acute viral infection of murine liver with adenovirus, a model for intrahepatic cross-presentation, confirms hepatocytes directly contribute to cross-presentation of Ags and priming the pool of naive CD8+ T cells within the liver microenvironment. Processing of soluble and cell-associated Ags into peptide displayed by MHC I is however defective in hepatocytes lacking collectrin, an intracellular chaperone protein that localizes within the endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi intermediate compartment. Loss of hepatic collectrin expression leads to the diminished cross-priming and expansion of cytolytic antiviral CD8+ T cells. This study demonstrates that collectrin positively regulates processing of engulfed Ags into MHC I:peptide complexes within hepatocytes. Collectrin-mediated cross-presentation supports intrahepatic adaptive antiviral immune responses and may lead to insights into the nature of how the liver acts as a primary site of CD8+ T cell activation.
Cutting Edge: Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells Generated by Multiple Immunizations or Localized Deposition Provide Enhanced Immunity
Authors: Davies Brooke , Prier Julia E. , Jones Claerwen M. , Gebhardt Thomas , Carbone Francis R. , Mackay Laura K.
Published: February 2017

Tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) have been shown to afford superior protection against infection, particularly against pathogens that enter via the epithelial surfaces of the body. Although TRM are often concentrated at sites of prior infection, it has been shown that TRM can disseminate throughout the body. We examined the relative effectiveness of global versus targeted CD8+ TRM lodgment in skin. The site of initial T cell priming made little difference to skin lodgement, whereas local inflammation and Ag recognition enhanced TRM accumulation and retention. Disseminated TRM lodgment was seen with the skin, but required multiple exposures to Ag and was inferior to targeted strategies. As a consequence, active recruitment by inflammation or infection resulted in superior TRM numbers and maximal protection against infection. Overall, these results highlight the potency of localized TRM deposition as a means of pathogen control as well as demonstrating the limitations of global TRM lodgment.
NLRX1 Regulates Effector and Metabolic Functions of CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Leber Andrew , Hontecillas Raquel , Tubau-Juni Nuria , Zoccoli-Rodriguez Victoria , Hulver Matthew , McMillan Ryan , Eden Kristin , Allen Irving C. , Bassaganya-Riera Josep
Published: February 2017

Nucleotide oligomerization domain–like receptor X1 (NLRX1) has been implicated in viral response, cancer progression, and inflammatory disorders; however, its role as a dual modulator of CD4+ T cell function and metabolism has not been defined. The loss of NLRX1 results in increased disease severity, populations of Th1 and Th17 cells, and inflammatory markers (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17) in mice with dextran sodium sulfate–induced colitis. To further characterize this phenotype, we used in vitro CD4+ T cell–differentiation assays and show that NLRX1-deficient T cells have a greater ability to differentiate into an inflammatory phenotype and possess greater proliferation rates. Further, NLRX1−/− cells have a decreased responsiveness to immune checkpoint pathways and greater rates of lactate dehydrogenase activity. When metabolic effects of the knockout are impaired, NLRX1-deficient cells do not display significant differences in differentiation or proliferation. To confirm the role of NLRX1 specifically in T cells, we used an adoptive-transfer model of colitis. Rag2−/− mice receiving NLRX1−/− naive or effector T cells experienced increased disease activity and effector T cell populations, whereas no differences were observed between groups receiving wild-type or NLRX1−/− regulatory T cells. Metabolic effects of NLRX1 deficiency are observed in a CD4-specific knockout of NLRX1 within a Citrobacter rodentium model of colitis. The aerobic glycolytic preference in NLRX1−/− effector T cells is combined with a decreased sensitivity to immunosuppressive checkpoint pathways to provide greater proliferative capabilities and an inflammatory phenotype bias leading to increased disease severity.
A study on the impact of Job Satisfaction on Job Performance of Employees working in Automobile Industry, Punjab, India
Authors: M. Shaju. , Durai Subhashini
Published: February 2017

Performance evaluation is a major measure adopted by the organizations in evaluating the quantitative and qualitative contributions rendered by their employees. The competitive and employee oriented business world has now joined hands with the HR department in assisting and managing employee performance. Psycho-social factors of employees would be considered at various managerial levels for enhancing employees’ job performance. Job satisfaction is such a psychological attribute, whose contribution to the concept of employee performance is much more. A satisfied employee would have an emotional bond with the organization and takes pride in their membership, which paves way to keep up industrial integrity and a high morale. This is an exploratory research, attempting to discover how the dimensions of job satisfaction are significantly related to the job performance of an employee. The data were collected from employees working in Automobile industry, Punjab having experience of above or below 10 years, so as to ensure relatively accurate responses on performance evaluation at different groups of employees in the Automobile industry. The result shows the existence of a positive correlation between the dimensions of job satisfaction and performance of employees at both supervisors and workers levels working in the Automobile industry.
Año Internacional de la Luz: Aniversario de hitos importantes en la historia de la ciencia de la luz
Authors: Pineda de Carías María Cristina
Published: February 2017

En el marco del 2015 Año Internacional de la Luz, este trabajo presenta un repaso de hitos importantes en la historia de la ciencia de la luz cuyo aniversario se celebra también este año. En un estudio histórico bibliográfico que abarca un período de mil años, se documenta: 1) la labor sobre la óptica de Ibn Alhacén en 1015; 2) la noción del carácter ondulatorio de la luz propuesta por Fresnel en 1815; 3) la teoría electromagnética de propagación de la luz formulada por Maxwell en 1865; 4) la teoría de Einstein del efecto fotoeléctrico en 1905; 5) la incorporación de la luz en la cosmología mediante la relatividad general de Einstein en 1915; 6) el descubrimiento del fondo de microondas del cosmos por Penzias y Wilson en 1965; 7) los logros alcanzados por Kao en la transmisión de luz por fibras para la comunicación óptica, en 1965. Todos estos descubrimientos científicos se ponen en contexto para destacar, como lo señala la resolución de las Naciones Unidas, que la celebración del Año Internacional de la Luz ha sido una magnífica oportunidad para reconocer la importancia de la enseñanza de las ciencias en nuestro país.
Cálculo de reflectancia en imágenes Landsat OLI-8, sobre la región central de Honduras, mediante software libre SEXTANTE
Authors: Corrales Andino Rafael Enrique , Ochoa López Vilma Lorena
Published: February 2017

En esta investigación se elaboró un modelo para la corrección de imágenes con valores de ND (Números Digitales) a parámetros físicos como Reflectancia Satelital, lo que permite reducir errores provocados por efectos atmosféricos. Se utilizó como medio de trabajo para el Modelamiento de algoritmos, el Programa de uso libre SEXTANTE, que corre en la plataforma de gvSIG. La metodología aplicada fue el cálculo de magnitudes físicas para la conversión a reflectancia a tope de atmósfera (TOA) con corrección angular. El modelo generado servirá para la calibración de Imágenes Satelitales del programa LandSat sensor Operational Land Imager (OLI), y de esta manera reforzar el análisis de Teledetección aplicada. Como estrategia de validación del modelo generado, se comprobó su funcionalidad en un trabajo de investigación de tesis en el posgrado de Maestría en Ordenamiento y Gestión del Territorio de la Facultad de Ciencias Espaciales, bajo el tema: Análisis Multitemporal de la Cobertura de la Tierra de la Subcuenca del Río Mocal, Lempira, Honduras, durante el Período de los años 1988 al 2014. El principal resultado fue la arquitectura completa del modelo que calcula la radiometría a partir de la información del metadato de las imágenes LandSat 8 (OLI).
Análisis del impacto económico del PIB en Centroamérica, utilizando sistemas de información geográfica, en un período del 2010 al 2014
Authors: Villatoro Escobar Jessica Gabriela , Castellanos Zelaya Yeny Maribel
Published: February 2017

El objetivo fue analizar el impacto económico del Producto Interno Bruto (PIB) en Centroamérica utilizando Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG). Metodológicamente se realizó un enfoque cuantitativo consistiendo en la recolección de datos numéricos e identificación de las variables que influyen sobre el PIB. Utiliz ando como muestra, la tasa de crecimiento en un período del 2010 al 2014 en la Región Centroamericana, y el cálculo de los parámetros de medición de esta tasa de crecimiento. Además,los Sistemas de Información Geográfica en la té cnica de agrupación de datos para expresar el PIB por año, en donde los dato s estadísticos,así como el análisis estadístico del conjunto de variablesse relacionaron con la información georreferenciada de la cartografía base existente de la región. Los resultados obtenidos muestran los niveles de producción de cada país, el gasto por consumo en promedio que se tienen de cada región y gobiernos. Se concluye que los niveles de producción, las exportaciones e importaciones y el co nsumo, desempeñan un papel fundamental en la economía de un país. El consumo y la inversión pueden fluctuar de un año a otro, en el caso de inversión las v ariaciones pueden ser bastantes grandes. Lo anterior expresa que no está garantizado que el flujo total de gasto monetario, crecerá de una manera uniforme de un año a otro. En general, la región Centroamericana muestra disminución en los niveles de producción y de consumo de la población, así mismo un incremento en las tasas de desem pleo de los países que la conforman.
Distribución geoespacial de los espacios públicos en la Ciudad de Comayagua, Honduras
Authors: Sosa Caballero Celina Michelle
Published: February 2017

El equilibrio territorial de la oferta cultural y recreativa de la ciudad de Comayagua y la clasificación de los espacios públicos según el tipo de administración, se analizan en el presente artículo, “Distribución Geospacial de los Espacios Públicos en la ciudad de Comayagua, Honduras”, para conocer sobre la disponibilidad de los espacios públicos en la ciudad de Comayagua. Para cumplir con elobjetivo de analizar la distribución de los espacios públicos para el equilibrio territorial de la oferta cultural y recreativa de la ciudad de Comayagua, metodológicamente,se ha hecho uso de las herramientas que proporcionan los softwares de sistemas de información geografía para analizar la concentración y dispersión de la infraestructura cultural, recreativa y deportiva en relación al centro de la ciudad y la clasificación de los espacios públicos según el tipo de actividad y su naturaleza: sector público municipal, sector público central, privada, organización sin fines de lucro y organización religiosa. Delanálisis de los mapasse concluye que la mayor parte de las instalaciones son deportivas,existiendo muy poca dotación de instalaciones culturales. Sobre la distribución geoespacial, hay tres tendencias,una, la ubicación de instalaciones deportivas se distribuye por toda la ciudad, la otra, las instalaciones culturales se concentran en torno al centro de la ciudad y la tercera, la poca disponibilidad de parques y plazas residencialesdonde los vecinos de una colonia o barrio puedan realizar sus actividades de recreación.
Visión urbana de la Ciudad de Choluteca en Honduras para el Año 2034
Authors: Norori Solís Johana Marcel , Baquedano Víctor , Del Cid Juan Ángel
Published: February 2017

En el marco del convenio existente entre la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras y Visión Mundial, el Observatorio Universitario de Ordenamiento Territorial de la Facultad de Ciencias Espaciales desarrolló, entre los meses de junio a octubre del año 2015, un estudio de prospectiva urbana para la ciudad de Choluteca. El proyecto se desarrolló en dos fases: 1) Diagnóstico de la ciudad con recopilación de información de fuentes secundarias y datos obtenidos en gira de reconocimiento territorial, además de información resultante en talleres donde se aplicaron encuestas a los actores claves involucrados en el proceso y se hizo uso de cartografía y ortofotos de la ciudad de Choluteca; que sirvieron para identificar los principales problemas y potencialidades de la ciudad desde las dimensiones de los enfoques de ambiente, socio-economía y urbanismo e infraestructura. Así mismo se evaluaron los recursos con que cuenta la ciudad y se analizó como maximizar su potencial, teniendo como resultado final unasíntesis de problemas y potencialidades, que junto a una serie de indicadores que se determinaron permitieron conocer la situación actual que enfrenta la ciudad. Toda esta información de la fase de diagnóstico fue utilizada para generar un Modelo Urbano Actual de la ciudad de Choluteca. Posteriormente se trabajó la fase de 2) Prospectiva: donde se evaluaron las condicionantes al crecimiento de la ciudad y se construyeron los tres escenarios de prospectiva al año 2034, plasmando cartográficamente la visión futura de crecimiento tendencial, una visión de crecimiento óptima y la construcción final de un escenario intermedio construido en consenso con los actores claves que participaron en el proyecto.
Inclusión de nuevas entidades en la toma de decisiones de Aeronáutica Civil en Honduras al año 2015
Authors: Ulloa Cadalso Ana Lucía
Published: February 2017

Al hacer un análisis de la Ley de Aeronáutica Civil en Honduras, versión 2004 y que actualmente se encuentra en revisión para su modificación, se establece que el Consejo Aeronáutico Nacional (CAN) debe ser un órgano consultivo que reúne a varias organizaciones estatales y de la sociedad hondureña con la finalidad de identificar, concertar y proponer recomendaciones que apoyen y contribuyan al logro de los objetivos de la ley referida; en la investigación “Consejo Aeronáutico Nacional: Análisis de su situación en el Marco Institucional de Aeronáutica Civil en Honduras, 2014-2015”, (Ulloa, 2015) se evidencia que no ha sido activado desde su creación en Ley, incluso en días recientes, con la propuesta de reforma a la Ley de Aeronáutica Civil el CAN desaparece de la misma, llama la atención que en lugar de buscar su implementación el artículo se deroga. Pero esto no quiere decir que las decisiones en relación a diversos temas nacionales tales como seguridad, turismo, medio ambiente, economía, entre otras, que se ven afectados por decisiones que tome la Autoridad Aeronáutica deja de ser relevante. Es importante que los diferentes sectores se coordinen y tomen decisiones consensuadas que permitan un desarrollo sostenido, ordenado y consistente de la aeronáutica civil, aunque no sea a través del CAN. Dado lo anterior, el objetivo del presente artículo es resaltar lo investigado en cuanto a la necesidad latente de incluir a otras entidades en decisiones de Aeronáutica Civil en Honduras al año 2015, para lograr un verdadero desarrollo en materia de Aeronáutica Civil en Honduras.
Seguridad operacional de la pista del Aeropuerto Internacional Ramón Villeda Morales, hacia la certificación del aeródromo
Authors: Bueso Ramón Emilio , Vladimir Betancourt Iván
Published: February 2017

Esta investigación es un aporte al fortalecimiento de la cultura de la Seguridad Operacional Aeroportuaria en uno de los cuatro aeropuertos internacionales con los que cuenta Honduras. Los Aeropuertos, según regulaciones internacionales, se esfuerzan en el cumplimiento de los estándares requeridos de Seguridad Operacional, estableciendo controles para la mitigación de los riesgos potenciales mediante la aplicación de estándares de Seguridad definidos por la Organización de Aviación Civil Internacional (OACI) en el Anexo 14 en lo referente al diseño y operaciones de aeródromos, y el Anexo de 19 (OACI) el cual trata en especial lo relativo a la implantación del Sistema de Gestión de Seguridad Operacional para prestadores de servicio de transporte aéreo, aeroportuario y de navegación aérea, entre los más importantes. Con la obtención de datos y una supervisión programada a la pista 04-22, junto con el equipo de certificación de la concesionaria Aeropuertos de Honduras (Interairports, S.A.) y el Departamento de Ciencias Aeronáuticas (DCA) de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH), se identificaron varios riesgos para implementar mejoras a la Seguridad Operacional en el Aeropuerto, por lo que, se identificó las zonas de la pista que no cumplen aún con las normativas nacionales e internacionales, los obstáculos presentes en el aeródromo que pueden generar un riesgo para las operaciones de las aeronaves, las áreas en los alrededores del aeródromo donde hay más presencia aviaria y fauna que podría generar en algún momento una incursión en pista.
Urban Sprawl in Iranian Medium-sized Cities; Investigating the Role of Masterplans
Authors: Soltani Ali , Hosseinpour Mohammad , Hajizadeh Ali
Published: February 2017

Urban sprawl is one of the main important phenomena threatening the spatial structure of cities and affecting the overall quality of them. This paper studied the urban growth pattern and sprawling of Kazerun, a medium-sized city in the south of Iran. Using the population and land use data available from secondary formal sources, the growth pattern was compared to national statistics. Furthermore, two well-known landscape metrics included Holdern and Shannon indices were applied to measure the extent of urban sprawl. As a qualitative research methodology, some experts (n = 30) working in governmental agencies were asked to explain the causes and effects of urban sprawl in the case study area. The results confirmed that several factors including the former masterplans affected the urban development pattern of the area. Moreover, a number of physical, environmental, economic and social impacts were discovered as the consequence of current fragmented growth pattern. Finally, a set of applicable policies are recommended to overcome sprawl and to achieve a more balanced development.
The Impact of Trade Liberalization on the Manufacturing Sector in Jordan
Authors: Alawin Mohammad , Obeidat Bader , Attiyat Muawiya , Muhtaseb Buthaina , Al-Assaf Ghazi , Al-Tarawneh Alaaeddin
Published: February 2017

This study examines the impact of the degree of trade openness, real exchange rate (RER) and the level of imports on the production of the manufacturing sector in Jordan for the monthly period (1992-2012). This study applies the Chow test for structural changes. The results show that the year 2000, when Jordan officially joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), represents a year of structural change. Thus, the study has divided the full period into two sub-periods. In addition, the results of the study indicate the absence of a cointegration relationship over the period leading up to Jordan's accession to the WTO. The period that follows the trade openness has shown the presence of cointegration and long-term relationship among the variables. Specifically, for the second period, the study found that the degree of trade openness has a positive and a statistically significant effect on the manufacturing production. Therefore, the study recommends that the government continue to support the manufacturing sector and not to raise any input costs on it, especially given the relatively high cost of fuel and electricity. This should keep the competitiveness of this sector relatively high.
Energy conversion at dipolarization fronts
Authors: Khotyaintsev Yu. V. , Divin A. , Vaivads A. , André M. , Markidis S.
Published: January 2017

We use multispacecraft observations by Cluster in the Earth's magnetotail and 3‐D particle‐in‐cell simulations to investigate conversion of electromagnetic energy at the front of a fast plasma jet. We find that the major energy conversion is happening in the Earth (laboratory) frame, where the electromagnetic energy is being transferred from the electromagnetic field to particles. This process operates in a region with size of the order several ion inertial lengths across the jet front, and the primary contribution to E·j is coming from the motional electric field and the ion current. In the frame of the front we find fluctuating energy conversion with localized loads and generators at sub‐ion scales which are primarily related to the lower hybrid drift instability excited at the front; however, these provide relatively small net energy conversion.
Large earthquakes and creeping faults
Authors: Harris Ruth A.
Published: February 2017

Faults are ubiquitous throughout the Earth's crust. The majority are silent for decades to centuries, until they suddenly rupture and produce earthquakes. With a focus on shallow continental active‐tectonic regions, this paper reviews a subset of faults that have a different behavior. These unusual faults slowly creep for long periods of time and produce many small earthquakes. The presence of fault creep and the related microseismicity helps illuminate faults that might not otherwise be located in fine detail, but there is also the question of how creeping faults contribute to seismic hazard. It appears that well‐recorded creeping fault earthquakes of up to magnitude 6.6 that have occurred in shallow continental regions produce similar fault‐surface rupture areas and similar peak ground shaking as their locked fault counterparts of the same earthquake magnitude. The behavior of much larger earthquakes on shallow creeping continental faults is less well known, because there is a dearth of comprehensive observations. Computational simulations provide an opportunity to fill the gaps in our understanding, particularly of the dynamic processes that occur during large earthquake rupture and arrest.
An estimation of the main wetting branch of the soil water retention curve based on its main drying branch using the machine learning method
Authors: Lamorski Krzysztof , Šimůnek Jiří , Sławiński Cezary , Lamorska Joanna
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we estimated using the machine learning methodology the main wetting branch of the soil water retention curve based on the knowledge of the main drying branch and other, optional, basic soil characteristics (particle size distribution, bulk density, organic matter content, or soil specific surface). The support vector machine algorithm was used for the models' development. The data needed by this algorithm for model training and validation consisted of 104 different undisturbed soil core samples collected from the topsoil layer (A horizon) of different soil profiles in Poland. The main wetting and drying branches of SWRC, as well as other basic soil physical characteristics, were determined for all soil samples. Models relying on different sets of input parameters were developed and validated. The analysis showed that taking into account other input parameters (i.e., particle size distribution, bulk density, organic matter content, or soil specific surface) than information about the drying branch of the SWRC has essentially no impact on the models' estimations. Developed models are validated and compared with well‐known models that can be used for the same purpose, such as the Mualem (1977) (M77) and Kool and Parker (1987) (KP87) models. The developed models estimate the main wetting SWRC branch with estimation errors (RMSE = 0.018 m3/m3) that are significantly lower than those for the M77 (RMSE = 0.025 m3/m3) or KP87 (RMSE = 0. 047 m3/m3) models.
Genetic advances in craniosynostosis
Authors: Lattanzi Wanda , Barba Marta , Di Pietro Lorena , Boyadjiev Simeon A.
Published: February 2017

Craniosynostosis, the premature ossification of one or more skull sutures, is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous congenital anomaly affecting approximately one in 2,500 live births. In most cases, it occurs as an isolated congenital anomaly, that is, nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (NCS), the genetic, and environmental causes of which remain largely unknown. Recent data suggest that, at least some of the midline NCS cases may be explained by two loci inheritance. In approximately 25–30% of patients, craniosynostosis presents as a feature of a genetic syndrome due to chromosomal defects or mutations in genes within interconnected signaling pathways. The aim of this review is to provide a detailed and comprehensive update on the genetic and environmental factors associated with NCS, integrating the scientific findings achieved during the last decade. Focus on the neurodevelopmental, imaging, and treatment aspects of NCS is also provided.
Palladium–cadmium sulfide nanopowder at oil–water interface as an effective catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura reactions
Authors: Jafar Hoseini S. , Jahanshahi Elham , Fath Roghayeh Hashemi
Published: January 2017

A simple and effective strategy is described for the synthesis of Pd–CdS nanopowder by the reduction of an organopalladium(II) complex, [PdCl2(cod)] (cod = cis,cis‐1,5‐cyclooctadiene), in the presence of CdS quantum dots (QDs) at a toluene–water interface. We investigated the impact of addition of CdS QDs on catalytic activity of Pd nanoparticles (NPs). The Pd–CdS nanopowder functions as an efficient catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura reactions for the formation of carbon–carbon bonds. There is a high electron density on Pd NPs and due to their high electron affinity they behave as an electron scavenger from CdS increasing the rate of oxidative addition, which is the rate‐determining step of the catalytic cycle, and, just as we expect, the C─C coupling reaction with the Pd–CdS nanopowder is faster and occurs in less time than that with Pd nanocatalysts. Compared to classical reactions, this method consistently has the advantages of short reaction times, high yields in a green solvent, reusability of the catalyst without considerable loss of catalytic activity and low cost, and is a facile method for the preparation of the catalyst.
Multilingual virtual environment for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Alpotte Algaddafi Khalifa , Zivkovic Miodrag , Branovic Irina , Popovic Ranko
Published: February 2017

A pedagogical model for teaching wireless sensor network courses to Libyan students is presented in this paper, using 3D virtual classes and utilizing the collaborative learning technique by mixing students with different languages and different learning styles. We describe how a wireless sensor network simulator was integrated into a 3D environment for use in multilingual teaching environment. This learning model was based on simulation tool eWISENS. The system enables students from different countries to collaborate and work together, and creating an international environment helps Libyan students to overcome the language barrier and organize virtual sessions with colleagues all over the world. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:200–213, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21790
Investigating code quality tools in the context of software engineering education
Authors: Silva Danilo , Nunes Ingrid , Terra Ricardo
Published: February 2017

A key issue involved with software engineering education consists of how to guarantee that adequate software engineering principles are being followed at the code level, thus reinforcing that students produce high‐quality code. Reviewing and grading student projects to verify whether they followed such principles is a time‐consuming task, since this typically involves manual code inspection. In this paper, we exploit code quality tools and metrics to automatically assess student projects with respect to methods with many responsibilities (i.e., where the Extract Method refactoring should be applied), and evaluate their effectiveness. We conducted a study using two sets of student projects, developed in two academic semesters. Our results indicate that, to reduce the effort required to grade projects, two traditional code metrics, namely method lines of code and number of statements, perform best, and other metrics can be selected according to the system being implemented. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:230–241, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21793
Terminal‐Alkyne‐Induced Decomposition of a Phosphine‐Free Ruthenium Alkylidene Catalyst
Authors: Gierada Maciej , Czeluśniak Izabela , Handzlik Jarosław
Published: February 2017

The transformations of the third‐generation Grubbs catalyst [RuCl2(=CHPh)(3‐Br‐py)2(H2IMes)] (py=pyridine, H2IMes=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene) in the presence of a terminal alkyne (phenylacetylene) were studied theoretically. The ruthenium η3‐vinylcarbene complex is the most probable product of the reaction between the 14‐electron ruthenium alkylidene species and phenylacetylene. Its subsequent transformation into the ruthenium vinylidene complex and stilbene, both being experimentally observed earlier, is possible. The former is believed to be the active species catalyzing the dimerization of terminal alkynes. The calculated pathway also predicts the formation of [RuCl2(H2IMes)] species, which might initiate the cyclotrimerization of terminal alkynes or transform into the experimentally detected [RuCl2(3‐Br‐py)3(H2IMes)] complex. An alternative mechanism of the Grubbs catalyst decomposition through an intermediate Ru species having alkylidene and vinylidene ligands in the coordination sphere of ruthenium is also proposed.
Application of Ultrasound‐Assisted Supercritical Extraction to Soil Remediation
Authors: Castelo-Grande Teresa , Augusto Paulo A. , Estévez Angel M. , Barbosa Domingos
Published: February 2017

The coupling of ultrasound to supercritical extraction with carbon dioxide has been evaluated as a green remediation technique for soils contaminated with pesticides. The study used samples of soil spiked with atrazine, an organophosphate and contaminant of widespread use. The influence of the operating temperature and pressure on the extraction of atrazine was studied. The extraction of atrazine was enhanced with the use of ultrasound relative to the results obtained from conventional supercritical extraction. This study, operated in semi‐continuous mode, demonstrates the possibility of increasing the yield of supercritical extraction by coupling with ultrasound instead of adding co‐solvents, which is a greener alternative for removing contaminants such as pesticides from soil matrices.
Strong and Selective Halide Anion Binding by Neutral Halogen‐Bonding [2]Rotaxanes in Wet Organic Solvents
Authors: Lim Jason Y. C. , Bunchuay Thanthapatra , Beer Paul D.
Published: February 2017

The design and construction of neutral interlocked host molecules for anion recognition are rare. Using an active‐metal template approach, the preparation of a family of neutral halogen bonding (XB) rotaxanes containing two, three and four iodotriazole groups integrated into the macrocycle and axle components is achieved. In spite of the interlocked hosts’ neutrality, such rotaxane systems are capable of binding halide anions strongly and selectively in wet organic solvent mixtures. Importantly, halide‐binding strength and selectivity can be modulated by varying the number and position of the halogen bond donor iodotriazole groups within the interlocked cavity; the rotaxane containing the largest number of halogen bond donor groups exhibits the highest halide anion‐binding affinities. By varying the percentage of water content in the solvent, neutral XB donor‐mediated anion‐binding strength is also demonstrated to be highly sensitive to solvent polarity.
Silica Xerogel Obtained by Ultrashort Laser Irradiation of Tetraethyl Orthosilicate
Authors: Sansone Maria , De Bonis Angela , Galasso Agostino , Santagata Antonio , Teghil Roberto
Published: January 2017

The formation of an opaque solid foam was induced by the direct interaction between tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and an ultrashort femtosecond laser source(Nd:glass, 527 nm, 10 Hz, 250 fs). The product, which resulted to be a silica xerogel, was characterized by different techniques. In particular, information about the morphology was obtained by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), while the presence of different functional groups was studied through IR measurements. Since the properties of this kind of material can be improved by functionalizing it with metal nanoparticles, a palladium metal target was ablated in liquid TEOS. TEM images show that palladium was present in the form of nanoparticles and EDX measurements confirm the presence of the metal inside the silica network.
Drugs in development for herpes simplex and varicella zoster virus
Authors: Birkmann A , Zimmermann H
Published: February 2017

The alpha‐herpesviruses varicella zoster virus (VZV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) share common features including lifelong persistence in sensory ganglia and the risk of recurrences. For both HSV and VZV, standard‐of‐care (SoC) is based on nucleoside analogs (NAs), which require specific activation in infected cells. These existing drugs exhibit substantial limitations, warranting the development of new and more effective drugs.
Evacuation response behaviour of occupants in a large theatre during a live performance
Authors: Galea E. R. , Deere S. J. , Hopkin C. G. , Xie H.
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the results of an unannounced theatre evacuation involving 1200 occupants. The evacuation took place towards the end of a live theatre performance in the Marlowe Theatre in Kent, UK. In particular, Response Phase behaviours are discussed, and response time data is presented. A significant finding of this work which is different to other reported work is that the occupant response time distribution, while following the typical log‐normal distribution is related to the geometrical positioning of the occupants relative to proximity to exit aisles and exits. Response time is found to increase relative to seat distance from the exit aisles and distance of the seat row to an exit. The identified trends in response time distribution will have a profound impact on the analysis of evacuation times and congestion levels determined using agent based evacuation models and so should be represented within these models. Based on these findings, a generalised methodology is proposed to distribute response time within a theatre for use in evacuation simulation applications. Further experimental analysis is required to determine whether these observations can be generalised and applied to other seated venues such as cinemas, music venues and sports arenas. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paclitaxel (Taxol)
Authors: Kohler David R. , Goldspiel Barry R.
Published: February 2017

Paclitaxel is a novel antineoplastic that effects cytotoxicity by promoting intracellular tubulin polymerization and stabilizes abnormal microtubule structures against depolymerization. Although its clinical development had been hampered by misconceptions about its pharmacology, its scarcity, difficulties extracting it from its natural source, formulation problems, and frequent severe hypersensitivity reactions, paclitaxel recently was approved for treatment‐refractory ovarian cancer. Two major adverse effects are dosage‐ and schedule‐related myelosuppression and mucositis. Neurotoxicity is directly related to both the individual and cumulative doses. Other relevant toxicities are hypersensitivity reactions, effects on cardiac rate and rhythm, arthralgias and myalgias, generalized hair loss, and mild nausea and emesis. Continuing clinical studies will evaluate paclitaxel as initial therapy for ovarian cancer and its utility in other malignancies. In addition, major efforts are under way to develop alternative sources to increase the availability of taxene analogs and reduce our dependence on yew species.