bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visión de la educación y el estilo de enseñanza de los docentes de la Facultad de Educación de la Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú
Authors: Tello Yance Jesús , Barrientos Gutiérrez Pedro
Published: August 2017

El presente trabajo trata sobre la visión de la educación y los estilos de enseñanza de los docentes en opinión de los estudiantes, el propósito de la investigación fue establecer si existe correlación entre la visión de la educación y el estilo de enseñanza de los docentes de la Facultad de Educación de la Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, el nivel es el descriptivo y el tipo aplicado, el método fue el hipotético deductivo con un diseño transeccional. La población estuvo constituida por 80 docentes de la Facultad de Educación de la UNCP y la muestra por 60, seleccionados por la fórmula de regla de tres simple. Para la recolección de datos se empleó la encuesta. Los resultados mostraron que en la mentalidad de los docentes predomina la visión mecanicista de la educación, educación vista como fragmentada, mecánica, reduccionista; El desempeño en los estilos de enseñanza de los docentes es regular, subsiste estrategias conductista y tradicional en su enseñanza y existe una correlación baja entre la visión de la educación y los estilos de enseñanza de los docentes en la opinión de los alumnos, por lo tanto subsistirá en la mentalidad de los docentes el paradigma conductista y mecanicista de la educación.
Estrategias pedagógicas y actitudes hacia el cuidado del medio ambiente en estudiantes de Huancayo
Authors: García Poma Hilda Alina
Published: August 2017

El propósito de la presente investigación fue aplicar estrategias pedagógicas (programa de sensibilización, campañas y redes ecológicas) para desarrollar actitudes positivas hacia el cuidado del ambiente en los estudiantes de nivel secundario de la ciudad de Huancayo. Se realizó un diagnóstico de las actitudes hacia el cuidado del medio ambiente. Para ello se utilizó y validó una escala de tipo Licker, que se aplicó a una muestra de 70 estudiantes, que radican en zonas urbanas y rurales. A partir del diagnóstico se diseñaron las estrategias pedagógicas, las cuales fueron aplicadas a una muestra. Los resultados mostraron que antes del experimento, los estudiantes tendieron a ubicarse en la neutralidad, en la escala de actitudes; después del experimento tendieron a ubicarse en la aceptación.
Actitud hacia las relaciones humanas y proyectos de innovación educativa en las instituciones educativas del distrito de Chilca, Huancayo
Authors: Padilla Sánchez Maribel , Yarupaita Campos Aydée
Published: August 2017

La investigación es de tipo aplicado y sustantivo descriptiva (Sánchez y reyes, 2006). El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar si existe relación entre las actitudes hacia las relaciones humanas y los proyectos de innovaciones educativas de las instituciones del distrito de Chilca, Huancayo. El método empleado fue el descriptivo, con un diseño descriptivo correlacional. La muestra estuvo constituida por 61 docentes. Todos fueron evaluados con una escala tipo Licker para la actitud hacia las buenas Relaciones Humanas y la Lista de Cotejo para recoger las características, criterios y pertinencia de las innovaciones educativas. Los resultados mostraron que los docentes del distrito de Chilca, Huancayo no presentan actitudes positivas hacia las buenas Relaciones Humanas y que los proyectos educativos no tienen la calidad deseada. 
Una aproximación al problema del conocimiento científico.
Authors: Martel Vidal Víctor Hugo
Published: August 2017

Este es un asunto que ha sido abordado en múltiples ocasiones, sobre todo por los filósofos quienes lo han hecho prescindiendo de los aportes de la psicología, no es de extrañar la desconfianza en las ciencias sobre todo en aquellas, reduccionistas y utilitarias; lo mismo ocurre con muchísimos psicólogos, quienes se interesan en teorías o técnicas que atiendan casos rutinarios y que reditúen y si es de inmediato, mejor. En estas condiciones pareciera que este problema no se encuentra adecuadamente explicado y que este intento resulte satisfactorio, ahora que disponemos de nuevas y más eficaces herramientas intelectuales, sobre todo aquellas agrupadas en las denominadas como neurociencias, es pertinente intentar una nueva aproximación, en la esperanza que nos permita una mejor comprensión del mismo.
Nihilismo y diversidad: ¿no consiste lo sagrado en que hayan dioses y no un dios?
Authors: Depaz Toledo Zenón
Published: August 2017

Este ensayo intenta mostrar que, de acuerdo a Nietzsche, no es la muerte de Dios lo que trae consigo la desacralización del mundo y la vida, fenómeno característico de la modernidad, sino más bien la afirmación de aquel Dios. Para ello se explora la alegoría de la muerte de los dioses, atacados de risa fatal al oír, de aquel otro Dios, que lo sagrado no puede ser plural. Con ello, abordamos los alcances civilizatorios de aquella alegoría, con particular interés en la relación que supone entre la defensa de la diversidad, la recuperación del sentido de la tierra y la afirmación de lo sagrado como dimensión plural e inmanente al mundo y la vida.
Ética, violencia y revolución en Marcuse
Authors: Polo Santillán Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2017

El artículo analiza las ideas de Marcuse sobre la justificación del uso de la violencia en las revoluciones sociales. Se revisan los conceptos de revolución, violencia, libertad, dictadura educativa, usados por Marcuse. Desde el punto de vista ético y filosófico vemos ciertas arbitrariedades en el razonamiento de Marcuse, que no justifican el uso de la violencia política.
Epistemología de la educación. Prolegómenos de la construcción del Currículo Regional Junín en el marco curricular nacional. Virtudes y miserias de los actores educativos.
Authors: Moya Rojas Nicanor
Published: August 2017

La construcción del currículo regional Junín por los docentes de la Facultad de Educación, de la Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, en coordinación con los docentes de la Dirección Regional de Educación de Junín, de las Unidades de Gestión Educativa Local y los grupos de interés, es un reto educativo; tiene a un fundamento filosófico: ser una construcción social, que responde a las exigencias, necesidades y demandas de la población regional, las aspiraciones de los educandos y a los avances de la ciencia y la tecnología; así como, a las orientaciones pedagógicas que emanan del Marco Curricular Nacional del Ministerio de Educación, el que promueve los aprendizajes fundamentales, los mapas de progreso, las rutas de aprendizaje, como criterios básicos para elevar la calidad de los aprendizajes en los educandos de educación básica regular y otras modalidades educativas.
Epistemología del número cero.
Authors: Contreras Oré Fabio A.
Published: August 2017

El presente articulo es un analisis de la evolucion historica del numero cero a traves de tres etapas: intra-representacional, inter-representacional y trans-representacional, estableciendo un paralelismo con la psicogenesis establecida por Jean Piaget en su epistemologia genetica, asi como en la interpretacion del desarrollo de los sistemas de registros semioticos de aprehension perceptual, aprehension operatoria y aprehension discursiva. Este analisis, permite resaltar los obstaculos epistemologicos en la construccion del objeto matematico denominado cero, que puede servir para realizar una transposicion didactica adecuada y oportuna en el marco de la Didactica Fundamental.
Instrumentos de recolección de datos a través de los estadígrafos de deformación y apuntamiento.
Authors: Cárdenas Ayala Aníbal
Published: August 2017

El presente trabajo de investigacion, determino el valor de la dificultad–facilidad y sensibilidad de los diferentes tipos de instrumentos de recoleccion de datos (pruebas pedagogicas, fichas de observacion, cuestionarios para encuestas) a traves de los estadigrafos de deformacion y de apuntamiento, respectivamente. Tuvo como objetivos especificos; disenar, elaborar o adaptar, y, aplicar los diferentes tipos de instrumentos de recoleccion de datos; calcular los estadigrafos de deformacion y de apuntamiento de los diferentes tipos de instrumentos de recoleccion de datos; analizar e interpretar estadisticamente los estadigrafos, de deformación y de apuntamiento de los diferentes tipos de instrumentos de recoleccion de datos, obtenidos; medir el grado de relacion entre la dificultad–facilidad y la sensibilidad de los diferentes tipos de instrumentos de recolección de datos. La muestra estuvo constituida por tres instrumentos de recoleccion de datos: Una prueba pedagogica, un cuestionario para encuesta y una ficha de observacion. Verificando la hipotesis: Existe una relacion causal entre la dificultad–facilidad y sensibilidad de los diferentes tipos de instrumentos de recoleccion de datos utilizados en las investigaciones pedagogicas. La investigacion es de tipo tecnologico–aplicado con un diseno correlacional. Arribandose a la conclusion de que existe una relacion de causalidad entre la asimetria (facilidad - dificultad) y la kurtosis (sensibilidad) en los instrumentos de recoleccion de datos tomados como espacio muestral del presente estudio.
La creatividad en los estudiantes de Educación Básica y Superior de Huancayo.
Authors: Monroe Avellaneda Julie Denise , Samamé Talledo Segundo Ronald
Published: August 2017

 El propósito de esta investigación fue evaluar la creatividad de los estudiantes de educación básica y superior de Huancayo. Para ello, se ejecutó una investigación aplicada, se empleó el método descriptivo con un diseño descriptivo comparativo. Se trabajó con una muestra de 371 estudiantes. Se obtuvieron 201 estudiantes de educación secundaria y 170 estudiantes del nivel superior. El instrumento aplicado fue una prueba para Evaluar Indicadores Básicos de Creatividad Revisada y Modificada (EIBC-RM). Los resultados mostraron que no existen diferencias entre los estudiantes de educación básica y superior de Huancayo en la variable creatividad y en sus indicadores de fluidez verbal, flexibilidad y organización. Pero, si existe diferencias en el indicador de originalidad a favor de los estudiantes de educación superior.
Pensar crítico y sentido de la vida: un dilema educativo
Authors: Cárdenas Canales Daniel
Published: August 2017

El texto aborda la polémica contradicción de dos visiones contrapuestas: el pensar crítico (lógico y conceptual) frente a la visión mítica/religiosa (de “sentido “especulativo” y simbólico). En el texto se presenta la dicotomía de las dos visiones contrapuestas que influyen marcadamente en la noción de formación de toda persona. La visión lógico/racional de la vida supone el ejercicio de cuestionar todo aquello que limite su pleno bienestar. Tal visión demanda una educación crítica que significaría la constante evaluación del quehacer y pensar humano que garanticen su integridad. La visión mítica/religiosa expresa una perspectiva constitutiva de un orden pre establecido que organiza y orienta el quehacer y pensar humano en un nivel preceptivo. Tal visión demanda una educación de sentido “instructivo” formando una “conciencia crédula” que propicia la adopción de preceptos que limitan el despliegue de las capacidades interpretativas y creativas humanas. La educación no tiene un solo sentido positivo, sino es un quehacer que puede favorecer o limitar la plenitud y bienestar del hombre, dependiendo del “sentido de la vida” que asuma, con el cual afirma o cuestiona un orden existente.
Módulos autoinstructivos mediante el modelo de íconos verbales en el aprendizaje de la estadística inferencial de estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Medrano Reynoso Esteban , Espinoza Barrios Eduardo
Published: August 2017

El trabajo de investigación, se dio inicio con el planteamiento del siguiente problema de investigación ¿En qué medida la utilización de módulos autoinstructivos mediante el modelo íconos verbales influirá en el aprendizaje de la estadística inferencial de los estudiantes del VIII semestre de la Facultad de Pedagogía y Humanidades de la Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú?. Asímismo se planteó el objetivo general: Utilizar los módulos autoinstructivos mediante el modelo íconos verbales, para mejorar el aprendizaje de la estadística inferencial de los estudiantes del VIII semestre de la Facultad de Pedagogía y Humanidades de la Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú. El método general fue el científico. Se aplicó una muestra de 105 estudiantes considerando la técnica no probabilística de manera intencionada. Se arribó a la conclusión que: la utilización de los módulos autoinstructivos mediante el modelo íconos verbales influye favorablemente en el aprendizaje de la estadística inferencial de los estudiantes del VIII semestre de la Facultad de Pedagogía y Humanidades de la Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, tal como nos indica la prueba ANOVA y la prueba Tukey Snedecor, con un nivel de significancia de 0,05. 
Trayectoria de Ronaldinho como héroe.
Authors: Yangali Vargas Jorge Luis
Published: August 2017

En el presente artículo analizamos la trayectoria futbolística de Ronaldinho, desde la teoría del héroe, sugerida por el escritor mexicano Ignacio Padilla. Consideramos a Ronaldinho como el primer héroe de nuestra épica futbolística postmoderna. Quien de ser un héroe de cuento de hadas pasó a ser un héroe temporero plausible de atravesar la tragedia de toda víctima sacrificial latinoamericana que no es capaz de controlar ni dominar su hibris. Y, sin embargo, la transformación final del héroe aún no ha llegado a su fin pues es poseedor de un don pedagógico que aún no lo comparte del todo a su comunidad futbolística. 
Hacia una didáctica de la metacognición
Authors: Alama Flores Cristian Marcos
Published: August 2017

El presente artículo aborda el tópico de la metacognición como una alternativa factible, para fundamentar y regular el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje. Una didáctica metacognitiva contribuye a hacer más consciente y eficiente la acción del docente, y, al mismo tiempo, hace más interesante y fructuosa la del estudiante.
Pensamiento crítico y rendimiento académico de estudiantes de la Facultad de Educación de la Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú
Authors: Pineda Lozano Marilú , Cerrón Lozano Alberto
Published: August 2017

La investigación tuvo como problema general: ¿Qué relación existe entre el pensamiento crítico y el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes de la Escuela Académico Profesional de Lenguas, Literatura y Comunicación de la Facultad de Educación de la Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú-Huancayo en el año 2013? Es de carácter cuantitativo, de tipo aplicada y nivel descriptivo con diseño descriptivo correlacional. Se aplicó el método científico, como método general y el descriptivo como específico. La muestra estuvo conformada por estudiantes de la mencionada Escuela. El resultado en relación al problema general indica que existe correlación directa y moderada, entre el pensamiento crítico y el rendimiento académico.
Synthesis of a series of novel 2,3-dihydrofurano-γ-lactone derivatives using DABCO as catalyst in an aqueous medium
Authors: Salari Maryam , Mosslemin Mohammad H. , Hassanabadi Alireza
Published: August 2017

A one-pot, green and efficient synthesis of twelve trans-2-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-3-aryl-3,6-dihydrofuro[3,4- b]furan-4-ones has been achieved via a three-component condensation of 2-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl)]isoquinolinium bromide with furan-2,4-dione and an araldehyde in the presence of catalytic amounts of 1,4-diaza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) in water under reflux conditions.
Representations of immigrants and refugees in US K-12 school-to-home correspondence: an exploratory corpus-assisted discourse study
Authors: Berger Cynthia , Friginal Eric , Roberts Jennifer
Published: August 2017

This study details a comparative, corpus-based discourse analysis of corpora containing educational documents distributed to parents and guardians of K-12 children in public schools in the United States (US). The exploratory local corpus (n=152,934) contains parent-directed educational documents collected from four public schools in a city located in the south-eastern US with an unusually high percentage of foreign-born residents. The comparison corpus (n=147,796) contains parent-directed documents collected from a sampling of K-12 schools across the US. Following Baker et al. (2008) , keyness and collocations were utilised as central theoretical notions and tools of analysis, in addition to a lexical sophistication comparison, in order to investigate text simplification across corpora. Results show that while the first corpus used labels for students that were superficially inclusive, English language learners themselves were discursively represented as outsiders facing barriers to inclusion that native-English speaking monolingual students do not face. Furthermore, the first corpus revealed an emphasis on identifying and categorising language learners so as to provide them with immediate services, while the non-geographically specific corpus focussed more on the long-term development of learners and on preparation for post-secondary education. We discuss the implications for language policy in public education and for policies related to K-12 school-to-home correspondence.
A Concept for Multi-Criteria Environmental Assessment of Aircraft Trajectories
Authors: Matthes Sigrun , Grewe Volker , Dahlmann Katrin , Frömming Christine , Irvine Emma , Lim Ling , Linke Florian , Lührs Benjamin , Owen Bethan , Shine Keith , Stromatas Stavros , Yamashita Hiroshi , Yin Feijia
Published: August 2017

Comprehensive assessment of the environmental aspects of flight movements is of increasing interest to the aviation sector as a potential input for developing sustainable aviation strategies that consider climate impact, air quality and noise issues simultaneously. However, comprehensive assessments of all three environmental aspects do not yet exist and are in particular not yet operational practice in flight planning. The purpose of this study is to present a methodology which allows to establish a multi-criteria environmental impact assessment directly in the flight planning process. The method expands a concept developed for climate optimisation of aircraft trajectories, by representing additionally air quality and noise impacts as additional criteria or dimensions, together with climate impact of aircraft trajectory. We present the mathematical framework for environmental assessment and optimisation of aircraft trajectories. In that context we present ideas on future implementation of such advanced meteorological services into air traffic management and trajectory planning by relying on environmental change functions (ECFs). These ECFs represent environmental impact due to changes in air quality, noise and climate impact. In a case study for Europe prototype ECFs are implemented and a performance assessment of aircraft trajectories is performed for a one-day traffic sample. For a single flight fuel-optimal versus climate-optimized trajectory solution is evaluated using prototypic ECFs and identifying mitigation potential. The ultimate goal of such a concept is to make available a comprehensive assessment framework for environmental performance of aircraft operations, by providing key performance indicators on climate impact, air quality and noise, as well as a tool for environmental optimisation of aircraft trajectories. This framework would allow studying and characterising changes in traffic flows due to environmental optimisation, as well as studying trade-offs between distinct strategic measures.
Promoting Smallholder Adoption of Conservation Agriculture through Mechanization Services
Authors: Sims Brian , Heney Jennifer
Published: August 2017

The importance of conservation agriculture (CA) is discussed in the context of producing food for a growing population while, at the same time, conserving and improving the natural resource base: sustainable crop production intensification. CA requires mechanization, and the necessary equipment may be beyond the reach of the majority of smallholder farmers, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. A logical solution to this situation is to provide CA mechanization services from private sector entrepreneurs. These will be well-equipped with appropriate CA equipment and will usually benefit from specific training on the technical aspects of CA machinery operation and on the business skills needed to run a profitable venture. The technical skills to be reinforced include: equipment selection, calibration of planters, seeders and sprayers, field operation, maintenance and repair. Business skills needed include: market research and feasibility studies, business planning, calculation of operational costs, partial budgets, break-even points and cash flows. The case is made for local manufacture to reduce the costs of machinery acquisition and to encourage local adaptation. Start-up costs are discussed together with the options of obtaining finance. Guidelines for marketing and managing the mechanization service provision business are developed. These include the importance of contracts, work planning, regular maintenance schedules and record keeping. Finally the most appropriate vehicle for delivering the training and sustaining support is considered. Formal training courses are a good starting point, but can be expensive to organize and execute. Individual counselling from extension sources is a viable option when the quality of the service is high enough. Study groups of involved entrepreneurs should be encouraged and supported to overcome the problems that will inevitably arise in new business ventures.
Perspectives on the Future of Ice Nucleation Research: Research Needs and Unanswered Questions Identified from Two International Workshops
Authors: Coluzza Ivan , Creamean Jessie , Rossi Michel , Wex Heike , Alpert Peter , Bianco Valentino , Boose Yvonne , Dellago Christoph , Felgitsch Laura , Fröhlich-Nowoisky Janine , Herrmann Hartmut , Jungblut Swetlana , Kanji Zamin , Menzl Georg , Moffett Bruce , Moritz Clemens , Mutzel Anke , Pöschl Ulrich , Schauperl Michael , Scheel Jan , Stopelli Emiliano , Stratmann Frank , Grothe Hinrich , Schmale David
Published: August 2017

There has been increasing interest in ice nucleation research in the last decade. To identify important gaps in our knowledge of ice nucleation processes and their impacts, two international workshops on ice nucleation were held in Vienna, Austria in 2015 and 2016. Experts from these workshops identified the following research needs: (1) uncovering the molecular identity of active sites for ice nucleation; (2) the importance of modeling for the understanding of heterogeneous ice nucleation; (3) identifying and quantifying contributions of biological ice nuclei from natural and managed environments; (4) examining the role of aging in ice nuclei; (5) conducting targeted sampling campaigns in clouds; and (6) designing lab and field experiments to increase our understanding of the role of ice-nucleating particles in the atmosphere. Interdisciplinary teams of scientists should work together to establish and maintain a common, unified language for ice nucleation research. A number of commercial applications benefit from ice nucleation research, including the production of artificial snow, the freezing and preservation of water-containing food products, and the potential modulation of weather. Additional work is needed to increase our understanding of ice nucleation processes and potential impacts on precipitation, water availability, climate change, crop health, and feedback cycles.
Topological Signals of Singularities in Ricci Flow
Authors: Alsing Paul , Blair Howard , Corne Matthew , Jones Gordon , Miller Warner , Mischaikow Konstantin , Nanda Vidit
Published: August 2017

We implement methods from computational homology to obtain a topological signal of singularity formation in a selection of geometries evolved numerically by Ricci flow. Our approach, based on persistent homology, produces precise, quantitative measures describing the behavior of an entire collection of data across a discrete sample of times. We analyze the topological signals of geometric criticality obtained numerically from the application of persistent homology to models manifesting singularities under Ricci flow. The results we obtain for these numerical models suggest that the topological signals distinguish global singularity formation (collapse to a round point) from local singularity formation (neckpinch). Finally, we discuss the interpretation and implication of these results and future applications.
Suppression of mRNA Nanoparticle Transfection in Human Fibroblasts by Selected Interferon Inhibiting Small Molecule Compounds
Authors: Liu Yang , Krishnan Manoj N. , Phua Kyle K.L.
Published: August 2017

In vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNA is increasingly applied in lieu of DNA to deliver reprogramming genes to fibroblasts for stem cell derivation. However, IVT mRNA induces interferon (IFN) responses from mammalian cells that reduces transfection efficiency. It has been previously suggested that small molecule inhibitors of IFN are a viable strategy to enhance mRNA transfection efficiency. Herein, we screen a list of commercially available small molecules, including published IFN inhibitors, for their potential to enhance mRNA transfection in BJ fibroblasts. Transfection enhancement is quantified by relative mean fluorescence intensity of translated green fluorescent protein (GFP) in treated cells compared to dimethyl sulfoxide treated controls. Within toxicological constrains, all tested small molecules did not enhance mRNA transfection in BJ fibroblasts while a third of the tested compounds unexpectedly inhibited GFP expression even though IFN-β production is inhibited. Based on the results of our study, we conclude that small molecule inhibitors, including IFN inhibitors, tested in this study do not enhance in vitro mRNA transfection efficiency in human fibroblasts.
Plant Virus Expression Vectors: A Powerhouse for Global Health
Authors: Hefferon Kathleen
Published: August 2017

Plant-made biopharmaceuticals have long been considered a promising technology for providing inexpensive and efficacious medicines for developing countries, as well as for combating pandemic infectious diseases and for use in personalized medicine. Plant virus expression vectors produce high levels of pharmaceutical proteins within a very short time period. Recently, plant viruses have been employed as nanoparticles for novel forms of cancer treatment. This review provides a glimpse into the development of plant virus expression systems both for pharmaceutical production as well as for immunotherapy.
Pr9.33(SiO4)6O2 Crystals: Czochralski Growth and Near UV-Visible FR Performance
Authors: Chen Xin , Chen Jianzhong
Published: August 2017

Pr9.33(SiO4)6O2 crystals have been grown by the Cz-method for the first time for near UV–visible Faraday rotation applications. Rietveld refinement of XRD data demonstrates that the compound crystallizes in the oxyapatite structure with space group P63/m, with oxyapatite structure. In contrast to Tb3Ga5O12, Pr9.33(SiO4)6O2 crystal shows a higher transparency in the UV–visible wavelength region, and a shorter cutoff at 270 nm. The Faraday rotation performance and the temperature-dependence of the field-cooled (FC) and zero-field-cooled (ZFC) magnetic susceptibility have been investigated, which indicate that the Pr9.33(SiO4)6O2 crystal exhibits paramagnetic behavior in the experimental temperature range from 2 to 300 K and yields a larger FR angle which rapidly increases towards the cutoff. Pr9.33(SiO4)6O2 crystal is therefore a promising magneto-optical crystal in particular for potential FR applications in the near UV–visible spectral region.
Self-Assembled Microwires of Terephthalic Acid and Melamine
Authors: Wang Hong , Kojtari Arben , Xu Xiaohe , Ji Hai-Feng
Published: August 2017

Self-assembled microwires of terephthalic acid (TPA) and melamine are prepared through the evaporation of water in a solution mixture of TPA and melamine. The microwires were characterized by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectra, and cross-polarized optical microscopy (CPOM). The TPA•M microwires showed semi-conductive properties.
Quantum Genetic Learning Control of Quantum Ensembles with Hamiltonian Uncertainties
Authors: Arjmandzadeh Ameneh , Yarahmadi Majid
Published: August 2017

In this paper, a new method for controlling a quantum ensemble that its members have uncertainties in Hamiltonian parameters is designed. Based on combining the sampling-based learning control (SLC) and a new quantum genetic algorithm (QGA) method, the control of an ensemble of a two-level quantum system with Hamiltonian uncertainties is achieved. To simultaneously transfer the ensemble members to a desired state, an SLC algorithm is designed. For reducing the transfer error significantly, an optimization problem is defined. Considering the advantages of QGA and the nature of the problem, the optimization problem by using the QGA method is solved. For this purpose, N samples through sampling of the uncertainty parameters via uniform distribution are generated and an augmented system is also created. By using QGA in the training step, the best control signal is obtained. To test the performance and validation of the method, the obtained control is implemented for some random selected samples. A couple of examples are simulated for investigating the proposed model. The results of the simulations indicate the effectiveness and the advantages of the proposed method.
A Data Compression Hardware Accelerator Enabling Long-Term Biosignal Monitoring Based on Ultra-Low Power IoT Platforms
Authors: Antonopoulos Christos P. , Voros Nikolaos S.
Published: August 2017

For highly demanding scenarios such as continuous bio-signal monitoring, transmitting excessive volumes of data wirelessly comprises one of the most critical challenges. This is due to the resource limitations posed by typical hardware and communication technologies. Driven by such shortcomings, this paper aims at addressing the respective deficiencies. The main axes of this work include (a) data compression, and (b) the presentation of a complete, efficient and practical hardware accelerator design able to be integrated in any Internet of Things (IoT) platform for addressing critical challenges of data compression. On one hand, the developed algorithm is presented and evaluated on software, exhibiting significant benefits compared to respective competition. On the other hand, the algorithm is fully implemented on hardware providing a further proof of concept regarding the implementation feasibility with respect to state-of-the art hardware design approaches. Finally, system-level performance benefits, regarding data transmission delay and energy saving, are highlighted, taking into consideration the characteristics of prominent IoT platforms. Concluding, this paper presents a holistic approach based on data compression that is able to drastically enhance an IoT platform’s performance and tackle efficiently a notorious challenge of highly demanding IoT applications such as real-time bio-signal monitoring.
A Demand-Side Perspective on Developing a Future Electricity Generation Mix: Identifying Heterogeneity in Social Preferences
Authors: Huh Sung-Yoon , Lee Chul-Yong
Published: August 2017

Public support is an important factor in failure or success of the government decisions with respect to the electricity generation mix, which highlights the necessity of developing an electricity mix that reflects social preferences and acceptance. This study explores heterogeneity in social preferences for power sources and develops an electricity mix from a demand-side perspective. The study utilizes the choice-based conjoint survey and latent class model, and bases its empirical analysis on South Korea’s electric power sector. Results demonstrate that preferences for power sources in Korean society consist of two classes: one that is sensitive to the environment and one that is sensitive to risk. An electricity mix for Korea that reflects social preferences is 16.5–19.8% coal-fired, 13.3–24.9% liquefied natural gas (LNG), 9.0–11.2% oil, 22.3–32.9% nuclear, and 18.5–38.9% renewables, depending on the scenario. The study confirms that renewables are the power source with the least potential to cause social conflict, compared to nuclear and coal-fired sources. Moreover, increasing the proportion of renewables (currently only 3.9%) while decreasing the proportion of coal-fired power sources (currently 39.9%) to less than half its current level will result in an electricity mix that is accordance with social preferences in the long run.
A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study Examining Health Services Deficits of US Veterans Using 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data: Is Rural Residency an Independent Risk Factor after Controlling for Multiple Covariates?
Authors: St. Hill Catherine , Swanoski Michael , Lipsky Martin , Lutfiyya May
Published: August 2017

Introduction: In 2014, it was reported that there was a backlog of an estimated 1.2 million claims nationwide at the United States Veterans Administration (VA). This ecological occurrence opened up a space for asking and answering some important questions about health service deficits (HSD) of US veterans, which is the focus of the research reported on in this paper. The purpose of this study was to ascertain if rural veterans were more likely to experience HSDs than urban military veterans after controlling for a number of covariates. Methods: Bivariate and multivariate data analysis strategies were used to examine 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data. HSD was the dependent variable. Results: Two multivariate models were tested. The first logistic regression analysis yielded that rural veterans had higher odds of having at least one HSD. The second yielded that rural US veterans in 2014 who had higher odds of having at least one HSD were: 18–64 years of age, unemployed seeking employment, living in households with annual incomes lower than $75,000, without a university degree, not part of a married or unmarried couple, a current smoker, and/or a binge drinker within the last 30 days. Conclusions: The study described here fills identified epidemiological gaps in our knowledge regarding rural US military veterans and HSDs. The findings are not only interesting but important, and should be used to inform interventions to reduce HSDs for rural veterans.
Beneficial Effects of Galectin-3 Blockade in Vascular and Aortic Valve Alterations in an Experimental Pressure Overload Model
Authors: Ibarrola Jaime , Martínez-Martínez Ernesto , Sádaba J. , Arrieta Vanessa , García-Peña Amaia , Álvarez Virginia , Fernández-Celis Amaya , Gainza Alicia , Rossignol Patrick , Cachofeiro Ramos Victoria , López-Andrés Natalia
Published: August 2017

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is involved in cardiovascular fibrosis and aortic valve (AV) calcification. We hypothesized that Gal-3 pharmacological inhibition with modified citrus pectin (MCP) could reduce aortic and AV remodeling in normotensive rats with pressure overload (PO). Six weeks after aortic constriction, vascular Gal-3 expression was up-regulated in male Wistar rats. Gal-3 overexpression was accompanied by an increase in the aortic media layer thickness, enhanced total collagen, and augmented expression of fibrotic mediators. Further, vascular inflammatory markers as well as inflammatory cells content were greater in aorta from PO rats. MCP treatment (100 mg/kg/day) prevented the increase in Gal-3, media thickness, fibrosis, and inflammation in the aorta of PO rats. Gal-3 levels were higher in AVs from PO rats. This paralleled enhanced AV fibrosis, inflammation, as well as greater expression of calcification markers. MCP treatment prevented the increase in Gal-3 as well as fibrosis, inflammation, and calcification in AVs. Overall, Gal-3 is overexpressed in aorta and AVs from PO rats. Gal-3 pharmacological inhibition blocks aortic and AV remodeling in experimental PO. Gal-3 could be a new therapeutic approach to delay the progression and the development of aortic remodeling and AV calcification in PO.
Deep Transfer Learning for Modality Classification of Medical Images
Authors: Yu Yuhai , Lin Hongfei , Meng Jiana , Wei Xiaocong , Guo Hai , Zhao Zhehuan
Published: August 2017

Medical images are valuable for clinical diagnosis and decision making. Image modality is an important primary step, as it is capable of aiding clinicians to access required medical image in retrieval systems. Traditional methods of modality classification are dependent on the choice of hand-crafted features and demand a clear awareness of prior domain knowledge. The feature learning approach may detect efficiently visual characteristics of different modalities, but it is limited to the number of training datasets. To overcome the absence of labeled data, on the one hand, we take deep convolutional neural networks (VGGNet, ResNet) with different depths pre-trained on ImageNet, fix most of the earlier layers to reserve generic features of natural images, and only train their higher-level portion on ImageCLEF to learn domain-specific features of medical figures. Then, we train from scratch deep CNNs with only six weight layers to capture more domain-specific features. On the other hand, we employ two data augmentation methods to help CNNs to give the full scope to their potential characterizing image modality features. The final prediction is given by our voting system based on the outputs of three CNNs. After evaluating our proposed model on the subfigure classification task in ImageCLEF2015 and ImageCLEF2016, we obtain new, state-of-the-art results—76.87% in ImageCLEF2015 and 87.37% in ImageCLEF2016—which imply that CNNs, based on our proposed transfer learning methods and data augmentation skills, can identify more efficiently modalities of medical images.
Understanding Barriers to Participation in Cost-Share Programs For Pollinator Conservation by Wisconsin (USA) Cranberry Growers
Authors: Gaines-Day Hannah , Gratton Claudio
Published: August 2017

The expansion of modern agriculture has led to the loss and fragmentation of natural habitat, resulting in a global decline in biodiversity, including bees. In many countries, farmers can participate in cost-share programs to create natural habitat on their farms for the conservation of beneficial insects, such as bees. Despite their dependence on bee pollinators and the demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship, participation in such programs by Wisconsin cranberry growers has been low. The objective of this study was to understand the barriers that prevent participation by Wisconsin cranberry growers in cost-share programs for on-farm conservation of native bees. We conducted a survey of cranberry growers (n = 250) regarding farming practices, pollinators, and conservation. Although only 10% of growers were aware of federal pollinator cost-share programs, one third of them were managing habitat for pollinators without federal aid. Once informed of the programs, 50% of growers expressed interest in participating. Fifty-seven percent of growers manage habitat for other wildlife, although none receive cost-share funding to do so. Participation in cost-share programs could benefit from outreach activities that promote the programs, a reduction of bureaucratic hurdles to participate, and technical support for growers on how to manage habitat for wild bees.
Effect of a Particulate and a Putty-Like Tricalcium Phosphate-Based Bone-grafting Material on Bone Formation, Volume Stability and Osteogenic Marker Expression after Bilateral Sinus Floor Augmentation in Humans
Authors: Knabe Christine , Khattab Doaa Adel , Kluk Esther , Struck Rainer , Stiller Michael
Published: August 2017

This study examines the effect of a hyaluronic acid (HyAc) containing tricalcium phosphate putty scaffold material (TCP-P) and of a particulate tricalcium phosphate (TCP-G) graft on bone formation, volume stability and osteogenic marker expression in biopsies sampled 6 months after bilateral sinus floor augmentation (SFA) in 7 patients applying a split-mouth design. 10% autogenous bone chips were added to the grafting material during surgery. The grain size of the TCP granules was 700 to 1400 µm for TCP-G and 125 to 250 µm and 500 to 700 µm (ratio 1:1) for TCP-P. Biopsies were processed for immunohistochemical analysis of resin-embedded sections. Sections were stained for collagen type I (Col I), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC) and bone sialoprotein (BSP). Furthermore, the bone area and biomaterial area fraction were determined histomorphometrically. Cone-beam CT data recorded after SFA and 6 months later were used for calculating the graft volume at these two time points. TCP-P displayed more advantageous surgical handling properties and a significantly greater bone area fraction and smaller biomaterial area fraction. This was accompanied by significantly greater expression of Col I and BSP and in osteoblasts and osteoid and a less pronounced reduction in grafting volume with TCP-P. SFA using both types of materials resulted in formation of sufficient bone volume for facilitating stable dental implant placement with all dental implants having been in function without any complications for 6 years. Since TCP-P displayed superior surgical handling properties and greater bone formation than TCP-G, without the HyAc hydrogel matrix having any adverse effect on bone formation or graft volume stability, TCP-P can be regarded as excellent grafting material for SFA in a clinical setting. The greater bone formation observed with TCP-P may be related to the difference in grain size of the TCP granules and/or the addition of the HyAc.
Sea Level Forecasts Aggregated from Established Operational Systems
Authors: Taylor Andy , Brassington Gary
Published: August 2017

A system for providing routine seven-day forecasts of sea level observable at tide gauge locations is described and evaluated. Forecast time series are aggregated from well-established operational systems of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology; although following some adjustments these systems are only quasi-complimentary. Target applications are routine coastal decision processes under non-extreme conditions. The configuration aims to be relatively robust to operational realities such as version upgrades, data gaps and metadata ambiguities. Forecast skill is evaluated against hourly tide gauge observations. Characteristics of the bias correction term are demonstrated to be primarily static in time, with time varying signals showing regional coherence. This simple approach to exploiting existing complex systems can offer valuable levels of skill at a range of Australian locations. The prospect of interpolation between observation sites and exploitation of lagged-ensemble uncertainty estimates could be meaningfully pursued. Skill characteristics define a benchmark against which new operational sea level forecasting systems can be measured. More generally, an aggregation approach may prove to be optimal for routine sea level forecast services given the physically inhomogeneous processes involved and ability to incorporate ongoing improvements and extensions of source systems.
Biosynthesis of Astaxanthin as a Main Carotenoid in the Heterobasidiomycetous Yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous
Authors: Barredo Jose , García-Estrada Carlos , Kosalkova Katarina , Barreiro Carlos
Published: August 2017

Carotenoids are organic lipophilic yellow to orange and reddish pigments of terpenoid nature that are usually composed of eight isoprene units. This group of secondary metabolites includes carotenes and xanthophylls, which can be naturally obtained from photosynthetic organisms, some fungi, and bacteria. One of the microorganisms able to synthesise carotenoids is the heterobasidiomycetous yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, which represents the teleomorphic state of Phaffia rhodozyma, and is mainly used for the production of the xanthophyll astaxanthin. Upgraded knowledge on the biosynthetic pathway of the main carotenoids synthesised by X. dendrorhous, the biotechnology-based improvement of astaxanthin production, as well as the current omics approaches available in this yeast are reviewed in depth.
Visually-Impaired Brazilian Students Learning English with Smartphones: Overcoming Limitations
Authors: Retorta Miriam , Cristovão Vera
Published: August 2017

The aim of this research was to investigate the role of smartphones in teaching the English language to a population of fifteen, visually-impaired Brazilian students. Classroom ethnography was chosen as the methodological design and data generated from classroom observations, didactic materials that were made and posted on apps, and two questionnaires were used. We resorted to descriptive and interpretive analyses as we intended to find linguistic and behavioral patterns regarding the use of information and communications technology (ICT), focusing on smartphones, for communication and learning English. Results show that, at the beginning of the course, students had little to no ability to use smartphones, including apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook mobile. After two years of formal language and smartphone instruction, all students learned how to use their mobile phones, and were able to post and listen to podcasts and written texts on WhatsApp and Facebook mobile in both their native language and in English. The students also engaged in real-life communication events with peers in Brazil and other parts of the world. Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) helped these students enhance their social and cultural capital.
Particle Size and Particle Percentage Effect of AZ61/SiCp Magnesium Matrix Micro- and Nano-Composites on Their Mechanical Properties Due to Extrusion and Subsequent Annealing
Authors: Zhao Weigang , Huang Song-Jeng , Wu Yi-Jhang , Kang Cheng-Wei
Published: August 2017

Magnesium metal matrix composites (Mg MMCs) possess relatively more favorable mechanical properties than Mg alloys because they add reinforcements, such as small particles, short fibers, or continuous fibers, into the matrix. This study investigated the influence of adding different sizes and percentages of silicon carbide particles (SiCp) for manufacturing AZ61/SiCp Mg alloy composite extrusion plates on the mechanical properties of SiCp. We also examined the impact and discussed the evolution of microstructures, changes of material strength, ductility, formability, and other mechanical properties caused by a subsequent annealing treatment after plate extrusion. The results showed that the mechanical properties of plates can be improved by adding reinforcement particles. The effects of grain refinement were as follows: the smaller the size of the reinforcement particles, the greater the enhancement of mechanical properties. Among them, the AZ61/1 wt % SiCp/50 nm MMC plate had relatively excellent mechanical properties. Specifically, the ultimate tensile strength, yielding strength, ductility, hardness, and grain size of the plate were 331 MPa, 136.4 MPa, 43.1%, 62 HV, and 3.3 μm, respectively. Compared with SiCp-free Mg MMC plates, these properties of the AZ61/1 wt % SiCp/50 nm MMC plate were enhanced (or refined) by 6.4%, 3.4%, 83.4%, 2%, and 13.2%, respectively; by contrast, formability decreased by 9.1%.