bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Vitamin D3 Level with Breast Cancer Risk and Prognosis in African-American and Hispanic Women
Authors: Wu Yanyuan , Sarkissyan Marianna , Clayton Sheilah , Chlebowski Rowan , Vadgama Jaydutt V.
Published: October 2017

Background: This study investigated the association of vitamin D3 levels with breast cancer risk and progression in African-Americans and Hispanics. Methods: A total of 237 African-American (Cases = 119, Control = 118) and 423 Hispanic women (Cases = 124, Control = 299) were recruited in the study. Blood samples were collected at the time of breast cancer screening and prior to cancer treatment for 4 weeks on average for the cases. The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D3) was measured at a Quest-Diagnostics facility. Results: The results showed that 69.2% of African-Americans and 37.8% of Hispanics had 25(OH)D3 levels below 20 ng/mL. The 25(OH)D3 level below 20 ng/mL was significantly associated with breast cancer in both African-Americans (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.3–4.8) and Hispanics (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1–3.0). However, the predicted probabilities of breast cancer in African-Americans were significantly higher than in Hispanics (p < 0.001). The 25(OH)D3 below 20 ng/mL was significantly associated with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in African-Americans (OR = 5.4, p = 0.02, 95% CI = 1.4–15), but not in Hispanics in our cohort of participants. Levels of 25(OH)D3 below 26 ng/mL predicts a decrease in disease-free survival, but it was not an independent predictor. Conclusions: Our data shows an association between 25(OH)D3 levels and the risk of breast cancer. Further studies on the relationship between 25(OH)D3 level and breast cancer risk are warranted.
Analysis of Anodes of Microbial Fuel Cells When Carbon Brushes Are Preheated at Different Temperatures
Authors: Yang Qiao , Liang Shengna , Liu Jia , Lv Jiangwei , Feng Yujie
Published: October 2017

The anode electrode is one of the most important components in all microbial electrochemical technologies (METs). Anode materials pretreatment and modification have been shown to be an effective method of improving anode performance. According to mass loss analysis during carbon fiber heating, five temperatures (300, 450, 500, 600, and 750 °C) were selected as the pre-heating temperatures of carbon fiber brush anodes. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) reactors built up with these pre-heated carbon brush anodes performed with different power densities and Coulombic efficiencies (CEs). Two kinds of measuring methods for power density were applied, and the numerical values of maximum power densities diverged greatly. Reactors with 450 °C anodes, using both methods, had the highest power densities, and the highest CEs were found using 500 °C anode reactors. The surface elements of heat-treated carbon fibers were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), and C, O, and N were the main constituents of the carbon fiber. There were four forms of N1s at the surface of the polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fiber, and their concentrations were different at different temperature samples. The microbial community of the anode surface was analyzed, and microbial species on anodes from every sample were similar. The differences in anode performance may be caused by mass loss and by the surface elements. For carbon brush anodes used in MFCs or other BESs, 450–500 °C preheating was the most suitable temperature range in terms of the power densities and CEs.
Antimicrobial Films Based on Chitosan and Methylcellulose Containing Natamycin for Active Packaging Applications
Authors: Santonicola Serena , García Ibarra Verónica , Sendón Raquel , Mercogliano Raffaelina , Rodríguez-Bernaldo de Quirós Ana
Published: October 2017

Biodegradable polymers are gaining interest as antimicrobial carriers in active packaging. In the present study, two active films based on chitosan (1.5% w/v) and methylcellulose (3% w/v) enriched with natamycin were prepared by casting. The antimicrobial’s release behavior was evaluated by immersion of the films in 95% ethanol (v/v) at different temperatures. The natamycin content in the food simulant was determined by reversed-high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). The apparent diffusion (DP) and partition (KP/S) coefficients were calculated using a mathematical model based on Fick’s Second Law. Results showed that the release of natamycin from chitosan based film (DP = 3.61 × 10−13 cm2/s) was slower, when compared with methylcellulose film (DP = 3.20 × 10−8 cm2/s) at the same temperature (p < 0.05). To evaluate the antimicrobial efficiency of active films, cheese samples were completely covered with the films, stored at 20 °C for 7 days, and then analyzed for moulds and yeasts. Microbiological analyses showed a significant reduction in yeasts and moulds (7.91 log CFU/g) in samples treated with chitosan active films (p < 0.05). The good compatibility of natamycin with chitosan, the low Dp, and antimicrobial properties suggested that the film could be favorably used in antimicrobial packagings.
Identification of Gene Expression Changes in the Aorta of ApoE Null Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Xi Dan , Zhao Jinzhen , Zhao Miao , Fu Weijun , Guo Zhigang , Chen Hui
Published: October 2017

Atherosclerosis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease with high worldwide prevalence, and has become the leading cause of death. In the present study, we analyzed global gene expression changes in the aorta of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) null mice fed a high-fat diet by using RNA-seq. We identified a total of 280 differentially expressed genes, of which 163 genes were upregulated and 117 genes were downregulated by high-fat diet compared with normal diet. Functional clustering and gene network analysis revealed that fatty acid metabolic process is crucial for atherosclerosis. By examining of the promoter regions of differentially expressed genes, we identified four causal transcription factors. Additionally, through connectivity map (CMap) analysis, multiple compounds were identified to have anti-atherosclerotic effects due to their ability to reverse gene expression during atherosclerosis. Our study provides a valuable resource for in-depth understanding of the mechanism underlying atherosclerosis.
Is Obesity More Than a Double Burden among People with Mobility Disability? The Effect of Obesity on HRQoL and Participation in Society
Authors: Holmgren Marianne , De Munter Jeroen , Rasmussen Finn , Sandberg Magnus , Ahlström Gerd
Published: October 2017

Obesity is more common in individuals with mobility disability than in those without this condition. Individuals with mobility disability also have lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and are limited in their participation in society. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the body mass index (BMI) status and the association of overweight or obesity on HRQoL and participation in society among those with mobility disability in comparison to those without mobility disability. This cross-sectional study was based on a health survey conducted in Sweden in 2012 (n = 18,322; age, 18–64 years). Logistic regression with and without interaction analysis was applied. Effect modification by overweight status was significant for, moderate pain. For obesity, effect modification was seen for low general health, pain (moderate and severe), and not participating in work. BMI was higher among those with mobility disability, but no associations between overweight or obesity and HRQoL or participation in society were observed for those with mobility disability. Overweight and obesity did not add an additional burden to mobility disability, probably because mobility disability is associated with low HRQoL and low participation in society. Despite these results, population obesity prevention strategies are still needed.
Zinc Signals and Immunity
Authors: Maywald Martina , Wessels Inga , Rink Lothar
Published: October 2017

Zinc homeostasis is crucial for an adequate function of the immune system. Zinc deficiency as well as zinc excess result in severe disturbances in immune cell numbers and activities, which can result in increased susceptibility to infections and development of especially inflammatory diseases. This review focuses on the role of zinc in regulating intracellular signaling pathways in innate as well as adaptive immune cells. Main underlying molecular mechanisms and targets affected by altered zinc homeostasis, including kinases, caspases, phosphatases, and phosphodiesterases, will be highlighted in this article. In addition, the interplay of zinc homeostasis and the redox metabolism in affecting intracellular signaling will be emphasized. Key signaling pathways will be described in detail for the different cell types of the immune system. In this, effects of fast zinc flux, taking place within a few seconds to minutes will be distinguish from slower types of zinc signals, also designated as “zinc waves”, and late homeostatic zinc signals regarding prolonged changes in intracellular zinc.
An Integrated Numerical Model for the Design of Coastal Protection Structures
Authors: Karambas Theophanis , Samaras Achilleas
Published: October 2017

In the present work, an integrated coastal engineering numerical model is presented. The model simulates the linear wave propagation, wave-induced circulation, and sediment transport and bed morphology evolution. It consists of three main modules: WAVE_L, WICIR, and SEDTR. The nearshore wave transformation module WAVE_L (WAVE_Linear) is based on the hyperbolic-type mild slope equation and is valid for a compound linear wave field near coastal structures where the waves are subjected to the combined effects of shoaling, refraction, diffraction, reflection (total and partial), and breaking. Radiation stress components (calculated from WAVE_L) drive the depth averaged circulation module WICIR (Wave Induced CIRculation) for the description of the nearshore wave-induced currents. Sediment transport and bed morphology evolution in the nearshore, surf, and swash zone are simulated by the SEDTR (SEDiment TRansport) module. The model is tested against experimental data to study the effect of representative coastal protection structures and is applied to a real case study of a coastal engineering project in North Greece, producing accurate and consistent results for a versatile range of layouts.
Community Integration of People with Disabilities: Can Olmstead Protect Against Retrenchment?
Authors: Crossley Mary
Published: October 2017

Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, states have made significant progress in enabling Americans with disabilities to live in their communities, rather than institutions. That progress reflects the combined effect of the Supreme Court’s holding in Olmstead v. L.C. ex rel. Zimring, that states’ failure to provide services to disabled persons in the community may violate the ADA, and amendments to Medicaid that permit states to devote funding to home and community-based services (HCBS). This article considers whether Olmstead and its progeny could act as a check on a potential retrenchment of states’ support for HCBS in the event that states face severe reductions in federal funding for Medicaid, as was threatened by Republican efforts in 2017 to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act and to restructure Medicaid. The article concludes that Olmstead provides a strong basis for challenging a state’s elimination or severe curtailment of existing HCBS programs, but that the fact-specific nature of a state’s likely “fundamental alteration” defense precludes predicting the outcome of such a challenge. Despite this legal uncertainty, protests mounted by people with disabilities, in which they demanded freedom from institutionalization, may have helped cement the idea that community integration is a civil right in the public’s mind.
Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning of Model-Free Control Algorithms for Servo Systems
Authors: Roman Raul-Cristian , Radac Mircea-Bogdan , Precup Radu-Emil , Petriu Emil
Published: October 2017

This paper proposes the combination of two data-driven techniques, namely virtual reference feedback tuning (VRFT) and model-Free Control (MFC) in terms of the VRFT of MFC algorithms dedicated to servo systems. VRFT ensures the automatic optimal computation of the parameters of three MFC algorithms represented by intelligent proportional (iP), intelligent proportional-integral (iPI), and intelligent proportional-integral-derivative (iPID) controllers. The combination of MFC and VRFT leads to a novel mixed MFC-VRFT approach. The approach is validated by experimental results related to the angular speed control of modular servo system laboratory equipment. The performance of the control systems with the MFC algorithms (iP, iPI, and iPID controllers) tuned by the mixed MFC-VRFT approach is compared with that of control systems with MFC algorithms tuned by a metaheuristics gravitational search algorithm (GSA) optimizer, and of control systems with I, PI and PID controllers optimally tuned by VRFT and GSA in the same optimization problem.
The Role of PXR Genotype and Transporter Expression in the Placental Transport of Lopinavir in Mice
Authors: Gahir Sarabjit , Piquette-Miller Micheline
Published: October 2017

Lopinavir (LPV), an antiretroviral protease inhibitor frequently prescribed in HIV-positive pregnancies, is a substrate of Abcb1 and Abcc2. As differences in placental expression of these transporters were seen in Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) −/− mice, we examined the impact of placental transporter expression and fetal PXR genotype on the fetal accumulation of LPV. PXR +/− dams bearing PXR +/+, PXR +/−, and PXR −/− fetuses were generated by mating PXR +/− female mice with PXR +/− males. On gestational day 17, dams were administered 10 mg/kg LPV (i.v.) and sacrificed 30 min post injection. Concentrations of LPV in maternal plasma and fetal tissue were measured by LC-MS/MS, and transporter expression was determined by quantitative RT-PCR. As compared to the PXR +/+ fetal units, placental expression of Abcb1a, Abcc2, and Abcg2 mRNA were two- to three-fold higher in PXR −/− fetuses (p < 0.05). Two-fold higher fetal:maternal LPV concentration ratios were also seen in the PXR +/+ as compared to the PXR −/− fetuses (p < 0.05), and this significantly correlated to the placental expression of Abcb1a (r = 0.495; p < 0.005). Individual differences in the expression of placental transporters due to genetic or environmental factors can impact fetal exposure to their substrates.
Comprehensive Analysis of Cancer-Proteogenome to Identify Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cancer
Authors: Shukla Hem D.
Published: October 2017

During the past century, our understanding of cancer diagnosis and treatment has been based on a monogenic approach, and as a consequence our knowledge of the clinical genetic underpinnings of cancer is incomplete. Since the completion of the human genome in 2003, it has steered us into therapeutic target discovery, enabling us to mine the genome using cutting edge proteogenomics tools. A number of novel and promising cancer targets have emerged from the genome project for diagnostics, therapeutics, and prognostic markers, which are being used to monitor response to cancer treatment. The heterogeneous nature of cancer has hindered progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms that lead to abnormal cellular growth. Since, the start of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and the International Genome consortium projects, there has been tremendous progress in genome sequencing and immense numbers of cancer genomes have been completed, and this approach has transformed our understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancers. By employing Genomics and proteomics technologies, an immense amount of genomic data is being generated on clinical tumors, which has transformed the cancer landscape and has the potential to transform cancer diagnosis and prognosis. A complete molecular view of the cancer landscape is necessary for understanding the underlying mechanisms of cancer initiation to improve diagnosis and prognosis, which ultimately will lead to personalized treatment. Interestingly, cancer proteome analysis has also allowed us to identify biomarkers to monitor drug and radiation resistance in patients undergoing cancer treatment. Further, TCGA-funded studies have allowed for the genomic and transcriptomic characterization of targeted cancers, this analysis aiding the development of targeted therapies for highly lethal malignancy. High-throughput technologies, such as complete proteome, epigenome, protein–protein interaction, and pharmacogenomics data, are indispensable to glean into the cancer genome and proteome and these approaches have generated multidimensional universal studies of genes and proteins (OMICS) data which has the potential to facilitate precision medicine. However, due to slow progress in computational technologies, the translation of big omics data into their clinical aspects have been slow. In this review, attempts have been made to describe the role of high-throughput genomic and proteomic technologies in identifying a panel of biomarkers which could be used for the early diagnosis and prognosis of cancer.
A 33-Year NPP Monitoring Study in Southwest China by the Fusion of Multi-Source Remote Sensing and Station Data
Authors: Guan Xiaobin , Shen Huanfeng , Gan Wenxia , Yang Gang , Wang Lunche , Li Xinghua , Zhang Liangpei
Published: October 2017

Knowledge of regional net primary productivity (NPP) is important for the systematic understanding of the global carbon cycle. In this study, multi-source data were employed to conduct a regional NPP study in southwest China, with a 33-year time span and a 1-km scale. A multi-sensor fusion framework was applied to obtain a new normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series from 1982 to 2014, combining the advantages of different remote sensing datasets. As another key parameter for NPP modeling, the total solar radiation was calculated utilizing the improved Yang hybrid model (YHM), based on meteorological station data. The accuracy of the data processes is proved reliable by verification experiments. Moreover, NPP estimated by fused NDVI shows an obvious improved accuracy than that based on the original data. The spatio-temporal analysis results indicated that 67% of the study area showed an increasing NPP trend over the past three decades. The correlation between NPP and precipitation was significant heterogeneous at the monthly scale; specifically, the correlation is negative in the growing season and positive in the dry season. Meanwhile, the lagged positive correlation in the growing season and no lag in the dry season indicated the important impacts of precipitation on NPP. What is more, we found that there are three distinct stages during the variation of NPP, which were driven by different climatic factors. Significant climate warming led to a great increase of NPP from 1992 to 2002, while NPP clearly decreased during 1982–1992 and 2002–2014 due to the frequent droughts caused by the precipitation decrease.
Desired, Perceived, and Achieved Sustainability: Trade-Offs in Strategic and Operational Packaging Development
Authors: De Koeijer Bjorn , De Lange Jos , Wever Renee
Published: October 2017

The alignment of the strategic and the operational level of packaging development in relation to the integration of sustainability is not addressed extensively in current research. This paper aims to address this, by focusing on the decision-making interrelations of key actors (marketing and packaging development) within multidisciplinary product-packaging development teams. The research is conducted by means of a qualitative approach, consisting of semi-structured interviews with individual packaging development team members, complemented with a newly developed visualization tool. The research builds upon eight cases within brand owners, packaging material suppliers and packaging development consultants. The main findings of the study include the decision-making trade-offs between sustainability considerations and other project indicators, such as costs, time-to-market and technical challenges. These trade-offs are linked to the strategic and operational roles of key actors, and to internal and external factors influencing sustainable development processes. This research’s contribution is to address the alignment of the strategic and the operational levels of sustainable packaging development, in relation to (1) decision making and interrelations within multidisciplinary development teams; and (2) the relevance of development-influencing factors. This provides opportunities for further development of sustainable packaging models and tools, in order to align the strategic and operational level of development.
Inflationary f (R) Cosmologies
Authors: Sami Heba , Ntahompagaze Joseph , Abebe Amare
Published: October 2017

This paper discusses a simple procedure to reconstruct f ( R ) -gravity models from exact cosmological solutions of the Einstein field equations with a non-interacting classical scalar field-and-radiation background. From the type of inflationary scenario we are interested in, we show how the potential functions can be obtained. We then show how an f ( R ) gravitational Lagrangian density that mimics the same cosmological expansion as the scalar field-driven inflation of general relativity (GR) can be reconstructed. As a demonstration, we calculate the slow-roll parameters (the spectral index n s and the tensor-to-scalar ratio r) and compare these to the Planck data.
Acetaminophen Toxicity: Novel Insights Into Mechanisms and Future Perspectives
Authors: Ramachandran Anup , Jaeschke Hartmut
Published: October 2017

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the US, and decades of intense study of its pathogenesis resulted in the development of the antidoteN-acetylcysteine, which facilitates scavenging of the reactive metabolite and is the only treatment in clinical use. However, the narrow therapeutic window of this intervention necessitates a better understanding of the intricacies of APAP-induced liver injury for the development of additional therapeutic approaches that can benefit late-presenting patients. More recent investigations into APAP hepatotoxicity have established the critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction in mediating liver injury as well as clarified mechanisms of APAP-induced hepatocyte cell death. Thus, it is now established that mitochondrial oxidative and nitrosative stress is a key mechanistic feature involved in downstream signaling after APAP overdose. The identification of specific mediators of necrotic cell death further establishes the regulated nature of APAP-induced hepatocyte cell death. In addition, the discovery of the role of mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy in APAP-induced liver injury provides additional insight into the elaborate cell signaling mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this important clinical problem. In spite of these new insights into the mechanisms of liver injury, significant controversy still exists on the role of innate immunity in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.
Assessment of renal safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in people living with HIV in Tunisia
Authors: Kooli Ikbel , Ajroudi Mariem , Aouam Abir , Ben Brahim Hajer , Toumi Adnene , Loussaief Chawki , Chakroun Mohamed
Published: October 2017

Background: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). TDF is generally well tolerated. It is eliminated by the combination of glomerular filtration and active renal tubular secretion. Thus, it can be responsible, in the medium and long term, of renal toxicity. The aim of our study is to assess the prevalence of TDF nephrotoxicity and its factors risk in PLHIV treated in the Infectious Diseases Department at the University Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia..

Methods: An observational cross-sectional single-centre prospective study included 62 cases of HIV-infected patients taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) containing TDF was conducted between 1st August 2016 and 31 December 2016 at Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital of Monastir, in Tunisia. During this period, patients were screened for renal dysfunction to detect renal toxicity, Tubular dysfunction or Fanconi syndrome.

Results: 62 patients were included with female/male ratio at 1,52. The mean age was 39 years ± 8,5 years. Half of the patients were treated with TDF as first-line therapy. The average duration of TDF was 25 months, the duration was greater than 12 months in 40 (65%) patients. There was a decrease in creatinine clearance in 21 (33.8%) patients, the average of the decrease was 128,6 ±35,8 ml/min Proximal tubulopathy was noted in 1 patient (1.6%) and no patient had Fanconi syndrome.

 No risk factors for renal impairment under TDF were found. This finding could be explained by the small sample size

Conclusion: TDF-related renal toxicity is often asymptomatic, it require early detection. In ours patient cases, TD is rare, but creatinine clearance decrease is frequent and may inform of possible TD in these patient. In order to reduce TDFtoxicity, a new pro-drug, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), is now available.
Campos and Santos Basins: 40 Years of Reservoir Characterization and Management of Shallow- to Ultra-Deep Water, Post- and Pre-Salt Reservoirs - Historical Overview and Future Challenges
Authors: Bruhn Carlos H. L. , Pinto Antonio C. C. , Johann Paulo R. S. , Branco Celso C. M. , Salomão Marcelo C. , Freire Ednilson B.
Published: October 2017

Petrobras found almost 100 hydrocarbon accumulations in the Campos and Santos basins, between 50 and 300 km off the Brazilian coast (under water depths from 80 to 2,400 m), which produce from very different types of reservoirs, including mostly (1) pre-salt coquinas and microbialites, (2) post-salt calcarenites, and (3) post-salt siliciclastic turbidites. These different types of reservoirs, containing also different types of hydrocarbons and contaminants provided many challenges for their production development, related to distinct tools and workflows for reservoir (static/dynamic) characterization and management, seismic reservoir characterization and monitoring, recovery methods (water injection, WAG, etc.), well spacing, well types and geometries, subsea systems, and processing capacity of production units.

Since the first oil and gas discoveries in the Campos (1974) and Santos (1979) basins, Petrobras continuously moved to aggressive exploration and production from shallow- to deep- and ultra-deep waters. During the last 40 years, the activities of reservoir characterization and management have also continuously evolved. Four major phases can be depicted: (1) shallow water fields developed with a large number of vertical or deviated wells (e.g. Namorado, and Pampo, Campos Basin); (2) deep water fields, still developed with a large number of wells, but now combining vertical/deviated and horizontal wells (e.g. Marlim and Albacora, Campos Basin); (3) deep to ultra-deep water, post-salt fields, containing light to heavy oil (13-31 °API) in siliciclastic turbidites and carbonates, developed with a relatively small number of mostly horizontal wells (e.g. Marlim Sul, and Barracuda, Campos Basin); (4) ultra-deep water, pre-salt fields with very thick (up to 400-500 m), light oil (27-30 °API) carbonate reservoirs, developed with largely-spaced vertical and deviated wells (e.g. Lula, and Buzios, Santos Basin).
Community integration of adults with disabilities post discharge from an in-patient rehabilitation unit in the Western Cape
Authors: Gretschel Dietlind , Visagie Surona , Inglis Gakeemah
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Community integration is an important outcome of rehabilitation, because the ultimate focus of rehabilitation is to enable people to participate in their life roles.Aim: To determine community integration scores achieved by adults with disabilities post discharge from an in-patient rehabilitation centre in the Western Cape Province.Method: Fifty-nine individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. Community integration was determined using the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI). Descriptive analysis of age, gender, medical diagnosis and RNLI scores was performed. Kruskal–Wallis test and t-tests were used to determine whether there exists any relationship between age, gender, medical diagnosis and RNLI scores (p < 0.05).Results: Participants’ mean age was 45 (± 15.9) years. Of the study participants, 54% were women. The most common diagnosis was stroke (41%), followed by spinal cord injury (30%). The mean overall RNLI score was 66.3 (± 25.5). Persons with brain trauma (stroke or head injury) had a mean of 60.9 (±20.3); those with spinal cord injury had a mean of 75.2 (± 25.8) and those with peripheral impairments had a mean of 65.5 (± 30.5). The RNLI domains ‘personal relationships’ 73.45 (± 31.6) and ‘presentation of self’ 72.13 (± 35.4) recorded the highest mean scores. The domain ‘work or meaningful activities’ had the lowest mean score 52.54 (± 35.3). ‘Community mobility’ (59.9; ± 34.6) and ‘recreation’ (57.3; ± 37.2) also had mean scores below 60. No statistically significant relationships were found between age, gender and medical diagnosis and RNLI scores.Conclusion: The relatively low mean scores indicate that participants achieved poor community reintegration.
Valoración del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en el Trabajo Fin de Grado
Authors: Freire Esparís Pilar , Díaz Vázquez Rosario , Martínez Roget Fidel , Maside Sanfiz José Manuel , Del Rio Araujo María Luisa , Vázquez Rozas Emilia
Published: October 2017

La Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales de la USC está entre las pioneras en la implantación del Trabajo Fin de Grado en la universidad española. En este artículo analizamos la valoración de los agentes implicados (alumnado y profesorado tutor).  El trabajo se estructura en cinco ejes clave del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje: los elementos de apoyo (tutor, información y actividades formativas), el procedimiento de asignación de temas y tutores, las competencias desarrolladas, la dedicación requerida y el procedimiento de evaluación. Utilizamos datos procedentes de una encuesta realizada a 115 alumnos/as y 56 tutores/as, durante los cursos 2011-2012 y 2012-2013, en los Grados de Economía y ADE. Los resultados  indican que el TFG se percibe como una materia con una metodología adecuada para lograr las competencias planteadas  y en la que el 82,6% de los estudiantes no considera necesarias actividades formativas complementarias. Los criterios de evaluación utilizados son adecuados según la opinión aportada por el 78,6% del profesorado y el 44,3% del alumnado (el 55,7% restante introduciría variaciones muy poco significativas). Las valoraciones sobre el sistema de asignación de temas y tutores son menos robustas, presentando una fuerte dispersión.  El tutor tiene un papel protagonista como transmisor de información. Es él quien demanda información por otras vías, que para el alumnado pueden considerarse subsidiarias. En conclusión, los resultados permiten describir al TFG como una materia con una metodología adecuada para adquirir las competencias planteadas, pero que exige un esfuerzo elevado -y escasamente reconocido- a todos los agentes que participan en ella.
Homofobia en las aulas universitarias. Un meta-análisis.
Authors: Penna Tosso Melani
Published: October 2017

Las investigaciones que estudian la homofobia en el sistema educativo son cada año más numerosas, en parte por el reconocimiento legal que las personas Lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales y Transexuales han ido adquiriendo en los últimos tiempos, fruto de años de luchas y reivindicaciones. En este artículo se presenta un meta-análisis de las diferentes investigaciones que han analizado la homofobia en las aulas universitarias. Para su elaboración, se llevó a cabo una revisión de las investigaciones realizadas a este respecto, a nivel nacional e internacional, mediante una búsqueda bibliográfica en bases de datos. Dada la escasez de investigaciones publicadas en torno al tema, se consideró pertinente usar únicamente como indicador la palabra “homophobia”, estableciendo como requisito que el mencionado indicador estuviera en el título o el resumen del artículo. Igualmente fueron analizadas las referencias bibliográficas citadas en cada uno de los artículos encontrados. Los resultados permiten establecer una panorámica sobre los aspectos más estudiados en relación a la homofobia en las aulas universitarias. Se discute finalmente, en función de los datos encontrados, la pertinencia de trabajar la diversidad afectivo-sexual y la prevención de la homofobia desde los centros universitarios, las diferentes maneras de hacerlo y la importancia que tiene el profesorado universitario en este aspecto relacionado con el sexismo, la atención a la diversidad, la equidad y la inclusión educativa.

ABSTRACT

Homophobia among university class. A meta-analysis.

The research exploring homophobia in education are becoming more numerous year, partly for legal recognition that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender have gained in recent times , the result of years of struggles and demands. This article presents a meta- analysis of different studies that have analyzed homophobia in university classrooms is presented. Its preparation was carried out a review of research carried out in this respect at national and international level through a literature search in databases. Given the paucity of published research on the topic , it was considered appropriate to use only as an indicator the word “homophobia“, establishing a requirement that the indicator was mentioned in the title or abstract of the article. They also analyzed the references cited in each of the items found . The results indicate an overview of the most studied aspects concerning homophobia in university classrooms. The relevance of working with sexual diversity and prevention of homophobia from university centers , different ways of doing and the importance of university teachers in this aspect are finally discussed, based on the data found, the sexism, attention to diversity, equity and inclusive education.
Contributions of foreign, domestic and natural emissions to US ozone estimated using the path-integral method in CAMx nested within GEOS-Chem
Authors: Dunker Alan M. , Koo Bonyoung , Yarwood Greg
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The Goddard Earth Observing System global chemical transport (GEOS-Chem) model was used at 2°  ×  2.5° resolution to simulate ozone formation for a base case representing year 2010 and a natural background case without worldwide anthropogenic emissions. These simulations provided boundary concentrations for base and natural background simulations with the Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions (CAMx) on a North American domain (one-way nested) at 12 km  ×  12 km resolution over March–September 2010. The predicted maximum daily average 8 h (MDA8) background ozone for the US is largest in the mountainous areas of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. The background MDA8 ozone in some of these locations exceeds 60 ppb, when averaged over the 10 days with the largest base-case ozone (T10base average). The background ozone generally becomes both a larger fraction of the base-case ozone in the western US and a smaller fraction in the eastern US when proceeding from spring to summer to the T10base average. The ozone difference between the base and background cases represents the increment to ozone from all anthropogenic sources. The path-integral method was applied to allocate this anthropogenic ozone increment to US anthropogenic emissions, Canadian/Mexican anthropogenic emissions, and the anthropogenic components of the lateral and top boundary concentrations (BCs). Using the T10base average MDA8 ozone, the relative importance of the sources is generally US emissions  >  anthropogenic lateral BCs  >  Canadian/Mexican emissions  ≫  anthropogenic top BCs. Specifically, for 10 US urban areas, the source contributions were 12–53 ppb for US emissions, 3–9 ppb for lateral BCs, 0.2–3 ppb for Canadian/Mexican emissions, and  ≤  0.1 ppb for top BCs. The contributions of the lateral BCs are largest for the higher-elevation US sites in the Intermountain West and along the western boundary of the domain. In Denver, for example, the lateral BCs contribute 44 % to the T10base anthropogenic increment. Averaging over the 10 days in the background case with the largest MDA8 ozone (T10bkgd), the contribution from US emissions is reduced to 3–13 ppb at the 10 urban sites, leading to a reduction in the anthropogenic ozone increment. The contribution of the Canadian/Mexican emissions remains about the same (0.3–2 ppb), and the contribution from the lateral BCs increases (5–10 ppb), especially at the lower-elevation urban sites. The net effect at the urban sites is that the relative importance of the anthropogenic lateral BCs is significantly greater for the T10bkgd average than the T10base average. This is also true for rural sites studied, where the anthropogenic lateral BC contribution becomes as large as 68 % of the anthropogenic increment for the T10bkgd average. In addition to the source apportionment, we also used surface and ozonesonde measurements to evaluate GEOS-Chem and CAMx performance.
A 24 GHz Waveguide based Radar System using an Advanced Algorithm for I/Q Offset Cancelation
Authors: Will Christoph , Linz Sarah , Mann Sebastian , Lurz Fabian , Lindner Stefan , Weigel Robert , Koelpin Alexander
Published: October 2017

Abstract. Precise position measurement with micrometer accuracy plays an important role in modern industrial applications. Herewith, a guided wave Six-Port interferometric radar system is presented. Due to limited matching and discontinuities in the radio frequency part of the system, the designers have to deal with DC offsets. The offset voltages in the baseband lead to worse relative modulation dynamics relating to the full scale range of the analog-to-digital converters and thus, considerably degrade the system performance. While common cancelation techniques try to estimate and extinguish the DC offsets directly, the proposed radar system is satisfied with equalizing both DC offsets for each of the two differential baseband signal pairs. Since the complex representation of the baseband signals is utilized for a subsequent arctangent demodulation, the proposed offset equalization implicates a centering of the in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) components of the received signal, which is sufficient to simplify the demodulation and improve the phase accuracy. Therefore, a standard Six-Port radar system is extended and a variable phase shifter plus variable attenuators are inserted at different positions. An intelligent algorithm adjusts these configurable components to achieve optimal I/Q offset cancelation.
Renewable Energy: Non-environmental Reasons to Make the Transition
Authors: Johnson Andrew
Published: October 2017

Environmentalists continuously push for us, as a country, to decrease our fossil fuel usage and transition to a society powered by renewable energy. The money of oil companies and other corporations persuade our government to continue investing in fossil fuels as opposed to renewable energy. There are, however, other reasons which should convince us as a nation to invest in alternative energy sources. Eliminating our dependence on fossil fuels will benefit the nation economically and prepare us for a rapidly changing future. We, as Americans, should increasingly pursue renewable sources of alternative energy not only for the documented environmental reasons but also because investing in renewable energy technologies will provide jobs for Americans, decrease our dependence on other nations, and benefit the health of all Americans while decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels.
Table of Contents
Authors: Pavlecic Jacob
Published: October 2017

Letter from the Editor-in-Chief and Table of Contents
Leilões em Recursos Energéticos Renováveis (RER) e seu impacto na matriz de energia elétrica no Peru
Authors: Piñas Jean Agustin Velásquez , Venturini Osvaldo José , Lora Electo Eduardo Silva , Silva Diego Luís Izidoro , Roalcaba Orly Denisse Calle
Published: October 2017

As Energias Renováveis são tecnologias cuja utilização vem-se tornando de muita importância devido aos problemas de mudança climática no mundo. O presente artigo faz uma revisão e analises do efeito que os leilões em Recursos Energéticos Renováveis (RER) têm na matriz energética no pais de Perú. Para isto é necessário compreender a legislação existente que enquadra o uso de energias renováveis e conhecer dados de produção de energia por fontes, para avaliar o comportamento da matriz energética. Observa-se que as mudanças na matriz energética na atualidade ainda são limitadas devido aos projetos que não entrarem em fase comercial, mais, estes projetos irão gerar mudanças na matriz energética no Peru nos anos seguinte. Além disso, as tecnologias que estão mais desenvolvidos e que tem um preço menor dentro do mercado de energias renováveis são os projetos em energia hídrica e eólica.
Avaliação preliminar do aproveitamento de energia eólica no município de Vilhena-RO
Authors: Da Silva Robson Leal , Da Silva David Luiz
Published: October 2017

O Centro-Oeste e Norte do Brasil são regiões geográficas com poucas pesquisas registradas na literatura técnico-científica a respeito potencial para aproveitamento de energia eólica. Conhecer qual é o regime de vento e as condições predominantes em cada local é importante para uma melhor estimativa do potencial eólico local, dentre outras aplicações que dependem dessas características. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é determinar a direção predominante e intensidade da velocidade do vento (médias e frequências de ocorrência), bem como seu comportamento sazonal no município de Vilhena-RO. Adicionalmente, realizar avaliação preliminar do potencial eólico local. A metodologia considera os dados registrados a cada hora, por estação meteorológica localizada no aeroporto municipal de Vilhena-RO (latitude 12° 42’S, longitude 60° 05’ W e altitude de 612m), com anemômetro instalado a 9m acima do nível do solo, e série histórica no período 01/2003 a 01/2004. Frequências de ocorrência para direção são estabelecidas com intervalos de 30° e, para velocidade com intervalos de 1,0 m/s. Os resultados obtidos, considerando a série histórica analisada e características geográficas locais, é possível destacar o que segue: i) Direções predominantes da velocidade do vento são na direção Leste (E) e Norte (N); ii) Velocidade máxima registrada é de 10 m/s (ou 36 km/h); iii) Velocidade média anual é de ~3,5 m/s; iv) Potência eólica estimada é de ~47,44 W/m².
CUSTO DE PRODUÇÃO DO CAPIM ELEFANTE E EUCALIPTO COMPACTADO EM BRIPELLS E BRIQUETES, UTILIZANDO SECAGEM SOLAR E INDUZIDA
Authors: Seguchi Henrique Jun Muramatsu , Mazzarella Vicente Nelson Giovanni , Ferreira Paulo Henrique , Katayama Mari Tomita
Published: October 2017

A biomassa é utilizada na produção de energia a partir de processos como a combustão, no momento, o combustível mais utilizado neste processo é cavaco de madeira, serragem, casca de arroz e etc. O capim elefante aparece como fonte de energia promissora, necessitando de estudos mais aprofundados para obter informações detalhadas desta variedade. O presente trabalho levanta os custos de compactação (briquete e bripell), desde o plantio do capim elefante e do eucalipto de plantio adensado, utilizando secagem solar e induzida. Foram extraídas informações de projeto do IPT – Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas, referente a plantio e queima do capim elefante, localizado em Panorama-SP, as demais informações foram encontradas em referências citadas na revisão. A metodologia de custo foi adotada de trabalho da EMBRAPA. O capim elefante compactado indica custo mais competitivo comparado ao eucalipto, mostrando-se favorável produzir o capim compactado para consumo próprio, comparado à forma que fazem hoje, a compra do material de terceiros.
ALTERNATIVA DE EXPLORAÇÃO SUSTENTÁVEL DOS RESÍDUOS DO COCO VERDE PARA A PRODUÇÃO DE ENERGIA.
Authors: Paz Elaine Da Cunha Silva , Pedroza Marcelo Mendes , Oliveira Luciana Rezende Alves de
Published: October 2017

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão bibliográfica acerca da origem e das propriedades do coco-da-baía, bem como uma análise minuciosa de duas atividades de produção, industrialização e consumo, de acordo com regiões e unidades federativas brasileiras. Tais análises têm como objetivo embasar o estudo sobre a produção de resíduos sólidos proveniente da comercialização do fruto, tanto para consumo de sua água como para o consumo de sua polpa (coco verde e coco seco, respectivamente). A revisão também incluiu a apresentação de uma solução para os citados resíduos: a pirólise. Fazendo uma análise crítica de diversos trabalhos que tratam deste assunto, entendeu-se que a pirólise dos resíduos é uma alternativa viável e ecologicamente correta, produzindo carvão, óleo e gás, produtos estes que podem ser utilizados como filtros ou combustíveis.
Prostate-specific antigen testing for prostate cancer screening: A national survey of Canadian primary care physicians’ opinions and practices
Authors: Goldenberg Mitchell Geoffrey , Skeldon Sean C. , Nayan Madhur , Suppiah Yegappan , Chow Linda , Fryml Elise , Greenberg David , Singal Rajiv K. , Goldenberg S. Larry
Published: October 2017

Introduction: In 2014, the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (CTFPHC) recommended against routine prostate cancer screening with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.1 We surveyed Canadian primary care physicians (PCPs) to understand their opinions and attitudes towards prostate cancer screening in 2016.Methods: Twenty PCPs piloted the survey to assess its accessibility. We distributed a flyer to 19 633 PCPs as an insert in a large mailed package inviting them to attend a national meeting, and later promoted the survey at the meeting. Multinomial logistic regression models examined factors associated with agreement of key guideline statements and the overall benefit of PSA screening.Results: A total of 1254 PCPs responded (rate of 6.4%); 54.7% of physicians aware of the CTFPHC recommendations report screening less often as a result. Overall, 55.6% of PCPs feel that the risks of PSA screening outweigh the benefits. On multivariable analysis, physicians who did not read the guidelines, did not have an academic appointment, or were in practice for over 20 years were significantly more likely to disagree with the statement that men 55‒69 years old should not be screened for prostate cancer with PSA.Conclusions: Our national survey found that the prostate cancer screening practices of Canadian PCPs varies widely across physician demographic groups, with almost equal numbers for or against. This has significant ethical, medical, and legal implications. The poor response rate to highly incentivized survey request may suggest a reluctance or general apathy towards this subject because of the Task Force recommendations. Future efforts should provide physicians with objective guidance around PSA screening, incorporating input from all stakeholders, including PCPs, urologists, and patients.
Quantitative Detection of Horse Contamination in Cooked Meat Products by ELISA
Authors: Thienes Cortlandt P , Masiri Jongkit , Benoit Lora A , Barrios-Lopez Brianda , Samuel Santosh A , Cox David P , Dobritsa Anatoly P , Nadala Cesar , Samadpour Mansour
Published: October 2017

Concerns about the contamination of meat products with horse meat and new regulations for the declaration of meat adulterants have highlighted the need for a rapid test to detect horse meat adulteration. To address this need, Microbiologique, Inc., has developed a sandwich ELISA that can quantify the presence of horse meat down to 0.1% (w/w) in cooked pork, beef, chicken, goat, and lamb meats. This horse meat authentication ELISA has an analytical sensitivity of 0.000030 and 0.000046% (w/v) for cooked and autoclaved horse meat, respectively, and an analytical range of quantitation of 0.05–0.8% (w/v) in the absence of other meats. The assay is rapid and can be completed in 1 h and 10 min. Moreover, the assay is specific for cooked horse meat and does not demonstrate any cross-reactivity with xenogeneic cooked meat sources.