bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineral Content Differs among Microgreen, Baby Leaf, and Adult Stages in Three Cultivars of Kale
Authors: Waterland Nicole L. , Moon Youyoun , Tou Janet C. , Kim Moo Jung , Pena-Yewtukhiw Eugenia M. , Park Suejin
Published: May 2017

Kale (Brassica oleracea L. and other species) is considered a rich source of important minerals. Kale at the early stage of leaf development is assumed to contain higher levels of minerals than at maturity. However, literature supporting this assumption is scarce. In this study, the concentrations of macronutrients [potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P)] and micronutrients [sodium (Na), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu)] either essential to plant growth and development, or important to human health, were determined. Three kale cultivars (green leaf ‘Dwarf Blue Curled’ and red leaf ‘Scarlet’ in B. oleracea, and green leaf with purple midvein ‘Red Russian’ in Brassica napus) were evaluated at five different leaf developmental stages; cotyledon [microgreen 1 (MG1)], two true leaf [microgreen 2 (MG2)], four true leaf [baby leaf 1 (BL1)], six true leaf [baby leaf 2 (BL2)], and adult. As kale matured, total mineral (ash) decreased from 14.6–19.1% at the microgreen stages to 3.9–6.4% at the adult stage, on a dry weight (DW) basis. Microgreen kale contained higher concentrations of most minerals than adult kale, on a DW basis, in all cultivars. On a fresh weight (FW) (as consumed) basis, the highest level of total mineral concentration was detected at baby leaf stage 1 (1.3–1.7%) and there was no difference between microgreen and adult stages. Fresh microgreens generally contained lower K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn than fresh baby leaves, and lower concentrations of Ca and Mg and higher Na compared with fresh adult kale. Overall, water content deceased from 95.1% at MG1 stage to 80.0% at adult stage. The variation in water content and mineral accumulation during leaf development might contribute to the discrepancy. In addition, fresh leaves of ‘Scarlet’ contained higher concentration of total minerals than that of ‘Dwarf Blue Curled’ or ‘Red Russian’. Although ‘Dwarf Blue Curled’ and ‘Red Russian’ are different species, their mineral content profile during leaf development was similar. Together, cultivar and leaf developmental stage influenced mineral content in kale.
Growth Suppression by Exogenous Abscisic Acid and Uniconazole for Prolonged Marketability of Tomato Transplants in Commercial Conditions
Authors: Agehara Shinsuke , Leskovar Daniel I.
Published: May 2017

Vegetable transplants grown in commercial high-density trays can quickly outgrow the optimal size for shipping and transplanting, limiting transplant performance, and marketing flexibility for commercial nurseries. Abscisic acid (ABA) and uniconazole can suppress shoot growth by inducing stress-adaptive responses and inhibiting gibberellin synthesis, respectively. We evaluated the effectiveness of the two growth regulators in prolonging marketability of ‘Florida 91’ and ‘Mariana’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) transplants at commercial nursery greenhouses in Texas and Florida. Spray treatments in the Texas experiment were 0 and 3.8 mm ABA at 7, 5, 3, or 1 days before maturity (DBM), and those in the Florida experiment were no spray control, 3.8 mm ABA at 7, 5, 3, or 1 DBM, and 34 μm uniconazole at 4 DBM. Both ABA and uniconazole showed minimal cultivar-specific effects. Different growth modifications were induced by ABA and uniconazole. First, suppression of stem elongation by ABA was reversible by 7 days after maturity (DAM), whereas that by uniconazole lasted for 20 days or until 16 DAM with up to 15% suppression in stem elongation. Second, only ABA inhibited leaf expansion and shoot dry matter accumulation. The primary growth-modulating effect of uniconazole was limited to height control, which is beneficial for producing compact transplants, rather than as a growth holding strategy. By contrast, the overall growth suppression by ABA is desirable for prolonging transplant marketability. Importantly, the magnitude of this growth suppression was moderate (up to 22% shoot biomass reduction at 8 DAM) and transient, followed by a rapid recovery. Furthermore, ABA caused relatively smaller inhibition in root growth, allowing sufficient root development and increasing the root-to-shoot ratio at 0 to 8 DAM. The growth suppression by ABA was maximal when it was applied at 7 to 5 DBM, indicating the age-dependent sensitivity of tomato seedlings to exogenous ABA. Although leaf chlorosis was induced by ABA in a similar age-dependent manner, it was transient and reversible by 7 DAM. These results suggest that ABA application 7 to 5 DBM is an effective growth holding strategy for tomato transplants.
The Structure and Methylation Level of the McMYB10 Promoter Determine the Leaf Color of Malus Crabapple
Authors: Tian Ji , Li Ke-ting , Zhang Shi-ya , Zhang Jie , Song Ting-ting , Zhu Yong-jun , Yao Yun-cong
Published: May 2017

Anthocyanins are protective pigments that accumulate in plant organs such as fruits and leaves, and are nutritionally valuable components of the human diet. The MYB10 transcription factor (TF) plays an important role in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in Malus crabapple leaves. However, little is known about how the promoter regulates McMYB10 expression and influences the substantial variation in leaf anthocyanin accumulation and coloration that is observed in different crabapple cultivars. In this study, we analyzed leaf coloration, anthocyanin levels, and the expression levels of McMYB10 in the leaves of 15 crabapple cultivars with three leaf colors at various development stages, and showed that the expression of McMYB10 correlates positively with anthocyanin accumulation. We also examined the relationship between the number of R6 and R1 elements in the McMYB10 promoters of the different cultivars and the pigmentation of the new buds of spring-red cultivars, as well as the methylation level of the McMYB10 promoters at different development stages in three representative crabapple cultivars. The ratio of R6/R1 minisatellites in the promoters correlated with the color and anthocyanin accumulation in new crabapple buds, and we concluded that the differences in promoter structure and methylation level of the McMYB10 promoters coordinately affect the leaf color of crabapple cultivars.
Chilling and Heat Requirements of 20 Iranian Pomegranate Cultivars and Their Correlations with Geographical and Climatic Parameters, as well as Tree and Fruit Characteristics
Authors: Soloklui Ali Akbar Ghasemi , Gharaghani Ali , Oraguzie Nnadozie , Eshghi Saeid , Vazifeshenas Mohammadreza
Published: May 2017

Chilling and heat requirements can affect agroclimatic distribution, growing season, and the marketing period of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars in commercial production. This study was carried out to determine the chilling and heat requirements of 20 Iranian pomegranate cultivars/accessions, and to also examine the correlation of these features with tree and fruit characteristics, as well as geographic and climatic parameters of the original environment the plant materials came from. One-year-old stem cuttings from mature trees were used for measurements of chilling and heat requirements. The results showed a range of variation in chilling requirement among cultivars from 233 to 633 hours and heat requirement from 4096 to 7928 growing degree hour (GDH). Based on chill hours accumulated, cultivars including Bihaste Ravar, Bihaste Sangan Khash, and Anar Siah were categorized as very low chill (233–266 hours), whereas cultivars Poost Nazok Torosh Abarkuh, Malas Yazdi, Jangali Poost Ghermez Roodbar, Rabab Poost Ghermez Neyriz, and Makhmal Malas Shahreza were grouped as low chill (600–633 hours). Variation in seed hardness from 15 to 78 N was also recorded. Chilling requirement showed a moderate correlation with stomatal density, seed hardness, and wind speed (r = 0.42, 0.44, and −0.39, respectively), whereas stomatal density showed correlations of r = −0.34 and −0.57 with altitude and wind speed, respectively. We suggest taking chilling and heat requirements into account when selecting individual’s cultivars and/or accessions suitable for cultivation in different agroclimatic regions.
Nutrient, pH, Alkalinity, and Ionic Property Levels in Runoff Containment Basins in Alabama, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, and Virginia Ornamental Plant Nurseries
Authors: Copes Warren E. , Zhang Haibo , Richardson Patricia A. , Belayneh Bruk E. , Ristvey Andrew , Lea-Cox John , Hong Chuanxue
Published: May 2017

Nine runoff containment basins (RCBs), used directly or indirectly for irrigating plants in ornamental plant nurseries, and one adjacent stream were sampled for water quality between Feb. and July 2013 in Maryland (MD), Mississippi (MS), and Virginia (VA). Triplicate water samples were taken monthly. Analysis was done for 18 water quality variables including nitrate-nitrogen (NO3−-N) and ammonium-nitrogen (NH4+-N), orthophosphate-phosphorus (PO4-P) and total-phosphorus (T-P), potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, aluminum, boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese, zinc (Zn), pH, total alkalinity (T-Alk), electrical conductivity (EC), and sodium. Additionally, 15 RCBs from 10 nurseries in Alabama (AL), Louisiana (LA), and MS were sampled in 2014 and 2016. Most prevalent correlations (P = 0.01) were between macronutrients, EC, B, Fe, and Zn, but none were prevalent across a majority of RCBs. Water quality parameter values were mostly present at low to preferred levels in all 25 waterways. Macronutrient levels were highest for a RCB that receives fertility from fertigation derived runoff. Water pH ranged from acidic to alkaline (>8). Results of this study show water quality in RCBs can be suitable for promoting plant health in ornamental plant nurseries, but also shows levels will vary between individual RCBs, therefore demonstrates need to verify water quality from individual water sources.
Primary mitral valve regurgitation: Update and review
Authors: Maslow Andrew D , Poppas Athena
Published: May 2017

Mitral regurgitation is the second most common valvular disorder requiring surgical intervention worldwide. This review summarizes the current understanding of primary, degenerative mitral regurgitation with respect to etiology, comprehensive assessment, natural history and management. The new concept of staging of the valvular disorders, newer predictors of adverse and controversy of ‘‘watchful waiting’’ versus ‘‘early surgical intervention’’ for severe, asymptomatic, primary mitral regurgitation are addressed.
ANGPLT3: A novel modulator of lipid metabolism
Authors: Hassan Mohamed
Published: May 2017

Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTLs) have emerged as an important regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism as well as insulin sensitivity. ANGPTL3 plays a key role in regulating circulating triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol levels through reversible inhibition of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and endothelial lipase enzymes activity. Loss of function mutation of ANGPTL3 gene has been identified in many subjects with familial combined hypolipidemia. ANGPTL4 produces irreversible inhibition of LPL activity, while ANGPTL8 enhances the activity of ANGPTL3, which highlight the interplay between the different ANGPTLs in a coordinated manner to regulate lipid metabolism during different nutritional states. This new class of lipid modulators may serve as potential novel therapeutic target for reducing plasma lipoprotein and treatment of metabolic syndrome.
Food finds its way to a woman’s heart: Campylobacter jejuni-associated myopericarditis
Authors: Veerasamy Manivannan , Alguire Craig T
Published: May 2017

Campylobacter jejuni-associated myopericarditis (CAM) has been reported infrequently in the literature. We describe a case of immunocompetent young woman presenting with chest pain, with history of recent travel and diarrhea. Evaluation led to diagnosis of myopericarditis associated with this infection. The patient improved with conservative management. The pathogenesis of CAM remains unknown. Patients present with chest pain, heart failure, pulmonary edema and arrhythmias. Diagnostic evaluation includes EKG, cardiac enzymes, echocardiogram, cardiac MRI and stool culture. Conservative management recommended and routine use of antimicrobial therapy is controversial. CAM is a rare but severe complication of C. jejuni infection. It should be considered as a diagnosis in patients presenting with chest pain with associated gastrointestinal symptoms.
Reduction of satellite flywheel microvibration using rubber shock absorbers
Authors: Deng Changcheng , Mu Deqiang , An Yuan , Yan Yong , Li Zongxuan
Published: May 2017

Microvibration of flywheels strongly affects the imaging quality of space cameras. A passive vibration method is used in this study to reduce the effect of microvibration. A rubber shock absorber was designed and installed on a satellite. The angular displacement of the second mirror was measured via a fiber optic gyroscopic method. The measured data were imported into MATLAB and analyzed by different methods. The data was plotted as a root-mean-square graph of angular displacement at different speeds along the x-axis, a waterfall plot of the attenuation of force in the x direction, the vibration spectrum between the frequency and displacement amplitude, and the time domain response of the inverse Fourier transform of the spectrum. The results show that the microvibration of the flywheel causes significant vibration of the imaging system, and that adding a rubber shock absorber can reduce the vibration. The proposed method is a new attempt to analyze microvibration, and can be applied to the engineering design of flywheels.
Numerical simulation on structural safety and dynamic response of coal mine rescue ball with gas explosion load using Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) algorithm
Authors: Chen Xiaokun , Li Haitao , Wang Qiuhong , Zhang Yutao , Jin Yongfei
Published: May 2017

Coal mine rescue devices, which can supply miners underground with fundamental shelters after gas explosion, are essential for safety production of coal mines. In this paper, a novel and composite structure-rescue antiknock ball for coal mine rescue is designed. Further, the structural safety and dynamic response under gas explosion of the antiknock ball is investigated by ALE algorithm. To achieve this goal, the ALE finite element method is described in dynamic form, and governing equations and the finite element expressions of the ALE algorithm are derived. 3 balls with different structures are designed and dynamic response analysis has been conducted in a semi-closed tunnel with explosive load of pre-mixed gas/air mixture by using ALE algorithm based on explicit nonlinear dynamic program LS-DYNA. Displacement field, stress field and energy transmission laws are analyzed and compared via theoretical calculations. Results show that the cabin door, emergency door and spherical shell are important components of the rescue ball. The 3# composite ball is the optimization structure that can delay the shock effect of the gas explosion load on a coal mine rescue system; the simulation results can provide reference data for coal mine rescue system design.
Modified Hertz-damp model for base-isolated structural pounding simulation under near-fault earthquakes
Authors: Zhao Da Hai , Liu Yong , Li Hong Nan
Published: May 2017

Pounding phenomenon between base-isolated structures under near-fault earthquakes has been widely investigated with various impact models around the world. Firstly, the existing impact analysis models are summarized and discussed in this paper. For the Hertz-damp impact model, the damping constant does not coincide with its physical fact. Then, the damping constant in the Hertz-damp impact analysis model was modified based on the Hertz theory. Next, the approximate formula of the damping constant is theoretically derived, and the effectiveness is verified by a simulation analysis. The numerical results show that the pounding can significantly increase the floor acceleration, especially at the isolation layer. In addition, the impact stiffness has a significant effect on the acceleration response, and the inter-story drifts are also sensitive to the variety of impact stiffness. The simulation results indicate that excessive flexibility at the base-isolated system may lead to a susceptible pounding with a limited seismic gap.
Feature extraction of vibration signal using OMP-NWE method
Authors: Xu Juan , Zhang Jianjun , Sun Chunyu , Dong Jianghui
Published: May 2017

Feature extraction is one of the core problems in condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of mechanical equipment. In this study, an OMP-NWE method of feature extraction is proposed, aiming at the problem of low accuracy of existing feature extraction method. The OMP-NWE method integrates the strengths of orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm with the benefits of nonparametric waveform estimation (NWE). Signal feature extraction model is constructed by design of filter bank and adaptive template signal. Then the vibration signal is linearly decomposed into a set of best matching waveform, which solves the problem that the basis function must be chosen in advance in OMP algorithm. The OMP-NWE method is applied to the feature extraction of the simulation and experimental vibration signal of rolling bearing, compared with the traditional OMP algorithm. Results show that the SNR of the extracted feature signal using OMP-NWE method increased by 19.22 % compared with that using the OMP method, which illustrates that OMP-NWE method has a higher accuracy in the feature extraction of unknown complex vibration signals. This work provides a new idea and a successful example for the feature extraction of vibration signal in the condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of mechanical equipment.
Experimental and numerical studies on the design of a sonic crystal window
Authors: Lee Hsiao Mun , Lim Kian Meng , Lee Heow Pueh
Published: May 2017

Four sets of numerical models were created to study the eﬀects of shapes, staggering patterns, Helmholtz resonators and array conﬁgurations on the acoustical performance of sonic crystals (SCs) in order to design an eﬃcient SC window to mitigate the traﬃc noise level at a room in a student hostel of NUS. Rectangular SCs consistently obtained highest transmission loss for frequencies ranging from 300 Hz to 3000 Hz compared to diamond and semi-circle SCs. Fully staggered pattern performed better than non-staggered and 50 % staggered patterns for frequencies below 1700 Hz. Helmholtz resonators were useful for enhancing low frequency noise mitigation. The prototype of the ﬁnal designed SC window was fabricated and tested in order to validate the simulation result. Generally, numerical and experimental results were in similar trends. Maximum transmission loss of the SC window was found to be occurred at 900 Hz which was about 18 dB.
Numerical computation for vibration characteristics of long-span bridges with considering vehicle-wind coupling excitations based on finite element and neural network models
Authors: Wang Ling-bo , Jiang Pei-wen
Published: May 2017

CA (Cellular Automaton) model was applied to the simulation of random traffic flow to develop a model considering the randomness of traffic flow and apply it to wind-vehicle-bridge coupling vibration. Finite element and neural network models were adopted respectively to numerically compute the vibration characteristics of bridges under wind and vehicle loads, verify the correctness of model. Subspace iteration method was used for the modal analysis of bridges. Natural frequencies of the top 8 orders were 0.21 Hz, 0.27 Hz, 0.36 Hz, 0.45 Hz, 0.56 Hz, 0.66 Hz, 0.87 Hz and 1.02 Hz respectively. The vibration frequency of the long-span bridge was consistent with the vibration characteristics of large-scale complex structures. Natural modes mainly reflected the torsion and bending of main beam and the swinging vibration of side and main towers. Fluctuation wind time-history presented periodic characteristics. The maximum and minimum values of fluctuation wind were about 20 m/s and –20 m/s respectively. The target and simulation values of power spectral density of wind speed were basically the same in change trend, which indicated that the fluctuation wind time-history computed in this paper was reliable. The model of dense traffic flow based on CA more truly described the running status like accelerating, decelerating and changing lanes of vehicles on the bridge, also contained the density information of vehicles and more truly reflected traffic characteristics. Vibration accelerations of the long-span bridge were symmetrically distributed. Vibration acceleration of central position in the left main span was the largest and near 50 cm/s2; vibration acceleration on the main tower was the smallest. The curve of vibration displacement with considering wind loads presented some fluctuations, while the vibration displacement of bridges without considering wind loads was very smooth. In addition, the amplitude of vibration displacement without considering wind loads moved laterally towards the left compared with that with considering wind loads. Therefore, wind loads must be considered when the vibration characteristics of the long-span bridge were computed. Otherwise, the accuracy of computational results would be reduced. It only took 0.5 hours to use neural network to predict the vibration acceleration of the long-span bridge. In the case of the same computer performance, it took 5 hours to use finite element model to predict the vibration acceleration of the long-span bridge. The advantage of neural network model in predicting the performance of large-scale complex structures like a long-span bridge could be obviously found. In the future, we will consider using neural network model to systematically study and optimize the long-span bridge.
Numerical simulation of aerodynamic noises in the far field of the high-speed train with considering bogies and connection windshields
Authors: Lu Wei-te , Wang Yan , Zhang Chun-qin
Published: May 2017

The paper established a computational model of aerodynamic noises for 3-train formation including 3 trains, 6 bogies and 2 windshields. Based on Lighthill acoustic theories, a wideband noise source model was used to recognize the aerodynamic noise source of the high-speed train. Aerodynamic pressures of the high-speed train were extracted and compared with experimental results. The change trends and values presented a good consistency, which indicated that the computational model in this paper was effective. Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and FW-H acoustic model was then used to conduct numerical simulation of aerodynamic noises of the high-speed train. Aerodynamic noise characteristics in the far field of the high-speed train were analyzed. Analyzed results showed that when the high-speed train was running at the speed of 250 km/h, main energy was concentrated within 1250-3150 Hz, and the noise was a wideband noise in the analyzed frequency. The longitudinal observation point was 25 m away from the track center line and 25 m away from the nose tip, and its sound pressure level reached the maximum value of 89.7 dBA, while the sound pressure level around six bogies reached local maximum. With the larger distance from the track center line, the sound pressure level at horizontal observation points presented a smaller attenuation. Incoming flow had a larger impact on aerodynamic noises around the train than the tail flow. The main noise sources of a high-speed train were located at nose tip and pilot of head train, the second noise source was bogies, and the third noise source was located at train connections.
Projection of Lithuanian river runoff, temperature and their extremes under climate change
Authors: Šarauskienė D. , Akstinas V. , Kriaučiūnienė J. , Jakimavičius D. , Bukantis A. , Kažys J. , Povilaitis A. , Ložys L. , Kesminas V. , Virbickas T. , Pliuraitė V.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this research is to analyse and project the effects of changing climate on Lithuanian river runoff and water temperature. Climate change is expected to affect the extremes of the major river indices that impact fundamental ecological processes in river ecosystems. The available runoff and temperature data of rivers from three different hydrological regions of Lithuania were used. HBV software was applied for modelling of hydrological processes in the selected river catchments. The expected future changes of runoff and water temperature were projected according to a new set of scenarios (called representative concentration pathways) presented in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report. The projected extreme values of runoff (flood and low flow discharges) and water temperatures in the beginning and the end of the 21st century were compared to the ones from the past period. The results showed a decrease of spring flood discharges and summer low flows and an increase of river water temperature at the end of the 21st century. The results are going to be used for an integrated assessment of the impact of climate change on aquatic animal diversity and productivity.
Characteristics of adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system for typhoon inundation level forecast
Authors: Ouyang Huei-Tau
Published: May 2017

Heavy rainfall brought in by a typhoon often causes severe inundation in a low-lying area. Due to budget constraints, inundation level monitoring programs often cease to continue after the project ends. In such cases, forecast models capable of predicting inundation levels solely based on rainfall data to provide supportive information for responding actions during typhoons are urged. This paper aims to explore two types of typhoon inundation level forecast models based on adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS): one employing only rainfall data as inputs (ANFIS-R) to cope with the situation where water level observation is lacking, and the other one using both rainfall and water level data as inputs (ANFIS-B). A methodology is proposed to identify the appropriate time interval of rainfall accumulation to be used as model inputs. The forecast capacities of the models are assessed in three aspects: prediction accuracy, peak level error, and time shift error. The proposed ANFIS models are compared with traditional ARX-based models. The results show that ANFIS-B models outperform ARX-based models on all three aspects. ANFIS-R models display comparable prediction accuracy and superior performance on peak level forecast and time shift error. This renders ANFIS-R models promising in areas lacking water level observations.
Spatio-temporal rainfall trends in the twentieth century for Bundelkhand region, India
Authors: Jana C. , Alam N. M. , Mandal D. , Shamim M. , Kaushal Rajesh
Published: May 2017

Globally, climate change and extreme weather events are occurring more frequently, impacting water resources and farming systems. Therefore, spatio-temporal analysis of long-term rainfall is much needed to understand the variability of rainfall occurrence. The present study attempts to analyse spatio-temporal rainfall change scenarios in the 20th century (1901–2000) over Bundelkhand, one of the drought hit regions of India. Analysis shows that major rainfall contributed from 3 months, i.e. July, August and September. However, decreasing rainfall trend during monsoon season and increasing trend during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season indicates the scenario of shifting rainfall from normal occurrence. This result is supported by decreasing seasonality index (SI) (1.94–1.1). The northern part of the region witnessed positive annual and monsoon rainfall trend but the southern part observed negative trend. Pettitt's test indicates 1983 is the most probable change year with 0.95 probability, after which annual and monsoon rainfall was found decreasing. Wavelet analysis revealed that extreme rainfall occurrence was observed with a periodicity of 2–16 years. However, Bundelkhand rainfall pattern depicts declining rainfall trends, heading towards a further drier phase with more irregular rainfall in the coming era. The study will serve as future reference in similar regions in the world to determine vital weather patterns which may impact farming systems.
A comparative study of an up-flow aerobic/anoxic sludge fixed film bioreactor and sequencing batch reactor with intermittent aeration in simultaneous nutrients (N, P) removal from synthetic wastewater
Authors: Mansouri Amir Mohammad , Zinatizadeh Ali Akbar
Published: May 2017

The performance of two bench scale activated sludge reactors with two feeding regimes, continuous fed (an up-flow aerobic/anoxic sludge fixed film (UAASFF) bioreactor) and batch fed (sequencing batch reactor (SBR)) with intermittent aeration, were evaluated for simultaneous nutrients (N, P) removal. Three significant variables (retention/reaction time, chemical oxygen demand (COD): N (nitrogen): P (phosphorus) ratio and aeration time) were selected for modeling, analyzing, and optimizing the process. At high retention time (≥6 h), two bioreactors showed comparable removal efficiencies, but at lower hydraulic retention time, the UAASFF bioreactor showed a better performance with higher nutrient removal efficiency than the SBR. The experimental results indicated that the total Kjeldahl nitrogen removal efficiency in the UAASFF increased from 70.84% to 79.2% when compared to SBR. It was also found that the COD removal efficiencies of both processes were over 87%, and total nitrogen and total phosphorus removal efficiencies were 79.2% and 72.98% in UAASFF, and 71.2% and 68.9% in SBR, respectively.
Afirmação de direitos humanos a partir de serviços da proteção social especial de média complexidade
Authors: Da Silva Maria Raquel Martins , Cardoso Fernando Da Silva
Published: May 2017

Este estudo discorre sobre a relação entre a garantia do direito à Assistência Social e a afirmação de direitos. O estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de analisar as contribuições dos Serviços da Proteção Social Especial de Média Complexidade para a promoção dos direitos humanos, no município de Santa Cruz do Capibaribe - PE. Constitui-se de uma pesquisa mista, de caráter quantitativo e qualitativo, de análise documental, que teve os dados interpretados e categorizados à luz da análise de conteúdo. Os resultados indicam que os Serviços de Proteção Social Especial de Média Complexidade são um lócus estratégico na afirmação dos direitos humanos, especialmente direitos sociais. Sobre as características das violações de direitos humanos identificadas nos Relatórios Mensais de Atividade (RMA’s) pesquisados, estas assumem os traços de violências e violações que variam conforme faixa etária, sexo, perfil do usuário do serviço e espaço no qual se insere, a partir de seu trajeto de vulnerabilidade social. Se consideradas as violações ocorridas nos espaços públicos, este sujeito assume um perfil masculino, se no privado, na maioria expressiva dos tipos de abusos, as mulheres são as mais atingidas.
O poder judiciário diante do novo ciclo de greves no Brasil
Authors: Corregliano Danilo Uler
Published: May 2017

O presente artigo estuda o entrecruzamento do Poder Judiciário e das novas tendências grevistas no Brasil. Para tanto, parte-se do conceito empírico de ciclo de greves, a fim de captar uma imagem aproximada do cenário sindical no momento presente. Num aspecto geral, defende-se o surgimento de um novo ciclo de greves em 2004, cujos sinais de esgotamento já se fazem presentes. A singularidade deste ciclo, nos anos de maior intensidade (2011-13), reside na aparição de greves em setores com pouco histórico de luta e de greves for fora da estrutura sindical. Pelo elevado número de greves, parece ter havido um “transbordamento” da atividade reivindicativa, fazendo com que paralisações irrompessem sem a presença dos sindicatos. Tal hipótese é robustecida com a pesquisa de jurisprudência com relevantes resultados. A análise desta jurisprudência demonstra, finalmente, que a Justiça do Trabalho, apesar de proteger individualmente o trabalhador nas situações de “greves selvagens”, mantém seu padrão de sofisticado controle repressivo no que tange ao direito coletivo do trabalho, enveredando-se numa contradição insolúvel no âmbito do sujeito de direito. Tal contradição é visível nas soluções judiciais que punem os sindicatos quando das greves ocorridas sem a sua participação.
Os riscos e os desafios das universidades públicas diante do fenômeno da privatização do uso público da razão
Authors: Barreto Lima Martonio Mont'Alverne , Maia Vinícius Madureira
Published: May 2017

tem-se por objeto no presente trabalho uma análise acerca dos riscos e desafios das universidades públicas no contexto da assim chamada "privatização das ciências humanas" e sociais. A partir do exame de tomada de decisões políticas no Reino Unido, Japão e no Brasil, seguida de um levantamento bibliográfico concernente ao problema, investiga-se se a retirada das disciplinas de filosofia, sociologia, artes, etc. das matrizes curriculares obrigatórias, sobretudo do ensino superior, seria decorrência de uma tendência à pragmatização da especificidade do ensino, porventura melhor apropriada à dinâmica do capitalismo global. Servindo-se da obra de autores europeus e nacionais, verifica-se se tal processo tem contribuído a uma transformação metanóica da universidade, enquanto instituição social, em uma organização prestadora de serviços. Averigua-se a relação entre o controle ambivalente — Estado e mercado — do serviço educacional dito "competitivo" e o imperativo pós-fordista de produção acadêmica rápida e contínua (publish or perish), que acarretaria tanto o surgimento de "carteis" voltados ao domínio exclusivo da publicação de artigos científicos, como a ausência de qualidade e consistência em tais "produtos”, a despeito dos critérios e sistema de avaliação utilizados. Conclui-se com uma breve avaliação da atual representação do Estado brasileiro, após o encerramento prematuro do governo Dilma (2010-2016), e a indicação dos possíveis agentes históricos a serem mobilizados em face de uma tendência mundial, tecnocrática e reformista do ensino.Palavras-chave: Ciências Sociais. Humanas. Universidade. Produtivismo.
Sustainable Equilibrium Index (SEI): A Measure to Analyze the Systemic Dependences in Territorial Development
Authors: Paton Jonatan , Castillo Jaime Del , Barroeta Belen
Published: May 2017

Regional prosperity not only depends on economic issues but also in social and environmental aspects. Achieving a sustainable growth path in the long term implies “coherence” in the advancement of these three dimensions (avoiding potential imbalances threatening that path). Here the notion of “sustainable” competitiveness arises. In this context, the objective of this paper is to demonstrate, through a quantitative methodology, that the coherence of economic, social and environmental dimensions is in fact at the core of regional prosperity and regional gap. To do so, the paper analyses the systemic interdependencies between these three fields using a quantitative methodological approach: the Sustainable Equilibrium Index (SEI). The results include the overall estimates for the SEI in each Spanish region as well as a detailed decomposition of the index by economic, social and environmental fields. Finally, recommendations are made to consider SEI as a metric for the upcoming RIS3 strategies.
The Success of English Training for the Local Guides in Bali
Authors: Sudipa I Nengah
Published: May 2017

English is widely learned throughout the globe not only as a second but also as a foreign language. As a foreign language in Indonesia, English is only studied at school as a subject-matter. Bali is a popular tourist destination in Indonesian and it provides a number of opportunities for people to master competence in English language speaking. One of the English trainings for the local villagers is run by the government of Badung regency, in the Bali province-Indonesia. This article aims at describing the process and result of English training for members of the community Group of Tourism Awareness. The participants, including the tourism local guides, were provided with materials on the following functions of the language: greetings, farewell and special expressions, apologizing, requests, invitations and suggestions. The training was carried out during three days with time allotment of 2 hours a day. The training consisted in orientation, drills, feedback and continuation. Training was delivered in terms of conversational process using the techniques of RELUS (R = read, LU = look up, S = say). The evaluation of the training was carried out through individual oral tests. The results showed that 11 out of the 18 participants obtained excellent marks and the rest obtained good results.
Pengembangan Modul Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah Untuk Membantu Meningkatkan Berfikir Kreatif Mahasiswa
Authors: Erawanto Udin , Santoso Ekbal
Published: May 2017

ABSTRAKMasalah penelitian adalah rendahnya kemampuan berfikir kreatif mahasiswa dalam menyelesaikan masalah. Tujuan penelitian menghasilkan  modul pembelajaran  berbasis masalah yang dapat membantu meningkatkan berfikir kreatif mahasiswa.Pengembangan modul menggunakan model 4D Thiagarajan dan Semmel, tetapi yang digunakan hanya 3D yaitu pendefinisian, perancangan, dan pengembangan.Untuk penyebaran tidak dilaksanakan karena tidak bertujuan melakukan generalisasi. Sasaran uji coba produk mahasiswa prodi PPKn STKIP PGRI Blitar angkatan 2014/2015.Istrumen merekam data menggunakan lembar validasi, lembar observasi, tes penguasaan bahan ajar, dan angket respon mahasiswa.Analisis data menggunakan analisis deskriptif kualitatif dan analisis statistik deskriptif. Hasil penelitian (1) berdasarkan kriteria yang telah ditetapkan semua instrumen  memenuhi kevalidan  (2) kepraktisan modul dengan aspek keterlaksanaan modul mencapai skor  78.17% masuk dalam kategori baik  (3) aktivitas dosen dalam pembelajaran mencapai skor 83.06 masuk dalam kategori aktif (4) Dilihat dari aspek keefektifan modul dengan indikator ketuntasan belajar mencapai skor  90.27% dikatakan tuntas, aktivitas mahasiswa mencapai skor 76.61% masuk dalam kategori aktif. Respon mahasiswa atas penggunaan modul mencapai skor 1.66% memberi respon positif.Dengan mengacu pada indikator tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwa modul PBL ini telah memenuhi syarat valid, praktis dan efektif. Kata Kunci : Modul , Problem Based Learning, Berfikir Kreatif Research problem is lack of creative thinking abilities of students to solve problems. The purpose of resulting of this research is a problem-based learning models which increase the ability of creative thinking of students. This module develop by using 4D model Thiagarajan and Semme, but only used the 3D model they are defining, designing, and developing. Dessemination is not executed because it does not aim to generalize. Target of resulting product are students of major PPKn in STKIP PGRI BLITAR 2014/201. Instruments to record data is using a validation sheets, observation sheets, test mastery of material, and students responses questioner. Data analysis use descriptive analysis of qualitative and descriptive statistic statistical analysis. Research result depends on (1) a criteria which established all the instruments are valid. (2) Practically modules which implementation  aspect modules are 78.18% which get good score (3) Lecturer activity in learning are 83.06% which get active category (4) From module affectiveness aspect, study accomplishment 90.27%, it’s a complete score, students activity get 76.61% it called by active respons. Student responses by using this modules are 1.66%. It gives a positive response. By using these indicators it can be concluded that PBL module are valid, practically, and effective. Keywords: Module, Problem Based Learning, Creative Thinking
El papel del biofilm en el proceso infeccioso y la resistencia
Authors: Herrera Mendoza; Bac Esp. María Teresa
Published: May 2017

El biofilm es una población de células que crecen unidas a una superficie envueltas en una matriz de exopolisacaridos que las protege del ataque de los antibióticos. Más del 60% de todas las infecciones microbianas son causadas por biofilms, el aumento de la resistencia de estas comunidades a los antimicrobianos involucra varios mecanismos entre los que se incluyen: inactivación de los antibióticos por polímeros extracelulares o modificación enzimática, disminución de la tasa de crecimiento por limitación de nutrientes, cambios fenotípicos en las células bacterianas como resultado de la adquisición de genes de resistencia dentro del biofilm y la persistencia de un pequeño grupo de células en la comunidad bacteriana.En el futuro inmediato el pronóstico para el tratamiento y erradicación de los biofilms no es muy alentador. El desarrollo de nuevos medicamentos es necesario y urgente para contrarrestar las infecciones en las cuales el biofilm esta involucrado. La infección por biofilm se demuestra por síntomas que clínicamente recurren durante el tratamiento con antibióticos. El Instituto Nacional de Salud de E.U. publicó recientemente que más del 60% de todas las infecciones microbianas son causadas por biofilms, de igual manera se les atribuye el 60% de las infecciones nosocomiales, incrementando la estancia hospitalaria, los costos de atención y la mortalidad debido a su gran resistencia a los antimicrobianos mil veces mayor que la de las células que viven en forma planctónica. La presente revisión tiene por objeto ilustrar sobre la formación del biofilm y el papel de este en el proceso infeccioso.
Diagnóstico de Homocistinuria y Deficiencia de Adenilosuccinato Liasa a Través de Técnicas Químicas, Bioquímicas y Moleculares.
Authors: Bermúdez PhD Marta , Carrillo Bsc Yina
Published: May 2017

Entre los errores innatos del metabolismo (EIM) que son defectos bioquímicos de origen genético se encuentra: la homocistinuria y la deficiencia de adenilosuccinato liasa (EC 4.3.2.2) (ADSL), la primera es frecuentemente producida por deficiencia de la cistationina ß sintasa (EC 4.2.1.22) (CßS) enzima que interviene en el catabolismo del aminoácido esencial metionina, la segunda es un defecto en el metabolismo de las purinas. Las manifestaciones clínicas de estas deficiencias son: para la CßS se comprometen sistemas del organismo como el ocular, músculo esquelético, vascular y sistema nervioso central; en el caso de ADSL, se presenta retardo mental, convulsiones, rasgos autistas, movimientos involuntarios, espasmo e hipoplasia cerebral.En este trabajo se escribe la secuencia utilizada en el diagnóstico de la homocistinuria y de la ADSL, a partir del uso de métodos químicos, bioquímicos y moleculares. Se estudiaron pacientes con sospecha clínica de estar afectados por un EIM; se emplearon las pruebas químicas como el nitroprusiato de sodio y de plata; separación de aminoácidos en plasma y orina por cromatografía de capa fina, técnicas bioquímicas para cuantificar la enzima CßS y técnicas moleculares para identificar la mutación que produce la homocistinuria. En el caso de la ADSL el diagnóstico se realizó por medio del test de Bratton Marshall con el cual se identifica la presencia de metabolitos de las purinas; luego por cromatografía de alta resolución (HPLC) para separar, identifica y cuantifica las succinilpurinas. Para el caso de la homocistinuria los resultados de nitroprusiato de sodio y de plata fueron positivos, la cuantificación enzimática mostró deficiencia de CßS y se llegó a identificar la presencia de una mutación. En el caso de la deficiencia de ADSL el test de Bratton Marshall fue positivo y la cuantificaron de metabolitos de las purinas se encontró aumentada.
Congelación Bacteriana: Factores Que Intervienen en el Proceso
Authors: Sánchez Leal MSC Ligia Consuelo , Corrales Ramírez MSC Lucía Constanza
Published: May 2017

El objetivo que se plantea hoy en dÌa frente a la microbiologÌa es el de conocer y aprovechar todo el potencial metabÛlico de los microorganismos y transformarlos en biomasa que beneficie otras especies en la naturaleza.
Utilidad del Índice Receptor de Transferrina - Ferritina en el Diagnóstico Diferencial de Deficiencias de Hierro.
Authors: Castillo Bohórquez MSC Martha , Coy Velandia MSC Luz Stella , Mora Bautista MSC Ana Isabel , Oliveros R. MSC Ana Lucía
Published: May 2017

Realizar un diagnóstico que sea altamente sensible, específico y no invasivo del estado del hierro celular ha sido un desafío en el ·rea de la hematología. Por su sensibilidad y especificidad, la biopsia de médula ósea sigue considerándose el “ gold standard ”  (1), pero el costo, riesgo y molestia propio de una prueba invasiva motivan a buscar otras alternativas.
Diferenciación de especies de Rhodococcusmediante una prueba de PCR-RFLP basada en los genes codificantes para la subunidad 16S ribosomal
Authors: Pavia Paula , Calderón Camila , Puerta PhD Concepción
Published: May 2017

Dada la dificultad en diferenciar las especies de Rhodococcus por pruebas bioquímicas, se desarrolló una prueba de Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR), seguida de un ensayo de Polimorfismo de Longitud de Fragmentos de Restricción (PCR-RFLP) para la diferenciación de las mismas. R. equi, R. rhodnii y otras bacterias fueron cultivadas en agar sangre y BHI a 37 y 26 °C. El ADN bacteriano fue extraído y amplificado con los iniciadores descritos por Hypsa y Dale. Los productos de amplificación fueron sometidos a digestión con diversas enzimas de restricción y los patrones de restricción obtenidos fueron confirmados mediante análisis in silico. Se obtuvo el fragmento de amplificación esperado de 1300 pb en todas las bacterias analizadas. Se pudo diferenciar R. equi de R. rhodnii con las endonucleasas PstI y HindIII y con respecto a otras bacterias con PstI, HindIII, SstI, BamHI y EcoRI. Los patrones de restricción obtenidos fueron confirmados mediante análisis in silico. La prueba PCR-RFLP constituye una alternativa para la diferenciación entre especies de Rhodococcus tales como R. equi y R. rhodnii.
Caracterización preliminar de la inmunidad pasiva natural en granjas porcicolas y evaluación de un sistema para incrementar la transferencia de anticuerpos
Authors: Benavides Ángela , Almanza M. MSC Jorge E. , Caldrón MSC Alfonso , Torres MSC Orlando , Delgado MSC Nohora , García PhD Gustavo
Published: May 2017

Se determinó la transferencia pasiva de inmunidad natural en lechones de dos granjas porcícolas comerciales. Para ello se tomaron muestras de sangre a 221 lechones a las 24 horas de nacidos y a 21 cerdas madres. Los lechones de cada granja fueron divididos en dos grupos uno experimental y uno control. El primer grupo se manejo de acuerdo con las normas usuales para cada granja, mientras que a las madres de los lechones del segundo grupo se les aplicó un producto inmunomodulador a base de LPS y Propionibacterium granulosum. Los sueros obtenidos fueron analizados por las técnicas de electroforesis sobre acetato de celulosa, inmunoelectroforesis, inmunodifusión radial cuantitativa y prueba de turbidez con sulfato de Zinc. La concentración de proteína total fue determinada con el refractómetro de Golberg. Se analizan los resultados obtenidos y se discute la importancia de la adecuada transferencia pasiva de inmunidad natural y el posible uso del inmunomodulador en granjas comerciales con problemas de morbimortalidad neonatal.