First-order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams of nanomagnets with cubic magnetocrystalline anisotropy: a numerical approach

First-order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams are increasingly used as a material’s magnetic domain state fingerprint. FORC diagrams of noninteracting dispersions of single-domain (SD) particles with uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA) are well studied. However, a large class of materials possess a cubic MCA, for which the FORC diagram properties of noninteracting SD particle dispersions are less understood. A coherent rotation model was implemented to study the FORC diagram properties of noninteracting ensembles of SD particles with positive and negative MCA constants. The pattern formation mechanism is identified and related to the irreversible events the individual particles undergo. Our results support the utility of FORC diagrams for the identification of noninteracting to weakly-interacting SD particles with cubic MCA

An Online Learning Approach to Community Building among Asian Journalists

This chapter describes a master\u27s program in journalism designed for professional Asian journalists which has drawn students from 13 Asian countries and is run by faculty members from five countries. The program uses blended learning methods combining synchronous, asynchronous, and classroom-based approaches. An exploratory study was conducted to describe the strategies used by the students and teachers to build a community of learners (Garrison, Anderson, & Archer, 2000) and hence achieve the program\u27s learning goals. The study took into consideration cultural differences, in particular, those referring to educational experiences. Results show that the respondents tended to use the strategies of social presence, cognitive presence, and teaching presence that were appropriate to their respective class roles and that these strategies tended to reflect dominant cultural traits in Asia

Role of bridge nodes in epidemic spreading: Different regimes and crossovers

Power-law behaviors are common in many disciplines, especially in network science. Real-world networks, like disease spreading among people, are more likely to be interconnected communities, and show richer power-law behaviors than isolated networks. In this paper, we look at the system of two communities which are connected by bridge links between a fraction $r$ of bridge nodes, and study the effect of bridge nodes to the final state of the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered model, by mapping it to link percolation. By keeping a fixed average connectivity, but allowing different transmissibilities along internal and bridge links, we theoretically derive different power-law asymptotic behaviors of the total fraction of the recovered $R$ in the final state as $r$ goes to zero, for different combinations of internal and bridge link transmissibilities. We also find crossover points where $R$ follows different power-law behaviors with $r$ on both sides when the internal transmissibility is below but close to its critical value, for different bridge link transmissibilities. All of these power-law behaviors can be explained through different mechanisms of how finite clusters in each community are connected into the giant component of the whole system, and enable us to pick effective epidemic strategies and to better predict their impacts

Characterization and optimization of polymer-polymer aqueous two-phase systems for the isolation and purification of CaCo2 cell-derived exosomes

Exosomes are cell-derived vesicles that present attractive characteristics such as nano size and unique structure for their use as drug delivery systems for drug therapy, biomarkers for prognostic, diagnostic and personalized treatments. So far, one of the major challenges for therapeutic applications of exosomes is the development of optimized isolation methods. In this context, aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) have been used as an alternative method to isolate biological molecules and particles with promising expectations for exosomes. In this work, fractionation of exosomes obtained from CaCo2 cell line and culture media contaminants were individually performed in 20 polymer-polymer ATPS. The effect of design parameters such as polymer composition, molecular weight, and tie-line length (TLL) on polyethylene glycol (PEG)-Dextran, Dextran-Ficoll and PEG-Ficoll systems was studied. After partition analysis, 4 of the 20 systems presented the best exosome fractionation from contaminants under initial conditions, which were optimized via salt addition (NaCl) to a final concentration of 25 mM, to improve collection efficiency. The PEG 10,000 gmol-1 –Dextran 10,000 gmol-1 system at TLL 25% w/w with NaCl, showed the best potential isolation efficiency. Following this proposed strategy, an exosome purification factor of 2 in the top PEG-rich phase can be expected furtherly demonstrating that ATPS have the potential for the selective recovery of these promising nanovesicles

Physicochemical characterization and fatty acid content of ‘venadillo’ (Swietenia humilis Zucc.) seed oil

Physicochemical properties of Swietenia humilis Zucc seed oils were determined along with its fatty acid composition, by using gas-liquid chromatography. The oil content found in the germ portion of the seeds was 45.38%. From physicochemical oil evaluations, an oil density of 0.9099 mg∙ml-1 at 28°C; a refraction index of 1.4740 at 20°C; a saponification index of 159.55 mg KOH∙g-1; a peroxide index of 0.739 meq O2∙kg-1, and 0.367% free fatty acid content were shown. From chromatographic oil evaluations, eight fatty acids were identified showing palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1 cis-9), linoleic (C18:2 cis-9,12), and linolenic (C18:3 cis-9,12,15) as the most predominant. The percentage of saturated, monounsatured and polyunsatured fatty acids were at 18.45, 29.27 and 47.50%, respectively. These results show that ‘venadillo’ oil has a high content of essential fatty acids, mainly linoleic and linolenic. Therefore, this oil shows promissory uses as nutritional component to reduce the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood, mostly from patients with higher cardiovascular disease risks.Key words: Oil, α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oilseeds, Swietenia humilis

Perception of Students on Online Homework in Integral Calculus and Its Relation on Their Motivation and Performance

Teachers are always in the search of better teaching and learning techniques to keep students engaged and motivated in class. One emerging technology is the use of online homework whereby students may be given unlimited chances of working on a set of problems that vary in their every attempt for self-practice. These are presented in a set-up perceived as more engaging and appropriate to today’s type of learners. This study explored the perception of Integral Calculus students on taking online homework particularly on the topic integration techniques. DLSU-D Schoolbook, the learning management system of the university was utilized to administer the online exercises and learning modules to students. A total of 127 students became part of the study and were asked to answer questionnaires that determined their perception of online homework as well as their motivation level towards engaging in math activities. Their performance was also determined through a comprehensive test. Results showed they had a high positive perception of online homework and they found it useful in studying lessons and in their preparation for exams. It was also found through correlation analysis that perception is significantly correlated with the motivation level of students but not with their performance

GÉNERO Y CONDICIONES DE VIDA DE ADULTOS MAYORES EN

Se Identificaron las necesidades de salud de Los adultos mayores de 60 años en el estado de Sonora y sus condiciones de vida actual. Se entrevistaron en sus hogares 256 adultos mayores seleccionados al azar residentes de 20 colonias de Hermosillo, Sonora. La información se analizó con el paquete estadístico SPSS. El 40% de las mujeres reportó vivir sola, con menos posibilidades de acceso a los servicios de salud e ingreso semanal menor al de los varones. También fue el grupo con menor porcentaje de pensionados o jubilados y con mayor dependencia de familiares. Las adultas mayores representan el grupo mayormente expuesto a las inequidades de género y con mayor dependencia de sus familiares. Considerando el incremento futuro de  personas mayores de 60 años, esta información permite documentar las necesidades de atención que debe de preverse ante la transición demográfica.Palabras claves: Adultos mayores, condiciones de vida, condiciones de salud, desigualdad de géneroElderly, living conditions, health conditions, gender inequality.

Decoding the Duality of Antinutrients: Assessing the Impact of Protein Extraction Methods on Plant-Based Protein Sources

This review aims to provide an updated overview of the effects of protein extraction/recovery on antinutritional factors (ANFs) in plant protein ingredients, such as protein-rich fractions, protein concentrates, and isolates. ANFs mainly include lectins, trypsin inhibitors, phytic acid, phenolic compounds, oxalates, saponins, tannins, and cyanogenic glycosides. The current technologies used to recover proteins (e.g., wet extraction, dry fractionation) and novel technologies (e.g., membrane processing) are included in this review. The mechanisms involved during protein extraction/recovery that may enhance or decrease the ANF content in plant protein ingredients are discussed. However, studies on the effects of protein extraction/recovery on specific ANFs are still scarce, especially for novel technologies such as ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction and membrane processing. Although the negative effects of ANFs on protein digestibility and the overall absorption of plant proteins and other nutrients are a health concern, it is also important to highlight the potential positive effects of ANFs. This is particularly relevant given the rise of novel protein ingredients in the market and the potential presence or absence of these factors and their effects on consumers’ health

Molecular analysis of hepatitis B virus "a" determinant in asymptomatic and symptomatic Mexican carriers

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small DNA-containing virus with 4 genes, C, S, X and P. The S gene codes for the surface antigen (HBsAg), which contains the "a" determinant, the main region for induction of a protective humoral immune response. To compare the genotype and sequence of the "a" determinant between strains isolated from asymptomatic and symptomatic Mexican HBV carriers. RESULTS: 21 asymptomatic (blood donors) and 12 symptomatic (with clinical signs and with >1 year lamivudine treatment) HBV carriers were studied; all patients were positive for the HBsAg in serum. Viral load, genotypes, and subtypes were determined in plasma. A fragment of the S gene including the "a" determinant was PCR amplified and sequenced to determine genotype, subtype and to identify mutations. Mean viral load was 0.7965 × 10(4 )copies/ml in asymptomatic carriers and 2.73 × 10(6 )copies/ml in symptomatic patients. Genotypes H, C, and F were identified in asymptomatic individuals; whereas H was dominant in symptomatic patients. A fragment of 279 bp containing the "a" determinant was amplified from all 33 carriers and sequences aligned with S gene sequences in the GenBank. Mutations identified were Y100N, T126I, Q129H and N146K in the asymptomatic group, and F93I and A128V in the symptomatic group. CONCLUSION: Differences in genotype and in mutations in the "a" determinant were found between strains from asymptomatic and symptomatic HBV Mexican carriers

Facing Up to Longevity with Old Actuarial Methods: A Comparison of Pooled Funds and Income Tontines

We compare the concepts underlying modern actuarial solutions to pension insurance and present two recently developed pension products—pooled annuity overlay funds (based on actuarial fairness) and equitable income tontines (based on equitability). These two products adopt specific approaches to the management of longevity risk by mutualising it among participants rather than transferring it completely to the insurer. As the market would appear to be ready for such innovations, our study seeks to establish a general framework for their introduction. We stress that the notion of actuarial fairness, which characterises pooled annuity overlay funds, enables participants to join and exit the fund at any time. Such freedom of action is a quite remarkable feature and one that cannot be matched by lifelong contracts