bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Credit Risk Disclosure Compliance And Bank Performance In Nigeria: A Case Study Of Zenith Bank PLC.
Authors: Olaoye F. O. , Ojuolape T. C.
Published: August 2019

The study examined the influence of credit risk disclosure compliance on bank performance in Nigeria. IFRS 7 state that entity should disclose credit risk in their financial report. Credit risk may affect going concern concept and audit report is silent about it. The specific objective of the study is to ascertain the influence of credit risk disclosure on bank profitability. Linear regression analysis was used to analyse the data collected from financial reports, with the help of SPSS 20.0 version. The study discovered that there is positive relationship between credit risk disclosure and bank profitability. The study therefore recommends that the financial institutions regulators should enforce credit risk disclosure in their financial reports as this will help the stakeholders to make informed investment decision.
Student Expectations and Quality of Postgraduate Education: The Case for Public Universities in Uganda
Authors: Kaggwa Victoria Tamale , Sekiwu Denis , Naluwemba Esther Frances
Published: August 2019

In order to chant John Stuart Mill’s Utility Theory in Service Delivery, this study focuses on the quality of student support in Postgraduate Education at Makerere University’s College of Education and External Studies (CEES). Using 50 Masters’ and Doctoral Student respondents, the study investigated an alleged gap between students’ expectations and experiences of service quality in Postgraduate programs offered by the College. Four dimensions play a cardinal role in the measurement of student support service quality in postgraduate education, namely supervision support, infrastructure, administrative support, and academic facilitation. The 4-dimensions are student dissatisfiers necessitating interventions to improve quality. From the Step-Wise Regression computations, support supervision and administrative support are the most important determinants of quality postgraduate support. As recommendations, support supervision and administrative support must be targeted as drivers of quality student support at this level. The Utilitarian Theory, if well-integrated, provides moral bounds in which quality support systems could be optimally scaled up.
Indigenous Cultural Practices and Natural Resources Conservation in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Eneji Chris-Valentine Ogar , Ogundu Charles Nnaji , Ojelade I. A.
Published: August 2019

This study was designed to examine how indigenous socio-cultural practices contribute to the conservation and management of natural resources in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria.  The major purpose of this paper is to investigating the extent to which totemism (forbidden items), creation of protected areas (evil forest, sacred grooves, burial ground), shrines and sanctuaries as indigenous socio-cultural practices contribute to natural resources conservation in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria. Three research questions and three commensurate null hypotheses were formulated for the study.. The population of the study consisted of farmers, carvers, traders, civil and public servants, conservation organizations among others. The multi-stage sampling techniques, was used to select a sample of 240 respondents from a population of about twelve thousand persons from 12 selected autonomous communities. A structured questionnaire divided into two sections with the modified four point Likert scale response option was the major instrument for data collection. The researcher with the help of trained community secretary administered the instruments and there was a 100% instrument return rate.  Pie chart and simple percentage were used to answer the research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis was used to test the relationship between the sub variables which makes up indigenous cultural practices and the conservation of natural resources at 0.05 significant levels at 238 degree of freedom. The result of the analyses of all the hypotheses were significant indicating that each of the sub-variable constituting indigenous cultural practices contributes to the conservation of natural resources in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. It was recommended among others that modern conservation activities should purposely design strategies to incorporate indigenous socio-cultural practices for the conservation of natural resources in the study area and beyond.
Address Forms and Honorifics Encoding in the Fur Society
Authors: Jumaa Abdallah Dawod Omer
Published: August 2019

Abstract

 The paper of Address Forms and Honorifics Encoding in the Fur Society is a trial study from the Fur native speaker to shed light on the Fur language and urge the Fur language native speakers to brain storm and reflect on their language to open the gate way to those who are interested in the Fur researches. It is a thorough survey of the address forms and honorifics used in the Fur society. The investigation is a thorough tour in the Fur culture of practicing their social and political relationships using the address terms and honorifics. This is depicted from the familial address forms and honorifics to embrace pre-greeting forms, system of personal names, lexical address forms, honorifics and address terms stem from marital relationships and using the personal pronoun as an address term besides the form hayi to the titles given after professions. Furthermore, the paper explains the titles and honorifics given to the rankings of ruling class and their fillers besides titles given to those who were achieving certain functions in the Sultanate.

Key words: the Fur; the Fur language; address forms; honorifics; the Sultanate
Revitalizing Orin Farm Settlement for Food Security in Ido Region, Nigeria.
Authors: Joseph Omoniyi Basorun , Olusola Daramola Joshua
Published: August 2019

Ido region in Ekiti State, Nigeria experiences economic shortage specific to food production. This associates with difficulty in food distribution on account of poverty, population growth and inadequate social infrastructure. Personal observation and verbal interview with the residents of the area revealed high level of food insecurity. Majority of the young school leavers and uneducated working class have moved to urban areas due to lack of social infrastructure and fund which represent the economic power to embark on commercial farming. This paper emphasizes the need for Ekiti State Government to propel commercial agriculture by reviving Orin farm settlement for sustainable food production. No doubt, broad based policies are required to diversify the economy of the region through a well-focused food security agenda.
The effect of successful low-dose immunotherapy ascertained by provocation neutralization on lymphocytic calcium ion influx following electric field exposure
Authors: Puri Basant K. , Segal Daniel R. , Monro Jean A.
Published: August 2019

Background

Low-dose immunotherapy affects baseline levels of intracellular calcium. However, the effect of background electric fields is yet to be ascertained. The aim of this study was to test the following hypotheses: desensitization by low-dose immunotherapy is associated with reduced calcium ion influx during electric field exposure; the effect of low-dose immunotherapy on intracellular calcium ion concentration does not depend on electric field exposure; and the intracellular calcium ion concentration is amplified by electric field exposure.

Methods

The experimental design was balanced and orthogonal. Intracellular lymphocytic calcium ion concentrations were assayed in 47 patients, following incubation with picogram amounts of 12 test allergens, using a cell-permeable calcium-sensing ratiometric fluorescent dye and fluorescence spectroscopy, both at baseline and following successful provocation neutralization treatment with low-dose immunotherapy. Duplicates were also exposed to an electric field which replicated the frequency spectrum measured in a non-Faraday shielded room.

Results

A significant or trend-level main effect was found for low-dose immunotherapy for: benzoate; formaldehyde; metabisulfite; natural gas; nitrosamines; organophosphates; salicylate; azo-dyes and precursors; nickel; and petrol (gasoline) exhaust. Significant or trend-level main effects for electric field exposure were observed for: formaldehyde; mercury (inorganic); natural gas; nickel; nitrosamines; petrol exhaust; salicylate; benzoate; and metabisulfite. There was no evidence of a statistical interaction between these two factors. Electric field exposure was associated with a higher intracellular calcium ion concentration.

Conclusion

There was support for all three hypotheses. The results suggest that patients may experience increased sensitivity to allergens as a result of exposure to everyday electric fields.
Celecoxib, ibuprofen, and indomethacin alleviate depression-like behavior induced by interferon-alfa in mice
Authors: Mesripour Azadeh , Shahnooshi Shahrzad , Hajhashemi Valiollah
Published: August 2019

Background

Interferon-α (IFNα) therapy causes psychiatric side effects, including depression that may result in poor compliance of therapy. It is important to find alternative therapies for the prevention of IFNα induced depression. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been useful in depressive disorder. Therefore the effects of celecoxib, ibuprofen, and indomethacin were evaluated following IFNα-induced depression in mice.

Methods

Male albino mice weighing 26 ± 2 g were used. Depression was induced by IFNα (16 × 105 IU/kg, SC) for six consecutive days. Animals were first subject to the locomotor test, then the splash test and finally the forced swimming test (FST) on the 7th day. The NSAIDs were administered (IP) either one single dose before the test, or simultaneously with IFNα.

Results

locomotor activity was only impaired by ibuprofen high dose (75 mg/kg), thus it was not further evaluated. Following IFNα therapy depression-like behaviors were observed; significant changes during the splash test (grooming time 24 ± 7 sec vs. control 63 ± 7 sec), the FST (immobility time 166  ± 15 sec vs. control 128  ± 6 sec), and sucrose preference reduced to 64 ± 0.8%. The NSAIDs noticeably reduced the immobility time in FST, while grooming time was increased. Celecoxib and indomethacin single doses were effective while ibuprofen showed better antidepressant effects when it was administered along with IFNα.

Conclusions

The NSAIDs were able to prevent IFNα induced depression in mice. NSAIDs administration with IFNα does not interfere with clinical benefit effects of IFNα and they could also be useful to prevent IFNα psychiatric side effects, thus further clinical trials are suggested.
Liability for the Violation of Human Rights and Labour Standards in Global Supply Chains: A Common Law Perspective
Authors: Cabrelli David
Published: August 2019

Where there have been violations of labour standards or human rights by organisations operating overseas, but such entities are either owned or controlled by a transnational corporation (‘TNC’) based in a Common Law system such as England and Wales, the current position in company, tort, contract and private international law is that the right of injured overseas workers (of those overseas entities) or citizens to recover the losses they have suffered from TNC is negligible to zero. This is startling in light of policies underpinning product liability and private laws. The question is whether modifications of existing private and company law doctrines could facilitate a change in the position whereby transnational corporations are held liable. Other possibilities for addressing the TNC accountability gap are also discussed.
The Law and Economics of Tort Liability for Human Rights Violations in Global Supply Chains
Authors: Geistfeld Mark A
Published: August 2019

The human rights of foreign workers in global supply chains are routinely violated, yet the problem so far has largely evaded a legal solution. Economic analysis shows why domestic tort liability can partially address this problem. Many consumers in developed countries have a lower willingness-to-pay for products produced by global supply chains that systemically subject foreign workers to egregiously dangerous working conditions in gross violation of their human rights. This attribute of consumer demand provides a basis for subjecting the domestic chain leader to domestic tort liability for the bodily injuries suffered by these foreign workers, including those employed by independent suppliers. Chain leaders, like other product sellers, are obligated to warn about foreseeable safety risks that are not known by consumers and would be material to their decision about whether to purchase or use a product. The tort duty also requires sellers to instruct consumers about the ways in which the purchase or use of the product might foreseeably harm third parties. A domestic seller that is the chain leader of a global supply chain would breach this duty by not warning domestic consumers that the product is produced by foreign workers who are systemically subjected to working conditions that are so unsafe as to amount to a gross violation of their human rights. Because the purchase of the product foreseeably exposes foreign workers to this ongoing risk of physical harm, they are protected by the tort duty and can recover for its breach. Causation can be established by the logic of the breached tort duty. If consumers had been warned that the product is produced in such a systemically unsafe work environment, a substantial number of them would not have purchased it – they would instead have purchased the same product at the higher price necessary to protect the foreign workers from these ongoing safety violations. By distorting consumer demand in this manner, the domestic product seller’s failure to warn domestic consumers of these human rights violations in the global supply chain proximately caused injury to these foreign workers, entitling them to compensation. By remedying these human rights violations, domestic chain leaders would satisfy the reasonable expectations of domestic consumers who have altruistic preferences to rescue foreign workers from extreme dangers within the production process. Tort law cannot redress the full range of human rights violations in global supply chains, but consumer demand provides a sound basis for tort liability that addresses a limited, though important component of the problem.
The Swiss Responsible Business Initiative and the Counter-Proposal
Authors: Werro Franz
Published: August 2019

Both the Swiss Responsible Business popular initiative and the parliamentary counter-proposal suggest applying principals’ liability to corporate group relationships for the wrongdoing of their subsidiaries. This is in line with a clear domestic and international trend. Neither draft extends the applicable liability parameters; instead, they simply give them a concrete expression, and even limit the potential scope of tort liability by requiring human rights or environmental law violations. The liability rule anchored is thus in effect rather modest if not timid. Besides giving the defendant the possibility to escape liability by bringing an exculpatory proof – just like art 55 Swiss Code of Obligations (OR), the rule imposes liability on parent companies only for wrong done by subsidiaries they effectively control. Accordingly, relative to international trends, Switzerland has thus opted for a moderate solution. Nonetheless, the Council of States, on 12 March 2019, refused to consider the counter-proposal put forward by the National Council. On 13 June 2019 however, the National Council reacted to this refusal by deciding with an overwhelming majority to maintain its counter-proposal. The Council of States will have to deal with the consequences of this decision later this year. The chances of a parliamentary compromise solution are now higher and that of a popular vote lower.
Human Rights, Global Supply Chains, and the Role of Tort
Authors: Spitzer Martin
Published: August 2019

The author examines the difficult question of liability for human rights violations in global supply chains. After informing about the implications of the international aspect of such lawsuits, he analyses major concepts of liability in supply chains – clearly separating company law and tort law approaches from each other – and exemplifies the application of these concepts in current cases.
Protocols for early discharging of premature infants: an empirical assessment on safety and savings
Authors: Daicampi Chiara , Comoretto Rosanna I. , Soriani Nicola , Lolli Elisabetta , Boschetto Stefania , Cecchin Micol , Marinetto Anna , Pagano Eva , Perissinotto Egle , Baraldi Eugenio , Gregori Dario
Published: August 2019

Background

Preterm newborns may be discharged when clinical conditions are stable. Several criteria for early discharge have been proposed in the literature. This study carried out the first quantitative comparison of their impact in terms of hospitalization savings, safety and costs.

Methods

This study was based on the clinical histories of 213 premature infants born in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Padova University Hospital between 2013 and 2014. Seventeen early discharge criteria were drawn from the literature and retrospectively applied to these data, and computation of hospitalization savings, safety and costs implied by each criterion was carried out.

Results

Among the criteria considered, average gains ranged from 1.1 to 10.3 hospital days and between 0.3 and 1.1 fewer infections per discharged infant. Criteria that led to saving more hospital days had higher cost-effectiveness in terms of crisis and infection, and they spared infants from more infections. However, episodes of apnea and bradycardia were detected after the potential early discharge date for all criteria, with a mean number of episodes numbering between 0.3 and 1.4.

Conclusion

The results highlight a clear trade-off between days saved and health risks for infants, with potential consequences for health care costs.
Cervical length at 31–34 weeks of gestation: transvaginal vs. transperineal ultrasonographic approach
Authors: Tsakiridis Ioannis , Dagklis Themistoklis , Mamopoulos Apostolos , Gerede Angeliki , Athanasiadis Apostolos
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To investigate the correlation between transperineal (TP) and transvaginal (TV) ultrasonography in the measurement of cervical length (CL) in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Methods

In this prospective study, CL measurements were conducted in women between 31 and 34 weeks of gestation by both the TP and TV approaches. A comparison of the measurements was made between the two techniques. The Pearson correlation coefficient, the paired samples t-test and Bland-Altman plot were used.

Results

In total, 240 women participated in the study. The CL was successfully measured transvaginally in all cases and transperineally in 229 (95.4%) of the cases. The mean TV CL was 32.8 ± 8.2 mm and the mean TP CL was 32.5 ± 8.1 mm. In the 229 cases with paired measurements, the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.964. No significant differences in mean CL were identified between the two methods (t = 1.805; P = 0.072). In the Bland-Altman plot, the difference between the paired means was 0.26 mm and the 95% tolerance interval for any given paired observation (TV CL–TP CL) was −4.05 to 4.57 mm.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that at 31–34 weeks of gestation the cervix can be visualized adequately by both the TV and TP sonography in about 95% of cases. The TP CL measurements demonstrate a close correlation with the TV measurements. TP ultrasound is a feasible alternative, especially in cases where the use of the vaginal transducer should be minimized or is not acceptable by women.
Immunology markers that can be predictive for the diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Sur Lucia M. , Silaghi Ciprian , Colceriu Marius C. , Sur Daniel G. , Aldea Cornel , Sur Genel , Floca Emanuela , Tataru Alexandru , Lupan Iulia , Samasca Gabriel
Published: August 2019

Background

This study aimed to investigate the implications of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), the association with uveitis and the favorable evolution of the disease.

Methods

We followed 45 pediatric patients suffering from JIA, according to the International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR), for a period of 2 years. ANAs were followed through immunofluorescence methods using a high-performance immunofluorescence automatic Helios device.

Results

A total of 15 of the ANA-positive patients presented an oligoarticular form of the disease, eight of them presented a polyarticular form of the disease and two of them presented a systemic form. The most severe forms have associated iridocyclitis. ANA-positive patients presented an earlier onset of disease in comparison with ANA-negative ones. ANA-positive patients from different ILAR categories had similar characteristics of the disease such as onset age (earlier), higher prevalence in females and the presence of asymmetric arthritis or iridocyclitis.

Conclusions

ANA may be an important marker for JIA and association with iridocyclitis. Following ANA titer in evolution might be a criterion for assessing the evolution of the disease. The association between positive ANA, oligoarticular JIA, iridocyclitis and a 2- to 4-year-old onset is common.
Generation ofk-wise independent random variables with small randomness
Authors: Achiha Taku , Sugita Hiroshi , Tonohiro Kenta , Yamamoto Yuto
Published: August 2019

A quick generation method ofk-wise independent uniformly distributedm-bit random variables with small randomness is proposed with applications to the Monte Carlo method.
Crystal structure of [aqua[2,2′-(1,2-phenylene)bis(1H-imidazole-4-carboxylato-5-carboxy)-κ4
N
3,N3′,O
4,O4′] zinc(II)] monohydrate, C16H10N4O9Zn⋅H2O
Authors: Wang Wen-Bin , Shi Xin-Chang , Li Ying-Ying , Cheng Fang-Rong
Published: August 2019

C16H12N4O10Zn, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 18.6618(10) Å, b = 13.5466(6) Å, c = 14.7722(8) Å, β = 108.481(2)°, V = 3541.9(3) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0392, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1061, T = 293(2) K.
Crystal structure of catena-poly{[μ2-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane]dichloridocadmium(II)}, C26H24CdCl2P2
Authors: Tan Yee Seng , Tiekink Edward R.T.
Published: August 2019

C26H24CdCl2P2, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 13.2003(1) Å, b = 11.4655(1) Å, c = 16.7390(1) Å, β = 100.955(1)°, V = 2487.25(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0173, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0451, T = 100(2) K.
Crystal structure of ethyl 2-methyl-4-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate, C18H21NO3S
Authors: Luo Han-Sheng , Liu Yao
Published: August 2019

C18H21NO3S, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 7.2345(18) Å, b = 10.842(3) Å, c = 11.573(3) Å, α = 69.174(4)°, β = 77.335(4)°, γ = 79.555(4)°. V = 822.5(4) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0471, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1419, T = 296(2) K.
The co-crystal structure of (17b)-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17diol – acetamide (1/1), a Z′ = 4 structure, C20H29NO3
Authors: Gong Xiao F. , Song Tao , Ning Li F. , Chen Xiao F. , Xu Juan , Li Peng , Gou Ying Z. , Wang Hui P.
Published: August 2019

C20H29NO3, monoclinic, P21 (no. 4), a = 16.167(3) Å, b = 9.3424(19) Å, c = 25.656(5) Å, β = 108.27(3)°, V = 3679.8(14) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.1030, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.2296, T = 153(2) K.
Crystal structure of the 1:2 co-crystal between N,N′-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)oxalamide and acetic acid as a dihydrate, C14H14N4O2⋅2 C2H4O2⋅2 H2O
Authors: Tan Sang Loon , Tiekink Edward R.T.
Published: August 2019

C18H26N4O8, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 4.7975(2) Å, b = 9.8725(3) Å, c = 11.0244(3) Å, α = 85.312(3)°, β = 79.872(3)°, γ = 87.600(3)°, V = 512.09(3) Å3, Z = 1, R
gt(F) = 0.0381, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1064, T = 100(2) K.
Crystal structure of the co-crystal 4-[(4-carboxyphenyl)disulfanyl]benzoic acid–(1E,4E)-1-N,4-N-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethylidene)cyclohexane-1,4-diamine (1/1), C14H10O4S2⋅C18H20N4
Authors: Tan Sang Loon , Tiekink Edward R.T.
Published: August 2019

C32H30N4O4S2, monoclinic, I2/a (no. 15), a = 21.2034(7) Å, b = 5.0614(2) Å, c = 27.5987(12) Å, β = 105.991(4)°, V = 2847.3(2) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0431, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1246, T = 100(2) K.
Crystal structure of fac-tricarbonyl-morpholine-κN-(morpholinocarbamodithioato-κ2
S,S′)rhenium(I), C12H17N2O5ReS2
Authors: Lee See Mun , Lo Kong Mun , Heard Peter J. , Tiekink Edward R.T.
Published: August 2019

C12H17N2O5ReS2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 11.99393(5) Å, b = 20.48791(11) Å, c = 13.67105(6) Å, β = 103.3351(5)°, V = 3268.82(3) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0238, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0629, T = 100(2) K.
Crystal structure of (1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-κ4
N,N′,N′′,N′′′)palladium(II) tetracyanonickelate(II), C14H24N8NiPd
Authors: Ha Kwang
Published: August 2019

C14H24N8NiPd, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 8.9786(9) Å, b = 8.3191(9) Å, c = 11.9489(12) Å, β = 94.772(3)°, V = 889.42(16) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0161, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0401, T = 223(2) K.
The Dynamic Impact of Nonprofit Organizations: Are Health-Related Nonprofit Organizations Associated with Improvements in Obesity at the Community Level?
Authors: Haslam Alyson , Nesbit Rebecca , Christensen Robert K.
Published: August 2019

Nonprofit organizations have the potential to influence public health by filling voids not filled by government or private organizations. Here we investigate whether the presence of health-related nonprofit organizations at the local community level helps to improve community-level obesity. This study used a time-series design using a random effects model to determine whether the entrance or exits of health nonprofits at the county level was associated with lower obesity rates in the US one and two years following the entrance or departures of nonprofits. The effect was small but significant in urban areas, with a smaller effect in rural areas. Our findings suggest that the presence of health nonprofits is associated with positive health outcomes, in this case obesity. The plausibility may be explained through the increased role nonprofits play in fostering social capital and increased promotion of health-related issues.
Understanding US government reluctance to accept legally binding emissions reduction targets: the import of elite interest convergence
Authors: Nwankwo Cletus Famous
Published: August 2019

This essay critically examines why the United States Government (USG) has been reluctant to accept legally binding greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets (LBGERTs). The paper notes that four factors are essential in explaining this, namely the economy, scepticism about climate science, hegemonic drives and a quest for distributive justice. Notwithstanding, USG reluctance to accept LBGERTs is shaped by the convergence of interests of key actors in US political system who conceive government action to combat climate as a threat to their interests, although this can be reinforced or dissuaded by party ideology. While party ideology could strengthen or weaken US actions to fight climate change, the shielding of its sovereignty remains paramount regardless of ideological differences between the Democrats and Republicans. It indicates that while it could be argued that the Kyoto Protocol was a failed regime given the wide acceptance of the Paris Agreement, the planned withdrawal of US from Paris Agreement demonstrates that the Kyoto Protocol was not wholly a failure and buttressed the need to have a legally binding agreement (LBA). Also, it argues that the success of the Paris Agreement is a function of trust, reputation and reciprocity among countries that are parties to it.
Titanium based complexes with melanin precursors as a tool for directing melanogenic pathways
Authors: Vitiello Giuseppe , Melone Pietro , Silvestri Brigida , Pezzella Alessandro , Di Donato Paola , D’Errico Gerardino , Di Napoli Michela , Zanfardino Anna , Varcamonti Mario , Luciani Giuseppina
Published: August 2019

Bioinspired melanin based hybrid materials hold huge promise for developing multifunctional systems for a considerable set of applications. Yet, control of melanogenic pathway is a big challenge to allow rational design of nanostructured systems with tuned structures and improved properties. This study proves the ability of titanium ions interactions with melanin precursors in directing melanogenic pathway. To this purpose complementary spectroscopic evidences were collected to reveal that in the presence of a TiO2-sol, amino-acid complex of Ti(IV) ions and DOPA actually inhibits its cyclization, during oxidative process, thus leading to DOPA-based polyphenols, stable even in oxidative environment, rather than eumelanin. This hugely impacts on the biological properties of the final hybrid systems which, discloses relevant and durable antioxidant behavior but poor antimicrobial activity differently from DHICA-based hybrid nanostructures. Overall this study, discloses the high potential of ceramic templated approach in combination with the selection of melanin precursor in achieving a fine tuning of physico-chemical as well as bioactivity of melanin-TiO2 nanostructures, opening new scenarios towards the design of cutting-edge biomaterials with tailored biological properties.
Is hydrogen electronegativity higher than Pauling’s value? New clues from the 13C and 29Si NMR chemical shifts of [CHF3] and [SiHF3] molecules
Authors: Benedetti Michele , De Castro Federica , Ciccarese Antonella , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo
Published: August 2019

We previously demonstrated that the δ NMR chemical shift of central NMR active atoms (A), in simple halido [AXn] (A=C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, Pt; Xn = combination of n halides, n = 4 or 6) derivatives, could be directly related to X radii overall sum, Σ(r
L

). Further correlation have also been observed for tetrahedral [AX4] (A=C, Si; X4 = combination of four halides) compounds where the X Pauling electronegativities sum,

Σ
(

χ
L

Pau

)
,

$\Sigma (\chi _L^{{\rm{Pau}}}),$

exceeds a specific value (≈12.4). In this work, we focused on these latter systems considering the H vs. X substitution. The analysis of the literature reported δ(13C) and δ(29Si) NMR chemical shift for the mono hydrogenated derivatives and in particular for [CHF3] and [SiHF3], characterized by the lowest Σ(r
L

) and the highest

Σ
(

χ
L

Pau

)
,

$\Sigma (\chi _L^{{\rm{Pau}}}),$

suggests a revised value for the H electronegativity ranking with respect to Pauling’s.
Seismic Behaviour of TRC-Strengthened RC Columns under Different Constraint Conditions
Authors: Ming Liu , Shiping Yin , Wenjie Chen
Published: August 2019

This paper studied the confinement effect of textile layers and the stirrup ratio on the seismic behaviour of TRC-strengthened RC columns using the numerical method. The results showed that the numerical values have good consistency with the experimental. Within the range of 1 to 3 layers of textile, with the increase of the number of textile layers, the peak load, displacement ductility ratio and energy dissipation capacity of the columns increased; however, these parameters only exhibited a limited increase when the textile layers continued to increase. In addition, the textile layers had a slight influence on the rate of the energy dissipation capacity. With the increase of the stirrup ratio, the yield load, peak load and ultimate load of the column did not change significantly, but the ductility coefficient and energy dissipation capacity of the column increased. Furthermore, for a TRC-strengthened column with three layers of textile and a stirrup ratio of 0.34%, the hysteresis loop fullness and the bearing capacity are better than those of a column with two layers of textile and a stirrup ratio of 0.67%. Therefore, it can be seen that TRC could play an efficient constraint role on the column when the stirrup arrangement is less.
Qualifizierung einer digitalisierten Ultraschallprüfprozesskette
Authors: Schmitt Robert H. , Lehmann Nico , Nienheysen Philipp
Published: August 2019

Das neu entwickelte DIMUTA-System (Digital Inspection Method for Ultrasonic Testing Application) ermöglicht eine Digitalisierung konventioneller Ultraschallprüfprozesse großer Gasturbinengehäuse. Es ist gekennzeichnet durch eine digitalisierte Ultraschallprüfung in Kombination mit einem optischen Positionsmesssystem. Entscheidend für den erfolgreichen industriellen Einsatz ist die noch ausstehende Qualifizierung des Systems. Dieser Artikel beschreibt den Qualifizierungsprozess der digitalisierten Ultraschallprüfprozesskette mit Fokussierung auf die optische Positionsmessung. Hierzu wurde eine statistische Versuchsplanung durchgeführt, um die Messunsicherheit zu bestimmen und anschließend die Konformität des Systems in Hinblick auf die geforderte Toleranz zu prüfen.
Contract as Promise: Lessons Learned
Authors: Fried Charles
Published: August 2019

In The Choice Theory of Contracts, Hanoch Dagan and Michael Heller state that by arguing “that autonomy matters centrally to contract,” Contract as Promise makes an “enduring contribution . . . but [its] specific arguments faltered because [they] missed the role of diverse contract types and because [it] grounded contractual freedom in a flawed rights-based view. . .. We can now say all rights-based arguments for contractual autonomy have failed.” The authors conclude that their proposed choice theory “approach returns analysis to the mainstream of twentieth-century liberalism – a tradition concerned with enhancing self-determination that is mostly absent in contract theory today.” Perhaps the signal flaw in Contract as Promise they sought to address was the homogenization of all contract types under a single paradigm. In this Article, I defend the promise principle as the appropriate paradigm for the regime of contract law. Along the way I defend the Kantian account of this subject, while acknowledging that state enforcement necessarily introduces elements — both normative and institutional — for which that paradigm fails adequately to account. Of particular interest and validity is Dagan and Heller’s discussion of contract types, to which the law has always and inevitably recurred. They show how this apparent constraint on contractual freedom actually enhances freedom to contract. I discuss what I have learned from their discussion: that choice like languages, is “lumpy,” so that realistically choices must be made between and framed within available types, off the rack, as it were, and not bespoke on each occasion. I do ask as well how these types come into being mutate, and can be deliberately adapted to changing circumstances.
On the Optimal Number of Contract Types
Authors: Bar-Gill Oren , Gillette Clayton P.
Published: August 2019

The theoretical availability of an infinite number of contract types suggests that there may be an optimal quantity from which contractual parties could make a selection. In this Article, we emphasize the difficulty of identifying that optimal number, given information costs and other transaction costs related to the production of a contract type. We argue that standard market failures might cause markets to produce a suboptimal number of contract types. We then consider whether government should intervene to remedy any market failure. We conclude that government would generally lack the access to information necessary to identify the optimal number of contract types. Moreover, we argue that issues of political economy would impede the ability of government to achieve the optimal number of contract types, even if it were able to identify that number. Government, that is, may tend to either oversupply or undersupply contract types. Perhaps the best that government can do is to provide “soft” interventions that reflect appropriate defaults or safe harbors.
Plural Values in Contract Law: Theory and Implementation
Authors: Markovits Daniel , Schwartz Alan
Published: August 2019

Private law theory must confront the plurality of values that inform the problems that private law addresses in practice. We consider Hanoch Dagan’s and Michael Heller’s The Choice Theory of Contracts as a case-study in the promise and perils that embracing plural values poses for private law theory.

We begin by arguing that private law theory cannot ignore value pluralism and identify three approaches that theory might take to pluralism. We call these approaches capitulating to, leveraging, and embracing value pluralism. We illustrate each approach and assess its strengths and weaknesses.

Theories that capitulate to pluralism simultaneously limit their scope and hamper their persuasiveness even within their restricted domains. Theories that leverage pluralism limit their domains more dramatically still. And theories that embrace pluralism are difficult to operationalize in practice without abandoning their pluralist roots.

We briefly illustrate the drawbacks of capitulating to and leveraging pluralism with examples from recent contract theory. We then take up theories that embrace pluralism in greater detail, by studying Dagan and Heller’s approach. We argue that Dagan and Heller do not solve the deep problems that operationalizing their embrace of pluralism inevitably engenders.
Effects of SR-BI rs5888 and rs4238001 variations on hypertension
Authors: Çaykara Burcu , Alsaadoni Hani , Hanım Pençe Halime , Pençe Sadrettin , Yılmaz Aydoğan Hülya , Şabançelebi Sibel , Yıldız Ahmet
Published: August 2019

Background

Scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI), involved in reverse cholesterol pathway, is a multilipoprotein receptor and capable of binding HDL, LDL and VLDL. SR-BI may contribute to the development of hypertension due to accumulation of cholesterol in the vessel wall via transporting lipoproteins. Therefore, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between SR-BI rs5888 and rs4238001 variants in the patient with hypertension.

Materials and methods

Seventy three subjects diagnosed with hypertension and 76 healthy subjects constituted the patient and control group, respectively. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples and a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction protocol was performed to detect variations of rs5888 and rs4238001. The results were analyzed with the SPSS 22 program and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results and discussion

SR-BI rs4238001 variation did not show significant difference between patient and control group (p > 0.05). In the SR-BI rs5888 variation; normal homozygous CC and heterozygous CT carriers had an average 2-fold lower risk of hypertension than those carrying the TT genotype (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

SR-BI rs5888 TT variant may increase hypertension risk by reducing lipid transport to the liver from the vessel wall.
CaPtIn4 – an intergrowth variant of CaPtIn2 and indium slabs
Authors: Heying Birgit , Kösters Jutta , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: August 2019

The indium-rich intermetallic compound CaPtIn4 is formed in a peritectic reaction of CaPtIn2 and indium metal at T = 670 K (14 days annealing). CaPtIn4 crystallizes with the YNiAl4-type structure, space group Cmcm, which was refined from single crystal X-ray diffractometer data: a = 446.3(5), b = 1659.50(18), c = 756.8(8) pm, wR2 = 0.0646, 640 F
2 values and 24 variables. Geometrically one can describe the CaPtIn4 structure as an intergrowth variant of CaPtIn2 (MgCuAl2 type) and indium slabs. The three-dimensional [PtIn4] polyanionic network shows short Pt–In distances of 269–280 pm and a broader range of In–In distances (304–378 pm) within substantially distorted In@In8 cubes.
Stem Cell Injections for Musculoskeletal Pathology: An Overview for the Sports Medicine Professional
Authors: Kolber Morey J. , Purita Joseph , Sterling Bryan , Stermer Jaclyn , Salamh Paul , Masaracchio Michael , Hanney William J.
Published: August 2019

Stem cell injections are a promising nonsurgical biological intervention that seek to augment the body's self-healing capacity. Owing to a growing range of clinical indications and excellent safety profile, sports medicine professionals are likely to encounter individuals who received or are considering stem cell injections. This column provides an overview of stem cell injection procedures, biological mechanisms, and evidence underpinning the potential utility of these interventions for musculoskeletal disorders.
Femoroacetabular Impingement: Why Movement Literacy Matters
Authors: Terrell Sara Lynn , Lynch James M.
Published: August 2019

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is characterized by pathologic contact during hip range of motion. Morphological variations of FAI present as either an acetabular overcoverage (PINCERFAI), spherical femoral deformity (CAM FAI), or both. Such morphological changes often elicit discomfort with aggravating movements most noted in hip flexion, adduction, and internal rotation (FADIR). Etiology of the CAM deformity may be linked to force loads experienced during formative bone growth periods in youth and adolescent athletes. Continued exploration of CAM FAI etiology may provide evidence for strength and conditioning professionals to carefully consider exercise training selection to promote movement literacy in youth populations.
FARKLI TAHIL VE BAKLİYAT UNLARI İLE ÜRETİLEN TARHANALARIN FİZİKOKİMYASAL, REOLOJİK VE DUYUSAL NİTELİKLERİ
Authors: HENDEK ERTOP Müge , ATASOY Rabia
Published: August 2019

Bu çalışmada, geleneksel fermente bir
gıda olan tarhananın yapımında buğday unu yerine, nohut, fasulye, mısır,
pirinç, karabuğday ve mercimek unu kullanımının fizikokimyasal, reolojik ve
duyusal nitelikler üzerindeki etkileri araştırılmıştır. Tarhana ve unların
renk, su ve yağ tutma kapasitesi, viskozite, rutubet, pH, toplam asitlik,
protein, yağ, kül, karbonhidrat, mikrobiyolojik ve duyusal analizleri yapılarak
özellikleri belirlenmiştir. Formülasyon ve diğer hammaddeler sabit tutulduğunda
tarhana nitelikleri kullanılan unun özelliklerinden önemli düzeyde
etkilenmiştir. Tarhanalarda en yüksek kül miktarı fasulye tarhanasında
(%5.18±0.01),protein miktarı kırmızı mercimek tarhanasında (%28.19±0.74) ve yağ
oranı mısır tarhanasında (%9.55±0.56)bulunmuştur. Aynı süre ve koşullarda
fermantasyona tabi tutulan tarhanaların pH değerleri arasındaki fark mısır
hariç istatistiksel olarak önemsiz (P˃0.05) bulunmuştur. Tarhana kurutma
prosesinin maya, toplam aerobik ve toplam anaerobik mikroorganizma sayılarında
azalmaya neden olduğu ancak kuru tarhanalarda mikrobiyel canlılığın devam
ettiği belirlenmiştir. Tarhanaların,
kullanılan tahıl ve baklagil ununa göre teknolojik ve reolojik niteliklerinin
değiştiği tespit edilmiştir. Tarhanaların duyusal nitelikleri
değerlendirildiğinde örneklerin genel kabul edilebilirliği arasında
istatistiksel fark olmadığı belirlenmiştir.
İNÜLİN İÇERİKLİ JELLY TİPİ YUMUŞAK ŞEKERLEME ÜRETİMİ VE BİLEŞEN OPTİMİZASYONU
Authors: Palabıyık İbrahim , Demircan Ahmet , Demirci Ahmet Şükrü
Published: August 2019

Tüketicilerin daha kaliteli bir yaşam
için sağlıklı ürünlere yöneliminin artması ile birlikte fonksiyonel gıdalara
olan talep de artış göstermiştir. Bu sebeple, gıda sektöründe çeşitli ürünlerin
formülasyonlarında yenilik çalışmaları yoğun bir şekilde yapılmaktadır. Bu
çalışmada, jelly tipi yumuşak şeker ürününe inülin ilave edilerek formülasyona
giren hammaddelerden jelatin, şeker ve inülin oranlarının ürünün tekstürel ve
duyusal özelliklerine etkisinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Örnekler üzerinde
yapılan tekstür analizi sonucunda jelatin miktarının artmasının sertliği
arttıran, adezif yapışkanlığı ise azaltan en önemli parametre olduğu
anlaşılmıştır. Örneklere uygulanan tekstür analizi sonuçları
değerlendirildiğinde inülin miktarının adezif yapışkanlığı arttırdığı sonucuna
varılmıştır. İnülin analizleri sonuçlarının teorik beklenen inülin miktarıyla
uyumlu bulunması üretim şartlarında inülin kaybının yaşanmadığını göstermiştir.
Yapılan değerlendirmeler sonucunda duyusal sertlik beğenisinin genel beğeniyi
doğrudan etkilediği anlaşılmıştır. Araştırmada elde edilen sonuçlar, tatlılık
optimizasyonu yapıldığında jelly tipi şekerleme ürünlerinde şeker yerine inülin
kullanımının, tüketiciler tarafından sevilerek tüketilen, fonksiyonel özellik
kazandırılmış alternatif bir şekerleme ürününün üretilebileceğini
göstermektedir.
BAZI TAHIL BENZERİ ÜRÜNLERİN GLUTENSİZ KEK ÜRETİMİNDE KULLANIMI
Authors: MUTLU Ceren , ARSLAN TONTUL Sultan , CANDAL Cihadiye , ERBAŞ Mustafa
Published: August 2019

Araştırmada bazı tahıl benzeri
ürünlerin (çiya, amarant, kinoa ve karabuğday) glutensiz kek üretiminde
kullanılabilirliğinin ve bu ürünlerin keklerin bazı özellikleri üzerine
etkilerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla dört farklı kek unu karışımı;
mısır (%45) ve pirinç (%45) nişastası ve tam tane olarak öğütülmüş tahıl
benzeri ürünler (%10) kullanılarak hazırlanmıştır. Bu karışımlar ile üretilen
kek örnekleri ve kontrol kek örneklerine; bazı fiziksel (renk, spesifik hacim
ve tekstür), kimyasal (nem, su aktivitesi, dirençli nişasta, glisemik indeks ve
antioksidan aktivite) ve duyusal analizler yapılmıştır. Kek örneklerinin
sertlik ve çiğnenebilirlik değerlerinin 1234.21-1709.50g ve 668.09-996.27
aralıklarında değiştiği belirlenmiştir. Tahıl benzeri ürün ilavesiyle
hazırlanan keklerin dirençli nişasta içeriklerinin %0.17-0.22 arasında olduğu
ve tahmini glisemik indekslerinin ise 55 değerinden düşük olmaları sebebiyle
düşük glisemik indeksli gıda sınıfı içerisinde yer alabileceği tespit
edilmiştir. Yapılan değerlendirmeler neticesinde glutensiz keklerin
çeşitlendirilmesinde tahıl benzeri ürünlerin kullanılabileceği ve bunların
arasında ise çiyanın yumuşaklık, yüksek antioksidan aktivite ve duyusal
özellikleri itibariyle öne çıktığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Role of the Chromosome Architectural Factor SMCHD1 in X-Chromosome Inactivation, Gene Regulation, and Disease in Humans
Authors: Wang Chen-Yu , Brand Harrison , Shaw Natalie D , Talkowski Michael E , Lee Jeannie T
Published: August 2019

Structural maintenance of chromosomes flexible hinge domain-containing l (SMCHDl) is an architectural factor critical for X chromosome inactivation (XCI). In mice, loss of all Smchdl causes female-specific embryonic lethality due to an XCI defect. However...

Structural maintenance of chromosomes flexible hinge domain-containing 1 (SMCHD1) is an architectural factor critical for X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) and the repression of select autosomal gene clusters. In mice, homozygous nonsense mutations in Smchd1 cause female-specific embryonic lethality due to an XCI defect. However, although human mutations in SMCHD1 are associated with congenital arhinia and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 2 (FSHD2), the diseases do not show a sex-specific bias, despite the essential nature of XCI in humans. To investigate whether there is a dosage imbalance for the sex chromosomes, we here analyze transcriptomic data from arhinia and FSHD2 patient blood and muscle cells. We find that X-linked dosage compensation is maintained in these patients. In mice, SMCHD1 controls not only protocadherin (Pcdh) gene clusters, but also Hox genes critical for craniofacial development. Ablating Smchd1 results in aberrant expression of these genes, coinciding with altered chromatin states and three-dimensional (3D) topological organization. In a subset of FSHD2 and arhinia patients, we also found dysregulation of clustered PCDH, but not HOX genes. Overall, our study demonstrates preservation of XCI in arhinia and FSHD2, and implicates SMCHD1 in the regulation of the 3D organization of select autosomal gene clusters.