bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Trade Union in the Hotel Workers
Authors: Baral Uma Nath
Published: June 2018

Along with the implementation of democracy, Nepalese people are privileged of having different categories of human rights. Among them, trade union is one of the major political rights. The workers in industry, trade, business and other labour markets are organized within the trade union. Hotels are supposed to be the service industry or business organizations that are foundincreasing rapidly in the post 1990’s democratic era. Hence, in this post-republican democracy along with settlement of the Maoist arms conflict, hotel business seems to be blooming. In order to be successful in the hotel business, it requires skilled manpower for providing good services. Skillful labourers require having basic rights with several privileges only then they can be fully devoted and committed to their profession, which may lead to a successful hotel business. Pokhara is a renowned place for tourism and hotel business. There are around one thousand hotels here including stars and non-stars. There are different trade unions for organizing the hotel workers for their rights. Whether such unions are working for seeking more privileges to their members is a major question for research. In this regard, to study the role and impact of trade unions among the hotel workers in Pokhara is the main objective of this research paper. Two hotels as one from stars and another from non-stars were chosen for obtaining the required data for the fulfillment of the objective. As with the opening of trade unions - 144 - in almost every sector of industry, including the hospitality, the rights of the labour are taken into considerations. Being united under the trade unions, workers are obtaining various facilities as job security, allowances and basic salary as prescribed by the governmental rules. It has been found that many workers have positive attitudes towards trade unions and the managements have also been positive towards workers as well as unions. Most of the workers enjoy the union memberships and participate in the union activities. But some of them are not satisfied with union activities, because they believe the leaders are more guided and directed by their self-interests and their affiliated political parties. However, as per workers perspective there is cooperative relationship between trade unions and hotel management in fulfillment of their basic and other rights.Journal of Political Science, Volume XVIII, 2018, Page : 143-166
Financial Sustainability of Waste Management Service: A Case Study of Pokhara Sub-Municipal Corporation
Authors: Baral Keshar J
Published: June 2018

Using the data set provided in the Cost Recovery System of the Waste Management System of Pokhara Sub-municipal Corporation (PSMC), the financial sustainability of the proposed waste management has been examined in this article. Financial sustainability indicators-operating cost ratio and cash operating ratio-show that the proposed system is financially sustainable provided that PSMC imposes the tourist fee and uses the revenue raised from the tourist fee to run the sanitary landfill site, build up the necessary institutional arrangement and capability required to run the designed system and recover the operation cost from the users. Journal of Political Science Vol.7(1) 2004 p.5-14
Governance Reform Program in Nepal: Difficulties and Implementation
Authors: Chhetri Than Bahadur
Published: June 2018

Journal of Political Science Vol.7(1) 2004 p.39-43
BUDAYA DAN KOMUNIKASI KESEHATAN (Studi Pandangan Kesehatan Pada Masyarakat Sunda Dalam Tradisi Makan Lalapan)
Authors: Hendariningrum Retno
Published: June 2018

Culture is communication and communication is culture. Humans learn culture through communication. At the same time communication is a reflection of human culture. Culture is a subjective and objective element created by humans that increased survival of life and resulted in the satisfaction of actors in ecological niches. Cultures are spread among those who can communicate with each other because they have the same language and live at the same time and place. Culture can be learned, passed down from generation to generation. Culture can be learned through fairy tales, legends and myths. It is similar in a view of Sundanese public health on the tradition of eating fresh vegetables. This study aims to describe the public health view of Sundanese in the tradition of eating fresh vegetables. The research method used qualitative approach. Technique of collecting data was done by interview process and literature study. This study was conducted in Sumedang area of West Java. The results show that the healthy view in the tradition of eating fresh vegetables in Sundanese society is passed down from generation to generation and obtained through informal learning process, formal learning, fairy tales, and myths.
A Conversation about “Editing” Plurilingual Scholars’ Thesis Writing
Authors: Corcoran James , Gagné Antoinette , McIntosh Megan
Published: June 2018

Drawing on our combined experiences providing thesis writing support, we critically consider the tensions surrounding policies and practices aimed at plurilingual graduate students using English as an additional language (EAL). Our trioethnographic methodology allows us to unpack and explore the ethics framing our individual “editing” practices amid institutional norms, expectations and ideologies. Drawing on relevant literature in the field, our conversations or “trialogues” produce insights and raise questions surrounding the ethical imperative of providing effective thesis writing support for plurilingual EAL writers in an era of increasing internationalization. We conclude with suggestions for flexible, targeted writing support that challenges narrow epistemologies and stale ideologies regarding taboo editing practices of academic and language literacy brokers involved in the production and revision of thesis writing.
Perancangan Permainan Digital “Kronik Majapahit” Sebagai Media Pembelajaran Sejarah Sumpah Palapa Untuk Remaja
Authors: Rahman Yanuar , Hertiasa Hendy
Published: June 2018

History is a reflection to characters of the nation that should not be forgotten, because there are so many lessons and could be gained by understanding it. But in reality history lessons did not always get a proper place in the learning process of students in high school. This research wants to dig deeper and find alternative solutions for historical learning process, especially about how to introduce chronological history of the sumpah palapa through an exciting gaming media as part of the learning process to teenagers. The research process is also looking for alternative ways of designing gameplay and visually appropriate for the game. The method used in this research is a systematic and continuous action reserach, to understand the context of learning used constructivism learning methods, as well as related theories in the realm of education and psychology in order to enrich the rationale of this research. The results of the research produced through literature review, observation, discussion and experiments to obtain data, will be used as a basis in the design of content and visual games. A final challenge of this game design process is to create a game that contextual and parallel with the goal of teaching history in Indonesia, as a means to develop the good character of young people for the nation by strengthen the sense of history to the youth as the primary user.
Analisis Data Pada Jaringan Sensor Nirkabel Menggunakan Metode Support Vector Machine
Authors: Layadi Caroline , Fajar Mohammad , Hasniati Hasniati , Musdar Izmy Alwiah
Published: June 2018

The aims of this research are to implement Support Vector Machine for analyze abnormal data on sensor network and evaluate the implementation result. The data collection in the research were done through the searching of related libraries and software evaluate/testing. In this research, temperature, wind speed, and humidity tested using three kernels (linear, Gaussian, and polynomial). Evaluation result show that the implementation of Support Vector Machine can perform the best data validity analysis using Gaussian Kernel with the percentage of average accuracy, temperature 97.83%, humidity 94.5325%, and wind speed 96.93% for weather data 20-28 May and July 28-August 10, 2015. Meanwhile, for weather data June 5-6, 2017 obtained the percentage of average accuracy of temperature 92.855% and humidity 92.43%.
Penerapan Algoritma A* (Star) Menggunakan Graph Untuk Menghitung Jarak Terpendek
Authors: Gede Wahyu Antara Dalem Ida Bagus
Published: June 2018

Algorithm A* (Astar) is one of the algorithm that belongs to category of searching method that has information (informed searched method). This algorithm is very good as process solution path finding (way seeker). This algorithm looks for the shortest route which will be taken a starting point to the next object. Collection data technique used in this simulation is by using Algorithm A* with heuristic function. The main purpose of this research is to learn the way of work Algorithm A* in looking for the fastest, which is simulated like a condition when someone looks for route in a traffic way. This simulation gives a realistic pictures for Algorithm A* behavior in looking for shortest route.
Sistem Pakar Diagnosa Error Sistem Pada “PT. Danaco Global Solusi – OXY System” Menggunakan Metode Certainty Factor Berbasis Web
Authors: Ginantra Ni Luh Wiwik Sri Rahayu , Sandi Victor Ari
Published: June 2018

In building a system can’t be separated from an error where for a company that works in Building a software this will be very dangerous if not quickly Handled, certainly beside with quickly also need to be handled accurately. Expert systems can be a solution where the expert system is capable of recording a person's ability to think or reason. Thought or reasoning of an expert will be used to diagnose from some of the symptoms that exist to conclude error with expert's specified weight while the belief to symptoms that are not certain will be determined by the user and determined using Certainty Factor method that can calculate the value of uncertainty so that error fixed can be concluded. The results of the implementation is 2 diagnosis with the highest level of confidence and the step to handling. Other results is the system accuracy by performing a comparison between the results of the diagnosis system to the actual event so that the accuracy is 91.667%
La création d’une dynamique durable d’hypercroissance
Authors: Chanut-Guieu Cécile , Guieu Gilles , Tannery Franck , Dana Léo-Paul
Published: June 2018

Le développement exacerbé de l’entreprise en hypercroissance est caractérisé par de nombreuses tensions. Comment l’entreprise continue-t-elle à croître et se renouveler sans perdre ses équilibres ? L’analyse longitudinale de la constitution d’une ETI nous permet d’identifier plusieurs dynamiques de construction de l’hypercroissance. Ces dynamiques relatives au rythme de croissance, à l’espace stratégique, aux activités et à la pensée du dirigeant présentent la même structure : la logique dominante équilibre l’action, alors que les tensions paradoxales la questionnent.
Les questionnements éthiques en systèmes d’information
Authors: Hamet Joanne , Michel Sylvie
Published: June 2018

L’informatisation des systèmes d’information (SI) dans les organisations soulève plusieurs questions éthiques, qui sont abordées dans la littérature de façon encore dispersée. Cet article propose un état de l’art de ces questions, afin d’identifier si elles constituent la base d’un courant de recherche émergent. Une revue systématique de la littérature anglophone et francophone sur l’éthique des SI permet aux auteurs d’identifier les questions éthiques apparues au cours des trente dernières années.
Flow diversion and microvascular plug occlusion for the treatment of a complex unruptured basilar/superior cerebellar artery aneurysm: case report
Authors: Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Riina Howard A. , Tanweer Omar , Shirani Peyman , Raz Eytan , Shapiro Maksim , Nelson Peter Kim
Published: June 2018

The authors present the unusual case of a complex unruptured basilar artery terminus (BAT) aneurysm in a 42-year-old symptomatic female patient presenting with symptoms of mass effect. Due to the fusiform incorporation of both the BAT and left superior cerebellar artery (SCA) origin, simple surgical or endovascular treatment options were not feasible in this case. A 2-staged (combined deconstructive/reconstructive) procedure was successfully performed: first occluding the left SCA with a Pipeline embolization device (PED) coupled to a microvascular plug (MVP) in the absence of antiplatelet coverage, followed by reconstruction of the BAT by deploying a second PED from the right SCA into the basilar trunk. Six-month follow-up angiography confirmed uneventful aneurysm occlusion. The patient recovered well from her neurological symptoms. This case report illustrates the successful use of a combined staged deconstructive/reconstructive endovascular approach utilizing 2 endoluminal tools, PED and MVP, to reconstruct the BAT and occlude a complex aneurysm.
The oculomotor-tentorial triangle. Part 1: microsurgical anatomy and techniques to enhance exposure
Authors: Tayebi Meybodi Ali , Gandhi Sirin , Mascitelli Justin , Bozkurt Baran , Bot Gyang , Preul Mark C. , Lawton Michael T.
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE

Access to the ventrolateral pontomesencephalic area may be required for resecting cavernous malformations, performing revascularization of the upper posterior circulation, and treating vascular lesions such as aneurysms. However, such access is challenging because of nearby eloquent structures. Commonly used corridors to this surgical area include the optico-carotid, supracarotid, and carotid-oculomotor triangles. However, the window lateral to the oculomotor nerve can also be used and has not been studied. The authors describe the anatomical window formed between the oculomotor nerve and the medial tentorial edge (the oculomotor-tentorial triangle [OTT]) to the ventrolateral pontomesencephalic area, and assess techniques to expand it.

METHODS

Four cadaveric heads (8 sides) underwent orbitozygomatic craniotomy. The OTT was exposed via a pretemporal approach. The contents of the OTT were determined and their anatomical features were recorded. Also, dimensions of the brainstem surface exposed lateral and inferior to the oculomotor nerve were measured. Measurements were repeated after completing a transcavernous approach (TcA), and after resection of temporal lobe uncus (UnR).

RESULTS

The s1 segment and proximal s2 segment of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA) and P2A segment of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) were the main contents of the OTT, with average exposed lengths of 6.4 ± 1.3 mm and 5.5 ± 1.6 mm for the SCA and PCA, respectively. The exposed length of the SCA increased to 9.6 ± 2.7 mm after TcA (p = 0.002), and reached 11.6 ± 2.4 mm following UnR (p = 0.004). The exposed PCA length increased to 6.2 ± 1.6 mm after TcA (p = 0.04), and reached 10.4 ± 1.8 mm following UnR (p < 0.001). The brainstem surface was exposed 7.1 ± 0.5 mm inferior and 5.6 ± 0.9 mm lateral to the oculomotor nerve initially. The exposure inferior to the oculomotor nerve increased to 9.3 ± 1.7 mm after TcA (p = 0.003), and to 9.9 ± 2.5 mm after UnR (p = 0.21). The exposure lateral to the oculomotor nerve increased to 8.0 ± 1.7 mm after TcA (p = 0.001), and to 10.4 ± 2.4 mm after UnR (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The OTT is an anatomical window that provides generous access to the upper ventrolateral pontomesencephalic area, s1- and s2-SCA, and P2A-PCA. This window may be efficiently used to address various pathologies in the region and is considerably expandable by TcA and/or UnR.
Gender differences in phenotypic plasticity and adaptive response of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) along an altitudinal gradient in trans-Himalaya
Authors: Dolkar Phuntsog , Dolkar Diskit , Kant Anil , Chaurasia O.P. , Stobdan Tsering
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND::

In dioecious plants, morphological adjustment to climate change may differ between male and female individuals due to greater reproductive effort in females. Not accounting for sexual variation could lead to incorrect assessment of a species response to climate change.

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was to assess how important gender-specific responses are to Hippophae rhamnoides in changing trans-Himalayan environments.

METHOD:

Leaf morphological characters of male and female Hippophae rhamnoides individuals along an altitudinal gradient (2797-4117 m) and plants raised in ‘common-garden’ experiment was measured. RESULTS: Leaves become smaller in length and area, but became thicker with decreasing specific leaf area (SLA) with increasing altitude in both the gender. Leaf size, area, thickness, chlorophyll and petiole length were found to be higher in males than in females, while female had a higher SLA. When cuttings from the plants were grown in a common-garden experiment, the altitudinal effect disappeared for all morphological variables suggesting that most leaf morphological variation in H. rhamnoides is environmentally determined. In the event of climate change, our study showed that phenotypic plasticity would be a crucial determinant of plant response in mountainous region. Effect of altitudinal gradient on leaf morphology was more conspicuous in males suggesting that males are more responsive to change in environmental conditions..

CONCLUSION:

The results suggested that males will adapt better to the changing climate and may lead to a male-biased population in the event of climate change. Stressful environments cause added detrimental impact on female than on male.
Wild Andean blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth) and Andean blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) from the Highlands of Ecuador: Nutritional composition and protective effect on human dermal fibroblasts against cytotoxic oxidative damage
Authors: Alarcón-Barrera Karina S. , Armijos-Montesinos Daniela S. , García-Tenesaca Marilyn , Iturralde Gabriel , Jaramilo-Vivanco Tatiana , Granda-Albuja Maria G. , Giampieri Francesca , Alvarez-Suarez José M.
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND: Andean blackberries (Rubus glaucus Benth) and Andean blueberries (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) are wild berries consumed and commercialised by the indigenous people of the Andean regions of Ecuador. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the chemical composition and the ability of A. blackberries and A. blueberries to protect human dermal fibroblast (HDFa) against cytotoxic oxidative damage. METHODS: Total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanins and tannins content were determined spectrophotometrically, while vitamin C and carotenes were determined by HPLC. Total antioxidant capacity was determined by the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay, the hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and the DPPH and superoxide radical scavenging capacity. HDFa was pre-treated with A. blackberries or A. blueberries crude extract, subjected to a model of oxidative stress using the stressor 2,2’-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and the markers of cell cytotoxic damage (intracellular ROS levels, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione activities, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and ATP and nitrite levels) were determined. RESULTS: A. blueberries showed significantly high values of total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, lutein tannin content, whilst A. blackberries showed the highest values of vitamin C and β-carotene. After HDFa was pre-incubated with crude extracts of A. blackberries and A. blueberries, the markers of oxidative damage were significantly improved compared with the stressed cells group. In all cases, crude extract of A. blueberries showed a higher protective effect compared to A. blackberries. CONCLUSION: A. blackberry and A. blueberry attenuated the oxidative damage in HDFa showing that both fruits may represent a relevant source of bioactive compounds with promising benefits for human health.
Simple and rapid detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans by loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay
Authors: Hamzan Nurul Izzati , Fauzi Fatin Hazwani , Taib Haslina , Mohamad Suharni
Published: June 2018

Background: Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans are two main causative agents associated with periodontitis, an inflammatory reaction of tissues around the teeth. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for simple and rapid detection of P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans.Methods: A total of ten subgingival plaque and saliva samples were evaluated to detect the presence of both bacteria by LAMP and PCR assays. Two sets of six primers each were designed to amplify pepO and dam gene. The LAMP assay was carried out using a Loopamp DNA amplification kit in 25 μl volumes. The reaction mixture was incubated at 65oC for 60 minutes and terminated at 80oC for 5 minutes in heating block. The amplification reactions were visualized using naked eye detection and by agarose gel electrophoresis. The sensitivity of the LAMP assay was investigated ranging from 10 μg to 100fg of P. gingivalis(ATCC 33327) and A. actinomycetemcomitans (ATCC 33384).Results: The lowest detection limit of both LAMP and PCR methods were 1 ng and 10 ng of DNA, respectively. When crude template of subgingival plaques were used, P. gingivalisand A. actinomycetemcomitans were tested80% (8/10) and 60% (6/10) positive respectively through LAMP detection. Whereas by PCR, P. gingivaliswas tested 40% (4/10) positive and no significant detection rate for A. actinomycetemcomitans. When a crude template of saliva was used, P. gingivalisand A. actinomycetemcomitans were tested 70% (7/10) and 30% (3/10) positive respectively through LAMP detection. Whereas, when using PCR, there was no significant detection rate for P. gingivalisand A. actinomycetemcomitans.Conclusion: The LAMP assay using a crude template offers greater advantage as it is simple, rapid and cost-effective to detect periodontal pathogens.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(3) 2018 p.402-410
Spatial Analysis of HIV/AIDS in Pakistan
Authors: Tirmizi Syed Rizwan Ul Haq , Tirmizi Syed Talha , Khan Nasir Uddin
Published: June 2018

Background: HIV/AIDS has emerged as a serious worldwide health problem since 1980s and the attainment of a successful disease control program and an effective viral cure is still elusive. Currently, careful estimates put the number of HIV/AIDS affected people at 43 million all over the world. Till such time the disease remains uncured, effective policies are required for the control of HIV/AIDSMethod: The present study is based on the available regional data of recorded HIV/AIDS cases in different provinces of Pakistan.Result: To demonstrate the clustering of infected groups in the target areas we have resorted to the use of Hot Spot assessment and spatial autcorrelation techniques.Conclusion: We conclude that due to a number of socio-economic reasons strong clustering of infection are appearing in a predictable pattern across Pakistan.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(3) 2018 p.433-438
Maternal and Neonatal outcome in premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Lovereen Salma , Khanum Mst Afroza , Nargis Nazlima , Begum Shahanawaj , Afroze Rumana
Published: June 2018

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the maternal and neonatal outcome in premature rupture of membranes.Material and Methods: A prospective study was carried out in the department of Obstetrics &Gynae in Ibn Sina Medical College hospital from October’15 to September’16. The sample size was 110. The maternal and neonatal outcome of pre-labour rupture of membranes in both term and preterm pregnancies was observed and statistically analyzed.Results: Incidence of PROM (premature rupture of membrane) was commonly in primigravida (62.7%). Term PROM was higher (70.92%) than PPROM (29.09%). Aetiological analysis revealed cause is unknown in most of the cases. Infection in 26.4% cases, previous history of PROM 16.3% and history of recent coitus 9.09% cases. Patient delivered by vaginal route 70.91% and LSCS 29.09%. The PROM had higher maternal morbidity (27.8%) like post partum fever 11.8%, wound infection 4.5% and chorioamnionitis 3.6%. Also higher perinatal mortality (4.5%) and morbidity (26.4%) like respiratory distress syndrome 9.09%, birth asphyxia 4.5%, septicemia 5.8%.Conclusion: Antenatal diagnosis to prevent PROM by identifying the risk factors is an important tool in management. Steroid for fetal lung maturity, antibiotics to prevent fetal and maternal infection, induction and/or augmentation of labour in due time and skilled NICU support will speed delivery, reduce hospital stay and infection as well as decrease maternal morbidity and perinatal morbidity and mortality.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(3) 2018 p.479-483
Management of Heart Rate and Blood Pressure of a Patient after Successful Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting: A Case Study
Authors: Rahman Nadeem , Rahman Md Ataur , Sohrabuzzaman APM , Bhuiyan Mohammad Abdus Sattar
Published: June 2018

In this case study the persistence of hypertension in a patient after successful coronary angioplasty was assessed. Pulse and blood pressure were recorded twice daily for 33 days at random interval. The results show the patient had high blood pressure for a total of 17 days in the 33 days of study period after Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting. The patient’s blood pressure never excided above 170/90 and pulse remained normal through the study period. In the case study multiple drugs failed to control blood pressure adequately. Other external factors may play a role in failure of management of BP. Indeed the patient’s lack of lifestyle modification as per advice of the physician may play a significant role in the persistence of hypertension. The patient should seek further medical assistance from specialists and drugs should be altered to control blood pressure adequately. Further investigation might be considered to rule out secondary causes of persistent hypertension.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.17(3) 2018 p.501-506
Charlotte Smith's Aesthetic System and the Borders of Romanticism
Authors: Morrallis Emilee
Published: June 2018

Charlotte Smith's lengthy absence from popular culture has positioned her at the periphery of Romantic studies, yet the visual aspects of her prose exhibit a sustained engagement with Romantic ideals and aesthetic discourse, particularly the sublime. This article thus examines the experiences of Smith's marginalised heroines at physical borderlands in Ethelinde: or the Recluse of the Lake (1789) and Montalbert (1795) in relation to Edmund Burke's classifications of sublime and beautiful landscapes. Smith's protagonists demonstrate that small yet beautiful domestic spaces are places of reflection which provide sanctuary, whilst rugged sublime coastlines evoke extreme emotions and involve mental faculties such as the imagination. In Smith's work, there is an inherent connection between nature and selfhood which becomes the basis for an aesthetic system which expands upon Burkean terminology and constructs a framework for understanding the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of female interactions with the natural world.
The Retitling of Agatha Christie's Ten Little Niggers in Anglophone and Lusophone Markets
Authors: Lourenço Hanes Vanessa Lopes
Published: June 2018

Agatha Christie's detective fiction has met with great success beyond anglophone markets, having been translated and retranslated in forty-four languages, including Brazilian Portuguese. Christie's ubiquity in popular literature makes the publication history of one of her most highly acclaimed and broadly disseminated novels, originally published as Ten Little Niggers in 1939, especially compelling as a demonstration of postcolonial interconnectivity in international book markets, as publishers followed each other's cues, more or less erratically, in distancing themselves from a thorny cultural issue by rebranding the novel under a series of titles on both sides of the Atlantic.
A Review of the Recent Advances Made with SIRT6 and its Implications on Aging Related Processes, Major Human Diseases, and Possible Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Khan Rubayat Islam , Nirzhor Saif Shahriar Rahman , Akter Raushanara
Published: June 2018

Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+ (NAD+) dependent enzyme and stress response protein that has sparked the curiosity of many researchers in different branches of the biomedical sciences. A unique member of the known Sirtuin family, SIRT6 has several different functions in multiple different molecular pathways related to DNA repair, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, tumorigenesis, neurodegeneration, cardiac hypertrophic responses, and more. Only in recent times, however, did the potential usefulness of SIRT6 come to light as we learned more about its biochemical activity, regulation, biological roles, and structure Frye (2000). Even until very recently, SIRT6 was known more for chromatin signaling but, being a nascent topic of study, more information has been ascertained and its potential involvement in major human diseases including diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and heart disease. It is pivotal to explore the mechanistic workings of SIRT6 since future research may hold the key to engendering strategies involving SIRT6 that may have significant implications for human health and expand upon possible treatment options. In this review, we are primarily concerned with exploring the latest advances in understanding SIRT6 and how it can alter the course of several life-threatening diseases such as processes related to aging, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, and diabetes (SIRT6 has also shown to be involved in liver disease, inflammation, and bone-related issues) and any recent promising pharmacological investigations or potential therapeutics that are of interest.
On the Developmental Timing of Stress: Delineating Sex-Specific Effects of Stress across Development on Adult Behavior
Authors: Schroeder Anna , Notaras Michael , Du Xin , Hill Rachel A.
Published: June 2018

Stress, and the chronic overactivation of major stress hormones, is associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders. However, clinical literature on the exact role of stress either as a causative, triggering, or modulatory factor to mental illness remains unclear. We suggest that the impact of stress on the brain and behavior is heavily dependent on the developmental timing at which the stress has occurred, and as such, this may contribute to the overall variability reported on the association of stress and mental illness. Here, animal models provide a way to comprehensively assess the temporal impact of stress on behavior in a controlled manner. This review particularly focuses on the long-term impact of stress on behavior in various rodent stress models at three major developmental time points: early life, adolescence, and adulthood. We characterize the various stressor paradigms into physical, social, and pharmacological, and discuss commonalities and differences observed across these various stress-inducing methods. In addition, we discuss here how sex can influence the impact of stress at various developmental time points. We conclude here that early postnatal life and adolescence represent particular periods of vulnerability, but that stress exposure during early life can sometimes lead to resilience, particularly to fear-potentiated memories. In the adult brain, while shorter periods of stress tended to enhance spatial memory, longer periods caused impairments. Overall, males tended to be more vulnerable to the long-term effects of early life and adolescent stress, albeit very few studies incorporate both sexes, and further well-powered sex comparisons are needed.
Establishing a Dedicated Lung Cancer Biobank at the University Center Hospital of Nice (France). Why and How?
Authors: Washetine Kevin , Heeke Simon , Bonnetaud Christelle , Kara-Borni Mehdi , Ilié Marius , Lassalle Sandra , Butori Catherine , Long-Mira Elodie , Marquette Charles Hugo , Cohen Charlotte , Mouroux Jérôme , Selva Eric , Tanga Virginie , Bence Coraline , Félix Jean-Marc , Gazoppi Loic , Skhiri Taycir , Gormally Emmanuelle , Boucher Pascal , Clément Bruno , Dagher Georges , Hofman Véronique , Hofman Paul
Published: June 2018

Lung cancer is the major cause of death from cancer in the world and its incidence is increasing in women. Despite the progress made in developing immunotherapies and therapies targeting genomic alterations, improvement in the survival rate of advanced stages or metastatic patients remains low. Thus, urgent development of effective therapeutic molecules is needed. The discovery of novel therapeutic targets and their validation requires high quality biological material and associated clinical data. With this aim, we established a biobank dedicated to lung cancers. We describe here our strategy and the indicators used and, through an overall assessment, present the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and associated risks of this biobank.
Dynamics of p14ARF and Focal Adhesion Kinase-Mediated Autophagy in Cancer
Authors: Fontana Rosa , Vivo Maria
Published: June 2018

It has been widely shown that the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is involved in nearly every aspect of cancer, from invasion to metastasis to epithelial–mesenchymal transition and maintenance of cancer stem cells. FAK has been shown to interact with p14ARF (alternative reading frame)—a well-established tumor suppressor—and functions in the negative regulation of cancer through both p53-dependent and -independent pathways. Interestingly, both FAK and ARF (human and mouse counterpart) proteins, as well as p53, are involved in autophagy—a process of “self-digestion”—whose main function is the recycling of cellular components and quality control of proteins and organelles. In the last years, an unexpected role of p14ARF in the survival of cancer cells has been underlined in different cellular contexts, suggesting a novel pro-oncogenic function of this protein. In this review, the mechanisms whereby ARF and FAK control autophagy are presented, as well as the role of autophagy in cell migration and spreading. Integrated investigation of these cell functions is extremely important to understand the mechanism of the basis of cell transformation and migration and thus cancer development.
A Contribution to the Experimental Microkinetic Approach of Gas/Solid Heterogeneous Catalysis: Measurement of the Individual Heats of Adsorption of Coadsorbed Species by Using the AEIR Method
Authors: Bianchi Daniel
Published: June 2018

The two first surface elementary steps of a gas/solid catalytic reaction are the adsorption/desorption at least one of the reactants leading to its adsorption equilibrium which can be or not disturbed by the others surface elementary steps leading to the products. The variety of the sites of a conventional catalyst may lead to the formation of different coadsorbed species such as linear, bridged and threefold coordinated species for the adsorption of CO on supported metal particles. The aim of the present article is to summarize works performed in the last twenty years for the development and applications of an analytical method named Adsorption Equilibrium InfraRed spectroscopy (AEIR) for the measurement of the individual heats of adsorption of coadsorbed species and for the validation of mathematical expressions for their adsorption coefficients and adsorption models. The method uses the evolution of the IR bands characteristic of each of coadsorbed species during the increase in the adsorption temperature in isobaric conditions. The presentation shows that the versatility of AEIR leads to net advantages as compared to others conventional methods particularly in the context of the microkinetic approach of catalytic reactions.
Low-Temperature Activity and PdO-PdOx Transition in Methane Combustion by a PdO-PdOx/γ-Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Banerjee Anil C. , McGuire Jacqueline M. , Lawnick Olivia , Bozack Michael. J.
Published: June 2018

The search to discover a suitable catalyst for complete combustion of methane at low temperature continues to be an active area of research. We prepared a 5 wt % PdO-PdOx/γ-Al2O3 catalyst by a modified Vortex-assisted Incipient Wetness Method. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy showed that the original catalyst contained PdO (38%) and PdOx (62%) on the surface and indicated that PdOx originated from the interaction of PdO with the support. Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy confirmed the catalyst had an average particle size of 10 nm and was well-dispersed in the support. The catalyst exhibited exceptional low-temperature activities with 90–94% methane conversion at 300–320 °C. The catalyst was active and stable after several catalytic runs with no signs of deactivation by steam in this narrow temperature range. However, the conversion decreased in the temperature range 325–400 °C. The surface composition changed to some extent after the reaction at 325 °C. A tentative mechanism proposes PdOx (Pd native oxide) as the active phase and migration of oxide ions from the support to PdO and then to PdOx during the catalytic oxidation. The high methane conversion at low temperature is attributed to the vortex method providing better dispersion, and to catalyst–support interaction producing the active phase of PdOx.
Fat Intake Reduction Strategies among Children and Adults to Eliminate Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Jawaldeh Ayoub Al , Al-Jawaldeh Hanin
Published: June 2018

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality globally with an estimated 39.5 million deaths per year (72% of total death) in 2016, due to the four major NCDs: cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), almost 68% of all deaths are attributed to NCDs commonly known as chronic or lifestyle-related diseases. Two-thirds of NCD premature deaths are linked to 4 shared modifiable behavioral risk factors: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol. These unhealthy behaviours lead to 4 key metabolic/biological changes; raised blood pressure, overweight/obesity, high blood glucose levels/diabetes, and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood), that increase the risk of NCDs. Globally, countries are already working towards agreed global goals on maternal and infant nutrition and on the prevention of NCDs. In both fields the goals include halting the increase in overweight and obesity and reducing NCD diet-related risk factors including reducing saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and trans fatty acids (TFAs) intake. The objective of this review is to present an up-to-date overview of the current fat (SFAs and TFAs) intake reduction initiatives in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) by highlighting national and regional programs, strategies and activities aiming at decreasing the intakes of dietary fat (SFA and TFA). The literature review shows that the average intake of SFA is estimated to be 10.3% of the total energy intake (EI), exceeding the WHO (World Health Organization) upper limit of 10%. The average TFA intake is estimated at 1.9% EI, which also exceeds the WHO upper limit of 1% EI. The highest SFAs intake was reported from Djibouti, Kuwait, Saudi-Arabia, Lebanon and Yemen, while the highest TFAs intakes were reported from Egypt and Pakistan. If countries of the EMR receive immediate public health attention, that toll of NCD-related morbidity and mortality would be considerably decreased through the implantation of evidence-based preventive interventions. In this context, reductions in SFAs and TFAs intakes have been highlighted as cost-effectives strategies that may hamper the growth of the NCD epidemic.
Effect of Sensitization on the Electrochemical Properties of Nanostructured NiO
Authors: Bonomo Matteo , Gatti Daniele , Barolo Claudia , Dini Danilo
Published: June 2018

Screen-printed NiO electrodes were sensitized with 11 different dyes and the respective electrochemical properties were analyzed in a three-electrode cell with the techniques of cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The dye sensitizers of NiO were organic molecules of different types (e.g., squaraines, coumarins, and derivatives of triphenyl-amines and erythrosine B), which were previously employed as sensitizers of the same oxide in dye-sensitized solar cells of p-type (p-DSCs). Depending on the nature of the sensitizer, diverse types of interactions occurred between the immobilized sensitizer and the screen-printed NiO electrode at rest and under polarization. The impedance data recorded at open circuit potential were interpreted in terms of two different equivalent circuits, depending on the eventual presence of the dye sensitizer on the mesoporous electrode. The fitting parameter of the charge transfer resistance through the electrode/electrolyte interface varied in accordance to the differences of the passivation action exerted by the various dyes against the electrochemical oxidation of NiO. Moreover, it has been observed that the resistive term RCT associated with the process of dark electron transfer between the dye and NiO substrate is strictly correlated to the overall efficiency of the photoconversion (η) of the corresponding p-DSC, which employs the same dye-sensitized electrode as photocathode.
What Kind of Economic Citizen?: An Analysis of Civic Outcomes in U.S. Economics Curriculum and Instruction Materials
Authors: Crowley Ryan M. , Swan Kathy
Published: June 2018

United States scholars in economics education generally view economic literacy as the field’s connection to citizenship education. However, despite this clarity of purpose, the range of ways that economic literacy could be applied to civic life is ill defined. Based on an examination of stated civic outcomes in U.S. economics curriculum and instructional materials and drawing from Westheimer and Kahne’s (2004) widely-cited democratic citizenship framework, the authors detail four archetypes of economic citizenship: (1) The personally responsible economic citizen; (2) the participatory economic citizen; (3) the justice-oriented economic citizen; and (4) the discerning economic citizen. With these citizenship archetypes in mind, economics educators can construct opportunities for their students to consider how to use their economic knowledge to make sound personal decisions, to participate in collective action, to struggle against economic inequality, or to develop an opinion after considering multiple points of view.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach to Predict the Actual Wind Speed over Complex Terrain
Authors: Uchida Takanori
Published: June 2018

This paper proposes a procedure for predicting the actual wind speed for flow over complex terrain with CFD. It converts a time-series of wind speed data acquired from field observations into a time-series data of actual scalar wind speed by using non-dimensional wind speed parameters, which are determined beforehand with the use of CFD output. The accuracy and reproducibility of the prediction procedure were investigated by simulating the flow with CFD with the use of high spatial resolution (5 m) surface elevation data for the Noma Wind Park in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The errors of the predicted average monthly wind speeds relative to the observed values were less than approximately 20%.
The Optimal Strategy in the Minimum Effort Game
Authors: Cartwright Edward
Published: June 2018

A simple expression is derived for the optimal strategy in the minimum effort game. This maps from player beliefs to an optimal effort level. From this expression the set of Nash equilibria in the game is fully characterized. All Nash equilibria are symmetric and involve at most two actions being played with positive probability. We discuss how our expression for the optimal strategy can help inform on the comparative statics of a change in the number of players and effort cost benefit ratio.
Migration of Barchan Dunes in Qatar–Controls of the Shamal, Teleconnections, Sea-Level Changes and Human Impact
Authors: Engel Max , Boesl Fabian , Brückner Helmut
Published: June 2018

Barchan dune fields are a dominant landscape feature in SE Qatar and a key element of the peninsula’s geodiversity. The migration of barchan dunes is mainly controlled by dune size, wind patterns, vegetation cover and human impact. We investigate the variability of dune migration in Qatar over a time period of 50 years using high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery. We then explore its relation to the regional Shamal wind system, teleconnection patterns, and limitations in sand supply associated with the transgression of the Arabian Gulf. Strong size-dependent differences in migration rates of individual dunes as well as significant decadal variability on a dune-field scale are detected, which are found to correlate with the intensity of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM), in particular during years of relatively strong (weak) summer Shamals. High uncertainties associated with the extrapolation of migration rates back into the Holocene, however, do not permit further examination of the timing of the loss of sand supply and the onset of the mid-Holocene relative sea-level (RSL) highstand. For the youngest phase considered in this study (2006–2015), human impact has likely accelerated dune migration under a weakening Shamal regime through sand mining and excessive vehicle traffic upwind of the core study area.
Hexagon-Based Adaptive Crystal Growth Voronoi Diagrams Based on Weighted Planes for Service Area Delimitation
Authors: Wang Jue , Kwan Mei-Po
Published: June 2018

Delimiting the service area of public facilities is an essential topic in spatial analysis studies. The adaptive crystal growth Voronoi diagrams based on weighted planes are one of the recently proposed methods to address service area delimitation, and consider the geographic distribution of the clients the facilities in question serve and the characteristic of the socioeconomic context, while at the same time mitigate the modifiable areal unit problem when dealing with the socioeconomic context, since the method is based on continuous weighted planes of socioeconomic characteristics rather than arbitrary areal units. However, in the method, the environmental and socioeconomic contexts are rasterized and represented by regular square grids (raster grid). Compared with a raster grid, the hexagon grid tiles the space with regularly sized hexagonal cells, which are closer in shape to circles than to rectangular cells; hexagonal cells also suffer less from orientation bias and sampling bias from edge effects since the distances to the centroids of all six neighbor cells are the same. The purpose of this study is to compare the raster grid and hexagon grid for implementing adaptive crystal growth Voronoi diagrams. With the case study of delimitating middle school service areas, the results are compared based on the raster grid and hexagon grid weighted planes. The findings indicate that the hexagon-based adaptive crystal growth Voronoi diagrams generate better delineation results compared with the raster-based method considering how commensurate the population in each service area is with the enrollment capacity of the middle school in the service area and how accessible the middle schools are within their service areas. The application of hexagon-based adaptive crystal growth Voronoi diagrams may help city managers to serve their citizens better and allocate public service resources more efficiently.